On the Rio Dulce in Guatemala, as we were pulling in for a stop along the river, several local kids paddled out to us to peddle their wares.

... including starfish

and even a turtle.

I'm not sure if the turtle was being sold as a pet, or as a future meal, or even as a percussion instrument.

Smudge went for a check-up today, and as soon as we put the carrier up on a chair, Bud went in it. None of the cats are afraid of the carrier, in fact, it's out all the time in the corner beside the couch. Smudge or Roxie spend a lot of the time in it sleeping.

We put it on the floor after taking Bud out, and Smudge walked right into it, and off to the vet.

He's doing really good for his age (16) bone mass is good, pulse is steady (they just love him, he's so good and calm, and doesn't flinch when they take blood out of his neck). They did blood work and a urine sample. His thyroid is noticeable though, and I'm expecting to have to increase his thyroid meds.

He does need to have his molars pulled, so that's scheduled for next week. He's a good candidate for having anesthesia. Major bucks though ($1200). Maybe I'll start a go-fund me page!

Poor Smudge! I hope all goes well for him. Recently I left the carrier out after bringing the animals home from the kennel and Rocket has spent a great deal of time most days laying in there! Ha! I guess it will remain until he gets tired of it.

My waterlilies are from San Juan Capistrano Mission in California.

I just love waterlilies. They are so beautiful. I would love to have a pond in my backyard and have it full of waterlilies!!

Smudge is a good kitty! Not like the neighbors kitty that Dh volunteered to take to the vet many years ago. It panicked the instant the car motor started and disappeared up under the dash. Several hours (and scratches and disconnected parts and wires) later he was extracted. Poor cat...and Dh. Neither had any experience with cars or vet trips for cats.

I have just one water lily, an old one from a lovely park here that was the estate of one of the residents. The estate was donated to the Township and is to be left in it's natural state. Our Township has done a magnificent job of keeping it maintained without ruining that left to nature look and feel.

And lots of lily pads with Dh and granddog

I love waterlilies too. I am just amazed that your cat goes in and out (especially out at the vet's office) of the carrier, Jasdip.

lgmd_gaz, do you know the name of that lily? Looks a lot like Ellisiana, one of my favorites.

Here are mine, not very good photos, but it was cell phone or nothing.

At Denver Botanical Garden