Sock Monkey Friday 7/31/09 - Officer Po Po and Po Junior meet a new friend named Eugene

Officer Po Po and his son Po Junior participated in Sock Monkey Friday at the bank today. They were delighted to meet a new friend named Eugene, whose human is one of Laura's co-workers.

Eugene, Po Po and Po Junior experienced monkey zen via the trickling waters of this delightful fountain.

Po Po is always on duty, no matter what. He made sure that incoming customers abided by the bank's security procedures. He had the pleasure of meeting Officer Edith today, who is one of this county's finest human law enforcement officers. She said that Po Po made her proud to be a police officer! Normally Po Po shows very little emotion, but I think he may have blushed at her compliment, which was quite an honor.

While Po Po and Junior handled security, Eugene concentrated on customer relations. He wanted to encourage everyone to save money, as demonstrated by the coin banks that are displayed on the teller line.

Rapper B-Monk cruisin' in the Escalade

This is how I roll... in a purple Escalade fo shizzle! My new doo rag will protect my delicate chrome dome during my ride.

Yeah, dog. I'm going for a cruise on this fine summer day!

Woo hoo! I'm turnin' up the bass and blastin' "Auto-Biggie-Ography" all over the streets of Crystal Beach. Vroom Vroom! Smell ya later, homeys!

Fur and Sock Felines - Let's Get to Know Each Other - Part 1

I'd like to take this opportunity to introduce you to my pal, Sock Kitty. She's a red heel, just like me.

I usually keep her secluded upstairs for her own safety. I think you can see why. She is already drawing attention from the furry feline, Megan.

The real one to worry about though is Karl. Of course he had to come check out the visitor from upstairs. He stretches out casually next to us, but don't let that fool you. It doesn't necessarily mean he wants to be friends.

Fur and Sock Felines - Let's Get to Know Each Other - Part 2

Sock Kitty decided she needed to win Karl over, so she approached him cautiously. Karl is thinking, "I know you're there, but that doesn't mean I have to acknowledge you."

With mild annoyance, he turns to face her. "OK, Socky! What do you want?"
"Can't we just get along?" Sock Kitty pleas.
I hear a huff from Karl and nothing more.

An interesting phenomenon occurred shortly afterward. Sock Kitty was investigating the water bowl, and out of nowhere Karl appeared to take a drink. "That's MY bowl, and don't you forget it, Socky!" Sigh... I guess there will always be competition here.

July 14 Dual Celebration - Part 1 of 4

Today was Laura's birthday! Per her request, I dressed tropically in my Hawaiian grass skirt and coconut bra. Anything to amuse the human... She received a big bunch of balloons, but my absolute favorite was this monkey girl. We match! She's pretty cool, except her voice is really high pitched from all the helium she inhaled.

What's a party without bubbles? I'm blowing bubbles... BIG bubbles.

Can you see them?

Oh boy! She got a special lunch today consisting of pulled pork sandwiches, spicy chicken dip with tortilla chips, coleslaw and homemade pickles. I love birthday lunches!

Mmm... this fresh pineapple sure did hit the spot. Can you see the little monk on the end of my toothpick I'm using to spear the pineapple chunks?

July 14 Dual Celebration - Part 2 of 4

I saved some room after lunch for the highlight of the afternoon - birthday cake! This custom creation was designed by Cynthia and assembled and decorated by Publix - the best grocery store around. All the monkeys in town came over just to behold it's excellence.

Two lucky monks actually climbed on top of the cake to sample some of the luscious fudge icing!

Time to make a wish and blow!

I'm ready to dig into this slab o' cake accompanied by my favorite ice cream, Breyers Smooth and Dreamy Chocolate Chocolate Chip.

July 14 Dual Celebration - Part 3 of 4

Now for the birthday gifts... This fellow says he's the king of the jungle, but I say he's full of hot air! He bears a remarkable resemblance to one of my Facebook friends named Cletus.

Cletus' clone and I both gave the opposable thumbs up to this Paul Frank Julius hoodie sweatshirt.

All around the mulberry bush, the monkey chased the weasel... POP, goes the monkey! Turn the crank and this little buddy pops out of his box.

We're going to iron on this cutie girl monkey patch to make a custom tank top that will be sure to turn heads.

I received a cool pair of work boots which I've been asking for a while. They don't quite go with my Hawaiian garb, but who cares? I've been known to start my own fashion trends.

July 14 Dual Celebration - Part 4 of 4

Another gift for Laura... a new family member and instant friend for me!

The little monkey in the middle sings "Happy Birthday" when you squeeze his belly.

Opening all those presents made me pretty hungry. We went out for a birthday dinner at the Bonefish Grill. I ordered grilled grouper with steamed veggies to make up for all that cake and ice cream I ate earlier.

Now for an explanation of the dual celebration. Today was Mark's last radiation day. I was permitted exclusive access into the room where he received his treatments.

He was given a congratulatory balloon and diploma after 4 weeks of daily treatments. In his right hand he's holding his radiation mask.

Independence Day with the Patriotic Posse

I couldn't think of a better way to spend Sock Monkey Friday at the bank than with my pals, President Basock Obama (left) and Billy Ground Hog (right). We are the Patriotic Posse!

I decided to wear my gold medal from my victory in the monkathon at last summer's Olympics in Beijing. I was born in the USA... and proud of it!

The Patriotic Posse wishes you a fantastic Fourth of July filled with food, fireworks and fun!

Dominating the Thirsty Marlin Hammerhead Shark

Tonight we dined at the Thirsty Marlin in Palm Harbor. It's one of our favorite places to eat around here. These pictures were actually taken a few weeks ago during a street festival called the Parrot Head Party which featured Jimmy Buffet style live music as well as arts and crafts. While we were waiting for our dinner, I had a meeting of the minds with the Thirsty Marlin's hammerhead shark.

I think you can tell who dominated whom. I have that effect on my fellow creatures.

Sock Monkey Friday 6/19/09 at the bank featuring Gunther

Oh boy! It was Gunther's turn to be the representative at the bank for Sock Monkey Friday last week. This was not his first rodeo. Gunther previously attended this weekly event shortly after his arrival from Texas. Due to popular demand, he's going back to please his fans. The customers call him the Big Monkey... hmph!

Gunther is making sure that Laura doesn't forget to take him. He's firmly attached to her purse, which she never leaves home without.

Beep beep! C'mon Laura, let's get a move on. We're going to be late to work!

Gunther decided he will play bank teller today. He's open for business. Gunther will only be accepting banana deposits today.

Uh oh! Gunther is not following procedure. There's a no hat, no sunglasses policy at the bank. Somehow sock monkeys are always able to bend the rules.

I would have liked to post a picture of two blonde females fighting for Gunther's attention. One of the females refused to be shown on the internet. The other did not want her crush on Gunther to be advertised beyond the walls of the bank. She has a thing for German men. For the sake of the blondes' privacy, no names are being mentioned.

Introducing my new rap song titled "Auto-Biggie-Ography" written and performed by B-Monk

I've attached some photos of my new rapper look including lots of newly acquired bling.

Here's a close up of my pendant - B with a crown on top.

Take note of the diamond studs in my ears.

I'm feeling on top of the world right now.

Here's another piece of bling - a dollar sign pendant. When my record gets released, I'll be earning lots of G's.

Now, here my rap... what you've all been waiting for.

Auto-Biggie-Ography

My name is Big Monkey
And my heritage is hunky

That's Croation, home boy
I'm not just a sock toy

I was born in Pennsylvania
Where the sammiches sustain ya

Pittsburgh Steelers, Nittany Lions
Are my teams, there's no denyin'

In the midst of steel mills
I built a place called Budville

Where deer and ground hog roamed free
I cultivated apple trees

Life was fulfilling I'd say
But I was called to Tampa Bay

To Crystal Beach I relocated
Quite a stir my move created

Ten years later, sixty strong
I ruled my clan like King Kong

Despite my alpha male position
Fame and fortune were my mission

I lived in relative obscurity
'Cause no one yet had heard of me

Blog and Facebook popularity
Has brought my life new clarity

To reach my full potential
Sock charisma is essential

I exhibit sox appeal
Which the ladies say for real

They consider me a cutie
When I shake my red heeled booty

If I'm crusin' on my hog
Or postin' on my blog

Reportin' weather to Jenn Hill
At NBC, it's such a thrill

I'm having fun every day
'Cause I do it my way

Peace out...

B-Monk and K-Dawg

Those of you on Facebook know that I've written my first rap song. I plan to formally post my lyrics on this blog, but first I'm assembling some rapper gear and accessories. I think you will enjoy my big reveal, which is coming soon!

My rapper name is B-Monk and this is my homie K-Dawg a.k.a. Karl. We're chillaxing in this photo like buddies should.

Cookin' with Big Monkey - Part 1

One of my specialties is chili. It's hearty, yet heart healthy and low fat as well. Although this isn't a Croation recipe, I am donning my traditional babushka while I prepare this meal.

The first step is to cook the meat which is 99% fat free ground turkey. Some ground turkey is quite fattening, so you need to read the labels before you purchase.

After the meat is cooked through, I add chopped onions and bell peppers. I use red, green and yellow to make it look colorful. To cook these faster, cover your pan and stir occasionally.

After the onions are translucent and the peppers are cooked, I add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and several types of beans (light red kidney, dark red kidney, black and pinto). I usually add the pinto beans a little further into the cooking process since they break down rather easily.

As you can see, lots of cans were used to make this meal. I do not throw these away. I rinse them out and recycle them.