Lucifer the Hippopotamus has a Birthday party

Lucifer the Hippopotamus, an Honorary Citizen of the State of Florida,entitled to spend the rest of his day at the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park will be celebrating his 49th birthday on January 26th.

While visiting the park recently we saw the hippopotamus and I was happy to learn more about Lu in our newspaper this morning. Lucifer was born at the San Diego Zoo and he weighed 90 pounds at birth. He now weighs about 6,000 pounds. A vegetarian who consumes 15 pounds of alfalfa hay, four scoops of herbivore diet and a 5-gallon bucket of vegetables and fruit daily. Lu has been a star of movies and television and also done commercials.

His best friend was a donkey named Susie, and he would follow her anywhere.

Lu, is not a native of Florida so an exception was made for him since he had been at the Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park before it became a part of the Florida State Parks.

The best place to find a helping hand is at the end of your own arm.

Solstice-Standing Still

This evening we are invited to a celebration of the Solstice. It seems the sun rises and sets at the same spot for a few days, directly over the tropic of Capricorn. The sun is at its lowest point--hence--the longest night--shortest day in the northern hemisphere. A turning of the cycle--the return of light.

Rebirth of the Sun. Return and renewal of the life force are signaled.

This is a time for celebration to keep hope alive, to acknowledge the ever renewing power of nature and all living things.

To many pre Christian cultures, December was thought of as the most dreaded time of the year, when the lack of heat and light and a limited supply of food spelled danger.

While trying to learn a few facts on the Solstice I found www.candlegrove.com/solstice.html quite interesting.

Our lives are open books to be read by those around us.

Beginning

As we journey thru this life we pick up bits and pieces. Many have no connection but are just interesting items. We are told that we should learn something everyday so it might as well be fun.

Recently we visited the Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park , this owl was watching intently as I photographed him. I must now learn more about owls This was a most interesting day and is a treat for anyone who enjoys nature.

May you always have love to share, health to spare and friends that care.