Where are you, snail?

After spending Saturday afternoon creating a nice "cozy" space for our garden snail, we woke Sunday eager to observe our new friend -- only to find that that it was missing!

I was pretty sure that it hadn't left its home since we have a nice wire screen on the top of the tank, but I was very puzzled by the fact that we could not see it anywhere.

Quinn was sure that the "snail napping", which he announced every time he looked in the tank, and Lily was pretty sure that the snail was exploring underground.

I, however remained thoroughly puzzled, and a little disappointed by this turn of events.

So you can imagine my excitement when I woke up early this morning (LOVE it when I manage to wake up before everyone else and can enjoy a little quiet time before the day begins) and found our snail stuck to the side of the tank!

As I was cleaning up from the weekend's adventures, and trying to come up with a plan for today's heat (90+ degrees), I kept walking by the tank to see what our friend was doing. I also put some fresh carrot peels and some sprinkles of water into the tank.

Within a short time (not sure exactly, but less than an hour because that's how long I was up before Quinn woke up) the snail found its way to the carrots and began happily feasting. (Click on photo for a close-up view.)



Lily slept at my parents' last night so I reported the exciting development to her over the phone this morning.

Me: "Great news, Lily! Guess who I found this morning?"
Lil: Who?"
Me: "The snail! I woke up this morning and found it on the side of the tank."
Lil: "That's good, Mama."
Me: "And I gave it some fresh carrot peels, which it really seems to like to eat."
Lil" "I know mom. That's what I told you. They really do like carrots. I'll see you in a little while. Bye Mama."

As I was taking (several) photos of the snail this morning and trying to find a minute to jump on my laptop and write about it, I had to laugh.

I realized that much of what I am trying to create in our home for the benefit of our children (like access to nature via our "critter corner") is as much for me as it is for them -- and maybe, as evidenced by the slight disparity of enthusiasm during Lily and my phone conversation -- a little more for me!