Happy Thanksgiving!

I have plenty of things to be thankful for this year, and one of them is this 20 pound turkey I'm about to carve. Doesn't he look delicious? Gobble Gobble!

I'm surveying my plate-o-plenty before I dig in. There's turkey, stuffing, green bean casserole, yams (don't ever ask Mark about yams...), mashed potatoes, gravy, rolls and cranberry relish (not pictured). Bring it on! I might do seconds too!

Now for the finale. Look at this luscious pumpkin pie with whipped cream. This is going to hit the spot!

Ohhh... my pink eyes were bigger than my stomach. I ate way too much, and now I can't move. It's time to drift off into a turkey coma. I'll be signing off for tonight. I hope everyone had as great a Thanksgiving as I did.

Surgery Day

As some of you may know, Mark had surgery today to implant an Ommaya Reservoir in his head for future chemotherapy. He has a fantastic blog with incredibly detailed information about his condition at Mark's Melon if you want to check it out. Here I am doing my pre-operative examination of the patient's head at the hospital this morning.

During and after surgery, I kept track of Mark's vital signs. Here I am checking his temperature. I am wearing my surgical gown and mask to maintain a sterile environment for my patient post surgery. By the way, everything went very well! Mark will come home tomorrow, and he'll be enjoying a big Thanksgiving celebration feast on Thursday. I'm sure he'll update his blog very soon with all of the medical details.

Warning! Viewer Discretion is Advised!

The following post may contain an image that is disturbing to others, so viewer discretion is advised. You have been warned!

You may recall that I am an Olympic champion runner in the monkathon from my posts earlier this summer. Laura is also a runner, although far from Olympic caliber.

I'd like to introduce another athlete in my family. Monka is a legend in his own right. As you can see from his fierce demeanor, he is a force to be reckoned with. Fists a pumping, belly a bouncing, you better get out of his way when he's sprinting towards you. Monka's motto is "Float like a watermelon sting like a bee."

Extra Extra - Read all about ME!

This post is long overdue, although many of you have already seen my article. One of our local publications, the Tropical Breeze, features a column each month called "Collecting Adventures" by Rosemary Potter. The October article is written about me and my sock monkey family (oh yeah, I think they mention Laura and Mark too). I've included the following link in case you haven't seen it yet. Big Monkey's Article

Sock Monkey Art

I am a bit of a Renaissance monkey. Here are some examples of fine art that I have added to my collection. The first is a self portrait crafted out of wire, created by the talented artist from Picturesque Wires. If you peruse this web site, you shall find my likeness under M for Monkey. She perfected all of my characteristic features including my pink eyes, Popeye forearms and classic red bow tie.


The picture below represents peace, love and harmony between tuxedo cat and sock monkey. This is an example to live by. Karl and Megan (the resident tuxedo cats) are completely on board with this concept now. Their initial interpretation was that tuxedo cat knocks sock monkey down and plays with the red pom pom atop his hat. I have firmly corrected this notion. This fine piece of artwork was created by the eBay seller affordable!!art.

G'Day mates!

My name is Herbert, and I've come all the way from Australia to join Big Monkey's clan. He seems like a good bloke, and you've got some bloody nice beaches here in Florida. Blimey! There's a lot of pretty sheilas living in Crystal Beach! I've traveled far from home, but no worries, because Big Monkey and his friends have made me feel welcome. Throw another shrimp on the barbie because I'm here to stay!

I've come to America bearing gifts for my new host. Bananas are always appreciated.

You Bet Your Babushka I'm Croation!

I'm preparing one of my favorite meals from "Croation Cuisine the modern way." It's called Goose Turopolje style. The fun part is catching the goose with your bare hands! Right now I'm mixing together the side dish which consists of corn grits, goose liver, stomach and spices. Yummo! I'm donning a traditional head scarf called a babushka, just like my ancestors from the old country. If you would like the full recipe for this luscious dish, just let me know.

Meet the Croation Socksation... Velike Ludorije

That's ME, by the way! It's my Croation code name on Facebook. Can you believe the Facebook Police wouldn't let me join as Big Monkey? That's OK because I am one step ahead of them... ha ha! I've already got several friends, and I'm looking for more! Drop me a line, poke me, send me presents, etc. Some of my entourage might be signing up in the future. I wonder if they'll let Officer Po Po join? If not, we'll call him Službenik po po. More to come on my Croation heritage... I'm digging out my organ meat cook book to share some of my favorite recipes from the old country with you.

Victory is Ours!

Sock monkey and swing voters came out in full force and led the Basock - Big Monkey ticket to a sweeping victory! Here the two rivals, Basock and Cecil shake paw / tusk after a rough campaign. Cecil will continue to be a maverick, and Barbie will disappear into cheerleading obscurity.

Election Day - Crystal Beach

Our sock monkey candidate for President, Basock, poses in front of the Crystal Beach Town Hall, Precinct 563 in the State of Florida after casting his ballot. He is proudly displaying his American flag and "I Voted" sticker.

The hopeful vice presidential candidate, Big Monkey, smiles broadly after participating in the democratic process.

Here is a sample ballot illustrating the candidates for U.S., state and county offices.

A close up reveals our two major party candidates - Basock and Big Monkey as well as Cecil Walrus and Barbie.

This is going to be a tight race. The outcome may be determined by the swing voters, pictured below. More to come when all the votes are tallied!

I Vant to Suck Your Blood!

Have a spooky Halloween and watch out for vampires!

Halloween Week Finale - All Hail King Big Monkey!

Behold his excellence, King Big Monkey, as he strikes a regal pose for the camera. As every monarch should be, he is equipped with a bejeweled sceptre.

Today is a special occasion. The humble servant, Sock Monkey Pumpkin, has been knighted by his royal highness, King Big Monkey.

His sceptre shines brilliantly upon thee, Sir Sock Monkey Pumpkin. It's dazzling jewels and solid gold leave those privileged enough to behold it in awe and amazement.

Going Up? Going Down?

It's the classic conflict of conscience versus temptation. Henly represents the angel, and I am the devil. We are battling for control over Laura's mind. Who will win?


Since Laura is such a GOOD girl, I accept my defeat as Angel Henly consoles me. He tries to make me understand the error of my ways.

Angel Henly displays his glowing halo. Good has triumphed over evil. All is right in Crystal Beach.

Wednesday's Halloween Costume - Cyn Cyn as the friendly lion

Little Cyn Cyn Monkey is dressed up as a friendly lion. Isn't she just as cute as can be? Cyn Cyn is surrounded by scarecrow friends, Frank Sockenstein, Little Pumpkin Monkey, Count Sockula and Sock Monkey Pumpkin.

Tuesday's Featured Costumes

Giddy up! This cowboy is riding one of the toughest bucking broncos around - the wild tuxedo cat! Cowboy has his work cut out for him because his ride is as ornery as he can be! This tuxedo cat is doing everything he can to take his hat off. Cowboy will be lucky if he can stay on for 8 seconds.

I am modeling my new jack-o'-lantern sweater at the bank. My friends Frank Sockenstein and Little Pumpkin Monkey are joining me in the Halloween festivities.

Monday's Featured Halloween Sock Monkey... Freckles!

Each day at the bank a different costumed monkey will be on display. Today was Freckles' turn. He is modeling a Happy Halloween t-shirt, pumpkin hat, festive mittens and pumpkin socks. Freckles is surrounded by his friends - Sock Monkey Pumpkin, Scarecrow and Little Pumpkin Monkey. A delightful time was had by all!

Halloween Week is Here!

Hi. I'm Sock Monkey Pumpkin. I'm here to kick off Halloween week! There are a lot of exciting costumes that you'll see throughout the week. Stay tuned each day for a new post. You won't be disappointed!

Trick or treat. Smell our sock feet. Give us something good to eat! (a chocolate covered banana will do... yum!)

Penn State 13, Ohio State 6

Brutus,

Penn State didn't mean to treat you bad
You didn't know just what they had
But Brutus now you do
And don't it make your buckeyes
Don't it make your buckeyes
Don't it make your buckeyes blue!!!

P.S. Lee Corso wore the WRONG mascot head today on College GameDay.

WE ARE... PENN STATE!

Crush that nut!

This is an Ohio State Buckeye. This is my stompin' boot. Any questions? Brutus the Buckeye is going to get his big, bulbous head squeezed by my Nittany Lion this weekend. Stay tuned for all the action on Saturday night!

Michigan Massacre Equals Wolverine Feast

That fiesty wolverine gave me quite a challenge during the first 30 minutes of my hunt. After that he relented and became mine (and the Nittany Lion's). After 12 long years, I can savor a delicious roast of tender wolverine meat again! Accompanied by garlic mashed potatoes and grilled mixed vegetables, I can't think of a more enjoyable meal. Next time I'll eat his liver with some fava beans and a nice Chianti...

Three wheels are better than two

Mark and I have the coolest trikes in Crystal Beach. Sometimes we race (wearing helmets of course), but I like to let Mark win occasionally. It's good for his self esteem. You be the judge - who looks better on their "hog", Mark or me?

This is how we roll...

How many mini sock monkeys can you fit in a Mini Cooper? Well, here's four that are ready to go for a joy ride! Socks will be in the driver's seat, accompanied by Neglected Monkey, Little Big Monkey (my mini me) and Sockette.

Sometimes Socks likes to go it alone. He's a bit of a speedster!

When the Mini Cooper needs a tune up, Socks turns to Little Big Monkey. He's pretty handy under the hood.

Goodbye Wisconsin, Hello Badger Sandwich!

Mmm... my belly's full after that delicious badger with cheese sandwich. What a feast! I stuffed myself and need to take an afternoon nap. Thanks for a great game, Bucky! P.S. - Badger meat is luscious. I bet wolverine might taste even sweeter. I'll find out next week.

Bucky Badger - Get ready for a beatdown! The Nittany Lion is coming for you tonight!

This is Bucky Badger (the University of Wisconsin's mascot). He looks pretty happy in this picture, cheering on his football team. Little does he know that the Penn State Nittany Lion is going to pounce on him tonight!

Uh oh! Bucky doesn't look so happy in this picture. That's because he's become a badger sandwich, topped off with some fresh Wisconsin cheese.

Yum yum yum! I can't wait to eat my badger sandwich tomorrow. It's one of my favorites. Keep smiling, Bucky! You're going to be my lunch on Sunday!

Wall Street Woes

For those of you that fear your investments in the stock market are going down the toilet, never fear! Big Monkey is taking control of the situation, literally grabbing the Wall Street Bull by the horns. Bail out, Schmail out... Big Monkey is going to save the day! Those folks in Washington don't know anything about the financial market. Invest in commodities such as bananas because the sock monkey population is soaring! (Note: Big Monkey is not responsible for anyone's personal losses resulting from his financial advice).

Introducing the Walrus Candidate for President... Cecil and his running mate Barbie!

Hi, my name is Cecil and I am running for President of Crystal Beach. As you can tell from my hat, I am a maverick. Barbie is my highly capable running mate. In addition to cheering me on to campaign victory, Barbie is a fine sharpshooter. She can aim a hunting rifle without putting down her pom poms. She can shoot a moose, wolf or monkey without batting one of her pretty eyelashes. When I kick the bucket (because I am a little long in the tooth... ha ha!), Barbie will be wearing the maverick hat. With her vast leadership experience, I have faith that she can guide Crystal Beach through the good times and the bad.

The fine walrus citizens of Crystal Beach are eager to hear what Cecil can do for them. Cecil promises to introduce the clam farming industry to Crystal Beach so that no walrus will go hungry. He will pay for this by increasing the tax on bananas. Cecil plans to cut down all the trees in Live Oak Park and build a giant ice rink. This will provide the walruses with a place to cool down and escape the hot, humid Florida weather. From what they have heard so far, Cecil is the walrus candidate for change.

Introducing the Sock Monkey Candidate for President... Basock!

Hi. My name is Basock, and I am running for President of Crystal Beach. I am originally from Minnesota where I have years of experience in local government. If I am selected as the next President, I can promise the citizens of Crystal Beach the brilliant future that they deserve.

The sock monkeys of Crystal Beach are not so sure about this foreigner from Minnesota. They are eagerly awaiting a speech from candidate Basock.

Basock has organized a town hall meeting to answer questions posed by the Crystal Beach residents. Before he can begin to speak, he hears some whispering in the crowd.

Monkey Kid: "Mom, he's blue! Have you ever seen such a thing? And he has a funny name too!"

Monkey Mom: "Shush! That's not polite!"

Basock: "Young man, did you want to ask me a question?"

Monkey Kid: "Well, yes. You're blue, and we're all brown. You look different from the rest of us. Your name sounds weird too."

Monkey Mom: "Sir, please excuse him. He doesn't know what he's saying."

Basock: "That's quite alright. Son, you have a point. Yes, I am blue, and most of you are brown. My name is kind of funny too. I'd really like it if you would just give me a chance to prove that I can represent all of you. I may be blue, but it's not the color of the sock that matters. It's the heart of the sock monkey that really counts."

Monkey Kid: "OK... Do you like bananas?"

Basock: "Of course I do, son."

Monkey Kid: "He's alright with me, Mom!"

Residents of Crystal Beach, if you elect me I can promise that I will do everything within my power to lower the taxes on bananas. I will plant more trees in the park for you to climb. My personal secret service agent from Minnesota, Sheriff Festus (pictured below) will work with Officer Po Po to protect Crystal Beach residents from crime. Most importantly, I have chosen Big Monkey to be my running mate!