Four months ago today, a certain House Pony arrived at the Ranch by way of a foster agreement with the Red River Old English Sheepdog Rescue. That Pony, now known as Wilson, was later officially adopted and has become a larger than life Ranch hand. He continues to adapt to city life. One thing for certain though, he is decidedly not a fan of the Sciuridae family of rodents, otherwise known as squirrels. It only seems appropriate that we share today’s ‘public service announcement’ from the National Park Service while smiling. Squirrels vex Wils. His strong commitment to ridding the world of these vexing critters is front and center as he continues to adapt to city life, coincides with his ability to turn me into a kite. Yet his efforts to combat their judgy ways remains thwarted.
Welcome to the first Friday of May where we join those sweet pups from the Adventures of the LLB Gang. Don’t forget to click on the highlighted link to see what other posts were shared. After a laughter-filled good visit with Mom’s Dad and sister, and just like Arnold Schwarzenegger, we’re ‘baacck.’ It was a bit early as spring on the prairie was just beginning to wake up but with temperatures warming up this week, it’s bound to go into overdrive. Crystal blue skies greeted us every day along with breezy conditions, but it was a lovely visit. Let’s start our tour, shall we?
Elsa: A new neighbor has slowly been getting settled in. They put up this adorable mailbox-one of the nicest in all of Pueblo West. Mom was captivated by it. Wilson thought the post needed to be baptized and I kept thinking, “Ugh…who are these weirdos?” Egad I just hope nobody saw me with them.
Wilson: What?! There was a small message in the gravel that the post was setting on that I needed to respond to…what’s wrong with that?
Elsa: I can’t even begin to respond to those ‘needs.’
Wilson: Well I noticed you left a message along our walks.
Elsa: Yup, I did. It said DON’T PEE HERE, YOU BOZO. Or do you need a translator?
Wilson: {miffed} Well I never…
Elsa: If only that were true. Moving along…the trees were just beginning to leaf out. This is one of a few deciduous trees that my Grandpa has that serves as resting spots for the prairie birds and shades the patio. Mom said the meadowlarks were back with fewer doves this time. The doves have taken over the past couple of years, much to the chagrin of the uprights but everyone seemed happy to hear the meadowlarks chirping their lovely songs. We couldn’t get close enough to take a pic but had to be content with their song. Mom starts to swoon whenever she hears their distinctive trilling. Here’s what they sound like.
Wilson: My heavens, what a charming and delightful sound. I can see why Mum enjoys their calls. She said the Western Meadowlark’s most common call is a “low, bell-like pluk or chupp which they use when disturbed and during courtship and territorial displays” according to the All About Birds website with the males giving “a hurried, excited “flight song” of short-spaced whistles and warbles.” If it makes Mum happy, who are we to interrupt?
Elsa: I know that…it just cracks me up when she goes into “bird frenzy.” More than once while they were all chatting on the patio, she interrupted the conversation excitingly telling the others “ooh, ooh, check out the Meadowlark call” {eyes rolling}. Her sister looked at her as if she’d lost her mind.
Wilson: Well I didn’t notice her sister seem to mind since she never stopped rubbing my ears. Boy was I glad I got to meet her.
Elsa: You are simply shameless. One day you’ll meet someone who isn’t seduced by your oafish large self.
Wilson: I doubt it but until then, I’ll enjoy the attention. I notice you were hanging out near her a lot of the time too.
Elsa: {clearing her throat} Ahem, she was my aunt before she ever became yours. And one of the sweetest dog lovers in the world. I love being around her and her husband and think I filled a vital role since I know they both were missing their dog back in Texas.
Wilson: It’s a good thing we always answer the call to quickly go to service, right mate?
Elsa: Oh jeez…get over yourself, House Pony. Anywho…what else you got today?
Wilson: Mum told me the rabbit brush is beginning to flower but I was somewhat disappointed there didn’t seem to be any rabbits at home whenever we walked by.
Elsa: I suspect its pollen was what made Grandpa and Mom’s sister all stuffed up although there could have been other culprits, like maybe this wild Verbena that was beginning to sprout here and there. It’s a pretty little flower that stays low to the ground and provides a nice pop of color in a tawney landscape.
Wilson: How did I miss that one? I surely would have left a message.
Elsa: Ha…color Mom happy about that!
Wilson: Speaking of color…Mum mentioned that this untraditional iris was something her Mum planted many years ago. It’s quite striking and with the anniversary of her passing this past week, gave everyone a smile between their tears as they remembered her and how she lovingly created her garden over the years. I wish I could have met her, I’m sure I’d have loved her as much as everyone else.
Elsa: Yeah, she was the best, and I’m sure she’d actually have enjoyed you plonking your big fat head in her lap. She was especially fond of Sam who tended her when she went into hospice.
Wilson: She must have been a very special human. And for the record…I don’t plonk. I gently rest my head in the lap of uprights who seem to appreciate and need my company. That’s why Mum thinks I might be a good candidate for pet therapy. So what was all that falderal about that flying thing? I couldn’t tell what all the excitement was but it sure seemed to entertain everyone.
Elsa: Oh that thing? That was the first Swallowtail of the season. It’s one of the largest of all butterflies and quite distinctive.
Wilson: Mum was very excited and tried to follow it around the patio area. She wasn’t able to get too close before it would flit around and move to another tree so her photo isn’t the greatest and is pretty grainy. But it’s not for lack of trying.
Elsa: You’ll learn soon enough that Mom isn’t the best photographer anyway but especially with her cell phone. She considers it a victory if she gets a shot that resembles what it is she’s trying to share.
Wilson: Well in all fairness, sometimes a cell phone is all one happens to have at the moment and the only way to document something.
Elsa: Yeah, you’re probably right, but still…some of that documentation is so lame. Like this one, as we were heading back to Denver. You can tell the species, but you couldn’t tell what kind it was. Mom thought it might be a rattlesnake but she wasn’t about to get out of the car to get closer. She cropped it hoping it’d be more clear but alas…another fail. The full size pic looked more like a rope was across the road. She worried that if this guy sunned himself for too long, some big truck would likely run over him. She’s not a fan of snakes, I mean who IS right, but she didn’t wish him any harm. He was pretty long and blended in well to the landscape.
Wilson: Snake? Umm, I’d have passed as well…
Elsa: {interrupting} That’s rich, I know perfectly well you’d have investigated. You’d have either peed on it or tried to eat it.
Wilson: Well what else can you do with something like that in the middle of the road? I mean, come on…
Elsa: Well they are useful out on the prairie, keeping the mice population down and other small critters.
Wilson: I think this guy might have been napping a bit too much. He missed one in a planter near the front door that Mum and her sister were getting ready for plants.
Elsa: I heard the commotion. Auntie wasn’t nearly as thrilled as Mom was seeing that cute little thing. Mom thought it fell in and couldn’t climb out. It seemed pretty exhausted so she took it out and gently let it escape into the underbrush of a mugo pine. Look at all those hairs standing up!
Wilson: I thought I smelled something but didn’t see it.
Elsa: That’s probably why Mom brought out the scissors and clippers when we got home. I heard ‘something’ about you getting a trim later today.
Wilson: Ugh…yesterday’s bath was bad enough. While I’m mostly a good boy when it comes to grooming, I’d rather be out walking and checking out Nature, frankly.
Elsa: Well you needed a bath and you might as well get used to it. Mom gets worked up if we get mats or begin to ‘heaven forbid,’ smell like dogs and then runs around collecting all her grooming gear.
Wilson: Oh dear. I didn’t sign up for that.
Elsa: Un-lax, Pony…there are lots of treats involved. And this new self-dog wash Mom found is run by a really nice lady who will make you feel quite special at her adorable shop and dog wash.
Wilson: Yes, but, but..water. I mean…are there enough treats for water?
Elsa: There are, after it’s all over. Trust me. I don’t like baths either but when I smell good, Mom really loves on me. Well, I’m outa here…time for my mid-morning nap. I’ll let you wrap it up, Pony.
Wilson: Roger that, Ninja. We hope you have a fabulous weekend and are able to check out all the posh sights Nature brings us everyday. Cheerio, mates!
Happy last Monday of April, 2024. We’ve returned to gorgeous Spring weather and are looking forward to spending the next few days with out-of-state family who are visiting Colorado. Nice weather on the patio will make the get together that much more fun.
But first before we hit the road, we need to take a moment to share today’s smile. Since Elsa’s last surgery, her nose woke up dramatically so when I saw this cartoon, it made me think of how she’s seems to have become more of a Bloodhound than a Spoo on the walks. Before finding this epiphany, she was an all business kind of girl, finding the absolute right spot (which often took at least 90 seconds of walking in a circle to find the exact perfect spot) before she would potty. I always get a kick out of how male dogs and female dogs differ in this regard. I often think Wilson could pee anywhere, whereas the location is critical to Elsa’s way of thinking, er sniffing. For her it now takes several minutes checking out all the ‘messages’ left, scanning the landscape for ripe spots, determining who replied, what and how they communicated their presence and goodness only knows what else. It does however brighten my day knowing she’s exploring her environment through sniffing and I welcome it. Most people rush their good dog’s walk, but they really should embrace it. It quiets dog’s minds and makes it more enjoyable for everyone on the trail.
Whatever you do today, we hope you take time to, at least metaphorically, smell the roses and let your dog do likewise (though I doubt it’ll be roses they’re sniffing). Happy Monday.
Welcome to this week’s edition of Nature Friday where we share bits of urban nature. Well another week of Spring is in the books but like always, we are joining those cuties from Adventures of the LLB Gang. Don’t forget to click on the link to see what other posts were shared.
Elsa: Yo…yo, House Pony, wake up…it’s time to dish up a few images of spring from around the neighborhood.
Wilson: {soft snoring} Huh…wha….Oh good morning. The crisp morning air left me wanting to stay in bed a bit longer but now that I’m awake, let’s get rolling!
Elsa: My goodness…aren’t you the eager beaver. So what’s on today’s hit parade?
Wilson: Not sure about any parade but with all the miles we’ve put on this week sniffing around, Mum said Spring is in full display The tulips in particular have been quite posh this Spring though they always disappoint me since they have no fragrance-trust me-I’ve checked. Mum’s red tulips are finally blooming. And notice the volunteer grape hyacinths in the background? Mum has been trying to corral them and even dug som to give to a friend who came by to take some irises and perennials for her garden. Talk about prolific!
Elsa: Yeah, I’ve noticed those little scamps popping up in the oddest spots. There’s a whole patch in the garden where they’ve spread like weeds. I’m surprised Mom hasn’t gone on a terror yanking them up.
Wilson: She told me she didn’t mind them naturalizing but then said they were beginning to start acting like the lupines so she may need to start some remediation so they don’t go crazy. I haven’t seen the lupines but Mum told me there likely won’t be many this year. With all her talk about them, I was rather hoping I’d get to experience them. You can see past photos here.
Elsa: Yeah, she took zillions of photos, first with Sam and me and then Norman and me. I dreaded seeing them because it always meant we’d have to pose for 87 hours in the middle of them. Everyone who walked by would wax on about how beautiful they were. They had no idea how us dogs had to put up with photo sessions. I mean, it was almost animal cruelty!
Wilson: Oh gosh, sorry you had to endure that, Ninja. Must have been awful.
Elsa: You have no idea. It was like Christmas pictures. Hours and hours of “sit-stay” poses with all manner of Christmas decorations. The only good thing about it was Mom doled out lots of treats.
Wilson: Treats? Sign me up! I’ll stand on my head if there are treats involved.
Elsa: You say that now, but trust me, you’ll change your tune come later this year when we do our annual Christmas photos.
Wilson: Well I’m up for the challenge. I know Mum has some very high value treats she dispenses when she wants me to do something. I’ll humor her.
Elsa: Jeez, what a brown nose!
Wilson: {correcting} No-no…I have a very black nose. It’s one of those standout features about us Old English Sheepdogs.
Elsa: I was talking figuratively, New Guy. We’re gonna have to work on the meaning of ‘figuratively’ and ‘literally.’ You just don’t seem to understand the difference.
Wilson: I just go by what you tell me. I’m not a mind reading dog, I’m a herding dog. There’s a difference.
Elsa: Whatever. What else have you got?
Wilson: The lilacs are in full bloom and Mum is quite surprised since it’s early in the season. Now, those things DO smell great. Especially on a pretty blue sky day.
Elsa: Be careful where you stick that honker, bees like those flowers for their nectar.
Wilson: I’m not afraid of bees but I think wasps like this one might make me reconsider. Yesterday he was drinking from the solar fountain, buzzing around. I started to take a snap at him but Mum said that would be a very bad idea.
Elsa: Trust me, dude. Stay away from those nasty things-they’ll make your tongue swell up if you try to eat one of those things. And then you won’t be able to taste the treats Mom gives you.
Wilson: Egad!! Thanks for that advice. I’ll try hard to avoid them. You can believe I want to be able to taste all the tasty treats Mum gives me.
Elsa: {head shaking} My gawd, you’re like a canine garbage disposal, aren’t you?
Wilson: Mum never gives me garbage.
Elsa: I can’t. I just can’t even begin to school you on the difference of stuff like that.
Wilson: What? I don’t understand…
Elsa: {interrupting} Precisely and I don’t have the time nor the patience to teach you. Let’s move along, House Pony, shall we? Beside that wasp, I think there was another encounter with some urban wildlife, though in all my years at the Ranch, I’ve never seen one of those.
Wilson: I have no idea what the bloody hell that thing was doing sashaying across this yard. I did have a feeling Mum did me a solid but not letting me try to herd it.
Elsa: Darn straight she did. You don’t want to mess with those birds. They’ll mess you up but good. Probably came from someone’s city chicken coop.
Wilson: I could sense there was danger in that turkey by how tightly Mum held my leash and kept reinforcing the “leave it!” command with her clicker. Naturally I was a good boy and complied.
Elsa: {hysterical laughter} Complied? Right…I’ve seen how you handle the command to “Leave it!” when there’s a squirrel anywhere around {more raucous laughter}.
Wilson: If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were being quite cheeky with me.
Elsa: Umm, that’s one way of putting it. Good catch. Maybe you’ll figure things out eventually yet. Hope springs eternal.
Wilson: I’m just going to ignore you and show you some other images we encountered yesterday afternoon. Mum tells me this plant is the state flower.
Elsa: Well technically it’s the blue one that’s the state flower but like many of the perennials in the city, it’s blooming early.
Wilson: It’s quite striking, I say. But nothing compared to this purple flower. Mum said she’s never seen these blooming in April.
Elsa: Yeah, I’d agree. It was quite a shock seeing that pop up in a pile of weeds. Mother Nature seems to be teasing us.
Wilson: Right you are. When Mum and I walked back from the library, we came across this field of yellow flowers. I had to stop and admire them.
Elsa: I hope Mom told you those yellow flowers are weeds and the bane of gardeners everywhere. With the moisture we’ve received this Spring, they have been a bumper crop of them everywhere. But they are kinda pretty.
Wilson: I should say so…they are quite cheerful. Well, that’s all I have today. I heard we’re going to visit our Grandpa this weekend and I will get to meet Mum’s youngest sister who’s coming from Texas for a short visit. I’m excited to meet more of the family and promise I’ll be on my best behavior.
Elsa: Uh, huh…best, eh? Not sure what you mean by ‘best’ but it should be a nice visit for a few days. What are your plans for the weekend? You doing anything exciting for this last weekend of April? We’re still amazed that May is upon us and just around the corner. Where is this year going?
Wilson: Not sure but it does seem to be moving along quickly. Whatever you do, we hope you’re able to see loads of Nature’s finest. Just avoid the turkeys and wasps.
Happy Earth Day. Let’s begin today’s nod to Earth Day with a compilation of numerous videos from CBS’s Walter Conkrite on the first Earth Day from around the country, which contained a reference to Denver’s smoggy skies in the first segment. Going to school in a small southern Colorado community, I was somewhat sheltered from Denver’s air quality notoriety at the time and found was surprised the state capitol was specifically singled out. It speaks volumes of how important the issue was and continues to be featured in the news, especially with the extreme weather patterns we are experiencing across the globe.
The original idea of bringing attention to the environment came from Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wyoming following a 1969 massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California. Sen. Nelson who enlisted the help of a young activist, Denis Hayes, had growing concerns for the environment following Rachel Carson’s book, Silent Spring which was gaining attention among environmental groups and wanted a unified cause to provide a way for disparate groups find a way to join together and bring information and education to people on the impact of pesticides were on farm workers and the environment.
The first Earth Day saw approximately 20 million people participate, many using the day to clean up streets in their neighborhoods. New York’s Earth Day parade shut down Fifth Ave. Later that year, The Environmental Protection Agency was created by then president, Richard Nixon. A condensed timeline can be found at the EPA’s website. Earth Day went global in 1990 and is now recognized around the world.
As you begin this week, I hope you take some time to look at your immediate environment and do something to improve it even if it’s just picking up trash or something a bit more lasting like not using plastic bags. January 2024 saw Colorado ban plastic bags from large retail stores as well as prohibiting restaurants and retail food establishments from using Styrofoam takeout containers.
Although today’s post is of a serious nature, we still want to end it with a small smile and hope it prompts you to do whatever you can to help this growing problem. Semper Fido.
Welcome to Nature Friday where we share bits of nature from the urban landscape. As always, we are joining our friendly hosts from Adventures of the LLB Gang. Don’t forget to click on the link to see what other posts were shared.
It’s been another crazy weather week with wide swings in the temperatures which have seemed to accelerate spring’s presence. Fifty degree temperature swings are not uncommon around here, especially at this time of year. Let’s see what we have, shall we?
Elsa: First off, on behalf of Mom who has become super forgetful since the birth of her great granddaughter, we need to apologize for not expressing our shock gratitude for being a winner last week on the Teaser. She’s never first to arrive but she was first to correctly guess on April 9th, the day Baby Halia arrived. Naturally she’s been gaga ever since so we hope you don’t hold it against her. Originally she thought it was a photo of a pile of gravel she had delivered many years ago but I convinced her to look for some clues to figure out where that photo was taken. Many thanks to Two Spoiled Cats for awarding her this cool badge. We have our paws crossed she starts to remember things better. {shouting out}…oh Mom…don’t forget to put your pants on today, okay?
The Mom: Umm, for the record, yes, I remembered to put on my pants {eyes rolling}.
Elsa: Whew…anywho…now that we’ve expressed our thanks, I’m gonna wake up the Pony and see what he’s put together for today.
Wilson: {butt wiggling with excitement} I’m here, I’m here…let’s get going!
Elsa: Down Sportor…don’t weird out on me.
Wilson: Well I just wanted to let you know I’m quite bright eyed and bushy…
Elsa: {sighing while interjecting} Ugh…this guy is way too literal, not to mention, way too bouncy. Let’s move along, shall we? What do you have to share first?
Wilson: {giddy with excitement…tail and bum wiggling like crazy} Well, this week Mum installed this cool garden whirligig that she received as a Christmas gift. She had put it away in the garage and forgot about it…mostly because the ground was frozen at the time. But she came across it and decided now would be a good time to install it. It took her a few minutes to figure out the instructions but figured it out. I can stare at that thing for ages. It’s very calming and Mum is hoping it will not only be lovely to passersby but also that it’ll the squirrels from coming in the front garden. Notice the wet stuff. We are grateful Mother Nature decided to gift us a little bit of moisture but hope she is even more generous later today.
Elsa: Erm…o-kay. Whatever cranks your handle. I suppose if it keeps you from going bananas, it’ll be worth it.
Wilson: As you well know, I’m pretty plugged into anything that moves so maybe this will keep me occupied. Otherwise, Mum is going to have to go back to the drawing board.
Elsa: I’m guessing this is the first of many strategies Mom is going to have to employ to keep you from killing her.
Wilson: {protesting and sounding slightly miffed} I’d never kill Mum. I just. am. always. hyper-vigilant about my surroundings.
Elsa: Hyper-vigilant? How about you’re a crazed lunatic?
Wilson: Name calling is not necessary. Besides, I’m the big strong one and must protect Mum.
Elsa: Ha! She’s managed to survive on her own without your help for 87 years so don’t flatter yourself. Just try not to run either of us over, and we’ll all be cool, okay.
Wilson: So…moving along. I thought this week we’d share photos of how accelerated spring is this year. Mum tells me she’s never seen perennials in such an early state of blooming.
Elsa: Yeah, I’ve noticed things in various stages of bloom and I’m not just talking about flowering trees although they’ve been nice. Here are a redbud and crabapple trees.
Wilson: Oh I love that redbud tree and Mum tells me all of us dogs love it too because we always try to potty beneath its low branches. She’s not having any of that and at least with me, she drags me off.
Elsa: Don’t feel special. She does the same thing with me while she’s grumbling something about how she’s not bending over like a gnome picking up after us under those low branches.
Wilson: Oh yes, she said the same thing with me. She was quite testy about it, too.
Elsa: Old people…what can you do but humor them. But I know we’ll both try every time we walk past that house. Angels Norman and Sam did the same thing. Maybe someone can explain to Mom why we do that. I can’t explain it.
Wilson: It’s quite a mystery to me but then I’m the new guy and a lot of things are mysterious to me here.
Elsa: So what’s up with this next pic? Care to explain it?
Wilson: Mum said it’s a mushroom clump and she thought it was rather fascinating. Because of our lack of humidity, seeing clumps like this are fairly unusual. It was quite a fragrant spot but Mum dragged me off again. She won’t let me pee on plants.
Elsa: She mentioned to me she can’t remember the last time so many perennials have started to bloom so early in the season. Mother Nature seems to be playing tricks on us. From poppies to irises and peonies and Bachelor Buttons from seed…I mean, for crying out loud, even some lilacs started blooming. In the middle of April! Say what you will, there is definitely something about this global warming thing. How else can you explain it?
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Wilson: It sure seems that way, but I’m a herder, not a scientist so don’t rely on my observations.
Elsa: Boy you can say that again. Trust me, I wouldn’t rely on your thoughts, even if you WERE a scientist. But the absolute wildest thing we saw on our walks from yesterday were some blooming Bleeding Hearts. We were almost to our house and Mom saw them as she walked by. And BAM! she stopped and yelled, “What the bloody dog?!” and walked back to take a photo. I thought I was going to have to revive her, I tell you.Wilson: It’s quite something, that’s for sure. Well that’s it for the flora this week but Mum was super excited that she saw some wildlife as well. It’s not a very good photo since all she had was her cell phone but she was blown away to see what she thinks was a juvenile Cooper’s Hawk in her silver maple tree. They’re not unheard of but seeing one in the city seems somewhat unusual.
Elsa: We need to remind Mom to get an arborist out to trim that tree. The squirrels are playing havoc with new branches and there are lots of old ones that need to be pruned away.
Wilson: Squirrels??? Where, I’ll get them!
Elsa: Down Pony…I said we need to have Mom take care of it. You’ll just create a mess and hurt yourself or more likely, someone else. I know you mean well but I’m starting to grow used to you and would hate to see you get hurt. Besides, I think I used up the entire veterinary budget this year. So let’s agree to let Mom take care of this. Guess that’s it for us this week. We hope you have a great weekend. So dude…are we doing anything exciting?
Wilson: Don’t think so. Mum said something about seeing the baby again. I wish she’d let me go with her…I definitely want to meet her. Mum can’t stop banging on about how fabulous she is and hopefully I’ll get to meet her soon when Mum’s sister comes to Colorado for a visit in a couple of weeks. We hope you have a splendid weekend and are able to get outside and take in the beauty Nature shares with us. In the meantime, we’ll leave you with this week’s image of the little sprout on her one week anniversary.
In case you somehow missed it, today is the deadline to file your income taxes in the U.S. While you may file an extension, you still need to include any payment of any taxes owed with the extension. Can anyone explain the point of doing that?
Luckily, the Ranch Hands filed theirs last month, quickly received a refund and then immediately signed it over to the vet {grimace}.
While I’d have loved to file this form with our return, I’m not sure Uncle Sam would have found it as humorous as I did. No offense, but I often have wondered if having no sense of humor was a hard requirement for all employees who work for the IRS. With the 2017 revision of the tax code, itemization seems to have become a relic of the past.
Despite today’s deadline, we still hope you are able to tackle today…lo the entire week, with loads of humor and grace. It’s a gorgeous spring day here in the 303-we hope you are able to make it yours wherever you are. Happy Monday.
Welcome to Nature Friday where we share a few slices of Nature from around our ‘Hood. As always, we are joining our hosts from Adventures of the LLB Gang. Please click on the link to see what other posts were shared.
It’s been an exciting and busy week around the Ranch. For a couple of days both me and the New Guy wondered why Mom was gone so much. I mean, what could possibly be more important than us? Elsa here. Well, it turns out our family increased in size. We will now have five, yes FIVE living generations around the Ranch House. How is that possible, you ask? Mom’s first granddaughter gave birth to a healthy, beautiful baby girl (who was just a tad reluctant to leave the comfy womb but who finally made her debut at 12:34 pm on Tuesday). Mom, Dad and baby are all doing well even if they’re massively tuckered out.
Courtesy of Bella Baby Photography
I can say without reservation Mom is over the moon even if she’s not sure about being called a great grandma. I think that means she’s older than dirt but we’ll love her just the same. We can hardly wait to meet this little one. The Pony told me he’s an excellent and very responsive baby watcher. We’ll see but he does seem to respond to crying babies, puppies and mewing kittens whenever he hears them in a video.
Wilson: I say, little sister, does this mean I’m an uncle now?
Elsa: No Oaf…you’re not an uncle. Because this is a G-rated blog, I can’t say what you are but you will be expected to be on your best, furry behavior.
Wilson: So what do WE call this bundle?
Elsa: I was gonna guess Princess, but Mom says her name is Halia which is apparently Hawaiian for “remembrance.” Her name is an homage to all the grandparents who didn’t live long enough to welcome her to this world. She’s going to be so loved by this family.
Wilson: Bravo, I suspect Mum’s dad is over the moon too? He’s very attached to Hailey, the baby’s mum.
Elsa: He most certainly is which means you’re no longer going to be top banana at his house. But I’m positive he’ll still be glad to see us the next time we go down to visit him.
Wilson: I should hope so. I’d hate to think we’ve lost our station. {sniffling}
Elsa: No chance of that, I mean…after all we’re pretty, cuddly and irresistible still so put your British insecurities at rest.
Wilson: Well if you say so…now what else do we have to share this week.
Elsa: Well you can bet your tea and crumpets it isn’t going to be a weather report, though it has been pretty gorgeous outside and Nature seems to be fairly happy. She’s coaxing more blooms out in the garden. What did you find to share, Hoss?
Wilson: Hmm, there you go again with another nickname. Since there appears to be no point in correcting you again, I’ll just continue and share some lovely blooms from around the neighborhood. First up are some Creeping Phlox. They are blooming everywhere in loads of shades of pink and purple.
Elsa: Well everywhere but in our yard. Mom had a small patch of it but it didn’t come back this year. That one is from the guy across the street’s garden. Mom’s going to ask him if he knows why her’s failed to come back.
Wilson: Gosh how sad, I know how much Mum likes to see flowers in the garden. Look at these grape hyacinths we discovered on our walk this week. We hadn’t noticed these ombre colored ones before. How brilliant is that?! Dark on the bottom and lighter at the top. Ours are only one color-be they purple or the blue ones.
Elsa: Whoa…the ones in our garden aren’t ombre colored. That IS pretty cool.
Wilson: Quite right!
Elsa: Some of the flowering trees have started their annual show too. I think these are plum trees. I’ll know more if the squirrels start munching on the fruit.
Wilson: Squirrels?!?! Where? I’ll take care of those rotten buggers.
Elsa: Down Bucko. Don’t get excited just yet.
Wilson: Well you know how I feel about squirrels!
Elsa: Unlax dude. Why not share some of the pretty pink tulips Mom found recently. She’s been looking for tulips that weren’t red for the past couple of weeks and they’re finally out. Yay…maybe now she’ll stop whining about it.Wilson: I can see why she likes them. They are quite lovely. Well, she really doesn’t mind the red ones, but she says she wanted to see other colors. She still hasn’t seen yellow, white or purple ones yet…
Elsa: {interrupting} Gah…don’t bring it up or we’ll never hear the end of it. Let’s move along and share this other tulip instead.
Wilson: Right. So what do you think about this shrub? I think it’s a flowering quince. I checked it out but it was decidedly unfriendly to my nose.
Elsa: I’d be unfriendly too if you stuck that big ole honker up my grill.
Wilson: Ahem, excuse me…I’ve noticed you sniffing at things a lot more since your surgeries. Sniffing is how I process the world around me. I’m still getting used to how differently things smell from my old home. Things here in Colorado are quite different. Some things remain the same scent-wise to humans but I still need to check and make sure. That’s where my nose comes in.
Elsa: And here I thought it was because you’re a nosey-nellie. I stand corrected.
Wilson: I’m going to ignore that comment. Mum has also noticed loads of Creeping Phlox along our daily walks beyond what the neighbor has. It sure is a cheerful addition to a sidewalk path.
Elsa: Here’s another blooming tree branch I found on my walk yesterday. Looks like pink is this week’s showcase color. It sure makes Mom happy when she sees it.
Wilson: Seems only fitting that pink is the week’s theme color. After all, it goes well with the little pink human who arrived.
Elsa: Good one, House Pony. You may actually be on to something.
Wilson: Well I’m not just a furry face, you know.
Elsa: Umm, the jury is still out on that.
Wilson: {ignoring the snarky comment) So Mum showed me this art installation. She waxed on and on about how clever it was and how original but I’m afraid I didn’t get it. Can you explain it to me?
Elsa: There’s no explanation, dude. She just likes it. You have to realize art is in the eye of the beholder and leave it at that.
Wilson: Okay, but it was almost creepy. I wasn’t sure I should sniff it or growl at it. I’m always suspicious of faces with big eyes that don’t blink. It’s a bit unnerving, don’t you think?
Elsa: That’s nothing-you should have seen it when it was wearing a gigantic mask during COVID. Talk about unnerving
Wilson: Oh dear, glad I didn’t see that! I like looking at faces, they usually have a smile, an ear rub and offer me a treat. I’ll try to be on my best behavior whenever I see them. Mum says she’s going to start training me to join the pet therapy dog program soon. She thinks people will love meeting me. And well…if there are treats involved, I’m sure I can do it without any trouble.
Elsa: {eyes rolling} You and your treats. Dude, you gotta be a bit less enthusiastic about eating things.
Wilson: {eyes moving from left to right and back again…mulling that thought over} Why…I’m not sure I understand that but will try to make Mum proud, regardless. Well, that’s it from me. You have anything to add?
Elsa: Other than Mom’s strawberry just set some fruit which made her mouth water, no. I just hope everyone has a great weekend enjoying Spring. I can’t wait to meet little Halia and hope we get to do that over the weekend. Otherwise, we’ll have to be content with enjoying the sights and sounds of spring and hope you are able to get outside and enjoy Nature at its prettiest. Have a great weekend.
Wilson: Yes, what my dear sister said. Happy weekend. And I can’t wait to taste those lovelies.
Elsa: Oh for dog’s sake. Have a good weekend everyone!
Happy Monday, peeps. Hard to believe it’s been 3 months since a certain sheepdog joined our Bunk House. Wilson’s personality continues to unfold, much like the springtime flowers here. He’s still a work in progress but hasn’t started remodeling the house. Yet. Although I’m sure if it crossed his imagination, he’d have a treat and food dispenser installed that would be activated by a well-placed, gigantic paw doling out snacks.
Happy first Friday of April peeps…it’s time for another Nature Friday post. Well spring continues to do spring things…you know…like dump tons of snow on the Northeast, bring 70’s and 80’sF to the central portion of the country with higher temps in gulf states with buckets of moisture to the West Coast. Good golly, it seems like Mother Nature is truly cheesed off. As we typically do on Friday’s, we’re joining our pals at Adventures of the LLB Gang. Be sure to click on the highlighted link to see what other posts were shared.
Elsa: So I finally was released from vet care yesterday by receiving a clean bill of health. They removed my stitches and pronounced me fully healed from a diagnosed UTI, femoral surgery and I received a good report on the histogram of the removed cyst (it was benign but Mom was told it could come back so I guess they’ll monitor it down the road). While the folks at this vet clinic are super nice, I told them I hope to never see them again…any time soon.
Sorry about the sun flare-the clinic faces south and it’s been very sunny here
Wilson: That’s jolly good news, Ninja. Congratulations. I’m sure those vet folks will miss seeing you. Mum told me they always enjoyed you coming in because you were a great patient.
Elsa: They probably enjoyed seeing Mom and her credit card more than me. But now that I think of it, they were quite nice to me and gave me terrific ear rubs…even when I was shaking with fear at their fancy posh office. There’s just no way to disguise the fact that office visits to the vet can be very traumatic. From the first time I arrived with the femoral fracture to the dental procedure…it was doggone scary. But being the Zen Ninja I am, I handled it with great aplomb and dignity.
Wilson: Don’t sell yourself short. Everyone I encounter always says how lucky I am to have you as a sister. And despite the fact I get grumpy sometimes with you because you ofen hog all of Mum’s attention, you do make her smile a lot. Like all those times this past week where you lazed away on the sofa despite the no dogs on furniture rule. She laughed out loud. You didn’t even pretend to be sorry for disobeying both Mum and the vet’s specific instructions to not jump while your shoulder was healing. Tsk, tsk…naughty girl.
Elsa: Do I look like I care?
Wilson: Umm, good point. Still, I can’t help wondering why I get yelled at whenever I get up on the sofa.
Elsa: Well, you’re you and I’m me. There are different rules for Ninjas versus House Ponies. The sooner you realize that, the better we’ll all be.
Wilson: {somewhat dejected} Whatever happened to equality for all?
Elsa: {jumping up on the sofa as Mom types} You want equality? You need to look up it on page 391 of Mom’s Webster’s dictionary.
Wilson: {frowning} Umm, perhaps instead we should share some of this week’s nature images.
Elsa: Whatever cranks your handle. Mom has been walking past this little tree/shrub for months now and wondered what it was. According to her plant app, it was identified as an American Pussy Willow but she was somewhat dubious since it’s not known to be found in Colorado. Still, it’s pretty cool and Mom liked it.
Wilson: Whoa…look at those silky catkins! I guess they start blooming on the bare stems before the leaves appear, and provide a wonderful source of pollen for native bees early in the season.
Elsa: Supposedly the male and female flowers are produced on separate plants yet both plants have flowers. There was only the one there so Mom wasn’t sure if it was male or female. While the male plant produces pollen, both sexes produce nectar and the flowers of the male plant produce those nubby catkins that are used in flower arrangements.
Wilson: Trust me I checked to see what it smelled like but apparently no one has left any clues about it.
Elsa: Of course you smelled it. Sheesh, I am still of the opinion you’re part Bloodhound. Emphasis on the hound part.
Wilson: {eyes looking left and right, mind mulling over what was just said} Wait, is that some kind of put down because I’m 100% Old English Sheepdog.
Elsa: Hey, you sniff more that your normal English fur ball. You know I just call ’em like I see ’em.
Wilson: Rest assured, I am NOT a hound, blood or otherwise. I’m part of the magnificent group of herding dogs and…
Elsa: Save it dog breath. You try herding me, I’ll show you what Poodles do, ok?
The Mom: Ok you two, no more flexing of breed egos. Just get on with sharing nature this week, ‘kay?
Elsa and Wilson: {in unison and two part harmony} Yes Mom/Mum.
The Mom: {smiling} Whew, that’s better.
Elsa: He started it, Mom.
Wilson: Did not, you started it.
The Mom: Enough guys. Let’s. move. on! I’m sure there are a few more spring photos we can share.
Elsa: Okay, okay…yeesh…so cranky on a Friday. Anywho…the recent snow storms didn’t seem to have too negative of an impact on the emerging tulips, although apparently the moisture produced a by-product plant. Who know snow would cause Pringles containers to bloom? That’s a new one on me. And yes, we disposed of it. {head shaking} Man, what is wrong with uprights?
Wilson: {with stiffened back and shaking head} Unforgivable, I say! At least none of those containers grew with these tulips. Talk about a cheerful bunch.
Elsa: You’re so right there, Pony. Some people are just beasts.
Wilson: You can say that again. I know it really upsets Mum when we’re out on our constitutionals. She gets very sad seeing trash. Weeds are bad enough but litter is simple unforgivable.
Elsa: We started to see a few of the flowering trees emerging from their winter snooze. Check out this type of cherry tree in bloom. The bees acted like they were having a kegger, buzzing and noshing on all the nectar.
Wilson: Hmm, what’s a kegger? Sounds like some decidedly American expression. There were a bunch of bees in this ornamental pear as well. It sure was quite the sight against a Colorado bluebird sky.
Elsa: It’s going to be another warm day (sorry Northeast peeps). We’re under a Red Flag warning for high winds with extremely low humidity today for much of the state. Winds could reach 75 mph later this morning so we better get cracking and batten down the hatches. Hopefully tomorrow’s forecast for moisture will materialize. And here I just got a bath this week. Ugh.
Wilson: Never fear, sister…I’ll keep you well anchored on the ground. Between me and Mum, you have nothing to fear about blowing away.
The Mom: Umm, I’m sure that was a compliment.
Wilson: Of course it was, Mum.
Elsa: {interrupting} Sounds like the House Pony is saying you’re on the chubby side, Mom. {snickering}.
Wilson: Not at all, dear sister; I was just trying to alleviate any fears you may have about blowing away.
Elsa: There you go, ruining another easy softball I pitched to you. What the dog? Whatever…we hope that whatever Nature dishes out this weekend, you stay safe and are able to ‘enjoy’ whatever she delivers your way. Have a great weekend everyone.
Wilson: Right, enjoy your weekend…even if you’re sipping a nice cuppa with a good book from the sofa watching the snow fly in case you’re not interested in shoveling or sloshing around in it. Stay safe.
Welcome to the first Friday of May where we join those sweet pups from the 
Welcome to Nature Friday where we share bits of nature from the urban landscape. As always, we are joining our friendly hosts from 
Wilson: It’s quite something, that’s for sure. Well that’s it for the flora this week but Mum was super excited that she saw some wildlife as well. It’s not a very good photo since all she had was her cell phone but she was blown away to see what she thinks was a juvenile Cooper’s Hawk in her silver maple tree. They’re not unheard of but seeing one in the city seems somewhat unusual.
It’s been an exciting and busy week around the Ranch. For a couple of days both me and the New Guy wondered why Mom was gone so much. I mean, what could possibly be more important than us? Elsa here. Well, it turns out our family increased in size. We will now have five, yes FIVE living generations around the Ranch House. How is that possible, you ask? Mom’s first granddaughter gave birth to a healthy, beautiful baby girl (who was just a tad reluctant to leave the comfy womb but who finally made her debut at 12:34 pm on Tuesday). Mom, Dad and baby are all doing well even if they’re massively tuckered out.
Wilson: I can see why she likes them. They are quite lovely. Well, she really doesn’t mind the red ones, but she says she wanted to see other colors. She still hasn’t seen yellow, white or purple ones yet…
Happy first Friday of April peeps…it’s time for another Nature Friday post. Well spring continues to do spring things…you know…like dump tons of snow on the Northeast, bring 70’s and 80’sF to the central portion of the country with higher temps in gulf states with buckets of moisture to the West Coast. Good golly, it seems like Mother Nature is truly cheesed off. As we typically do on Friday’s, we’re joining our pals at 
Elsa: You’re so right there, Pony. Some people are just beasts.
