Birthday 2019 - Part 2 A Trip to the Zoo

Since today was my birthday, I got to pick the activity.  When I stepped outside, I was shocked that the temps weren't in the high nineties with humidity to match. It is almost unheard of for St Louis in July to have a day as weather perfect today. So I chose the Zoo as today's activity.

I know some people don't like zoos. They say they can't stand to see animals in cages, pens or behind bars. The St Louis Zoo is a bit different. They are leaders in animal conservation, research and conservation. 

We spent a  2 hours or so walking or riding the tram to see some of our favorite animals. Here are a few of them:

Nap Time

 Feeding Time

 The penguin below is a baby emperor. His beak is still black. A zookeeper told us his name is Stephen...last name King for Stephen King. 

 The Zoo's newest baby zebra is pictured below.

 Basking in the sun

Birthday 2019 - part 1 Lunch at 58hundred

Celebrated my birthday today by going to lunch at new restaurant called 5800 Southwest. For an appetizer, we had the Brussel sprout tacos.

lime crema, pickled red onions, caramelized onions, toasted almonds

I had the 58 Burger:

smash patty, white cheddar, brioche bun, garlic herb fries

Chris had the Quinoa bowl:

quinoa & brown rice, broccoli, cauliflower, roasted onions, peppers, zucchini

The food was excellent. Server was attentive without hovering. I would recommend it if you were looking for a place where herbivores and carnivores could eat together...in fact...that's what a sign in their window states.

The menu might be a bit smaller than some places, but  you can count on its quality.

https://www.58hundred.com/menu

Book Review: "That Old Scoundrel Death" by Bill Crider

"That Old Scoundrel Death" is the 25th and last book to feature one of my favorite characters of mystery fiction, Sheriff Dan Rhodes. Bill Crider was claimed by that old scoundrel death last year.  He will certainly be missed by me.

If you have never read one of the Dan Rhodes mysteries, you are in for a treat. They are a blend of police procedural and homespun humor. "That old scoundrel death" opens with Rhodes stopping to investigate a road rage incident. The story progresses to a fight over a historic schoolhouse and ends in a murder investigation.

We find the usual cast of characters Dan Rhodes,  his wife Ivy, Seepy Benton, Ruth, Hack and Lawton. Add to this cast feuding families, meth heads, and a murder victim who gave folks different names and Blacklin County is in an uproar. Fortunately, the sheriff is up to the task.

This book might be a little slower in places. The humor might be a bit muted. It is still a worthy read.  I give it my five star rating.

So long, Sheriff Rhodes...Rest in Peace, Bill. Thank you for many hours of reading enjoyment over the years.

Danny Boy