Welcome to the Summer of Hades, 2025 edition. Bloody hell…who turned the blinking heat up?? We are under a heat advisory for the next few days. Good thing my fur coat was groomed last week but I’m still panting up a storm to cool myself down and Mum is sweating like a pig. Neither of us do well in heat and I have to make sure she stays well hydrated. Heck, we both have to stay well hydrated since unlike many areas of the country, ours is what’s known as ‘a dry heat.’ I don’t give a squirrel’s patootie, the bottom line is it’s been ungodly hot.
Wilson here. For those who need a bit of inspiration in the “this too shall pass” category, there are ‘only’ 94 days until autumn arrives. You can count on us keeping track of that number as it goes down. I know there are many of you enjoy summer and extol the virtues of extra sunlight to which I say, “Bollocks-you can have it!”
The Mum: Wilson!! Easy with the language, buddy!
Wilson: Whaaat? I’m just stating facts, Mum. It’s miserable out there. {grumbling} Bloody Summer Equinox…you can have it.
The Mum: My goodness…you’re sure getting very worked up. We’re going to have to soldier up, do the best we can and hope this heat dome breaks up. It’ll mean our walks will likely be starting at oh-dark-thirty…i.e. 5:00 AM. I’m yawning just thinking about the uncivilized hour.
Wilson: I’ll be ready, Mum. So let’s get started with this week’s slices of nature…it’s all about trees. We’re joining our friends from Adventures of the LLB Gang. Be sure to click on the link to see what others have shared. Before the heat set in on us, the mornings were heavenly perfumed by the scent of all the Littleleaf Lindens that are in bloom across our neighborhood right now. Their fragrance is absolutely intoxicating. Don’t the flowers look like Lily of the Valley?
The Mom: It’s one of my absolute favorite trees. I inhale deeply on our walks enjoying that fabulous fragrance once they start blooming.
Wilson: It’s a lovely tree, Mum but what about the Popcorn tree?
The Mum: Popcorn tree? Oh, you must mean the Catalpa tree which is also in bloom.
Wilson: I dunno, Mum…it looks like popcorn all over the sidewalk to me.
The Mum: Yeah, it does rather look like popcorn on the sidewalk. Catalpa trees are kind of messy but they’re great shade trees and those blooms are beautiful when you look closely. Just make sure you don’t look too closely, you might inhale a bee!
Wilson: They sure are messy trees. All those orchid-like blooms all over the sidewalk and then those long, cigar shaped seed pods will start falling, from autumn through winter. The blooms and seed pods from the large specimen across the street always manage to land in our yard in addition to our own. Remind me why you planted it?
The Mum: When the city made me take down the Silver Maple, they said they’d replace it with another shade tree. I applied for a Honey Locust which they did plant, but for some reason, they threw in a Catalpa as well as an Oak tree. Lots of leaves, flowers and acorns to deal with. The squirrels don’t seem to mind. They seem to love all the trees that are messy. Me, not as much.
Wilson: Hey, I try to do my part keeping the squirrels at bay. I can’t help it if you don’t want me chasing them..
The Mum: Well they tend to run out in the street and you’re all too eager to follow them. There’s been another flowering tree that’s currently in bloom and it’s also a beauty..
Wilson: That’s right, Mum. It’s a Japanese Tree Lilac. Those creamy white flowers fill the morning air with a luscious scent. This is a modestly small tree but seems to do well in Colorado. We’re starting to see and more of them around the neighborhood.
The Mum: It’s a real beauty for sure. But what about that fabulous cherry tree we walk past every day? It ripened earlier than any of the other cherry trees in the neighborhood. The owner even said if we could reach the fruit at the top, it was ours.
Wilson: Well I’d have been up for it but don’t think you could have reached the top fruit without a ladder and then we’d have to carry a bucket with us then wash and pitt them once we got home. You told me you did that once and it was pretty much an all day project.
The Mum: Yup, it sure was. Pitting was the pits-no pun intended. But the jam sure was yummy. I might consider making peach jam later in the summer but cherries are a lot of work and we’ve been pretty busy with hospital visits and rescue work.
Wilson: Speaking of busy, there was the rescue picnic over the past weekend. We were unable to attend but it sure looked like a fun event. Lok at all those sheepies! And we managed to raise about as much as we raised last year for the rescue. Everybody had a good time even if it was somewhat warm.
The Mum: Yeah, maybe next year we can attend and you can run around in a beautiful setting with loads of other sheepdogs.
Wilson: Oh that would be so posh, Mum. I do hope I can attend.
The Mum: Well we’ll see. Well, that’s it for this edition of nature. We hope you all have a lovely weekend and we pray everyone stays safe and hydrated this weekend and especially don’t overdo it. But if you’re out, please try to savor the wonders of Nature.
Wilson: Meanwhile I’ll be wondering why Nature has to be so doggone difficult and likely making plans to visit Yellowstone National Park and lying near the air conditioner vent. We hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
A lovely selection of trees. Stay cool and safe. It’s hot here too, but not quite as bad.
Thanks, Sue. We’re hoping for a break in the heat starting today. 🤞🏼
You sure walk by some beautiful trees, Wilson. Thanks for sharing the photos. I hope it’s still cool enough when you walk early. I’ll be joining you in an early walk most of this week. It’s hot today, but also raining, so we’re staying inside. Don’t chase the squirrels into the street. That could end badly for both of you. We can’t have that.
Thanks, Dan. It’s been close to 70F when we walk well before 6 AM. Hopefully the heat dome will break up later today and we can experience slightly cooler temps next week. At least we don’t have the humidity you folks back East ‘enjoy.’ Our paws are crossed there’s a spot of moisture for us next week. We definitely need it. And besides, it keeps those naughty tree rats away. 😉
It rained earlier today. It’s 84 degrees and 81% humidity a.k.a. gross. I hope you have a better week as your recent weather comes to us.
Hope the heat isn’t as bad as it was out West. 🤞🏼
We’re going to be over 100 for three days 🙁
Ugh. You have my deepest sympathies.
It took me a day but I finally remembered the tree with giant seed pods that caught my attention when I first moved to Colorado, LOL. Honey Locust!
Yeah, the seeded variety can be pretty annoying too but nothing like the Catalpa. So far 🤞🏻 the two I have in my garden have not developed those seed pods. They are great fun to crunch though. Have a great weekend!
Beautiful photos. I can’t wait for fall. 🙂 XO
Thanks, Ellen. You and me both! ‘Only’ 94 days. Hope you have a great weekend.
Those temps are insanity squared. Talk about roasting! We’re supposed to hit triple digits next week, ugh!
Your “popcorn” trees just reminded me. I forgot to BUY popcorn yesterday!
Great news on the picnic, and next year will be even better when youse two are there with them.
Stay . . . umm . . . cool, okay guys?
We’re lucky we don’t have the East Coast humidity but I swear when it’s a 101F (like it is right now), my eyes turn into pinwheels.
Yikes, no popcorn…for the weekend…better make a stop and pick some up, Marc! Have a great weekend.
The humidity is so ridiculous. I used to love it when I was running because it made me know I was working at the end. But now? Nope.
Ha! You do the same mama.
Yeah, count me out when it comes to humidity. No can do. Period. Savor that popcorn and try to stay comfortable.
It’s going to be safe to go outside in . . . September?
I’m thinking November is prolly more like it. 😂
Sadly.
We’ll trade you some humid air for the dry air. Mom hates humidity and we are in for three days of life in a sauna, 100 degrees and super humid, yuck! On the bright side, after today we are headed back closer to winter and we can’t wait! Have a cool weekend if you can.
High temps and high humidity is the double whammy and it’s no bueno for both me and Wilson. I hope next week is better here too. Have a great weekend!
Hey Wilson. You watching those deer? Too bad you can’t chase them. You’re a busy boy with all that therapy work you do and I’m real proud of you. *wags and smiles* Lucy
Hey Monika. I think if I could get to those cherries I’d pick about a quart and just use them to snack on! I love cherries. All the trees around here quit flowering some time ago. But here and everywhere I go, the greenery is dominant and beautiful…our neighborhood, the view of the mountains, even alongside the road.
Both of you try to stay cool…ice cream or popsicles might help!
Oh no, chasing elk is a definite no-no. They’re cool to watch, but chasing is definitely no bueno. They can be very aggressive especially during the rut (mating season). Pie cherries are pretty tart so there isn’t too much snacking before they get turned into something delish. But there’s no way in h-e-double-hockey sticks I’m turning on my oven. For anything! Have a great weekend.
LOL. (I didn’t realize there were pie cherries vs snack cherries. Thanks for the heads up.) Oh, and it’s still 80 outside here, but the oven is on baking Xena her birthday cookies for tomorrow.
Lucky you. It’s still in the upper 90’s at 7 PM.
Don’t get me wrong, pie cherries are tasty. They just need sugar to make them better. Happy early Barkday wishes for sweet Xena. 🦴🎉🦴
wilson…dood…eye heer ya…de gurl said afturr thiz winter, her waz knot gonna…soundz like switch…bout it bee in hotter N …soundz like swell…out side…will see how far thiz getz 🥵😺🐾 total lee paws up fotoz ‼️‼️🦋🍀🌸💙💚
Thanks Mackerel and Girl…I’d gladly take the cold over the heat…you can always layer to feel comfortable but you can only remove so much before the police start getting twitchy! Have a great weekend and try to stay cool.
I loved this flowering tree tour, Monika and Wilson. I feel for you on the temperatures. Our time on Hell’s Back Porch is coming up soon. I hope you can stay cool till it breaks.
Thanks, John-so glad you enjoy the tree post. I feel for you knowing how miserable it’ll be with Texas temps. Not to be crude, but this is the time of the year when a person needs loose knickers that don’t stick to your bum. Ugh. Have a great weekend and stay cool. Ear rubs to the fur kids!
so miserably hot, we’re in that red zone on your map
I almost passed out walking this morning. I like cold weather, you can put on a coat, but I’m down to borderline nekkid in shorts and sleeveless, no doubt frightening small children…
LeeAnna
I hear you-it was hot at 5:45 AM this morning and it was still in the 80’s at midnight! Gah…not ready for that and can’t help but wonder how bad is it going to be in July & August. I’m also afraid there won’t be summer monsoons in July. Give me cold weather where you can add as many layers as necessary. You can only remove so much when it’s hot if you want to stay legal. Stay as cool as you can and have a good weekend.
wilson…dood…tell mum me and de gurl total lee agreez with de hole heet thing🥵🥵 her toll her self tho, arfturr winter, her waz knot gonna…soundz like switch…bout de hotter N…soundz like swell….weatherz…eye will see how long thiz laztz 😺🐾 two dayz fotoz rock de houz…manee thanx for sharin 🌸🍀💚💙‼️ mackerull and de gurl ☮️
The heat is absolutely ungodly, Mackerell and Girl. And it’s not even July or August-out typically hottest and driest months. Ugh. Right now if I thought there was a glacier nearby, I’d be all over it. I can always add layers but you can only remove so many clothes before they arrest you. Have a great weekend and stay as cool as you can.
We are with you on the hot stuff…UGH, and UGH! We are under that same heat dome, and they’ve already put in heat advisories for the weekend and into next week. Good thing we had our AC inspected a few weeks ago…
Those are pretty trees!
We had a HUGE catalpa tree in our backwoods area, but we had it taken down…yes they are MESSY! Our neighbor has a large one, and right now it looks like a snow storm on their grass and even in our yard. Then late all the other fin messes it makes. Apparently in the city near us, they are banned. Not sure why, maybe they clog up the sewers?
Glad your rescue group meeting and fundraiser was a success.
Have a great weekend and stay cool!
They’re such a beautiful tree but boy, talk about a hot mess (no pun intended here). Lover how tall they get. Those elephant ear sized leaves take forever to compost and I wonder if the seed pods ever do 😆 Still, it’s fun to see nature making popcorn. Try to stay as cool as possible. Hope you are able to spend the weekend not working for a change. 😉 Have a great one!
Wilson, that is the best way to enjoy the outdoors when it is so hot! Chester will be singing the blues next week, he doesn’t enjoy the heat either. But today is beautiful just like those trees! Have a good weekend, big guy, hope it cools down for you.
Thanks, Martha. We bot completely empathize with Chester. These hot spells are never fun and means we have to get up at the crack of dawn to beat the heat. I will probably be making pup-cicles for Wilson out of blended watermelon. That is if I manage to go to the store. Stay as cool as you can when it begins to heat up. Have a terrific weekend.
We feel your pain…even here in the mountains, where we are camping, it’s in the 80s…
Hopefully the Summer rain will arrive soon!
xoxo,
Rosy & Sunny
Yikes! There’s no escaping the heat dome this weekend-we all just have to stay hydrated and as cool as possible. I fear the monsoons came last month. 😬 Hope you are able to have a lovely weekend getaway.
Lulu: “That is some crazy triple digit heat!”
Java Bean: “Ayyy, reminds me of my days as a street dog in Baja.”
Lulu: “How did you ever cope with that? I would be sweating just thinking about it if dogs could sweat!”
Java Bean: “Short fur helps a lot!”
Crazy indeed! I dread what July and August are going be like. Have a good weekend, pooches…and say hi to the felines for us.
Thanks so much, Carole. Those flowering trees are one of the only things making the heat bearable. They are all just so beautiful. Pardon me now while I go fill up the bathtub with ice. 😉 Have a great weekend!
My sis is drowning in Indiana–8 inches in a week at last SMS. Love that doggy picnic! What cuties!
Oh gosh, so sorry for your sis. Bet the humidity is over the top. So sorry.
Yeah, there’s nothing quite like a sheepdog picnic for loads of fun and joyful bouncing with glee. Never a dull minute with 30+ sheepdogs chasing one another and trying to snarf an unguarded burger. LOL Have a great weekend.
I always love your Nature Friday posts – I can almost smell the lovely blooms right through the phone screen!! Stay cool and hydrated! We’ve been having some hot days, too; but thankfully the breeze in the backyard is enough for a few minutes of play each time.
Have a great weekend!!
Aww, thanks, Sue. You’re too kind. Rather than jimming around with the dashboard, I wish WP could do a scratch and sniff kind of improvement. It’d make a lot of us nature lovers happier than dealing with the stupid block editor and other so-called improvements that make me want to tear out my hair. Stay cool, hydrated and enjoy your weekend. Hugs the Zen kids for me.
Don’t tell Mom, but we like your word “bollocks”, Wilson, sums it up quite well as we, too, head toward 100 here, ‘cept ours is plus hum-idity … ditty, ditty, doo! Drip, drip. All those trees are so very pretty, sure hope they don’t shrivel up in the hots ahead. Take care and stay cool!
Thanks, Ann. No need to encourage the boy with his language! LOL Yeah, neither of us do humidity. It makes me quite nauseous. I barely can function with the dry heat and was sent home from grade school with heat rash on more than one occasion. The irony is I live in a mountain desert! Go figure. We hope you and June stay cool and have a great weekend.
Gonna be in the mid to high 90’s here next week, with all the humidity. I may not step foot outside the whole week. Ugh.
Oh dear…I wouldn’t blame you one bit. High temps are bad enough…add high humidity and it’s definitely not bearable. I’d get physically ill in that environment. Hope you have a good weekend despite the weather.
Cute shot of Wilson watching TV. 😉 Stay cool! 😎
Thanks, Eliza. He watched that documentary on Yellowstone for a long time. It actually surprised me how intent he was. Have a great weekend.
Great picture with all those “Wilsons” posing! We went from a high of 65 to 90 in a day. My body didn’t know what happened. I don’t think I’ve seen a flowering Linden here locally but we have a lot of the Japanese lilacs. The best part of this time of year is all the good smelling stuff.
thanks, Kate. When we have those picnics, it’s a whole lot of energy running around. Lots of happy sheepies.
These crazy high temps are really tough so early in the season. I know just what you mean by the wide swings. Early mornings were in the upper 40’s and low 50’s, with this heat, we start out close to 70…and that’s at 5:45 AM! Ugh. Linden trees are wonderful and usually can be found all over the Western Hemisphere (they might be known as basswood-another name for them). With thick foliage, they make amazing shade trees. Have a terrific weekend-stay cool and enjoy summer’s scents!
We have Linden trees here but they don’t bloom.
Yikes…you guys got gypped! The scent of the flowers are heavenly divine.
We had a lime tree in France…..the scent was gorgeous, but had to remember not to park the car underneath. I used to dry the flowers for a soothing tisane.
As for the cherries….pick them with the stem and preserve them in brandy. Much less work!
Parking under trees is always a bad idea. If the sap or nectar doesn’t get you, the birds will. Oooh, I like the idea of brandied cherries although the pictured cherries are what we call pie cherries, not those luscious dark cherries that are sweeter. Pies cherries are great for pies or cobblers but you need to add a lot of sugar as they’re pretty tart for the most part. Hope you have a great weekend.
They sound like the ones we used in France….a little bit tart, as you say, but the brandy deals with that!
Hmm, good to know! Thanks!
WOW….remind us what kind of heat you are enduring when we complain here of our temps in the upper 90s! We just haven’t had “super heat” in Virginia in a while and when we get heat we also get humidity – dripping, sweating, icky humidity. Anyway, love all the photos – even in the heat the beauty goes on doesn’t it! Stay cool gang. We intend to!!
Huggies, Teddy and his Mom
Thanks…luckily humidity is a rare commodity in our arid climate…which is a good thing. I don’t handle humidity well at all! Looks like most of country is going to be hot across the board. Ugh. I’m worried about what July and August are going to be like. Stay cool and have a great weekend.
I enjoyed the views of the trees you showed us and what you said about summer and the heat! I echo your sentiments, Wilson. And truly you have some beauty to enjoy!