This Way To My Blog

This Way To My Blog

Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Talkin' Turtle

I miss those days of sitting on the edge of the stock tank and talking to the turtles and of course feeding them bread and cat food. Someone once ask me what I call them. I called them boys and girls come and get it. They would swim from the far side of the stock tank and some would come out of the water and some to my feet. My next plan was to get them to let me pet them then I read they can carry disease. Not a good idea and especially with my low immune system from very low blood platelets I decided with disappointment I shouldn't touch them. We don't go to the ranch much anymore and the times we did I didn't see the turtles. John does still have some cows but he has given some to his kids and his son looks after the rest. John's lease will be up in a while and it won't be renewed as he has Macular Degeneration. He got his first cow when he was 16 and is now 82. At one time he leased four places and owned one and had over 100 cows but I guess everything has to come to an end.

11 comments:

Sharon said...

I like turtles, mainly to watch ...
That's a long time to be on the job. I hope John doesn't miss it too bad.

TARYTERRE said...

that is sad you don't get to see the turtles like you used to. and equally sad john won't get to be with his beloved cows.

Belva said...

I've never noticed turtles very much but I have observed the colorful patterns
on their under side. You had them like they were trained pets.

jack69 said...

Ah, my inspiration. The Turtle lady. Your story about Toby living behind your house was definitely my inspiration for the book TOBY. Using YOUR poems was the highlight of the book. I still like the little book. The kids love it.

Keep talking to 'em when you see 'em. I am sure that goes without saying! LOL

Rose said...

Oh, my, I love the tidbits you tell about your life...I love turtles, too.

Sorry your husband has the macular degeneration...my boss developed it too.

Leilani Schuck Weatherington said...

Ah... you could have petted the turtles as long as you washed your hands and didn't put them in your mouth. It is hard to say goodbye to a way of life and routine that means so much. My thoughts are with you and your husband...

Hootin Anni said...

It really sucks getting on in years! I know the feeling of what choices we have to make with illness and staying healthy as much as we can.

Hootin Anni said...

Ps...you have a book published about a turtle named toby? Where can I get one?

Paula said...

Anni, Jack Darnell wrote the book and used some of my poems. He got the idea from a dry land turtle I named Toby who came to the back of the house about every third day when we lived on the ranch. I could send you a book at no charge if you can send me your address. Thanks for being interested. Paula

Lori said...

It's hard to have to give up things that have been so much a part of our lives.

Hootin Anni said...

I would love that. I will send you an email with my address.