It seemed like a bona fide rendition of the charming Dr. Seuss book “Are You My Mother?”. Little creatures in places least expected. The box turtle found wandering unhurriedly through the middle of the yard where he 
was met head-on by Mr. Camp Curiosity. Poor guy hunkered down as if a typhoon was imminent.
Reluctantly, the love struck dog was dragged inside and I went to check on the turtle. Time elapsed? Two or three minutes. So how does this deliberately dawdling turtle vanish in a matter of minutes? It’s true – he was gone.
Under that tough shell was sheer determination. I suppose, in certain instances the tempo of a turtle may be changed by trauma. No chance of a reunion here.
Surprisingly, right around the corner in a matter of minutes another episode. From just inside the rose bush, crying and carrying on were three baby birds. Even I had to ask them – where is your mother – you poor babies. They’re hungry. Where is that mother bird? I’m not your mother. Where is she? Of course, checking on them every hour day and night was now essential. Those tiny beaks screaming for a morsel of food. I was ready to go digging for a few worms myself. (Not really but…) And yet, in the course of a day what the heck.
And finally, to show I have a changed attitude, a renewed interest in the creatures around me, who else but my “friend” the snake showed up to test me. We were both having a quite relaxing morning. Coffee (me), sunshine (him), calm weather (us), and then we met. Again. I don’t want to speak for this fellow but I presume we are both tired of this relationship. I run, he runs, etc. It’s exhausting. Then I had a small revelation.I found out that I have complete control over this guy. I can whisper one word and he slips into obscurity. Boo. And he’s gone. Then, I felt sorry for him and decided, we can co-exist. Just keep your distance and ditto for me and its a happy arrangement. For now – how about that!
And the turtles, of course… All the turtles are free- As turtles and, maybe, all creatures should be.
Dr. Seuss
American Writer and Cartoonist, b. 1904-1991
Fascinating what we stumble upon in our yards isn’t it? We have had a mother mourning dove make her nest in our second floor window and raise her two darling little babies..now she is on her second set of siblings in another window upstairs..I’m thinking of charging rent soon, what do you think?
By: ann mcgarrity on June 14, 2009
at 12:02 am
Yes, I agree a contract is necessary and quickly. I’m amazed at what is happening here, we’ve got a possum and her three very adorable kids keeping house under our shed, I’ve been accosted by the mother of those cute little birds, and there is no end to what my snake friend is up to – I just hope there isn’t an extended family involved….if you know what I mean…!
By: Julie on June 14, 2009
at 10:53 pm