The Adventures of Sock Monkey

Happy HalloweenAll!!

2009-10-31T17:50:00.000-07:00

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Traveling Monkey

2009-04-19T05:56:00.000-07:00

The traveling Sock Monkey is at it again! Sock Monkey is heading out for Key West this afternoon for a week of soaking up the sun and playing. Hopefully, he'll also learn a little history while he's there, but I'm afraid to hold ny breath~lol

Sock Monkey's Cruising Adventure

2009-04-14T07:55:00.000-07:00

So Sock Monkey decided to get away for Spring Break with my son Max for a 2 week cruise on the Celebrity Cruise Lines Ship Mercury. He left on March 30th and flew to San Diego, CA to catch the cruise ship Mercury for a trip through the Panama Canal and then back to Florida to make port in Fort Lauderdale on April 13th. Here's how the trip went:

After a drive to Orlando, Sock Monkey and Max took a stroll near the lake, since they had several hours before getting on the plane to start their cross-country flight. Eight hours on a plane with a crazed Soc Monkey and a 10 year old could get a little scarey, so it was decided that they were going to use every bit of spare energy before hand!

Sock Monkey already trying to escape his handlers!

Sock Monkey convinces Max to try and make an escape!

When escape proved to be imposible (thanks Trisha!), Sock Monkey and Max settled in to begin their long flight. Here's Max and the traveling monkey at the Orlando airport waiting for their flight to be called.

Sock Monkey aboard the plane.

As you can see, he has a seat all to himself. Maybe they need to seat-belt him in?

Max and Sock Monkey were invited into the cockpit with the pilots to look around. Talk about lucky!

Finally, out of the air and time to recuperate! Eight hours flying is enough to push a monkey (and a 10 year old) over the edge!

Once on board ship, Max and Sock Monkey went exploring. There was so much to see! Sock Monkey was soon spotted climbing all over the ship!

Sock Monkey, not being a shy monkey at all, soon started making new friends with members of the crew. Everyone loved Sock Monkey and were more than happy to have thir pictures taken!

There were a few tense moments when everyone relalized that Sock Monkey had no real understanding of the escalator, but all ended well when a nice man saved him at the other end. They took the elevators fro then on!

Max, being the excellent big brother that he is, even took Sock Monkey swimming!

Sock Monkey and Max were invited to a dinner to celebrate a new friends birthday. This is when they discovered Sock Monkey's cousin! Imagine, a long lost cousin sharing the same ship! Sock Monkey was SO excited!!

Well, it's time to take Sock Monkey for his afternoon walk. I'll be back soon to finish posting the photos and I'll even include a few of the scenery.

Sock Monkey Makes it Home

2009-04-14T06:16:00.001-07:00

Well, Sock Monkey has finally made it home from his grand adventure aboard the Cruise Ship Mercury. Not only did he make wonderful new friends and see fabulous sights, but he also found a long lost cousin from Mexico, Chango de Calcetin! He has promised to keep in touch with us and send us information about his adventures there.

Later today, I'll get all the photos posted for everyone to enjoy!

Sock Monkey on Vacation

2009-04-12T06:28:00.000-07:00

For those of you who have been looking for Sock Monkey lately, he's on vacation. Yes, I KNOW he lives in sunny Florida, but everyone needs a break sometimes. He has left sunny Florida to vacation in an even sunnier place~lol Sock Monkey has decided to travel on the Carnival Cruise Ship Mercury from Califorina, through the Panama Canal to Florida. It's a 2 week cruise with stops in Mexico, Costa Rica and Columbia.

The ship is scheduled to land on Monday, so photos will be coming up soon afterwards.

While on vacation, Sock Monkey has found a long lost cousin that lives in Mexico, so we truely hope to kee you updated on him in the future as well.

Updated by the Keepers of the Monkey....Pam and Graham

Sock Monkey Meets Buddha and Cookie

2009-03-21T20:49:00.000-07:00

So today Sock Monkey went to Expressions with us while we set-up on the patio to show our artwork. Yes, we are a glutton for punishment, but we decided to take the chance that maybe he would behave. Talk about getting lucky! He was content to sit in the tree and watch everyone coming and going for most of the day and only ventured away from the tree a couple of times.

Sock Monkey made a couple of new local friends during on of his brief visits down the tree. Buddha and Cookie are 2 adorable pugs that were more than happy to visit with Sock Monkey for a few moments. Of course, I had to pull out the camera and snap a few shots.

Cookie

Buddha and Cookie

Sock Monkey Playing with Buddha and Cookie

He did hop down and play with the cutest baby ever (sorry, no photos of that one) also. Other than that, he was a perfect little angel. Maybe he's learning to behave finally? NAH! I'm sure he'll be up to his same old tricks before we know it!

Hanging at the Mill Top

2009-03-20T14:27:00.000-07:00

So it's mid-afternoon on an over-cast day and we have no idea what to do. Well, not really~lol We headed to the Mill Top (on St. Gearge Street, across from the fort) for a plate of nachos and a cold beer. Of course, we can't venture through the streets of St. Augustine without our little buddy, so he got to throw peanuts at the squirrels while we ate. After our snack, I loaded Sock Monkey up in his new carrier (well, it's not really a monkey carrier, it's a backpack that my brother rigged to carry him around) for another walk. Nothing like walking around with a monkey on your back....literally! I'll have to get photos of him riding around to post soon.

Riding the Brummer on St. George Street

2009-03-19T14:23:00.000-07:00

So everyone asks if Sock Monkey is the only pet we have. That's a big fat NO! Between my family and my brother, we also have 4 German Shepherd Dogs (Brummer is my brothers) and numerous fish (both salt and fresh water).

Sock Monkey especially likes Brummer though. Brummer is nothing more than a big, hairy puppy and he's always up for letting Sock Mokey hitch a ride on his back, As you can see, they have no problem strolling down St. George Street in the evenings together.

Sock Monkey Meets Another Pirate!

2009-03-17T14:43:00.000-07:00

While out playing in St. Augustine, Sock Monkey appened upon yet another pirate! Tiger Lee (the pirate), while rather fierce to meet, actually turned out to be a great guy! He does have a rather frieghtening scowl and wicked looking blades, but he was a nice as can be after Sock Monkey got to know him a little better.

Tiger Lee runs a little shop on St. George Street (near the corner of Hypolita at 100 St. George, Suite 1) called Pirate Portraits N' Treasures. This place is wonderful! Not only can you get your photo taken in pirate garb, but Tiger Lee is a fount of information. He even has a piece of the Black Pearl (from Pirates of the Caribbean) in his shop!

On the second Friday of every month, Tiger Lee offers an In Garb Pub Crawl to benefit different charities from 7 pm until 11 pm. It's a great time with pirate camaraderie, storytelling, song and drinks. Well worth the $5 (IF your in 16th-19th century pirate garb) price. It's $10 if you don't dress-up, but what's the fun in not dressing? Stop by Pirate Portraits N' Treasures to book your reservation!

If your in the market for period clothing, then Tiger Lee is the one to know! He has everything you need, including weapons (no weapons on the pub crawls allowed).

Sock Monkey Visits Expressions Art and Gifts

2009-03-15T14:19:00.000-07:00

I decided t be brave and take Sock Monkey to Expressions Art and Gifts while I set-up my work for the day. Talk about a "wild" experience! He was into everything!

It started out innocently enough. Sock Monkey was happily sitting in the tree watching everything that was going on. But then...he was off and running!

I tried to catch him as he climbed the awning, but the slippery little devil was just too fast!

He swung down from the awning and climbed the displays inside before either Trish (the owner) or I could catch him. Graham was useless, all he did was laugh and keep taking pictures!

Sock Monkey hanging off the sun catcher display. BREAKABLES!

Trish and I thought that we'd finally gotten him with promises of a banana and the promise to play with a Magic Dragonfly (the coolest little toys around~available at Expressions, of course). We did get him settled on the counter, but he wanted to climb again. At least he stopped on something "non-breakable"....temporarily!

Sock Monkey with a Magic Dragonfly. This balancing toy is SO cool!

It didn't take long for Sock Monkey to get bored and he was off again. This time onto the pirate ship that holds the wood ornaments for Expressions. UGH! Is there no end to his shenannigans?!?!

Yes, there's the brother standing around while Trish and I are trying to catch Sock Monkey. No help at all I tell you!

Well, I finally gave up the chase and what do you think happened? That crazy little monkey came back to the tree and scampered up behind me and settled in. He HAD stolen a tiny wooden sword and was playing pirates, but what the heck, he was content and quiet and not getting into any more trouble!

Sock Monkey Meets Gorilla

2009-03-14T10:40:00.000-07:00

My brother took Sock Monkey to play with Gorilla on the SV MISTRESS with Kathleen Joest. When they decided to step off the boat and grab a bite to eat, Sock Monkey and Gorilla really "let loose"! They never realized that the Cat's Paw Marina security cameras were picking up their every move...

I'm going to let Kathleen tell the story in her own words:

"As previously mentioned, Skip got me Gorilla for Valentines Day. Most often he is a well behaved Gorilla, however, yesterday he received a visit from Sock Monkey and while the adults went out for a bite to eat these two decided to have some fun. How do we know this? Upon our return we were informed by the good folks here at Cat's Paw Marina that their security cameras picked up some shenanigans aboard MISTRESS. This is what we found."

"Gorilla with tongs in hand grilling up some bananas. Sock Monkey is apparently playing lookout with no idea security cameras are watching."

"Gorilla then chased Sock Monkey all over the rig."

"Even DOODLE (the dingy) got in on the act and here we see Gorilla at the helm with Sock Monkey bow riding. "

"We arrived back at MISTRESS just in time for this is what we found. Did they really think they could take MISTRESS out? Fortunately, the dock lines held."

Needless to day, Graham was a little upset over Sock Monkey's bad influence over Gorilla. He immediately out Sock Monkey into "time out" below deck, but it didn't last long. Who can resist those adorable little faces?

**Graham and I want to express our thanks to Kathleen and Skip Joest for allowing Sock Monkey to come play with Gorilla on SV MISTRESS. Not only did Sock Monkey have fun playing with his new friend but Graham was in awe of the beautiful work that Skip has done in the rebuild of this beautiful schooner. If you have never seen the MISTRESS, then you really need to take a look at the website. She is gorgeous!

Spanking...

2009-03-11T10:03:00.000-07:00

Graham was rather upset that Sock Monkey was playing so close to the cars and hanging off the sign. Only one logical choice to make...spank the monkey!

Sock Monkey Welcome Tourists

2009-03-10T10:00:00.000-07:00

Sock Monkey, being the sweet monkey he is, decided to head down to the edge of town and welcome all the tourists coming to visit. Unfortunately, he wasn't supposed to be out be himself, much less hanging from the signs! He got into BIG trouble, but that's for another post....

Sock Monkey's Fishing Adventure

2009-03-05T13:28:00.000-08:00

Sock Monkey begged and begged to go fishing, so he was finally loaded up into the truck along with his little fishing pole and taken to the boat dock to wet his hook. Upon arriving, Sock Monkey being the curious fellow that he is, was all over the boat dock and the boat landing area. Climbing up on the railings and swinging around. As you can see by a few of the photos, we had to save him from falling into the muck (it being low tide) more than once.

After finally settling down and sitting patiently, he was rewarded with a small yellow fish, but it was way to "hard" to eat, so we threw it back.

Sock Monkey had a wonderful time though and has since settled into the Ficus Tree in the den for an early afternoon nap. No doubt hes dreaming of all the trouble he's going to cause this afternoon!

Sock Monkey Outside the Lightner Museum

2009-02-27T19:17:00.000-08:00

My brother and I have decided that Sock Monkey needed a little "culture", so we decided to take him to see some of the statues outside the Lightner Museum. Well, he "oogled" the marbles and swung from the bronzes and made a general nusiance of himself. He DID meet some rather nice people from Oklahoma who took several photos of him and thought he was a riot (if he only knew!).

Sock Monkey also settled down to watch the beautiful koi fish in the pond. He spent several peaceful moments watching them swim slowly back and forth under the bridge before he went in search of mischief. Now, if we can only keep him away from the David in front of Ripleys Believe It or Not!

If you want a peaceful break while touring the city, then settle into the courtyard of the Lightner Museum (across from Flagler College) and enjoy the peace and quiet. It's a wonderful place to unwind after a long day sight seeing.

Music in the Streets and A Pretty Pink Bike

2009-02-21T06:58:00.000-08:00

Sock Monkey decided that the good pirate, horse and driver and most of the other locals and tourists aren't that bad (he's already forgotten the evil pirate over-lord, obviously) and has decided to make a new friend. Marv, a local street musician, sets up and plays on Hypolita Street (1/2 a block from St. George near the Columbia restaurant) almost every day. Not only does he play guitar, but if you ask real nice, he'll even play his version of Mary Had a Little Lamb and sing for you also.

Sock Monkey enjoyed taking a turn at playing his guitar, but we all vetoed his plea to sign. All the "screeching" is painful on the ears.

Marv WAS nice enough to let him sit on his cool pink beach cruiser though. Not only is his pink bike cool, but he got it for a sweet deal. All it cost him was a trade in on his old beat up red bike and a kiss on the cheek (and a cup of coffee from McDonald's occasionally). Sock Monkey's "auntie Pam" is really glad Marv likes the new bike so much and promises to stop teasing him about it real soon (ok, her fingers may have been crossed).

Next time your walking St. George Street, make sure you stop and listen to Marv and his great guitar playing. He's usually out every weekend and most afternoons. He's well worth the listen and he always carries a smile if you need one. Tell him Sock Monkey said "How you doing!"

Carriage Tours

2009-02-14T18:53:00.000-08:00

Sock Monkey, like all curious primates, loves other animals. He was happy to find the carriage horses lined along the bayfront waiting for passangers. After scurrying around, he found what looked to be a friendly horse and driver.

The driver was nice enough to let Sock Monkey sit up front in the drivers seat for a quick photo op and the horse was nice enough to offer a short ride on his back. After a brief conversation with the horse, Sock Monkey headed off to find new adventures, greatly relieved to know he had a new friend in town.

Sock Monkey's FAVORITE Breakfast Stop!

2009-02-12T16:50:00.000-08:00

Sock Monkey, like all St. Augustine local's, has his favorite local restaurants. For breakfast, his just happen's to be Mary's. A great little restaurant on the corner of San Marco and Hypolita, right downtown. Not only are the staff the nicest around, but they can throw down a mean breasfast (and lunch!). His personal favorite? The breakfast? The Whatchamacallit! An olette that will knock your socks off (ok, maybe not Sock Monkey's socks)!

At lunch, their wraps (especially the Grilled Monteray Ranch) can't be beat! Not only is it a good meal in a friendly atmosphere (not to mention the great view of the bay while you eat), but it's all at a price that can't be beat!

Next time your out and about, drop in and tell them Sock Monkey sent you!

Mary's Menu

2009-02-12T16:00:00.000-08:00

AAARRRRRGGGGGHHHH!

2009-02-04T19:01:00.000-08:00

"ARRGGGGHHH! I lost me parrot and me thinks YOU'LL make a good companion!"

Sock Monkey was placed upon his shoulder. How is he ever going to get out of THIS mess?!?

After a brief, but intense sword fight, the good pirate was able to free Sock Mokey from the porate over-lord and he scampered away. Sock Monkey hopes to see the good pirate again very soon to thank him for his timely intervention!

A Nice Pirate...Maybe?

2009-02-02T18:58:00.000-08:00

Even though the pirate appeared to be horribly froghtening, he actually turned out to be a rather nice guy (imagine, nice pirates in St. Augustine?!?!) He carried Sock Monkey to the local pirate leader, a VERY scary looking pirate/skeleton and presented him with much fan-fare.

Pirates! Oh My!!

2009-01-30T18:54:00.000-08:00

Oh No! Sock Monkey has been kidnapped by one of the local pirates! He's shaking in his imaginary shoes with fright, waiting to see what this dasterdly pirate has planned.

*Stop by the Pirate Shop on San Marco (next to Ripley's Believe It or Not) to meet this great local pirate. Tell him that Sock Monkey said he'd teach you how to blow the conch shell:-)

A Splendid View

2009-01-29T18:52:00.000-08:00

Sock Monkey stood, looking across the harbor at all the sailboats achored there. He truely hoped that he would see a sailor rowing in to use the steps, but saw none. At least until he was spotted by a...could it be?!?! A PIRATE!

The Steps to No Where

2009-01-28T06:48:00.000-08:00

Sock Monkey was intrigued to notice the stes leading into the sea. "Why?", he wondered. A passing local explained that the steps were there for the convenience of the ships in the harbor. The sailors can row their dinghies up to the steps and have easy access to the city.

A Surprisingly Soft Landing

2009-01-26T18:43:00.000-08:00

Sock Monkey was terrified as he flew through the air. His ears were ringing from the loud cannon blast and he was positive that his tail was singed. Surprisingly, Sock Monkey came to a reasonably soft landing (with only a few minor bumps and bruises on his little behind) right next to the sea wall. Since he had landed in such a beautiful place, he decided to take a closer look.

UPDATE

2009-01-22T17:03:00.000-08:00

For everyone starting to follow the blog, I wanted to give you an update of upcoming scenes.

Sock Monkey with the Pirate on San Marco

Sock Monkey with Tiger Lee

Sock Monkey with the local street musicians

Sock Monkey and Gorilla Sailing

Sock Monkey at Mary's Bayfront Cafe (the ONLY place for breakfast! Menu to be posted)

Sock Monkey at Expressions

Plus SO much more!

"Fire at will!"

2009-01-20T17:50:00.000-08:00

Sock Monkey is forced to crawl deeper into the cannon to turn himself around. He's finally able to get a breath of fresh air, but now he's good and stuck. How will he every get out of this tight squeeze?!?

"It's awful dark in there!"

2009-01-19T17:46:00.000-08:00

While taking a closer look at the "inner workings" of the old Spanish cannon, Sock Monkey found out that his head was just slightly larger than a cannon ball. He was wedged in tight! He soon realizes that there's no way to back out gracefully. How will he ever find his way out??

Sock Monkey Checks out the Cannon

2009-01-18T17:42:00.000-08:00

Sock Monkey was surrised to see some of the original annons lined up outside the fort. There were cannons of every size. He went and examined each one carefully until he found one that was just the right size for him. He decided to take a closer look...

A Closer View of the Castillo

2009-01-15T16:47:00.000-08:00

Sock Monkey, being extremely curious (like some "other" monkey's) decided to take a closer view of the Castillo de San Marcos walls. He was fascinated by the tiny shells imbedded in the walls of the fort and intrigued by the amount of Coquina that it took to build the Castillo de San Marcos and the fact that it was all mined by hand across the Matanzas Bay.

Next time: Sock Monkey's view of a a cannon...NOT to be missed!

*Coquina is an incompletely consolidated sedimentary rock found in coastal Florida. Coquina was formed in association with marine reefs and is a variety of "coral rag", and is technically a subset of limestone.

The stone makes a very good material for forts, particularly those built during the period of heavy cannon use. Because of coquina's softness, cannon balls would sink into, rather than shatter or puncture, the walls of the Castillo de San Marcos.

When first quarried, coquina is extremely soft. This softness makes it very easy to remove from the quarry and cut into shape. However, the stone is also at first much too soft to be used for building. In order to be used as a building material, the stone is left out to dry for approximately one to three years, which causes the stone to harden into a usable, but still comparatively soft, form.

Sock Monkey at Castillo de San Marco National Monument

2009-01-11T15:38:00.000-08:00

Sock Monkey's first stop was the Castillo de San Marcos. This historic old fort has been the main (and best known) landmark in St. Augustine since 1695. Check back to see exactly what trouble Sock Monkey can get into on the fort grounds!

Sock Monkey was intrigued to see the original architecture the has survived hurricanes and storms, invasions by pirates, armies and even a few tourists (the most dangerous of all!).

*The Castillo de San Marcos has well over 300 years of history in it's walls. It was under construction for twenty-three years and was completed in 1695. It was known as Fort Marion from 1821 until 1942 and Fort St. Mark from 1763 until 1984 while under British control.

A bastion of the largest empire ever created, the Castillo was built to protect and defend Spain’s claims in the New World. Though caught in the whirlwinds of colonial warfare and intrigue, it was never defeated in battle.

The Castillo de San Marcos is made up of a locally mined stone called Coquina and the walls still stand proud.

Sock Monkey Rolling Into St. Augustine

2009-01-06T15:08:00.000-08:00

Sock Monkey, trying to escape the cold weather of Illinois, hopped on his new Harley Davidson Trike an headed south for the rest of winter. Upon arriving, Sock Monkey was rather pleased with the mild weather, beautiful scenery and local attractions. Sock Monkey decided to set down roots for awhile and see what St. Augustine has to offer. Stay tuned for Sock Monkey's Adventure!

*Thanks to Terry Johnson of Nebo, IL for allowing his Harley to be used for the above photo. Hope you enjoyed your visit to St Augustine!

Introducing the Adventures of Sock Monkey

2009-01-01T12:01:00.000-08:00

Who doesn't remember sock monkey's from when you were a child? That loveable little stuffed toy made from socks.

Wikipedia states: The genesis of the sock monkey came about when the craze of stuffed animals swept across Europe and into America, where it met the burgeoning arts and crafts movement in the United States. Mothers there took to sewing sock monkeys as toys for their children, and sock monkeys soon became a fixture of American nurseries.

My brother, Graham and I have decided to take Sock Monkey "on tour" so we can re-visit our childhood and share our adventures with you.

Sock Monkey Adventures is available on Etsy with each addition being limited to only 50 available 8x10's. Along with the photo, you will get the installment of Sock Monkey Adventures, which includes a little history and the story of his mis-adventures. Every istallment, once put together, will be the total Adventures of Sock Monkey which can be bound into a book. Once the Adventures are over, we will make the Adventures of Sock Monkey, in a bound book form, available for purchase.

This blog will let you know where Sock Monkey is, what he's up to and who he's met. There will be Blog exclusives, as well as Sock Monkey's local recommendations and reviews.

Sock Monkey resides in St. Augustine, FL with Graham and Pam.