How exciting that was! Since us red-headed step children of ferret sheltering down here in Florida don't get to go to shows or meet people we know only via internet or are not even able to get some of the cool things at shows that people sell, actually meeting someone "ferrety famous" was great. Bob relocated his son's wife to Georgia so of course us Floridians begged him to do a Florida visit. It started out as a joke with us but actually became a reality. After a couple correspondences via Facebook and a very short notice, Bob said he'd be here Monday night. So...........I sent out emails to my friends and posted on facebook to see if anyone around the area wanted to meet him. Had about 7 friends there when he arrived. This was after he totally went by the I-4 exit and ended up in Melbourne. Fortunately Jenny from Asti's Ferret Haven was on her way over from there and waited for him on the side of the road until he showed. He then followed her to my place. Thanks Jenny!! When he arrived everyone was excited to meet him. All ferret owners of course. One of my friends from New Jersey has had ferrets for 22 years. Everyone chipped in for food so we had plenty. I think the Cuban food that Katrina brought was he favorite. Had to do a Florida dish! So, after introductions and filling a plate of food we sat down to chat. Bob immediately wanted to know if we had questions which we all did. He talked about his "evolutionary diet" which he prefers and he and my friend Kim (yes, who you all know from here and is very controversial in her raw feeding) had an enjoyable discussion. He talked a lot about different aspects of ferrets health which was very informative. I introduced him to several of the ferrets here and he was very impressed with my set up and the care I give my kids which really meant a lot to me. He even got to meet the famous Simon, Jenny's ferret who survived distemper which she brought with her to meet him. He was amazed he had no neurological effects from it. Simon got lots of smooches!! Also got to play tag with Kim's ferret Roman. What a cool, down to earth, funny, intelligent and intriguing person. A jokester to say the least. And yes, a talker :) I was warned but loved every minute of it. Here's a pic of Bob being Bob and one of my kids: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v350/kmbrlyk/DSC03022JPG2.jpg After everyone left he asked me if there was any place around where he could see manatee in the wild. He had never seen this before and said it was on his "bucket list". I told him about a local spot where they frequented in the winter due to the it being a spring and water temps there stayed warmer in the winter. This place is known to have as many as 250 there at a time. He was excited and wanted to go. I offered to take him the next day since I was off work and offered him a room upstairs. In the morning I called the place to see if any manatee had arrived yet and they said they had 53 there the previous day so off we went. After a breakfast at a local greasy spoon restaurant and photography equipment on board Bob got to check off one of the items on his bucket list. He got some great pictures of the manatee, turtles, an alligator and several water birds. The best was when a manatee and her baby came up to get air and their mouths were together. What an awesome shot. Here's a pic of us at Blue Springs State Park http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v350/kmbrlyk/DSC03011JPG2.jpg After we returned home, he was off to the Everglades to get yet more pictures. Well it was a great visit and we all enjoyed ourselves greatly. He's welcome back anytime. Thanks Bob!! Kim Kelly Stinky Pete's Ferret Retreat -- We will not know peace until all of the unprotected and unloved are encircled by strong, caring arms. www.sunbearsquad.org [Posted in FML 6885]