Beach House in the Burbs

ZeeDonk. Go ahead, say it. It sounds vaguely like the noise my computer makes when I mash the wrong button. But that's not what it is. A ZeeDonk is a cross between a zebra and a donkey--duh. It looks like a donkey wearing striped socks. Like this- The friendly, caring people at Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary take in abandoned, injured and abused wild animals. They build nice BIG enclosures for them. And even let them live with their friends. This is actually Baloo and Leo (not Shere Khan the tiger, like I put on the picture). Leo's a male lion who got neutered too young, we learned, and so doesn't have a mane. Poor Leo. But Baloo still loves him. Baloo, Leo and Shere Khan, who's still friends with the others, he just didn't make the picture, have lessons to teach us. Now, if you want to break into a chorus of Kumbaya, I'll understand. But when you're finished, check out Noah's Ark, in bustling (ok, not really) Locust Grove, Georgia. You...

Here you go, part 2 of "9 cheap ways to enjoy the summer, a list in 3 parts." In case you missed part 1 , I'll wait while you check it out. (humming Jeopardy music in my head) Now that you're back from reading (or rereading) part 1, here's part 2: 4. Catch lightening bugs (or oooohhhh and ahhhh when a sweet, precious child does it) 5. Go to the library. It's air conditioned (It's going to be over 100 degrees here at the beachhouse for the next few days. I'm melting already), has really nice people who work there (some of my best friends are librarians, literally, hi, Lesley), and has great books. A wonderful way to spend a hot afternoon. 6. Sit on the porch after dark (it's too freaking hot to sit out there in the day) and tell stories. Ghost stories, family stories, made-up stories, funny stories--all are even better when told to people you love--and accompanied by homemade ice cream. So, get away from your computers, get out there and...