Thursday October 9, 2008

A Pond – A Sunset -A Grandson

I drive by my brothers’ pond every day that I take TFC mail to the post office, and notice what looks like turtles sunning on something that protrudes above the water – an old tire or something.  (Yes, I know these critters are ducks!)  I took my camera along the other day and decided to investigate.

I was surprised to discover three turtles, and think I see the head of a fourth just to the right of the one closest to the camera.  I would have liked to get closer, but they were not receptive to that, so I had to settle for cropping the photo I took from the car.  After some research, I believe these are Painted Turtles.

You can be glad I don’t have “scratch and sniff” photos tonight. 

When I went outside to take this photo, the scent was less than attractive.  The pungent odor that hung heavy in the air came from someone burning a large pile of trash, combined with the scent of fresh manure that a neighbor spread on his field today.  (How’s that for ruining a beautiful photo?) 

I would never trade my “fresh country air” for any other air on earth.

If you drive by our house tonight, you will notice a car that has never been here before.  That’s because Jordan is here.  He called earlier today and asked if he could use one of his “days” and spend the night and tomorrow at our house.  He wants to watch the Philly’s game tonight, and there is no school tomorrow because of our local farm show.  

Jordan is our seventeen-year-old grandson – the one who had been driving his dad’s old truck for the past year.  He recently purchased this Nissan, and is pleased to be getting very good gas mileage – which is important for a teenager these days.

Explanation on “One of his Days”:  because our Maine grandchildren get to spend the summer at our place after they turn twelve, the Pennsylvania grandchildren get to spend seven days per year at our place – after they turn twelve – birthdays and half-birthdays excluded.  They may take the seven days at one time, or choose something like this.

Jordan is relaxing in the “Children’s Room”, remote in hand, and keeping an eye on the Philly’s and Dodgers game.  (When his dad lived here, this was his bedroom.)

Jordan was pleased that my freezer held some of his favorite snacks:  Breaded Mozzarella Sticks, Cheese-Stuffed Soft Pretzel Sticks, and Chicken Fingers.  This grandma knows that she has to keep those things in the freezer if she wants to stay in good standing with her grandchildren.