Nature Friday ~ February 9, 2024

We survived last week’s snowstorm and are waiting for the arrival of the next one sometime this weekend, or so they say. Hiya, Elsa here. As always we’re joining our friends from Adventures of the LLB Gang. Click on the link to see what other posts have been shared.

Elsa, surgeryI’m still recovering from surgery but am doing well actually. Thank you all for your kind get well and recovery wishes.They mean the world to me and Mom.

Lots of you said I should let the foster dog pony get in on the action with posting so without further adieu, here’s the newest Ranch Hand and I’ll judge let him give you his perspective from around the ‘Hood. Hope I haven’t made a mistake by letting him in on today’s post. This whole foster biz seems to have made him a bit anxious and I don’t wanna spin him into a tizzy. And now, live from the corral…I present…the Pony!

Wilson

Wilson: Umm, don’t mean to get off on the wrong paw with you or your readers, but my name is now Wilson.

Elsa: You say tomato, I say tomahto. Anywho…you need to show them you’re a real live Ranch Hand before your introduction is official.

Wilson: Oh, you mean the one with the hat?

Elsa: {Gasp} Look, you big galute…that’s not a just hat-that’s a Stetson and it’s legendary in the West. You need to forget everything you knew about Missouri…you’re a Colorado doggie these days.

Wilson, hat

Wilson: {in a snooty British voice} I. beg. your. pardon. You must understand, I’m new to this blogging thing but will do my utter best to try and contribute in a meaningful manner.

Elsa: Oh puleez…what’s with you British guys and your high falutin talk? Save it for another time, dog breath.

Wilson: Well blimey…so sorry. I’ll share a pic of me out in the snow after getting groomed last week. How’s that?

Wilson-pointing
Pointer or sheepdog?

Elsa: Save it, bucko. I can see this is going take some time and energy getting you familiar with how things work around here.

Wilson: {somewhat miffed} Right-o. Well, like you mentioned before, we received some snow. It was heavy and wet after an entire night of rain. It was quite crunchy trying to walk on it-I kept falling through.

Elsa: Well, if you weren’t such a chonker, you might not have fallen through. Now you know why Mom has you on a diet.

Wilson: Are you saying I’m overweight? I’d say all the grooming and removing of mats took a lot of excess weight off. See how trim I am now.

Elsa: {eyes rolling} Trust me, Mom will continue to keep the portions small for a while. Sure, she’ll say something like “it’s good for your joints” or some other ridiculous thing. Get used to it and be prepared to be hungry for a while.

Wilson: {frowning} Oh dear…I’m not sure I’ll be able to survive here. I do like my meals.

Elsa: Forget crumpets and tea, dude. You’ll get two small squares a day and Mom will walk your fat tush off right before she takes me out on my rehab walks. It’s going to be interesting between the two of you, as to who loses the most weight. {snicker}

Wilson: Oh dear…this IS going to be quite the adjustment. How in the world am I going to survive?

Elsa: Relax, you’ll never go completely hungry, Mom just wants to get your weight a bit more under control. She’s already had to resize your collar because it was getting too loose. And trust me, there will always be a treat (or two) around the Ranch. I’ll make sure you get a snack.

Wilson: Bravo! That’s right proper of you helping me adjust to this new lifestyle. I still miss my old family and packmates. You do know my old Mum unexpectedly passed away. I loved her so much but do love my new Mum now. Still it’s been quite the adjustment over this past month but I’m really trying hard to learn how to fit in.

Elsa: For the record, she’s MY MOM. But you’re doing ok so far (even if you caused my injury). Mom says you’re pretty smart and I promised her I wouldn’t hold a grudge. I realize you have a lot to learn. Mom explained to me that you grew up in a tiny little town and the city can be a rather intimidating reality. I mean, come on…you’re doing so much better on walks now from when you first arrived and you’re improving a bit each day. Before you know it, garbage trucks won’t even register in that big, fat head. Got any other pics of the snow? My readers want to see nature at her finest.

Wilson: {clearing throat} Right…it started out like most snowstorms but then it just kept snowing and snowing and snowing. It was pretty though and I found it bracing to run around outside in it.

Wilson: Here’s a view from the sofa that made my mind spin on the day after. It looks unlike any snow I’d ever seen before with that melting/freezing thing going on and with the sculpting wind. Looks like a lunar landscape a bit.

Snow

Elsa: Like you’d know about the lunar landscape, although it is the Chinese New Year this week. It was a weird storm, dumping 6-15 inches over the metro area after a night of rain-something we never get this time of year. But you know, things don’t seem any worse for wear for the bulbs, do they?

Spring bulbs

Wilson: They seem to be fine and most of the snow has gone now but we’re waiting for the next storm which may start later today and be a repeat of last weekend.

Elsa: Don’t hold your breath. One of the things you’ll learn about Colorado weather around here, it’s changes on a dime-and weather forecasters simply cannot be trusted to be accurate. As long as I still get to enjoy some snow cones, I’ll be happy. This was right after my staples came out. I felt like I earned it and Mom seemed to agree.

Snow cone

Wilson: I’ll keep that in mind. So can I share this little guy who I encountered on a walk? Mum’s eagle eyes spotted him, I totally missed him. I’m just learning about other critters; Mum refers to them as tree rats. I’m not a fan of them and have tried hard to run them down catch them. Not sure what to do if I’m able to catch one but Mum still won’t let me go after them.

Bunny

Elsa: Yeah, Mom is like that…she wants to protect you from potential problems with face to face meetings with wild animals. She also is extremely adverse to being turned into a human kite and since I’ve noticed you possess lightning quick reflexes, but will learn she’s not as easy as you think she’d be when she’s been lifted off her feet.

Wilson: I did surmise that. But I’m a crafty lad, you never know what I can do.

Elsa: Shush you big oaf, you don’t want to give up the element of surprise. Best that you keep your big trap shut. Moms of all stripes aren’t amused by the element of surprise so don’t wreck it by blabbing any moves in advance.

Wilson: {in a hushed voice} Oh right…will keep that in mind.

Elsa: Well that looks like we made it through without killing each other. Guess it wasn’t as bad as I thought it might be. Bravo me.

Wilson: Ahem…I did mention that I could be a sport here and hope you’ll give me another chance in the future.

Elsa: Let’s not get carried away. A lot depends on how I feel and whether or not my readers like your by-line. How about we just say…we’ll see.

Wilson: Roger that. So do I get to ask what everyone’s going to do this weekend. I heard something about some big football game. While we had them in Missouri, in Britain, we call it ‘soccer.’

Elsa: Trust me dude, around here the only sport that matters is hockey. You’ll learn that soon enough. Finally, we would be remiss if we didn’t wish everyone a safe and prosperous  Chinese New Year. Have a great weekend everyone.

Chinese New Year

Wilson: Oh yes, please do have a splendid weekend.

Elsa: Give it a rest, Pony.

Nature Friday

Live, love, bark! 🐾

46 thoughts on “Nature Friday ~ February 9, 2024

  1. What a sport you are, Elsa, to let Pony, er, Wilson join you on your blog. He does seem like a jolly dude and will be a good addition to both your family and blog. Oh, and that’s a bunny, not a tree rat. Bunnies don’t climb trees. Squirrels are the official tree rats of the USA.
    Welcome to the blogging world, Wilson. You did really great. We all look forward to your next appearance. XOX Xena and my gang

    1. Thanks. Yup, that’s a bunny pictured which he missed seeing but he notices tree rats without fail all the time. He’s not a fan of them either.

  2. Elsa we’re happy to see you recovering so nicely AND to see that you are helping your new ranch-mate Wilson to get accustomed to the routine around there! He sure looks better groomed doesn’t he and not nearly so huge! I think the two of you will be getting along just fine. Great photos – – – we have only had one minor snow this Winter so far. We have rain in the forecast for the next several days but WET is better than WHITE as far as I’m concerned because I do not “do” snow! Hugs to everyone from me and Mom.

    Love, Teddy

    1. Thank you. It feels like Groundhog Day because we woke up to white again, just like last week.
      Hey! Phil? Phil? Hey! Phil Connors! Bing!
      I like that wet is better than white idea (though I really don’t mind the snow that much and we definitely need the moisture). Have a great weekend.

  3. Wilson, you looked about as happy to wear a stetson as I, Benji would…blah….but we do have to humor the peeps sometimes! Just like you and your British twang humors all the readers that visit!

    We enjoyed your bantering with Elsa…and we are also glad she’s doing so well. I guess you won’t play those body slamming games anymore. Around here, Dalton is the body slammer, BOL!
    I, Benji, rather go for a rear leg to pull the Dalton dude down…oh oh…,that is when we both hear a big clap and a NO from *her*!

    That sure was a lot of snow in a short time! All our snow is gone now, except for a few tiny leftover snow piles. They’ll be gone soon, too…but we may see colder temps and maybe even some snow again in a few days.

    1. Thanks…but Dalton as a body slammer? I cannot even fathom. Snow was about 95% gone with just a few spots in shaded places. Today we woke up to the exact same thing as last week. Feels a lot like Groundhog Day. Sure hope we don’t run into Phil
      Ryerson. 🤣

  4. You two already make a great team. I’m so happy you are on the mend, Elsa. And Wilson, welcome to the family. We love hearing about all of your escapades!

    1. Thanks…all the way around. Time will tell if these two have some interesting posts.

    1. Thanks. I’m mellowing in my old age I guess. At any rate, it looks like we’re keeping him. Always wanted a horse but Wilson isn’t exactly what I pictured. LOL

  5. I think Wilson did a great job on the post Elsa. I had to laugh out lout at his Stetson. He did looks cute. So glad you are getting around too. Say Hi to Mom for me.

    1. Well aren’t you nice for saying that? The Pony wasn’t really prepared for posing in the hat but he’s proving he knows how to be a good sport. P.S. Mom says hi back. 😉

  6. I say Old Sport, what a jolly good first post. So glad my favourite Ninja is the forgiving sort.. You listen to her and you will learn a lot Better off there in the snow. You could be here with 46c Oh and by the way ” Flying Mom” has got lodged in my head – thanks muchley :o)

    1. You’re way too kind, John. Wilson is trying hard to fit in and Elsa has begun to realize she’s no match for a pony. Oh and for the record, Flying Mum is NOT a pretty sight. LOL

  7. Glad to hear things are on the uptick, and aside from the snow, everyone is giving off a spring vibe. Very cool. What’s even cooler is watching the snow from the couch!

    1. You’re too right…it’s mesmerizing watching the flakes from inside. Have a great Super Bowl weekend.

  8. Elsa…Wilson definitely is benefiting from your training. He’s gonna be a great addition to the household!
    Wilson…Elsa will continue to help you learn the ways of your new surroundings. Follow her lead!

    1. That’s very kind of you to say. We’re making progress with each day. On both sides of the leash. 😉

  9. You are the first Wilson dog we know. We usually know dogs that have a Wilson, meaning their stupid, useless tennis ball. You are very cute and you did a good job. Hope you continue to heal well, Elsa. Have a fun weekend together, learning to get along with each other.

    1. That’s actually ironic. Wilson has no clue about balls or toys. But then again, me neither. Thanks for the well wishes. I’m getting stronger each day.

  10. Glad you’re feeling better, Elsa, and generous of you to let Wilson speak….better not tease him too much about his British character or he’ll be asking your mum to put cricket on the television for him…

  11. Mr Wilson you did great! But you have a Pawsome teacher in Elsa, so I am not surprised. 🙂 And like Elsa said, I promise you won’t starve. Your mom just wants you as healthy as possible. But I imagine you and Elsa will be sly enough to sneak some treats. 😄

    Elsa, you keep resting and healing and accepting all the TLC from your sweet mom and Wilson. 😉 Happy Weekend to all of you!

    1. I’ve been working the two of them like a bandsaw, Carolyn. 🐶 Good thing, I’m a clever Ninja, eh? Here’s to a weekend of treats!

    1. Why hello, Miss Lisa…{butt wiggling}. Nice to meet YOU. Have a wagnificent weekend.

  12. Lulu: “Oooh, Pony, I like that. I am going to call you Ponyboy as a nickname, Wilson! Just like in The Outsiders!”
    Charlee: “Who are The Outsiders?”
    Oona: “Obviously it is dogs, because they go outside all the time.”
    Chaplin: “How does the name Ponyboy come out of that?”
    Oona: “Obviously because ponies are also found outside.”
    Charlee: “I don’t think you actually have any idea why—”
    Oona: “OONA HAS GOT IT ALL FIGURED OUT!!!”
    Java Bean: “Ayyy, never mind all that. I see a bunny!”

  13. Thank you. My pleasure. I just hope the Ninja let’s me do this again. I’m enjoying meeting everyone. Have a right jolly weekend!

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