[Pturner]

Gracie,
Close you're eyes. Right now. Please don't look....










That's me, ten or so years ago. All dressed up and holding an aligator. Long story.

[BobKat1]

At first glance, I thought it was a purse.

[Whalen]

Golf in the evenings with friends at Turtle Mound.

Usually have a gator or two, a pair of cranes, numerous other birds and an occasional "field mouse" for company.

Also enjoy the most magnificant sunsets...we just love it!

[BobKat1]

Originally Posted by Whalen

Golf in the evenings with friends at Turtle Mound.

Usually have a gator or two, a pair of cranes, numerous other birds and an occasional "field mouse" for company.

Also enjoy the most magnificant sunsets...we just love it!

That sounds like a beautiful setting.

[K9-Lovers]

Originally Posted by Pturner

That's me, ten or so years ago. All dressed up and holding an aligator. Long story.

Okay, we are all ready to hear the long story. . . go ahead . . . we're listening . .

[pooh]

I want to hear the story, too.

And then watch this.....OMG!....Will this be our beloved pt when that little creature grows up???....

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbjO4g4CctE"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbjO4g4CctE[/ame]

[grayesun]

We're all familiar with pick your own lobster from tank to eat...this must be a pick your own purse arrangement...very impressive & chic

[duffysmom]

Pt, love the glam look.. very attractive and I want to hear the whole story.

[Pturner]

Originally Posted by pooh

I want to hear the story, too.

And then watch this.....OMG!....Will this be our beloved pt when that little creature grows up???....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbjO4g4CctE

I draw the line at crocodiles. I will admit though that I think he's beautiful. All creatures are, in their own way. Ok, maybe not cockroaches.

About the alligator: It's a heartening story actually. The GA Dept. of Natural Resources sponsors an annual program for utility executives called Weekend for Wildlife at Sea Island, with excursions to some of the state's pristine barrier islands. The purpose is to educate utililty offials about fragile ecological systems to encourage utilities to protect important environmental resources and non-game wildlife. I was the public affairs manager for an electric utility at the time.

On Friday evening of the annal event, there is a formal silent auction with proceeds benefiting wildlife protection. Professionals who rehabilitate injured wildlife bring various species, mingle with the crowd and answer questions about the particular animal they have brought, it's habitat, how it was injured and is cared for, etc. It is awesome. There are a variety of owls and other birds, as well as (Gracie, please stop right here if you are reading this) alligators, snakes of various stripes and colors, and other creatures. There was even a magnificent bald eagle. It was delightful to see an owl right beside you turn its head 360 degrees.

Up close and properly handled, all of these animals, including the snakes, are simply magnificent. And I must say, when utility execs get to know these creatures up close and personal-- "in person," so to speak-- they have more appreciation for the animals and the ecosystem.

This particular alligator was injured as an infant, still quite young and used to folks. The handler showed be how and let me hold him. Don't remember his weight, but he was heavier than he looks.

The barrier island excursions are in groups of no more than 12, lead by an expert or two who make sure you look and don't touch. Another quick story. I went on one with eight people. Two of the people were Roselyn and Jimmy Carter. No political comments please, that's just who was there. In person, they were knowledgable, friendly and gracious.

[graciegirl]

Oh P! What haven't you done? You had me at your being a pilot!

After reading this and the thread on all of the truly remarkable things done by villagers I wonder if anyone will let me sit next to them.

And P, I can't believe that picture was ten years ago. You drinking the water from the fountain of youth? You look the same to me which is darn glamorous!

I still don't like alligators. I wonder why their mom thinks their cute.

[TednRobin]

I know I will get flack for this comment but I feel they should be removed from populated areas. I know they are native to Florida but should be removed when possible.

[bkcunningham1]

Originally Posted by Pturner

Gracie,
Close you're eyes. Right now. Please don't look....










That's me, ten or so years ago. All dressed up and holding an aligator. Long story.

See what happens when you go from journalism to PR Cuz?

[Pturner]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

Oh P! What haven't you done? You had me at your being a pilot!

After reading this and the thread on all of the truly remarkable things done by villagers I wonder if anyone will let me sit next to them.

And P, I can't believe that picture was ten years ago. You drinking the water from the fountain of youth? You look the same to me which is darn glamorous!

I still don't like alligators. I wonder why their mom thinks their cute.

I am just thanking my lucky stars you will still sit next to me, even though I have great affection for "creepy" creatures.

[Pturner]

Originally Posted by bkcunningham1

See what happens when you go from journalism to PR Cuz?

Yeah, but Gracie still loves me.

[teachnmo]

At about 5 o'clock today there was an about 7 ft. alligator at the edge of the water at the 2nd hole green. It opened it's mouth really wide, closed it, and went back to swimming in the water.