How did SHE get here?
I grew up in the country and I am very well acquainted  with the rural environment.  Both our parents currently live in the country, and we are used to seeing all sorts of wild animals in close proximity to the house.
The neighborhood we live in is quite opposite of the country.  The houses are very close together, and we are far from anything that is even close to "country" living.  So when I came home today, I was quite surprised by what I found in our backyard.

 It was not only out of place, but it was incredibly funny.  This lost Turkey had obviously made a wrong turn somewhere, and lost her flock.  I actually wasn't aware that turkeys could fly high enough to hop our high fence, so I was seriously shocked to see her pecking around the back yard.  Kona hadn't spotted her yet, and I didn't have the heart to scare the poor bird, so I chose not to alert him to the visitor.  I had to capture her on film, which scared her.  She ran to the side of the house, hopped up on the wood shed, and flapped over to the roof. She pecked around the roof a bit, looking a bit lost and not sure how she would get down.  She finally flapped over to the neighbors roof.  I had called our neighbors two doors down to let them know the bird was coming their way...  Turkeys are hilarious... they peck around almost barking little short barks like a dog....  I hope she found her way back home.

Flat Stanley has had a very busy week!
He helped Scott help our friends with house remodeling.  He got to practice holding a hammer, working the saw, doing some electrical work, and fixing the dry wall.  He is very talented!

I learned that Flat Stanley is an amazing cook, and he did a wonderful job helping me make dinner one night.

He also got to visit the Jelly Belly factory with Scott, and our cousins Drew and Justine.  He LOVED the factory tour, and was thrilled to try all the yummy jelly bellys!  He plans to take some jelly belly's home, and provided I don't eat them all, he will do just that!

And yesterday, Flat Stanley joined us on our hike and adventure at Mt Diablo State park.  He loved climbing on the rocks, exploring the little caves, and hiking the trails.  We were pleased to see that he was not afraid of heights.

Flat Stanley will be heading home soon, and I know we will be very sad to see him go.  It has been so much fun to have him here!

Flat Stanley Visits San Fransisco!
Today Flat Stanley had the special privilege of visiting San Fransisco.  Our cousins Justine and Drew are visiting from Michigan, and they were very happy to take Flat Stanley with them on their adventures in San Fransisco.  They road a boat to visit Alcatraz and saw the Golden Gate bridge. Flat Stanley had a great time in the big city. 

Flat Stanley's First day in California
Flat Stanley had a busy first day in California.
He started his day out by making coffee. If you know anything about the Persicke's we like our coffee, and we are very particular about how it is made.  We were happy to learn that Flat Stanley shares our taste in good coffee.

Flat Stanley was kind enough to go to Jen's Dr. Appointment.  He was a great companion, and he enjoys traveling in the car.

 In the waiting room...he was reading about sports cars.  (We didn't have the heart to tell him he can't drive)

Unfortunately he had a bad experience riding the elevator...

He was a little restless waiting for the Dr. to arrive...

After visiting the Dr. we stopped at the Fabric store.  Flat Stanley really wanted to take a picture next to the sewing machines. But there was a mean lady at the store who very rudely informed him that he was not allowed to take pictures of her sewing machines.  She didn't realize he had already captured the shot.

We talk Flat Stanley how to play Euchre, which is a Persicke family tradition.  He was a pretty good Euchre partner, but he still has a few things to learn.

Flat Stanley enjoyed going to work with Scott.

All in all it was a great first day in California for Flat Stanley.

Meet our house guest...
Today a guest arrived at our house. He came in the mail with a note from our nephew who has asked us to care for him for a while.  His name is Flat Stanley, and he will be joining us on the adventures of our lives.  I introduced him to Kona, and he has yet to meet Jake.  We are thrilled that he is able to stay with us, and we look forward to showing him the sights.  He doesn't talk a lot, and he doesn't eat much either.  Kona is not quite sure what to think of Flat Stanley, and hasn't decided if he should play with him or chew on him.  He has never had a friend quite like Flat Stanley.  Given time, I am sure they will get along very well.