With everything that’s happened this past week, coupled with pandemic blur, is it really Friday? If it is, that means we’re joining our ‘fur-iends’ Rosy, Arty and Jakey from LLB in Our Backyard. We hope you’ll click on the link to see what the Gang and others around Blogville have showcased this week.
Last week we had planned on sharing some views from around our neighborhood but alas, Norman’s emergency put everything on hold. So this week we’ll share sightings from earlier days when we were out and meandering about. We call that time BNE, or ‘before Norman’s emergency.’ Spring arrived and exited nearly as quickly over the past couple of weeks moving straight into summer. One day it was in the 40’s and the next near 90’s. Mother Nature sure knows how to give a Ranch hand whiplash!
This week, let’s take a look at some of the critters that are showing up in mega numbers. After a four-year absence, the Army Cutworm has arrived. What is an Army Cutworm, you ask? In the Mile High area, we call them, among other things not fit for a GP audience…Miller Moths (Euxoa auxiliaris). Why are they called miller moths? Fine scales which easily rub off, cover the wings of all moths reminding people of the dusty flour that covers the clothing of those people who mill grain. Most people think they’re nasty but they tend to be merely a nuisance for urban gardeners.
Once again, weather patterns are responsible for their abundant migration. According to CSU entomologists, a dry, late winter and spring to-date most likely are responsible for boosting populations as the moths look for nectar to feed off before moving to the high country where they will summer. With fewer plants due to drier conditions, moths are more likely to concentrate in areas where vegetation is already in place — like backyards and gardens. But it’s not just the unusually dry weather, a harsh mid-April freeze killed off a lot of potential vegetation for moths to feed off. That freeze killed many blossoms from a wide variety of plants that would have been in peak bloom in May. Moth populations have been generally below average over the past four years which seems to make them seem there are far more now. They are notorious for vexing city dwellers, flitting out from behind window coverings, lampshades, closets and doorways.
Another critter that we sometimes come across on our walks are snails. They have always fascinated me until I saw just how destructive they can be. Notice these freeloader shredding a bearded iris leaf and the other one munching on some Delosperma (Ice Plant).
All is not lost in nature though, as our garden poppies finally made their presence known in today’s early morning light. They seem to glow from within. Whatever you do this weekend, make sure you get out and enjoy the weekend.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for all your sweet comments, thoughts and prayers regarding Norman. He continues to improve and as of pre-dawn today, he’s ‘stormin’ back. The trick now seems to be how to contain this “bull in a china shop” until the cone comes off and stitches are removed, scheduled for next Wednesday. Lord help me contain this boy while he bashes the dickens out of furniture, walls and the back of my legs. But that’s a far better place to be than last Friday where I worried he would not survive GDV. Make it a great weekend with many thanks again.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Awww. Poor Norman!! 🐾 🐾 🐾
This boy is one very lucky dude. He nearly 100% now 😊
That is great to hear!! 💕
It was touch and go that first week or so so now I’m extra grateful he survived.
Me too. Poor baby and Mama! 💕
Oh, those blooms are beautifuls!!! I loves the poppies! they are different than ours, butts just as cool!
I hopes my pal Norman is doin’ good, I am sendin’ lots of POTP and healin’ vibes his way…and lots of ice for your leggies….BOL!!!! When he is all healed, we can have a ‘Scar-off’ and see who’s scar is more nasty! BOL!!!!
Kisses,
Ruby ♥
He’s doing very well. Your Aire-Zen seems to be working. You’re on, Ruby. Scar off…here we come!
I love your poppies. And I am so glad that Norman is getting better 🙂
Thanks! No one is happier than me about Norman’s progress. Finally found a big enough donut collar for him and it just arrived. He’s a very happy boy!
Glad to hear that Norman is doing so well. Hope your legs and the furniture survive until he gets the cone off. You’re pictures are beautiful! Even the one’s of the snails. I guess I knew they ate foliage, but don’t think I have ever actually seen one in action like these. I do love the last picture that shows the eye on the eye stalk.
It was a lucky shot but I’m pretty proud of it nonetheless. Never realized how destructive they were. Just thought they were slimy.
Norman is doing quite well. Hope the donut collar arrives soon-the house may not survive him otherwise! But a small price to pay to have him back. 💖
We love your poppies and although they are destroyers that second picture of the snail is beautiful.
Thanks. Hard to believe that was taken with a simple iPhone.
We’re so glad that Norman is getting better, Monika, we felt really sad for him 🙁 We love all kind of creatures and you captioned them so well. We love the snail, we never saw that she has eyes. Just amazing!😸Pawkisses for a Happy Weekend to all of you and one Healing Pawkiss for Norman too🐾😽💞
Many thanks. He’s doing so much better and now becomes just a matter of how to weather the next few days until the stitches are removed. He is definitely stormin’ back (the back of my legs are proof)!
Those snail eyes were weirdly fascinating. Creepy but fascinating.
MOL…eh…ouchie😸Pawkisses🐾😽💞
The temp here today in a a low 17c – 62.6F and it is cold, wet and miserable. We also had high winds gusting at about 90kph. It was not a day for wandering. Don’t think I’ll make my millage quota this week. Winter”officially” begins on Monday. I am so glad that Norman is recovering and I have to say that although I have had smaller dogs than you, getting clouted on the shins with the collar is still painful. Not a great fan of snails here either..
Cold and wet (while no picnic in the park) are not half as bad as windy conditions. I loathe the wind and with each passing year it seems the wind is more frequent and common. It dries things out so badly. The few veggie plants I was able to find despite being watered twice a day perished and I suspect the wind was the biggest culprit. Grr. Yeah, the back of my legs are going to end up being calloused from Norman’s thrashing about with his restricted peripheral vision. Poor lad, but I try to comfort him with the fact it’ll only be 4 more days wearing that humongous satellite dish. So far he has not been particularly comforted with waiting. Hope you have a splendid weekend.
You make some ugly creatures look stunning
Why thank you. That’s a very nice comment. After seeing those snails I immediately went home and showered I was so skeezed out. 🐌
Love those poppies. As for the snails? They have always given me the creeps.
After watching them in that garden, I agree 100%! 😱
Yikes!
Moths are bird food.
And pup snacks too 😆
Very glad that Norman is improving…but the back of your legs must be telling the tale!
My neighbour in France recommended Balm of Peru for bruises – now no longer on sale thanks to big pharma – and the Elixir de l’Abbe Perdrigeon for emotional shocks…reckon you could have done with both¬
Arnica works great too I may be bathing in it by the time he gets his stitches out next week. 😆 He’s definitely feeling better today. Now if I could just keep him from rearranging the dining room chairs with that cone. 😊
Give him the name cards to put on the table after he’s sorted the chairs…
Bwahaha. His table manners are definitely nothing to brag about and he’s quite casual at meals.
🐬👀 Apparently Norman will be stormin … 🐕 one way or the other. 🐬
🐬Great that he’s making a comeback🐬 and your snail shot it epic! 🐬
Go Norman! Keep on getting better and better and clumsier and clumsier. Clumsy is part of the fun of being a dog!
Love and licks,
Cupcake
That may be true but it’s murder on the dining room chairs and the back of my legs! 😆
I somehow missed the fact that Norman had an emergency. I’m so glad he is better now. Sorry about that don’t really know what happened to that post.
Not a problem. Yes, it was quite the week around the Ranch but it’s looking up. 🤞🏼
Excellent.
Hello little critters, man that flower picture is beautiful
Why thank you. The morning sun sure enhanced them, from the inside out.
Voi kauhistus! I just read what happened to Norman, and great to hear he is better. POTP and many, many hugs to you all.
Kristiina and Kosmo
Kiitoksia paljon, Kosmo. It was a terrible thing but he’s doing much better this week.
Mee-yow what a purrty Moth! Wee liek Mothss here…an you know that Snail iss sorta cute too…wee sorry hee was eatin THE leevess tho’…they must bee supurr tasty!!
Yore Poppiess are beeuteefull Miss Monika. Our weahter has been just liek yoress…it iss purry weerd. Mee not even go out today inn condo; iss cloudy an grey….an rainy so iss UCKY!
Wee wish Norman a guud an speedy reecovurry an hope hee soon will not wear his cone.
Mee hopess Elsa iss on “Purry-medic’ duty still 😉
***purrss*** an POTP BellaDharma an {{huggiess}} LadyMew
They are a pup favorite too when they can catch them but they must be pretty nasty tasting by their reaction when they finally get one. Have a ‘furbulous’ weekend.
LadyMew told mee that ‘angel’ Grate Aunty Mingflower has a Orange Tabby boyfrend named Monty…hee eated Mothss as a snack an hee ackshully LIKED crunchin them!!! EEEWWW!!! Riew Miss Monika???
Blech, I’ll stick to chips my my crunchy snacks. 😆
Mee stickss to Greeniess Crunchiess an LadyMew to her Choccie-late…no mothsa fore us rite Miss Monika!!!
That’s the spirit. Both good choices.
AGREED! 😉
That snail is so freakin cute!!! <3 (yes, I'm one of those people)
😊 They may be cute and definitely quite destructive. They shredded that poor iris leaf and I’ve never seen anything do that!
Yes, not a friend to gardeners but a friend to lovers of cuteness!
Glad to hear Norman is back to Stormin :-). Love those giant poppies!
Have a quiet and relaxing weekend!!!
Thanks, they remind me better days are in the future. Have a super weekend!
Great news about Norman. You’ll be pleased to note I decided that the old “watch that S car go” joke was too old and needed to be retired. Self restraint on a Friday!
Self-restraint? Yikes…call 911.
I know. I practice it so infrequently. Rare.
Tell the AJF to get a temperature reading. You must be a bit punk today.
So glad Norman is better. Countdown until next Wednesday when he can be Stormin’ Norman again! Look out world!
Oh. dear. lord. 😍
Your photos are gorgeous! Love those poppies! Healing vibes are heading your way, Norman!
Thanks for the healing vibes, Molly. The poppies are so late in blooming this year but the rain from over the weekend sure made ’em happy as all get out. Have a great weekend.
First off, I’m glad Norman is feeling better! Those cones ARE a nuisance, I know; but once he’s free of it, he’ll probably calm down a bit. Wearing one tends to make many dogs anxious/”crazy” not only because of the limitations it puts on their movement, but also because it puts their senses “out of whack” as well.
It’s about 73•F here right now and cloudy after an earlier thunderstorm. We’re supposed to have rain off-and-on all day; so I figured while the sun is peaking through the clouds, it would be a good time for Ducky and I to enjoy some fresh air. Plus, it gets us away from hubby’s negative energy (the dementia-induced moods have been a bit more prevalent these last two weeks).
Thanks. Yeah, feeling much better and not very content to chill so he doesn’t pop a stitch. I feel so badly for him in the cone-it’s definitely done a number on his psyche. Enjoy good weather while you can and getting some Vitamin D will help with the negativity. Thinking of you and hoping life is treating you well.
Mother Nature is completely off her rocker this year. Can you blame her? With everything going on, she must be rather verklempt.
That said… your pictures are stunning – the poppies… oh. my. goodness…
Even that second snail, munching away, not a care in the world.
Yay for Norman! He’ll be back to resting his head on your lap in no time…
I caught a glimpse of the second one and had to go back to watch it. You’re right, not a care in the world…and apparently only an empty stomach. The poppies were especially pretty this morning, course they probably always are right around dawn when the light is extra beautiful. Normally the dogs let me sleep until 6 or so, but not this morning. But it sure beats last week!
They are voracious little beasties, aren’t they?
Those poppies in the early morning light – just magnificent (and frameable…)
Well, I’ll take it as a good sign that they were up and at ’em early! Plus, you would not have caught such perfect light (silver linings and all that).
Silver lining indeed. It sure beats last week’s activities! I’ll take a rambunctious pooch over one hanging out by death’s door any. day. of. the. week.
No kidding!
I am so happy things are looking up for Norman
That makes two of us! BTW, how’s Zeke and his nose getting on these days?
Fabulous! He’s halfway into his antibiotics and is back to his old self.
Outstanding! That’s great news. Keep getting better Zeke. Norman, Elsa and I are cheering him on❣️
As Zeke and I are cheering on Norman!
😘 Hugs and ear rubs.
😘
We’ve got a hot sticky day here which means critters are out in full force…..bees, flies, skinks and what to me as a person with severe “snake-a-phobia” (!) a two foot (which looks more like six foot) garter snake in residence. Anyway, I know they’re in the good snake category but – well – you know. My hubby is out doing guy stuff in the yard (replacing tire on wheelbarrow, putting air in the mower tires, checking oil in vehicles….guy stuff). I plan to stay IN if possible. I’m happy to hear that Norman is doing well – that had to be an incredibly frightening experience for you but caught in time thankfully. I’m sure he’ll be thrilled (as you will) to rid himself of the cone of shame. Try to enjoy the weekend ahead !!
Hugs, Pam and Teddy too
Slimy critters sure give us uprights pause, don’t they? Sorry it’s gonna be hot and sticky; thank goodness for AC, right? Have a marvelous weekend. I’ll try to survive Norman’s ‘rearranging of the furniture’ meanderings. LOL
hugs to your boy and lots of weimpower!!! we love poppies, but they are rare here… but we have enough snails, so the whole land has always something for dinner LOL Happy weekend to you…
It’s dry enough around here that they are an anomaly for the most part. But seeing how destructive they were on those irises made me grateful they aren’t in my garden! Norman and I both thank you for the super charged Weimpower. He’ll be back in no time with it!
When one of mine is in the cone of shame–and it doesn’t seem to mind which one–they neveer seem to miss a piece furniture or doorway. Thei favorite, though, is my leg, and that hurts.
You know it. The back of my legs is all bruised up, but I’ll wear those bruises proudly if it means he’s recovering.
Oh the flowers are beautiful. Wow.
Scritches and gentle healing hugs to Norman.
Have a fabulous day and weekend. ♥
Poppies are always so cheerful and with the sad news of late, we can all do with some cheer. Have a lovely weekend.
Your poppies do seem to glow from within. Snails…they almost destroyed my new hostas last year, but the plants have made a great comeback this year. Hoping to keep the snails at bay. Our problem this year is carpenter ants! Been working like crazy to destroy the colonies.
Yes, I know what a cone in the back of the leg feels like, and it’s not pleasant But I know that you and I both would rather have that than no dog. Have a good weekend, and watch out for the rampaging “bull”.
Yup, bruises will heal and are so worthwhile if it means my boy will be around longer. The ‘bull’ has absolutely no interior decorating skills whenever he rearranges the dining room chairs when passing through. 😆
I can just picture Norman crashing around the house! 🙂 That snail is really kind of cute, but I know they are destructive, like the slugs we have here (who, without shells, are not cute at all, they are just slimy!). We went from spring to summer overnight this last week, but I guess we are back to spring come Sunday. After 80’s & 90’s, I fear 60’s are going to feel downright chilly though!
We will continue to think good thoughts for Norman’s continued recovery. ♥
After 80’s and 90’s, 60’s sounds pretty near perfect in my books. Hope you are able to enjoy it. Yeah, I can safely say I’m not much of a fan of snails, with or without any RV shells. 😇 Happy weekend.
back at you…. get well Norman. Oh and with the quarantine, I’ve been eating a little more sweets and I bash into things too, because I don’t realize how rotund I’ve gotten!
LOL, welcome to my rotund world 🤣