Holy cow, it’s the last Friday of October. Where in the doggone world has this month gone? Seems like it was just Labor Day, doesn’t it? Now that Howl-oween is upon us, let’s take a look at what Nature dished out this week. As usual, we are joining those cuties from Adventures of the LLB Gang for their weekly blog hop. Don’t forget to check out what others shared from their own natural world.
Nature dealt us a full deck of cards this week. Once again, some very interesting spring plants were blooming and caught our Mom off guard to the point, she did a lot of double takes while on our walks. Norman and Elsa here to share what we found over the past few days.
Elsa: I have a whiplash from Mom going back to check out a couple of plants we saw. Like this Lupine from our own garden! Mom thought it might be a good idea to start winterizing the hoses and water spigot and nearly stepped on this little guy. Naturally I just blinked at it and thought, “whatever.”
Norman: Oh come on…we haven’t seen anything like that in over 5 months! How can you not be impressed with that beauty, I mean, just look at that purple flower in the midst of those mahogany leaves of the Plumbago, with its blue flowers.
Elsa: Pfft…well ok…I guess it’s somewhat impressive. But check out this Lobularia Maritima, also known as ‘sweet alyssum.’ Now that’s quite the specimen! For a quick minute I thought it was June again.
Norman: Right you are, sister! It’s quite something else. And to think less than 24 hours later, this:
Elsa: Again with the whiplash! 60ºF+ degrees and then in the 30º’s in less than 24 hours. When I went out to do some ‘lady business,’ I was greeted with this. I didn’t even bother chasing that stupid squirrel that constantly hangs out in the alley to filch trash from the bins on pickup day.
Norman: Those were some mighty large flakes of white stuff but I know just how to deal with conditions like that. Luckily it didn’t accumulate. But still, these brass monkey temps have arrived just too soon for me.
Elsa: I still can’t get over you needing to bogart Mom’s blanket at the slightest drop in the temperature. Heck, you are always stealing that furry blanket whenever you get the chance.
Norman: Well there’s something very comforting about that blanket. So soft, so cozy…besides, the texture looks great against my furs.
Elsa: Ha…as if you’d know anything about texture. I think you just like to hog the sofa whenever you get a chance.
Norman: Well, I do like being as close to my Mum as possible.
Elsa: {interrupting} “Close?” She can barely fit on the sofa when you stretch out!
Norman: {clearing his throat} Ahem….I’m always happy to share the space with my Mum.
Elsa: ‘Share?!” Is that were she sits on the floor and longingly looks up at a certain sofa-hog?
Norman: {clearly his throat again} Not to change the subject, but did you notice the latest scene at our favorite Howl-oween decorations on our walk yesterday? Mum counted over 20 skellies, racing toward the weekend no doubt.
Elsa: Yeah, they’re at it again. There’s even a kidlet skellie on the back of the one to the right of the galloping dog. The guy who creates these scenes must have a huge storage shed where these skellies live in the off-season.
Norman: Oh, I do hope they stay warm while they’re out there. There was a good frost this morning and none of them are even sporting any gloves.
Elsa: Oh good lord, you moron, they’re Skellies, not people. Jeez, how could you be so dim?
Norman: I like to think of myself as extra compassionate. The world can use some extra compassion these days.
Elsa: Well, you do have a point there. Let’s hope everyone has a compassionate and fun weekend celebrating Howl-oween. Will you be ‘Lick or Treating” with your fur-iends this weekend at any events? Searching for treats might just be the ticket, me thinks. Whatever you do, we hope you stay safe and enjoy the many faces of Nature.
Norman: Right-o, Ninja, I know I plan to be chuffed to bits checking it all out. Plus, I do have a height advantage around little people. Those little treat filled hands are just level with my mouth. Here’s to enjoying a top drawer weekend surrounded by Nature.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Looks like the weather doesn’t know what it wants, Norman and Elsa, but it’s nice to see how effurrything still grows😸We just harvested our peppers…Say What?!…MOL…🍎 Stay warm under your mom’s blankie, you sweet doggie💗Extra Warm Pawkissies ffor all of you🐾😽💞
The weather for this part of the state is pretty much ‘normal’ anymore with climate change. Weird, but generally normal. Wide swings of temperatures seems to confuse all the new residents whereas long time residents just go with the flow…and complain. LOL
It’s always good to hear from Elsa, too. Thanks!
She’s never far away, just a bit of a ninja recluse 😉
Norman you’re the smart guy – taking cover with a cozy blankie – and you have your first snow already….eeeek! My Mom loves the nature-ish photos of plants and I like seeing YOU and your blanket. It’s “all good” !!
Hugs, teddy
Thanks, Teddy. As is typically the case, the rain/snow mix was gone within 24 hours and we’re seeing the other side of the weather yo-yo. Have a great rest of your weekend.
Funny how some plants get all confused by the weather these days!
Enjoy your blankie, Norman! We need ours here too.
Stay warm but hope you’ll be able to enjoy some time in nature!
We’ve conversed about your weather before…it’s just nuts! I bet the four-legged residents of the Ranch probably think the same thing. Just keep a couple of blankets on stand-by just in case they get the forecast wrong, and have a great Halloween eve eve/Halloween eve weekend!
Thanks, Bruce, yes, seasonal changes in the Rocky Mountains is anchored in change on a dime-you need to be super flexible in body and mind. Make it a ‘pawesome’ weekend and avoid the goblins. 🎃
We saw three kids in full-on Halloween garb in broad daylight today…Halloween eve eve. I hope we have enough candy if they’re starting THIS early!🎃
Eek! Guess they just wanted to cash in for the weekend, but sheesh…
yep spring flowers blooming then snow, and nearly 80 this coming week. whew, gotta be hardy to live in CO! BTW I’m posting twice a week, if you’re not getting notices, we’re still here and posting thur and sat.LeeAnna
How strange that I’m not getting notices. I’ll reapply for them. Thanks for the heads up.
Our weather’s been a bit nutso lately, too; but not as “bouncy” as yours. We had some overnight temps in the mid 30s earlier in the week but by Wednesday night we were back to overnight temps in upper 40s and days mid 70s. I like the lower temps myself, but bro sits here shivering with a flannel shirt on. 🙄
I don’t mind the cooler temps either. It’s that time of year for seasonal change. The first one is always a bit of a shock to the system though. Hope you have a good weekend. Give your Zen boy a nice ear rub from me.
Mee-yow THE lupine an Asylleum are so purrty……
Mani Poochie had snow two…it lookss like you had a bit nore.
Wee used to have snow up here thus time of yeer…wee waitin an hopin….
An those Skellytonss are sorta funny an sorta scarey!!
BellaSita iss goin back to Pet Food store ’cause shee bott wrong cat food….**sighss** it iss ‘trix’ fore mee 😉
Mew mew mew BellaDharma an **giggells** BellaSita Mum
It wasn’t much snow, mostly rain mixed with snow but we’ll take the moisture. Today was gorgeous-a perfect Colorado autumn day. Low 60’s and clear blue skies. 😍Sorry about the cat food mix up. Hope it gets easily sorted. Wouldn’t want anyone to go hungry 😉
Wee know ANY moisture youss’ et iss wellcome out there!
Wee are inn mid 40’s an blue sky here…..so lovelee!
Aunty Judith iss comin today to take BellaSita back to Pet Valu an fix her miss-take 😉
Not a bad autumn day…enjoy and enjoy the outing to the pet shop.
Aunty Judith tooked BellaSita ‘girlie’ shoppin two….
All mee foodabullss have been sorted out an mee iss happy once aain!
Hurrah!
It’s been windy and chilly here the past couple of days…and we saw snow flurries yesterday! Needless to say, our fluffy beds are out and being utilized!!
xoxo,
Rosy
Today was a total 180. Clear blue skies and nice temps. Enjoy your weekend.
I’m glad someone I know is playing with a full deck.
Who in the world are you talking about? Certainly not us!
Such wonderful ‘Tails around the ranch’ ~ Snow? Not ready if ever ~ Norman is a sweetie ~ Xo
Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days ~
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Thank you for the kind words. When you live in Colorado you can always expect the unexpected weatherwise. 😆
Your weather would puzzle us to death. Great photos and thanks for including us. Have a super weekend.
Variety is the spice of life. 😉 Have a great weekend, John.
😊
Those skellies are an absolute riot. So creative!!
Their sheer numbers are just mind-blowing!
60+ to 30 in less than 24 hours that is whiplash but I’ll bet Elsa and Norman love the cool weather and snow.
We’ve had 50º+ swings this past month. 30 is almost a breeze, but the chill took a few hours to get used to. 😂 Have a ‘wagnificent’ weekend. Elsa loves the snow, Norman…well let’s just say he prefers the house to being out in it. LOL
Lupines in October? Wow!
I know, right?! Blew me away. It isn’t as robust at the ones in May but holy cow, it bloomed!!
That house with the Skellies ought to be piping in “Night on Bald Mountain!” 😀
Bwahahaha! Now that’s funny! Have a great weekend.
Whiplash and snowflake saucers and a skelly army . oh my my my!
You kids nailed the landing. As per.
You’re too kind, Marc. They are learning the finer points of broadcasting as a team. Let’s hope it continues to stay peaceful. Speaking of peaceful…let it be the highlight of your weekend.
It’s really coming together for them too.
Happy weekend to you guys as well
You’re too generous with your praise. Thank you. Cheers to a glorious autumnal weekend! 🥃
Salud!
Xena: Ooo, a dog skelie. Her belly is empty and she looks really mean. *shudder*
Riley: Ooo, a little kid skelie. I hope she comes to visit me. I’ll be real gentle with her.
Chia: I would steal that blankie too, Norman, and hide under it on the couch!
Lucy: You have cards? Maybe we could all play.
Amy: Your “nature” sure is confused! Have a great weekend.
“Confused?” Whatever gave you that idea?! Actually that’s kinda normal for these parts. Shorts weather today, puffy ski coat tomorrow 🤣
Does that cause folks to get sick?
No more so than anywhere else. Viruses live everywhere.
Snow. It’s still warm here in the afternoons. The trees haven’t even turned yet.
I love seeing Norman. He’s so handsome and I love him so.
Love the conversations between him and Elsa.
Have a fabulous day and weekend. Scritches to the pups, a smooch to Norman and a hug to mom. ♥
Thanks for your sweet comment, Sandee. Norman sends soft puppy kisses and both dogs hope you have a ‘furbulous’ weekend.
Wonderful Friday post! Glad the snow did not show here. And I absolutely love these skellies… they are so very creative!
Happy Friday to you!
Why thank you! We enjoy walking past those guys every day-they truly are smile inducing every time. Here’s wishing you a pawsome Friday and an even better weekend.
We had snow on my birthday (first time I ever remember that happening!), then we were in the 70s so our weather was quite similar!
It’s so weird, isn’t it?! Back and forth, no one can catch their breath, much less a break! 😆 Have a great weekend.
Oh, Norman…you look adorable all snuggled up there! Snow, okay, that’s pretty cool. I remember one year we had a Snowtober and my Huskies loved it! They were jumping up and licking snow off the orange maple leaves!
Those skellies (20?!) look like they are having fun, lead by the canine skellie, of course! Maybe rushing toward everyone’s bowls of treats?! Have a happy and safe Howloween guys!
Elsa rather likes the snow, Norman…not so much. He’s happiest on the sofa. LOL We’re wishing you a wonderful weekend.
Ah, big fluffy snowflakes…and flowers. October in Colorado!
Yup! Those were some really big flakes, bigger than I recall for this time of year.
They remind me of spring snowflakes.
Exactly! Nice and fat and nice and wet. 😉
we have summerish weather and the strawberries start to come back.. isn’t that crazy? we love the bone-army… happy weekend
Norman: Strawberries? Yes, please.
Have a super weekend!
What fun! We haven’t gotten out the really warm blanket yet but I think it’s coming!
It’s back in the 60’s for a few days pushing 70F on Tuesday. Our kind of weather! Probably good keeping a blanket close by. Have a terrific weekend.