Should you take a stroll down to Jackson Pond, you might find a caravan of critters recently discovered by the biology department. A cousin of the desert tortoise, the Pumpkin turtles are native to the south and some valleys of the north in the Americas. They only come out for 2-5 months of the year to enjoy the fall festivities: drinking cider, snuggling in the fallen leaves, apple bobbing, and everything else (except pumpkin carving. That’s considered offensive).
After November, these turtles hibernate for Christmas, spring’s return and the hottest days of the summer. They eat seaweed and various root-themed foods. Their gourd shells function twofold. They are equipped to withstand the changing weather and be decorated for garden parties; preferably with tree nuts, colored markers and occasionally the knitted hat.
I met one of these unique creatures last week. He calls himself Winnie, but his caring mother insists on calling him by his whole name: Winston Courgecitrouille. They showed me their home, a hole on the west side of the pond. Its main draw is the tea corner, created by Winnie himself. He traveled the globe as a senior gift to himself and collected various tea leaves. His favorite flavor? Two specific ones: Earl Grey from Britain and Rooibus from South Africa. All of his community gather at his house for tea time.
Every afternoon at 3 p.m., Winnie steeps tea for about 20 people, including his friends, Jonathan and Marty, his kooky uncle, nosy aunt and several other Jackson dwellers. His mom bakes various scones and biscuits that match the flavors … fruity to contrast salty, sweet for bitter and savory for fruity.
“She is a baking genius!” reports Mr. Courgecitrouille. “I’m constantly growing out of my shell with all the sweet goodies!”
If you'd like to learn more about these fascinating creatures, contact Colby Finch via the normal Covenant communication lines.