I know this is a bad idea but I’m not sure why.

This was my husband’s response 2 years ago when I called and asked him if I should adopt a turtle. Clearly that translated to yes, please bring her home with you. Now, 2 years older and wiser, I know exactly why it was a bad idea. Turtles can be a little expensive to maintain. We’ve bought 2 tanks, a tank stand, very expensive Congo wood that didn’t work out, lights, timers, filters and countless other things to make her happy and healthy. Today Frankie lives in a 75 gallon tank in our living room and we love her. She has survived the longest of any pet we’ve ever had and, since she’s only 6 or 7 years old, she has a long life ahead of her.

Our Frankie is a red eared slider and she’s not as pretty as some turtles you may see because she was a rescue. Two years ago Stinkerbelle claimed to want a turtle (you can see where this is going) and, after many inquiries to pet stores we were surprised to find out that there were many turtles living across the street from my grandparents in Queens, NY.

So, while visiting my Grandparents I went to see the turtles and they offered me Frankie. I was assured that they were low maintenance (yeah right!) and told that our dear Frank-uh-la had been rescued from an elementary school classroom where she was kept without proper lighting etc. This is why her shell is bumpy. When I took my crazy, cranky, Stink to see the new pet she literally ran screaming from the house. I kid you not! Never-the-less, we took Frankie home and have found, much to our surprise, that we’re turtle people. She’s very entertaining when she wants to be.

Ready for a little knitting content? It’s not what you’re expecting. It’s not green or blue or purple and definitely not a sock. I saw this Knitty Surprise posted yesterday and instantly started a mental stash inventory. Some close friends have twin girls who are turning one in a few weeks and they’d look so cute in little halter tops. I had planned to make them sweaters when they were born but I was cursed with indecisive yarn that couldn’t figure out what it wanted to be. (the yarn still resides in the stash) These halters, like the girls who will wear them, will be fraternal and made from yarn I found in the stash. How cool is that?! Both will be white on top (the cups) but the bottom of one will be red and the other denim. I may dress them up a bit with crochet edging or maybe I’ll hit the denim with a bleach pen a-la-Kay. How much fun would that be? The best part is that I’m pretty sure I can finish at least one of them this weekend. I know that I swore off making promises and guarantees (after all - I’m no Messier) but I’m pretty sure I can deliver on this one.