And Hatching Continues

The hatching continues. At this time in posting, we now have two completely out of the shell and another one who just pipped this afternoon.

This is the progress after forty eight hours. We can now see the darling face, one forward arm and one hind leg. Notice the yellow yolk sac is still visible.

Next twenty four hours - yolk is now mostly absorbed and the baby walks away from the shell. Remains of the yolk sac can be seen on the lower plastron. The shell has been folded in two while inside the egg so it will take several days for it to become completely straightened out. Don't they look as though they are made out of porcelain?

Next day.....sampling some food for the first time.

This whole process will be repeated for each one and it never ceases to amaze me. As you can see, each shell has some distinct features so it is possible to tell them apart.













We have adoptive homes for each one of the babies. The one thing that people interested in them must realize is that these tortoises will live to be over 100 years old. It is certainly not a small commitment.






On the non-tortoise side of living......







Pattie and I went to the county fair today. It is such a wonderful fair and this one did not disappoint. The quilts and other displays were fabulous. It is completely inspiring to see what others are working on. I came home with a million ideas for my "next" quilts.





It is incredible to think that Pattie and I actually met through blogging. I really enjoy getting together with her and getting to know her better. She is an incredible gal who does a ton of volunteering in our community. Be sure to check out her inspiring blog when you get a chance.






I have been able to spend a little time in my sewing room working on a mini quilt this week. I have always had the desire to do a black and white quilt. This is what I came up. It is a little subtle but then has a shock of color in the poppy. I was thinking of naming it "Clarity Through the Fog." Any other ideas?











The garden continues to show off it's colors. This is my tuberous begonia. The color is just striking and it is huge as well.











This is a pot of streptocarpus that I have grown for many years. The original belonged to my father and it is always a very showy plant in my pot. It has been divided many times and continues to be just a fabulous plant.











Friday we leave for our annual family camping trip. We camp and fish up in the Sierras at an elevation of 9,000 feet. I am always amazed at how winded I get just trying to do anything up where the air is so thin. It is always a good time, but I dread the sleeping on the ground in a tent. After doing it for forty years, the bones are not what they used to be. Plus, and this is a "biggy," it is cold up there. I really do not like being cold. But, we will all go and we will have many laughs and make great memories.





I hope that everyone has a fabulous weekend and I will fill you in on baby count when I get back.