Going for a swim!

   Doctors' visits, errands and grocery shopping just about did me in for today.  Enough was enough.  I was ready to be home...back in my little domain where peace resides.  After a morning of being on the go and then a quick lunch, I headed to the Small Gardens to recuperate!  As Queen, I could lounge to my heart's content and there was nobody to see me being lazy.  Taking a book of the shelf, a glass of iced lemonade and, of course, my camera, I made myself comfortable in the big wicker chair.   With my feet propped up, it was time to relax...but the birds were having no part of that!  I had forgotten to feed them!  That would not do so bird seed was fetched and scattered on the flat top benches.  Just as I neared the Pebble Creek, something made a swirl in the waters of Puddle Pond.  Whoa!  Those tadpoles must have gotten huge overnight!

  Nope, a critter was, in fact, dining on those tadpoles!  A small box turtle was scooting around the mud bottom as she snared the soft creatures.  Well, here was nature being nature again.  As much as I love my little frogs, there were far too many tadpoles in the tiny Puddle Pond.  If they were going to grow to maturity, a few had to be eliminated.  The turtle was just thinning the crop.  I watched her for a few moments then settled in with my book.  

  Five chapters later, the turtle decided to climb out and come for a visit. She wandered right up to my chair and stared at me for a good bit before attempting to climb the steps to the french doors!  With the first step just a couple of inches higher than the doormat, the turtle was able to hoist herself up but that second step was just too high.  I suppose I will never know just why she wanted to go up the steps because she then tumbled down under the open step.   After a bit, I noticed she was nestled in among the potted plants for the evening.  I hope this little one stays in the garden.  I have enjoyed her visit tremendously!