Howell Zoo

A Short Trip Around Olympia

Gareth Howell — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 02:52:01 +0000

As you can see I’m given to long winding blog posts at extreme frequency. (Yes, the pictures from our South Africa trip are still coming, I guess I must be a bit anal about categorizing all of them…)

Anyway, today we took a trip around Olympia. I’ve only ever driven past it a few times, on the way to other places further south of Seattle. Larine found out about a wolf haven in Olympia. Some of the wolves are “shelter wolves” who are kept in captivity, but others are bred to release in the wild. In particular some of the endangered species (red wolves if I remember correctly). A few photos below, though most of them have a cage between us and the wolves. I guess it’s a good idea. The eating of small children would tend to cause liability concerns.

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Since we were in Olympia and not likely to come back for some time we took a trip around the state capitol. The capitol buildings are quite impressive, I must admit. I guess they must’ve hired the same architect who did the buildings in DC, since they look almost identical (at least from the outside).

Inside the legislative building (which was open, as the tacky sign loudly proclaimed) was austere and a bit overwhelming. Hopefully our representative will show the same strength and courage that is portrayed by the building they work in. My thoughts on that are for another post, but in lieu I’ll include a few photos. The environment inside was more of a match for my digital camera and my skills therewith.

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Larine in motion

Gareth Howell — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 06:12:06 +0000

First she’s scrambling down the desert rock face

Then she’s reporting live on the scene of record snowfall in Bothell WA

Ahh, it’s so much nicer posting videos of other people than myself

I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas

Gareth Howell — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 00:03:42 +0000

I guess my dream came true, as Seattle has been snowed in for the last week, with I think almost a foot of snow. Now I gather that in other places this isn’t such a big deal, but Seattle pretty much shuts down after 2 inches of snow. It’s been difficult to get around, and given my excellent African snow driving skills I’ve tended to drive less and play in the snow more…

Pictures, pictures, pictures:

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Palm Springs – Dancing in the Desert

Gareth Howell — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 00:00:04 +0000

It took a while, but we’ve finally got the photos from our vacation to the desert online, where we spent most of the time either sitting in the spa, eating or getting pampered – hey, it’s a vacation We did take a sojourn into the desert.

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Larines Birthday celebration

Gareth Howell — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 02:35:09 +0000

Larine’s birthday is just about to get started . Yah!

Yes We Can!

Gareth Howell — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 05:53:48 +0000

I have been blessed in my life so far to witness two great leaders step forward when they were needed most. Leaders who came to power despite all odds, at a time when their country was in turmoil. One leader who has forever changed the face of the world, and another who is about to.

I was old enough to remember it, yet too young to appreciate how momentous an occasion it was when Nelson Mandela became the first black president of South Africa. Looking back, I am both grateful and amazed that he was able to take a country torn by racial divide, on the brink of civil war and knit it together. Nelson Mandela’s message and example of peace, tolerance and unity has few equals. In the face of past mistreatment, injustice and indignity he rose above to call out to the higher ideals that reside within our human spirit.

Nelson Mandela: A journey to freedom

And just a few days ago the improbable happened. A man preaching unity, understanding and tolerance became the first black president of the United States of America. Barack Obama inspired millions to cast aside fear and embrace hope. To spurn hatred and seek out that most beautiful part of our nature. For a country on the knife edge of financial collapse, fighting one unjust war and another unsuccessful one we find ourselves in a fortunate situation.

There are few times I have been as proud of the country I now call home, and I am honored to have played my own small part in history. It seems that trying times in our civilization have created men who are equal to the task. I look forward to the future with hope. Yes We Can!

Leavenworth Is Beautiful In The Fall

Gareth Howell — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 02:45:21 +0000

We took a trip out to Leavenworth on Sunday a week ago – it’s a small town about two hours away from Seattle that has fashioned itself as a Bavarian village. The fall leaves were absolutely gorgeous, though I think the chicken cordon bleu we had for lunch at Gustav’s could’ve used a bit more authentic Bavarian love.

Halloween Fun At The Monster Mash…

Gareth Howell — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 02:25:22 +0000

I don’t think anywhere else in the world revels in Halloween quite like they do here in the US. Last week we celebrated this holiday with Maria – the bride of Frankenstein and a friend from work who had gone all out! The house was complete with skeletons, ghouls and all manner of evil things clinging to the walls, all hidden behind clouds of sinister fog (which didn’t come out in the pictures very well, but it was there!).

Larine went as a sexy pirate, and I was her wench for the evening…

Byron and Devin come to the USA

Larine Howell — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 19:21:58 +0000

Byron and Devin have come to the USA!

Below are some pictures from their recent trip.

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Maui, live and in color

Gareth Howell — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 01:29:57 +0000

Watch Larine’s head dance only on Maui cam: