-

-
Although this could very well be a picture of me finding a new treasure at a favorite nursery, it's actually an illustration by David Catrow for a children's book called Plantzilla.

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

On the Twelfth Day of Christmas - Zoo Lights

Attending Zoo Lights at the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium is a holiday tradition for many.  We almost skipped it this year but decided to go on the last weekend of the event.


This lighted sea lif celebration was a popular place to take pictures.  While we saw the sharks in their huge habitat, we missed seeing Santa feed them.

Mt. Rainier in lights. 

There were lots of lit animals but many of them moved or flew over paths so they had to be experienced to be appreciated.
 This panda seems happy with his bamboo lunch!   This is just the thing that we need to control those pesky running bamboos.  Right Allan?

 Polar bears on ice seem to have decided to vacation down south this winter. 
 There seemed to be lights in every direction!

The purple tree changes a bit each year but, for many,  remains a favorite part of the show. 

The Tacoma Narrows Bridges.  The older one in front replaced the famous "Galloping Gertie."

In case you haven't seen the video of the bridge falling in a windstorm, here it is:




Zoo Lights on acid.  This is what happens when on tries to make a movie on a camera when he can't see the dials in the dark. Fun though. 

Peacock strutting his stuff.


I wouldn't so much mind if this is the last snow we see this winter. 


Reindeer.  Can you find Rudolph?

The giant octopus trying to eat the North Pacific Aquarium building. 


Are we still in the soggy Northwest?





Yes, we are!  For those who aren't  sports fanatics, the Seattle Seahawks, a football team, use the 12th man idea that originated in Minnesota in 1900 and has been used by many teams, most notably Texas A&M.  Anyway, the 12 sits atop a huge tree decorated in the Seahawk team colors.  I'm borrowing the 12 for Twelfth Night, when the liturgical church in the west celebrates Epiphany, the coming of the wise men, and the 12th day of the twelve-day feast of Christmas.   In the Eastern Church, January 6 is the day Christmas is celebrated. 

Twelfth Night celebrations predate Christianity.  For more information and cool pictures about the tradition, see this article in The Telegraph.  Love the green man costume!  Happy last day of Christmas all!

24 comments:

  1. Happy Last Day of Christmas, Peter! I really should go to this light celebration next year. Maybe it would put me in a Christmas mood. I hope those lit snowflakes are the last snow we see this winter too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's a fun time, especially if you've seen the gardens during the day. I'm definitely going to go on one of the guided tours of the garden in July, once I have Sundays free again!

      Delete
  2. Wow! I'm glad I don't have to pay that energy bill ;O) I'm already planning next summer. I'd love to have a "vine alley"...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've thought that before about paying the bill! You are always either planning or doing some amazing projects! Your energy and creativity are an inspiration!

      Delete
  3. Full on lighting! It must look really magical in person

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is wonderful and especially fun to see and hear the excitement of kids in attendance.

      Delete
  4. Fantastic! This puts our local light displays to shame.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They've been doing it for quite a while and it's a great fundraiser for the zoo!

      Delete
  5. We wandered around the San Diego zoo long enough that the light display started to come on (we were there on the 19th), it was lovely. Not as "all out" as this appears to be but we enjoyed it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sounds like a beautiful evening and you probably didn't even need a coat in San Diego!

      Delete
  6. What an enchanted place! Thank you for sharing it with your readers! Best wishes for 2015!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's always fun to share! Hope your new year is spectacular!

      Delete
  7. Zoos everywhere seem to do this. Have you seen Shirley's posts from San Antonio?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh yes, the river walk and that amazing video projected onto the facade of the cathedral was amazing!

      Delete
  8. Wishing you, what is it, twelve pipers piping? We have never celebrated the 12 days of Christmas, but maybe we should. I could use a little celebration right now. Just NOT another big meal!
    Happy 12th!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We've never really celebrated the 12 days of Christmas either but I love dragging it out a bit because I love Christmas decorations and miss them once I take them down.

      Delete
  9. I've been to Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo last year for the first time. These light shows are great fun as long as you bundle up for the occasion. My favorite is the polar bears with Mount Rainer in the background. You definitely need to be on the lookout for a panda; it will be great help with bamboo maintenance!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I want to visit Woodland Park Zoo next year to see the show! I've been watching my yard very closely for a panda to befriend but so far only raccoons, possums, and a variety of birds have visited.

      Delete
  10. Stunning, Peter! Love this purple tree!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Definitely the most colorful Zoo Lights I've ever seen! Wowsers!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Those are so much fun each year and very well done. I pinned a few for ideas next year.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks so much for taking the time to comment! I love to hear your thoughts.