Welcome to my little corner of the scrub. Pull up a stump and set a spell.
Jody's Creek: Notes from the Florida Scrub
Howdy, Stranger
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Howdy and welcome to Jody's Creek. My name's Jody Baxter, and I live with Ma and Pa on Baxter's Island, way out in the Florida scrub country. It's a lonesome place for a boy, the nearest neighbors are the Forresters, and they're a rough bunch, 'cept for Fodder-wing, who's my best friend in the whole world.                                                  Â
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Pa says our clearing is home, but the scrub is our front yard. There's creeks to explore, critters to track, and a whole world of wonders if you know where to look. Ma says I waste too much time wanderin', but Pa understands, he says a boy's got to kick up his heels while he can, 'cause the day'll come when he won't even care to.                       Â
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This here website is my way of sharing the front yard with you. I'll write about the animals I meet, the things Pa teaches me, and the secrets the scrub holds. If you're quiet and patient, maybe you'll learn to see 'em too.                             Â
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-Jody         Â
Recent Wanderings
The Ole Slew-Foot
Old Slewfoot struck again last night
My Friend Fodder-wing
Fodder-wing forrester is the best friend
The Lonesome Sound
I'm sitting out by the creek, listening to the loons
The Boy of the Florida Scrub
I reckon there ain't no place finer than the scrub when the pennyroyal is in bloom. I'm Jody Baxter, and I live out here on Baxter’s Island with Ma and Pa. I spend my days tracking critters, listening to the wind in the pines, and trying to keep my little fawn, Flag, out of the corn patch. Pa says life is a struggle, like a gator in a sinkhole, but I see the wonder in every track and trail. This here is my journal of the things I see and the wisdom Pa shares while we're out under the Florida sun.
Age
Twelve Summers
Loves
Flag the Fawn, Pennyroyal, Tracking
Home
Baxter's Island, Florida
Old Foe
Old Slewfoot
"A man's heart reflects his soul, much as the creek reflects the sky above it. You got to keep it clear of weeds, Jody, or you can't see the truth of things."
— Pa's advice