Elephants! My second favorite animal on the planet. Do you know the differences between an African Elephant and an Asian Elephant? Hans and I do now. We spent the morning at the Myakka Elephant Ranch, a non-profit conservation center. We had purchased passes last year at the Boots and Bling fundraiser benefitting The Service Club of Manatee County (shoutout to Lee who is now the President and overseeing this year’s bash).

I experienced a peacefulness and sense of awe around the “girls,” who both displayed such joy and contentment with their spa treatments. Lou made a loud noise very similar to purring and Carol smiled widely, particularly when her handler massaged her tongue.

Later in the afternoon, I drove the 3 kittens to Bishop and wished them happy lives. It’s quiet downstairs and time for a deep clean.