May 16, 2015 by coloradotravelingducks

African Art at the Denver Art Museum with Zeb and Soapy

We went to the Denver Art Museum. Our Art Museum has so much stuff. We have a membership here, so we can go for just a short time and then do other things mom needs to do. We, Zeb the Duck and Soapy Smith Duck, want to show you some of what we saw in the African Art exhibit.

Welcome to the African Art Exhibit

This exhibit is on the 4^th floor of the Denver Art Museum’s Hamilton Building.

This mask of wood, paint and metal is from the Nafana Culture of the Ivory Coast and Ghana.

From the Ivory Coast and Ghana in Africa

From the Ivory Coast and Ghana’s Nafana culture

Once a year dancers wear these giant masks, representing Bedu, an animal spirit that lives in the wilderness. They perform acrobatic dances, model ideal conduct and chide villagers who have misbehaved during the year. These masks feature large round faces and geometric patterns. This harp is from Ethiopia; the drum is from the Senufo culture of the Ivory Coast.

A harp, a drum and a pot

The ceramic pot represents the Mandingo culture of Mali. The intricate wooden door panels

Beautifully carved door panels

are from the Yoruba culture of Nigeria. This mask

What a great mask

represents the Farig culture of Gabon. This Housepost was carved by Olowe, the most important artist for the royal court in the late 1920s.

A housepost

The housepost comes from the Yoruba culture in Nigeria. Olowe’s energetic forms create the illusion of movement. This housepost, a warrior on horseback, supported by several women, highlights the complementary relationship between ordinary people and those in power. Here is a Spiritual Messenger,

A spiritual messenger

created by Francis Nnaggenda, a native of Uganda. We think the African Art exhibit is great! And there is more to see.

These figures

Carved figures

are from Yoruba culture of Nigeria. The Democratic Republic of the Congo

Look at this mask

is represented by this mask. The wood and bone pipe is also from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Pipe from the Democratic Republic of the Congo

There is much to see at the Art Museum’s African Art display, but we will end with Moyo Ogundipe’s Life’s Fragile Fictions, representative of Nigeria’s Yoruba culture.

Vivid colors!

We hope you visit the Denver Art Museum or an art museum near you soon.

May 15, 2015 by coloradotravelingducks

Furry Scurry in Denver with Zeb and Soapy Smith Duck

Every May, the Dumb Friends League sponsors a 2-mile walk for humans and dogs. This is the biggest fundraiser for the Dumb Friends League. This year there were over 12,000 humans, over 5,000 dogs and two Colorado Traveling Ducks. Registration begins at 7:00 a.m. and the walk begins at 9:00 a.m.

Registration begins at 7:00 a.m.

As you can see, there are a lot of humans and dogs here.

What a great turn out for the Furry Scurry

The walk is held at Denver’s Washington Park. The paths go around the lake. The finish line is a welcome sight for dogs and humans.

After 2 miles we have finished

We thought these white dogs were beautiful.

Mom really likes white dogs.

This vehicle reminds us that we are raising money for the Dumb Friends League.

Dumb Friends League sponsors this event

Sheltering homeless pets is a great cause. After the finish line, there were many booths. A portion of all profits goes to the Dumb Friends League. This is the first time we saw this Mobile Dog Wash.

The Pooch Mobile

Isn’t this great?

Even a toy dog inside

What a great idea. Often humans complain about pet hair. Here is the solution.

Be Forever Furless

All humans should know CPR for humans and now they can learn first aid and CPR for dogs.

Sometimes dogs need help

You can see this was a nice morning and so many walkers stayed to shop, eat and enjoy the day.

Lots of shoppers and lookers

Dogs need clothes, too. The baseball cap can shade the eyes, or the bill can be flipped up.

This dog is a Bronco fan!

The dog scarf is a fashion statement. Large areas of Washington Park were designated play areas for dogs. This obstacle course was fun to see. This dog is not sure about going through the tunnel.

Why would I want to go inside that tunnel???

Another dog had no problem going up and down the ramp.

Up the ramp and then back down. OK

This dog is catching a Frisbee.

Catching a Frisbee is fun

It was a full and busy day for the dogs. These two seem happy and slightly exhausted.

A festival for dogs!! Very tiring

We hope you visit a furry scurry, or similar event near you. We want to go again next year.

May 13, 2015 by coloradotravelingducks

Zeb the Duck and Soapy Smith Duck Go to Deckers, Colorado

After Sedalia, we drove to Deckers, Colorado. This is a scenic drive and we love it.

Beautiful Colorado

There are not many homes here, but the mountains, trees and river are so peaceful and beautiful. This area is home to the Upper South Platt Forest Restoration Program.

Upper South Platte Forest Restoration Project

Aren’t the trees pretty?

Love the pine trees

This is a great area for fishing.

An afternoon fishing

These men seem to be having a good time in the river. The area southwest of Denver has many old trees.

Old Trees

This is the story of the Old Trees. **Like many stories, all was not happy.

Showing fire scars

This shows a 300-year-old pine tree with fire scars. We love our Colorado mountains and rivers with the bright blue Colorado sky.

Beautiful river and mountains

But all humans have a responsibility to be careful and keep our state beautiful. A minute of carelessness can result in scenes like this.

Terrible devastation

Even years later, with new growth emerging, the devastation caused by fires is very visible.

At least 3 years after fire

But, on a happier side, this is the Colorado we all love and try to preserve.

Much better

Let’s keep Colorado and all states looking like this.

May 11, 2015 by coloradotravelingducks

Zeb and Soapy Smith Duck Visit Sedalia, Colorado

Sedalia, community of about 200 people, south of Denver, is an old railroad town. Today many of the old historic buildings are still there. This museum is very nice.

The museum opened soon

It was closed when we arrived, but did open before we left town. The museum also hosts the Girl Scout project, the Caboose Library.

Red Caboose Library is a great project

This is a free library. The sign says to take a book and leave a book. Next to the museum is a Douglas County Historical Landmark, the Sedalia Fire Station.

Fire Stations are very important in these towns

This fire station was completed in 1933.

Horses are important in Sedalia

Zeb and Soapy really like this fire alarm.

Turn handle in case of fire

Isn’t this great? We love it! The red container held fire retardant, used to help put out fires.

To the fire

Humans, animals or vehicles could pull this cart. Any way to get it to the fire. The Different Drummer antique store is really nice. The grounds are so neat and we love these tulips.

Different Drummer Antiques

This part of the lawn has so much stuff.

So many interesting things here

We admired the cow, goose and hay wagon, but our favorite was the man with a red scarf leaning against the post with the bell.

Wandering down the main street, we noticed the Community Market.

Love logs

Great bench in front of the building. Bud’s Bar is a favorite hangout.

Welcome to Bud’s

Great hamburgers are served in here. A fine dining establishment, Gabriel’s, has a beautiful patio.

When you want Italian food, try Gabriel’s

Diners can sit here and enjoy the beautiful mountains, while enjoying wonderful food. Around the corner, we discovered the General Store.

Love the roof decoration

We love this place. Sedalia is a friendly, historic town and we enjoyed walking around. But, mountain sunshine and fresh air, often requires a snack. Comadres looked inviting, and was recommended by the lady at the museum, so we entered.

Let’s go to Comadres!

So many flavors of ice cream. We wanted to try them all, but we bought black cherry and Hawaiian ice cream. The black cherry was fabulous!

YUM!!

The Hawaiian ice cream had bits of coconut and bits of macadamia nuts. We ate at a table outside enjoying the wonderful weather and the great ice cream. I think Hawaiian ice cream is my new favorite!

May 10, 2015 by coloradotravelingducks

Happy Mother’s Day 2015

We, the Colorado Traveling Ducks, wish you a very Happy Mother’s Day. Mother’s Day was established as an official holiday in the United States in 1914. We ducks will join the human males in taking the human moms to dinner today. Enjoy this holiday.

May 6, 2015 by coloradotravelingducks

Goodbye to Bert the Hippo

I, Zeb the Duck, went to the Denver Zoo last August. Bert, the hippo had a birthday August 21. Bert, 58 years old, was the oldest living hippo in North America and the longest resident of the Denver Zoo.

Happy Birthday Bert

My friend, Bert, died Monday, May 3, 2015 at the zoo. We will miss him whenever we go to the zoo. Bert’s son, Mahali, is now the oldest hippo at the Denver Zoo.

Bert, born at New York City’s Central Pak Zoo, arrived in Denver on December 16, 1958. Bert was the first hippo to ever live at Denver’s zoo.

Bert has his own pool

Bert became one of the most loved and visited residents at the Denver Zoo. Here are some photos from Bert’s birthday last August.

Bert is watching me!

Bert is eating while watching me watch him

Bert, I will miss you. You were the best hippo I ever met!

May 5, 2015 by coloradotravelingducks

Happy Cinco de Mayo 2015

Today is May 5, or cinco de mayo. This is a holiday in Mexico and is also celebrated in many places in the United States. May 5, 1862 the French army was defeated at the Battle of Puebla in Mexico. The smaller Mexican army was able to defeat the French. This was a great victory for Mexico. However, the French did eventually win and ruled Mexico for several years. This festival is also a celebration of the culture of Mexico. If you go to a festival for cinco de mayo we believe you have great time. Enjoy this holiday.

May 4, 2015 by coloradotravelingducks

Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao with Soapy Smith Duck

These two phenomenal fighters accidently met at a Miami Heat basketball game. Both were sitting courtside in Miami. They met after the game and committed to having this fight.

Pacquiao favored by many. Mayweather favored by Las Vegas

The fight was delayed because so many people ordered pay per view television coverage; the networks were overloaded. But the fight did begin! Manny Pacquiao entered the ring first

Here is Manny

and then stopped to take a selfie. Floyd Mayweather then entered the ring. Manny Pacquiao was born December 17, 1978 in the Philippines and still lives there. In May 2010, at age 32, he was elected to the Philippine House of Representatives. He has been involved in basketball, acting and is a retired singer. Pacquiao is the current WBO welterweight champion. Floyd Mayweather, Jr was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan into a family of boxers. He is currently undefeated. He is also the current WBC, WBA and Ring welterweight champion. This fight has been called the fight of the century. Soapy is watching the fight at home with his mom and dad. They ordered pay per view and they will have a good time watching the fight and yelling at the television. The television announcer are discussing the fight.

He enjoys his job

Let’s turn our attention back to the boxing ring.

The lights accentuate the boxing ring

It is time for the fight to begin!

Ready to begin!

This is exciting for Soapy. He sometimes watches fights with his humans, but this is THE FIGHT.

Round One. The spectators and officials decided this round is Mayweather’s.

After twelve full rounds, the judges have made their decision.

Floyd Mayweather is the winner and champion!

Floyd Mayweather is the winner in this unanimous decision. Congratulations Floyd!

One of the first people in the ring after the fight was Fred Sternburg. Fred is Manny’s promoter and Fred lives in Englewood, Colorado. Englewood is a southwestern suburb of Denver. Fred has been to the Philippines numerous times and has gone on world tours with Manny Pacquiao. Fred was responsible for Manny being on Jimmy Kimmel Live last week. That was Manny’s 9^th appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live since 2009. Fred wants to broaden Manny’s appeal to an audience that doesn’t necessarily watch boxing.

Floyd Mayweather won the boxing match with the unanimous decision from the judges. Mayweather had planned to retire soon and Saturday after the win, he said his last fight is in September. Soapy and the humans hope he can retire undefeated. Soapy Smith Duck likes to watch a good boxing match. These two fighters were talented boxers, not street fighters. Soapy congratulates Floyd on a great fight!

May 3, 2015 by coloradotravelingducks

The Kentucky Derby 2015 with Zeb the Duck

I, Zeb the Duck, watched the Kentucky Derby on television. The first Saturday of May, the 1 ¼ mile (2.0 kilometer) Kentucky Derby happens in Louisville, Kentucky at Churchill Downs. In Kentucky, they have two weeks of celebrating before the race. Humans get dressed up, many wear hats and many drink mint juleps. This is the 141st Kentucky Derby. The first was in 1875 and the race has been held every year. Look at this view outside Churchill Downs before the race.

Look at all the people

There are so many people. Look at all these people.

Such a crowd

Many of them have hats. I know people wear big hats, but look at these reporters.

Kentucky Derby hats

He is wearing a hat with roses similar to the roses given to the winning horse. Before the race, some of the jockeys were interviewed. This is Victor Espinoza.

Victor Espinoza, a jockey, is from Mexico.

He won last year while riding a horse named California Chrome. He also won in 2002 riding a horse named War Emblem. This year he is riding American Pharoah, the favorite. Before you notice and get distracted, this horse was named in an online contest. The name, Pharoah, was spelled wrong, but that is the official name of the horse. Now the official photo is being taken.

18 jockeys, all want to win

This is the photo of the 18 jockeys for the 2015 Kentucky Derby. Before the race, the band plays and the crowd sings My Old Kentucky Home. The jockeys mount the horses and ride to the starting point. Here is Victor Espinoza again, riding American Pharoah.

Victor Espinoza riding American Pharoah

See how his leg is bent and high on the horse. That is not what I see in movies when people ride horses. But this is an important horse race. The horses are out of the starting gate

The race started!

and the race is on. They are racing

Who is leading and who will win?

and you can see that American Pharoah is not leading. They are still running and American Pharoah is in 4^th place.

So many spectators. American Pharaoh is in 4th place

Look at all the people watching the Kentucky Derby. The race is getting toward the end and American Pharoah is now in the lead.

American Pharaoh and Victor Espinoza are in the lead

Can he keep the lead?

The winner!

Yes, American Pharoah and Victor Espinoza just won the 2015 Kentucky Derby! An official time of 2:03.02. This is two years in a row for Victor. In two weeks the horses will go to Baltimore, Maryland and run in the Preakness Stakes. The third race for the Triple Crown is the Belmont Stakes in Elmont, New York. The last horse to win the Triple Crown was Affirmed in 1978. Will American Pharoah be able to do it?? Here is the proud owner of American Pharoah holding the Kentucky Derby trophy.

The trophy and trainer, Bob Baffert front left

I, Zeb the Duck, think horse racing is exciting. Some humans even call the Kentucky Derby the fastest 2 minutes in sports. Or today, 2 minute and 3.02 seconds. Do you think American Pharoah will win the Triple Crown?

May 2, 2015 by coloradotravelingducks

Fairbanks in the Winter with Eider Duck

I, Zeb the Duck, asked my Alaska cousin, Eider Duck, to show us a little about winter at his home near Fairbanks, Alaska. Eider brought us some photographs. Eider said this was a rather mild winter at his house.

These photos were taken in early January 2015. At that time, the temperature was about 20 degrees below zero. Eider, some people do not consider that a mild winter.

Dark and cold

Winter at Eider’s house

These photos were taken more recently in March. The wind blew and the snow really fell.

Blowing snow near Fairbanks

Eider could not see the house across the street very well.

Neighbor’s house

This snow had fallen during a warmer time.

Snow on trees

The temperatures were close to 15-20 degrees above zero. We love the snow clinging to the trees.

Fresh snow

Eider said there was between 2 and 3 feet of snow on the ground.

Near Fairbanks in March 2015

Previous snowfall did not melt the way it does in Denver. Eider said some evaporates and some just compacts as it waits for the spring thaw.

Waiting for spring

Eider said that this winter he did experience temperatures of 40 below zero, but not for extended periods of time.

Perfect day to be inside looking out.

Well, Eider, we in Denver, would not consider this a mild winter. Stay warm and stay inside, Eider. But we certainly appreciate your photographs. Thanks for sharing with us!

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