We managed to make it to another Friday and we’ve lots to show you from a recent trip to Boulder, where Mom’s son lives. He had shoulder surgery and needed a caretaker to help him out while his partner was out of town. Well, color me happy…a road trip AND a visit to one of my favorite peeps. Wilson here to share photos from our time in Boulder with Mum. As always, we’re joining our friends from the Adventures of the LLB Gang. Be sure to click on the link to see what else was shared in this week’s Nature Friday blog hop.
My first walk around the North Boulder neighborhood took me up to the base of Mount Sanitas. It was a lovely morning looking in either direction at sunrise. But getting up there was where the real fun was. I got to see scads of bunnies. Oh my dog…they are EVERYWHERE. The neighborhood hardly had any squirrels, which was very disappointing. I wished for lots of squirrels at our neighborhood wishing well before we left. Once again, they spray painted the dried allium blooms vibrant color. Whoever grants the wishes must have been on vacation because I only got to see two squirrels in Boulder. I felt somewhat swindled but know my chances are loads better near our house.
Walking up toward Mount Sanitas, the clouds were busy dotting the sky. What an incredible view-both looking up as well as looking down toward town.
At 6,863 feet (2,092 meters), Mum was a tad winded since the climb is kinda of steep. One trailhead is just a mile from the downtown district where college students and tourists congregate in the many restaurants, pubs and other fascinating hang-outs.
One of the neighbors prepares fresh baked goods that she sells at a tiny pittance of their value especially in this toney part of town where million dollar plus homes are the norm. At the edge of the street near her driveway, she has the equivalent of a ‘lending library’ for dogs. Mum was touched by this sweet tribute, its message of love and sharing. When she showed that pic to her son, he told her that’s the lady who bakes and sells her treats to people from all over the area! They had a good laugh about that but I missed the joke. And come to think of it, the scones were missing too. Hmm, this a second gyp on this trip not that anyone is particularly keeping score, mind you…but…
The Mum: {interrupting} Wilson, sweet boy, you know perfectly well that baked goods aren’t for dogs and besides, I gave you lots of dehydrated liver treats on your walks. There’s no reason to feel gypped, House Pony.
Wilson: I’m not so sure about that Mum, you should know it’s particularly problematic when I hear my tummy gurgling…
The Mum: {interrupting again} Your stomach is always growling. I swear you must have either hollow legs or 7 stomachs!
Wilson: And that’s a problem because?
The Mum: {ignoring the question by changing the subject} So what else did you see on your walks?
Wilson: Around the corner from the box of tennis balls, we found a beautiful Japanese garden, complete with a really nice statute of the Buddha.
The Mum: It was a very serene walk highlighted by this statute and garden. It was the first of of some noteworthy garden artwork we passed. Do you remember this mailbox and donkey?
Wilson: No…erm neighhhhhhh {dog snicker}.
The Mum: Oh my…was that your attempt to deliver a Dad joke? I wouldn’t give up your day job.
Wilson: Harrumph. That was kind of harsh. Perhaps I shouldn’t be so compliant near busy intersections by poing so nicely for you, Mum? What do you think of that?
The Mum: Errr, let’s not get hasty now. You wouldn’t want to endanger yourself, especially at busy intersections, now would you?
Wilson: Good point. I’d probably lose my floofy head and run out into traffic in a panic. Doggone it…score one for Mum logic.
The Mum: It’s not about scoring anything, I just want you to stay safe sweet boy. What else do you have for us today?
Wilson: Well, I know you enjoyed these strange ‘flowers’ at the first dinner your son fixed. You said these steamed artichokes were quite tasty. I, on the other hand with my incredible floofy discernment, favored the salmon skins that were barbequed and served with them. Yum, yum…I think you need to start buying a package of those salmon filets soon. Just saying.
The Mum: My son is an amazing cook (and gardener) and we work well together with 3 hands making dinner on a lovely evening on the patio deck. Artichokes, salmon and a nice salad made for a tasty meal. The appetizers were equally tasty. I am going to hunt from some of that lemoned beet hummus. It was soooo tasty.
Wilson: Well my favorite part of our 3 days in Boulder (other than being with your son) came on the last day. I made friends with some very strange looking dogs. But we all were polite and they mosied on down the street, undisturbed by me. Not sure if the neighbor’s dog felt the same since he was barking up a storm but no one can say I was a nuisance while visiting that ‘Hood.
The Mum: At first I thought they were garden statutory and then the two babies kissed each other and then began nursing on mama. I’d never seen young fawns in person so it was a real treat for me as well. Mama seemed a tad nervous and said, “enough breakfast, let’s go, you little hooligans.” They were just a couple doors away from my son’s house and when I mentioned them to him he was not quite as excited about their visit as I was. They apparently scale fences and nosh on the fruit trees, elderberry bushes and planted veggies. Luckily the resident dog, Junie, is ‘Johnny on the spot’ keeping them at bay but folks generally aren’t glad they come around.
Wilson: Umm, Mum…wouldn’t that be Junie on the spot? Not that I’m overly picky, but…
The Mum: Oh Fine. Junie on the spot then. There…are you happy now?
Wilson: Happy as a clam at high tide, Mum. We’ll leave you with our best wishes to have a terrific weekend and hope you get out and enjoy some beauty around your neck of the woods.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
What a great tour where your twofeet brother lives, Wilson. So enjoying to see all the wild creatures walking through the streets🐇🦌So glad you have such a great time, but sorry for your twofeet’s arm. Healing Pawkisses for the occassion🐾😽💞
Thank you-so glad you enjoyed our walk. My son is doing very well in his recovery so we’re pleased for him. Thanks also for the pawkisses.
Java Bean: “Ayyy, you sure saw lots of interesting things on your walk around Boulder. My favorite is … BUNNY!!!”
Chaplin: “Dennis would have loved that box of tennis balls. He would have gotten to that and the walk probably would have ended right there. But then there would have been a lot of fetch being played!”
You’d have been in hog heaven, Bean…there were jillions of bunnies to acquaint yourself with. 😉
Fetch is always a good diversion when someone is willing to actually do the fetching. Wilson hasn’t subscribed to that part of the arrangement yet. 😉
Oh my goodness, what beautiful things you saw along your walk! You know we are big fans of Japanese Gardens, and the donkey and mail box are so very cool!
xoxo,
Rosy & Sunny (and Beth)
Thanks, guys. Japanese gardens are likewise appealing to us given that we live in such an arid environment. It’s nice to see all the greenery they offer. Stay as cool as you guys can.
Yay on a trip to Boulder. I am sure your son was much appreciative. I hope recovery goes well for him! Shoulder surgeries aren’t fun! My mom and my MIL both had rotator cuff surgeries.
Liver treats? No thanks. LOL! But I am sure you loved them Wilson!
Don’t stop posing for your mum, we love seeing your handsome photos 😊
So sweet about the tennis balls!
Love the sunset photo!
Japanese gardens are always so peaceful. I really like going to them.
Happy Saturday! Hope your weekend is going well! ❤️
Boulder was lovely and my son is doing great. Wilson says you don’t know what you’re missing on the liver treats. He’ll do just about anything for them. I was truly touched about the lending library of tennis balls. Such a sweet gesture. It was a crazy busy week; I’m glad it’s over and Wilson and I can R&R now for at least a few days. Have a terrific weekend.
I’m glad your son is doing so well.
Haha, on Wilson doing about anything for him. He will even pose for pictures, eh?
Yay on getting to rest this weekend. 🙂
I had a good weekend too! Went out for ice cream tonight. 🍦 😋
So ice cream is the cherry on top of this week-sounds like a perfect way to end a Saturday. Bravo!
Yes 🙂
Very nice walk. Thanks for sharing.
Many thanks for coming along our tour.
It seems late in the year to see such small fawns. At least around here.
Chia: A box of tennis balls? Woo hoo Did your Mom throw any for you, Wilson?
Lucy: I don’t want you to get hurt, either, sweet boy, so it’s best to listen to your Mom.
Thanks…I had the same thought!
Dear Chia, Wilson is not a toy or a ball dog. He just looks at them and can’t seem to figure out what he’s supposed to do, sighs and walks over to take a nap on the sofa. 💙 Hope you guys have a great weekend…with or without deer.
What’s wonderful tour of the neighborhood! Pierre would love to see a bunny but they’ve managed to avoid him. I hope your son’s shoulder heals quickly. I’m currently avoiding surgery with deep tissue cortisone shots in my shoulder. Let me know how he’s doing because I’m scared to go through it.
Thabnk you. We see them all the time in our neighborhood but I was flabbergasted at the sure number of them in my son’s. I’m surprised there aren’t more predators there.
Aww, poor Pierre, I’m sure he’d love to chase a bunny or two.
My son is doing great so far and told me this morning his pain level is between 3 and 5 on a scale of 1 to 10 after just 9 days. I had a full reconstruction of my shoulder back in 2007 (my ortho surgeon said he had to ‘crochet me back together’ with all the tendons needing to be attached so it was pretty serious). It didn’t help that the bone was broken on top of a torn rotator cuff and the ripped tendons. I survived with lots of PT, ice and time. knowing what I know now, I’d have pushed for the surgery sooner. Hope the shots help you. Best of luck!
This Nature Friday had it all!
Ya got your blue skies, your ‘lending library’ for dogs, which is a great idea. We have an art walk and a Zen siesta space and it sounds like a great dinner was the cherry on top of this beautiful cake.
Of course, no squirrels, which is a bummer for the boy but hey, you got to see some fawns so all is well, no?
Have a great weekend guys
Aww, thanks, Marc. You’re always so kind with your comments. It was a lovely time spent in a nice area and Wilson was excited to see one of his favorite peeps in the world. I’m just glad I could help take care of my son for a few days to help him get used to being laid up for the next 6-8 weeks.
I’ve never seen fawns in person before so close so that was a special treat. Wilson is learning to live without squirrels even if it’s to his chagrin. I keep telling him bunnies are far more interesting they way the zig and zag away. And those adorable little noses undulating in the early morning air. They’re just too cute. Have a fantastic weekend. Stay cool. Summer is coming your way and she’s not messing around!
You’re such a great mama.
I haven’t either but wow, what a great surprise you were gifted. And bunnies yes, they are fine company and I’m sure the boy will understand.
Ugh, She has been pummeling us for over a month!
Thanks, Marc. It was a wonderful few days in a setting that seemed like a vacation from the city hustle and bustle. I’m looking forward to a return trip soon-the hikes are amazing and the off-chance that there’ll be more opportunities to see different wildlife is hard to beat.
Summer wore out her welcome about 6 weeks ago in my books. Try to stay as cool as possible while nature keeps up with the bloody tantrums. Ciao.
That’s great to hear.
No kidding! Well, I’m sure it has to end eventually but that’s all I’m sure of.
Hope springs eternal on the end part-I’m over it times two.
I’ll second that times two.
What a wonderful bunch of fabulous photos – we absolutely loved the “lending box” – so very touching and kind…..some people are really so full of love it “bubbles over” to the whole community. Wilson you look fabulous in ALL your photos!
Hugs, Teddy and Mom Pam
Thanks! Yes, the lending box was so very touching. We hope you all have a great weekend and it’s not too hot. This week has been so hectic and busy and being out in those high temps was just flat miserable. We hope there’s a break in the heat soon. Have a lovely weekend.
What lot of fun and beautiful things and scenes! Thanks for sharing them with us non boulder peeps! We see a lot of deer here, and where son#2 lives, they come right into his backyard…and yup, they nosh on almost everything. Sweet box of tennis balls…that wishing well is fun, too!
Thanks so much. Boulder is a mere 36 miles away yet it’s like being on another planet whenever I go up there. Here’s hoping you have a fabulous weekend!
What a fabulous time you had sweet Wilson! The hike up Mount Sanitas looks wonderful and we love the tribute box for TJ 💛 Wishing you both a blessed weekend and much love from our house to yours 🐾❤️💫 xxx
Thank you, Xenia. It was a lovely time away and I’m glad I could help my son out while he copes with the restrictions for the next 8-12 weeks. The tennis ball lending library box was just too precious.
Hey Wilson, you sure have been busy but you found lots of really pretty and interesting things!
Thanks much, Terry. Being in Boulder is like being on another planet-it’s sooo different from our city landscape. Hope you and the kitties have a splendid weekend. Stay cool. We’re heating up again to the upper 90’s.
Thank you for the tour, Monika. I liked the tennis ball lending library as a tribute to TJ. I enjoyed the fawn kissing photo. We have a fawn that comes with its mother for carrots. That artichoke photo is fantastic. I tried to grow them once but failed. I hope you have a peaceful weekend
Thanks for coming along with us, John. The lending box was just so adorable and a lovely way to pass along TJ’s sweet memory. I think artichokes are challenging to grow but my son is a fabulous gardener. If any one can do it, he can! Here’s to a grand weekend. Hope it’s not too hot down your way. It’s going to be back in the upper 90’s here at least until Tuesday or Wednesday. 🥵
nice! all of it!
Thanks. It’s a treat to go visit my son in Boulder-I should go up there more often but with traffic, I doubt I’ll be getting up there too often. Have a lovely weekend-try to stay cool. Upper 90’s again-ugh.
We have a mama and her two fawns visit us occasionally. Fun to watch them grow. Not so fun when they nosh on my hydrangeas but they have to eat.
Being just 3 miles from the state capitol, I generally don’t see deer (I will note that we had a pair of adult females appear years ago before the neighborhood got so congested) so it was a treat to see fawns. My son calls them rats with hooves. Have a great weekend.
Some people call them rodents here too. Still so majestic!
I agree. Those ears and soft expressions of the eyes…gets me every time.
That sounds like a fun couple of days. We love the donkey mailbox and the metal donkey too. Mom loves donkeys. As for the salmon skins I think we would love them but Mom doesn’t like any kind of fish and won’t even touch it so no hope of getting those here. Happy Friday!
It’s always nice to get away and Boulder (while just 36 miles away) is like being on a another planet. I’m not a big fan of salmon (it’s too fishy tasting for me-I prefer cod or halibut) but the way my son grilled it (and we gave the dogs the skins), it was completely amazing. I’ve had dehydrated fish skin treats but haven’t had any lately. Hope you guys have a great weekend.
ooh the deer and the bunny and the donkey… and what a sweet idea with this balls… happy weekend to you
Mum laughed out loud when she saw that donkey. She got tears in her eyes when she came on the tennis ball box. So touching to memorialize the pup that inspired it. We hope you guys have a nice weekend and the heat wave has left your village. It moved toward the states and will be in the upper 90’sF which we are not looking forward to. Thank goodness for air conditioning!
Good on you, Wilson for getting in the last word. Great walk through a new area, and Wilson, you are as adorable as ever.
Thanks Dan. It was nice getting out of town for a change of scenery. Hope you have a lovely weekend.
What a great trip in so many ways! Change of scene, cool neighborhood, good company and food, and was it cooler temp-wise from Denver?
Not too much cooler and being a tad higher in elevation, sunny conditions make it seem hotter at times. Luckily they had a little shower (something we didn’t have at our house 😵💫). Have a great weekend.
You always have such a good eye for interesting finds! Hope you had a wonderful time!
Aww, you’re too kind, Lisa. Thank you. Hope it’s a great weekend out on the West Coast!
The box of balls is such a sweet idea…and then you showed an artichoke! Goodness me, how I miss them! Tiny ones cooked in batter, and the big boys au naturel……
It was such a sweet tribute. Apparently this lady is so very kind to the neighborhood-I certainly can see why folks love her. That artichoke was more than yummy dipped in a great sauce my son created. Such a treat! And I’m blown away that he has been so successful growing them! Have a great weekend.
I love the lending pile of tennis balls. Clever that.
Isn’t that just the sweetest thing ever? It almost made my eyes leak. Have a great weekend, Jacqui.