Today Aunt Jeanette writes:

We had a very welcome 1.50 inches of rain last week. This always brings a new, fresh outlook on the farm. The tired irrigation engines can be turned off and the exhausted irrigators can enjoy a little break from watering. The grass looks greener, the flowers bloom brighter, the cows munch contentedly on the sweet, tender pasture grass, the locusts and frogs sing happily from the trees and ponds, and the turtles – hmmm – well, the turtles cross the road to see what is on the other side.

Dan was looking out the kitchen window, when suddenly I heard, “What is THAT?” We looked closer and saw this huge old snapping turtle just sitting in the middle of the driveway. Of course we went out to investigate. He didn’t seem bothered by us, and, as people started driving in to begin their day’s work, I imagined a little smile on the old snapper’s face. He probably hadn’t had quite this much attention before or had his picture taken so many times.

As we went about our day I kept glancing out the window to make sure nothing had happened to him. He was there every time I looked. However, even a turtle can only stay in one place for so long. When I looked again, he had turned around and begun his trek back to the pond across the road. I laughed as I watched him get sidetracked by this puddle of water and begin “playing” in it. He reminded me of three little boys who hadn’t been able to resist splashing through every mud puddle they could find!

I didn’t see him cross the road, but I am quite certain he is back home in his pond. He apparently didn’t find anything green enough to keep him on this side of the road.

Until we walk again …