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July 24, 2012

In which I hold my first guinea pig ever!

To date neither wordsmiths nor science have come up with an adequate method by which to describe or measure how much I adore guinea pigs - diligently as I’m sure they’ve tried. I've always loved these ultra cute little bundles of precious fur, yet somehow the chance to hold one had never cropped up before (I must have been one of only a few kids who didn't either have a piggie or have any friends who did).

Recently however, on one of the absolute loveliest days of a very damp season, Tony and I jumped in the car in and headed a little ways south of town to the charming orchard and fruit stand studded community of Keremeos. We went there will the sole intention of visiting the area's only (as far as I know) petting zoo, because, quite frankly we're two adults who's love of hanging out with snugly, feed-able animals rivals that of any kid on the face of the earth.

This daytrip was unplanned, which worked out perfectly actually, because I think if I'd know about it the night before, I genuinely would not have been able to sleep. Donning my Freddies of Pinewood overalls, a fun fuchsia plaid top, and some sturdy (forties-esque) walking shoes, I couldn't bolt out the door fast enough, my excitement mounting with every mile that ticked away.

We reached Farmer John's Petting Zoo shortly after they opened and were greeted by both a friendly staff and a gorgeous day that included a seriously lovely breeze. Having paid our admission and purchased bags of animal feed, we set off for a couple of hours of some of the best solid fun I've ever, quite frankly, had in my whole life.

Be forewarned, my dears, this post is rich in photos (captured with our little compact camera, not the usual Canon SLRs we use for most shoots) - but with so many ridiculously cute animals everywhere, it was impossible not to get a little snap happy!


Guinea pig leaving its house, Keremeos petting zoo
This petting zoo is terrific, they have a really fun mix of farm life, rabbits, and guinea pigs, such as this darling little fellow - who like most of the cavies there, was busy scurrying all about, with next to no interest in what we humans were up to.


Cute calico guinea pig at the Keremeos petting zoo

Another precious guinea piggie, this one poking out from under a wooden fence, intrigued by a branch that strong winds the night before had knocked down into its habitat.


Jessica Cangiano, Keremeos petting zoo, Freddies overalls, vintage farm girl, image 3

It took the help of one of the farm’s staff, but after a little while we were finally able to catch a guinea pig, which I lovingly cradled in my hands for a couple of minutes. That look on my face? Complete and total bliss at the fulfilment of a lifelong desire (to hold a guinea!).


Tony and Jessica Cangiano at Farm John's Petting Zoo, Keremeos B.C
How much to do I love guinea pigs you may ask? Enough that, for the first time ever in my life, I’ve posted a picture here which shows a front view of (part of) my teeth. That might not seem like a big deal, but I have very crooked, crowded, unattractive teeth and virtually never smile with my mouth open as a result (a point which I could never even bring myself to talk about online before this post) . The staff member who took our picture kept talking to us as she was snapping though, and as a result the best photo she grabbed of Tony and I – with the massively cute piggie in it – was this one. Trust me, it will likely be a very long time (if ever) before you’ll see even this much of my (absolutely awful) teeth again.


Tony Cangiano holding an adorable black and white guinea pig, Keremeos petting zoo

While I could have joyfully held onto that endlessly sweet little black and white piggie all day, I was a good sport and let Tony have a turn too. Smile


Adorable brown and white fluffy bunny rabbits at the Keremeos petting zoo

There were two areas (located very close to one another) with bunnies in them, the younger rabbits being placed in the same enclosure with the guinea pigs and the older, larger ones in an area unto themselves. These two fluffy cutie pies were chilling with the cavies.


Adorable black and white bunny rabbit at the Keremeos petting zoo

I would have absolutely loved to have held a bunny, too, but none of them seemed game for it, so instead I was more than content just to capture photos of them – especially this ridiculously darling little black and white one hiding under a bench.


Cute brown rabbit at the Keremeous petting zoo, Okanagan British Columbia

In the second rabbit enclosure one encountered sweetie pies like this sandy hued fellow, who’s long eared shadow reminded me of the classic shape of a chocolate Easter bunny.


Jessica Cangiano, Keremeos petting zoo, Freddies overalls, vintage farm girl, image 2

While the rabbits weren’t too keen on being held, they were more than a little happy to take all of the delicious pellets we were feeding them (I wonder if this one liked my pearl bracelets?).


Tony Cangiano feeding a bunny at the Keremeos petting zoo

The bunnies were a little more shy around Tony, but eventually a couple of them warmed up to him and I was able to nab this shot of one inching its way toward his outstretched hand.


Jessica Cangiano, Keremeos petting zoo, Freddies overalls, vintage farm girl, image 1

As you can see by the wind sock that was flapping around over the guinea pig enclosure, we were sharing our day with quite a breeze. Not that I minded in the least though, it helped make for the best temperature and weather you could ever want for a day like this.


Jessica Cangiano, Keremeos petting zoo, Freddies overalls, vintage farm girl, image 4

This darling black and white piggie, who was on the verge of giving birth in just a few days, was so sweet natured and friendly. She’s allowed to wander about the farm amongst the visitors and was immensely happy to lap up all the treats we offered her.


Cooper the Mule at Farmer John's Petting Zoo, Keremeos B.C.

Some of the penned animals had names on their fences, and this super friendly mule’s name was Cooper. He was a total doll who just loved having his face rubbed.


Jessica Cangiano, Keremeos petting zoo, Freddies overalls, vintage farm girl, image 8

Like all the critters, big and small, that we encountered that day, Cooper the mule was also extremely fond of being feed a few handfuls of pellets.


Cute white llama at the Keremeos Petting Zoo

While that day marked the first time I got to touch a guinea pig, it might surprise some to know that it wasn’t my first up close encounter with a llama (my mom and step-dad used to live right beside some people who kept a few and I used to pass pet them all the time on my way to and from walking up the hill to catch the school bus).


Jessica Cangiano, Keremeos petting zoo, Freddies overalls, vintage farm girl, image 7

I do believe though that this may very well have been the first time I’ve ever had a chance to feed a llama – or in this case, two shaggy haired sweeties!


Tony Cangiano feeding the llamas at Farmer John's Petting Zoo, Keremeos B.C.

Feeding llamas was also a first for Tony that sunny, wonderful day.


Jessica Cangiano, Keremeos petting zoo, Freddies overalls, vintage farm girl, image 11

The petting zoo is located just off of main stretch of the highway that runs through the little community of Keremeos (seen in the background here), an area famed – and much beloved throughout the province – for its excellent produce and many fruit stands.


Jessica Cangiano, Keremeos petting zoo, Freddies overalls, vintage farm girl, image 6

This pony was as cute a button, however he also had a bit of a jealous streak! A second (white) pony was located in the paddock right next to him and the moment I started feeding that one instead of him, he stomped his front hooves against the metal fence, demanding that we feed him again, too!


Jessica Cangiano, Keremeos petting zoo, Freddies overalls, vintage farm girl, image 5

Like most petting zoos, this one had a number of goats, all of who enjoyed being feed and petted (which was great because I couldn’t get enough of running my hands through their ultra soft fur!).


Tony and Jessica Cangiano feeding a baby goat at Farmer John's Petting Zoo, Keremeos B.C

And as you can see in this shot, neither could Tony!

Jessica Cangiano, Keremeos petting zoo, Freddies overalls, vintage farm girl, image 10

These little pygmy goats were so eager to get to the treats some were head butting each other to reach my outstretched hand first.


Turkey at Farmer John's Petting Zoo, Keremeos British Columbia

As you can imagine, this big fellow wasn’t for petting, but he was still fun to see nevertheless and he certainly put me in the mood for autumn’s return.


Jessica Cangiano, Keremeos petting zoo, Freddies overalls, vintage farm girl, image 12

Contently at peace with the beautiful world – and generous abundance of ultra darling animals – around me.


Two cute grey rabbits, Keremeos petting zoo

The petting zoo is designed so that one follows a natural path that leads them past all of the varying critters, but at the same time also allows for easy backtracking if – like me – you just have to go see the bunnies again before carrying on with the rest of the sights.


Brown and white guinea pig eatting, Keremeos Farmer John's Petting Zoo

And, well, if you’re saying hello to the rabbits once more, you definitely better wave a cheerful hi to the guinea pigs as well (even if they’re too busy nibbling away on straw and grass to pay much attention to you).


Jessica Cangiano, Keremeos petting zoo, Freddies overalls, vintage farm girl, image 13

Though the sunlight was a tad harsh, the moment I spied an open (to the public) barn with bales of hay and a red rake in it, I just knew I had to pose for a photo…


Jessica Cangiano, Keremeos petting zoo, Freddies overalls, vintage farm girl, image 14

Or two! (That’s me daydreaming about the next time we get to visit Farmer John’s!)




Outfit details

Prescription eyeglasses: (frames) Venus Eye Design V-12

Blue and white polka dot headband: Arden

White rose stud earrings: Claire's

Fuchsia flannel plaid shirt: American Eagle

Faux pearl stretch bracelets: Real Canadian Superstore

Vintage reproduction overalls (dungarees): Freddies of Pinewood

White socks: Zellers

Black shoes: thrifted (from Salvation Army)

Lip colour: Clinique Raspberry Glace
 
All animals: their own fur or feathers


Photos of me by Antonio Cangiano, pics of Tony and the critters on their own taken by me, and the snapshot of the two of us together taken by one of the petting zoo staff.
 

♥ ♥ ♥


I tell yah, on the awesomely enjoyable, ultra adorable animal filled scale, days just don't come much more fun than this, and I absolutely know that there will be many a trip more to the Keremeos petting zoo in our future - especially when the overwhelming urge to spend time with a guinea pig strikes again! Smile




46 comments:

  1. Oh, how cool!!! So glad you got to experience guinea pigs, they are so wonderful. One of my first pets was a guinea pig. I received her for my 5th birthday and named her Miss Piggy {It just so happens my parents had a guinea pig named Miss Piggy, I didn't know that at the time, so neat coincidence...}. I didn't have Miss Piggy long, she took sick. But those months I had her were great. I loved her dearly and my heart broke when I found out she was gone.

    Someday I might have to get another guinea pig, they are such great companions.

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    1. I love the name that you picked for your guinea pig and find it really neat that you parents had coincidentally once named a cavy the same thing. I hope you're able to get another piggie one day, dear gal - be sure to let me know (with tons of pictures, please!) if you do.

      ♥ Jessica

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  2. My daughter used to be desperate "for one of them skinny pigs" but as we had hamsters, dogs, cats and fish at the time, I drew the line, even though secretly, I quite wanted one myself.
    I like pygmy goats, actually all goats, very much, and depending where our next move takes us, I could see me having some of those. And chickens and bees, and maybe a donkey.....
    Love the pictures in the barn, clearly it was there just waiting for you to come and pose for some shots!

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    1. I can completely relate to your daughter, as I think skinny pigs are incredibly cute and always check to see if the local pet shop has any (just looking, not buying) when we're in their picking up things for Stella. Goats can be darling too, and I think it would be great to own one or more some day. I hope you and your family are able to do so someone time and that you'll be sure to post about it if you do! :)

      ♥ Jessica

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  3. oh Jessica they?re sooooo cute!!!!! I wish I had a guinea pig to! I also love your outfit a lot, it's perfect for the zoo

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  4. What an awesome way to spend a day! I can't get over how massive the bunnies are! And you really do look blissful in the first pic with the guinea pig; it's adorable! I also love your outfit and it's nice to see such happy pics of you and your hubby.

    I love this post so much, and I think it's pretty brave of you to post a picture you don't feel entirely comfortable with and to talk about why you don't. I definitely still think you're gorgeous and lovely, and I hope that you keep getting more and more comfortable.

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    1. Hi Nancy, thank you very much for your touching comment. I actually had butterflies in my stomach this morning thinking about that this post was going live (I'd put it together last week) and that "that photo" would be in it. I almost chickened out and took that shot out a couple of times, but ultimately refrained, because in a way it's good to show the world your shortcoming or the things you're not overly fond of about yourself sometimes.

      ♥ Jessica

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  5. I kept guinea pigs as a kid but had forgotten just how cute they are. I also adore pigs, there's something about the way they snuffle with their snouts that always makes me giggle. Not to mention the Llamas with their curly top-knots...

    What a lovely day out! And look, you guys finally got some summer sun! How could you not manage a smile?

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    1. Their darling little snuffle sounds always make me smile ear-to-ear, too! I've tried to imitate them myself, but simply can't get anywhere near that high pitched (I wonder if any human can?).

      ♥ Jessica

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  6. Guinea pigs are so cute! I love the cute little noises they make. I don't however like the fact that they can keep you up at all hours of the night.
    I had a guinea pig a few years ago. She was very skittish and didn't like people. She ended up developing a tumor and passed away. I later learned that guinea pigs and hamsters are prone to tumors.

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    1. That sound is the best! I'm sorry to hear that your sweetie piggie developed a tumor and passed away, honey. I've (as this post makes clear) not owned a piggie yet, but I have read a fair bit about them over the years and know that they're rather prone to a number of health problems. Still, I think the joy of owning one, even if it's just for a short time, is worth it. Fingers crossed though that if you ever get another piggie, it will live a much longer, healthier life.

      ♥ Jessica

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  7. Best post ever! I love guinea pigs, and have owned them for the past sixteen years. I've had all sorts of breeds and colours, boys and girls, and every one of them has had a different cheeky personality. I love their chuckle when they hear a funny noise, their big feet and their penchant for cuddles! My current guinea hog is called Alfie and is a dalmatian. I'm so pleased you finally got to hold one of these lovely creatures, and meet some awesome llamas, too!

    Anna. x

    PS: Have you read the 'Olga da Polga' books by Paddington Bear author Michael Bond? I think he captures the guinea pig spirit beautifully! x

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    1. Hi sweet Anna, how wonderfully lovely that you've owned piggies for sixteen years, I can only imagine what a joy that must have been, and still is, for you. I adore their chuckle, too, and wish I could replicate it myself sometimes :)

      I've not read those books, but will check at the local library for them the very next time I'm there. Thank you for letting me know about them.

      ♥ Jessica

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  8. My boyfriend and I *love* animals! At one time we owned 3 snakes, 3 rabbits, we had 4 fish tanks (with various kinds of fish) and a dog! Crazy town! When we bought our house it was just too much to manage, so we found good homes for the bunnies and sold many of the fish and two of the snakes. Now all that remains is one fish tank, the pup and one snake (still looking for a home for that guy).
    We have to get our animal fix from zoos these days. Pet stores (as you can imagine) are quite dangerous!

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    1. It sounds like you had quite the menagerie going on! That's really cool! I adore animals of all kinds, but have never owned anywhere near that many at one time. I fully understand what you mean about pet stores being dangerous. Every time I go into one, I get seriously tempted - especially when I'm in the guinea pig section! :)

      ♥ Jessica

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    2. I've never been one for guinea pigs, but bunnies melt my heart!

      Thank you for the lovely comments on my blog! It *is* too bad we're so far apart, I have no friends in Winnipeg who are into vintage like me. I'm am thankful for internet friends though. What would I do without them!

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  9. Oh my gosh how neat! Looks like you had a wonderful time! Also, your overalls are so cute. :)

    xx Christina

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  10. Lovely pictures! I think you should smile more often:)))

    http://dividingmoments.blogspot.com/

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    1. Thank you very much, Joanna. You're all together too sweet. I do smile a lot (as I tend to be the chipper type), but I almost never do so (let alone on camera) with my teeth showing (believe, me this photo barely begins to show how terrible my teeth are). It is my hope and dream that one day I'll have the means (I already know it will be a five figure bill to do so) able to get my teeth fixed and then I can learn how to properly, confidently smile with my teeth showing).

      ♥ Jessica

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  11. Look at you guys having such fun. Aah Petting Zoos. Much loved by kids and adults alike.

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  12. The animals in the photos look so cute, I love them :).

    - Jip.

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  13. I luv Freddies overalls! And you look smashing in them! And as for guinea pigs....we are up to 16 with more on the way....the cuteness wears off VERY quickly when they breed too often!

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  14. Ah so much cute!! I love the bunnies :-D

    Bravo for mentioning your smile too! I know *exactly* how you feel - I used to have pretty crooked teeth, one that even stuck out at a 45 degree angle right in the front of my face. I never had braces as a kid because my parents couldn't afford it - so at the age of 23 I took it upon myself to finally get them myself. Seriously, it was the best $5000 I've EVER spent! It's not money to be sneezed at - and it was 21 months of discomfort and sometimes lots of pain - but still 100% worth it.
    I probably sound like a preacher! And I hope I dont make you uncomfortable with my comment (feel free to delete if you do!)...I know it's not a feasible option for everyone but the difference it made to my self confidence is immeasurable. So if the thought of getting braces has even briefly crossed your mind, I highly encourage the endeavor! :-D

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  15. Hi darling gals, thank you very much for all of your wonderfully nice comments. We had such an amazing day at the petting zoo, and I've been eager ever since to share these snaps with you. Hopefully we'll get back there again and I can do a second edition about this super fun location.

    Tons of hugs & joyful Tuesday wishes to you all!
    ♥ Jessica

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  16. You look lovely! a smile is a wonderfu, soul lifting thing regardles of wether you have game show host teeth or not!! Wear your's with pride. Have a lovley day Jessica :) x0x0x

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  17. You should totally get a guinea pig! They are great pets. I owned one named Gizmo for about five years. Now we are inundated with a rabbit, six chickens, two dogs of our own plus a seeing eye dog in training and a fish. However, if my son ever asks for a guinea pig my answer will be heck yes! Ha ha

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  18. it looks like it was total fun. am an animal lover myself & we've had loads of animals over the years - not big ones of course bur guinea pigs, tortoises, birds, hamsters, dogs, cats.....

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  19. Youn look like you had a truly wonderful 'down on the farm' experience!I'm glad you had such a good day, you looked the part in your extremely stylish overalls, and pink plaid shirt! xx

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  20. OH, those cute little faces! And the bunnies! And PEEGS! *gasps* no wonder you are looking so radiant and excited. What a lovely place to visit. It's like Cute Overload come to life. The llama looks like my cat! I hope you can have your own little piglet one day.
    Besides all the furry delights, I really love your pink/purple shirt! The colour is perfect on you.

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  21. What a fun day!!! That looks so blissfully perfect. Have you ever seen the Ellen interview with Kristen Bell about her love for sloths? That's how I imagine you now. :P Search for "sloth meltdown" on YouTube and have a look if you like. :)

    And I am so sorry to hear you don't like your teeth. I think crooked teeth are extremly charming! I think maybe it's because mine are a little crooked too and I've learned to like it instead of spending energy worrying about it. Just the other day my 7 year old nephiew looked at me and said "can I see your teeth?" and then he said I looked like a vampire. :P Not the first time I've heard that.
    I hope you with time become more comfertable with your smile and let it shine. I think you look amazing, always.

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    1. Hi sweet gal, thank you very much for your lovely, thoughtful comment. I have seen that video (the hubs showed it to me shortly after it first aired), and you're right (minus the tears) that was pretty much me. I was on cloud nine and felt so incredibly, blissfully happy!

      ♥ Jessica

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  22. One of my first loves was a guinea pig named Pig Pig. He was a big black and brown guy with a shock of hair that flopped over one eye. He cooed a lot--when he was eating, when he was running around outside the cage, when he was being held, etc. When I woudl come home form school and go into the playroom--a big room in our old house where the piano, record player, dresser of dress-up clothing, and our toy chest lived as well as Pig Pig--he'd "pop corn." If you've never seen this it is by far the cutest thing on the face of the planet--the cavy will run around their enclosure squealing and then suddenly stop and hop up and down! It's an excited little dance that just says "glad to see you! Let's play!" I was so sad when Pig-Pig died... I often think about getting another "pig" as we called them.

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  23. Hey, I totally share your love of guinea pigs. As a child I longed for a dog, but my parents both working, said NO. I finally was able to persuade them to let me keep guinea pigs, my mum was even won over with their cuteness. Guinea pigs have a permanent smiley mouth! I must say your photo with the biggest smile is gorgeous and think more candid and attractive than ever, your whole face is just lit up!. Thanks for sharing a great blog, sending you very best wishes.

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    1. Hi Lisa, thank you very much for your very sweet comment. I had a dog (two at one point), which I loved with all my heart, but I longed for a guinea pig, too. No dice though. It's interesting, isn't it, what pets some parents are fine with and others are adamantly opposed to.

      Thanks again, dear gal, your lovely words having me smiling over here right now :)

      ♥ Jessica

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  24. What a fun post - I love all the animals. They have some giant bunnies there! My Bandit is only 3 or 4 pounds, much tinier in comparison.. ;-)

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  25. You look like you were in yur absolute element, I would have been too. I love the little guineapigs house. We have a little Cavie called Beetle and I know he would love a house like that to play in. ;). xx

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  26. But Jessica! You're beautiful inside and out. And you're happy. Let your happiness shine through, girl. :) The first thing i always notice when a person smiles is his/her eyes. That's where a smile truly shows. And guinea pigs! They're absolutely fabulous creatures. My brother and i had a tan colored one when we were young who we named Herman. I loved to play with and hold him. I didn't even mind cleaning his enclosure (when it was my turn.) LOL He lived to be 11 years old. Quite an old age for a little piggie. The vet said it was because we took such good care of him. I'd love to have one now. Alas.. we have 4 cats. Maybe someday, if we have space and can figure out a way to fix up a nice, large enclosure for one... Have a fantastic weekend, Jessica!

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  27. That is the cutest outfit ever for a petting zoo. I love those vintage reproduction overalls, and they look great on you. Also, the smile is lovely!

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  28. Your outfit is absolutely delightful; it makes me wish I had a pair of overalls! And even if that darling little rabbit didn’t appreciate your bracelets, I think they were a nice touch. :)

    You have a beautiful smile!

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  29. My husband had a guinea pig-Penelope-when we were dating 40 yrs. ago. I thought it was hilarious, but she was very sweet and would start squeaking whenever he came home. Very fun! And I think the photo of you and your husband is absolutely precious--both of your smiles speak volumes. It's wonderful and you can be proud!

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  30. I love farm-related stuff! The pictures are terrific: thanks so much for sharing them!

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    1. My pleasure, fellow farm animal loving gal. I'm delighted to know you enjoyed them and appreciate your lovely comment.


      ♥ Jessica

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  31. This is so funny and cute! Love the farm girl look and love that the animals are wearing furs and feathers!:) by the way your hair is beautiful here!

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    1. Hi Jenn, thank you very much for your lovely comments this morning. My hair is so thin (and naturally bone straight) that I'm rarely able to brush out a curl set without it pretty much going straight on me again, but occasionally I can get it to work and this day just happened to be one of those rare times.

      ♥ Jessica

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  32. Lurvs this post ~ I just lost two pet guinea pigs this past May and ran a guinea pig blog (guinea-pig-stars.blogspot.com) for a couple of years. I'm not sure I'll get any more guinea pig pets (but we'll see).

    thriftshopcommando.blogspot.com

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  33. *Gasp*! Jessica! Those animals are adorable! I <3 them! I'm looking into getting rabbits for our petting zoo....I grew up with them and loved them. I'm thinking New Zealanda Whites, but I'm not sure yet. I owned a Flemish Giant along with other breeds growing up, you do have to see one of those! They are sooo large, and a lot of fun to play with. Mine would run around the house and hide behind furniture and "surprise" attack us, it was a lot of fun and hilarious! He was very sweet and I loved him dearly. I always wanted a guinea pig as well, never did aquire one though :( maybe one day!

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