I share the same boat.

Very true. We see our parents in a different light when we can understand and even relate to them. Your mom sounds like a great Principal. Kids are so lucky to have role models like that.

They come from the forest behind my home, not desert ones, but beautiful sweet critters. They come for a drink of water if we have been without rain. I gladly fill a large shallow pan and they are happy! They say Tortoises can't be spirit or totum animals but I am sure they can be anything!

Perfectly said!

Hi Mark.

Is was glorious upon its arrival. A golden hue that clung to the snow covered ground. Alas, I have no camera to capture it's beauty.

I have a friend who takes nature pics. We passed a couple baby raccoons climbing up a tree in the forest. She stopped the car and they went in their lil hole. She was sad. I speak raccoon. Raised 2 who lost their mama. I started the raccoon chatter and sure enough they came out and she got the shot!