105 degrees here all week

Tortellini and I are hunkered down deep in the new burrow where the temperature is about 20 degrees cooler than outside. Since we are cold-blooded, we use our environment to control body temperature. No elaborate system of sweat and evaporation for us. So we don't no need stinkin' deodorant. Although if we did use deodorant, it would be dirt colored and smell like dirt too. In short, dirt is GOOD!

Not only is the heat a factor in our burrowing deeper this week, but I'm getting some extra beauty sleep because my 45th birthday is coming soon. I hear there's a celebration in the works. I wonder if I'll get a special treat? I already get a second chance at life and that's the best gift of all!

Here's a photo from the archives. Back in March, when I still had my feeding tube, I had to get reacquainted with Tortellini again as she hibernated all winter so we were separated for the first time since 1987. If you must know, I sniffed to see where she'd been and then I bobbed my head, which is a tortoise greeting. It's pretty basic. We learn it in Head Bobbing 101.

As you can see, Tortellini is a plus-sized desert tortoise. She always gets to choose the best spot in the burrow. But it's only fair since she's usually the one who dug it out. I'm glad we're back together, surviving the heat in the new burrow. Did you know desert tortoises spend up to 90% of the time underground? Think about it: it's too hot, it's too cold, but the burrow is always juuust right!

From Grandma's Archives, circa March 2009

Weight Watchers: 3330 grams!

This was the scene inside the burrow this morning. Do you like what we've done with the place? You can barely see Tortellini dug in behind me. She sure knows how to make herself at home. And of course we know interior design is all about comfort and function.



Then I got on the scales again. Great news: I weighed 3330 grams this morning, a gain of 150 grams in one week!! Woo Hoo!! This is such an encouraging sign that I'm doing better. I've gained 300 grams since Dr. Johnson removed the feeding tube. I think he'll be really glad about that.



I was still feeling drowsy though--YAWN!!--and started to head back inside the burrow, but my tortoise mom plopped me down where some tasty flowers could get my attention to wake me up better.



Mmmm, breakfast of champions!!