I know that turtles have a very long life span, I have heard three hundred years is not unusual. So, I am wondering about a little turtle I had for a bet 44 years ago. It was one of those little guys that I bought at what used to be known as a "dime store", Woolworth's was the original, I think.
So, my little turtle lived in a turtle island container on my dresser. He/she could sun bathe, swim, or hide in a little cave I made. I named her/him "Fred."
Fred and I were happy together for five years, he/she grew bigger and bigger. Alas, all things must come to an end. I was going to be married and I did not think that Fred would receive as much attention as I gave when I was single. So, I drove to a nearby farming community and let Fred loose in a creek, wishing him/her well. I wonder if Fred survived.
Every time I see a big turtle crossing the roads out where I live, I always stop and help the turtle across to the other side. I hope that Fred is still alive somewhere and that someone may have helped him/her.
Do you think natural instinct took over and Fred 'knew' how to catch flies and other bugs? Do you think Fred knew what to do when winter came? 
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