SOME OF THE OTHERS ...

I'm just going to take a few minutes & post some pictures I took this morning while feeding ... "the other animals".

As noted & known, I have had a life long interest in turtles. It seems I have always had one or two crawling around the house -- in a container, of course -- since I was in kindergarten. Rather than one or two, my collection now numbers several dozen turtles, all of them rare, exotic or both. Add to that, valuable & expensive as well.

In the past few years I have started adding tortoises to my collection. I now have six tortoises, after bringing back two more from the National Reptile Breeders Expo in Daytona Beach, Florida in August. Two of the larger tortoises are in an outdoor enclosure & the four pictured below are in my indoor "compound". [Sounds so professional to write "compound", rather than "garage".]

Enjoying their green beans & commercial tortoise food "pellets" for breakfast -- now doesn't that make your mouth water -- are my two Black Mountain Tortoises. For size, the larger (top) tortoise is just about six inches in straight line length.

This tortoise species originally comes from South East Asia & Malaysia. Like so many of the turtles & tortoises in the world, they are declining rapidly in their natural area due to human population growth, loss of habitat, & worst of all, the demand for the oriental food markets.

My two tortoises -- which I have had for several years -- where hatched by a breeder in Florida.

You KNOW those green beans look yummy, but wait until you finish reading this before you run to the kitchen to fix yourself some. You are probably out-of-luck when it comes to finding tortoise pellets in your pantry. My pantry ?? Not a problem.

These little dudes above are the "Cherry Head" Red Foot Tortoises I acquired in August. They --like the Black Mountain Tortoises -- are tropical forest dwellers in the wild, except in this case, on the other side of the Earth. These tortoises originate in Central & South America.

Okay. Take a few minutes & go fix some green beans. I know you are really craving them right now.

I am real pleased with how these tortoises have settled into the environment I provide. Shell grow, indicated by the faint white lines between the shell scutes, is a positive sign of shell growth & development in these little guys.

There you have some of the other animals in my care.

See, it's not just cats all the time ... other than 24/7.

BIRD-ON-BIRD CRIME

Last night I was watching the nightly news on NBC, when I became aware that Precious had moved her position in the lower "barrel" of the Kat Kondo. She was facing the window, with her front feet supported on the window's ledge, staring intently outside.

FOR THE RECORD: Yes. The Girls are using my $75.00 living room investment on a consistent basis now. Wobs & Precious are the most frequent visitors to the structure.

At the same time I noticed Precious so steadfast & focused, I could see outside the window it was snowing ... BIG FLAKES.

New York State blizzard size snow flakes !!

DUH !!! Big brain phart time !!

It's September !! I've seen -- & been in -- snowstorms in New York in September, but this is Arkansas.

I focused & saw the "snow flakes" where actually FEATHERS floating in the air in the backyard.

The feathers were from a bird -- I'm pretty sure a Dove -- & the "alleged" perpetrator of the "snow storm of feathers" was a Red-Shouldered Hawk. [Always presume innocence, since the Hawk may have just arrived on the scene & was "innocently" eating the remains.]

Precious -- probably the only "witness" -- is focused on the Hawk, which is in the upper right third of the photo above. [The bird is the dark smudge in a bed of white colored feathers.]

The crime scene & the "suspect" ... along with the remains of the victim. [Gosh, if there had just been a photo that night of O.J., the glove thing would have been a mute point.]

And naturally, after the Hawk flew off, The Girls ( AKA, in this instance, "The Detectives") had to inspect the "evidence", even as I was trying to clean up some of the mess.

Ever try to rake feathers in the grass ?? It's hard to do. At the same time, feathers stick quite easily to cat fur, making The Girls look quite fashionable, wearing feathers all over themselves, especially Wobs with her feather earrings.

At this time, I believe the Hawk was GUILTY of the bird-on-bird crime.

DECOYS

"Decoys" is a word I hear more often in Arkansas than anywhere else I have lived in my life. The word is used in regards to duck hunting in Arkansas ... a ... ah ... "sport" ?? ... so loved in this part of the world. Got to have a load of "decoys" to go duck hunting.

There are three hunting "seasons" that bring out the Danial Boone in the people of Arkansas:

++ Dove hunting season -- which started at the beginning of this month. I know the almost exact time the killings began, due to the guns I could hear going off in the distance at 6:30 A.M.

++ Deer season -- the BIG ONE in terms of hunter involvement. Some school districts in the state suspend classes so that students can ... "get in the woods".

++ Duck hunting season -- which does not start (I'm guessing) until December. It's another hunting time when, due to my living near lots of water & rice fields, the hunters guns going off can be easily heard early in the A.M. They need those decoys to ... "bring in the ducks".

I also use "decoys", but with a with a slightly different purpose. No killing involved. Strictly as a "distraction".

Checking the Weather Channel web site this A.M., the "10-day forecast" for central Arkansas has all sun symbols. No rain due. It's going to remain warm & dry.

It looks as if I will be continuing to gather up fallen leaves on my property, as I have been doing for the past month or so. The trees shed their leaves due to dryness, not just waiting for Fall's colder temperatures.

I use my "decoys" so that I can utilize my time working in the yard & not be slowed down by my equipment being ... taken over by thugs. In this case, if I only try to use one cart or wheelbarrow, to haul leaves to the burn pile, the cats will 90% of the time ... "take it over".

I have to use all my equipment ... knowing that some of it will be ... a decoy.

All the "players" are in place. "Momma Kitty" (Precious) has already made her selection & is under the yard cart. Wobs & Nibblets are still deciding whether to get in a wheelbarrow, or, just lie under it. I'm trying to out-flank them by filling several carriers with leaves & using the one(s) which the cats don't grab.

Precious is comfortable ... oblivious to being ... "in the way".

Pointing out one of the guilty.

Miss Nibs ready to grab a ride. Wobs is relaxing & watching.

Finally, some leaves make it -- minus cats -- to the burn pile.

Just another example of MY use of ... DECOYS.

LET'S MAKE A DEAL

Recently in the news, the head of the NEW YORK TIMES newspaper, [President ?? CEO ?? Don't remember.] indicated there would come a day when the "Old Gray Lady" (as it is sometimes called) would no longer have a printed/paper version. Eventually the newspaper would only be available through an on-line version.

Makes sense. The "news" content in newspapers -- no matter how big or small the paper -- is now (at least) 24-48 hours old. Basically newspapers now are a source to "review news".

When I came to central Arkansas 14 years ago, I began subscribing on a daily basis to the ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE. I've always had a paper delivered to me, no matter what city I lived in, all my adult life.

The paper is delivered to the yellow box down at the road.

This year I decided NOT to renew my subscription to the newspaper when it came due.

I have had "issues" with the delivery of my daily paper, as well as not caring for the editorial policy on some issues the paper has covered. I also don't enjoy some of the regular columns & the writers, especially in the sports section. [Do you hear me Wally Hall ??!!!]

I have other newspapers I receive, including a daily USA TODAY in the mail & local weekly papers in the form of the NORTH LITTLE ROCK TIMES, as well as the ARKANSAS TIMES.

I am on the computer first thing each morning & several times through out the day. I stay current & up-to-date on all events. I even have web sites with the daily cartoons.

My satellite TV system has all the major national news stations, as well as providing me with local TV stations & their news teams in Little Rock, Los Angeles & New York City.

Why do I need another paper to "review" the news ??

I received my renewal notice in May for the ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE. To renew for a year would cost $180.00. The final date of my current subscription would be June 23rd.

I never received any further word from the newspaper. No "second notice" in the mail. No phone calls.

I began to look forward to not receiving a newspaper. It's part of the morning "routine" I was looking to change up a bit & utilize my time a bit differently.

On June 24th, I planned to remove the yellow "paper box" from next to the mailbox. No newspaper delivery. No yellow container.

But ... I received a newspaper that day. I figured the delivery carrier just made a mistake.

I continued to receive newspapers every day. This went on for several weeks.

I finally did get a second billing in the mail, still with the June renewal date for my subscription.

I also got a phone call from the newspaper, wanting me to renew. It was the first of several calls I received ... all with the same price offer & all with my same response -- was there a "better price" ?? -- since I did not feel I was getting enough value in "old news" for my $180.

All "offers" remained the same, as did my response. I did point out each time to the caller that I was continuing to receive "free" newspapers each day. Did no good. The newspapers were at the road each morning.

Finally, in August, before my weekend trip to Florida, I called the newspaper & told them to STOP sending me newspapers. That did the trick. No more newspapers & I did -- finally -- remove the yellow newspaper box from in front of my house.

I don't feel I was "missing" anything by not having the 20-30 minutes each morning reading the newspaper. Most times in the past, I would also be watching a news station on the TV while reading -- which would be a source of "current news" -- while I read "review news".

Then on Friday night, September 10th, there came a knock at the door. It was a woman from the Sales Department of the ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE. They wanted me back. I told her to "make me an offer", which turned out to be:

** A full size "cartoon umbrella", that was in her hand
** A book of two-for-one coupons for area restaurants
** A "write off" of the $26.00 worth of "free" papers I had received
** A 52 week subscription -- plus two additional weeks "bonus" -- for $119.00

Saturday, I put the yellow paper box back up at the road & my daily newspaper re-started on Sunday.

I got "the deal" I wanted.

ROY & GO GO

Sometimes current events, or recent happenings, will bring forth reminders of treasured memories. It happened to me recently when I got an e-mail from "Weiner", with an attachment which has me laughing & chuckling over something that happened almost 50 years ago.

But first, for those not up-to-date on these postings, & needing a point of reference.

Weiner was the nick-name given to my high school sweetheart by her two younger brothers. The name is only a coincidence to the photo below.

This photo just cracks me up.

Growing up, Weiner, who's real name is Marlene, had a dog named Go Go. It was no doubt named after the then fad of dancing & clothing styles.

Come to think of it, she may have named the dog after those white "go-go boots" Weiner once wore. Maybe still does. Good for working in the yard, I bet.

Go Go, like the dog in the photo, was a black & white "mix". I remember it as a sweet dog & very loving. Go Go was the "replacement" for "Cuddles", the previous dog.

Somewhere, in my (vast) library, I have the old Far Side cartoon, where the artist, Gary Larson, drew a similar dog with a treat being held on the dog's nose at the owners command. The joke is the dog's thought balloon, with the animal realizing the dog must kill the owner for teasing the dog with the food on it's nose.

Long before Far Side cartoons came along, Weiner's Father -- Roy -- did the same trick with Go Go; making the dog wait, not moving a bit, a tempting "snack" on Go Go's nose. Finally, after what must have seemed like an eternity to Go Go, Roy gave the "Okay" command & Go Go would flip the treat into her/his/it's mouth.

NOTE: I don't remember what sex Go Go started out. I do know she/he/it was "fixed". The name "Go Go" is kind of uni-sex.

I don't remember Go Go ever getting a treat as big as the hot dog -- or "weiner" -- like the dog pictured.

I do know this photo makes me laugh, no doubt remembering the entertaining "trick" provided by Roy & Go Go, all those many years past.

MORE IS MERRIER

I call my Mother -- Hilda -- in Florida, every Sunday morning. We may talk at other times through the week, but I always call her each Sunday. It's been that way for years.

One topic we discuss is ALWAYS the results for the drawing Saturday night for the Florida Lottery. We both play the twice a week drawings -- Wednesday & Saturday.

I did not call my Mother last Sunday morning & I won't be calling her tomorrow. Hilda is in England & has been since the 9th of September. She's traveling with one of my Aunt's & visiting another who still lives ... "across the pond".

Since there will be no weekly phone call tomorrow, it may be several more days before I speak to a living person. As I figure, the last human I spoke to was Rick, my heating inspector. That was Thursday A.M.

I've been home since Wednesday. I did go to the Post Office this afternoon, to get the mail out of the box I rent, but I did not talk to anyone.

It's not unusual for me to go days without talking to people. I am a "loner". I like it that way. I'm too into "me".

Still, I did have "conversations". I did use my voice. I always talk to the cats. They don't always talk back -- except for Wobs, who has quite an understandable vocabulary -- but they can indicate their "needs", which would include meow-tones for "Out" ... "Foodies" & "Scratch my ears".

I often think of adding more cats. There are so many needing homes & care givers. I know I could do it. I'm just not sure how the current crew would take to newcomers.

Now, this looks like a fun group.

No doubt it is feeding time in the photo above, as I have seen the same scenario at my door, with of course, fewer faces pressed against the glass. That dog better move fast when the door is opened, or it's going to get run over.

Ah ... the more the merrier.

I DON'T NEED IT.

I admit, for a guy who lives alone, I use A LOT of water. I see it in my bill I receive each month from Grand Prairie Water Distribution, in Stuttgart, Arkansas.

I do take a shower each day. Sometimes more than one. I can get dirty -- and/or stinky -- pretty easily.

Along with toilet flushing, washing clothes, watering trees & plants, and -- not often enough -- washing my truck, I have five turtle "ponds" which encompasses about 700 gallons of H2O. That water has to be changed/replaced on a regular basis.

At least the three cats don't have to be bathed. Well, sometimes they do have to be cleaned off, or wiped down. Cats DO get dirty.

I moved into this house in September, 1996. In those 14 years, I have always washed my dishes ... by hand.

I believe hand washing uses LESS water than a dishwasher. Plus, I like to wash dishes by hand.

I always use hot water, detergent & let the washed dishes rest in a rack. I'm not a hand/towel dryer. Let the dishes drip-dry themselves.

Too, I sometimes let (a few ?) dishes set in the sink before I wash them. Nothing really filthy or nasty. No one is offended, since I live alone, remember. Just waiting to have enough to make it worth my time. I've got plenty of extra "clean" dishes.

Here in Arkansas & counting the townhouse I had in Memphis, Tennessee -- actually, Bartlett, Tennessee, the "generic Germantown" -- & the apartment I had before that, I have always had a dishwasher installed.

I just never used them.

Well, I did run the dishwasher a few times at that old apartment. My wife at the time liked to use the dishwasher. She also turned it on one time while I was taking a shower. Instant cold. Yes, we had a big fight about that -- stupid, dumb idiot -- maneuver.

After I got rid of her, I never used the dishwasher. Everything strictly, "hand washed".

When I sold my home in Tennessee, as part of the final closing inspection, I had to show the Realtor the dishwasher in the kitchen was in working order. I had to stall for time, wondering how to turn it on & run the dishwasher. I was faking it. In 18 years, I never had used it. Thank goodness, it worked.

I tried to figure out the other day just how many years it has been since I used a dishwasher. My best guess would be about 37 years I have been washing dishes by hand. Since back around 1973.

Along that line of thought, I went in the current kitchen & opened up the dishwasher, something I don't believe I've ever done before.

I was kind of hoping it might be filled with gold bars. No such luck.

I'm thinking maybe it's time to remove the dishwasher, as it is just taking up needed room. I could use the space for some sort of storage or extra shelves. There's lots of possibilities.

I just don't need -- or use -- the dishwasher.

JUST LIKE MYRTLE ??

My good friend in Memphis -- Myrtle -- manages to appear in a number of photos with her eyes closed. I guess she involuntarily reacts to the camera flash.

I used to think she was just bored & dozed off.

My cat Precious seems to have the same instinct. I seldom get a head-on photo of "Momma Kitty" -- & I do take A LOT of pictures of my girls -- where Precious has her eyes wide open.

Here's an example: Precious with her sleepy-eyed look, right next to Nibblets, who gives the appearance of being P.O.'ed at my sticking the camera in their faces. "Miss Nibs" even flashes a claw in the picture, as some sort of "warning".

It seems next to impossible to take an indoor photo of Precious without getting the semi-closed-eye look.

Just like Myrtle.

TYPICAL CATS

I have a lot of daily cartoons I follow on the Internet. I like to get my information & entertainment early in the morning & at one location.

One of my favorites cartoons is ARLO AND JANIS. I used to read it in the Memphis newspaper when I lived in Tennessee, but the cartoon is not carried in the local "rag". [There's another story there, for another time.]

It just seems the artist -- Jimmy Johnson -- captures certain features of daily life in a unique & humorous way. Today's cartoon is a classic example ...

With three indoor/outdoor thugs ... ah, cats ... this one really was both funny & hitting close to home. This can be soooo like cats, when they KNOW it is time to come in ... they are being called & they have absolutely no desire to listen, respond or obey.

Too many times I have had to lug one or more of my cats into the house, when, like a 10-year old kid with the sun having set, they have wanted "... just five more minutes to play".

Typical cats.

THANKS, TEXAS

Tropical Storm Hermine invaded Texas this past week. LOTS of rain, flooding & tornadoes. Such storms are no fun.

I'd like to give a big shout out to friends in Midland, Tyler & Corpus Christi, Texas for sending some of the rain this way the past few days. It almost seemed strange to see it raining in the yard.

Not only was the moisture desperately needed -- I've been violating the local ban on exterior burning -- but it allowed my cats to track mud into the house, rather than the fine dirt & dust they have been bringing in.

The rain we received was probably the true definition of the word "showers". It would rain for awhile, appear to be clearing up -- maybe even a hit of blue sky's -- then it would start to rain again.

I got fooled by the "showers" yesterday. I started my daily jog thinking the rain had let up & I could fit in 30-45 minutes of hitting the roads for some excerise.

Wrong !!

I made it about 3/4 of a mile when the heavens opened up & I got soaked to the skin. There was nothing I could do but watch out for any traffic on the roads & keep on pounding the pavement. I actually made good time in the rain.

When I got home, I stripped down to my "birthday suit" on the side porch & left the pile of wet clothes & shoes on the floor while I went to have a nice, warm shower.

Still ... we did need the rain & I did get my daily exercise.

Thanks, Texas, for sending the rain -- minus the damaging effects -- up to Arkansas.

MORE ... HOMER

Yesterday -- Tuesday, September 7th, 2010 -- was the first day the paperback edition of the book, Homer's Odyssey went on sale.

At my local Barnes & Noble Bookstore, they had two copies of the book on the front store table. I bought both copies. One for me & one to send to a friend.

Counting gifts, I've now purchased seven copies of the book.

I already have a copy of the hardcover book. Mine is signed by the author, Gwen Cooper. I wanted the new edition for the new pictures included, the new "afterward" written in the paperback & for the new cover. Remember ... I'm a "collector".

I've written about Homer's book before. It's the story of a BLIND cat & the wonderful effect he has on the author's life & all the people who get to meet Homer.

Well, not everyone. Apparently the burglar Homer actually chased from Gwen's apartment was none too happy to "meet" Homer.

Repeat: The cat is BLIND !!

I have continued to "follow" Homer on Gwen's web site, where she has a blog which she updates with current events, comments from other "Homer Fans" & pictures of Homer. There is even video of Homer on the site. He's "cat normal" in every way. He just doesn't have eyes.

Check out the web site: http://www.gwencooper.com/

[Excuse me. I had to "paws" for a minute. My own Wobs came to visit on the computer desk & provide me with some of her love. My sweet baby !!]

Here's the three books currently in the house: my original copy ... the new edition ... along with the "gift" book, ready for mailing. [The highlighters are to show that I went to Office Depot again yesterday. It's next to B&N. So, sue me. Pens & highlighters are a disease !!]

Just so she could get in the way & get her photo taken, Nibblets decided to walk into the line of sight. Always the beauty queen & willing to add her radiance to any blog post.

I recommend Homer's Odyssey for everyone to read, not just "cat lovers". I give it "Four Meows".

GROWING UP ... ???

Okay ... I'm "different". I know that.

I like to think I'm unique. One-of-a-kind.

I'm the poster boy for the Jimmy Buffett song: "Growing older, but not up". I'm 63, going on 33.

I was recently offer a job. I turned it down.

I never wanted to work when I had to. Why would I want to go back to work now ?? My whole life I wanted to be living as I am right now.

I've had a good life. I've had a good career, good friends & (mostly) good health. I've been in almost every major city in the U.S., & as I figure, about 40 different states.

I've been to Europe & traveled in Central & South America. I've done jungles & I've done cities.

Still, I like where I'm at right now. Central Arkansas is nice & I've got a good home with a niece piece of land. The neighbors are (mostly) good & the ones who are not, provide an interesting source of entertainment.

My close friends realize I'm sort of cemented in one spot right now. I'm not in the traveling/visiting mood. Like my recent trip to Florida. I only went for four days, two of which were dedicated to travel. I like staying home. [Yes, Bubba ... with "The Girls".]

It may be that "unique" thing I referred to. I like doing my childhood interests as an adult; keeping turtles & lizards, riding my bike, playing with the cats, working in the yard. It goes on & on. "Me things".

I've "confessed" on this blog to some of my eccentric ways. Like my large collection of pens, paper & envelopes. Not what the "normal" crowd usually has stuffed in their home office.

I know I'm different.

Well, it's time to alert everyone to another of my "habits", which really goes (again) back to my youth.

I'm a stamp collector.

I save ALL the canceled stamps which come on the mail I receive. My Mother -- Hilda -- in Florida, also clips canceled stamps & mails them to me.

The canceled stamps my Mother & me retrieve from envelopes are saved for awhile & when the quantity is right, are sent to an Order of Nuns in New Jersey, who sell the stamps to a stamp collecting company.

I also belong to a subscription service which provides me custom addressed envelopes with all U.S. "First Day" commemorative stamps when issued. I have special binders with envelopes containing every commemorative stamp issued in the U.S. for about the last 30 years.

I was a stamp collector as a kid, & -- "Growing older, but not up" -- I still collect stamps.

One other angle on this "collecting" stamps: I only buy & use commemorative stamps on my letters & mailings. No simple flag stamps. They have to be "special" stamps, issued on behalf of some memorable event, or individual of note.


And what could be more "commemorative", than stamps featuring me & Precious ??!!

Since the Postal Service only issues stamps with individuals on them after they die, I'm not waiting around. I designed & made my own stamps. I want to be on envelopes NOW !!

Just another example of Jimmy Buffett singing about me: "GROWING OLDER, BUT NOT UP".

NEVER HAVE ENOUGH

Previously I have confessed to my "need" to have volumes of color paper, along with assorted size envelopes, also in vast quantities & colors. I trace my desire for such items back to my "artistic days" of my youth.

I also have the writing instruments to go along with all the parchment. Literally several hundred pens, markers & highlighters line the back of my desk. On the table behind the desk ... just as many.

Like the closet full of paper & envelopes, I also have "back-up" writing tools in storage containers. I never know when I'll need that certain color ... shade ... point size ... grip, etc.

Precious & Wobs -- with check book in between -- add balance to the desk & prevent it from capsizing from the weight of the pens. I wish.

It must be some mental hang-up of mine. New stiles of pens/markers -- which the manufactures are always coming up with, no doubt for frustrated pen buyers like myself -- will always catch my eye & my Visa card.

Last week, I went into Office Depot for a new color ink cartridge for my printer. I also came out of the store with three new highlighter sets & a blister card of new gel pens. The cat I already had.

It just seems I never have enough. Pens that is. I have enough cats.

BAMBOO ... WITH "HELPERS"

Early Monday morning, about 2 A.M., I was awakened by the sound of LOUD pouring rain. For about 25-30 minutes we got much of the rain we have needed for so long.

I got up to close the porch windows, in case the rain was blowing in. It was a wasted trip. There was no wind -- nor thunder/lightning -- & the rain (lots of it) was coming straight down. None in the windows.

The rain helped cool the temperatures a bit. After the heat we have had, a high temperature in the mid-80's feels down right cool. Especially with a nice breeze blowing.

This was a good time to work in the yard, cleaning up some of the bamboo stalks growing in the front yard. I was also trimming some dead wood from the trees there as well.

I was in full yard work mode; yard cart, hand saw & two types of loppers -- regular & ratcheting.

Almost any activity/work in the yard -- as long as there are no noisy gas engines involved -- I will have "helpers" along with "spectators". My three cats take great delight in being involved with any thing they can inspect, smell or lay on, no matter how much their presence, is ... "in the way".

The biggest "invader" -- both in physical size & being there to "help" -- is "Momma Kitty" ... Precious. She's in the photo above, represented by the small piece of gray in the end of the bamboo I am holding. That's her tail.

I have to be very careful, no matter what I'm doing. She loves to grab & hold on to the bamboo, as well as hide in it. I have to keep my eyes on her when she's in the pile of cut bamboo.

Now Wobs, is mostly a spectator. She likes to sit & watch from the sidelines.

There was one non-cat visitor. This small Green Frog was removed from the bamboo -- before either Wobs or Precious "discovered" it -- & released into the ferns near the front door of the house.

When using the yard cart, I have to be extra careful, as that is a favorite place -- both in it & under it -- for Precious to be.

NOTE: Bottom, right corner of above photo, under the cart, through the wheel spokes, with a hint of her orange collar.

If I'm doing some activity where I am not actively using the cart ... well ... the cart becomes "fair game".

Exhausted from all the "helping" she did with the yard work, Precious finds that under the yard cart is an excellent place for one of her "back naps".

What would I do without my "helpers" ??