Living life in the slow lane

AS a boy, I kept tortoises in our back garden. They munched away at greenery all summer, then slept in a cardboard box all winter. Our biggest fear was that they would never wake up again. They were never intended to live in harsh northern climes.

When they did, they were left to their own devices once more, taking life at a leisurely pace, chewing away blamelessly on dandelions and shepherd's purse, and taking refuge from storms under the nearest rhubarb leaf.

These ruminative creatures have always commanded a place in my heart. Boyhood passions always do.

Hence, Golden Tortoise - a coloured drawing for my growing wildlife collection. My grandkids will like it.