I was admiring that new growth too, Jodi. Many people have never noticed that there are actual flowers on a maple tree.

Gray Squirrel seen in Olney City park, Olney, IL Olney advertises it is the home of the white squirrels. There are several around, but this one is of the variety found in local woods. Did you know that squirrels can negotiate the side of a vertical brick wall? They can if the brick facing has sufficient detail as this building did. These bricks have fine vertical grooves on their faces. This was just barely enough to allow this squirrel to gingerly work his way across the wall. He did not climb very high staying within a comfortable dropping distance to the ground. He soon tired of the "rock climb" and jumped down. Photo taken with lens zoomed to long tele. The squirrel was about 75 ft away.

So hazy, hot and humid today that I needed a little chilling out...so here's a glacier calving...

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!