Welcome to the latest edition of Nature Friday where we join our friends, Rosy and Sunny from Adventures of the LLB Gang. Elsa here. Another hot week is in the books and an even hotter one is forecast for next week. It is compounded with some of the worst air quality in the entire country. Denver continues to be plagued with ozone issues and now wildfire smoke coming from Canada and the Pacific Northwest has arrived. On Tuesday, the Swiss company IQAir who tracks air quality, rated Denver the worst in the country and was rated 9th worst in the world. With 40+% humidity and somewhat cloudy conditions, our walks stop being fun. Normally the humidity hovers in the very low teens so this definitely feels muggy to us.
Wilson: Exactly. As I walk three times farther than you do, I huff and puff like a bloody steam engine. Even potty breaks throughout the day are short to say the least.
Elsa: It’s miserable for all of us. Normally the early morning air is clean and fresh but we know isn’t because Mom coughs almost the entire walk even before she checks for air quality alerts that now last all pretty much all day long.
Wilson: It’s enough to make a chap stay indoors, I tell you. But let’s share what we saw just this morning, shall we?
Elsa: I’m game. What ‘cha got?
Wilson: Well I’m still getting used to the botany around here. I have to inspect some things very closely.
Elsa: Umm, I think you photobombed Mom.
Wilson: Ah…well, how’s this frame showing off that beautiful Coleus and those lovely Dahlias?
Elsa: Oh yes, that’s much better. That planter has a lot of pretties in it. And besides, no one wants to see your big fat jughead in a planter.
Wilson: {miffed} Well, I had to check it up close and personal and can tell you that I was quite mesmerized by all that color. Nearby I found a nice patch of orange coneflower, also known as Rudbeckia that was located within some other plants. Guess Mum realized she probably needs to hold me close to her so I don’t investigate too closely.
Elsa: Well just realize it’s good practice for you to stay close for when you go visit folks at hospital. They can’t have your large tuchus sashaying all over the hallways.
Wilson: Oh dear, I never thought about it like that. I’ll make a note since I certainly don’t want to get Mum in trouble because I’m investigating the world around me and will try to stay more focused.
Elsa: You say that now, but I know when a squirrel or bunny comes into view, all bets are off. At least you give the birds a break.
Wilson: Not that there will likely be any birds in hospital but crikey…you ever try to get close to birds? Obviously they don’t want to become friends with a cuddly chap like me anyway.
Elsa: Your size probably intimidates them. I learned a long time ago it’s impossible to try to get close to them. Those wings work hard to stay away from the jaws of death.
Wilson: If you think I’m big, you should see the Irish Wolfhound puppies. Those little buggers are growing like weeds. Check out this little ‘chonker.’ He’s the largest of the litter and will likely be quite a specimen when fully grown. Check out those little pinky paws and that round belly!
Elsa: I’ll grant you that he and his siblings are going make you look small by comparison. Mom’s daughter says they’re doing well and gaining weight.
Wilson: They’re sure cute and I’m glad Mum receives regular updates on how they’re doing. And just for the record, the ‘jaws of death’ are reserved just for squirrels. I will say the birds were definitely enjoying all the sunflowers we walk past. They wait until the last second to avoid any encounters with me and Mum while eating the seeds.
Elsa: Everyone seems to like sunflowers. They’re pretty cheery, that’s for sure. I’m also a big fan of hollyhocks. They can grow just about anywhere and it makes you wonder how they manage to thrive in sidewalk cracks.
Wilson: Right-o! Another beautiful example of brilliant color. Rather like this daylily which I’m particularly fond. They are blooming all over the neighborhood in assorted colors.
Elsa: Oooh, that is a vivid specimen! I’ll give you points for finding that one. So…you got any critter sightings this week?
Wilson: As a matter of fact, I do. This cat was lounging inside the windowsill and seemed fairly focused on making sure we didn’t linger too long interrupting his bird watching. We walk past that house every day, but have never seen him before. He seems like a fairly big fellow.
Elsa: Meh…I’m sure I could take him.
Wilson: {gasp} Why on earth would you? He’s minding his own business. Such hostility…what’s up with that?
Elsa: It’s not hostility-I’m a Ninja. It’s just what we do.
Wilson: I see no reason to cause a bloody ruckus in the neighborhood. Unless we’re talking about squirrels…then you have my wholehearted approval…although I’d prefer if you left the squirrel hunting to me. I’m getting better at anticipating their wily ways. Why just a couple of days ago, I was within a whisker of catching one before he jumped up on to a power pole to escape.
Elsa: Yeah, You startled both me and Mom. Remember the house rule-one mustn’t hurt Mom.
Wilson: Well he startled me, too. And because I know it upsets Mum, I’ll keep that rule in mind. I did however see that African chap you’ve mentioned before. I think he enjoys munching on tree leaves.
Elsa: {eyes rolling} You buffoon…that’s yard art. That giraffe statute isn’t real.
Wilson: It’s not? Hmm…that’s a major disappointment. So little sister…what plans do you have for the weekend?
Elsa: Lots of naps in air-conditioned paradise, Dude. Not much else can be done. Oh and I’ll probably check out some of coverage of the Olympics. But that’s the extent of it.
Wilson: I’ll be right there with you. I rather enjoy watching the telly. Whatever you do, we hope you have a marvelous weekend and hopefully are able to see some of the finer examples of nature’s beauty when and wherever possible. Cheerio!
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Java Bean: “Ayyy, sorry about sending you guys smoke from California. It’s one of our top exports unfortunately.”
Lulu: “Those puppies are so cute! I would love to mother them! It’s a thing I do for all small animals. Just ask Oona or the kittens that Dada’s cousin brought down one time.”
Charlee: “But don’t ask the gophers you’ve eaten.”
Lulu: “By ‘small’ I meant ‘baby’, not ‘little intruders who shouldn’t be in the yard’.”
Chaplin: “That cat looks like she has quite the view. I bet there are plenty of birds to see from there!”
We understand, Bean. A lot of that smoke came from Oregon and Canada as well and then a fire started near Loveland (north of us) so air quality is back in the horrid range. With temps around 100, it makes it worse. The EPA is going to be very unhappy with Denver.
Lulu, you’d make a great surrogate mum to the puppies.
Charlee and Chaplin, we agree on gopher like critters. Wilson thinks they’re cousins of squirrels and we all know how he feels about them. Here’s to lots of bird watching!
Mee-yow look it all those gorgeeus flowerss Wilson an Elsa!! There is so much color!! Wee have Cone Flowerss inn our garden an they are so purrty!
An THE cat lookss quite cat-tented loungin on THE windowsill. An fore a momint mee thott THE Giraffeey was reel two 😉
Wee are hopin it kewlss off fore all of youss’ soon….it has been purrty nice heer this Summer! Iss weerd!
***nose bopss*** BellaDharma an {{{huggiess}}} BellaSita Mum
Thank you for the kind comment. Sadly next week will be even more of a scorcher. Hopefully the Jet Stream won’t dip down again and we can at least have cleaner air. 🤞🏼
P.S. We love walking past the giraffe-it makes us smile to see him.
That Giraffey iss so kewl…..wee say a purrayer Miss Monika an Wilson an Elsa that you do NOT get a ‘scorcher’!!!
It’s a good thought, but the forecast is for triple digits. Sigh. Only 56 days until autumn arrives.
CATFISH!!! Far two *hot* inn tripell digitss Miss Monika! Wee startin our countdown heer 😉
From this part of the country, where we fight like crazy to get the humidity inside down to 45%, I have to say, I’m coming up short on sympathy, but any time the humidity is higher than normal, it makes life (particularly walking). I love Wilson pushing his snout into the photo, I have hundreds of photos like that.
Those pups are getting big. Thanks for the progress pics.
I know…people think I’m such a whiner. Just not used to that kind of heavy air. Especially at altitude.
The puppies continue to do well. They’re becoming more active and should be opening their eyes soon. Then the real fun will begin-the mama is starting to get the tiniest bit annoyed with them already although she is a good mama. 😉
Wilson and his big schnoz…always getting in the way. Between his big nose and bigger head, I have deleted tons of pics. Cracks me up. 😆
Such beautiful flowers this week, and we love the giraffe art too! Mama couldn’t help squeeing when she saw the cute puppy though, what a giant he is going to be when he grows into those paws!
xoxo,
Rosy & Sunny
Thanks. The puppies are getting cuter with every photo I receive. It’s gonna be fun watching them grow.
Xena: Hey Elsa and Wilson, there weren’t any pictures after the hollyhocks. Did you eat them, Wilson?
Mom Amy: Hate it about your air quality. As for humidity, we probably have you beat any day of the week. When I walked out to the mailbox on Thursday it felt like I was swimming through the air.
Wha???? Oh no, they show up here and no one else seems to have had an issues. So sorry.
This morning the humidity was 54%-that’s unheard of around here. No doubt it’s far worse there all the time. Normally it’s upper single digits to low teens. Quite a difference for us.
Hmmm, right now, a 10:30 am, the humidity is 83%
I know…sorry. If I want sympathy, I should look it up in the dictionary, right? 🙂 But that kind of humidity here is beyond wild!
Yes, I understand. And your kind of snow here would be beyond wild…although everyone still talks about the winter of ’93. Well, everyone old enough to. 🙂
Give me snow anytime!
I guess same with me, considering I get paid time off when it snows even an inch!
What a wonderful walk! So many absolutely gorgeous flowers and other sights to see! The puppy – AWWWWWWWW – baby anythings (except maybe snakes!) are so sweet aren’t they. Just think – we were that little once. Anyway, sorry you are getting all that smoke – scary stuff isn’t it and makes it hard to breathe – so does the HEAT – we finally got a little bit of cooling off rain here thankfully. We SOOOOOO love to go for walks with you…..never a dull moment!
Hugs, Teddy (and Mom)
Aww, you’re too kind. Thank you! Today’s the first day in the past 10 that we didn’t wake up to an air quality alert but the humidity was 54%…unheard of here (the smoke seems to have moved a bit north with the Jet Stream). While my skin likes the moisture, the sinuses and lungs are wondering what the dog is going on here?! 🙂 Have a great weekend.
It is allways time to learn more
😁
Puppies, awwwww! I love the flowers especially that fluffy white one in the first pic…😝 i hate the humidity, and it’s been hot here too. I hope things settle down a bit. Love the walks!
He always manages to get his fat head in the frame if Mom stops. If I could strum my toes, I would. The humidity was at 54% this morning-soooo high for us. Normally it’s between 9 and 13%! Mom’s skin is tacky with moisture as we were wheezing/panting. Give us our dry desert conditions any day. Hope the weekend cools down. We’re expecting triple digits by Tuesday. Awk 🥵
For being a dog Elsa certainly knows a lot about air pollution and weather conditions. It would be great to have a dog do the weather report. Anyway, it was entertaining reading and beautiful photos.
Thanks, Thomas. When you live in it, you know it. 😉 And she certainly couldn’t be any worse than those guys on the telly who routinely get it wrong, despite all the radar dopplers, and computer models.
The heat has been awful here too but we had a few nice cool days in a row, everyone sure enjoyed that. Such pretty flowers!!!
Thank you, Terry. Glad to have shared some pretty flowers for you. I think I’d sell my soul at this point for some rain. 😆
These ARE brilliant colors, it’s just too bad the air quality has sucked. As for that cat, it’s a strategic location is all. Elsa and Wilson achieve a balance that keeps the peace, I think. He talks her down from the ledge with cats and she TRIES to talk him out of the hedge with squirrels. It ain’t perfect but diplomacy is hard work.
Have a great weekend at the ranch.
Thanks! I like that metaphor for the balance of the Ranch Hands. Like everyone else these days, neither side listens to the other. LOL
Haha! Have a great weekend mama.
I will if you will! 😁
Done!
Nice photos, cute kitty. I check the air quality daily at airnow. gov I hope yours gets better. XO
Thanks, Ellen. That kitty was a looker for sure. I get alerts on my cell phone about the air quality. It’s been quite depressing lately. I can’t remember a day in July that hasn’t had bad air quality and the smoke from the wildfires makes it worse. The morning, the sun as it was rising was quite red from all the particulates.
A super walk, Monika. The flowers were standouts. I liked that hollyhock. Such a beautiful color. Thanks again.
Thanks for joining us. We love any vibrant hued flowers. They just bring a big smile. I’m always astounded whenever hollyhocks pop up, especially when it’s in sidewalk cracks. Nature always finds a way, doesn’t it? Have a great weekend.
Thank you, Monika. I agree on the vibrant hued flowers. Have a great weekend yourself.
We’re not generally fans of pastel flowers. 😈
How about the sharp claws on that little puppy! Mom would want to trim them down asap. Pretty flowers, we love cone flowers. Here we will be in the 90’s with so much humidity we need a knife to cut through it, yuck! Lots of indoor time and napping are on our weekend agenda.
Seems like all babies, human or canine have long nails when they’re born. I’m sure they’ll get trimmed quickly since handling them frequently during the day can pose problems for the handler. Weighing those little guys must be fun. Lots of squirming and squeaking, no doubt. Have a great weekend. Hope things will cool down soon for all of us.
Beautiful flowers Monika and those pups are so sweet 😍 We hope the air quality will improve soon and wish you all a happy weekend 🤗❤🐕 xxx
Aww, thank you so much, Xenia. You’re too kind. We just hope the wildfires get under control soon. Almost a one million acres in Oregon alone. Wishing you a safe and peaceful weekend.
I need to give that belly raspberries! So cute! Your two are wonderful too but puppies….sigh.
Oh yeah…puppies out cute Land Hippos or Ninjas any day of the week. 😉
Land Hippos? You need to wash your mouth out with soap! 🙂
AKA House Pony. 🤣
Yes, I knew that but pony is nicer than hippo!
🤣 🤣 🤣 It wasn’t a criticism…just an observation. He squashed me right proper last night when he joined me on the sofa. Seemed a lot like a hippo then! LOL
He’s smaller than an IH!
Barely. LOL
As always… a fun nature walk and lovely images. Nice way to start the day.
Thanks for joining us. You’re always welcome and we appreciate your swing by the Ranch. Have a great weekend.
Those are such pretty blooms, even if they too have to ‘breathe’ the hot and unhealthy air…there is no escape for them…
I hope the conditions improve so that you can enjoy the great outdoors again.
We almost got a tree rat earlier today…he was being a thief in the bird feeder…those rascals climb up on the volunteer sunflowers that come up around the feeder…and we let those grow, because the birds love to nosh on them. Sometimes the tree rats chop them down to get at the seeds…phooey!
Yikes, yeah no, that kind of hoodlum-ry would never be permitted at the Ranch. Nope, not even a little. Have a super weekend.
Those paws! He’ll be a giant!
Lovely photos of the plants in your neighbourhood..but sorry about the lousy weather conditions.
Thanks, Helen. No shrinking violets among that litter, that’s for sure! Our physical location makes these air quality alerts even more likely. That and people driving everywhere. Sigh.
Such colourful flowers and plants! So sorry you have such crappy air quality. I do hope the fires are brought under control.
Awww… those Irish Wolfhound pups are so sweet. My cousin has two. Bloody hell they are huge!
Everyday the fires seem to grow. Eastern Oregon is literally on fire and have burned nearly a million acres. 😬
It’s always fun to be around IW’s but I am having a hard time wrapping my head around 11 (9 from the litter plus the parents). Things are gonna get interesting. 🤣
I know. It’s crazy. I wonder how there are any forests left!
11!! Hoooooly Smokes!
Yeah, I had to stop and ‘try’ to wrap my head around that!
Nuts
Their old house here had a wrap around deck where the two adults galloped around whenever anyone showed up. It sounded like thunder!
Oh wow! I bet! My cousin’s dogs broke her collarbone when they both took off as she was unclipping them from her so they could go free in the woods…
And lemme tell you, they take up a lot of real estate!
Oh yes, They are consummate bed and sofa hogs! They need their own furniture.
My cousin actually has supplied them with their own furniture!! Plus, they just can’t sleep on a hard floor with those bony legs of theirs.
Yep, they seem to hunt out soft surfaces to cradle those long legs. Often it’s on top of a human. LOL
Hahaha! Right!
Oh. My. God. Look at the size of the paws on that puppy! It is going to be ginormous!
Lovely photos of your neighborhood, as always, Monika! Have a great weekend!
I know, right?! That was my reaction. And then I got all squishy when I saw the Pooh belly. 💙
Lovely walk today and I enjoyed the flowers, particularly the Coleus. I used to have these – must get them again. Went out for our walk this morning and I was so cold that I cut it short and came home. Alright for Himself – he was in the stroller all wrapped up in a blanket whilst my hands – even with gloves – were like lumps of ice. The temperature this morning was 2c, which in this part of the world is very cold. Many people have mentioned that they don’t recall it ever being this cold in winter before. If it is this cold in winter, how hot is it going to get in summer?
As always, thank you for dropping by. We love having you join us on the walks. Mom was a slug this week when it came to photography. She took all those pics the morning she posted. It’d been so toasty, she said it’s hard to be enthusiastic about photographing flowers in the heat and lousy air quality.
We’d gladly trade our heat for your cold. Mittens included at this point.
Do take good care and have a great rest of the weekend. Digital ear rubs for our favorite Down Under pup. Stay warm, Benji!