Fish, Turtles, and Snakes! Oh my!

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! Please don't look at the photos and panic! I haven't had reconstructive surgery or anything. The photos aren't of me, Chloe, or any of our siblings! This is a snapping turtle that was in our backyard! Yes, the backyard that we play in every day! The backyard that we spend hours in fetching tennis balls, tormenting the cat, or just relaxing in the sunshine! Thankfully, Mom and Dad never let us play outside alone. Now we know why!

Last Saturday we were at our lake watching the fish swim near the bank when we came face to face with a huge snake! Mom, Chloe, and I were sure it was an anaconda! Dad assured us it was a garter snake. No, we didn't kill it. Even though snakes give us the willies, they are good for the environment. However I did dream of the slithering creatures for three nights straight! I was so scared that I had to sleep with Mom and Dad! Wait - I always sleep with Mom and Dad!

Well, if the snake wasn't enough, tonight Dad came in and grabbed Mom. He said, "Come quickly! You have to see this!" I was sure he was going to point out the big hole I accidentally dug in the yard. Instead, he showed Mom the biggest snapping turtle we had ever seen. It was honestly bigger than we were. We had to see it from the window because Dad said it could latch on and be dangerous. When I saw it from the window, my heart skipped a beat! Borrowing a line from That's So Raven, I said, "O Snap!" (A very appropriate phrase to use when encountering a snapping turtle.) We figure it was just coming out from the lake to say hi - or whatever it is turtles say! Maybe it wanted to play ball! Of course I can't imagine the turtle fetching the ball!

It's only April and we have already had so many creatures visiting us! I wonder who will be next!

I better go! It is almost bedtime! I have lots of things to tell you, photos to post, and some really exciting news regarding our newest stories! In fact, we have been burning up the computer writing our new story! We can't wait for you to read it!

Have a great night! Stay safe, watch for snakes and snapping turtles, and Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

TAILS from the Courthouse

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! When you read I was at the courthouse did it scare you? Did you think I was in some kind of trouble? Did you think I was getting my driver's license? Getting a marriage license? Well, none of the above! We spent some time with our friends Hannah and Lilly Mooney and their parents Kevin and Melissa. Hannah and Lilly's dad (Kevin Mooney) is the County Clerk in Bullitt County. We weren't exactly for sure what a county clerk did so we asked Hannah and Lilly. The said the clerk's office is responsible for keeping real estate deeds, running the election, and other important services. The county clerk also issues marriage licenses. I thought about getting a marriage license, but there was one big problem - I am not 18. You have to be 18 years old to get a marriage license. I guess another problem might be that I don't have a girlfriend, but I thought I would be prepared and get a marriage license just in case the right girl came along.

It was such a fun day! Hannah and Lilly love to read. We talked about books, story ideas, and of course animals. I asked Hannah and Lilly if they thought I could ever run for public office. They looked a little hesitant, but I think I would make a great mayor. Maybe I could start by running for city councildog. I bet I would have a great shot at being the dog catcher. I think I will start working on my campaign slogan now!

I better go. It is 4:30 and the day has flown by. I still have work to do. It is my night to set the table for dinner. I can't remember - is it forks on the left and knives on the right or the other way around? If I am going to run for office, I need to know these things. Maybe I should master table manners before I start writing my campaign speech!

Have a great night! Vote for Woody and Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY