The lighting of the Christmas tree at the ‘V Zoo’

Boy! Did we have a great Christmas lighting party. Everyone came. Margot Finke was here as were Donna Shepherd, Jennifer Gladen, Kevin Collier, Barbara Techel, Kim Chatel, Sue Thurman, Shari Lyel-Soffe, Dianne Sagan and Lanaia Lee. My boss Joy got us a beautiful tree and along with all her friends and zookeepers, they decorated the tree.

But, as this is a zoo, animals do unpredictable things. First Billy got into the act. He wanted to put the star on top of the tree. Well, Star thought she should, after all it is her name. Star had it in her mouth ready to place it when Billy climbed up her neck, grabbed it and took off. He almost knocked the tree down in the process. It took Jabira to stop him. Ever since Billy woke him up that night by jumping on him in his exhibit, Billy’s been afraid he’ll do something to him. So, when he approached Billy, Billy dropped the star and slinked away back to his mother.
When that was all settled, then Fred and Elvis started arguing about who should turn on the lights. Well, I guess you could say it was a total ZOO!

Thanks for all who came and for those who read and follow our, um, my blog.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas! See you Sunday with more zoo news from around the world. I’m taking Christmas day off.

Look in "Of Atlantis" by Lanaia Lee

Hello everyone. Zebee here today with Lanaia Lee. Today she's going to share her book "Of Atlantis" with us.

So Lanaia, can you give us a brief introduction to your book?

Sure thing Zebee.
Of Atlantis is an epic, fantasy novel based on the king of Atlantis known as Archimedes who is blessed with a source of incredible , untapped power. His mother, Cheris, knows his strength, but his father fears the young prince, his only son. In this first book, we follow Archimedes from his childhood until he is crowned king, marries and has children of his own.

His mother, Cheris, endures a loveless marriage out of a sense of duty to her subjects and to her only son, Archimedes, who she values more than life itself. The continent of Atlantis is comprised of multiple countries with five other kings. Political turmoil is rampant and war is always a threat to mankind.

Before that devastating day when the ocean swallowed the entire continent, they shared the joy and strife of life in Atlantis. However, one trusted advisor to the king proves to be a formidable and evil archenemy who knows and covets the awesome powers of Archimedes - his name is Uric.

After the devastation, Uric and Archimedes survive because of their special powers and their gift of eternal life. Throughout history, they play key roles in many important world events, always sparring for superiority. Uric continues to pursue Archimedes relentlessly attempting to steal his power, growing progressively stronger with time.

But do not underestimate Archimedes. He is proud, he is regal, he is Of Atlantis.

Z: Sounds really good. Different than most of the books we look at here, but I like that. I heard you've gotten some great reviews. Care to sahre any of them with us?

L: Of course, here's one of them.
"Of Atlantis - I think it is absolutely beautiful. I have to offer a caveat here - this is not my genre. Historical fiction, historical romance, historical fantasy - I have never attempted to write any of it. I am strictly American Hardboiled. I agree with Raymond Chandler, don't write about anything you haven't slugged in the nose. Having said that, your characters are brilliantly drawn. The descriptive passages are sensuous and tangible. The story runs on its own logic, as if it wrote itself. The Native Americans believe that, you know. They say that when a story finds an author worthy, it taps them on shoulder. . . your talent. This is good, Lanaia, really good. Your deserve all the good that comes from it."

Blessings,
~Barbara Banger, author

Okay, so where can they buy it?

You can get it at:
My website
Or my publisher's website or at

I can't believe the week's gone by so fast. I'm glad you came and spent the week with us Lanaia. Best of luck and do come back and visit sometime.

I'd love too Zebee. I had a great time here too. All of you animals are so friendly. Maybe next time I'll bring David and D.J.

That would be fun. See you soon. And until Sunday to all you people out there in Bloggerville.

Getting to know Lanaia Lee at the ‘V Zoo’

Good morning everyone. Zebee here. Today we have Lanaia Lee visiting us again. Hi Lanaia!

Hi Zebee and everyone out there in Bloggerville. I like that, sounds cool.

Z: Thanks. Today I wanted to talk a bit about you so our readers can get to know you better. Okay?

L: Sounds great. What do you want to know?

Z: Let’s see, why don’t we start with pets. Do you have any?

L: Oh yes, I have a three month old cocker spaniel, named D. J., named for my husband, David. D. J. stands for David Junior. I recently had a seven year old Jack Russell Terrier named Jack. Jack was diabetic and died May 19th, so my husband got me D. J. for my anniversary.

Z: I’m so sorry for your loss. D.J. sounds like he’ll be a great new pet. Okay, when you think back on your childhood, what one memory pops out first?

L: I have two. First, my most precious memory I have is from 1964, when my mom took me to the World's Fair in New York City. This is a very precious memory because in 1965 she died, and I was only eight.
Second, When I was five, my grandmother took me to the grocery store, she yelled " Fire", them ran leaving me in the grocery aisle, all by myself, when everyone came running and all they saw was me. My grandmother was in the adjacent aisle laughing.

Z: I’m glad you got that time with your mom. Your grandmother sounds like my kind of woman. Can you tell us a bit about yourself. What makes you you?

L: Back in 1992 I had a stroke that had me in recovery and rehab for years. I now spend my days in a wheelchair. I’ve prevailed by focusing my energies towards what I call a gift from God, my writing. I also met my husband in rehab. He’s in a wheelchair too. He got in an accident on a motorcycle while serving in the military. We compliment each other – David cheers while I type with one hand.

Z: Wow! What an inspiring story. Sounds like you have a great husband. Now, lots of people write. Why do you write?

L: I write mainly because it is a passion, also having no children, I always wanted to leave a part of myself behind, I couldn't do it through my children, but I can through my writing.

Z: What would you like our, uh, my readers to know about you?

L: I would like everyone to know, I am just a person like everyone else, even though I travel on wheels instead of legs. I am a very strong woman that has survived a lot. Give my writing a chance, read it and just like everyone that reads it, they say they are hooked. I hope my books, and the story of my life, there will be something for everyone. And thank you for taking the time to talk with me. I hope I gave you some in sight into Lanaia Lee and Of Atlantis.


Z: Thanks again Lanaia for stopping by. I look forward to sharing your book “OF Atlantis” with my readers on Thursday.

Thanks Zebee. If any of them want a sneak peek, they can go to either my web site(sign my guest book please) or my blog

See you all Thursday.

Zoo News Sunday: Frogs, okapis and Lanaia Lee as our guest for the week.

Good day to you all out there in Bloggerville. Today we are traveling the world zoos and I’m bringing another guest along. Let me introduce Lanaia Lee to you.

Hi Zebee. I’m glad I get to be your guest this week. Jennifer told me how much fun she had here at the ‘V Zoo’.

Thanks Lanaia. We had fun with her too and I know we are going to have a great week visiting with you.

So Zebee, where are we off to today?
Let’s see. . .South Africa, the USA and Canada. Ready?

Ready. This should be fun.

Okay, here we go!

South Africa's National Zoo Hosts A Fun Frog Walk
Great way to bring awareness to the plight of the frog. What’s that? You ask. Read here and find out.

KYLE'S KRITTERS: Okapi arrives from San Diego
More okapi news. I just love bringing news of our relatives here at the ‘V Zoo’.

Zoo’s holiday festival features live reindeer
Check this out, especially if you live in the Issaquah. Where’s that? Read this to find out more.

Edmonton’s Valley Zoo Opens Junior Zookeeper ProgramWhat a great Christmas gift. If you know a child and live in the Edmonton in Canada, you need to read this.

White tiger babies at Lowry Park on display Tuesday
Very cute! Love their blue eyes.

Zoo gets 5-year stamp of approval
This is a big deal and great news for the people in the area of Bridgeport, CT. They have a zoo that’s doing great things.


Unique California Birds Featured in Zoo's Backyard
Read about the additions to the Sacramento Zoo.

Lights turn Turtle Back Zoo into a holiday wonderland
Cool lights. I really like Christmas. All the special decorations. Anyway, if you’re in Essex County in New Jersey, check it out.

ZooLights: Wild fun at the Phoenix Zoo
Phoenix area? Don’t miss this. It goes from now until Jan. 11, 2009.

The Alexandria Zoo lights up the holidays with annual safari event
In the Alexandria, LA area? This one’s for you! Looks like this only goes until the 23rd of December, so go soon.

Bird tiles benefit Sequoia Park Zoo
Get your tile, personalized, for just $100. Great gift for the zoo.

Wow Zebee! I never knew we could travel so fast and see so many places. This was lots of fun.

I’m glad you went with me today Lanaia. I can’t wait to talk more with you on Tuesday. I’ve got to go over and check out what’s going on in the giraffe exhibit. I’ll see you Tuesday.

Okay, see you then.

What are those giraffes up to now? Star, could you please. . .