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
The Leaning Bed of Henderson
A recent move from a rented townhouse to purchasing our own home involved many “to do” lists. Alan and I chose to rent a home when we moved from Virginia to South Carolina three years ago. After renting two beautiful townhomes in two years, we finally made the decision to purchase in the same neighborhood.
We put an offer on the home, it was accepted, and with papers signed, our new home was ready. Packing boxes, placing items for sale and giving items away happened almost daily. Donations to various organizations and friends helped those boxes become lighter.
Most of our furniture had been with us for years. Our dark cherry wood bedroom set reminded us of the Virginia mountainside. Although we have lived at the beach and the mountains, we’ve always had dark wood furniture.
This time, we decided that one day we would purchase “beach” furniture. That day would have to wait for now, but we could hope and dream about a headboard and nightstands, dresser and chest of drawers that looks more like a beach theme. A lighter color or maybe white furniture would be something to consider. Add that to the “to do” list.
God works in the most amazing ways. Two nights at the new home and all was well. We were settling in nicely and enjoying the new surroundings.
As I prepared for sleep by washing my face, putting on comfy pajamas and waiting for Alan to turn off the lights and t.v. in the living room, I prepared to get under the covers.
Situating myself on the side of the bed, I heard and felt a sudden sharp movement and sound.
“Crack!”
The connecting slats on my side of the bed had ripped away from the headboard. The bed now slanted at a strange angle and I slid off the side.
Immediately, I began laughing. Thinking about how God gives me the most funny and unusual experiences, I couldn’t stop laughing. Standing and looking at this lopsided bed made me think of all the stress of packing and moving and how amidst all that stress, God provided laughter.
“Alan, did you hear that? I broke the bed!” I shared while walking to the living room.
“No, I didn’t hear a thing. What happened?” He asked.
After explaining the situation and both of us laughing, we had to decide how to sleep. Alan decided the “leaning bed of Henderson” would work for him. He suggested I sleep on the guest bed.
Picture this. This six foot tall man slept on a leaning bed all night while I rested in a nice guest room bed. Yes, I do believe he probably almost rolled off the bed a few times, but he wouldn’t admit that.
This past weekend, we finally ordered a new bed frame. A nice beach theme. For now, the mattress and box springs are on the floor. The new bed won’t arrive until October.
In the middle of moving stresses, God reminded me once again how laughter can be found in the everyday moments of life. A broken bed provided laughter and the necessity to add “buy new bed” to the list of things to do “immediately”.
Thank You Lord. You always remind me of Your love and protection. You give laughter and joy even in the midst of unpacking boxes and checking off “to do” lists.
Have you ever broken a piece of furniture? Is there a funny story? Share with us.
Blessings and giggles,
Mimi aka Melissa
Do Turkeys Have Exercise Class?
Watching the wildlife in our backyard is amazing. Ducks, geese, herons, egrets, lizards and turkeys all have a great area to roam freely. A forest behind the house is filled with pine trees that hold woodpeckers and bluebirds.
The male turkeys and female turkeys are often seen traveling in groups. They pause and nibble on the tall weeds, picking off seeds and bugs. Male turkeys show their feathers in hopes of attracting the females.
Sometimes, only the males walk by and other times, only the females. Then, there are those times when all the turkeys travel together. One turkey looks to be in charge. The other turkeys follow.
This morning, I noticed a different situation with the male turkeys. Three big fellas ran past the back door like they were headed for some place important. Running to the right, they kept the speed up for a whole block. A few minutes later, they returned running in the opposite direction.
The back and forth kept going on for a while. One turkey was slower than the other two. This reminded me of gym class when I was a young girl. I was often the slow runner and left behind. The other turkeys didn’t wait for this guy to catch up. They kept running from one end of the block to the other.
The thought entered my mind. “Do turkeys have exercise class?” Seeing those turkeys run quickly made me wonder why they were running. Could they be trying to escape a predator or were they running for fun?
My thoughts sparked questions. “Am I running away from something? Am I lagging behind in my faith?” Today, I am searching my thoughts, words and actions to see if I have been “putting off” or “running away” from studying His Word. There are no time constraints for me, as we are quarantined. Housework can wait. Reading His Word and sharing conversation with God can’t wait. There is no need to fall behind like I did in exercise class. I can share my thoughts with God at any time.
What comfort knowing that God will search for me when I fall behind. He will seek and find me.
Maybe the turkeys are having exercise class. Maybe they are running for fun. Maybe they run as a mating ritual. I don’t know. I will pretend they are having exercise class. That makes me laugh.
As for me, I will run toward God. He is waiting for conversation. He is holding out His arms waiting to give comfort and peace.
Have you found yourself running away from something lately? Share your thoughts. Your message may help someone else.
If you see any turkeys running back and forth, enjoy the sight and know they might be in “turkey exercise class.”
Blessings,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson