Friday, July 4, 2014

Boxley Goes to Her Summer Home

I've always wanted a summer home.  I've read so many books about families who head to some cottage on the beach for an extended summer vacation.  Doesn't it sound marvelous?  Lazy days, ocean air, crabbing and low country boils? 

While it doesn't seem to be in my cards, our tortoise, Boxley, is more fortunate.  She is a red footed tortoise, and spends most of her time living in a large tank in the twins' room.  But in the summer months, she gets to visit her summer home. 

For now, we have created this using a puppy playpen.  Her water is there and her log for shade.  It can be moved every couple of days so she gets fresh greenery.  She loves roaming through the grasses, eating leaves and clover and the occasional worm. 
Later, perhaps we will build her a more permanent summer home, as many tortoise owners do, using planters.  Perhaps this is the trailer-park equivalent of a tortoise summer home.  But you know what?  Boxley?  She's not complaining!

Happy Fourth of July folks!  Hope you have a great one.

36 comments:

Annette said...

So cute! I love that your tortoise's name is Boxley! I hope he enjoys his little summer escape away from tank-land.

Buttons Thoughts said...

Oh Boxley you are going to enjoy your summer. Happy 4th of July Lisa hope you all have fun. Hug B

Sunnybrook Farm said...

Put her out at the driveway so she can spend the day crossing the road like all the other turtles around here!

Out on the prairie said...

Nice digs for your pet. Looking where I need to be today enjoying the 4th, hope you have a good one

Busy Bee Suz said...

How sweet. She is the luckiest trailer park tortoise!!

Alica said...

Looks like she's living "the life"! Do you have any idea how old she is?

Lin said...

Sunnybrook Farm: Hilarious comment! That made me laugh.

How fun for your turtle to be outside in the warm sunshine! I'm sure she loves it and is healthier for being outside. She lives the LIFE at your house!

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

I've always wanted a "getaway" cabin...of course my dream home would be in the mountains. :) Boxley is one lucky turtle!

Unknown said...

He looks like he is really enjoying his summer home. There is nothing like the great outdoors.

Roan said...

He's a very handsome turtle or is it a she?

Debby@Just Breathe said...

I would love to go to a summer home each year, it sounds so perfect! Love that Boxley is enjoying a summer home. Happy 4th of July!

Montanagirl said...

I bet she's as happy as a bug in a rug!

Sally said...

Good for Boxley having a summer home! :)

Have a happy 4th, Lisa.
xoxo

TexWisGirl said...

that's awesome! sunshine and fresh vitamins!

Anonymous said...

Amen about wanting a summer home for leisurely days in nice weather. Ah well, I can do that here if I force myself to ignore the chaos around me!

Slamdunk said...

What fun for Boxley! There is a small reptile zoo not far from us and their small & giant turtles have indoor and outdoor homes. They def look much happier outdoors.

Happy 4th to you and your family.

Ginny Hartzler said...

He is a very pretty guy, how long have you had him? He is lucky, too. I don't think many pet turtles get such great housing options. Hmmm...maybe if all us bloggers chipped in, we could have a summer house!

jp@A Green Ridge said...

Living with you and the boys, I wouldn't complain either!!!...:)JP

GranthamLynn said...

It's a very nice summer home. I am sure Boxley loves it. Trailer part can be just as pretty! Very cute post. I always love visiting you!

Texan said...

I bet she loves he summer home!

Rob-bear said...

And a Happy Independence Day to Boxley, and the rest of you!

Blessings and Bear hugs!

Michelle said...

Looks like Boxley is loving it!

Endah Murniyati said...

So cute. You are right. We have ever had two tortoise. We put them near the little fish pond in our inner court, they really love to play on the pond. Then we moved them in to the garden, but we have never known that they went out, and have never came back again.

Willow said...

We have two Russian tortoises . one we have had for 16 years ! they too love being outdoors ~ we bought the a 6 ft by 6 ft enclosure for out doors and they are outside from June to September.

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

I love turtles/tortoises... yours has a good life :-)

Lynn said...

Our neighbours have a lucky tortoise like yours, tho he shares shady spots with two cats...bot does live inside during the winter.

Bas. said...

Hij is wel heel mooi en misschien is z,on tijdelijk huis zo gek nog niet.

Tina Fariss Barbour said...

Boxley is living the good life! That's great that she gets a new environment for the summer.

I'd love a small beach house or a cabin in the mountains. I'd be there right now if I had one.

Harry Flashman said...

Boxley wants to go down to the Florida Keys for the summer!

Linda said...

Good name for a box turtle! Glad you are providing a pleasant home.

An Apel a Day said...

A summer home does sound nice. I've also read in many stories about the characters going on an extended vacay that lasts the whole summer. I couldn't afford that.

I simply love Boxley's shell. It has so many lines and a cool pattern.

I bet she loves it outdoors.

Jenn Jilks said...

I love that! We move our goldfish outdoors in spring. This is a whole other project!

Michaele said...

What a lucky turtle! I would love to watch her eat.

Tweedles -- that's me said...

ohhh she is sooo cute!
love
tweedles

Anonymous said...

She's quite adorable and I'll be the boys totally love having her all year round. Good idea to let her roam a bit and be a real turtle during the summer months. xox

mail4rosey said...

Boxley is fortunate. I want a summer home. The one I'm in actually. My winter home would be in Palm Beach. :)