Today may be the last Friday of May but it is also the beginning of an extended weekend in the U.S. ~ Memorial Day, where we remember and honor all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice serving their country. We hold all who have served in high esteem but especially those men and women who gave their lives so that the rest of us may continue to stay free.
Norman is going to do the honors of sharing the nature we came across this week. He travelled with me to spend some time with my dad in southeast Colorado. Take it away, Norman!
Thanks, mum. It’s been a good week naturewise. I’m not used to the landscapes of Southern Colorado where Grandpa lives but have enjoyed exploring the terrain and seeing some interesting and fascinating things around this part of the state and I’m super chuffed to be able to share them with everyone.
The surrounding area where Grandpa lives is an area that’s known for its prairie and desert-like conditions. Even though water is scarce, there is still a lot of diverse plant life. Much like the song, you’ll see “spacious skies, amber waves of grain, and purple mountain majesties above the fruited plain.” Mum only had her cell phone with her so this distance photo isn’t all that great but if you look real close, you’ll see some tiny black dots to the far left of those piñon trees who were ‘singing’ to us one morning. Mum said they were cattle from the nearby Walker Ranch. They sure don’t sound like any dog I’ve ever heard.
Closer to the house, we found all sorts of prairie and desert flowers. I had to be careful where I stepped to avoid some pretty serious stickers called goat heads but I was a good boy avoiding them as we walked along the roadside.
From Blanketflower to prairie daisies to yucca, mum and I saw it all. The walking stick cactus haven’t bloomed yet but may come out in the next few days. Last weekend’s moisture really brought the desert landscape to life. Just look at the ‘flowers’ on this yucca!
Here are some primroses we found this morning. Aren’t they a cheerful looking bunch?
Most of the flowers we came across are either orange or yellow but there are a few purplish/pink clusters to be found as well.
Recent rain showers, while nothing like English weather, have greened up the prairie grass. It’s usually tan.
There are a number of trees on Grandpa’s property including some ancient piñon trees and some Ponderosa pines he planted. This piñon is a few hundred years old and is a nice spot of shade for an English chap like myself who still isn’t 100% used to the high altitude intense sun yet. Good thing I got my summer haircut recently or I’d have been a panting fool in the sunlight.
We’ve been getting up at the crack of dawn early most mornings to start the day with a walk in the cool morning temperatures. This morning was extra exciting as I got to meet some of the ‘neighbors.’ Usually it’s just me, mum and the bus driver picking up kids for school around at that hour. Does anyone know what kind of dogs these are? The two smaller ones had the strangest bark I’ve ever heard.
Mum and I hope yours is a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend and you are able to enjoy some of the incredible sights of nature.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
What a lovely adventure you had meeting all the flowers and creatures at your Grandpaw’s house, Norman. It’s a very beautiful environment. We enjoyed it with you😸Pawkisses for a Happy Memorial Day to all of you🐾😽💞
Thank you, Binky. Always happy to have you come along on our adventures.
You got to see – and meet – some really cool things, Norman! We must say you look quite handsome with your haircut. ♥
Thank you. The haircut is kind of shorter than my mum expected but she knows it’ll grow out. As for the ‘cool things’ I’ve seen, boy oh boy…there are some very interesting sights and smells on the prairie. I’m not sure if I like bunnies, lizards or donkeys the most!
Norman, what lovely landscape you’ve shared with us. Thank you! And I am amazed at how old that piñon is. And you are simply adorable. Muah!
Gosh, you’re too kind. Thank you. The prairie is a far cry from my English heritage but I’m beginning to enjoy this beautiful place.
those photos are just incredible and that TREE!! WOW!
Thanks! It was really something to see.
I wish I had a cell phone with a camera…alas, my phone is ancient, LOL! So its on my wish list for a nice new one with a great camera, too. Your pics are wonderful! The desert in bloom is SO special. Gives a sense of hope in dark times…
Norman! You are smooth now!! Wow! But still a great tour guide:)
All cell phone cameras are pretty terrific these days. I use mine all the time since it’s always in my pocket and easy to grab. Funny thing about it, I hardly ever make a call! LOL
Norman is a great guide.
Leo remembers the rains coming in Western Australia…day by day the flowers begin to bloom coming from north to south and day by day it features on the news!
Even the smallest amount of rain can make a huge difference in the prairie/desert landscape. It’s absolutely transformational and fascinating to see what’s ready to bloom. All indications suggest it will be a good year for sunflowers, too. 🤞🏼
You are an amazing photographer! I love your nature shots!
Aww, you’re too kind. Thank you. I rarely carry my big camera anymore. 99% of all my blog photos come from my cell phone these days. It’s so convenient especially when you’re trying to wrangle a couple of dogs away from a squirrel sighting. 😊
Right!? Cell phone cameras are achieving pretty decent quality so it’s pretty hard to justify dragging around the big ole SLR anymore. You pull off some great shots with excellent composition and focus, especially when chasing down pups lol! Keep it up- just beautiful!
Many thanks for those kind words.
There’s nothing like beautiful prairie flowers to brighten a day. <3
Looking dapper with your new cut, Norman!
Many thanks for noticing my new do. Mum said it’s a tad short but will no doubt grow out in no time. Mum really like the prairie and all it’s interesting flora and fauna. I almost caught a lizard but he was way to fast for me.
The colors are fascinating, and Norman did one heckuva job as a narrator for this tour.
A-Paws to Norman!
Thanks, mate. Mum has trained me well. Mostly. 😂 Ok, I’m just a clever boy.
Such a clever, handsome boy.
You did a great job on this post Norm! Glad that you and your Mom are having such a good time! Those 2 animals you saw are funny dogs aren’t they! 😄Happy weekend to you all!
Thanks for the kind words. Yes, those ‘dogs’ are the oddest things I’ve ever seen. I didn’t know whether to play with them or herd them.
You are welcome! And you probably wouldn’t have had much luck herding them! They can be stubborn! 😂
You don’t know sheepdogs, do you? 😆
LOL! Nope. 😄
Mee-yow wow what a lovelee place to vissit Sweet Norman! So many flowerss an innterestin plantss! An that flowerin Yucca iss furry kewl.
Umm those ferst animalss are Cowss……they sorta “MOOO”…iss a funny sound.
An THE seckond animalss are Donkeyss (mee iss purrty sure). They make a sound called ‘brayin’…did they bray to you??? Or say “Hee-Haw”?
Happy Meowmorial Day to you an Elsa an Miss Monika!
***purrss*** BellaDharma an ((huggiess)) LadyMew
You’re a pretty clever kitty, BellaDharma. Mum told me about both cows and donkeys. Really odd creatures they are.
Mew mew mew Cowss are sorta cute an awkward lookin! Donkeysss are sorta noisy Horsiess an can bee purrty tuff. LadyMew sayss they can bee sweet an lovin…who knowss rite Sweet Norman???
Ohh, our yucca plant is blooming two with two tall rods. I love the primroses, but Norman is the best looking one of all, especially with his beautiful haircut.
Thanks, Miss Amy. Yucca is a beautiful plant, we sure live those flowers.
Ponderosa Pines? Did you get to meet Hoss?
🤣
Love when flowers bloom in the desert. Even the smallest ones seem extra special. Also great inspo for waterwise gardening at home.
The desert is beautiful in its own special way, especially in spring and whenever there’s been some rain.
Agree!
OMD…Can you hear Mama sqee-ing in delight? The prairie in the Spring is one of her favorite places. The flowers seem to save up all their beautiful colors for this time of year!! Thanks for making her smile, Norman!!
xoxo,
Rosy & the Gang
Your mum and mine both like the prairie…who knew?! That’s quite something,Rosy. You, your siblings and your parents have a great ‘howliday’ weekend.
Like someone else said, the arid areas have their own beauty. I’m glad Norman has been so good for your Dad. I remember how much my own Dad depended on Mom’s last dog when Mom first passed. He had us, of course; but Boo slept with him every night for those first months.
The prairie has always held a special place in my heart. Norman seems to be getting in lots of practice for when we start visiting the hospital in a couple of weeks. 🤞🏼
Amber waves of grain, so beautifully said, bright blossoms. Those areas where you can see faraway are heartbreaking, like you see till the end of the world. I have heard those “dogs” barking, very special way they have.
Kosmo
Thank you, Kosmo. I enjoy the mountains but the prairies are something less obviously special. You have to look for it. Those ‘dogs’ were the oddest…but I was a perfect gentlemen around them.
Your fur-iend,
Norman 🐾
Thanks for showing us a corner of our country we haven’t seen before. You found lots of pretty flowers and other nature to show us.
Colorado is more well known for its incredible mountains but there are some very special plains areas that warrant a second look.
I was thinking of going up into the mountains next week, but with all that’s blooming on the plains, maybe I’ll head east instead! Awesome photos!
The recent rains sure have made the plains delightfully alive. I have been contemplating a trip out to Rocky Mountain Arsenal just for that reason. Have a lovely holiday weekend.
Beautiful wild flowers. And so nice to see open space. Have a good memorial day weekend. ❤️🐾
Thanks, Paulette. Yes the wide open plains have been cathartic amidst deep sadness. Norman has been a godsend for dad, too.
The arid areas have their very own charms, don’t they?
Enjoy your weekend, too.
Pit
They sure do. Nothing is bad, just different, right? Happy ‘howliday.’
When I’m feeling a bit anxious, exploring the beauty that nature has to offer always gets me to a more balanced place. Thank you for sharing this beautiful post!
Thank YOU! Yes, Nature is the all natural remedy that can truly keep us more balanced in this crazy hectic world.
Oh how fun, Norman. I’m glad your mom let you do the post today. Tell her thank you from me. I’ll go on a walk with you anytime. You’re so handsome.
Have a woof woof day and Memorial Day weekend. Scritches to Elsa, a smooch to you and a big hug to mom. ♥
Thanks Sandee. Norman would absolutely love company on his walks. The donkeys wouldn’t come along. 😉 Have a safe and happy ‘howliday’ weekend.
ooooh we love it…. and we thought about michael landon and the little house… and about nelly (uaaaah!) …happy weekend to ya….
Mum and her brothers and sisters have long called Grandpa’s house “Little House on the Prairie.”
What an enchanting post Monika and Norman! Beautiful images (today’s cell phones are not so bad – no, way better than ever – don’t you think?)
Thank you. They definitely are convenient and do a fairly decent job with most images. Distances like mountains still leave something to be desired but hopefully people can get an idea of the wide majesty between mountains and plains.