Yesterday, when I went to pick Nora up from her last day of Nursery until the new year, I also picked up Herman the giant snail!
A few weeks ago the staff were asking for volunteer to look after Herman over the Christmas holidays. And I volunteered for us. I was thinking it can’t be that hard as it’s not a rabbit or a hamster who we have to feed daily and clean up their mess and try to escape every chance it gets. It is only a snail!
Since I picked up Herman’s box and put it on Nora’s buggy… I have been a nervous wreck!
We walked home slowly as I didn’t want the box to topple over and send Herman flying on to the road and get squashed by a car!
When we got home, I left Herman downstairs for a bit and Jules brought him up when he got home and placed Herman on the fish tank.
Before I went to bed, I moved Herman’s box as it felt warm on top of the fish tank and I was soooooo worried that we’ve accidentally cooked him!
He’s an African giant snail for heaven’s sake!! It’s warm in Africa!
But still… I was worried.
Herman was in his shell and I went to bed. 20 minutes later, I had to get up and check. Thank goodness he peeked out. At least I know Herman is alive!!
In the morning I opened the box and Herman was in his shell in one corner of the box.
In the afternoon when I came back from the launderette, Herman was in his shell in the same corner in the box.
When Nora and I woke up from our afternoon nap, Herman was STILL in his shell in the same corner in the box.
As we got ready to go to Maya’s house, Herman was STILL IN HIS SHELL in the same corner in the box.
Suddenly he peeked out!! I asked Nora to squirt some water. Maybe he needs some water.
I have to say I was really glad for some sign of life! That’s the problems with snails… they’re just not as active as a lot of other pets.
We went to Maya’s house.
When we got home from Maya’s house, Herman was BACK IN HIS SHELL IN THE SAME CORNER IN THE BOX!!!
Nora had her yoghurt, bath milk and bed time story. After she fell asleep, I went to the kitchen to have dinner and do the dishes.
I just had another peek into Herman’s box. He is still in the same corner, but he’s out of his shell and chomping on the lettuce!
Herman the Giant Snail
Phew!!
The first 24 hours… and he’s alive! 10 more days to go before Nursery opens and I’m rid of this responsibility of keeping Herman alive!