Where they roam.

 “Oh, give me a home where the buffalo roam

Where the deer and the antelope play

Where seldom is heard a discouraging word

And the skies are not cloudy all day.”

If you’ve ever been to a zoo that has buffalo, you know these are some seriously big creatures  If you’ve ever seen them on the open plains, you know it’s very wise to stay away from them…that is, unless you want to be on a YouTube video. 

It was only recently that I learned the difference between a buffalo and a bison; honestly I thought they were the same. Well here you go—bison have large humps at their shoulders and bigger heads than buffalo. Regardless, you don’t want to get up close to determine which is which.

I still remember the first time I saw a buffalo. It was at Grant’s Farm in St. Louis; I learned at one point it was owned by the Busch family, the beer people. Before that, it was owned by Ulysses S. Grant—-hence the name—and now the St. Louis Zoo. The farm is really a hidden gem, with many animals, and it feels like you’ve traveled back to the old west. I don’t think they sell beer.

Although I am not sure, I believe they have the machine that takes a penny and creates a souvenir from it; I remember having one, and was so proud when it came out. I was not as proud a few days later when I couldn’t find it. By now, I think it’s probably hanging out with the many other souvenirs I have purchased over the years—- like the wax animals that were made right in front of you. They either broke, melted, or were blown up on the 4th of July. Whereas I look back at that time and now laugh, it was not my idea to stuff a firecracker in the bear or dolphin, and watch it blow into bits. It was my brother’s.

A few years back, we went to the Brookfield Zoo with my son and his family; believe it or not, where the buffalo are housed, they actually sell buffalo meat burgers. He ordered one. I said,“come over here and I took a picture.” In the distance was a huge buffalo. I said, “You’re probably having his Mom or Dad for lunch.” I thought it was really funny—I was alone.

The photo above was taken in Oklahoma near a military base. I was told there were buffalo near by and sure enough there were. There was one. I got out of my car, took photos and went to turn my car around to exit. When I returned I had a guest near the side of the road. I was not sure if he wanted to see the picture or kill me. I opted to drive away and be thankful I wasn’t in a YouTube video.

Thanks for stopping by.