by Cheryl Batavia

Ellen and Katey Meet Skipper, the Dolphin: Shallow Water Dolphin Swim, Theater of the Sea, Islamorada, FL

Getting to Know You

Getting to know you,

(Cheryl Batavia’s daughters, Ellen and Katey, meet Skipper, the bottle-nosed dolphin, and his trainer.)

getting to know all about you.
Getting to like you,

(belly rub)

getting to hope you like me!
You are precisely my cup of tea!

(It’s not polite to stick out your tongue.)

Getting to know you. Suddenly, I’m bright and breezy
because of all the beautiful new things
I’m learning about you!
Getting to know you,
knowing we know how to play!
Getting to know you.

(Ellen playing the piano, Skipper singing!)

Things I’m learning about you, Day by Day!

(Katey playing the piano, Skipper singing!)

Cuddle Up a Little Closer

Cuddle up a little closer, Lovey mine!
Cuddle up and be my little clinging vine!
I like to feel your cheeks so rosy.
I like to make you comfy, cozy,
I love you, I love you so much
from your head down to your toesies, Lovey mine!

Photos taken by a Theater of the Sea photographer. Please give credit if you use them.

This is a highlight of the vacation my daughters and I planned together. Due to a last minute emergency, I was unable to go on the trip. These photos make me feel like I was there.

Theater of the Sea in Islamorada, FL has various animals, many of them rescue animals, on display. There are sea turtles, rays, seals, and other animals to observe or encounter.

I hope you enjoy the vintage music. I also considered “Splish Splash!” by Bobby Darren. It didn’t quite fit, but it was fun!

46 Comments

  3. Unknown's avatar

    What delightful photos of your girls, Cheryl and love your words as they revert back to their child life selves so adorably sweet. This was magical! I’m gotten to hang with them which was a highlight but this looks so natural and special. Great songs to match your lovely post.
    Glad Robert is recovering well!
    Try to get some time for you! 💓

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    1. Unknown's avatar

      Thank you for your delightful comment, Cindy. Your kind words brightened my evening!💕So happy you liked the photos and the music.

      My duties caring for Robert are gradually getting easier. I have two projects going that have required a lot of time and energy. Your point is well taken. I could use a little rest and recreation. I bet you could too!

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    1. Unknown's avatar

      Thank you, Ivor! 💕So happy you enjoyed the post.

      My daughters have always gotten along well with animals. Katey has a dog sitting business, including horses, chickens, turtles, cats, whatever animals people have.

      They both volunteer on Saturdays at a Ranch that has horseback riding for disabled children. I also thought the dolphin seemed to be having fun!😎🐬🐶

      Hugs to Frankie!

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    1. Unknown's avatar

      Glad the post made you smile, Laura! 😊❤️ Thank you for your comment. My daughters assure me that they want to go back again, and this time I hope there are no emergencies that prevent me from going!

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    1. Unknown's avatar

      You should check it out, Maggie. The Florida Keys have Key deer, 24″ tall, Hemingway’s home, and an historic lighthouse. Everglades National Park has American flamingos, alligators, and crocodiles. Miami is nearby. I think you would find much of interest in the area. 😄

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  9. Unknown's avatar

    I loved the pictures and videos along with your commentary. It seems your daughters had a wonderful time. Hope Robert is doing well now.🙏💐🌹

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    1. Unknown's avatar

      Thank you, KK. So glad you enjoyed the post. My daughters want to return, and hopefully, next time, there will be no emergencies! 💕🐬💕

      Thank you for your concern for Robert. He is making good progress. Since the surgery, he no longer has the dizzy spells or the feeling that he will black out. Maybe he will feel better than he has in quite a while when he fully recovers.😊

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      1. Unknown's avatar

        That’s certainly a good news, Cheryl. I’m sure, with your love and care, and by the grace of God, Robert will fully recover soon. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Robert. Have a great time with him and daughters! Happy Mother’s Day 🙏💐❤️

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    1. Unknown's avatar

      Thank you, JoAnna! 😄 My daughters are both animal lovers. Katey has a dog-sitting business, but she also takes care of horses, chickens, cats, turtles…whatever animals people have! I may be imagining it, but Skipper seems to be having a good time with Ellen and Katey too!

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  13. Unknown's avatar

    These are lively. Thank you for sharing, Cheryl. Loving animals and getting to know them is balmy. This has been the best photos which made me smile with my heart. Hope you are feeling better? How is Robert doing?

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    1. Unknown's avatar

      Delighted that you enjoyed the post, Kritika! Thank you so much. 💕🌺💕

      Robert just had a good followup appointment with his surgeon. He is making great progress! We are both doing well. Thank you for asking. 😊

      Have a blissful week! 🌈

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    1. Unknown's avatar

      Thank you, Selma! I am delighted that you enjoyed the post.💕😊💕

      I did get to see my daughters for a couple of days on both ends of the road trip. They want to swim with the dolphins again, and next time I hope to be able to go!

      The most important thing to me is that Robert survived the aortic dissection, which has only a 50% survival rate. He is making a good recovery, and we expect to have a few more happy years together. 🍀

      Wishing you and your family smooth sailing and a happy summer! ❤️

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  15. Unknown's avatar

    This is adorable, Cheryl- the way the dolphins snuggle up after the introduction. Sorry you couldn’t go but like you said, these pictures cover it all. It made me feel like I was there, too. Looks like a lot of fun.

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    1. Unknown's avatar

      So happy you enjoyed the post, Smitha. Thank you for your kind comment. ❤️

      My daughters want to go back, maybe in March, and I plan to go along. Your family might enjoy a visit there.

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  16. Unknown's avatar

    Now that is getting up close and personal with the wildlife! Dolphins always excite me – we always make a point when we are in Port Aransas to head to the canal to watch the dolphins racing the tankers passing through.

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    1. Unknown's avatar

      Thank you for sharing your dolphin experiences, Brian. That must be quite a sight! dolphins are such amazing animals.

      There is a jetty near here where wild dolphins come and put on a free show. We saw them perform for about 15 minutes once.

      Hope you are doing well! ❤️

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