Make your internet searches count! By using Goodsearch as your primary search engine and selecting Mommies Network (Charlotte, NC) as your charity, you will donate a penny to
us for each search you make!
KanawhaValleyMommies is always looking for new articles and features. CLICK HERE to check out our guidelines. |
|
As part of The Mommies Network, KanawhaValleyMommies.com is a free community for moms in
Kanawha and Putnam Counties. We realize that all moms need local support -- and who can't use
another friend? KanawhaValleyMommies.com offers a simple way to connect with local moms for
friendship, support and fun. Members meet on our private discussion forums to share information on everything
from where to get the best haircut to tips on transitioning to a "big kid" bed. Each month, we
also offer many face-to-face events for our members, their children and their families.
Register today to access our discussion forums, events calendar and more!
It's free and we'll keep your info secure and private.
by Jessica Shenefield
I have a soft spot for turtles. Though I recognize that it’s based purely upon influence, I like to joke that it’s hereditary. My mother had red-ear sliders from childhood till college. My sister has had a chinese box turtle since 1989. We were stewards of four precious young desert tortoises in the early 90's due to an over-breeding at a wildlife center. Turtles, lizards, and snakes—oh my! I have an affectionate fascination with all of them—and I’m passing it on to the next generation.
For years now I’ve been encouraging my children to stop and smell the flowers, watch the ants, observe a spider, contemplate a wasp and photograph a butterfly. I point out vistas, pastures, yards, gardens, trees, hawks, vultures and livestock as we travel about on errands and road trips. I teach them to observe the wildlife but not harass it; including the vegetation. They are great about letting me know when they’ve happened upon something nifty and taking me to it for discussing, identifying and recording.
My husband, on the other hand, will collect it and bring it to me. Such was the case with Snappy.
One sunny Sunday afternoon in April my dear husband was standing in the doorway of our outbuilding when, marching across the driveway in front of him—at its full one-inch of height—was a hatchling turtle with a tail twice as long as its body. Being fully aware of my turtle amore' he plucked it up and brought it inside for identification as he’d never seen a turtle with such a long tail (we both originate from the left coast).
click here to continue reading...
|