Hope you all managed to survive Explosion Day, aka July 4th. Elsa here. Whew, thank goodness we got through it even though it lasted until after midnight. Mom closed up the house and turned up the volume on the TV so we’d have less to hear. Bless her. Seems like a lot of peeps are beginning to question this whole “let’s blow &#@% up” holiday and not just here in the Mile High. Although Mom thought there were a lot of people who give lip service to ending fireworks but still ran to their favorite fireworks pop up stand and bought a bunch. Still we hope all that barking and whining by folks about it is starting to move the needle. Baby steps. Not only are there alternatives that don’t scare the Bejesus outa woman and beast, it’s so much better for the environment. With way too many ozone alert days around here lately (thanks Mother Nature-the heat ain’t bad enough?), let’s add a ton of toxins to the atmosphere from shooting fireworks to make it even more obnoxious. But I digress.
Today we’re here to join our friends, Rosy and Sunny for this week’s edition of Nature Friday so be sure to click on the link to see what else was shared this week. Today we are finishing up with the final installment of photos to last week’s Spirit Guide post. Take it away, House Pony.
Wilson: Greetings mates. Let me begin by saying you chaps can keep your noisy holiday. Color this dog definitely not a fan. And here I thought garbage trucks were loud. But thankfully it’s over, and like any good dog, I live in the present moment. so let’s check out the rest of Spirit Guide photos, shall we?
Elsa: Yeah, come into our garden, said the spider to the fly.
Wilson: Huh…wait, there are spiders? And flies? You mean I missed noshing on bugs? Crikey, I don’t recall seeing any of those.
Elsa: {eyes rolling} Dude, it’s just a figure of speech. Jeez, you gotta stop being so literal.
Wilson: Whew, I thought I missed a few snacks. Anyway, I think Mum saved the best for this week. Check out this Coyote-Fish spirit guide.
Elsa: What. The. Dog?! Umm, o-kay. Not sure about some of those spirit combinations. I mean just look at these different views on the eagle-camel.
Wilson: I will say they are most colorful. Even the pond’s reflection with the deer-butterfly looked glassy but colorful. I say, I can’t even image not getting cross-eyed while painting all those patterns.
Elsa: I’m dizzy just looking at them. I mean, check it out…{stuttering} I, I mean…it’s so bizarrely weird. Got anything to share that won’t give me a seizure?
Wilson: Well, Mum took some photos of several bonsai trees. I’m rather miffed I couldn’t sniff at them.
Elsa: I’m sure the grounds keepers are quite grateful for that. Some of these bonsai trees had been in ‘training’ for well over 10 years. That’s some kind of intensive maintenance to keep their shape. Some were crafted from yews, ordinary pine trees, a jade and also a maple like this one. Guess you can make a bonsai out of anything.
Wilson: Many of the flowers were pretty as well and of course the Chihuly spire that’s located in the Romance Garden is always striking. Mum really enjoyed her visit at the Denver Botanical Gardens (which she learned is one of the top five botanical gardens in the country). Their special events and exhibits manage to please and entertain all visitors.
Elsa: Ok, now that’s what I’m talking about. N-i-c-e flowers. I can see why she loves going there. There’s always something for everyone. Even the weirdos. So, what are your plans for the weekend? We’re heading down to my grandpa to introduce him to the new great, great granddaughter. We are very excited and can’t wait to see them all together. Whatever you do, just make sure you get outside and check out all the cool (and yes, some of the weird) stuff that Nature provides. Have a great weekend.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Firewerkss are hi-lee overrated Elsa an Wilson!!! Mee diss-likess them ALOT! Poor BellaSita Mum sirvived July 1st Firewerkss butt then had Seezuress on THE 2nd an THE 3rd. An even tho’ wee inn Catnada; peepss still shootin them of on THE 4th?!?!?! WHAT THE DOG AN CAT??
THE Bonsai Treess are gorgeeus!
An all THE flowerss are purrty. Wee love THE red an yellow brush flower plant…it iss so kewl!!!
***nose bopss*** BellaDharma an (((hugss))) BellaSita Mum
Thank you. We found some very cool plants among all the Spirit Guides.
We are no fans of fireworks, legal or otherwise.
OMG! What a gorgeous post!
I love those sculptures. You took fab shots of them and the reflections are stunning!
Thank you!
Aww, Resa…you’re way too kind. That exhibit was really something else and I thought that reflection pic was kinda cool myself. Thank you. And thanks for poking around the Ranch. We 💙 visitors.
Hooray for the booms being over for this year…at least I hope so for the pups sake.
Those sculptures sure are an amazing thing to see!
Loved all the pics of the gardens and blooms and bonsai, there.
Enjoy ‘showing off’ your grand baby!
Well not over, but less. We’ll likely have a few Johnny-come-lately’s through the weekend. Sigh.
Those sculptures were truly amazing. The colors were just knock-your-socks-off vivid-perfect to see on a warm summer day.
Alas, Grandpa came down with a bad cold so the trip has been postponed. Doggone it. But we’ll go when everyone is sniffle free and ready to be spoiled. 😉 Have a great weekend.
I couldn’t help but be staggered at the colour combinations and the amount of work that has gone into whatever they are – I’m at a bit of a loss here..
We only have fireworks once a year here and that’s the first night of the Whyalla Show (Fair). However, fireworks are very much controlled here and the display is over open – council controlled – ground. We gather, watch the display, opp and ahh, applaud, then go for coffee at home in a quiet neighbourhood. And that’s it for another year. You cannot – legally -buy fireworks here.
Thanks, John. Those sculptures were ‘different’ to say the least but the intensity of the colors made them fascinating to look at. Installing them amid all the various flowers at the botanical gardens made for a wonderful experience.
Sadly in America these days, everyone seems to think rules don’t apply to them (the setting off of fireworks in a non professional setting is illegal but doesn’t stop loads of people from driving up to Wyoming to purchase them). The police can’t or won’t begin to keep up with complaints and people these days get spun up on social media arguing for or against them, which is always a bad solution to civil discussions. Apart from the anxiety it causes pets and wildlife, there is the environmental aspect of adding even more pollution to already high ozone levels which cause health problems for compromised individuals. The loud booms trigger PTSD in veterans and yet there are those who say ‘their rights’ are infringed upon if they can’t blow them up in their backyard. The latest postings were downright nasty and only serve to make people dig in even more. I suspect as long as they are for sale, people will find a way to bring them back despite many cities going with laser and drone shows. We rather envy your system and wish it would work here. Give my favorite Down Under pooch an extra ear rub from me. Have a good rest of the weekend!
Beautiful photos. The sculptures are amazing. XO
Thanks. It definitely was a fun exhibit to see. Still can’t get over the vivid colors!
I am so glad Elsa and Wilson got through 4th July well. It was not until I had dogs that were scared of the fireworks that I realized how awful they can be. Our Rollo had a very bad day yesterday even though we otherwise had a good day. Rollo was traumatized by a missfired illegal rocket that landed very close to us. I think he has PTSD. Anyway, those colorful art figurines are beautiful.
Many thanks, Thomas. They managed to get through the night but with Elsa’s epilepsy, I have to be extra diligent about keep her safe. Apart from the anxiety it instills in pets and wildlife, it’s bad for the environment. We’ve experienced multiple days of high ozone alerts and fireworks adds to the pollution. And several veterans in my neighborhood acknowledge it triggers PTSD. Just wish people were more considerate and think about their actions and how it impacts others.
Glad you enjoyed the sculpture photos. The craftsmanship on all those little squares, triangles and lines was pretty incredible. It was a really interesting exhibit nestled in among all the beautiful flowers. Have a good weekend.
Images are wonderful. Thanks for sharing your day.
Thanks for coming along on our little tour. We hope you have a great weekend.
The images help dog and people alike.
You’re too kind. Thank you.
Thankfully, my cats are not bothered by the fireworks. I’m glad you guys got through all that noise and hopefully it will be a quiet weekend.
As for those colors, once again WOW!
Have a great weekend guys
Glad the kitties are no worse for the wear. I expect we’ll unfortunately have more of the same through the weekend.
So glad you enjoyed the sculptures. The colors were truly something else and I found myself smiling in between surprised expressions on my face. Hope your weekend is lovely-have a awesome vacay.
The fascination with fireworks is something that I never did understand.
Such vibrant colors, how could you not get swept up in it? And yes, it will be an awesome vacay, thank you so much.
You and me both. After experiencing a dangerously chaotic scene during a professional show that blew up after an errant spark set the whole thing on fire, it’s doubtful my thoughts on fireworks will ever change. Add in the pollution they cause to the anxiety and it seems it’s time for them to join the dinosaurs. Our neighborhood NextDoor was abuzz yesterday about it here. It’s pathetic how everything always manages to deteriorate into some nasty political attack with loads of ugly overtones. Guess that should be expected when you can’t logically defend your position but hey, what do I know.
Here’s to a weekend of peace with colorful diversions. Passe de bonnes vacances.
You said a lot there Monika, but yes! Every damn thing becomes politicized and of course, nasty. I really don’t know how we go back from here.
Thank you muchly
Yeah, me thinks the genie is out of the bottle. ☹️
Those Spirit Guides are amazingly beautiful! I did wonder who Wilson the House pony was and looked back through a couple of posts. I had visions of you having a Shetland pony living indoors.
I have sent you an email.
Well, he’s about the same size as Shetland Pony. 😆 Glad you enjoyed the Spirit Guides. The colors were so vivid and beautiful tucked among all the beautiful flowers. It was a great exhibit.
Thank you for your sweet email. I was more than happy to send them. Know I’m thinking of you and sending healing energy your way.
Those art figures are so amazing! We love them all and especially all the bright color. Everyone wants black, brown or gray these days and it is depressing!
There was definitely no shortage of color in those sculptures! We enjoyed them tucked in all over the gardens-it was a fun exhibit seeing them around every corner.
Great pictures, those sculptures are really something! Have a great (quiet!) weekend.
Thank you, Lisa. It was a very entertaining exhibit and I’m glad I got to see it. The colors alone were worth the price of admission. 😉 I expect the weekend will still have some fools setting off fireworks, hopefully less than yesterday’s edition. 🤞🏼 Hope you have a great weekend!
Those are all such wonderful photos and I’m glad you got through the 4th boomy day okay. A non-noisy option would sure be a blessing!
Thanks, Terry. We sure hope people come to their senses about those dumb fireworks. The neighborhood was littered with the casings and it smelled badly this morning when we went on our walk. Hopefully more places will start going with laser shows. Although a lot of people from Denver and the metro area drive up to Wyoming to buy the big boomers. Ugh. Have a nice peaceful weekend.
So much gorgeous color! So bright and cheerful, the Coyote Fish Spirit Guide really caught my eye!
Thanks! It was one of Mom’s favorites too. Sooo bright and cheery but you can’t stare at it for long or else you’ll get dizzy. LOL
Those colorful, mixed up spirit animals are pretty wild to look at for sure. But as long as you don’t get dizzy doing it, they sure are interesting and beautiful. Mom’s having a hard time getting her head around those so-called bonzai trees. She says it just doesn’t seem right, whatever that means. XOXOX Chia
Bonsai trees are truly in a category by themselves. Kinda like the Spirit Guides…just in a different way. 😉 The bright colors sure gave us the happys.
Glad you weathered the holiday. Fortunately, we just had only one neighbor across the way lighting firecrackers past 10:30pm, when I finally fell asleep. I can’t imagine dozens of such fireworks!
Those sculptures really are extraordinary, a fun exhibit. Great bonsai, too. DBG is on my bucket list, for sure.
The DBG is quite extraordinary. I lived catty corner from it when I moved to Denver back in 1982 and watched it transform into a truly remarkable experience. Originally it was a cemetery in Denver’s early years. [see https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/denver-botanic-gardens-arm-bone-human-remains-discovered-former-cemetery/ for a story about it] 😊
Lulu: “We made it through the official fireworks and the unofficial fireworks, too! I got some weird gel on my gums that made me all happy and then Dada watched some movie about a giant lizard and a giant monkey with a power glove. He said it was ‘extremely stupid and extremely loud’ which I guess is what they were looking for on fireworks apocalypse night …”
Sounds like a pawfect way to be distracted by the legal and illegal. Just hope there won’t be a repeat performance tonight by the neighborhood idiots. 🤞🏼
it went on til I finally fell asleep after 1 am. Noise machine running, ceiling fan, air purifier. Boom. Boom. Boom.
fireworks used to be an event you drove to, you watched with fellow citizens, shared in it was over in about 2 hours,. You sat and visited on the blanket and went home to a quiet neighborhood.
now, everyone has to do it right next to my front and back doors, uncontrolled, smelly, noisy startling all of us, risk of fire, their right to make noise supercedes my right to peace. Huh?
LeeAnna and Milo
We know exactly how you feel. Now I realize why we called them ‘the good ole days.” Here’s hoping they all got blown up and there won’t be any tonight. Here’s to a peaceful weekend.
The Denver Botanical Gardens are one of my favs. Always go there when I’m in Denver.
Had no idea they were so well regarded in botanical garden circles. It’s always a fun place to visit. Never miss the Romance Garden, the Japanese Garden and the water lily pond. I’ll catch other individual spaces but those aforementioned ones are must see places along with all water features. 😊
U.K. elections yesterday….no fireworks there!
I dunno, Helen. Seems like quite the bombshell given the results. It will be interested to see if they can actually govern to improve things.
His opponents lost it rather than his party winning it….he is a vile man, in my opinion, and I don’t trust him as far as I could kick him.
All I’ve heard about his is he’s boring as dust. The only clips I’ve seen tend to make him seem quite wishy-washy. Nothing to trust there in my opinion. Disappointed that this is the best candidate Labor could come up with. 🙁
He’s eliminated anyone not ‘on message’. His message.
Oh great. One of ‘those’ guys. 🙄
Those spirit guides are quite amazing. Thanks for the photos.
Our pleasure. Thanks for the kind comments. They truly were something else. We hope you have a great weekend.
Fireworks… and to think we’ve been holding the International Fireworks Competition in Montreal since 1985… They are 8 miles away and I can hear them from my house with the doors and windows closed and the A/C working. Can you imagine? I cannot believe hey are still so damn popular.
As for these garden spirits, flowers and gorgeous bonsais… wow. Thanks for sharing!
Have a grand weekend!
Many thanks, Dale. A fireworks competition since 1985? You have our sympathies. The pops and booms went on until after midnight. Mom wanted a bullhorn to yell in the middle of the street, “Enough already.” She absolutely hates those things and was depressed as she walked through the neighborhood this morning and saw all the spent casings and burn marks on the streets. Everything still smelled gross. Ugh.
Have a great weekend!
It used to be held twice a week. Now they stretch it out by doing it once a week. For eight weeks.
And that’s the other thing. The mess they create! I figure the competition is not left a mess. Still, I am sure the environment doesn’t need this addition.
Thanks!
Eight weeks? Oh lord.
Yeah. 🙁
WOW…….those colorful garden critters are beautifully painted – and the art of bonsai is one of my Mom’s fave things. There are over 300 bonsai in D.C.’s Bonsai Garden and while Mom hasn’t visited in years, it was amazing to see so many beautiful examples. Anyway, we’re with you on “BIG BANG NIGHT” – it’s over and it was brief around here compared to past years……we have been so very dry here as well as hot I think a lot of people decided not to risk fires (thank you so much) or buggy/mosquitoey/deck parties with fireworks this year. WE ARE GLAD.
Hugs, Teddy and Mom Pam
Thank you. Our mom had no idea you could use different trees to form a bonsai; she was practically gobsmacked at the different kinds of trees. We’re so over the whole 4th thing. On our walk this morning, lots of spent fireworks in streets and a lingering acrid smell. Just what we need with the heavy ozone levels. People! 😵💫 Have a great weekend-stay cool and don’t let the mosquitos nibble on ya.
that is really beautiful… and we love this powerful art…. we wait for the bastille day to have our noisy night, we hope it is ok and over soon
You have our sympathies about the upcoming celebration. Why can’t peeps celebrate a bit more quietly? Have a wagnificent weekend!
Good for mom trying to limit your trauma for the day. Give her a beer for her efforts. More of the colorful exhibit is a good thing, and even topped with beautiful flowers. Hang in there through the weekend, which I hope isn’t too noisy.
Thanks, Frank. We’re over the heat and noise and no doubt the left over stink from fireworks that we’ll encounter as we head out for our morning constitution in a couple of minutes. But we’re glad you enjoyed the color show. Have a great weekend!
I enjoyed all of the pictures VERY much! What a day brightening pleasure!!!
Why thank you very much! We love to hear comments like that. Kinda makes the “Bickerton’s” easy to deal with, doesn’t it? LOL Have a great weekend.