When fiance Thom and I first started dating, he really thought I should have a nickname. I liked the idea, and since he'd aready started calling me "Roo" once in a while, he went with that. Now, Thom rarely calls me by my first name when we're together, unless we're talking about something really serious, or I did something wrong.

This past weekend we were out in Deadwood. Whenever we go, we try to visit some of the other sights around the town itself.  This time, it was a quick trip and we didn't deviate far from Deadwood, proper. But on the edge of town is a place called The Roo Ranch.  The owners have dozens of kangaroos and wallabies on display in large pens.  When Thom saw the brochure, he said, "Roo, we have to go to The Roo Ranch".  I wasn't really sure what to expect. But I have to admit, I thought it might be neat to have a magnet or something that said "Roo Ranch" on it. 

The tour was short. We got to pet a grown kangaroo who was bottle fed at birth, and also got to see the other kangaroos and wallabies of various ages. They seemed healthy and happy, although I didn't know South Dakota had a suitable climate for the animals.  Then, before we left, we saw an opportunity to hold one of the joeys. That explains the picture at the top.  I probably won't make it to Australia to see kangaroos in their natural habitat. So this was probably my only chance to get up close and personal with the animals. Regardless, I'll always have the picture, and of course, the magnet that says "Roo Ranch".