K: Koala, Kangaroo, Killing, and Kerosene

#atozchallenge - K: Kangaroo - My husband and I had a dream trip to Australia. Took several years to plan, but it was a doozy and we loved that continent and its people. A trip to a wildlife park allowed us to walk through a section that had kangaroos. I was a tad fearful (see my book My Zoo World - kinda afraid of animals). Kangaroos have a reputation - very powerful kicks. However, the last thing these 'roos cared about was tourists. It was all about eating, slurping water, and wallowing.

Koalas - yes, I actually stood in line and petted the koala bear. Extremely soft and oh so cute. They are drugged out on eucalyptus leaves, which they munch on for awhile and then go to sleep for twenty three hours. We walked through a nature preserve and counted bears asleep in the trees. They blend in and are barely hanging on in their drug induced stupor. It was fascinating.

Killing. I love murder mysteries. Not serious slasher movies or books. I want some fear and intrigue. As a kid I read every Agatha Christie book. They involved murder, but much was behind the scenes. No graphic descriptions. Elizabeth George is a superb writer - she takes Agatha to another level. Still a bit of restraint, but throws us a few more bones.

The AMC show The Killing received a lot of grief in its first season for not announcing the murderer. Who killed Rosie Larssen? At the finale I was annoyed and yet still hooked. This second season is giving us excellent character studies, meandering through scenarios, and I'm on the journey with Detective Sarah Linden (Mirielle Enos - fine actress). We'll find out who killed Rosie, and also see a whole world affected by her death.

Speaking of death, here's the K poison: Kerosene - a household petroleum distillate. Other versions include paint thinner, gasoline, naphtha, and solvents. The key is to not inhale or swallow these products. Pump the stomach if overexposed. Kerosene lamps are often used during camping trips. See - camping IS dangerous. (this from a city girl. I don't camp)