new obsessions
May started with a bang. Well, not really but you know what I mean? All of a sudden a new month is here, then gone.
I have been obsessing over tortoises. When I was little, we had two. They were rehomed to another family for reasons I can't remember but I hope they are still alive and well, being long lived creatures. It thought of getting a tortoise for a couple of years now but more so recently. I have watched videos about preparing tortoises for hibernation and every other aspect of tortoise life. I must have read countless reviews about tortoise enclosure substrate. Who knew it was possible to get some many different opinions on that one topic alone? I have studied tortoise breeds and compared their care needs with what I can offer. I looked at every tortoise for sale in the UK, and looked through tortoise re-homing websites. The amount of information online is bottomless and often contradictory. Most of the advice about buying a tortoise is about how not to buy one, although there are plenty of places that do sell them. It is confusing. As a future tortoise owner, I have no idea where to start. In any case, there seem to be no tortoise breeders in Scotland.
When not obsessing over tortoises I am busy with the usual day to day business of working and parenting, with enough time for myself to protect my sanity. It was a busy Bank Holiday weekend but I like busy so all good.
On Friday, I celebrated my birthday. There were some mild complaints about my meagre wish list but I have all I want (except the tortoise). I received a dungaree pattern and the hardware for the dungarees, two kinds of labels for my me made wardrobe, a button hole puncher thingy, a lovely mug, a wee glass angel, a box of Cadbury cream eggs and a beautiful bouquet of spring flowers with the most wonderful scent. It is a shame I can't share that with you. On my birthday, I spent a couple of hours cutting out fabric for my long neglected ice cream soda quilt. I have cut fabric for six new blocks. Sam came over for dinner and a chat, which was lovely.
On Saturday, while people up and down the country were watching the coronation, I spent four hours litter picking up by the entrance of Dawsholm Park, a far better use of my time than watching an absurd spectacle. It was raining a lot, with moments of clearer skies. You can see a before and after photograph above, not a pretty sight. The area is a fly-tipping zone unfortunately and has not been cleared for years. We also cleared the gutters and excavated the overgrown curb. It was good to see the rain water flow off without flooding. We managed about half of what needs to be cleared in preparation of eco restoration later this summer so no doubt another session or two of litter picking. I am glad though that next time I volunteer it will be to survey biodiversity and create some more meadow space.
We had two BBQs on Sunday. It is typical of course. Weeks go by without socialising at all and then all of a sudden, we are super popular. We managed to spend some times at both BBQs and we had a wonderful time catching up with old friends. I may never be hungry again.
Finally, my friend Karen and I walked from the Kelpies to the Falkirk Wheel on Monday. Both quite impressive structures, check it out via the links. It was not a picturesque walk but flat and easy, leaving plenty of breath to chat. It was a bit damp but not too bothersome. My Garmin told me I walked 15 km, not bad at all for a Monday afternoon.
I have a very busy time coming up at work so may be a little quiet here. Wish me look. I need it to see me through to the end of June.
If you are a keen tortoise keeper, please tell me all about it 😀
Oooh those Kelpies ❤ I saw them in 2016 and 2017 and the Falkirk wheel too. Happy Birthday. I had a Terrapin when young called him Terry lol
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday. I didn't realise you could still get tortoises - I thought you could no longer import them. I haven't seen one for years (in real life that is) I had a friend with one when I was little. My daughter was involved for a few years looking after turtles in Greece and trying to make sure that they were protected on the beaches so that they could get to the sea once they were born.
ReplyDeleteYou did a good job with the rubbish collecting - I only heard about the Bank Holiday national drive on the Tuesday when it was too late to join anything. I often do my own little beach clearance when I am up at the cottage though.
A belated happy birthday. My only tortoise story is how I rescued one. I was in our car and suddenly spotted a tortoise part of the way across a busy road in a built up area. No idea how it got there. I hopped out and picked it up and we took it home and gave it water and food in our garden. At some point it decided to leave and left our garden. Hopefully it had another fun adventure. Jean/winnipeg.
ReplyDeleteChristine, when I read that you were obsessing over tortoises, my first reaction (without reading further, mind you) was that you were referring to a tortoise feline! My confusion was not helped by seeing the first photo of a cat, but then of course after actually reading your post, I knew you meant an actual tortoise. It's interesting that your childhood ownership has resurfaced now and I wondered if anyone else in the family shared your ownership desire.
ReplyDeleteVery belated 🎂 wishes to you and the gifts received sounded perfect since I know what you mean about not a short wish list. It's the same with myself as I either have everything needed now or can acquire it at some other time as it's not an immediate "need."
The way you spent coronation day seemed like a far better use of one's time. It's just such a shame that people can be so careless with littering even tossing a toilet! BTW you are not alone in not having spent time watching that event.
My sister has a tortoise of a variety native to the Atlas Mountains but hatched here in the states; she got it when it was half the size of her palm and it is now 30+ years later as big around as a bushel basket. It can't live outside here in the winter due to the damp freezing weather but roams inside her house. It eats only fresh veggies. It gets very sick riding in the car which makes it hard to take it places and it once ate a poisonous plant in the garden and almost died. Fortunately she found a specialty vet and was able to save it/her. She also has some native tortoises that are not permitted as pets but only as rehabilitation subjects - each of them has a disability.
ReplyDeleteI suspect you are envisioning something less complex, but I would advocate for a tortoise re-homed through an official organization for humane and environmental reasons!
Ceci
A belated Happy Birthday, Christina. Love those horses! X Doris
ReplyDeleteThere was a lot going on with you again... applause for clearing the rubbish away and above all all the best for your birthday, now the congratulations are a bit late, but they come from the heart.
ReplyDeleteYour fabric sewing table looks wonderful :-)) I could start right away...
As I said, all the best for you and many warm regards from Viola
I had a tortoise for a while, who wandered into our garden when I was growing up. And I am trying very hard to remember who I came across online who had several. I will let you know if it comes to me. Well done on all that litter picking, that's amazing. And shocking that there is so much rubbish discarded all over the place. I hope you have a lovely weekend, and I'm wishing you a belated happy birthday. CJ xx
ReplyDeleteHappy belated birthday!! Mine was May 3rd. Yay for May birthdays!!
ReplyDeletePlease think carefully before trying to find a tortoise. They are complicated creatures and need special care when it is time to hibernate especially in these days of climate change. I would suggest contacting the Tortoise Trust for advice and possible help with rehoming. The import ban on tortoises came into effect many years ago when they were piled on top of each other and transported in horrific conditions. No wonder few survived. These days there is specialist advice from reputable breeders and organisations like the Tortoise Trust.
ReplyDeleteWhile I understand that you may see it as an “absurd spectacle,” a Coronation is part of our country’s traditions. Customs and traditions are highly valued in the UK and are as diverse as they are rich.
ReplyDeleteHappy belated birthday. Glad you were able to spend time with Sam.
ReplyDeleteI loved seeing the Kelpies and the Falkirk wheel when we were there last year.
Whatever is happening at work I hope it goes well Christina.