Welcome to this week’s edition of Nature Friday where we join the pups from the Adventures of the LLB Gang. To see what others have shared, just click on the highlighted link. Today is the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy. We hope you’ll be taking a quiet moment to honor and salute the 2977 victims, as well as 441 first responders who perished, not to mention the thousands of rescue workers, survivors, and area residents who have since died from 9/11-related cancers and respiratory diseases.
{Bowing his head respectfully for a moment} Wilson here. It’s quite remarkable that even after 25 years, the planners of the attack have still not been tried. It seems unfathomable that the survivors still have no closure regarding that horrible day.
Today we are visiting a new place that’s not that far from our house. Let’s take a look at the “Finding Nectar Nursery” and farm. Finding Nectar Nursery is a small, pesticide-free garden center and farm in Arvada, Colorado that grows native flowering plants that are not only lovely to look at, but also provide pollinators with much needed pollen. Let’s take a gander around the farm, shall we?
Wilson: You can’t dispute the cuteness factor of many of the animals at this little farm which began in 2021. Alpacas, La Mancha and Nigerian Dwarf goats were enjoying breakfast while Mum was there. Sadly I was refused entry. Can you believe it…they have a ‘no pet’ policy?! That’s just not fair, I’m a sheepdog for crying out loud…keeping everybody in line in my life’s work.
The Mum: Now, now, it’s always good to obey the rules and there was no need for you to disturb the animals as they enjoyed their breakfast…some a bit more than others. I mean, just look at this character-he really got into munching of the hay, literally. Several of the goats burrowed into the hay bin to get up close and personal with their meal.
Wilson: Well I’m just telling you, I would have maintained decorum around the hay feeder. There wouldn’t be any of that kind of tunneling on my watch.
The Mum: Which is no doubt another reason for the ‘no dogs’ rule. Although I’m sure you’d have been quite effective, there is no point unsettling everyone around the hay feeder, right?
Wilson: {eyes rolling} I’m just saying, Mum. And I definitely know I would have helped this overly enthusiastic guy out of his predicament.
The Mum: I laughed when some of the goats climbed into the feeder and while it might look like this little guy is stuck, he jumped in and out repeatedly. It was like a game with him.
Wilson: Harumph…and I suppose this guy was the mayor of the entire herd? He looks a bit bossy while trying to appear like he’s is big cheese around the farm making sure everyone stayed in line.
The Mum: He watched me like a hawk from the barn but came over to the fence to get petted. He’s a Nigerian Dwarf goat. They are an American dairy goat, but originated from western African stock. Originally bred as show goats and later as companions, they are smallish (approximately 35 kg (75 lb), quite docile, thus making them wonderful companions. They are an excellent choice for small dairy farms.
Wilson: I’m not sure I approve of that watchful eye. What if he’d attacked you?
The Mum: Don’t be silly. Like I said, they are vey docile and their milk is high in butterfat and protein content which makes it suitable for making cheese and butter.
Wilson: Well I’m just not 100% sure of their intentions. You should be careful who you hang out with, Mum.
The Mum: Oh for heaven’s sake…why do I think ‘someone’ is a bit jealous. Would you have preferred me hanging out with the alpacas instead?
Wilson: Well, at least they don’tĀ seem too threatening. Besides, they seem more content to eating than competing for attention.
The Mum: You’re being ridiculous. Stop acting like a baby. It was funĀ watching them. They are such fascinating creatures.
Wilson:Ā If you say so. The farm seems to be very much about educating the public on the importance of protecting pollinators of all kinds.
The Mum: Yes, they had a number of informative signs to show people how best to help bees and other pollinators. Their mission is to promote and keep them safe. Did I mention they are a pesticide free farm?
Wilson: Yes, you did mention that earlier. This weekend they will begin to open the pumpkin patch where peeps can wander around choosing from bins of carving pumpkins, pie pumpkins, heirloom and jumbo varieties, gourds and corn stalks. It sounds like they might even have some honey tastings. They are big in having bee keeping supplies on hand. Too bad you won’t be able to go this weekend since you’ll be busy helping out the rescue with the big Longs Peak Highland Celtic Festival in Estes Park. I’m sure you’ll take lots of pictures so you can share with us next time. This festival has been aroundĀ now for over 50 years so it should be very interesting. Perhaps in a week or two you can check out the pumpkin patch and maybe you’ll ride around in this truck.
The Mum: Isn’t that a classic? The rust was particularly photogenic and I loved the teal color.
Wilson: Well that’s it from us this week. We hope you enjoyed touring the Finding Nectar farm. Have a wonderful weekend and please make sure you get outside to enjoy this beautiful time of year where the days are warm, the mornings are cool and the light has that special golden glow. Today might be our last 90F degree (32.2C) day this summer. Yay.
Live, love, bark! š¾
Welcome to Labor Day 2026 edition, where throughout the US and its territories we will celebrate and acknowledge the contributions of workers. Every first Monday of September we honor the labor and union movements (if you work 40 hours or less a week, you can thank unions) and the role all workers have made to the strength and well-being of the nation. For those who still work, we usually have the day off and usher in the new school year (though most schools have been in session for at least a week, many longer). Many consider Labor Day as the unofficial last weekend of summer with BBQ get-togethers often being a frequent pastime as well as any number of retail sales events.
Happy first Friday of September, campers. How you like my snooter today? I was trying to get Mum to pet me while she was working on typing this post. She said she’d give me her undivided attention in a bit. Meanwhile I’m cranking my neck and she’s not taking the bait. Harumph. I got gypped.
Extra, extra…read all about it…did you know there’s only 25 days until Autumn arrives? Can I just say…whoopee. Welcome to this week’s episode of Nature Friday were we join our pals from 
