Greetings fellow Nature lovers. Welcome to Nature Friday where we happily join our fur friends, Rosy and her brothers from LLB in our Backyard for this week’s edition.
You may recall where I’ve shared the Mile High area has ‘enjoyed‘ a lot of up and down weather these past 3 weeks. We seem to be in a pattern that repeats itself weekly…sunny and warm for a couple of days, a small snow storm, then warming up again. It may be a bit challenging to have any Easter egg hunts as the forecast once again calls for snow to arrive, this time on Easter Sunday.
We relished absolutely gorgeous days this week that highlighted beautiful spring bulbs which in this age of sad COVID news helps brighten low spirits. And a couple of real stunners to boot helped lift my spirits.
The Ranch hands experienced a couple of scary encounters on their normal walks with unleashed pets (along with their unleashed owners not adhering to social distancing) so we’ve been mixing up our routes to avoid as many people as possible which is why I decide to walk over to Sloans Lake, the urban, man-made lake in the park with the same name. We were richly rewarded for our efforts on the warmest day yet.
On the way over, I saw Hellebore flowers in someone’s front yard. I have never seen them outside of the pampered environment of the botanic gardens. They’re so pretty but fussy about their environment but look how well they’re doing in an urban landscape and just beginning their seasonal bloom.
Along with the Hellebore, another spring beauty were these Scilla Sardensis, known as Glory of the Snow. I love seeing these little blue flowers popping up in spring. So cute and colorful.
One of the best reasons to visit Sloans Lake are its lovely city views. With a beautiful city skyline toward the east, I often look toward downtown, but when you look in the opposite direction, you can catch snowy mountain peaks. On a mostly clear day, that view was just too beautiful not to share.
The Ranch Hands and I wish you a lovely weekend. Please stay safe, keep smiling and wash those paws. We also recommend wearing a mask if you must go out. Shopping trips have turned into a gigantic scavenger hunt. Some items you find, others remain elusive. I’m learning how to function wearing a mask which makes my face sweaty and fogs up my glasses while simultaneously getting by with less. Norman made his own PSA for staying safe.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Your flowers look great. We have seen a few buds around, but we still have some snow and cold, so no flowers.
Flowers last week, a big snow storm today. Such is like in the Rockies. 😊
Pawsitively gorgeous pics; thank you for sharing them.
Norman is wooftastic !
Virtual 💜nose nudges💜
Our pleasure! We love seeing signs of spring even when winter tries to crowd it out like it plans to do tomorrow. 😉
It certainly did last night here but hopefully this afternoon’s sun will melt it all🌞🐾💜🐾
And that is the beauty of spring storms. 😍
Hi Monika,
Norman’s cap is brilliant. I’m going to forward a link to a friend of mine over there. She’ll love it.
I particularly loved the bright brilliant blue of the Scilla Sardensis flowers. Just beautiful.
Shopping expeditions here have improved a lot, although they now limited the number of people in the shops and people standout out the front with clicker-counters and people ueues at least a metre away from each other.
I’ve never watched so many movies. Have you been Breathe? It’s the true story of Robin Cavendish who contracted polio and became severely disabled. His son wrote the screen and produced the film. There are some very good interviews online as well. I think you’d really enjoy it.
I am feeling i bit stir crazy atm with very restless legs. I should be asleep but have been quite stressed and freak out every now and then about what’s happening. No one knows what the upshot of all of this is going to be, but that’s clearly not a reassuring or comforting space to be in. Our stats here in Australia are currently doing well but we can’t just look at our bubble when we’re part of a global picture.
Take care & stay safe.
Love,
Ro
The uncertainty of everything is wearing on everyone. Have not seen Breathe, but heard about the story. Lately I’ve been bingeing on old mystery/who-done-it series like Columbo, Murder Diagnosis, Murder She Wrote, and Midsomer Murders. I seem to have lost any motivation for creative work in the art studio for the time being. 😕
Are those your paintings of the ranch and the dogs? I don’t think we’ve ever touched on your art work. I was doing painting quite seriously a few years ago in my own rather abstract way. I was doing prints where I’d layer up lashings of paint and then press another layer of paper down on top. I had some really impressive results and was going quite well with it, but then suddenly stopped and haven’t painted since. I think I get crippling self-doubt and I go so far and then in crumbles down. I’ve also done ceramic painting at a local studio but we moved and that was the end of that. However, I really love art. Clearly, something I could be doing more of atm. That said, I’m flat out as it it is with this travel series on my blog, my WWI research and having everyone at home. Speaking of which, Rosie has deposited a tennis ball down my back while I’m sitting in my office chair.
Apparently, I’m up for watching High School Musical with my daughter after telling her I wanted to watch another movie with her (My Brilliant Career an Australian classic based on the book by Miles Franklin.) It’s a fantastic coming of age story of Sybylla Melvin, a headstrong and fiercely independent country girl who doesn’t want to get married but is determined to become a writer and go it alone. I read this book a couple of times when I was young as well as Miles Franklin’s other books and wanted the movie umpteen times. It really spoke to me then and it still does. I’ve still determined to somehow rie above the quagmire and get at least one book finished and published with some degree of success. I have no aspirations to simple publish into the ether for the sake of crossing it off my check list.
Of course, now is not a good time. It’s not a good time for so many things unless you’re in business making toilet paper, hand sanitiser and ventilators instead of needing them.
I like your choice of shows and have watched some of those over the years. We watch a lot of NCIS here.
Well, hope you’re having a great day. I’m off to write about London.
Love and best wishes,
Ro
Yes my artwork, which has mostly been abandoned since Sam passed away. There are a lot of hand painted greeting cards in the e-shop where I offered watercolor note cards. These days I just don’t have the motivation or inspiration to do any art or crafts. I’ll get back to it once my wounded soul has healed a bit. Creative artwork used to be therapeutic but these days, I don’t have much creativeness in me.
That’s a beautiful view and the flowers are so beautiful. We had a Helleborus once too, but because it was so poisoned for kitties, Granny took it out of the garden. It didn’t looked as beautiful as that one anyway🙊Norman, that was a purrfect statement. You go boy! WooHoo 😸Clean Pawkisses for a Happy Easter Weekend. Stay Safe Healthy and Yourselfie🙏🐾😽💞
Wishing you and yours a very ‘hoppy’ Easter! 🐣🐰
Haha, we love that, Norman!! You are so lucky to see the pretty flowers….we are still waiting….
Our weather is on the downside again too. It’s been cold, windy and spitting snow the last couple of days. Getting outside was such a good distraction for me! I may have to get out a good book and snuggle with Luke today instead. 🙂
Snuggle with a good dog and a good book sounds like a very well spent weekend. 😍
What a wonderful spot for a walkabout! Norman makes a great “PSA” statement for masking up. We are waiting for our order of masks to arrive here – meanwhile I look like I’m robbing a bank when I’m out and about with my scarf over my face! Take care everyone……..we will get through this together but apart. 🙂
Hugs, Pam
These masks are making life interesting, especially when couples go shopping. I’ve heard of more than one husband going home with a wife who wasn’t his. LOL
It’s a good thing that the Rockies aren’t misplaying.
You got that right!
You do live in God’s country and I know you appreciate it. Congratulations on getting a dog wearing a mask photo. Our have been epic fails.
Well, you have no idea how many outtakes there were LOL 😂 Norman is the pro-it’s me that hopelessly messes those photos up by laughing at the looks he gives.
Beautiful flowers! Norman looks great in the hat and mask. They are interesting to wear. Our weather changed and is cold and nasty! Really need some nicer weather for the spirits. 😀
We’re waiting for ours to hit this weekend. After 70’s, I’m not sure I’m ready for temps in the teens. 🥶
Gosh no!!
It’s called Spring Time in the Rockies. 😊
Beautiful flowers! Awesome hat and mask Norman.
Thanks. Norman knows how to shelter in place. 😉
Happy Good Friday, Monika and four-legged kids!
Beautiful flowers on your new route – thanks for sharing them.
Cheers! 💖🍻
While I know the dogs like predictability on the walk, a new route actually was a big hit with them (hopefully more Sloans Lake images next week). “Hoppy” Easter to you and yours. 🐰🐣
It’s funny. With Zeke, he knows which routes go where… sometimes he tries to pull me towards one, other times he just goes along,
Thank you, my friend!
😊
Mew me mew Norman yore adoorabell inn yore hat an mask!!! LadyMew sayss shee will heed yore guud advice (if shee efurr getss out of icy-lation…long story…)
Miss Monika those Hellybore flowerss are dee-vine an THE Silly flowerss are so purrty too!
An mee an LadyMew LOVE THE Mountain foto….*sighss*
***purrss*** an Hoppy Easter to all of youss’ from mee BellaDharma an LadyMew too!
Norman’s contemplating adding gloves to his hazmat suit! Sending best wishes. 🐰🐣
We love the area. Those flowers are unknown to us and so very springlike and pretty.
Norman’s hat is priceless! Mom giggled away nad we just thought Norman is a man of his time. Up on current events.
Shoko
I’ve never before heard of or seen Hellebore flowers. They are gorgeous. Norman, I love your hat, and can’t tell what you are protecting your nose with…. but I’m sure it will work.
😁
Have been finding it hard to refrain from petting all of the canine friends I’ve made over the years walking around my neighborhood!
Me too. I carry treats in my pockets for those encounters. Norman doesn’t understand why I won’t let anyone get near us. He’s such a hunk of a friendly dog around peeps and can’t quite comprehend this whole social distancing thing.
I wouldn’t be able to resist Norman!
#Truth
I know I succumbed to his sheepie charms.
<3
We love the area. Those flowers are unknown to us and so very springlike and pretty.
Norman’s hat is priceless! Mom giggled away and we just thought Norman is a man of his time. Up on current events.
Shoko
Never let it be said Norman isn’t a smart and astute boy. The Scilla we often see around here but I think the Hellebore are more of an east coast plant. I’d never seen one outside of the local botanic gardens where there are scores of volunteers to cater to their fussy nature.
What a super place in which to walk!
I reckon you could make a killing selling those hats to the various countries far from gruntled by America’s inability to stay at home and mind its own business!
LOL, I’m guessing a fair number of local peeps would like it as well. We probably should bugger off more. Especially these days. The level of hypocrisy is astounding.
Love the cap. And the captures. And the weekend! Which is this close!
Happy Friday Monika and peeps
Let’s hear it for the weekend! 🍻
On my way out to grab some suds. 🍻. Well, grocery shopping . . but yanno, while I’m out . . .
It’s important to keep the larder well stocked. Especially when it comes to ‘suds.’ Since Corona is no longer being produced, I picked up some Stellas yesterday. Happy as a clam at high tide, I am. 🍻
I picked up some Molson Canadian for movie night with my blog padnah from the north. Manana? Not sure what I want to pick up for Sunday . . I’m thinking vino.
Sounds like you’re living the good life. Salente my friend!
Gracias!
I wish I could understand why people let their dogs off leash when it is clearly against the law. The other thing is how hostile they get if you ask them to use a leash. These are the same people who think social distance is for others. Have a super weekend
Yup, you nailed it, John. And in a gun rich society, sometimes I feel uncomfortable speaking up and telling them to follow the rules. 😬
I can understand that for sure.
What beautiful flowers!! Warmer inland weather is keeping it gray and foggy here on the North Cali Coast…perfect for staying home!
I think the storms from the west are moving in our direction. Should be interesting to see how much we get. 🤞🏼
Adorable, Norman. Glad to see you’re protecting yourself. 🙂
It’s no less than I would expect from the Nanny dog. LOL
Today was are grocery trip and I was surprised to see tp. Lots of it. Not that the shelves were full but there was more than 2 6-packs. Yay! It’s really odd what you can get one week and not another. You learn to roll with the punches.
TP was stacked to the ceiling at Costco. No Clorox wipes but scads of TP.
I learned how to make brown sugar since I can’t find it at the store. Before you know it, I’ll qualify as a bona fide homesteader. I already make my own vanilla. LOL
I’m impressed. How do you make vanilla. A bean in what? alcohol?
Cheap vodka. 😊
Do you have a conestoga to get around in? 🙂
I had a scooter once, does that count? 😂
🙂
Way to set the example Norm.
Good job.
Slainte,
Paz
Thanks! He’s doing his best to get the message out on thick-headed uprights.
My apricot tree is finishing up its blossoms now and the peach tree is in full blossom. I’m afraid this Easter snow and freeze will kill my chances at fruit!
Oh bummer. That used to happen to the peach tree that hung over into my back yard most years. Any chance you can cover them with a tarp? I’m not sure if it’ll get too cold.
The forecast keeps changing! When it was 4-6”, I was worried. Down to 1-3” snd I’m hopeful. I talked to my husband about tarping them. He wasn’t very encouraging. Let’s hope it stays lite! Meanwhile, I loved your pics!
Thanks. We’ve got our paws crossed for you. 🤞🏼Nothing better than fresh peaches.
Well, three nights and with a hard freeze means I don’t think we’ll be in luck this year.😕
Bummer. So sorry. Peach cobbler sounding like such a good idea.
I love peaches, but there’s no hope left for those. Holding out for apples now!♥️
In that case…🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻
A beautiful walk filled with flowers and other wonderful sights. Norman is adorable.
Have a fabulous day and weekend, honey. Big hug to you and scritches to the pups. ♥
It really was a lovely walk. Now I better get the snow shovel ready and find my gloves. 🙃
barks to the wise Norman. People still have gatherings around here, makes me furious. And ride right up to us on bikes. And lots of loose dogs for some reason. Ironically it was at Sloan’s lake at an art festival when someone’s dog broke away and almost bit Milo… what a fright. I jumped in front automatically. Sloan’s lake is beautiful though, that was just a random thing, glad you’re in nature trying to take deep breaths. As to flowers, nothing around here yet, which is the microclimate in action, we’re not far from you in miles but very far in climate. Thanks for sharing the lovely helebores, one of my faves for delicate color
Helebores are so lovely; but so rare. I think they must like peaty moist soil, something they’d never get at the Ranch. We are constantly astounded at the number of congregating groups and loose pets at parks, school yards. Last night’s walk featured a group of 5 guys playing touch football. What??!! 😳
Happy Easter to you and Milo. Hope the Bunny Rabbit leaves you tasty treats.
Sloan’s Lake! Yay – I know that place…another in a long line of scenic spots where Max has poo’d. I need to get one of those RV maps to record all the locations that he has “blessed” over the years. Love me those snow-capped Rockies, too! It’s a Coors commercial! Well, we’ve had 5 – count ’em – 5 days on non-stop rain and some hail here in usually bone dry Socal and the low pressure is headed to you as usual so get Stormin’ Norman and his sister out for walks while you can because hunker-down time is coming. Hellebore – people call me that sometimes but I think it’s spelled a little differently. ;snorf:
That view was very Coors like, only better tasting. 😉 Yes, the weathermen are saying drag out your shovel and gloves and polish those snow boots. Hellebore-you crack me up! You’re definitely our favorite!
We just did another curbside order, this time from Walmart, as our HEB doesn’t have slots for all of the next seven days available, and – contrary to before – there’s not 2-week time frame any more.
Stay healthy, all of you, and have a Happy Easter,
Pit
Good to know. Between learning to live without stuff and resorting to online sales I think we can get by, just need to account for additional shipping time on much of it. 🐰🐣
I had the idea to order online from my local store a week in advance. Problem was, tp was’t even on the ordering list, so much for that.
I too could have a view of snow capped mountains–except we are clear and the mountains to the east have chains required. We get our rain from the southeast–always. This storm is producing rain from the east, for 3 days so far, even though it is far east of us. We were supposed to get .5-.6″ of rain, it is a puny-looking storm. We had over 2″ in 2 days.
I really don’t mind spring storms. They come quickly, leave whatever and depart almost as quickly. The garden can use a nice drink.
🙂
Beautiful photos, the one with the mountains is great, we don’t have mountains at all, some tiny ones we have. Norman is as cute as always. I always wonder these pets, who have lived in bad conditions, still trust us humans. The weather is here totally same, now it is time for snowstorm.
Weather patterns continue to be so weird. At least I get a front row seat with seeing snow capped mountains when it’s not snowing in the city. Stay safe, warm and keep smiling.