Misty and Persephone

These are the newest members of our family. Both arrived last week, just before Thanksgiving. "Misty" whose proper name is "mist walker dreamer" is a leopard gecko, who is native to Afghanistan. She is sweet and wonderful, and a beautiful shade of yellow, blue, purple and brown and black stripes. She is striped as a juvenile, and as she grows, she will become spotted. She should not exceed 10 inches in length, and will live in captivity for approximately 20 years. The girls are VERY much looking forward to growing up with her. Especially Molly, who has really taken Misty under her wing. Molly came up with the name "mist walker" after a book she is reading about wild horses in Hawaii. I thought it fitting. Kate immediately advised she wanted to name her "dreamer" and I also thought that was fitting. He has decided now, we need to change her name to "pinkish" which makes no sense to me, since she is in no way "pinkish" - so we are not doing it. Sorry Kate. The world is tough.... best to learn that now.

This is "Persephone"... otherwise known to us as "Percy". Percy has a sweet and wonderful story. She was given to me by one of my hospice patients, who has had her for 14 years! She is an African clawed frog, whose life expectancy should be only 4 years! She has more than tripled that. My patient was VERY concerned that Percy would end up in a pond somewhere when she passes on, and so is was bringing her a great deal of stress. After much debate and discussion, I advised I am VERY familiar with exotic pets (interject conversation about Darwin here) and I would be VERY glad to make sure Percy lives out the rest of her days as "the queen" of the 10 gallon hexagon aquarium in my girls room. Percy, like Misty, is sweet and wonderful - and croaks all evening long. My patient advised that means she is content. I certainly hope so.

* On a side note, the police investigation is well underway with my stalker situation, and the girls and I remain safe at this time. We appreciate all the prayers and good thoughts that have been coming our way.