Another throw back from a couple weeks ago (shows you how behind I really am), we went to the zoo, without kids. Specifically because there was a beer tasting event going on!

We left Jameson with Aunt Melissa and went off to the zoo immediately after work. We usually don’t go out during the week (except for playing raquetball, which we haven’t done in ages… slackers), so this was a real treat for us. We were meeting JP and Lisa there.

After a long highway delay, we finally arrived nearly a half hour late. Oops! Luckily, there was plenty of drinks still to go around.

Basically, you got drink tickets for each place to taste in those very reasonably sized glasses, and then you could purchase a full cup if you wanted. After a few samples, we were having a good time.

Well heck, we were having a good time prior to that. We were without kids! On a week night!

(Lisa demonstrating her air guitar.)

There was one particular beer that Lisa and I both loved. This is surprising, since I’m not a big beer drinker. I can appreciate all the work that goes into it (I’ve seen it), and I can even appreciate the complexities of scents and flavors that are in them, but many times, I find beer tolerable rather than lovable.

Exception: Blonde Bombshell, by Indigo Imp Brewery.

Brian and JP also discovered a brewery they had never heard of, so it was a win for everyone! Breweries that attended included: Indigo Imp Brewery, Thirsty Dog Brewing Co., Ohio Brewing Co., Chardon BrewWorks & Eatery and Rocky River Brewing Co.

It wasn’t all drinking though. There was some snack food available, and we did walk around the zoo and see the animal exhibits. This zoo isn’t usually open that late, and typically we go during the day, so I was surprised to see that there were actually a good number of animals out, and active!

The red panda was my favorite; I’ve never seen one up that close before!

Because this is a smaller zoo, that is actually one of their draws — all their exhibits allow you to get much closer to the animals than you would at a larger zoo.

They also had workers out showing some of the smaller animals like snakes, and my other favorite, the sugar glider:

Once upon a time, prior to my chinchilla passing away and Jameson being born, I was set on getting a sugar glider as my next pet. I still think I’d consider it, when Jameson is old enough to help take care of it.

This zoo is also known for their aquarium exhibits. They have jellyfish and an octopus along with a lot of fish!

Then there was the giant caterpillar!

Obviously, not a real animal exhibit.

There’s the animal exhibit part! ^

I even got Brian and JP to pose together. This is one of the less awkward photos. I will spare the embarrassing one here.

I still can’t even believe they actually posed for the photo.

After the tremendous fun at the zoo which we all promised to return to soon, we went out to dinner at one of my favorite restaurants, Luigi’s. Really, I go for the salad. I think there is no other restaurant for which I’d say that. But here it’s true. Salad, smothered in cheese.

To friends, and good food and drink!