Turtle, you were the perfect roommate. You didn’t shed hair, and you were quiet. You were excited to see me when I came home (mostly because you wanted to be fed), you did tricks for my visitors (begging for food), and you gave me love bites through the glass of the aquarium (when I pointed you to your food). You enjoyed sunning on the rock, stretching your neck and legs as far as you could. You made me laugh when you blew bubbles and tried to climb the plastic tree that you refused to leave planted under the rocks. You’ve been a wonderful companion these past five years, and you will be missed. Rest in peace, buddy.

Turtle, 2006-2011

Thanks (again) to Angela’s law enforcement connections, we got to bypass the thousands of people crowding the streets at 11th Ave. along the Hudson River and enjoy the festivities up close and personal. We got access to the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks event at Hudson River Park, including booths, food trucks, music and goodie bags, and best of all, we sat on the lawn on the Promenade - you can’t really get any closer unless you’re actually on the barges! Happy Independence Day!