Fun at the Zoo

Saturday was a fun day as we went into Springfield to go to the zoo, but our first stop was at the Breadsmith a terrific bread bakery.  I just love their sourdough rolls and when ever we go into town I do my best to get there and pick some up.  After the bread stop we headed over to the zoo and of course our first stop there had to be at the giraffes, I really enjoy feeding them and get a kick out of watching them stick out their tongue.  We did find out that the female giraffes are a little bit more subdued and don't stick their tongues out as far as the males, who would of thought that!

Male or female?

We then worked our way over to the elephants as Saturday morning 11:00 am was bath day and we had never seen that.  When we got there the big male elephant was enjoying his bath and when he was finished the handler called out Moola, Moola and the smaller female who was on the far side of the enclosure picked up her head and started walking towards him.  As the handler kept calling her name she continued her slow walk to him for her bath and the male found the mud hole and was covering himself up with mud, so much for his bath.  Moola finally arrived at her designated place and the handler then turned on the fire hose to give her her bath. It looked like she was enjoying it as she kept getting as close as possible to the handler.

Moola getting a drink during her bath

As we were going through the zoo we came to the tigers and as often as we have gone to the zoo we have never seen a tiger in the water, but today was different, one of the tigers was almost under water.  It was pretty hot, close to 90 degrees with 70% humidity so i guess it was an opportunity to cool off.

Just laying there, only his head was out of the water

We just love our zoo and enjoy every opportunity we have to visit, it's not to big or to small, it's just right!

One of the walkways between enclosures, lots of green

While I'm thinking of it, whats going on with the price of gas?  It's gone up 30 cents in the last 2 days and the news says it will probably go up another 30 to 40 cents in the next few days.  Turmoil in Egypt?  There's turmoil in that part of the world all of the time, just another excuse!

I was thrilled with weigh-in this week as I MAINTAINED, no gain and no loss, maybe I've figured it out, I guess next week will tell me if I have.  Jan had another loss this week and is getting ever so close to her 5% goal.  It seems like I need to use around 15 of my points allowance each week in addition to my 32 daily points so I have been using some of them on a Dairy Queen mini Snickers Blizzard, 10 points and WORTH it!

Having trouble starting or keeping an exercise program going?  Here are 10 tips or tricks to help you out.

1. Be Consistent – Slow and steady, at least a little bit every day.

2. Follow an Effective Exercise Routine – Figure out what works for you - Strength training, interval training or cardio/aerobic exercise.

3. Set Realistic Goals - Don't strive for perfection or an improbable goal that can't be met.

4. Use the Buddy System - Find a friend or relative who also wants to establish a healthier lifestyle.

5. Make Your Plan Fit Your Life – Home, gym or outside, what works for you?

6. Be Happy - Be sure to pick an activity you actually enjoy doing.

7. Watch the Clock - Your body clock. Try to work out at the time you have the most energy.

8. Call In the Pros – If you’re having trouble getting started.

9. Get Inspired - Fitness is a state of mind, who inspires you?

10. Be Patient - There will be ups and downs, setbacks and victories - Hang in there!

This weeks food find is one of Jan's favorites, I'll eat it but would just as soon have a Blizzard

Zucchini is plentiful this time of year so enjoy this weeks recipe

Sausage Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Servings: 8 • Size: 1 boat • Calories: 153 • Fat: 7 g • Protein: 13 g • Carb: 9 g • Fiber: 2 g

Ingredients:

·         1 1/4 cups marinara  sauce

·         4 medium zucchini

·         1 tsp oil

·         1/2 small onion, finely diced

·         3 cloves garlic, crushed

·         1/2 cup diced red bell pepper

·         14 oz lean Italian chicken sausage (remove casing)

·         1/2 cup part skim shredded mozzarella

·         8 tsp grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

Bring a large pot of water to boil.  Preheat oven to 400°. Cut zucchini in half lengthwise and using a spoon or melon baller, scoop out flesh, leaving 1/4" thick. Chop the scooped out flesh of the zucchini in small pieces and set aside.

Drop zucchini halves in boiling water and cook 1 minute. Remove from water, place 1/4 cup of sauce in the bottom of a 9 x 12" baking dish, and place zucchini halves cut side up.

In a large saute pan, brown sausage, breaking up as it cooks into smaller pieces until browned; set aside. Heat oil and add onion, garlic and bell pepper. Cook on a medium-low heat for about 2-3 minutes, until onions are translucent. Add chopped zucchini, season with salt and pepper and cook about 2-3 minutes. Combine with sausage and cook a few more minutes

Using a spoon, fill each hollowed zucchini with 1/3 cup cooked sausage, pressing firmly. Top each with 2 tablespoons each of sauce, 1 tablespoon each of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1 teaspoon each of Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil and bake 35 minutes until cheese is melted and zucchini is cooked through.

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