Happy 4th from the National Zoo, and Me Too.

Here's wishing you all have a safe and happy 4th of July. We are still weathering the aftermath of the Derecho of 2012 here in Central Virginia. If you are not sure what a Derecho is, don't feel alone. Most of us who just lived through it didn't have a clue until now, either. You can learn all about it here.

We are one of the lucky homes to have finally gotten our power restored. Tomorrow, we will be hosting a pool party and community cool down cookout for friends and family who are still going without. To spread the joy, here's a little video from the National Zoo's 4th of July Enrichment Extravaganza last year. The animals are having a grand old time. Hope you are able to do the same.

Shanthi the Elephant Plays Harmonica

Over at The National Zoo, the keepers recently noticed a possibly musically inclined female Asian elephant. So they decided to give her some instruments and see what happens. Check out this awesome video. As it turns out, Shanthi is a composer, who enjoys performing for her keepers of her own volition without being prompted or rewarded with food. Shanthi even performs one of her original songs in the video. Awesome. Thanks to Susana Polo of The Mary Sue for turning me on to this.