My "Flower Child" Turtle!

  It is not uncommon to find turtles and tortoises around the Bayou.  I could probably be safe in saying that it would be most rare if there were none.  I would, indeed, be a bit perplexed by their absence.  Still, it is always fun to find a "glamorous" turtle here!  Terrapins are usually highly decorated creatures with their "diamond" patterns and pond sliders are brightly colored but the turtle in question puts these guys to shame!  This, my friends, is the most bedazzled turtle that I have ever seen!  

  My sweet niece and her husband, Eva and Erik, came by to see me this morning.  I had promised them some plants for their yard and these two are always quite prompt about coming.  On arrival, Eva handed me a large gift bag..."This is nothing really.  Just think of it as a "thinking of you", Valentine and early birthday gift!"  Ok, that did it!  Eva and Erik always manage to blow me over with their kindness but it is the uniqueness of their gifts that touch the heart.  I took the bag and peeped inside.  There, looking back at me, was a turtle!  A large turtle covered with all sorts of beads and flowers!  Well....a hippy turtle!  This, dear readers, was a flower-child turtle if I ever saw one!  I fell in love!

  My friendly turtle shall reside in the greenhouse tucked in among the plants.  I have high hopes of spending the next few weeks making the little building a showplace and this little guy will definitely do his part. What a wonderfully quirky gift from two of my favorite people!  Love you, Eva and Erik!  Thank you!