The joy of the Colts Super Bowl Week has been dampened by the passing of Pittsnogle, my Mississippi Map Turtle. Pittsnogle was an integral part of the book writing process since he moved in a year ago. He was instrumental in developing the character of “Mort” in Kansaska and would have been proud to have seen the book’s completion.

Although he managed to conceal his illness, his recent work hinted that something was amiss. Particularly, he seemed to spend more time in his shell and less time looking for punctuation mistakes. Over the last few months, he would knock off early and head to Rock Bottom for a pint. (Sometimes before noon!)

He is survived by his brother Squirt and cousins Klondike and Sparco. They ask that no flowers be sent, but a donation in his name be made to The Salvation Army.

Carry on, Citizens!