Forclosures affect the turtle community

I have a few requirements for the animals that I keep as pets.

1. They must have fur.

2. They must have legs.

3. They must be dogs.

(I've had fish as pets, but truthfully, I'm not a "fish keeper" and I really don't enjoy cleaning the bowl. I don't plan on having fish again.)

The above requirements aside, I never want to see an animal suffer (who does?) and I can't stand the thought of animals being homeless; so our family of four has become a family of five.

While Jon was out at a vacant home today (working, not loitering) he ran across our newest addition... a little, green turtle. The turtle was just standing on the back patio of an abandoned home asking Jon to take him home. There was no water or food in site for a turtle and Jon knew that leaving him there would surely mean his death, so he sent me the picture above and let me know that a new family member would be joining us for dinner.

About an hour later, Jon showed up with his new little friend. We put him in a little storage container with some lettuce and water and watched him eat more than I thought a turtle could eat. It seemed like it had been a while since this little guy had had something to eat.

As I type, Jon has gone to Lowes to pick up some materials to make a little home for our new little friend. He's very attached to this turtle already. The problem is that we know nothing about turtles. Anyone have any advice? How about a name, any suggestions?

Take me out to the ballgame...

The appraisal business has been a bit slow lately; not so good for the pocket book, but great for family time. Our little family has been able to spend a lot of time together lately because basically, we're all home. Last week, we decided to take Row to his first baseball game. We went to Petco Park to see the San Diego Padres during the opening week of the new baseball season. Rowie actually lasted all NINE innings and had a fantastic time. He loved the jumbo screen, the cheering fans, and most of all... the french fries. It seemed like the perfect day to let him try his first fry and begin his life long battle with carbs and all things fried.

Rowen took his nine month pictures a couple of months ago. You'll notice that he is not as smiley as usual in these pictures. I guess I shouldn't schedule his appointment at the exact time when he is supposed to take his nap.

These pictures were taken a few weeks before Easter, and while we were there, the girl dressed in black taking Row's picture asked if she could use him as a model for their promotional flyer. I agreed, and Row appeared in bunny ears and a tail for our local Sears Portrait studio. He will hate me one day.