Tohora!

I came into this year thinking I wouldn't see any of my precious whales being that Cleveland isn't known for cetaceans. I'm so glad I was wrong! A rich exhibit came to the Cleveland Natural History Museum and my friend Kelly brought me along for the ride! I learned fantastic things about the evolutionary ancestors of the whales and even saw a familiar Flip Nicklin book...

My favorite part was Kelly's daughter Anna and her sweet hugs, joyous smile, and boundless energy. One of my favorite moments was when we took a side trip to the art museum and I showed Anna how to walk quietly through the Islamic art exhibit without touching anything. I pasted my hands to my sides and stepped lightly through the crowd. Upon looking back I saw little Anna's arms glued to her rear end as she mimicked my sauntering through the room. Oh man, kids make life so much better.

I love when Anna says my name: "Daydee." This little girl is sweet and beautiful, like her mother.

This 2 year old enjoys looking at books like the best of them!

So... I had never seen a rendition of the land-based mammal (archaeoceti) that was the precursor to modern whales, even though I tell people about it all the time on tours. This is it! His name is Pakicetus attocki, but i'd really like to think of him as an R.O.U.S. (that's rodent of unusual size, for all you Princess Bride fans out there!)

Kelly is one of the loveliest ladies you might meet: she has a kind and giving heart, a sharp wit, and an enthusiasm for life that I deeply respect.