The Lavish Life of Henry

Mr. Happy

2012-03-04T01:19:00.000-05:00

I may not look it, but I am one happy turtle. I feel Spring around the bend.

My Cousin: The Rio Grande Cooter

2012-03-02T00:17:00.000-05:00

I envy the carapace (shell) of the Rio Grande Cooter which is a colorful oval and elongated, flattened, with a slight keel (highest in middle). This fella has tooth-like cusps and webbed feet. Males have longer fingernails on forelimbs than females. The carapace is olive with blotches of alternating yellow and black. Scutes have four distinct bulls-eyes with black and yellow rings. His belly (plastron) is yellow with pigment along seams, which fade with age.

Skin is brown or olive with yellow stripes on neck, legs and tail. Wide yellow stripe down middle of head and neck. Carapace reaches lengths of approx 9.5 inches as adults (females larger than males).

Found along the Rio Grande and Pecos River drainages in Texas and southern New Mexico. Isolated populations have been found in several northern states in Mexico. The Rio Grande cooter is found in clear pools in New Mexico, but can be found in clear to muddy streams in Texas.

Not much is known about the diet of this species, but preliminary results indicate that it may be primarily a vegetarian. Sadly, the Rio Grande cooter is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Patchwork Pals

2012-03-01T01:30:00.000-05:00

A family of forest cyclists pause for a moment of reflection upon my patchwork friend. We bring friends and family together. And bicyclists.

Plushie

2012-02-29T01:27:00.001-05:00

Fine Japanese Art

2012-02-25T01:08:00.000-05:00

Turtles with Character (my title)
by Kuniyoshi

Stretch

2012-02-22T03:25:00.000-05:00

A little low-key, low-impact tank yoga always provides an exhausting workout.

Open Floor!

2012-02-20T02:17:00.001-05:00

After chillin' out for the last two months, I am ready for a run! The temps are in the 50s today so Mama gave me some runaround time. I am born-free on the hard-wood.

Raccoon Rider

2012-02-19T04:56:00.000-05:00

I think this little fella is bigger than me and he better hold on tight!

Necking

2012-02-17T00:06:00.001-05:00

It's a family thing. We bathe together, we swim together, we eat together, we run together. It's also a love thing. Go hug someone today.

Hold Up There Speedy

2012-02-12T04:21:00.001-05:00

Wonky

2012-02-10T02:16:00.000-05:00

Feeling a little fuzzy this morning, how about you?

Best Slide Ever

2012-02-08T02:50:00.000-05:00

If you were a human child, wouldn't you want to slide down the back of a giant turtle? Well, I know I would!

Teenage Mutants

2012-02-07T01:57:00.001-05:00

Just for the record, these guys rocked in their day:

Retired in FLA

2012-02-05T01:51:00.001-05:00

So this is what they do down there in Inverness, Florida:

The Hub

2012-02-03T11:20:00.000-05:00

This guy can give you more connections than eHarmony!

Turtle Island

2012-02-01T01:23:00.001-05:00

Come back to the island, my friends!

Potty Hijinx

2012-01-31T03:12:00.001-05:00

I don't think Mama knows that I like hiding in the bathroom. Tile is cold, water nearby and it is sometimes dark.

Candeleria

2012-01-29T02:29:00.000-05:00

Mama received this lovely and decorative turtle candle from Santa.

What's for Dinner?

2012-01-27T01:05:00.001-05:00

Winter Blahs

2012-01-26T02:22:00.000-05:00

My place is secure and my rock is my pillow. My wet, hard pillow.

Turtle Temple

2012-01-25T01:43:00.003-05:00

And now, for a moment of Zen at Fukusai-Ji-Zen Temple in Nagasaki, Japan:

Creature Feature

2012-01-24T01:31:00.000-05:00

How can anyone not love the Mary River turtle of Australia? He has a 'certain' something that I don't have. Like green hair, giant nostrils and chin horns. Character.

Fab Fob

2012-01-22T01:26:00.000-05:00

Key ring finely crafted from
imported turtle hide

Still Rollin'

2012-01-20T10:00:00.001-05:00

This fella had his front leg chewn off by some local varmint, but that wouldn't stop him or his owner from keeping him on the move! You go!

Pergamom Pal

2012-01-19T01:46:00.000-05:00

Spotted cruising the ancient grounds of Pergamom, Turkey:

Ladybug

2012-01-16T04:27:00.000-05:00

TURTLE OWNERS: Whatever you do as a terrapin owner, please don't do this:

Fat Bird

2012-01-15T15:39:00.000-05:00

Baby on Board

2012-01-13T04:27:00.001-05:00

Toro, Tortoise!

2012-01-10T04:29:00.000-05:00

Bible Warrior

2012-01-08T04:53:00.011-05:00

Look what "Santa" brought me this year, a new friend, the Bible Warrior!

Not sure if I should be afraid of this guy, with his crazed
look, clenched jaw and burly muscles. Or his WMD.

Turtle Burgers

2012-01-06T09:42:00.003-05:00

Check out this complicated meat project: A hamburger wrapped in bacon and stuffed (or poked ) with hot dogs. They call it a turtle burger! Lotsa meat going on in there for a vegan.

Snow Bound

2012-01-03T04:53:00.001-05:00

No snow here by the sea, so I will hold
my snow pose for now.
Landlubbers, go have a Happy New Year.

New Year Partiers

2011-12-30T01:01:00.000-05:00

Really? Pink?

The Turtle Tamer

2011-12-27T04:58:00.001-05:00

Fine Turtle Art from Istanbul

Keeps Rollin'

2011-12-26T01:49:00.003-05:00

Santa brough my friend Slack a new skateboard for Christmas. Nice.

Lavish Mouse

2011-12-25T09:59:00.001-05:00

Everyone needs a gold turtle mouse, but only a chosen few actually own one. And it's not Mama, she's lucky when her machine starts up and keeps running. But I think Santa may now have an idea...

Ho Ho

2011-12-23T01:52:00.010-05:00

Santa will go to any depth to take care of all creatures this holiday.
Hope it's a good one for everyone.

Tootle Target

2011-12-22T01:34:00.000-05:00

Don't like this game. Don't throw things at turtles, kids, it's not as fun as it looks.

Häns the Spy

2011-12-20T09:26:00.000-05:00

I'm doing nothing but minding my own business and there he is, at eye level, having a snoop.

I don't mind, really, he has become my winter friend.

Missing

2011-12-18T01:37:00.001-05:00

You Can Run

2011-12-15T00:17:00.001-05:00

But you can't hide, especially when you are hidden by the turtle towel, from which I always escape! Global warming allows me to catch an occasional sunny day in December. I'm supposed to be hunkered down for the winter, you know.

Stupid Human Tricks

2011-12-13T04:20:00.001-05:00

Friends for Life

2011-12-11T01:05:00.000-05:00

*You might want to "mute" at about 26sec when Michael Bolton starts singing... just saying

Hop On!

2011-12-10T01:17:00.000-05:00

Seagulls in this area just don't know what to do with themselves in the winter. I say "hop on, let's go for a ride!"

The Hitcher

2011-12-09T01:18:00.001-05:00

Looking for a ride? Well, I'll happily transport other lightweight shelled critters in need. It's my obligation.

Exhausted!

2011-12-07T10:19:00.000-05:00

The stress in the weeks before the holidays makes a big boy real tired.

Baby Slowsky's First Word

2011-12-05T01:27:00.001-05:00

Awesome Austin

2011-12-04T01:14:00.002-05:00

Human youngsters in Austin, Texas, rally to support not only saving our planet but also my kind with their wacky costumes!

Disco Turtle

2011-12-02T01:53:00.002-05:00

Sometimes you just wanna rock!

Happy Birthday, Disco Joe!

One More Run

2011-12-01T09:55:00.001-05:00

Another run through the cool grass before it gets too cold to frolic outdoors. Sure feels nice. Mama is giving me every opportunity to enjoy the sun before the snow and slush arrive. Good mama.

Tuttu Turtle Toy

2011-11-30T02:26:00.001-05:00

From a nice children's toy online shop (called Momentum Meaningful Things), may I present "Tuttu":

Turtles at Etsy

2011-11-28T11:03:00.002-05:00

Mama loves Etsy.com and its a great place to shop for turtle related items.

It's Cyber Monday, so why not check it out?

Life in the Balance

2011-11-27T01:51:00.000-05:00

All I can say is "weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee - look at me!"

Shopping Idea No. 1

2011-11-25T01:38:00.004-05:00

Don't know what to get the kids for the holidays? How about a Mutant Ninja turtle car? Not sure, but the spikes certainly add a certain fear factor to this remote-controlled turtle car. Looks fun, too.

Giving Thanks

2011-11-24T01:27:00.004-05:00

And on Thanksgiving, turtles may not be the first thing you think about when you sit down at the dinner table (at least I hope not), but these temptations fresh from the oven may change your mind.

Thanks to all my visitors and fans for loving turtles!

Serenity Today

2011-11-22T09:38:00.001-05:00

Thank you, http://www.anythingscuba.com for this video!

Sea turtles are characterized by a long, streamlined shell. Depending on the species, sea turtles color range can be olive-green, yellow, greenish-brown, reddish-brown, or black. Limbs and flippers are adapted for swimming. Adult male and female sea turtles are equal in size.

Sniffing for Freedom

2011-11-21T01:09:00.001-05:00

Today I found an opening in the barrier off the deck and sniffed it out. I could have flown the coop right there, but decided against it. Life's too good.

Cupcake

2011-11-20T01:36:00.001-05:00

Don't call me 'cupcake' or I'll say "eat me!" Perhaps an idea for your sweet tooth for the upcoming holiday.

Packed and Ready

2011-11-18T01:55:00.001-05:00

With mobile storage like this, who wouldn't want to have a little turtle pack in their life? Even though I don't need one, I still want one.

Yertle the Turtle

2011-11-16T00:29:00.001-05:00

From the collection of Dr. Seuss:

On the far-away island of Sala-ma-Sond,
Yertle the Turtle was king of the pond.
A nice little pond. It was clean. It was neat.
The water was warm. There was plenty to eat.
The turtles had everything turtles might need.
And they were all happy. Quite happy indeed.

...Then Yertle the Turtle was perched up so high,
He could see forty miles from his throne in the sky!
“Hooray!” shouted Yertle. “I’m the king of the trees!
I’m king of the birds! And I’m king of the bees!
I’m king of the butterflies! King of the air!
Ah, me! What a throne! What a wonderful chair!
I’m Yertle the Turtle! Oh, marvelous me!
For I am the ruler of all that I see!”

Exit Stage Left

2011-11-14T10:29:00.000-05:00

Another nice day this weekend and I'm ready to go play outside. I keep thinking my outdoor days are coming to an end and next thing you know... Indian summer. Love it. I'm running....

VERRRRRRRRY Interesting.....

2011-11-11T01:40:00.001-05:00

This one goes out to all of our troops, on 11.11.11.

The Humpty Dance

2011-11-10T01:20:00.000-05:00

What can I say about the love being exchanged between two consenting terrapins... in public. On the front lawn. For all to enjoy. (the little lady seems so demure compared to his long, heaving "neck")

Apologies for the topic, but it is nature, after all!

Nature's Stacker

2011-11-09T01:37:00.001-05:00

Spider on frog on turtle. How cool is that?

Get a Grip

2011-11-08T02:43:00.001-05:00

Who doesn't love when critters play with each other harmoniously?
All I can say is: HOP ON! The Turtle Train is Leaving!

The Flopty Dance

2011-11-07T09:53:00.001-05:00

Let this little fella show you how to do it! (but you gotta click on him first...)

Butterflies are Free

2011-11-05T11:21:00.000-04:00

To play with! And boy, does it feel good when they flutter my back and neck! I noticed that the monarchs are still in the area and they are awfully pretty. I wonder what they taste like.

Hop On

2011-11-04T00:46:00.002-04:00

Even though I support the "Do Not Stand on Me" movement, I will cave for a furrball this cute, so hop on – let's go for a ride!

Ravenous

2011-11-03T01:45:00.001-04:00

I will attack this tasty, juicy treat with a vengeance reserved only for those I despise. (Watch out, Roger, I haven't forgotten you are still around)

Please Don't

2011-11-01T01:17:00.001-04:00

You can stand BY me, just not ON me, thank you!

Trick or Treat!

2011-10-31T02:50:00.001-04:00

My Cousin: The Indian Star Tortoise

2011-10-29T02:02:00.002-04:00

Indian Star tortoises are one of the world’s most attractive tortoise species, found in semi-arid, thorny and grassland habitats and native to India, Sri Lanka and southeastern Pakistan. These highly-decorated graphic terrapins are known for having quite a personality. Females grow larger than males and she typically grows to 7 or 8 inches, while males typically only reach 5 or 6 inches in length. Under the right conditions, captive star tortoises can live from 30 to 80 years. Native to grassland habitats, it grazes extensively upon mixed grasses and is a diehard herbivore. They are not a territorial species. Multiple males and females may be kept together without fighting and aggressive biting.

The Star Tortoise is a common sight in pet stores and markets throughout Asia, but many die an early death because owners fail to provide an adequate diet and living conditions. Star tortoises will graze happily on lawn grass which seems to prevent most health problems at the source. An adequate supply of calcium and vitamin D3 are essential as is exposure to sunlight and water.

Last Run

2011-10-28T02:50:00.003-04:00

This may have been my last run for the season. Mama let me loose after work tonight but I noticed it was quickly getting dark, then drizzly, then windy, then cold. Real cold. Yo mama, I want BACK IN! Then I noticed why – Mama was cleaning out my scuzzy tank and I always appreciate that.

Peek a Boo

2011-10-27T10:49:00.000-04:00

My Cousin: The Soft Shell

2011-10-24T23:36:00.001-04:00

Here's a soft shell variety of terrapin. Just look at this guy. He seems so flat and floppy. These turtles look like big leathery pancakes. The adults are brownish-green or tan with blotches on their skin. Their shells are covered with skin, and are soft around the edges. Their noses are long and round. When they swim, they stay underwater and stick their nose up to breathe, like a snorkel. Their feet are webbed and their necks are quite long.

Softshell turtles can be very aggressive, and they sometimes bite each other and turtles of other species spontaneously or when feeding. Turtles with soft shells tend to be more aggressive than their more protected relatives. Florida softshell turtles are found on the coastal plains south of Mobile Bay, Alabama, and Charleston, South Carolina, including all of Florida except the Keys. Their preferred habitat is slow-moving bodies of fresh water with mud or sand bottoms. They spend much of their time buried in the soft bottom with only their head exposed. Softshell turtles are primarily carnivorous, feeding on aquatic insects, crustaceans, mollusks, fish, waterfowl and amphibians.

Flapjacks, anyone?

Slow Down Season

2011-10-23T02:13:00.001-04:00

I'm always happy to have a fresh, clean tank. Who wouldn't be? Now that the weather is getting cooler, I'll be slowing down a little after an exhausting season of running free in the great outdoors – and around the house. Now if she would give the 'ol shell a decent scrub, I'll be sitting pretty for the winter!

The Crusher

2011-10-21T00:17:00.000-04:00

Sometimes the little ones don't make it. You've gotta know when to run. And when to steer clear of The Crusher.

Hippie Wicker Turtle

2011-10-19T11:07:00.001-04:00

I appreciate all forms of turtledom, even in a hippie parade like this. Gotta love those Europeans!

Yogurtle

2011-10-17T00:23:00.000-04:00

I would like to consult with the Zen Master turtle of the sea. He seems to have have all the answers while in this pose.

Pressed

2011-10-16T01:25:00.002-04:00

Mama calls it 'pressed ham' but I'll call it 'pressed neck' for now - still not sure what it all means, but it's a comfy place in the tank where I spend a lot of time... and that I love because I can keep an eye on her from here...

Oh Wheely?

2011-10-14T04:58:00.004-04:00

This 12-year-old African spur-thighed tortoise, named Gamera, had a severely damaged leg amputated up to the shoulder and replaced with a swivel wheel — the type of wheels commonly found on the bottom of office chairs! Don’t worry, the wheel was attached to its shell with an epoxy adhesive, and he has gained three pounds since before the procedure took place. This boy is a walking/rolling miracle!

☺ Thanks, Jim!

Gamera seems to be doing fine. You can check out a video of him rolling around and eating some grass below.

Häns Wedges In

2011-10-13T09:10:00.003-04:00

We are still getting to know each other, but I think it's working out. Häns continues to wave and act friendly.

That is, until I find Häns hanging out with Roger! (This relationship won't last long, it seems Roger can't control his bladder)

He's Golden!

2011-10-12T00:42:00.001-04:00

Look at this bad boy! Does anyone know where we
can find the park where this shiny giant lives?
I want to visit. And I'm thinking Europa. Way too
lavish for an American park.

It's Alive

2011-10-11T02:21:00.001-04:00

I'm not sure what mama's been feeding me lately, and I'm not complaining because it sure is a tasty blend, but it looks like it is yelling for help and trying to swim away from me. I think it's alive!

Doormat

2011-10-10T02:12:00.001-04:00

What do I look like, a door mat? Well even if I do happen to blend, I'm all shiny and clean and ready for anything. Like ... a nice, long, winter's sleep.

Street Art

2011-10-09T07:43:00.001-04:00

Possibly functional for humans, this turtle chair seems surprisingly simple and friendly, but mostly uncomfortable. But I still think every town should have one or two prominently placed on street corners as a reminder of who once ruled this planet.

Meet Häns

2011-10-08T02:14:00.005-04:00

On this fine Saturday morning, this little 'foreign' fella showed up in our mailbox. Not sure what to make of him, but very pleased that he seems friendly (he waves alot) and he didn't arrive fully armed. I'm also digging his green lederhosen.

It's unfortunate, but I have to give this fella the stinkeye at least once, just to let him know who is boss around here... (not my proudest moment, the stinkeye, just part of my tortosian nature)

My Cousin - The Egyptian Tortoise

2011-10-07T07:06:00.003-04:00

The Egyptian Tortoise (also known as the Kleinmann's Tortoise), is a critically endangered, neck-hiding tortoise with its numbers now dwindling. The Egyptian Tortoise is one hard-core turtle, living in deserts and semi-arid habitats, usually with compact sand and gravel plains, scattered rocks, shallow, dry woodlands, shrubby areas and coastal salt marsh habitats. They are least active when it is very cold or very hot. During the colder months, they are out most during midday. During the warm season, they are active in the morning and evening. The rest of the day is spent under brushes or in rodent burrows. They become sexually mature between 10-20 years old.

The female tortoises are larger than the males; males are more slender and have a longer tail. Their shells have high domes, and range in color from ivory to pale gold to dark brown or dull yellow, which helps regulate the impact of sunlight and its stay in the desert heat. It's shell is an effective camouflage in the desert.

The species is extinct in Egypt, and global extinction is a looming threat unless more actions are taken to protect this species. Habitat loss and illegal pet trade are huge issues facing this species and while their population is still on the decline, the risk of complete extinction is very real if habitat degradation and illegal trade continue at their present rate.

Turtle Derby

2011-10-06T04:41:00.002-04:00

Back in the old days, they erected floats in our honor. Mean looking floats. And called it a 'derby' (maybe they meant "turby"?) ...ahhh, the good ol' days...

Weeds

2011-10-05T01:41:00.001-04:00

I snuck outside during a brief moment of sunshine and noticed that someone is neglecting their gardening and landscaping duties. I'm seeing too many weeds - and the not the good kind! I sense my garden activities will be verboten soon.

Burger This

2011-10-04T00:29:00.000-04:00

Just when you thought it was safe, someone slips you a mickey. And the next thing you know, you are stuffed with vegetables and cheese... and called a burger. Does the word "abuse" mean anything to anyone?

Making Tracks

2011-10-03T00:05:00.001-04:00

I was let loose over the weekend but it was sure feeling a bit chilly outside, so I ran around to try to dry off. Luckily I have quick steps and nobody can see where I am off to!

Turtle Town, USA

2011-10-02T00:07:00.000-04:00

Mama, let's move! I found Shangri-La! Who knew there was such a place? Well, I certainly didn't and now I'm excited. I wonder if 'Churubusco' means turtle in some alien language. But Indiana, USA? Really? Maybe I can convince mama that a road trip is in order.

More hopping-good fun in Turtle Town, USA!

For more information about Turtle Town, Indiana, visit http://www.churubusco.net/

Tortoise Cake

2011-09-29T03:21:00.002-04:00

Someone has a little too much time on their hands, don'tcha think? This one isn't even funny, it's gross. You can tell by the annoyed look on this fella's face.

In the Brush or Bush?

2011-09-28T01:38:00.003-04:00

I feel like I'm a specimen on National Geographic, wandering in the brush in southwest Australia. But I'm only in the back yard, where the grass is fried from a long, hot summer. Bring on some cool autumn days.

Turtlesauraus

2011-09-27T06:54:00.003-04:00

Watch out! He's coming for you!

What else can you say about this creature from beyond... except...
thank you, Photoshop!

Secret Spot: Table Lair

2011-09-26T00:23:00.001-04:00

Nobody knows about this spot, or at least I thought nobody did until these photos surfaced. I don't appreciate the close up of my butt, but thanks, Mama. This is where I go when I just need to get away from everything. And take naps. Sometimes for hours.

Got my Eye on You

2011-09-24T07:42:00.001-04:00

The rain is back and I've been trapped in the tank, but I'm ready to go in a moment's notice. I'm keeping my eye on the door just in case. In the meantime, I'm just dangling off my dock, and even though it doesn't look comfortable, it really is. It's my nap spot.

The Best of Slowsky

2011-09-23T06:15:00.001-04:00

If you are anything like me, you gotta love the Slowskys. This is a montage of Bill and Carol's best work yet:

My Scary Cousin - Alligator Snapping Turtle

2011-09-22T03:26:00.005-04:00

This friendly fella, the Alligator Snapping Turtle, was found in the middle of the road somewhere in Oklahoma by a biker, who was treated to this giant smile when he tried to move him to safety in the grass. Note the spikes on his neck. Ouch!

The alligator snapper keeps to primarily southern U.S. waters. They have a large, heavy head, and a long, thick shell with three dorsal ridges of large scales giving it a primitive appearance reminiscent of some of the plated dinosaurs. They have three distinct rows of spikes and raised plates on the carapace, whereas the common snapping turtle has a smoother carapace. They are a solid gray, brown, black, or olive-green in color, and often covered with algae.

Alligator snapping turtles can range in length from 16 to 32 inches and weigh up to 175 lbs. They will eat almost anything they can catch. Snapping turtles can remain submerged underwater for up to three hours at a time. Look at this adorable baby alligator snapper!