Comments On: 1998 Florida Primate Picnic

Congratulations! You are now part of the 1998 Primate Picnic Family. Like all families everyone looks out for each other. If you can think of something that will help make this event more fun or berrer for us, it is not too late to let me know. For those members of the family coming from Australia, and for those who are not, THERE ARE NO RULES JUST HAVE FUN!
Best Wishes! Lenny & All
HISTORY In 1985 GinI Valbuena, the chimp mom of Clearwater Florida, (who, you will meet at the picnic) out of pure frustration over ex, Mr. Valbuena always forgetting her birthday decided to give hersetf the best gift she could think of. She invited all of her monkey friends to meet in Phillipe Park, Clearwater for fun and called it a picnic. Her hopes were to do it every year and it would help him to remember her birthday. Gini remembers about 20 to 25 people and a few monkeys back in 1985. The picnic soon became "The Primate Picnic" and moved to her home, then to other parks and it grew. A few years back Rhonda Frank took over hosting it and had it at her mom's home where it quickly outgrew the space.
Tim and Denise (Minnie) Wise of the "Wise Monkeys" stepped in and became the next hosts. The picnic had doubled in size since the beginning. Their Spacious yard provided an ideal setting for more and more people until last year approximately 200 humans and many monkeys were there. Minnie remembers seeing Bobbie, their son being taken by the hand, by one of Gini's chimps to the swing set to play. The part that sticks out in her mind is the chimp was bigger than Bobbie.
Bobbie is still growing and so is this picnic. The space needed for their monkeys, coupled with the number of attendants, fored Tim and Minnie to slep back this year.
When Lenny found out that Dave and Connie Durham would be willing to welcome us deliclously crazy folks and our monkeys to picnic with them, he sat on top of his imaginary ruountain and kicked that round thing in front of him, and that got the ball rolling.
Thanks to the desires, hopes and wills of wonderful devoted people all over there are more than 16 slales and more than 150 people registered so far. It looks as though we may need the Coliseum for next year.
AGENDA Our agenda is nothing more than a guide line to help you have more ftin. We may add some more fun stuff as it comes up. Don't think you must attend everything just, plan your time to have as much fun as you can.
Saturday, MAY 2, 1998
Visit the Chimp Farm (See endosed invitations) from 10:00 A. M. to dusk.
Note: To help us enjoy our visit even more; Burt has set up two special guided tours for us at 10:00A.M. and 3:00 P. M.
Visit the wise Monkeys from 11:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.
Note: If you have never seen Tim and Minnie's place or you have never seen a breeding facility you owe yourself this trip.
Informal open house and general jaw session at the Best Western Motel from ? to?. Note: The location of the face-to-face chats will depend on whose door you can get your foot in. We want to respect the other guests (Some of them may have been sane before they met us).
Brad and Trouble
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SUNDAY MAY 3, 1998
The picnic starts when the first person arrives and ends when the last person leaves.
Note: If you plan to get there before the animals are fed and cared for, wear old clothes, and do not stick your hand in the crocodile's mouth. (Ha)
Hot coflee and donuts will start at sunup.
The Bar-B-Que is planned for noon. (We will need lots of early samplers)
The contests. kamoke and D.J. will begin at 1:00 P. M.
The door prize drawing will be at 2:30 P. M. YOU MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN!
The "help-pay-the~picnic-expenses" raf!le drawing will start when the last ticket is sold.
The collectable monkey swap will begin at 3:00 P.M. (Bring I bagged, & choose 1 bag)
The donation-for-King-Gorilla-rug drawing will be at 4:00 P.M. (Need NOT be present to win) The Auction will begin at 5:00 P.M.
Note: Silent bids from folks that leave early will be honored.
Choosing the location and host of the 1999 Primate picnic, last thing
MONDAY MAY 4, 1998
Gather for Coflee. Donuts, Bagels and Juice at the Best Western Motel at 6:00 A.M.
Caravan Ho!!! Head towand Miami and adventure1 pull out at 7:00 A.M.
Note: You will want to have a full tank of gas.
Easy ride south on 75 to exit 28, we'll stop for breakfast about 9:00 A.M.
South again. on 75 and a scenic ride east through the Everglades on old Tamiami Trail.
A special stop for our friends from afar at Galor Park includes a 45 minute air boat ride and wildlife encounter. Here we will meet up with our Miami friends who couldn't make it to Tarpon Springs. Be sure and have your camera ready.
Note: The normal charge for the air boat alone is $12.00. John, the owner has agreed to a 45 minute air boat ride with a box lunch and drink for only $6.00.
The Monkey Jungle will be next. After an unforgettable stroll through the jungle and a presentation to KING we will be off again. At this point the time won't matter too much. Let's guess it will be dose to 6:00 P.M by this time.
The conclusion of our day and Primate Picnic time together will culminate at Mom Elaine's Patch o Heaven about 1/2 mile away for a tour, an old fashioned hayride, hot dogs and a bonfire farewell, complete with toasted marshmallows for desert.
SOUNDS GREAT TO ME!!!!!!!!! Brad and Trouble
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I really enjoyed the 1998 Primate Picnic and all the planned activities that weekend with all my monkey friends. This New Hampshire boy even was treated to a good old Florida micro burst to end the events at Patch O Heaven Monday evening. Just minutes after Monkey Man Lenny commented on how lucky we were for such nice weather the clear evening sky changed quickly. Thunder sounded and a couple minutes after more thunder and then wind and sand was everywhere. Lenny was putting out the big bombfire that my sister Terry was just roasting the first of marshmellows. Some of us retreated to the main house to wait out the burst of wind which only lasted several minutes. This New Hamsphire boy had at least finished cooking the hot dogs and most had been eatten before the Miami wind blast ended the monkey party at the Patch O Heaven grounds. Brad and Trouble
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On Sunday May 3, over 200 people gathered in Tarpon Springs Fl.. for a special weekend. Primate owners from 25 states attended an annual picnic, hosted by three Fl.. families. In past years it has been a day for owners of all types of primates to relax, eat, have fun & exchange information. This year we had a special mission. This year,our attention was centered on rasing money for a special friend. For nearly 30 years Monkey Jungle has been the home of King, a Lowland Gorilla. King has spent his entire life in a small enclosure, which many concerned people feel is inadequate and think he should be moved. It has been strongly suggested that he be moved to a facility at the Atlanta Zoo. Primate owners have a driving desire to be connected with other primate owners. In pursuit of this desire, approximately 100 primate owners come together on the internet daily to share information and ideas. When the story of Kings living conditions came to the attention of this on line primate Family we knew we had to take action.. Considering Kings advanced years & the fact the Monkey Jungle is the only home he's known for 30 years. Our collective virtually hundreds of years of experience told us that it is in Kings best interest to remain in his lifelong home. Putting aside our differences of opinions and personal feelings of how primates should or should not be raised, this large group of total strangers from all over the U.S. rallied together for a common cause. The picnic on May 3 was just the beginning. Many families brought monkey related items to be auctioned or raffled off. Even those not attending sent items to be used to raise funds. On May 4, approximately 50 people made the over five hour caravan trip to Monkey Jungle where a check for $1600.00 was presented to the owners, and this is just the tip of the iceberg. Plans by Monkey Jungle are underway to construct a large, natural setting for king. The 2nd annual SE Texas primate picnic will also be the gathering for the online friends as well as those who are not on the nets . There will again be an auction and raffle. Plans are also in the works by members of the internet group to composes a cook book to be sold to the public and proceeds will go to King. Any one interested in contributing to Kings habitat are welcome to send their check to Monkey Jungle, The King project, 14805 S.W. 216 Street, Miami, Fl 33170 Those with monkey items for the raffle or auction should contact Lu Hall at R.R.2, Box 193A, Jacksonville, Il. 62650
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You are just lucky I didn't snipe your monkeys off at that picnic! I'll kill them all!sUPREME CHAOS! i ONCE HAD APET MONKEY,BUT i PUT HIM IN A BLENDER AND TURNED IT ON! Back in nam I had a pet monkey named tuci tuci but he ate my best friend's eye out. I had to kill it.
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HOWDY ALL,
The 1998 Florida Primate Picnic is over and one fat Miami Monkey Man is sad to see it end. I hope everyone made it home, as safe and with as much joy as they found coming this way.
The hard work it took to put it together, did not make the picnic. The picnic started when you all started showing up and got better with the arrival of another bunch of you guys.
Those of you that could not make it were sure there anyway because we sure talked about you behind your backs. Which brings to mind a few comments I saved, now that I know some of your deepest darkest secrets. These comments are for the one that wasn't there and you know who you are.
1. WOW
2. Ha Ha, I can't wait.
3. Lenny will, any time.
4. I wish I would have known you were that kind of girl. L O L ! ! ! ! I hope I don't bore you but I would love to take you on a tour of the weekend through my typing fingers. So for all that could not be with us, WELCOME TO THE PICNIC.
It is Friday P.M. We are still in Miami. I have already loaded everything in Ed Shaw's car and Norm & Terry's van. The rest is in my van and we are at the sign shop, picking up the last surprise. After a 3 hour delay we are ready to roll. THE VAN WON'T START. AAA gets there in 1 hour Ed Shaw leaves for the west coast. Norm & Terry are going to meet you so hurry. The garage can't even look at your van today so you rent a van and transfer everything. You must take the seat out and promise to bring a monkey in to show the folks at the car rental.
You finally meet Terry & Norm at Alligator Allie around 7. We'll stop for
food on the west coast. We do 2 hours later at Exit 28 SHONEYS. We prepare everyone for our arrival on Monday, eat and leave. The road has been nothing but heavy showers so far but hopes of clear skies ahead and the picnic keep us moving north.
We pull onto Drew Street in Clearwater when Lenny remembers the Virgin Mary in the glass at the bank that was national news and stops to show Norm & Terry. This is just a few blocks from Gini Valbuena's home and if it wasn't after midnight we may have stopped. Everyone is exhausted so we buzz up to the Best Western.
We arrive at 1:22 A.M. The lobby is buzzing with monks and monk
folks. Before we go to far someone puts a "CAUTION MONKEY CROSSING" sign on the front door. Dani, Mary and Judy are there and they are wound up. They don't remember what 7 A.M. looks like with no sleep. There is a big box of prizes, Phyllis, Lenny's sister had last minute shipped to the motel for the final touch and an urgent message for Lenny waiting at the desk.
Bill, the night mgr. helps him get a phone out and Lenny is hit with some personal tragedy. With 250 of his finest friends and 50 monkeys coming from all over to party he puts all of that on hold for a while and plans going to the Chimp Farm early in the morning.
Before we can get to the Chimp farm at 10 A.M. we must go to Connie & Dave's house to drop off the first load of picnic supplies and check the place out. Our eyes are seeing how great everything looks but our minds are questioning how did you get all of this work done. Connie and Dave's crew must have worked around the clock.
We leave and grab a bagel and make it too the Chimp Farm a few minutes late The crowd is huge when we get there. This skinny, well dressed, distinguished looking (in a rugged sort of way) man walks up to you and asks, "Who am I"?
Now you know you are in trouble, you don't want to say the wrong thing. So loudly you announce HOWDY EVERYBODY, I'M LENNY, let's introduce ourselves. The mystery man turns out to be John Hall with Lu at his side. These folks are the greatest. The wonderful words Lu shares with all of us emanate from within her. They have my vote for the people you would most likely want for your neighbors. Brad was there with Terry and his brother from Alabama, Alex. Burt and Debbie let us roam freely until about 10:30 then they interacted ,
acted and reacted with those BIG monks. Wow we know what it is like at feeding time at our house they have a big job ahead of them. They do look as though this is truly a labor of love for them.
They have purchases the adjoining 14 acres and plan "EXPAND 2000" for the year 2000.
Lenny's Note!!! I must go now but promise to continue this evening.
LOVE Lenny & All
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Howdy All,
Here comes Part 2 of the Primate picnic as seen through my eyes. Wow!! I feel like Brad's sidekick. That means Trouble.
I ended by sharing the news about the 14 acre purchase at the chimp farm. When we were leaving Burt, Debbie and all of their staff walked us to our vehicles. They got to meet some of our monkeys and sent me to the motel with a big box of fruit and vegetables.
We didn't stay long at the motel. Everyone was eager to go to Tim & Minnie's place.
Lu Hall loaned me her packet directions and off we went in a mini-caravan. Tim, you sure give great directions. I zigged where Tim said zig and I zagged where Tim sad zag. After what seemed like 20 minutes we saw the parking signs.
Monkeys were everywhere. The place looked great. I can see how much hard work you all have been doing since last year. We really could not stay as long as we wanted to because some fat man said he would be at the 3:00 tour of the Chimp farm. Phillis, Lenny's sister is always late and after we all waited for her to make it to the car we were off again. I was in her car so we had to wait for her.
Everyone was following us in the lead car. We passed the motel about 3:10 P.M. and kept heading for the Chimp Farm. We arrived to find a big crowd of us and were happy to see Burt hadn't started. I promised to put on a "MONKEY SHOW" starring FINSTER the monk who played Dodger in the hit movie MONKEY TROUBLE at 4:30 at the motel pool. We could not stay for all of Burt's presentation but Debbie did introduce us to Dr Scott the Chimp Farm's vet. (Side Note) Dr Scott started his love for monkeys and their care at the Chimp Farm where he was a volunteer as a young child.
We left the Chimp Farm in just enough time to get to the motel pool for our 3:00 show. The folks at the Chimp Farm, knowing they could not be in two places at once talked me into a second 6:00 P.M. show. IT IS EASY TO BE NICE TO NICE PEOPLE.
The pool-side show went off without a glitch. Digit made her share of "Monkey Money" and Finster did what he likes to do best PLAY, PLAY, PLAY. The crowd was great and only LOVE emanated from everyone. There were monkeys everywhere and Pa. Pauline gave me a special something, then Karen R. brings up a present. for Crystal, (She is in Georgia). When the 6:00 show started, we were overwhelmed with people. Some got to see our "other" show. The sad thing is they all look alike because we only have one show. LOL
Now it got to be about...........(Late for dinner) and Stacie's all you can eat buffet was down the street and most of went to dinner. The food was great the company was greater and the Spumoni for desert topped off a great meal.
These crazy monk folks didn't want to slow down yet. They are enough to wear an old man down. Everyone with monk in arm headed for the pool'accept for me and Phyllis and Susie {her daughter} and Norm and Terry. We have one last surprise we haven't finished yet and the picnic starts in 6 hours. We wanted everyone to be greeted with something very special. I had 5 gorilla sized tin cups made to collect the tickets, entry forms and roster forms. They were supposed to be held by 5 gorilla hands and we had only started to make it. With my determination and Susie & Terry's hard work and Phillis' leadership for quality we made it work. Norm?, you ask, he serenaded us with snore-to- work-by.
It is fast approaching midnight and we say, "See you at 5:00 A.M.". My head hits that pillow and the day before the picnic is ended.
This too will end Part 2. We have parties today and must get ready. I will get to Part 3 soon.
Best Wishes & Love,
Lenny (Impersonating Brad and Trouble) & All Brad and Trouble
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Howdy All,
Holy Flying Monkeys, is it morning already? Sister, Phyllis is knocking at the door. I''ve showered and it is 5:15 already. At 3:30 Phyllis was in the lobby with Bill, the night man and he was making her coffee. She went to Dunkin Donuts and got the munchkins for us early birds. A 5:30 call to Terry & Norm and we are on our way.
Dave and Connie are up and we have coffee for all. Now the work begins. Ronnie, my true "Right-hand-man" is eager to help make it happen. Last minute trash removal and some leaf raking add the finishing touches. Phyllis and Susie want to help feed the animals and must report on how everyone eats and how they come to the food. They have lived sheltered lives.
Dave finishes his kitchen, picnic style. and starts pigs-a-roastin' and more. Garrett sets up the fecal exam table and starts on the prize bench. Norman puts together the welcome station and Terry is trying to get everything where it belongs. Travis, Connie & Dave's son is busy making prize tables and finishing everything else up. The coffee gets mad, the prizes are out, the surprises are hidden, the food starts to fill the air with aroma, the stage is set and the folks start to show up. Paul and Aaron parked their bus at the picnic so they show up first.
Then all hell broke loose and we had a traffic jam at the welcome station. Terry ran down to help and they drifted up the long circular driveway that surrounded the picnic patio deck with grill. Also in the middle was the porcupine and bobcat compounds.
The big old barn in the back provided enough shade for me to set my stool and watch all the action. Folks were coming up and giving me hugs and introducing themselves then they would introduce their monkids and they would give me hugs. Some (Andy) fell madly in love with me. I saw Yoda, Andy, Winston, Duncan, Emily, Peanut, Keesha, Max, Deja, Finster, Digit, Kaos, Candi, Tanzania and so many more that I hope I don't offend anyone by not naming your baby. There was even a tiny baby white kitten.
The food and cakes were rolling in so fast I knew it was going to be a great day.
The tickets for the picnic raffle were selling and we had so many prizes we started early raffles of any prizes we had doubles in. Those who came early were waist-deep in fun by the time the D.J.< Alfred showed up. he set up as close to the deck as he could and more fun was had by all.
Louis, the balloon/magic man shows up and sets up in the center. Hi Lou, Thanks for coming.
There was a soda fountain and you were invited to help yourself. The food was great the pig started on the rare side and as the day progressed ended up well done. The salads were nestled on a bed of ice and were still cold long after the picnic was over.
The Special Door Prize was won by Susan Cavnar, Jim & Betsy's kid. Her prize, of course was a big old well used DOOR!!!
We honor Dave & Connie with a Key to our hearts and a gift of love is presented to Terry & Norm in the form of a N.C. Pam original. It is a Stone monument with a smiling face of the sun, all hand made.
Then they grab the mike and floor from me and give me the most beautiful handmade cut-glass window that is my logo monkey. I hold back the tears and say something stupid like, "I found out a long time ago IT'S EASY TO BE NICE O NICE PEOPLE"
And thank everyone for coming and making it all a reality.
The auction started one hour early thanks to a vote. And the handmade gifts were the greatest collection of monkey stuff these ole eyes ever saw. The generosity of the highest bidders and the help of the ones who were outbid coupled with the generosity of the prize givers helped make our donation to King's new home possible.
We raised $1,600.00 which you will hear about later.
Lu & John sold tickets on the gorilla rug donated by Terry M. until the last minute. The suspense almost killed me because one of those tickets had my name on it.
John Hall supervised the drawing and............ the .....Winner........is......(come on John.....Leeeeeeeeeeeeennnnnnnnnnnnnnn) no such luck, DORI B. congratulations. Robin will see that you get it. I see out of the corner of my eye Ronnie and more are starting a first stab at clean-up. And I stroll to see who's left and check on the food. LOL
My sister had to leave because she had to be home in Miami that evening and the next morning. She wished us luck on the trip south and said she would meet us at the Monkey Jungle tomorrow.
Some folks were going to Gini's house and some were going to the motel. We stayed until the last person left and said thanks to Connie, Dave and Travis and headed south from their house. When we reached Tarpon Drive and we thought what next? We turned toward Gini V's home and poured more monkeying around into our day. It was small, quiet and serene playing with Kaos and seeing Tanzi for a while.
We could not stay too long. We had a long drive in the morning and needed some rest. We got to the motel just in time to go to sleep and hoped there wouldn't be any bullets whizzing past our heads during the night. How wrong we were but that will be covered in part 4 of this picnic adventure. So for now.
Best Wishes,
Lenny, Standing in for Brad and Trouble & All
Brad and Trouble

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Howdy All,
I sure needed that night sleep. It is almost 6:00 A. M. Bill is at his post in the lobby and I am supposed to be making coffee in a meeting room somewhere. Let's see Terry has the coffee pot, Johnnie Van has the coffee, and the sugar is in my van (somewhere). Bill doesn't know what arrangements Jack & Jackie made for this morning. Other Jackie, the cafe manager is getting ready for the day and pours me my first cup of coffee. I ask her if I pay for beverages if I can bring in some Munchkins and she puts us in the lounge. She brings in a coffee warmer and the folks and monkeys start to come. They are checking out and buzzing about the shooting during the night.
It seams as though some of us stayed up all night monkeying around (with monkeys) and swapping stories. Early that morning some undercover cop thing started in the very lounge we were at for coffee. I guess the bad guy ran and three cops chased him. The guns were drawn and we were in the middle of a crime scene. Someone was shot and the only other thing I can tell you was when we lined our autos up for the caravan the bloody sheets were all over the streets. Just one more part to a memorable event. (I sure hope Lenny didn't plan this one).
When it came time to line up and leave I asked Jackie for the bill and she said "No way" It was on them. I can't wait for an excuse to head over their way, just so I can stay in that Best Western.
We are lined up and ready to go Cricket, Terry and Norm's decides to take a stroll. Thank goodness she likes soda so much. She headed straight for the soda machine and they grabbed her there. When everyone's heart stopped pounding we waited for Norman to bring up the rear and off we go. Head Em Up, Move Em out.
We are about 15 cars and vans (and one school bus) strong. We pass Tarpon Drive and pick up Connie and Travis in their little red car. Lots of honking and we are barreling south on 19. The first unscheduled stop is at the bank on Drew Street in Clearwater for photos of MARY IN THE GLASS. We need to group anyway
Off we go again, just before we get on 275 Lenny gets a bright idea and warns everyone to have their camera pointed out their right window. And ...... as..... we...... pass..... the ....tall ....... trees ........ there...... it .....is.......HOME SHOPPING CLUB NETWORK. So!!!!! Lenny thought someone might relate.
After a short ride south we are Heading over the famed SKYWAY BRIDGE in St. Petersburg. Then we come to 75 South and nothing can stop us now. The hungrier Lenny gets, the faster we drive. We must go to exit 28 and that was exit 42 oh well.
After a long drive and a phone call or 2 we pull into the SHONEYS restaurant and they are as ready for us as we are for them. The deal they have given us is the breakfast bar and any beverage for $3.99. They have to-go boxes for monkey treats. Garrett, my son, decides to share with the monks and gets his favorite fruits. (the monks make due).
After breakfast I find the parking lot beaming with Shonie people and monkeys. Finster autographs one of his MONKEY TROUBLE books for Jean the manager and we load up for the next leg. We stay on 75 south to exit 15 and head south to the Tamiami Trail. After about 40 minutes we come up on Ochopee, Florida. Now Ochopee is so small, you sneeze when you pass through it you will miss it. They are in the Guinness Book of Records for having the smallest Post Office in this country. Of course Lenny stops he warns the lady behind the counter and then tells everyone that it is the only Post Office where monkeys are allowed. It is a good thing no chimps or gibbons were along they could not have fit inside.
Gator Park is just up ahead about 40 or 50 miles and we are eager to get on the road so off we go.
Now stay tuned for Part 5 but for now I am going to give this typing finger a rest.
Best Wishes,
Lenny acting like Trouble and Brad & All
Brad and Trouble
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Howdy All,
We are almost to Gator Park and the excitement is filling the everglades. Everyone has been counting how many big old alligators they have seen and can't wait to join their kin on the air boats.
(Editor's note) Brad and Trouble, you have gained my new respect for keeping us posted. I will never take your reports for granted again.
We're here John is on the porch of the gift shop right beside a rocking person's body with an alligator's head. He welcomes us and we spread out. Buawna Tom is showing some a huge python some are looking at the snake collection. Others are admiring the lemur. Garrett is by the water, He has been here before and knows where to find the gators.
John wants us to feel at home and tells me to do whatever we want. The air boats will be ready when we are. John doesn't know some of us have longed for this, even bought new cameras to capture the moment. Besides we are trying to pour as much into this day as we can so I head toward the air boat. We need 2 boats and quickly fill both. Off we go down the river toward The River Of Grass (everglades). There were small alligators that swam toward the boat and big blue birds coupled with fish and saw grass. Well our guide shows us how to operate the controls and jumps overboard. He is about private part deep and tells us about his everglades. He reminds us of how the Indians ate the saw grass to keep the hunger away during their plight that led them to settle in the 'glades. He pulls a stalk and chomps down on it..............Well you would have thought he was serving gourmet foods. soon there was saw grass hanging out of many mouths. John jumped back aboard and we shot back towards home. We stopped again to check out some Lillie's and snail eggs then headed for the dock. A great box lunch was waiting and we got to eat with the alligator being passed around for photos. Oh no even Judy Williams will hold it if you catch her. Quick take the picture.
We hate to eat & run but we are so close to the Monkey Jungle, Kings check is burning a hole in our pockets. We have called and there are more folks meeting us there. Here do you want to talk to your sister? The ride is the shortest of the day, so far and there it is. Steve and Sharon have a security guard waiting to direct us and he has opened the VIP (back) gate for us. They put up a huge tent and have finger sandwiches, fruit, sodas, water and goody bags waiting for us.
The first folks we get to meet, after Steve is Dr. Bob Cooper and his wife Sian Evans. They are famed Primatologists (spelling don't count) that are involved with the DuMond Conservancy research program at the Monkey Jungle. They greeted us with open arms and volunteered to take us behind the scenes and introduce us to the 3 woolly monkeys that they had in the Conservancy. We then got to meet Sharon. She was holding 2 week-old Golden Lion Tamarins their mom had them and took off. The Jungle is trying to reintroduce them back to their parents and hopefully they will be successful this week.
We are eager to meet King and Steve says to go through the jungle and we will meet in 20 minutes. Lu Hall sees Java Macaques and is in heaven. Steve put peanuts and raisons in our goody bags and these guys and gals know just how to get them away from you. There is a show by the swimming hole and we stop to watch. When we finally get to King he is ready for us. His home isn't small or tiny but it is cement and bars. The new home is drawn beside his compound and he will have no bars or cement. It will be adjacent to where he lives now so the change won't be traumatic. Tina, his primary care giver is there and she asks him to come closer. He comes over and sits on a mega swing to watch. Lu & John pull out this huge check that Janet and Ed Shaw made to reveal our $1,600.00 donation to his new home. Tina must have did something because when they showed it to King, he clapped.
The surprises weren't over yet. Steve and Dr. Bob took us into the rain forest. It has been closed since Andrew. The Howlers, Capuchins and Squirrel monkeys are 100% wild and are everywhere the forest is alive with them. We see them come close and run away. I spotted a huge iguana on the bridge and wonder why he hasn't been someone's dinner. Then I remember how well they are all fed and figure they have better things to eat than lizards.
We could stay there for weeks but Mama Elaine has showed up to remind us there is still more day and surprises to come. Phyllis (Len's sister) wants a monkey{ Oh S....}.
Mama Elaine's Patch o Heaven is just down the road to the left. And so is Part 6.
Karen R, my priorities say go see if you still have a job. and If you don't, get back here and finish this story.
Brad and Trouble
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Howdy all,
West on S.W. 216th Street and go left on 157th Ave. the third entrance on the right is a Patch O Heaven. The iron gate is opened by Pam Elaine's Fore person and main care giver.
She reminds us to slow down there, are free-roaming animals everywhere. We pass the old gate house that is now her living quarters and wind through the native Florida hammock.
The big house on the left was built by Hugh Matheson one of the founders of South Florida.
He lived there and raised his family right where we monkeyed around. On our right, just before the pickettttttttttttttttttt fencing begins is a beautiful small rustic home that served as the guest house in the old days. Mama Elaine rents it out now to help buy monkey chow and grain. The woods open up to a clearing of joy. Turkeys, Ducks, Baby Ducks, Deer, Pot-bellied Pigs and much more roam free, surrounded by monkey corn cribs, huge corrals, barns and pastures.
With one complete turn around you can see monkeys. camels. wallabies, guinea fowl. pea fowl, pheasants, miniature horses. deer, geese, cattle, emus, bunnies, and 100s of parrots.
For the animal lover this really is Heaven. There is a huge raised deck they use for dances and parties. The picnic areas are canvas covered picnic tables and there are three big ones in the rear.
Mama Elaine has set us up near Bonina, her white faced spoiled sweety. We see the grill and hot dogs Chef Brad did not loose any culinary talents with all the weight he lost. Oh no someone just brought out Penelope, Mama Elaine's Chinese Crested Hairless pride and joy. Once she told someone with the initials of Monkey Jungle Steve that Penelope was a tiny miniature horse and he brought people in to show them the world's smallest horse. To this day he says " Why would Mama Elaine lie to me?" .
Mama Elaine has a huge bonfire lit and there are logs around it for seats. No one is eager to see this party end so we keep talking and monkeying around and all of a sudden the sky turns dark. I hear thunder and warn everyone we have some bad weather coming our way. The winds go from slight to very strong in about 1 minute. The fire is going to be blown into the woods Mama Elaine gets the hose and Lenny and Jr. dowse as much water on as they can. One tree did go up in flames later but it sure could have been worse.
I have Ronnie and Janet to take home and Garrett must unload the van to be returned to the auto rental at 8:00 A.M. in the morning. In the rainstorm we say goodbye and take off for home and Vicki.
Now you are all saying, finally the picnic weekend is over. WRONG!!!!!!! There is one more part, we will call it Part 7. And I hope to get to it soon.
Best Wishes,
Lenny & All
Brad and Trouble
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THE END TO A GREAT FUN-TIME
Howdy All,
This day was a long time in coming and I wish I could put it on hold to enjoy forever. The rental van is unloaded. My van isn't ready jet so I must have Garrett stay home from school and help me. "Hey Garrett, you must stay home from school today".
"Okay dad, no argument from me". Wow!! Since he met you fine monkey folks at the picnic he agrees to almost anything.
My deal is; if I get to the rental agency before they open I will save the last day's rent. Of course I must have a monkey with me. We grab Digit and off we go. The seat is in, the van is back and they love Digit. They drop Garrett, Digit and me off at the house and we get ready for our next adventure. We will be in Vicki's car so we won't have much room but we are heading for Larry's All American Cafe in Homestead, Florida. The picnic crowd is meeting there at 10:00 A.M. for breakfast. Yes of course Larry said the monkeys were welcome. Now, again I want you to know I don't share my food with anyone so this eating with monkeys at the table is new to me.
I want to show off some of the monks that no one has seen so I switch everyone around and bathe Peanut and bring Toby in. Vicki finishes dressing and we are off.
The ride is about 1 hour and everyone is eating when we get there. Andy is in a high chair and is being a doll baby. How can I distract Karen & Jr. long enough to abscond with him?????? Mark, a friend meets us there and is going to ride north with Judy. He shares his breakfast with Peanut and has loves it. Lu and John are headed for the Keys along with Terry & Norman. In fact almost everyone is going south. I must finally bring this greatest of all weekends to a close and say goodbye to all. "We'll see you all in Texas.
So for now; I want to thank Steve, Anita, Cynthia, Don. Michael, Linda, Tyler, Dustin, Betsy, Jim, Susan, Beverly, Rudy, Cookie, Paul, Evelyn, Tony, Shawna, Judy, Rick, Dwayne, Pauline, Lu, John, Pam, Charles, Melissa, Sandee, Denny, Linda, Harold, Mary. Bill, Penny, Crystal, Jason, Connie, Dave, Travis, Bee Jay, Frank, Barb, Shannon, Diana, Renee, Dani, Mary, Ann, Rick, Rickie, Adam, Beth, Cassie, Dan, Lisa, Manny, Sherry, Jr,. Karen, Paul, Aaron, Yolanda, Sheryl, Paula, Anthony, Robin, Vernell, Jeremy, Damian, Brad, Terry, Alex, Tom, Sally, Sue, Gini, Tony, Vanessa, Darla, Lin, Andy, Judy, Phyllis, Kathleen, Rhoda, Frank, Elaine, Ken, Dave, Sandy, Taylor, Scott, Holly Shannon, Dianne, Glen, Bonnie, Glenn, Karline, Bennie, Sian, Bob, Steve, Sharon, Jack, Jackie, Burt, Debbie, Jackie, Phyllis, Susanna, Garrett, Ronnie, Chris, Julie, Norman, Terry, Dave, Sherry, Beverly, Geni, George, Tim, Minnie, Bobbie, Jessica, Sussett, Richard, Renee, Cheri, George, William, Mary, Joanne, Chris, Pat, Gary, Susan, Julie, John, June, Johnnie, Gail, Pat, Barbara, Joan, Stan, Ed, Janet, Sheryl, Dini, Ron, Lynn, Cheryl, Larry, Elaine Pam, Lori, Steve, Ed, Ed, Clifton, and every one I couldn't remember plus all of those we left at home taking care of our wards so we could do this together.
And Vicki, my love.
May all of the picnics in your future have a many happy smiles and warm friends as this one did.
With all my love, & Good night,
Lenny & All
Brad and Trouble
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I NEED YOUR HELP IN LOCATING A PET MONKEY. I RAISED A MONKEY FOR 16 YEARS, AND WOULD REALLY LIKE TO GET ANOTHER ONE SOON. ANY HELP WOULD BE NICE. THANK YOU.
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