Los Angeles, California: Gramps and I have a mission this weekend: babysit Leo while his folks go out of town for a wedding. Leo only. Lucy must go wherever her Momma goes, as the baby still (7 months old) refuses to take a bottle.
Before driving over Friday afternoon, I baked a Buttery Pound Cake with Salted Caramel Glaze from Martha Stewart for our Shabbat meal.

Lisa, Lenny and Lucy hit the highway early this morning and left us to tend after Leo. Not that a nearly-four-year-old can fend for himself... but Leo is certainly easier to mind than a baby. Especially because of that whole "I can talk to tell you want I want/need or how I feel" part. Whew. Leo also knows the lay of the land. The neighbors. Where to find the tape. Exactly what he wants on his pizza.

First stop after entering the zoo? Lunch.



Our grandson loves to ride the carousel. Today, he rode twice. Once on a bee (wasp?), and once sitting in a chair.





We also saw elephants, giraffes, lions, tigers, monkeys, several species of ruminants, birds and so many animals I can't seem to recall at the moment. It was hot. I was getting tired. One of our last stops was to the reptile house. Leo loves the lizards and snakes:




One last cool snack for our tired guy:

We were at the zoo for more than four hours. My pedometer read over 8000 steps - that's nearly four miles and I didn't "exercise" today (as Saturday is my rest day).
I don't think there is a rest day when you are caring for a toddler.
OH MY GOODNESS, do we have a special occasion planned for tomorrow. Stay tuned.
Until my next update, I remain, your weary correspondent.