My Father's Daughter

Bon Jour Mes Amis,

Have you ever had one of those moments when you realize your parents' traits are coming out in you?  Yeah, me too.  When it's a charming or slightly quirky but likable trait, I take being a chip off the old block with some pride.  So here's one of those.  My dad  likes to talk to wildlife.  The deer in his field, the turkey eating his blueberries and the bunny that lives under his shed.  Just to name a few. 

I talk to wildlife too.  My beloved "yellow feet" at the beach.  The gopher tortoises at the boardwalk.  And at home, I talk to him...

Meet H. Bubs (which is short for Hubba Bubba because when he puffs out his neck it looks like bubble gum).  You might be wondering how I can tell H. Bubs apart from the countless other lizards that hang around my walk and patio area, well he lost his tail.  As you can see in the picture it's starting to grow back.  He was actually in pretty rough shape the first time I saw him so he is definitely doing better.  My friend Aimee says I can strike up a conversation with anyone and I guess that is true and includes all living things.  Like most wildlife, H. Bubs doesn't have much to say but I ask how he is and what's up anyway.  Perhaps he just thinks I'm crazy, as my neighbors probably do also.  

Hey, there's no harm in acknowledging nature.  And the next time my dad visits, I'll introduce him to H. Bubs.  I'm sure Dad will have plenty to say to him too.

Until next time...
Peace & Love,
Hope

P.S. There have been several incidents with insects where I may not have been so cordial.  There was the time I stepped in a hill of fire ants with flip flops on and got stung many times.  And then there was the time I was walking Jak and a got a no-see-um stuck in my bra.  I was by a busy road.  At rush hour.  So the only thing I could do was hurry Jak along and beeline it back to my apartment.  No-see-ums are also known as sand gnats.  They are tiny little bugs that have a wicked bite, especially when they are trapped where you can't brush them off.  Take it from me, not fun.