Orange County Zoo and "Matt" the Zookeeper

A major highlight of the big trip to California was an unexpected visit from "Matt" the zookeeper (M.Z.K.) at Orange County Zoo, who drove up after work to drop off Grandpa's driver's license. We spent part of the day at the O.C. Zoo in Irvine. Apparently Grandpa's license was left when his O.C. zoo/beach pass was renewed for 2009. It was so thoughtful of M.Z.K to go out of his way to make the delivery, so we invited him in for a glass of wine. I suspect his motivation for the delivery was to meet a real, live centenarian. He (and we adults) had no idea what he'd gotten himself into. The litany of questions rolled out of Charlie's and Cole's mouths like water over Niagara Falls...for thirty minutes straight. I do not exaggerate when I say this. No time was left for reflection. It was a continuous question/answer period. I think M.Z.K. was a bit surprised by the vast animal knowledge the boys possess. I think Charlie (and Cole to a lesser degree) was in hog heaven. John and I had to act as mediators to ensure each child had their turn and did not interrupt. The whole event was pretty entertaining. I think all parties left with a good story. M.Z.K.'s being the meeting of Grandpa and the astounding question/answer period. (I wonder if he's disappointed that he didn't get to interview Grandpa and ask him his secret to longevity?) Charlie's and Cole's--practically sitting on the lap of a real, live zookeeper.