Well…Friday the 13th has been thought to be an unlucky day ever since Norse times. One explanation suggested the reason of the number 13 being unlucky as the ill-fated dinner party of 12 Norse gods in Valhalla. The trickster god known as Loki (who had not been invited), arrived as the 13th guest. He tricked the blind Höðr, son of Odin, to shoot Balder with a mistletoe-tipped arrow. The myth goes on…with Balder’s death, Earth became dark. As the whole Earth mourned, the number 13 began to be viewed as an unlucky day. It might be easy to see why this caused everyone to go gah-gah crazy about the number and consider it unlucky. It sure was for Balder.
The unlucky nature of Friday the 13th also has roots in Christianity with the arrest of the Knights Templar on Friday, October 13, 1307, by officers of King Philip IV of France as the origin of the Friday the 13th superstition, but the origins are murky. There are also connections to Hispanic and Greek culture as well and I could go on but then we’d never get to the nature part of this post so let’s just leave it there. Whether you believe that Friday the 13th is unlucky, I got a post to write, so do you own thing, ‘kay? Just don’t walk under any ladders or let a black cat cross your path today and you should be fine. With apologies to cats…sheesh, doesn’t seem right to discriminate against black cats…but here we are. So, House Pony…waddu got for us today?
Wilson: A bonny day to you, little one. Well I thought today might be a bit different…
Elsa: [interrupting] Different-how so? Do you mean we won’t add to the already 61 days 90ºF and above this summer? Well hallelujah…
Wilson: What I meant was we’re not showcasing flowers today, but instead taking a look at vegetable gardens from around the neighborhood.
Elsa: Wha..wait a minute-that sounds lame.
Wilson: Au contraire, sister. Nature is everywhere when you look around…I just thought we could look at something a little different. Just have an open mind, would you?
Elsa: Hey, it’s your parade. I just call ’em like I see it.
Wilson: Well tell me you don’t see beauty in these garden images? Note to readers, that’s not rain drops but supplemental watering on some of those plants. We have kind of forgotten what rain looks like in our area. Sigh.
Elsa: Well…maybe…okay, I guess I see your point. But there’s nothing there that I’d eat.
Wilson: Now, now…as you like to remind me, not everything in life is about eating. Egad, I can’t believe I’m saying that but think of it as a good thing to expand your horizons, Ninja. Besides, you don’t eat flowers either.
Elsa: Who’d have thought you’d be so philosophical? I mean, who’d have thought you, of all people, would be so reflective. I’m impressed.
Wilson: Excuse me, I’m a sheepdog, not a ‘people’. There’s more to me than just being a pretty face.
Elsa: You can say that again…
Wilson: I resemble that remark!
Elsa: You would. Got anything else?
Wilson: Ahem…as a matter of fact I do. You know how Mum likes garden art. Well when she was off celebrating her birthday earlier this week with our Auntie Cheryl, they were sitting in Cheryl’s backyard and Mum spied this little fella. Isn’t he just as cute as a sheep can be?
Elsa: Umm, only you’d think a sheep was cute. I’d have to inspect and sniff it in person before I went there.
Wilson: Balderdash! I haven’t sniffed it but still think that little fella is adorably cute.
Elsa: To each his own, I guess.
Wilson: That’s what makes art so interesting. Mum also found this picnic area for squirrels yesterday. I was naturally appalled….I mean, setting up a picnic table for tree rats is, is {stammering} just all wrong!
Elsa: Oh I dunno, maybe we should think of it as more for birds than squirrels. Reframing that thought makes it more palatable. I can’t believe anyone would seriously entertain accommodating squirrels. I mean, I just can’t.
Wilson: I know just what you mean. But then Mum found this little drinking fountain of love and I softened my thoughts, if you can believe that.
Elsa: It’s a nice touch to end this week’s post. Although I wasn’t a fan of the idea of showcasing vegetable gardens, you ‘done good,’ Land Hippo. Well done.
Wilson: Why thank you…glad you enjoyed something different for a change. I know how you struggle with anything that’s not part of your deeply ingrained routine, so I appreciate it. Well, sister…you have anything on your agenda this weekend?
Elsa: Beyond the normal, nope. While today is hosting a nice cool front moving through the region, it’s back to adding to the 90ºF list for the next few days before more autumn-like temps start in earnest. I think there’s a Oktoberfest festival near the Farmer’s Market this weekend, so maybe Mom will swing by to check it out. Having been to the real Oktoberfest in Munich, she’s not expecting much but it’ll be something. Whatever you do, we hope you enjoy your weekend omp-pah-pahs as you take in all the beauty Nature offers. Prost!
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Wow 90F – that’s a nice day in South Austtralia, but the temperature in your part of the world is very different from this part of the world and 90F is only 32C but considering what has been happening I am not looking forward to summerr here and 32C may well be a long forgotten memory once summer kicks in here..
Thanks, John. We’ve had over 60 days of 90F or above this summer. We may have turned the corner, this week has been just a tad cooler and hope it continues to improve. I saw a news report that indicated the temps on average have been about 13º above average which is more than slightly concerning. 90 at altitude is a whole ‘nother kind of heat although I’m sure so many others experience the same and above temps all the time without issue. It just doesn’t work well for my constitution especially as I get older. Hopefully your summer won’t be record setting. Cheers.
Happy birthday’s all around to those who need them. Those are good looking veggies. At this point in the season, it’s good to be getting some harvest. I liked the banter today. Those two are fun to listen to. I hope you get a quick beak from those 90s. We’ve been under that line for a couple weeks, but the sun is hot and there’s been no rain.
Thanks, Dan. With all the heat we’ve had this growing season, I’ve been pleasantly surprised at veggie gardens around the ‘Hood. My potted tomatoes need to be watered 4 times a day and still don’t look as good. A few more days of 90’s then I’m hoping we can enjoy some 70’s and 80’s. When you’re at a mile high, the sun is very, very intense. I hope the summer is not a harbinger of what winter will be like with scant precipitation.
I never thought about the altitude being a factor. Yikes.
It makes it all that more intense. Really the only thing that mitigates the altitude is our lack of humidity, thank heavens. 😉
Love the sheep!
Thanks! Isn’t he simply adorable?
We love that sheep. Mom has a few metal things like that around the yard because she likes them. Those squirrel picnic benches are so cute and fun. Mom contemplated getting one but then decided not to as we don’t need more squirrels than we already have. Have a wonderful weekend!
That sheep has so much facial personality. Mom fell in love with it as soon as she spotted it. Squirrels do not make good neighbors and while that picnic table is just too cute, we’d prefer if they stayed away. Here’s to a wonderful weekend.
We love your nature walks! Yard art is fun and especially fun when it’s meant to help the critters who need a snack or a drink of water. We’re having some early Fall weather but aren’t trusting it will stay – it’s just a “tease” !!
Hugs, Teddy and Mom Pam
Trust us when we say we know all about the ‘tease.’ This yoyo weather is beginning to wear on us. Yesterday was pretty nice, today and tomorrow will climb back into the 90’s. Ugh. We have no problem helping out nature’s critters but squirrels do not make good neighbors. Our Mom loves animals of all strips…except for squirrels since they chewed through her kitchen window 3 times since we moved in. Have a great weekend and get ready to enjoy your September birthday! 😉
Java Bean: “Ayyy, that Loki, always getting up to some kind of funny mischief … Hey wait actually that sounds pretty mean. ¡No está bien, Loki!”
Some gods (and dogs, come to think about it) just have that characteristic to their personality. Not saying who at the Ranch, but I’m sure you can guess. 😉
Lookit all those yummy veggiess an fruitss Elsa an Wilson!! Furry furry kewl. An THE gaden ornymentss are so kewl two!!! Wilson you outdidi yoreself this week. Elsa yore Brothur iss purrty clevurr…
***nose bopss*** BellaDharma an (((hugss))) BelalSita Mum
Thanks, BellaDharma. We thought it was about time to show off garden beauty, not just show off pretty flowers. Glad you liked the garden art too. That sheep just makes me smile. Have a terrific weekend.
Wilson is quite the philosopher while Elsa is our narrator nonpareil. And it’s funny because I didn’t even realize it was Friday the 13th until someone mentioned it this afternoon.
Love the garden art.
Thanks, Marc. I had forgotten about Friday the 13th until late last night. Talk about needing to change the whole direction of the post! LOL These guys continue to keep things real. Have a great weekend and savor that peach crush for me.
Thank you Monika. Have a great weekend.
Beautiful photos. I am envious of the grapes. We have vines, but my hubby didn’t spray them so they ended up with blight. Xo
Thank you. Most of the grapes I’ve come across have been decimated by hordes of Japanese beetles. This one was just gorgeous and completely healthy. A real prize!
Another fine nature walk. Thanks.
Thank you! You’re very kind. Have a terrific weekend!
I cannot believe that Loki. Always causing trouble.
It’s true; he caused a heck of a lot of mischief. Have a great weekend, Thomas!
Loved the tour. The veggies were a nice touch. I agree the sheep was cute. The video of Oktoberfest reminded me that drinking with Germans was always hard work.
Thanks John-we thought it was time to look at some of the gorgeous fruits and veggies from city gardens for a change. Hard work but what a way to go. One of my best memories of my Oktoberfest trip was being in the Paulaner tent with about 5,000 other festival goers. It was such great fun and if you ever want to watch people, it’s pure nirvana. Waitresses always dash about carrying 10-12 liter glass mugs of beer to tables in Munich without a whimper. And they were tiny little women at that. I can barely carry 4 dinner plates at one go to the table. 🙂 Have a great weekend.
I love that little heart shaped birdbath! So sweet!
Thank you. It caught my eye on our walk. So precious, adorable and newly set out-I loved it.
oooo the sheep… and that heart fountain! Interesting how lore holds up through the years.,.. with no real reason but people’s desire to believe nonsense! Happy birthday to a wonderful unique woman and scritches to her snoopervisors that keep her in line!
LeeAnna
Isn’t that sheep adorable?! The heart shaped fountain is something new, I walk past that house twice a day and just fell in love with it. Thanks for the birthday wishes. It’s been a good week even if I’m older than dirt. LOL
Well, we might get up to 90F today…ugh! Then into the mid eighties for a while yet. It’s pretty much bone dry here, too…strange for us here, as September is often rather wet.
Yes, vegetables have their own beauty, don’t they!
Wilson if you saw that sheep art, you would likely try to herd it, right?? BOL!!
Have a great weekend!
Enjoy the Octoberfest! Ein Prosit!!
No doubt Wils would try to herd that statuary…he’s constantly trying to herd me. Clearly he’s right pawed because he always herds me in that direction. LOL We’ll try to stay cool if you will. Ugh…the summer that just won’t go quietly into the night. 😊
Boy, that strawberry looks delicious! Our temps have been hovering in the 80s this week…and getting down to the 50s at night!. Hoping that fall makes its way to the high desert soon too!
xoxo,
Rosy & Sunny
Our strawberry plant has really produced this year and is setting off babies like crazy. Now, if we can just figure out a way to keep the tree rats from noshing on them! The best time of day that’s really comfortable has been the early mornings. We keep cheering, “come on down, Autumn!” Have a great weekend in the high desert.
Wow, a tomatillo plant! Never tried growing one of those. That one looks really healthy. Enjoy the weekend, maybe with a good German beer?!
I’ve seen a few gardens that have them so they must not be too hard to grow. What a great addition to any salsa recipe, eh? Have a great weekend, Lisa. Hope the temps relent and the fires get under control. Thinking of you and sending loads of digital luck your way.
Thanks, we seem to be back down into the mid-high 70s, thank goodness!
Very glad about that! Enjoy.
Oh my, they are too funny! I do love that picnic area for the squirrels! How cute. It must be fun to watch them! And that heart drinking fountain is just darling!
So, after a bout of lovely cooler weather here, we are getting our pool closed today, and guess what? It’s now going up to 81 today and for the rest of the week! Sheesh. Best laid plans! Enjoy the Oktoberfest! Now if only the weather would cooler… 🙂
Many thanks, Dorothy. It’s been in the 90’s for so long, if it were 81 here, I’d have to wear a sweater. 🤣 Today will be nice with a ‘cold’ front (here that means mid to upper 70’s) moving in but then it’s back to 90’s again for the weekend. We keep hoping autumn weather will arrive along with some much needed moisture.
we still have strawberries too… but the mama was in deep shock after she ate one and saw what da nelly did with da bush… happy weekend ;o)))
We are big fans of the every-bearing variety. Unfortunately, so are the squirrels. They stole a big fat juicy one that was just a hair shy of perfect while we were on our walk. Doggone tree rats!
Your poor mama…better warn her not to eat any yellow snow. 🤣
We have almost fall weather here finally…mid 80’s and very cool nights have been most welcome. Love the squirrel picnic area – so cute!
The picnic area is pretty cute, just wish the squirrels weren’t the recipients. Ours are like Venezuelan street thugs and we certainly don’t want to invite them to stay.
Love the Venezuelan street thugs! Thanks for the laugh .
I love that garden art, so pretty! That was interesting about the 13th history. Have a fun weekend everyone!
Thanks Terry. Our Mom goes gah-gah over whimsical or cool garden art. She’s constantly scanning the landscape for the next cute thing. Enjoy the weekend!
You find the cutest things! I love the picnic table! Send some cooler weather this way, it’s a little warm here. Enjoy oktoberfest!
Thanks. Our Mom has been to visit her friend a jillion times and hadn’t noticed it before so it was a fun thing to see. The picnic table was adorably cute (even Mom admitted to that) but boy was she cheesed someone was catering to the neighborhood hoodlums. Have a great weekend. I think this short cool front will be heading your way soon. 🤞🏼
Friday 13th? Well, I won’t tempt fate by going to the bank today…they are evil enough at the best of times!
Friends went to an Oktoberfest here…..not even the beer was German!
I think Loki is the god of all banks! Oktoberfest without German beer…sacrilegious! Enjoy the weekend.
I enjoyed that picnic area for tree rats for certain! And we are in weeks of drought here as well. I have had to steadily water my gardenias. One almost died totally. I thought I was watering enough and I wasn’t. I am now!
We think tree rats should be sequestered…on another planet frankly. But we know people like them. The little buckets were so adorable.
We can definitely sympathize about drought conditions. We’ve had over 60 days of 90ºF or above this summer-we’re so over it. Here’s hoping your weekend is pawsome!
Cincinnati has been hot and dry … could use RAIN! Well done, Elsa about Friday 13th. I’m not sure about the sheep, but that patio for tree rats is good! Mom will stop by the festivities for a beer … and rekindle memories of the grand one.
Thanks Frank. Mom giggled when she noticed the sheep. She likes unusual. But this drought thing…ugh, we’re all over it. We may need to pray for snow just to get moisture since rain is clearly not in the cards. Cheers for a swell weekend.
Yup. Cooler today, and the smoke forecast seems to have, er, evaporated. Hah!
Lovely tour of your neighborhood, Monika, as always. Enjoy the fall weather!
Thanks Amy. We saw what you did with evaporated. Well done! We hadn’t notice the smoke too much but it’s been breezy. Since rain clearly seems out of the realm of possibilities…we think we need to start praying for snow! Have a great weekend.