It's About Time

The female painted turtles march into our yard every June to lay their eggs, always an exciting time. This year, however, not a single turtle was spotted at the usual time. Normally the egg-laying process is well under way by mid-month. Presumably due to the chilly temperatures, either in the little lake or in the air, the girls never came.

Until today. Perhaps because the mercury soared to 84 degrees.

The first '09 and latest-ever turtle spotting occurred immediately after a massive thunderstorm. I was desperate for entertainment after the electricity was cut, and had plenty of leisure time to watch her from an upstairs window.

She wandered about in the drive.



She checked out the grass.



Back to the dirt again.



"We're being invaded!" shrieks Jewel, who jumped up onto the window seat.



The process of finding a nesting spot takes quite a long time. Laying the eggs goes on even longer.

This morning we had a County Delegation meeting to accept and expend American Recovery and Re-Investment Act (aka ARRA aka Stimulus) funds for various deserving, ready-to-rip projects. And to elect a new interim County Commissioner to replace a retiring one until the 2010 election.

Therefore I had a chance to drive my new car to town. Sweet ride! After we adjourned I ran errands. Posted a birthday parcel to France, did birthday shopping for the Chap, picked up a few clothing items that will probably travel well to California. I also bought a new chew toy for the girls. The old reliable, favourite durable chew has been discontinued. Jewel with the Jaws of Steel totally destroyed the new one in record time. Ruth never even had the opportunity to steal it away from her!