Wilson: {singing} Doh-de-do-dah…humming…good morning, Ninja. How are you this fine Friday the Thirteenth?
Elsa: Umm, ok…but why are you so chipper today? You ready to share some slices of nature?
Wilson: Of course I’m chipper, I didn’t have to go to the vet. After a great week where I spent a lot of time at the hospital, I can do a few photos. I’m getting pretty good at this multitasking thing-being a dapper chap after being freshly groomed this week as well as providing some interesting pics we found this week. But this week’s pics are a tiny bit unusual in that we’re featuring Christmas critters. How’s that sound?
Elsa: Don’t rub it in on the vet visit. Bet you wanted to feature squirrels dressed up like tiny elves, don’t you?
Wilson: Umm, I’m not going to lie, that would be entertaining, but no. Mum didn’t see any tiny little elves but she did notice a fair number of neighbors who brought out some big critters…and I’m not talking about those noisy inflatable critters. There’s a fair number of them and some blocks seem to be competing for the title of tackiest seasonal garden ever. This house in particular makes my head practically explode every time we walk past it. What the bloody dog is up with those folks?
Elsa: Oy…I don’t know how you can walk past that house, day after day. Talk about too much!
Wilson: Precisely. There’s so much going on in that garden, and we only got half of it in the frame! That block is squirrel central-there’s a gob of them there but I can’t spot them for all these decorations. What’s a good dog to do? I prefer subtle decor.
Elsa: Blah, blah, blah…ok, I don’t blame you this time. What do you have in terms of Christmas critter photos?
Wilson: Well, as you alluded to earlier, it’s been a hectic week and we didn’t really see a too much actual nature. Everyone in the neighborhood is busy decorating their gardens-some tastefully and others…well not to cast dispersions but others are more like the photo above. But we did have a couple of nice sunsets. Does that count for actual nature photos?
Elsa: Sure, why not. I mean since Mom’s been busy and there aren’t anymore of those obnoxious inflatables, bring on what you got.
Wilson: Mum loves sunrises since we’re always up early but we saw a sunset with some beautiful color for a change of pace. She loved looking through the silhouetted tree limbs to see that pretty color.
Elsa: Oooh, nice, dude. I remember that evening. It was bright and not too chilly after Monday’s quick snowstorm.
Wilson: Yeah that was something else. The forecast says we may have a couple more quick storms over the next several days. Maybe we can make a snowman?
Elsa: Umm, yeah, no. There’s too much to do before Santa Paws arrives and I don’t want to spend time making a snowman when there are dog treats to bake.
Wilson: Egad, you’re right. Time to be efficient with our time! Well when we’re out on our daily constitutions, we’ll still look for tasteful Christmas decor. First up, I spotted a moose! I mean, a MOOSE…in our neighborhood. What are the odds?
Elsa: Hmm, haven’t seen one of those in the neighborhood, although we did have some deer noshing on the groundcover in our Dr. Dolittle post.
Wilson: Whoa…you had real live deer in the garden?? I say, that’s something, considering we live so close to the downtown business center but I’m getting used to seeing hooved critters like these.
Elsa: Meh…more stuff to store by my way of thinking but at least those guys are quiet. I like peace and quiet. This is the season of peace and these fit the bill.
Wilson: Peace is good. I liked this little bear too. He didn’t seem too threatening toward Mum, me or the snowman he was sitting next to.
Elsa: {eyes rolling} Threatening? You really are a buffoon, aren’t you? You know it’s not real, right?
Wilson: Oh right, I kind of got caught up in the moment. My bad.
Elsa: Just wanted to keep you grounded. You’re taking this Christmas critter thing a bit too serious. At least you didn’t growl at any of the critters.
Wilson: Mum was quite proud of me, especially where the moose was concerned. I approached it cautiously though because those things can be dangerous.
Elsa: Oh for heaven’s sake. Those aren’t real; there’s no danger!!
Wilson: I’m not taking any changes. I mean, I don’t want you to get your tinsel all twisted like me during our recent photo shoot. Where Mum gets these ideas I have no idea. We hope you all have a sporting good weekend and are able to enjoy a spot of real nature as you’re out and about rushing around finishing up your holiday preparations.
Elsa: You do know when you pose like that, it gives Mom more incentive to do more photo sessions with costumes?
Wilson: Yes, I do realize it. I’ve also figured out the high value treats flow readily. See, I’m not a complete fool. Nom, nom. Have a great weekend!
