I read 2001 by Arthur C. Clark this week. Was a lot better than the movie, and I have never liked the movie. And I read Cold River Rising by Enes Smith, could hardly put it down it was that compelling.

Watched the ever famous Superbowl, only the second time I’ve done so. In my lifetime. Was an interesting game. Halftime entertainment was dazzling. TV coverage superior. And likely won’t watch another. Superbowl. Good luck to those players who got injured that night.

But Mardi Gras at Fiesta Texas came first, on Saturday. Lively, and fun. Lots of entertainment (singers, dancers, parades, costumed cartoon icons). And the food was real good, although a bit too spicy for our tastes.

We went to the zoo, too. Near New Braunfels, Texas. The Snake Farm (And Zoo) which is mightily improved. The snakes are no longer in fish aquariums but have big, big glass enclosures. Don’t let the original (likely) façade of the building fool you. They have a nice little zoo as well as all those snakes. A wide range of animals to see, not counting dozens of chickens following you everywhere as if you’re their last hope. (Last time we were there those chickens were fluffy baby chicks). A cougar that meowed at us, a gray wolf that ignored us, hyenas busy tearing up their lair, bison, camels, zebras, lions, panthers, koi, capybaras. Picnic tables. Animal lectures. And a gift shop, ice cream truck.