I’ve been out of the house very few times in the past three weeks Mostly just to sit in the car or go to a doctor’s appointment.

One time I went to the grocery. It was a fast trip and I wore Husband’s jacket to cover all my machine paraphernalia and tubing. That was a chore and really not a lot of fun. In addition, Husband’s jacket was huge, heavy and hot.

But then there was this weekend. We went to the zoo!

I shortened the strap on the machine pouch. I rolled up as much tubing as possible and hid it inside the pouch. Then I put on my Disney Vacation Club windbreaker and zipped it up over the machine. Nothing, but an odd-shaped bulge on my hip, could be seen.

It was a bracing fall day. Partly cloudy, chill in the air and a lot of wind. As I was in denial that I would actually be going somewhere, I didn’t dress appropriately for the weather and the first stop we made was the gift shop so I could buy something to cover my ears. This occurs every year. We go to the zoo during the first cold spell of the year and I under dress. Then I spend a fortune at the gift shop buying things to warm me up. I’m starting to look at hats and gloves as souvenirs.

We spent most of the time in the North America area. I was excited that the swans were out.

The Mexican Wolves and the Timber Wolf were also out. Then I spent ages just watching the river otters play.

We headed over to the polar bear habitat where we got some lunch. Yum. Chicago style hot dogs 🙂

We had hoped to see the polar bears but they weren’t out that day. The docent (do they call them docents at the zoo?) didn’t know why and seemed just as bummed as we were.

We did get to see two very happy looking brown bears. First in their little den chomping on bear kibble. Then once they were full it was time for a nap. This wouldn’t be my first choice as a napping spot but it seemed to suit the bear.

By this time, my poor underused body was starting to complain. Loudly. I haven’t done much of anything since I had my first surgery. The most strenuous task I accomplish is cleaning the kitchen or going to the store. It was nice to get out and walk and stand but my back, hips and feet were unhappy with me.

On the way out we stopped by the petting barn real quick. I didn’t actually pet anything but there were some really cute goats. One was a goat or sheep or something that looked like a poodle with horns.

By the time we got to the car I could barely walk and by the time we got home I could barely move.

I spent most of the night on the couch with the heating pad. It was worth it.

To those of you who are familiar with this blog, you might have noticed a change.

I’ve received two comments requesting that I change my blog name.

“Jessica….the name The Plucky Housewife/Housewives is a registered trademark. We ask kindly, that you change the name of your blog, in order to not infringe on our copyright and to avoid confusion.”

 “Jessica: I sent you message earlier, requesting that you change the name of your blog and your “about” paragraph, as it is in violation of The Plucky Housewives trademark and copyright and is an almost exact replication of our mission. We have been in existence since 2009 and have branded both Plucky Housewife/Plucky Housewives. We are wishing to avoid confusion in the marketplace and branding. I am kindly requesting that you change the name of this blog within the next 30 days. I wish to avoid any official legal interactions.

thank you kindly!”

I have to admit, the “thank you kindly” in the second comment cracked me up.

I have not been able to verify that their claim to have copyright is true. But I just don’t care. I’m sorry that my 19 post blog was a threat to their brand. (Again this cracks me up!) I just don’t want this headache.

My message hasn’t changed. I’m still plucky. I still plan to face any obstacles with determination & courage. I will still share ideas, advice and parts of my life. A copyright can’t change that.