Tiny Dancer Connie Gomez, Becky, and Amy all came with us as well. Annabeth also showed up a few minutes before we headed out. As usual, Diana and I took our liquor with us. It always seems less confusing and easier/cheaper that way. Who knows when there will be liquor where you go unless you bring it yourself.

The girls were getting restless and wanted to head to Republic downtown on Beale. Usually I don’t go with something like that and prefer to stay at house parties, but that night for some reason I decided to go.
We met Cory down at Republic along with Rubi (Diana’s cousin’s cousin) and Sarah, Rubi’s girlfriend. I think Rubi and Sarah both work down there, but that night Rubi was bar tending. The last time I went to Republic was opening night and it was absolutely PACKED. This night the people were few and far between, which through me off. It was still fun dancing, though apparently Tanya had her fill of alcohol and needed to be taken home.

Diana and I exchanged looks and discussed it with Cory, Amy, and Becky. It was time for Tanya to go to sleep. We decided it was best for her to spend the night at our house so we made our way toward the exit. Turns out there were so few people there, they locked the large entrance and we couldn’t get out. The front entrance on the corner of Beale and Second was the only one open. (Haven’t people in night clubs died because of things like this?)
Well, when we walked out, Tiny dancer got ambushed by about 4 or 5 guys who were having a good time (you can see more pictures below), which was pretty funny. We also ran into a guy looking for change for a $1 bill? I don’t know what that was about. Connie Gomez was walking and it was like another gravitational force took hold of her and drug her to the ground. Finally we got her up after that first spill, but then it was happening again and she slammed her head into a car and fell on the ground at which point I took this picture. After we got her up again, we were able to stabilize her enough to get her in the car and she passed out on our couch around 2:30AM. All in all it was a pretty good night.

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The lodge was a monstrosity and smelled brand new (as it should). The cavernous inside had several informative movies running.

There is a geyser modeled after “Old Faithful” in Yellowstone National Park that erupts frequently. While the Memphis Zoo’s version of Old Faithful is impressive, it’s just 1/5th of the size. This is going to make a great place for kids to play during the summer months in their swimming suits. There were already a couple of children who were taking advantage despite the cooler weather. I feel sorry for the inevitable child who happens to be over the middle of the jet of water when it launches upward.

During the time we were there (maybe 30 minutes), the geyser erupted twice.

In this exhibit the bears have the option to catch their own food in the stream. Spectators can see the many attempts of the bears through the plate glass window on the far side of this photo and from above on a bridge on the opposite side. I think this idea is fantastic so that the bears can keep/develop some of their skills while still being in captivity. I could see the large fish zipping past the younger bears in the clear water.
Pictured are the three bears who are already out of quarantine, two males and one female. There are an additional two young bears in quarantine.

As you keep walking around the loop clockwise, you cross over a beautiful waterfall on the way to the timber wolves’ area, which is separated from the bears by what appear to be tall, thick, steel poles. The wolves were somewhat playful and one of them was chewing up the fresh sod. They were pacing a lot perhaps because they were adjusting to their new environment.
On the other side of the walkway from the wolves’ area (east) is where the elk will be. They were not out while we were there. I’m not sure if they’re still in quarantine or if they just weren’t out at that time. Teton Trek is a wonderfully accurate addition to the Memphis Zoo. I can’t wait to go back when it’s a little more settled and the elk are out. Our son is going to have a blast there in the summer in his swim trunks!

Brett fired up the grill and grilled hamburgers and hotdogs while we talked about the neighborhood and last year’s party. Everyone entered for a chance to win a new bicycle from Target. I think our odds were better this year than last since not as many people came probably due to the gloomy weather. Target also left us with some early Halloween candy, beach balls, and reusable Target shopping bags. As usual the boys played together in the ball pit, tent, and with all the other toys with minimal involvement from the adults.

I am hoping that next year the weather will be a bit more cooperative. This year everyone is really sick of the month long monsoon. Our family is also trying to become more involved so we can participate in more family oriented and neighborhood oriented events. Ever since Elek was born (3 years ago!), it has been one continuous metamorphosis from one lifestyle to another. Because of get togethers like these, Cooper Young is a wonderful neighborhood to live in especially if you have children.

On the brighter side, though, I did get a new windshield (that hasn’t leaked) and I coated it with Rain-X. As you can see in the video… worth it! Most of the way to work this morning I didn’t have to have my wipers on due to that stuff. I also used Fog-X on the inside of my windshield. So why am I blabbing about driving to work on a Monday, in the rain, with Rain-X on my newly replaced windshield? I guess it’s because you should make the most of any situation you are in with the tools you have.

PS – I feel like the title of the video “Driving to work in the rain with rain-x on my windshield” is like the title of the Primitive Radio Gods’ song “Standing Outside a Broken Phone Booth With Money in My Hand”.

We got the following:
Pesto – Pesto, Goat Cheese, Mozzarella, Tomato, and Pine Nuts
Red Led – Tomato Sauce, Roasted Garlic, Fresh Oregano, and Fresh Mozzarella
Napoli – Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella, Pepperoni, Sausage, Oven Roasted Crimini Mushrooms
Mafioso – Meatball Pizza with Caramelized Onions

My favorite in order were probably Red Led, Pesto, Napoli, and finally Mafioso, though they were all very tasty. I encourage you to try them.

Pizze Stone
1545 Overton Park Ave
Memphis, TN 38112
(901) 725-7806
Pizze Stone Menu

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Unfortunately for Dave, my wife’s brother, he happened to be walking right by at the time. He said he saw the police, the fire department, and the guy on the roof talking to someone (supposedly the hotel manager) who was trying to get him to come down. When he turned to walk away, not wanting to watch the horrific event, the man jumped and Dave heard him hit. It really shocked Dave as it would shock anyone who witnessed that. Somewhat surprisingly few news outlets have picked up on it. I read on Twitter that it’s because they don’t cover suicides. Twitter and social media is apparently the best way one would find out about this type of event or word of mouth of course. Here’s what Twitter has to say about it. What else can you say about it? I’m very sorry and sad that it happened.