Grumpy the Gator

In Grumpy the Gator, a group of children playing encounter a grumpy alligator. The story teaches children to always keep a safe distance from animals in the wild, and to find an adult if they see an alligator.

Grumpy the Gator

Its Always A Story With The Hendersons

Creepy Crabs on A Hot Summer Day

“What in the world? Why are there fiddler crabs on my front porch?” I spoke aloud to myself.
Opening the front storm door to take a peek outside, I jumped as two small sand fiddler crabs raced across the pavement. The twosome were fast as lightning and caused me to hop from one foot to the other while trying to figure out their intended direction.

Alan and I have become accustomed to seeing South Carolina sights such as alligators in the neighborhood ponds, Eastern Hercules beetles in the grass, wild turkeys in the backyard, and armadillos digging holes in the dirt. But, seriously, sand fiddler crabs at the front door?

I slowed my breathing to calm my heart rate. What adventure or crazy sight would be next on the list of exciting things to share with family and friends? My next thought was wondering how to get rid of the fast moving creatures. Unfortunately, the crabs hid in an area that could not be reached. I would have to wait until another time to somehow remove them from the premises.The daily routine continued and the crabs remained hidden. I wouldn’t see them again. Or at least that was my story.

The next day, grandson Rowan was here to have playtime with Mimi and Bop. As Bop left the house and went to work, Rowan and I discussed our plans for the day. Sidewalk chalk drawing, creating crazy pictures with the new paint set and paper, playing with friends, blowing bubbles, and making up stories would be parts of the fun.

The outside trash can had been emptied earlier that day and was ready to be cleaned and brought back into the garage. As I pushed the button to open the garage door, two more sand fiddler crabs jumped into the garage and ran for cover. I screamed and laughed while watching the quick movement of the crabs. Rowan grabbed his tummy and doubled over with laughter.
“Mimi, quick, quick, get them. They went behind the recycle can. Mimi, here’s one. Get him with the broom.”
“Where, Rowan, where is it now? Do you see one?” I spoke between laughter as I found the broom and readied for attack.
“Behind that can, he’s behind that can.” Rowan gave directions as he giggled.
One little crab darted out from behind the trash can. I guarded against the creature by sweeping it with the broom. Watching as the crab went flying in the air from being swept, Rowan and I could not contain our giggles.
The next crab peeked out from behind a garden tool. I swung the broom into action and shooed that little thing right out onto the driveway.
Between laughs, Rowan yelled. “Mimi, quick. Close the door. He’s trying to come back in.”

Rowan and I stood and watched the garage door close. The crabs were outside on the pavement. We were safely inside the garage. The creepy crabs would have to endure a hot summer day.

After the laughter settled and our next activity began, Rowan and I looked at each other. “Mimi, those were some creepy crabs, right?”
“Yes, those were creepy crabs and I don’t want to see them again.”

Interesting fact is that we live about ten minutes from the ocean. There are ponds and marshes in every neighborhood so we should not be surprised at seeing the crabs on the front and back porch.
Of course, I had to share this story because as you know, “It’s Always a Story With the Hendersons.”

God creates the most awesome sights and sounds for us to enjoy, even if some of those things make us hop from one foot to the other.

Do you have any funny crab stories? Please share with us.

Have a blessed day,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

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37 Comments
  • JD Wininger
    Posted at 15:09h, 19 July Reply

    LOL… Still giggling with you and Rowan here. I could just picture you two in the garage! No crab stories here, but one day I’ll share my “Close Encounters with a Grumpy Gator” story with you. Thank you for today’s broad smile.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 16:24h, 19 July Reply

      J.D., I want to hear that story! 🙂 Yes, and now, we’ve had a baby gator two doors down. The gator was quite brave and didn’t even flinch when police arrived to escort it to another area. 🙂 Have a blessed week!

  • Lynn J Simpson
    Posted at 15:10h, 19 July Reply

    You had me right there in your garage! We always put on a brave face for our grandchildren, don’t we? 🙂 No funny crab stories here! Besides the pesky mosquito and other irritating insects, we don’t have the same critters in our colder climate as you do. I must admit, I kind of like that. lol! Even seeing the odd harmless garter snake freaks me out!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 16:26h, 19 July Reply

      Lynn, I understand about the snakes. I am petrified of snakes. There are some strange ones here in coastal South Carolina. Luckily, they have been staying away from our house so far this summer, or at least that is what I am telling myself. haha! Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • June Foster
    Posted at 17:39h, 19 July Reply

    What fun! You have a great experience to share and at the same time, you and your grandson are having the time of your life. Enjoyed this post.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 21:02h, 19 July Reply

      Thank you June. We have the best times together. Always something new to do. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Gail Johnson
    Posted at 20:06h, 19 July Reply

    This is so funny, Melissa. You should write a book! 😉

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 21:03h, 19 July Reply

      Haha!!! I guess I need to add to my list of books for children. Perhaps “Licky the Lizard” and “Grumpy the Gator” could have sand fiddler crabs as friends. hahahah! Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Kimberly Rose Johnson
    Posted at 23:12h, 19 July Reply

    I don’t have any funny crab stories, but I enjoyed yours. 🙂 Thanks for sharing.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 23:24h, 19 July Reply

      Thank you so much. Our family has the most exciting adventures. haha! Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Candice Brown
    Posted at 01:01h, 20 July Reply

    My daughter is allergic to fur and feathers, so we hosted a handful of hermit crabs throughout her younger years. Though she’s 19 now, she still speaks fondly of Shelly, Herman and Giacomo: “King of crabs and crab of kings.” Thank you for bringing back those fond memories.

  • Nancy E. Head
    Posted at 01:21h, 20 July Reply

    What an adventure and memory to make with Rowan! God bless!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 11:51h, 20 July Reply

      Thank you Nancy. Yes, we have lots of adventures together. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Jill Weatherholt
    Posted at 08:59h, 20 July Reply

    This story has a Melissa Henderson children’s book written all over it!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 11:52h, 20 July Reply

      Good idea! I’ll have to think about that one. 🙂 Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • RobbyeFaye
    Posted at 13:14h, 20 July Reply

    LOL, cute story! I can just imagine the gales of laughter and giggles!
    Blessings~💖😂

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 14:37h, 20 July Reply

      Thank you Robby. I am thankful God gives us the gift of laughter. Have a blessed week! 🙂

      • RobbyeFaye
        Posted at 22:44h, 21 July Reply

        Oh, Melissa, me too!! I could listen to baby and little children’s laughter all day!
        Blessings to you and yours~💖☺

  • Yvonne Morgan
    Posted at 14:12h, 20 July Reply

    Thank you for your ability to make us smile and to see God in the small events of the day. Wonderful story.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 14:37h, 20 July Reply

      Thank you Yvonne. I appreciate you taking the time to read and comment. God is so good. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Barbara Harper
    Posted at 14:20h, 20 July Reply

    I was wondering as I read the first part of your post whether you lived near the coast, then saw later that you did. We lived in SC for 26 years and I never saw those animals, but we lived on the west side of the state. We visited Charleston several times and loved it, especially once when we got a hotel room right on the beach. I had grown up on the coast of TX and didn’t realize how much I missed the water.

    I’m glad the crab encounter turned into such fun! I don’t have any crab stories that I remember. But once we had a rat in the house the size of a small cat–it hissed like one, too, when cornered. Thankfully my husband was there and was late for work after trying to catch the thing and take it out. We weren’t laughing at the time, but it has made a fun story to tell since.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 14:40h, 20 July Reply

      Yes, we are here in Mount Pleasant SC, near Charleston. I’ve never traveled to TX, but we have relatives there. Oh my! A rat? That was a scary situation. A fun story now but not when it happened. 🙂 Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Jessica Brodie
    Posted at 19:42h, 20 July Reply

    This is hilarious! And the thought of sand fiddler crabs at the front door cracks me up! Great post.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 19:49h, 20 July Reply

      Thank you Jessica. Today, we have more rain. I guess those little crabs will be running from the raindrops. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Diana Derringer
    Posted at 20:12h, 20 July Reply

    Hilarious! Another fun day with the Henderson. Thank you.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 11:39h, 21 July Reply

      Thank you Diana. Yes, and Rowan will be here today. Wonder what funny things will happen today? Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Ava Pennington
    Posted at 00:12h, 21 July Reply

    I love how you turn everyday experiences into a fun story!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 11:40h, 21 July Reply

      Thank you Ava. God gives us a wonderful gift of laughter in the everyday moments. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Melinda Viergever Inman
    Posted at 04:48h, 21 July Reply

    I see here another cute book for your audience of grandchildren and the wider public!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 11:40h, 21 July Reply

      I like that idea! I better get to work on that. Thank you Melinda. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Karen
    Posted at 05:10h, 22 July Reply

    Such a cute adventure with Rowan! He sounds like the perfect helper. 🙂 I don’t have any crab stories, but we did kill a baby scorpion running across the laundry room floor. Now that was frightening! That’s Texas for you, lol.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 12:55h, 22 July Reply

      Thank you Karen. Oh no! A baby scorpion! That is scary!!! Texas and South Carolina have very interesting creatures. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • karentfriday
    Posted at 19:24h, 23 July Reply

    Melissa, I mean Mimi, what a fun adventure with Rowan. I’m still smiling and giggling a little myself. I pictured the whole adventure with the crabs in my mind as your description was so vivid.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 22:29h, 23 July Reply

      Thank you Karen. I’m pondering a new children’s book with this adventure. haha! Have a blessed weekend! 🙂

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