The Amazing Franklin

This weekend we found ourselves staying home for a few reasons. One was that Franklin, our 6 year old Red Eared Slider, has been very needy. She gets something like wander lust a couple of times a year and refuses to stay calmly in her 50 gallon kidney bean shaped tank. During these times I worry about her a lot because she also starts refusing to eat. After a week of her not eating, I get really stressed.

This week her wander lust set in and for the first time she was finally large enough to get out of the tank by herself. We can't leave her out on her own when she gets in this mood because she will sometimes flip over and not easily be able to right herself. Turtles can die of twisted bowels when they get flipped so we try to watch her as she walks all over the place.

We know that she is getting toward the end of her period of needing to roam when she finds a place in the house she likes to dig and tread with her back feet. I have always wondered if she is pretending to dig a hole to lay eggs. The only time she had ever laid an egg was far removed from her wandering spells, in her own tank.

She had been digging a bit by the front and back doors this time. It was the first time she ever got like this in weather that allowed me to let her outside. She walked across the back porch, into the grass in the back yard and within 2 minutes started to dig a hole.


She dug for a couple of hours as RGBisMe and I took turns watching her. As unsettled as she had been all week, we felt allowing her to dig until she had her fill was the best. I had to take a break in the house for a minute and when I came to the back door I saw she was taking a little rest with her one foot in what was at that time a hole, 3" x 2" on the surface and about 6" deep.

I was shocked to see her move her foot to the side and start to lay an egg. I called to RGBisMe who had been watching her while walking the kitten nearby. He came over and said, "She is laying another!" Franklin just kept laying eggs until I saw that the hole might easily fill. I started playing turtle midwife and catching them, putting them to the side so she would not feel like the hole was full. My concern was that she lay all she needed to so she would not become egg bound.


Franklin laid at least 13 eggs and took another hour to cover them and tamp them down until she was satisfied. One exhausted turtle slowly started to walk away from the area that was just a little patch of brown grass, you almost couldn't tell she had dug it at all.

We took her back to her tank and because her float bladder had been filled to buoy her when she was filled with eggs, she bobbed on the surface like a cork. We offered her some food but had to let out a lot of air before she could swim down to get it. She was ravenous and ate huge portions of avacado, watermellon and scrambled egg.

I welcome any and all suggestions how to build her a place to dig if this happens at a time during the colder months. A few key ingredients to a perfect spot must include: grass/ carpet like surface, something like sand to dig down into about 8" - 12", it has to fit in our house in the winter, Franklin has to access it from the floor.

30 Years Later

What did Cyclonic get me to do that no one else could? Not family nor boyfriends nor all of the fates combined could get me to cave in to watching the iconic Star Wars until today. For years I stubbornly refused to not only avoid it in the theaters but liked to smugly shock people that I had escaped all of the many times the movie was on television during the holidays. Cyclonic did what noone else ever had the guts to do, he handed me his copy of Star Wars and said, "Watch it." If he cared enough to remember my bragging about not seeing it, for him I would watch it, and I LIKED IT!

With years of hype about the movie making me determined to avoid seeing it, it did get me into trouble a few times. It caused a few arguments with lesser friends, made me clueless as to what my family was talking about and made me wonder what all of the merchandise on the store shelves was all about. My junior year in high school found me at an apathetic loss for what to write for a paper in English class. My sister had been doing some writing in her spare time and it wasn't too bad. I snatched up her idea, copying most of her lines verbatim. The paper was part of a project in class where it's grade was determined by classmates. The girl who graded mine turned to my best friend and said, "This is Star Wars! Why did she write that?" My friend honestly told her, "She has never seen the movie." I think I got a "C" on the paper.

It was so odd to watch a film for the first time yet to recognize every character and reference. First the Storm Troopers talking with their dark lord Darth Vadar about the Death Star and watching Princess Leia (Carrie looks like a young Debbie Reynolds!) shoot to defend herself. All 30 years since it's debut, my thoughts on it follow.

I never realized just how young the Luke Skywalker character was meant to be against the desert-like backdrop of the late 1970's imagined outer space. When the little holographic image of the princess appears and pleads to Obi-Wan Kenobi, my main hope was that Luke could get together with him and start to learn to flesh out the the young space farmer he portrayed. It reminded me of a scene out of Oklahoma and was sad when he didn't break into song about a bright golden haze on the droid as he looked out onto the 2 setting suns.

The sand people really spooked me and their attack on C-3PO made me think of the poor Scarecrow from the Wizard of OZ who was torn apart. I was grateful Luke could put him back together. Earlier this week, I devoured the final book in the Harry Potter series and kept wondering as I read if J.K. Rowling was going to pull a "Luke, I am your father," moment. Star Wars is a huge part of how people in our society make reference to things. It made me feel badly that I had waited so long to watch Star Wars that special scenes in the film have become so characterized that I couldn't appreciate them solely as the meaningful moments they were intended to be. Thanks to all of the You-tube videos of the Star Wars kid, I couldn't be impressed with Luke's rite of passage receiving his futuristic samurai sword. I cracked up every time I saw a lightsaber.

Even after years of up to date Disney graphics the space port where Obi-Wan and Luke meet Chewbacca and Han is still visually well done. The scene holds up well more than a quarter of a century after it's introduction to celluloid. The bar was, years later, well echoed by Quark's in Star Trek's DS9. Colorful characters must have been a real feast for the eyes and I am envious of those who innocently saw it the year it came out. They, however, did not have the pleasure of being reminded just how handsome Harrison Ford has been for oh so many years. If you are a fan and never saw The Conversation, make sure to see it.

I was shocked that I had built Jabba into a much bigger Hut than he actually was. Never having seen the character but hearing people make reference to him, I used his name in describing a nearby mountain. He is only an overgrown slug.

Before their escape from the Death Star, the masked Darth Vader meets hooded Obi-Wan. Maybe it was that their light sabers looking like wands but no, it was Obi-Wan allowing himself to be struck down that put to mind Dumbledoor stepping down to allow Harry's battling Voldemort. Young blood taking on the centuries old theme of good vs evil.

I admire this movie for representing the diversity of the universe. Not only in races but species and the many languages. It was a bold thing to suggest, I can't say that I have seen any other movie that has succeeded in pulling it off to this extent.

Cyclonic was right, I am grateful for hearing the origins of many of those great lines that have been the spice of our conversations for years. It is one thing to hear people quote them but the aplomb with which they are delivered by the characters is priceless. I might not remember all of the great lines and scenes as the die hards, just remember that I have only seen Star Wars... ONCE.

Trail Magic

I had always heard through-hikers speak of trail magic when hiking long distance on PCT, AT, even the MST. I am happy to report that it can happen on even shorter trails.

A month ago, Janila, Cylconic, Pink Panther and I tackled a few miles while finding letterboxes on a series of trails south of Ithaca. The letterboxes were a great group of called the Twelve Moons of Shindagin Hollow. It was a good hike and I took my Bob Weber hand carved hiking stick I had purchased at the Camal general store in Pine Creek Valley. I usually do not carry a stick but I didn't know what I was getting into. About two miles into the hike I told Cyclonic, "I am going to forget this."

Say it and it is so. Just finishing the last mile and 2 boxes, I turned to Janila and said, "I left my stick at one of the boxes." She was aghast and said, "We will go back!" I felt my feet throbbing and said, "We will not." I intended to contact the owner of the boxes and let her know I had lost it. By the time I remembered to do so, 2 other letterboxers had completed the same hike. I wrote to them with no luck. Something either Angsaidso or Cars replied to me convinced me that it was long gone. They mentioned how many mountain bikers were in the area. I was certain my stick had found a new home and wished it well.

While chatting online with Cyclonic this afternoon, he mentioned that the Bibliochicks had just contacted him about a stick they found while hiking Shindagin Hollow. They had contacted Angsaidso and Cars who said another boxer was looking for a hand carved stick they had lost!! One thing lead to another and, my stick seems to be in the hands of the wonderful Bibliochicks. It looks like I will be reunited with my stick in September at the Knoebel's gathering. Bless the Bibliochicks and good trail magic!

Summertime

In some ways, yesterday felt like a good old summer day from my youth. I was sitting around, enjoying a soda and laughing with friends. Yesterday's remarkable letterboxes, exceptional company, and scorching heat came to an end and our friends are planning to return home. Maybe that is why it makes me feel like summer itself is drawing to a close. The impending closings of all of PA state parks over a budget impasse certainly enhanced the feeling. Today, all non essential state employees are furloughed until the budget it passed.

It was an iced coffee that got us onto the road and energized us the whole way to Watervillle. We had our wits about us enough to tell the 3rd base side from the 1st base side of the ball field this time and we were able to to find jbzfarm's Pine Creek #8. Another masterful carving in a town where we spent many pleasant hours today. Supposedly the final in it's series, we will always hope for more.

Along a trail in Little Pine State Park, Mososo Kruppe made it possible for RGBisMe and and me to be able to see our first Bald Eagle's nest as well as a couple of mature Bald Eagles and their fledglings. A rolling hike also lead us on a hunt for a couple of mythical beasts, Harpy Hag and Agropelter. The hike and clues to these boxes were just right and if we hadn't been distracted by chatting, we might have correctly counted the number blazed trees. After realizing our mistake, the hunt went off without a hitch and two swank images now adorn our log books. These fearsome critters are in our central PA woods but their classy log books, locations and images are worth the fright.

It is always good to find letterboxes planted by people whose influences are at least slightly foreign to our own. It is one way to become inspired. Mososo Kruppe have the tradition of including generous first finder prizes. We have been lucky enough to have been treated to a PA Wilds pin that reflects a minimum donation to Pennsylvania Parks and Forests foundation, a gift certificate to a local restaurant, a bison figurine and a special card allowing us access to their multi leveled personal traveler It could be your Lucky Day!

The above mentioned personal traveler is a great idea. With a roll of a 20-sided die, you also roll your fate. Each number on the die represents either a good or bad luck icon. Each encounter with Mososo Kruppe allows a letterboxer another chance to roll for better luck or at least a new stamp from this collection. Between RGBisMe and myself we have 11 of the stamps, not bad for living hundreds of miles away from them! We know a new roll is a much coveted thing amongst some of their letterboxing acquaintances so I had to push my "luck" as it were. Every time we talked away the evening hours, closing down a couple of restaurants during their visit, I would ask if it counted for a new roll since it was after midnight. My trying to wheedle another roll was all in jest but the game is much fun for a PT!

Don't be sad Mososo Kruppe, I am sure that owl died of natural causes. There is a slight chance we won't see our friends for a while. Even with Dobsonflies (AUGH!), Hellgrammites and the promise of a chance encounter with Antlions here in PA, they have wonderful things ahead for them at home. Wedding plans, lessons plans and boxing plans are greeting their return. A big old empty space in our hearts and no state parks to hike in is going to drive us south, I swear.

More tom-foolery below!

Peace and Freedom

We spent the morning of Independence Day seeking a letterbox in a very peaceful area. RGBisMe and I did not know what to expect. We hadn't even heard of ADDA before. We went assuming it was their first attempt to plant perhaps without even finding a box first. I have yet to hear back from them so a lot is still unknown.

After we parked, what we found a network of gravel and dirt trails that snaked up and around some Huntingdon woodland. The area is owned or well maintained by Juniata College. The walk was not long nor difficult and we enjoyed seeing a small rabbit feasting on black raspberries. We walked a gentle assent on a gravel road that turn up and into a peaceful meadow on a hill top. It offered peeks at our typical rolling central PA mountains and a little country side.

The highlight of the trip is the hilltop chapel. Crafted from 53 granite stones that are set into a depression, the circle demands respect and reverence. We could imagine many sacred events that could or have taken place on this spot. Having the freedom in this country to worship in our own way is not something we take lightly. Visiting this spot on July 4th meant a lot to us and we are grateful to live in a country that defends the right to allow many religions coexist within it.

The letterbox was tastefully hidden well away from the sacred area. It was off trail just enough to be hidden from passers-by yet not so far that you felt like your were bush whacking. We took the box back to the ring to stamp into it. It seems like it was crafted, in part, by a younger person. The choice of simple hand carved image was, in our opinion, perfect. It is an image we will look upon and remember the complete journey to the area.

We give Peace Chapel letterbox a high recommendation. Thank you ADDA.

The Return of Mososo Kruppe!

No, it's not a new and improved laundry detergent nor powerful foreign car. Remember!? Up from Georgia, it's the sweetest letterboxing couple we know, Mososo Kruppe. RGBisMe and I have spent some wonderful times this week with these exceptional folks. How many people do you know who bring rats with them when they come and visit your house!? We had the honor of exchanging with Loki and Thor, shirt rats extraordinaire! They charmed us by snuggling and running around as we chatted with Mososo Kruppe. These rats don't have fleas nor lice but somehow we were left with cooties after their visit!

Great conversationalists, Mososo Kruppe shared with us their many letterboxing escapades. Witty tales interspersed with peeks at their great stamp carvings and found stamp images. We share a lot of the same values, opinions, tastes and slightly twisted sense of humor. We have serious plans in the works to kidnap and force them to live in our area.

We had a perfect afternoon of hiking Nittany Mountain yesterday. Just a slight afternoon chill for July allowed me to keep the sweat to a minimum yet keep up with these strong hikers. They once told me Nittany gave them trouble! They took the climb at a steady pace and I was ready to stop and stamp for a bit. I was glad to have brought my latest PT with me in my pack.

We did the white loop and they easily snagged 6 boxes. Using their crafty wiles, they also determined I can't shut my mouth about my own boxes. I think they will soon be returning to the mountain.

Although RGBisMe was not able to hike with us yesterday, he did join us later for a meal at Otto's. We chatted the evening away, learning more about each other's letterboxing styles and personal tastes. I can speak for both RGBisMe and myself by saying we are glad to know Mososo Kruppe better and are happy to call them friends. We hope the letterboxing community from Georgia realizes how lucky they are... until we lure them away! How can we tempt you?

FV4S 2007

Music was key in bringing a bunch of good friends together to relive a part of their childhood. I could be talking about myself, Tracdc, DaBralady & RGBisMe or I could mean the original Jersey Boys, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons The four of us youngsters spent the months leading up to this date musing on whether or not comedian Stewie Stone would lead off the show, the act would have changed much or if Frankie would still hit the high notes. Jokes about Geritol and needing a pre-show nap were good naturedly shared.

It was to be was my sixth time to see FV4S in concert. Their concert I saw in Radio City Music Hall, circa 1979, was billed as their "last concert" but I have since seen them twice since.

After tailgating in the lot of JR's grill, we had a nice supper and rocked through Delaware Water Gap to the Mountain Laurel Center in Bushkill, PA. It was a terrific venue. We had great seats under the roofed area but the pleasant breeze came in from the extended lawn to the back.

The manager of the performing arts center introduced the lead act of... STEWIE STONE! I cracked up as the same lousy comedian, albeit grayed and heavier, schlepped his way onto the stage told his tasteless ethnic jokes. Added to his repertoire were jokes on his prostate and something about dribbling like "lawn sprinkler." Did I mention that the four of us were on the younger end of the audience? There were probably 10 kids younger than us in the whole crowd and they were fans of the new Jersey Boys show on Broadway.

An exciting video montage and light show got everyone to peak excitement as the instrumentalists took their places on the stage. The show opened with what I felt was a poor choice in songs, Grease. Four leather clad hotties ran out to posture as doo-wop singers during the opening trumpet fanfare. They stood in front of their microphones, looking all of 20 years old as dear old Frankie Valli took the stage. Puffy faced and droopy eyed, Frankie slowly made it to center stage. I hoped his voice would not give away his 73 years as much as his appearance did.

You might not be able to tell just how highly I think of Frankie Valli. I had been belting his songs all week and have had them ALL memorized for over 30 years. So when I saw what looked like Frankie's lips were not quite in synch with a helium induced voice I was hearing, I was dismayed and a little confused. I could forgive him for not singing full out but pre-recording? After a post concert discussion, we all agreed that one of the doo-wops (Jim Carey look-a-like, Brian from LA) must have been a back-up falsetto until Frankie warmed up.

The doo-wops, or his "kids" as Frankie later called them, lost their leather jackets and sported dress jackets over charcoal t-shirts to match Frakie's attire. Although the costumes did not sparkle, the light-show, musicians and cheap Vegas choreography gave us plenty to distract us from Frankie's needing to warm up during the typical opening song of Our Day will Come, and the tinkling piano starting off Save It for Me. By the time he made it to Carol King's I've Got You Under My Skin, he in full belt and winning my heart back. He seemed to then start to visible relax and warm up to the crowd.

Many of the orchestrations were quiet odd and I didn't recognize Dawn at first. His first solo song of the evening was 1974's My Eyes Adored You. Nicely into the show by know, Frankie sounded like he was 30 years younger. We were excited to learn of a new album being released October 2 under the Universal Motown label, Romancing the 60's. He shared that it will consist of a lot of songs he always enjoyed from the 50s and 60s that other singers had covered and went on to sing Call Me. What the song lacked in lyrics, Frankie made up for in style.

Swearin' to God came next allowing for a few instrumental solos from the all male band lead by Robi Robinson on keyboards. After the brief vocal break, Frankie treated us to the Everly Brothers' Let it Be Me and the staccato syncopation of Rose of Spanish Harlem.

The old time favorite of Stay showed that Frankie could still charm us with that dear falsetto. It was during this that the doo-wops were so distracting with their background gesticulations that I joined in with them. Tracdc and DaBraLady were mortified and took to holding my arms down at intervals during the rest of the show. I didn't mind the Jersey Boys choreography being interjected into the begging of Who Loves You but most of their cheesy moves looked like a caricature of what anyone would expect to see a back up singer do. It was too much.

December 1963, Oh What a Night whipped the over 50 crowd into a geriatric frenzy. A venerable mosh pit at the front of the stage was greeted with grins and handshakes from Frankie. Next came his monologue with Robi's contrived keyboard in the background. I am sure this gives him somewhat of a vocal break but I would rather have had an intermission than listen to his preaching us on supporting the troops. I love your voice man, but save the politics.

The audience got to test the volume of their belt as Frankie encouraged us to sing out, Mel Gibson style, in the middle of Can't Take My Eyes Off of You. I have to thank the popularity of Jersey Boys for finally breaking apart what had in his 1970s tours been an abbreviated medley of Sherry, Walk Like a Man and Big Girls Don't Cry. We got to enjoy all three of these favorites, sung full out, in their entirety! Priceless!

The show wrapped up with a short section of Bye Bye Baby (Baby Goodbye). As they bowed and waved, instrumental strains of what used to be their closing number, Let's Hang On, played and the exited the stage. The cheering crowd was quickly appeased with the encore of Rag Doll. Then, there it was, that beginning chord that used to bring DaBraLady and me to tears, "There ain't no good in our goodbyin'..." Although he didn't have the lungs for an extended belt as he did in the 70s, Frankie hung on until the end of Let's Hang On.

I sure don't hope this blog came across as too harsh on the old guy. I had a blast, laughing and singing and clapping. I enjoyed what the show had to offer and knew it would not be the same as what I had experienced in my youth. I think I will always remember Frankie Valli as a man who loves to entertain and I was glad to have him feel he could give of himself again.


For those of you letterboxers who felt this was a waste of time reading, here is the back cover to a hard to find album that has my favorite order of FV4S songs.