Turtle Tales Guest Post Designer Pam King

     Well let me be the first to join your blog. I have 8 baby yellow belly slider turtles. A few months ago my husband and I saw a large female turtle laying her eggs in our yard. Since we have often seen broken turtle eggs we know that the raccoons love to eat them. We covered the area with a large piece of plywood to keep them safe.    

     About 3 months later I decided to check on the nest. I very carefully dug into the dirt and there was a little face looking up at me, still in his egg! We put him in a small container with water and out he came with yolk sack still   attached. I didn't know if he would live, but in seconds another one came out. 

     I started digging again and found whole eggs. Some were shriveled up, some felt empty, but by the time I finished I had found 6 more viable eggs. To better keep an eye on them I put them in a bucket with enough dirt to keep them covered and moved them to our screened in porch. 

     For the next week, every morning I was greeted with another little turtle sitting on top of the dirt. It was great fun to wake up and wonder if another little turtle had joined the world! They all made it and I am a proud mother of eight ravenous baby turtles. 

     Another three months have passed and I can’t believe how they have grown. Feeding time is the proverbial frenzy. They have learned to come to one end of the thirty gallon tank when I approach at our regular feeding time. They climb all over each other and have a contest to see who can eat the most and the fastest. In the beginning I had to place them in shallow water and put the food right in front of them to get them to eat. Now they can swim all over the tank to catch floating tidbits that swirl in the current created by the filter. Their menu consists of shrimp, mealy worms and kale. 

     I don’t know how long I will be able to keep them. I will have to release them back to nature because they will grow to large to keep. But for now, they are great fun to watch

 

                                                              Pam King

                                             www.pdkingdesign.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pearl's New Home

     When this house was built back in the twenties, it had open porches surrounding the entire front, including the upstairs. Over the years, one owner must have decided to close them in, which made the perfect setting for my plans as my hobbies changed.

      What is now Pearl’s room was once my artistic rubber stamp room. For years, stamping was my passion and I owned a shop in the historic area of St. Augustine, called Stamp Augustine. As time changed, I decided to write romantic fiction novellas, which are available on Amazon and Kindle. This was my writing area.

     Now the room houses around three thousand boxed stamps and Pearl. My writing takes place now in a different upstairs.

     What you see through the open window to my bedroom is a white cage to house Pearl. Next to it, although not so visible, is a red play gym with a second swing, a ladder to climb, and several small play toys.

     For the first week, this satisfied Pearl and she would sit on the ladder and chirp at me. I would sit on the edge of the bed and talk to her, hoping she might learn a word or two. She has learned the "Up" command when I hold my finger against her chest. She has become quite good at doing that and seems to like it even more than just chirping at me.

     One evening there was a television movie I wanted to watch, so I left Pearl

on her swing and moved to the sitting area off my bedroom. All of a sudden I was aware of wings slightly flapping. There was Pearl, walking across the bedroom floor headed in my direction. I put her on my shoulder and "movie" night has become one of Pearl's favorite activities. As long as she can sit on my shoulder and nibble gently at my ear she's content.

     As I write this column, it has dawned on me that not everyone is as passionate about birds as I am. The last thing I want my blog to do is bore you. With that in mind, I have decided to make this blog into one where everyone can share his/her stories about their favorite pet.  Along with cats and dogs, do any of you have some type of pet that could be classified as

"weird"? An iguana for example? That would be fun for anyone to read.

     In fact, I once owned a twelve-inch iguana that eventually grew to ten or more feet. I had built a large cage on my balcony, but it was starting to outgrow that.  I managed to sell him to a man for three hundred dollars. I know I lost money because that iguana had eaten through tons of fresh vegetables and so many heads of cabbage I lost count.

      Then there was the time I purchased an untrained monkey who almost wrecked - ah, but that is another story.

     Are you seeing the real reason for opening up this column to new ideas? Because people need people in their lives. Too much texting is going on. Real honest communication has almost been obliterated from conversation. Even e-mail, as easy as it is to send, doesn't promise too much enlightenment. My own children send me a quickie - Hi, Mom, Love you! - then zip-zap they're gone.

     To me, a column that takes the time to write about your interests, would at least keep a conversation going. How about your friends? Invite them to join us. We are becoming a world unto ourselves. With all the hate and horror in the world today, wouldn't it be nice to hear happy thoughts about a special pet or activity?

      Let me know what you think.  You can send an e-mail or send a story and your pet's photo. See the tab at the top of this blog header for contact info.

 

                                                                Audrey

 

And may God still be there, holding our magnificent country in the palm of His hands.

Pearl's Favorite Spot To Nibble On Millet Strips

 

 

     It was dark, about 3AM. I heard a thud first, then a thrashing of wings that pulled me out of bed fast. I grabbed Pearl, held her close to calm her down. Evidently the perch she had been sleeping on worked its way loose and had toppled Pearl with it.
    Once she felt safe on my shoulder she calmed down and started pecking on my ear. The only thing she likes better is nibbling at a long strand of millet strips. I always place it on the top of the cage, so I can quickly scoop it away when I think she's had enough.
    Seeds aren't the best things for birds to eat. They need nutricious pelleted food. I bought what they had at Pet World, but Pearl doesn't seem to like it. Sometime this weekend, I'll head to Pet Smart and see what they have. Also need to buy some toys for her - right now she likes searching for my hearing aids and that's a no-no.
    Although I haven't had her but a few days - and the first day wasn't too great - life is changing for me and Pearl. I can sense the subtle bonding. If I let her, she'd perch happily on my shoulder all day.
   In my next blog post, I'll tell you about the strange cage arrangement I have. It's pretty neat and Pearl can look through an open window at all times.
     I do hope you will come back to this blog and enjoy what I'm writing. I'd like this to be a place where you ask questions and even offer advice.
     Until next time, live happily. It's the only way to go.

                                                                                                     Audrey

Pearl Has Come Home And The Adventure Begins

 

 Pearl on her swing!

 

 

Pearl finally got to come home with me. She can eat on her own now - a grown up gal. She spent the afternoon on my shoulder.

 

I just wanted to share her photo sitting on the swing she loves.

 

The adventures of Audrey and Pearl have begun.  Stay tuned for our continuing story!

 

 

It's Almost Time

Pearl still being hand fed at the pet shop.

 

Pearl is about ready to be weaned! I'm very excited to take you on Pearl's journey to becoming a full-fledged adult. I expect to bring her home next Monday. We’ll share our ups and down with you. We'll share pictures. Our stories will be put on the blog about once each week. You will become part of our family. It will be a fun journey and I look forward to meeting you here. 

See you again soon.

                                            Audrey

 

May God bless our country

and the magnificent stars and stripes that wave above her.

 

 

A Bird Named Pearl

See that happy face? I finally realized I needed more than a plant to keep me happy. (Besides, my neighbors were giving me odd looks when they caught me talking to a plant. I could almost feel they had decided I had gone daft in my old age.) 

I went to several pet shops beforehand looking for a baby Cockatiel. I have named the baby in the photo above “Pearl” after the first Cockatiel I ever owned. 

While she is too young to bring home yet, in a few weeks she will be home with me. I think she senses I already love her because she kept crawling out of the box onto my hand. I looked long and hard for a baby bird – they are much easier to train than an adult. 

Hopefully, I’ll spend more time blogging my experience with “Pearl” as she grows. 

I can’t explain how happy I am. My health is improving and that’s a blessing. Each day I thank God. He allows me to continue enjoying the life He has given me. 

My mantra is “Live each day to its fullest.” That’s not to say every day is great. At 87 aches and pains have a way of creeping in. Still, you are never too old to feel love and joy in everyday experiences. 

Today is the youngest I’ll ever be. I’m going to make the most of it.

The Avocado Plant

      It's only a plant, but to me it's a miracle. For more years than I can count, I tried to root an avocado pit with no luck. It would disintegrate after about two weeks. For a while, I gave up. Then recently I purchased a plump avocado to mix in with a salad I was making. That pit dared me to try again.

      Okay, one more try.

      To my amazement little roots started to appear. Then a green stem sprouted from the top. Small at first, it kept growing. I transplanted it to a large pot of dirt. Leaves began to sprout. I went on the internet to see how to care for an avocado plant. Water only when dry, give it plenty of sunshine, and protect it from the wind. I could do that.

     The plant continued to grow. I even named it Gabby and talked to it every day. Gabby is the only pet I can have now since, at 87, I'm too weak to have animals running underfoot. Still she delights my days and gives me inspiration.

     In life, perseverance is the goal that keeps me moving and looking forward to each day. Try growing an avocado pit. It's a difficult task and at first you might not succeed but keep trying. My motto has become “Never give up and you will succeed.”

     If you have success, be sure to let me know.

     May your days be as blessed as mine are.

 

                                                                       Audrey

An Angel Named Joe

    My day didn't start off well yesterday. I had to meet with my lawyer to sign papers and thought I knew how to find him. I suddenly couldn't remember where he was located. My mind was a complete blank. I was so sure his office was on Cordova Street (and it was at one time). I didn’t know he had moved to Riberia Street. I kept driving back and forth getting more confused and upset by the moment.

    At least I had my cell phone with me. I called his office and told them I had somehow gotten lost. The secretary asked where I was and said she would send someone to guide me there.  

     Expecting a staff member, to my amazement, the person who came out to find me was my attorney, Joe Boles, Jr, our ex-mayor, who is now an attorney for the elderly. 

     When our business was finished, I was still shaken up by the experience. Joe followed me to my car, got in his car, and told me to stay behind him on the drive. He would show me the easy way to get home. He even drew me a map so I would know how to go next time. 

     There are some really nice people in our world. Once again, an angel came to my rescue. This one named Joe. I am convinced there are angels all around us, just waiting for us to need them. They are ready to help. Don't be shy or you might miss meeting a special angel yourself. 

    May God bless us all and this wonderful country where the stars and stripes still fly proudly.

    

 

      See you soon again.

 

                                                                                Audrey

 

 

 

'Love's Last Laugh ' A Perfect Summer Beach Read Now Available On Kindle

I am excited that my latest novella is now available on Kindle. Want to read a sneak peek? Click here and go to Amazon to use their look inside feature! On Kindle for only $2.99.

 

 

A perfect beach read for those lazy summer days!

 

 

Regina Osborn had lost the love of her life to cancer. To get away from painful memories, she leaves New York and moves to St. Augustine, Florida with her son Lance. Finding love again was the last thing on her mind. Loving someone and losing them hurt too much. Donna Reilly, Regina's best friend, decides to move south with her. At a hefty 130 pounds, she wasn't looking for love, just fun in the sun. Little did she know what she would encounter in her journey. Trudy Walker had suffered statuary rape in her early teens. Now, at twenty-four, she vowed never to let a man hurt her again. Love's Last Laugh: You can protest loud and clear, but in the end...three women learn you can't hide from love.

 

Buy It Now!

 

And visit my Amazon Author Page for the latest news!

 

Warm wishes, Audrey

 

 

Where Did The Year Go?

As I approach my eighty-seventh birthday, I find myself asking, have I learned anything this past year?

Yes, I have – patience. Patience to endure pain and not feel sorry for myself. Humility and gratitude for the friends who have had the guts to stick by me even when I knew they didn't want to listen to another gripe. My best friend, Claire (my adopted sister), should get a medal for bravery in the face of turmoil.

I have also reached that point in my life when I realize: who matters, who never did.

I have stopped worrying about people from my past. There's a reason they aren't in my future.

I can never be the person I was, but I can make the effort to be the best I am at this point in my life.

Thanks to my daughters Barbara and Pam. They are the joy of my life.

Thank you, Lord, for carrying me through the worst of times.

If I'm lucky, I'll still be around to celebrate next year. And you will be here to join me!

                                                            

                                                                                                         Audrey

 

 

Love's Last Laugh - My New Novella Is Now On Amazon!

 

Available on Amazon. Kindle coming soon!

You can protest loud and clear, but in the end...three women learn you can't hide from love.

Regina Osborn had lost the love of her life to cancer. To get away from painful memories, she leaves New York and moves to St. Augustine, Florida with her son Lance. Finding love again was the last thing on her mind. Loving someone and losing them hurt too much. Donna Reilly, Regina's best friend, decides to move south with her. At a hefty 130 pounds, she wasn't looking for love, just fun in the sun. Little did she know what she would encounter in her journey. Trudy Walker had suffered statuary rape in her early teens. Now, at twenty-four, she vowed never to let a man hurt her again.

                                 * * * * * *                                               

I am excited to have my new release available on Amazon. A novella full of the type of characters I love to write about. A long holiday and winter season with more health issues slowed me down, but not for long. My cure for everything, new characters, new plots, and a great time writing something I enjoy sharing with you. The Kindle version will be coming soon!

Wishing you a happy spring and a touch of love!

                                                                                        Audrey