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A few steps from the back door of the lakeside BRC workshop, a couple of railroad ties float inconspicuously behind a row of four newly constructed banjos. Moored by anchors to the bottom, these hefty timbers serve as turtle roosts for a colony of terrapins that live in the shade of our favorite weeping willow tree.

As many as 20 or more turtles will sometimes mount the ramps in mild weather, but the sweltering mid summer temperatures have driven the tortoises to cooler, deeper waters.  Terrapins can live up to 35 years, and one massive but ancient turtle that we call “Bruno” sinks the railroad tie with his colossal frame when he climbs aboard.  His mate “Brunehilde” is nearly as large but declines to clamber-up the ramps.

At a recent Sunday afternoon brew pub gig benefiting the Children`s Hospital, an anonymous sketch artist in the audience quietly penned images of our bass player propelling the other jammers who were clustered by him.

After the band`s wrap-up song, the artist shyly handed these sketches to the BRC founder while the musicians packed-up their instruments.

The bandleader appreciatively studied the images in close detail. He then turned slowly, not unlike a turtle, to offer a hearty thanks, but the artist had silently disappeared. We hope someday that this illustrator will reappear in our audience, so we can warmly applaud his drawing skills.