In the immortal words of fellow Brit, John Oliver, Welcome! Welcome! Welcome! Tis I, the House Pony joining the pups from Adventures of the LLB Gang’s blog hop and boy do they have a good one today which I definitely could identify with. Be sure to click on the link to see what I’m talking about.
Well let’s see, ah yes, it’s the last Friday of September and we’re already longing nostalgically about this handsome month, knowing that in just 4 days, we’ll be entering the last quarter of 2025. On the one hand, it’s hard to believe there are just 96 days left this year (and only 90 days until Christmas in case you need some perspective, but more importantly, only 11 days until hockey begins). Well let’s start with the big news of the weerk.
This week we were blessed with an entire 24 hours of beautiful rain. Although not a fan of getting wet, Mum kept waxing on about how fabulous it was and so good for the garden. I reminded her the only thing fabulous around here is me, but she was over the moon and even my cuteness couldn’t deter her glee. She couldn’t take a photo since she doesn’t have enough thumbs to hold the leash and an umbrella to keep me dry. Even picking up after me practically required an act of God so she grumbled not being able to document me in the wetness. Just as well, you all know me as a cheerful, happy Floof. Trust me, I was less than cheerful or happy. Frankly I couldn’t finish the walk fast enough. But I did have to chuckle that she got a lot wetter than me because the umbrella (and my raincoat) kept me fairly dry except for my paddle feet and she was diligent about keeping the umbrella over me more than her. Serves her right.
The Mum. Well that wasn’t very kind, talk about ‘no good deed goes unpunished’ when it comes to trying to keep you dry.
Wilson: I don’t mean to sound ungrateful but you know how I feel about wet. I don’t like. it. one. whit.
The Mum: Well, I think you shouldn’t look a gift horse in the mouth. Or umbrella. But let’s put that behind us and share what we encountered this week, naturewise.
Wilson: {eye blinking in abject dis-interest} Well then, if you can’t commiserate about me having to walk in the rain, let’s get to it.
The Mum: Aren’t those pink seed capsules absolutely adorable? Euonymus europaeus, known as spindle, European spindle, or common spindle, is native to much of Europe, where it is found on the edges of forests, hedges or gentle slopes, none of which exist in my garden so I have no idea from where it came. When I looked it up, I learned that birds are attracted to the fruit and most likely spread the seeds so much so that now it’s considered weedy and invasive in some areas. Like in our garden.
Wilson: Looks like teeny, tiny pink pumpkins to me.
The Mum: Precisely.
Wilson: Judging from the photos you took this week, I can tell you’re really into the reds as September winds down and starts to yield to October ‘s version of autumn where maple trees will showcase their red and orange hues once the leaves really start changing. But then I noticed this little fella just lying in the grass. We didn’t see any maple trees nearby from where it might have come but I guess it just means they’re being coy and shy. Right now 99% of any trees changing colors are leaning toward bright gold.
The Mum: The reds and oranges aren’t as prevalent in our area so when they show up, they are pretty spectacular like that maple leaf as well as this Horse Chestnut tree we came across yesterday morning.
Wilson: As a dog I’m not supposed to be able to see colors as well as you uprights, but I can tell these are pretty colorful. What do you know about the Horse Chestnut tree, Mum?
The Mum: What I learned is it’s a medium growing, shade tree, that’s not really a chestnut tree. Its fruit is inedible and the nuts are somewhat toxic. The name comes from a mistaken, belief that it cured chest ailments in horses. Fact is, Horse Chestnuts are actually toxic to horses, but of course the urban garbage disposals, otherwise known as squirrels seem to be able to break down the toxins and safely eat the nuts. You can guess I won’t ever be planting any of those trees in my yard.
Wilson: Gee Mum, you’re no fun. It’d be a great way to attract my favorite nemesis. We’d both get loads of exercise, me chasing; they trying to avoid my jaws of death. Why in the world would you deny me that pleasure.
The Mum: Squirrels have already chewed through my kitchen window three times, I’m not a halfway house for neighborhood hoodlums.
Wilson: Gee Mum, you’re no fun. So tell me more about this sage.
The Mum: Sure, House Pony. That’s Salvia microphylla, commonly called baby sage. Native to Mexico and parts of the Southwest, it’s a hardy, sun loving, drought resistant perennial shrub. It’s a somewhat bushy evergreen shrub that is able to adapt to diverse conditions.
Wilson: Interesting. Well I rather liked this Malus, which includes both culinary apples as well as these crabapples in the genus. It’s especially pretty against a crystal blue sky after that rainy day earlier in the week. This one was lovely with beautiful blossoms back in the spring and now is showy producing all these tiny little apples in autumn. Crabapple trees are mostly considered ornamental trees but I’ve heard crabapple jelly is mighty tasty. But I can’t imagine what a job it’d be picking and coring the little fruit.
The Mum: Good point, not a job I’d take on. But like you said, they are a lovely ornamental tree that we can agree on, enjoying them in spring and autumn. Speaking of autumn, looks like the neighborhood is gearing up for Halloween with a bunch of skellies showing up. The house that I’ve featured many times for it’s overkill of inflatibles has started with a bunch of new decorations. Hopefully this means there won’t be all those hideous blow-ups cluttering the entire yard. I know they’ll eventually fill the entire lot since I saw a pickup with a trailer being unloaded with tons of boxes. They clearly have a storage unit where they store all this junk stuff. Sigh. But at least it’s not as tacky as usual. Yet, though it’s early days.
Wilson: I wasn’t sure if I needed to defend you or run away from that thing. I do believe those folks must be slightly odd but the lady there always enjoys seeing me.
The Mum: She does, but I think her husband is a lot like this ogre, he never replies when I say hello. Course if hauling all those things back and forth (note the gigantic boxes in the background on the porch), I guess I’d be unfriendly too.
Wilson: It’s never good not being friendly, Mum. And besides, who can easily refuse moi, a fabulous Floof? Huh? I rest my case.
The Mum: I can’t say but think it’s rather rude not reply to a friendly hello. Oh well. It’s a sign of the times. Well, that’s about it for us. I just heard it’s National Pancake Day so maybe I ought to fix us some pancakes, what do you say?
Wilson: Pancakes, Yes please! But before we go, please have yourself a gorgeous autumn weekend and be sure to get out and enjoy some of the beauty Nature is dishing out for our enjoyment. Cheers!
Live, love, bark! 🐾
HURRAH fore THE rain Wilson an Miss Monika!!! Wee so reeleeved!!! You nose wee think Autumn iss evern more colorfull than Summer!!! Yore fotss prove THAT!
~~~head rubss~~~BellaDharma~~~ an {{{huggiess}}} BellaSita Mum
It was good while it lasted. Just wish we’d receive some more. Yesterday it was super windy so there go all the benefits of the previous shower. Sigh. But at least autumn is beautiful.
That baby sage is beautiful…the little red tips against the white petals…wow!
Thanks. It was sooo striking! I may look for some next spring at a garden center.
My grandmother insisted that my mother make crabapple jelly once, while my grandmother supervised. It happened exactly once. Not a pleasant memory for anybody except my grandmother.
Our Grandmothers…I say with loving admiration with lots of head shaking. LOL Hope you’ve been enjoying the fabulous weekend weather.
Lulu: “Oh, dear, are the orcs in town again? Do we need to send the ents over to take care of Saruman for you?”
Java Bean: “Ayyy, our Mama and Dada just watched that John Oliver’s show the other day. They really liked the four words he used to end his segment about Jimmy Kimmel, but Dada says I am not allowed to repeat them here.”
Orcs, Skellies and those hideous inflatables Lulu. They’re taking over and earlier than usual. John Oliver is the best, calls it like he sees it and we are agreement with him. Even when he’s not exactly PG rated. Hope it’s been a pawsome weekend!
Thanks for sharing the beautiful photos. All that beauty requires rain, Wilson. I will add that I had two dogs who hated to get wet. One was when I lived in Seattle, of all places to hate being wet. I walked her in the rain with an umbrella. The second one was our second Irish Setter. Again, you’d think Irish (and English for that matter, hint, hint) wouldn’t mind the rain. Whenever it was raining, Reilly would step out and water one of the posts supporting our porch. Eventually, I had to replace the metal bracket holding the post to the concrete pier. Now, be a good floof and enjoy the weather.
Those long ears are tough on dogs in the rain…they work like an noise amplifier as the rain hits the pavement. I know people saw me holding the umbrella over him and thought how ridiculous but I’m nothing if not totally devoted to this Floof. Luckily his memory isn’t too long. Have a great weekend!
I’m sure he knows how much you care.
Pretty tree what kinds is it? Good picture for Nature Friday
Thanks. That bright orange/reddish tree is a horse chestnut.
Never heard of it or saw one until now interesting
Love the photos – especially the “pink pumpkins” !!!! Wilson how nice it was that your Mom tried to protect you from getting too wet by sharing the umbrella…..now that’s LOVE.
Hugs, Teddy and Mom Pam
So glad you liked the photos-those tiny little pumpkin looking seed pods are no bigger than you baby fingernail which makes them even cuter!
I know how uncomfortable rain is for dogs, especially dogs who ears are long and fold over. The sound of drops hitting the sidewalk is amplified by that physiology so I try to make it as pleasant as possible. Too bad I can’t do anything about the wet, but luckily he recovered quickly and forgot the transgression. Have a great weekend.
OMC Wilson, you look so fabulous in your outfit, and so cute too😻We saw the Salvia Hotlips on your tour, she’s amazing, isn’t she💋We loved the tour and your wise insides of it. That creatures in the garden would scare us to death…Btw now we know why Granny wanted to have pancakes yesterday…it must have flown over😹Double Pawkisses for a wonderful weekend to you and your mommy too🐾😽💞
Thank, kitties. Sounds like yesterday was an especially good day for pancakes. 😉
That Salvia was soooo pretty, I simply had to stop and capture it on my phone while running errands in a nearby neighborhood. We hope you all have a ‘furbulous’ weekend!
Your nature photos are quite lovely and I hope you get enough rain to keep all the plants happy, and enough sun for plenty of walks without having to use the umbrella.
Thank you. We received quite a bit but are always grateful for more since it was a scorching summer. It’s rare that we ever have to use an umbrella so I’m probably just inexperienced. I love this time of year for the warm days (not that obscene pizza oven hot we had all summer) with cool nights. And the light…it’s so golden and beautiful and makes flowers look even better. We hope you have a ‘wagnificent’ weekend.
Love all your pics! I cannot believe September (my favorite month) is almost over! Yikes, this Autumn season is going to fly by faster than summer did! 90 days until Christmas??? My heart just skipped a beat! I love Autumn and your pics are showing some of the beautiful colors already. I wish Autumn lasted much longer. Oh, and I’m with Wilson on that spooky scary pic…I bet he wanted to rescue you for sure! (And then yell, Run!) Happy Friday to you both!
Awww, thanks, Dorothy. You’re too kind. Yes, I too agree September is the best month. I’ve been so overwhelmed with stuff I can’t even begin to wrap my head around Christmas.. It’s just too crazy but like the saying goes, “you have to eat that elephant, one bit at a time” so I’ll take it just one day at a time.
I personally think Wilson could take that ogre. A plastic bag or something similar…not nearly as sure. LOL Hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Beautiful nature photos and I love the Halloween display. Have a nice weekend. XO
Many thanks, Ellen. Halloween decorations are beginning to show up all over the place. Lots of goblin lovers out there. Hope you and the kitties have a great weekend.
Those are wonderful photos and you look terrific Wilson, 21 is now my favorite number!
Many thanks, Terry. That jersey is from my all time favorite player, Peter Forsberg. I have 3 of them. One of the best two-way hockey players of all time. And a heck of a nice guy. We hope you and the kitties all have a pawsome autumn weekend. Don’t work too hard!
Wilson was doing his best Gene Kelly, the only difference is he wasn’t singing in the rain, he was simply trying to dance his way out of it as quickly as possible. Good thing for him he didn’t get soaked like old Gene, thanks to a mama who spoils him with love.
I can’t believe we’re thisclose to October . . .
Those spindles look positively splendid! And yes,they do look like miniature pumpkins.
All these colors! The maple leaf is such a brilliant red, the leaves of that chestnut tree are a magical swoosh of copper, the baby sage gives off such a buttery resonance and YES, the contrast between that blue sky and the crabapples is just perfect. Nature’s palette, for the win! Again!
And speaking of winning, Wilson is rocking that Avs sweater. He should be their mascot.
What’s with people not saying hello? I mean, even an ogre would say hello.
Have a great weekend guys
Trust me, the Floof was not happy but kept his whinging quiet and only offered expressions of discontent. He is however very good about me dressing him up in jerseys and the like.
It’s so hard to comprehend that we’re so close to the end of this year. In some ways, I’ll be most grateful to see it in the rear view, in others, I fear 2026 could end up being worse. Awk.
Funny thing about those pink pumpkins, those little suckers are barely as large as your little fingernail! But the color was so adorable, I couldn’t resist.
Nature has the best palate this time of year. The colors are spectacular and those blue bird days are the icing oin the cake. Here’s wishing you a fantabulous weekend!
Hahahaha! I can just see him too. But yes, he really knows how to rock that sweater. What a handsome good fan!
I have the same feeling. Double awk! Let’s hope we are very wrong. Or at least, just wrong.
Further proof that special things do in fact come in small packages. They are adorable, and beautiful. They’re both.
And how!
Thanks mama
Oooh, Wilson, we wouldn’t get too near that ogre or whatever that thing is in that yard. And we don’t blame hyou for not wanting to get wet. Oh…Mom’s saying let’s go for a walk…the rain just stopped. Bye…… Xena and Lucy (Chia has to stay home)
Hope you manage to get in a nice dry walk! Enjoy the weekend and avoid running into ogres.
Xena: We ended up at our neighbor friend, Susan’s house. She has Sasha and Oliver who stayed with us. Lucy was having so much fun outside with Sasha that she got invited for a sleepover. I’VE never been invited for a sleepover! *pout*
Aww,Xenia…this just means you’ll get more one on one time with your mommy. I’m sure Lucy will be a model guest and still have some fun but will undoubtedly miss you.
Xena: Daddy’s gone to a band gig in Atlanta and he doesn’t know Lucy’s gone to a sleepover and if he comes home late and Mommy’s asleep and he doesn’t see Lucy, he’s going to worry!!
Mom Amy: I’ll text him, Xena. Stop worrying.
Take a deep breath, Xenia…sounds like your Mom has got things well under control.
I had a good time going through all the pictures and explanations in the blog~ Thanks for there pictures! Pink pumpkins are so pretty! xo
Katie
Thanks, Carole and Katie. Those teeny pumpkin like seed pods are no bigger than your little fingernail. So cute yet so tiny. Hope Katie is feeling better. Have a good weekend.
“Halfway house for neighborhood hoodlums…” Love it!! Too funny.
Thanks, Debra. Glad you liked it. The squirrels in my neighborhood are total delinquents. Hope yours is an excellent weekend.
Well, you made me laugh again. Squirrels as delinquents – just too cute. You have a good weekend too. Weather is supposed to be really nice here, and I’m up for that.
Very glad you enjoyed our silliness. The weather this week has been gorgeous. Not too hot, crispness in the early mornings and that beautiful golden light. We love autumn! Enjoy it in your neighborhood!
Blueberry pancakes for me please! Love the photos. Some unusual shots today.
Thanks, Kate. Pancakes are one of those things that hits the spot. Add blueberries and, well it gets better. With real maple syrup! Hope you have a great weekend.
Now I’m hungry!
National Pancake Day? Now that is a holiday that I could get behind! Piled high with strawberries, nuts and plenty of syrup! Have a great weekend. 🙂
I think a lot of people are on board for that holiday! Me included and of course we all know Wilson will eat just about anything. I like your recipe too! Have a wonderful weekend.
We’re excited for hockey season around here too!
The off-season has seemed like forever so we’re glad it’s back. It’s been interesting to watch some of the pre-season games and see what the competition looks like.
we have someone in our neighborhood who also doesn’t say hello. His dog and Chester are pulling at their leashes to see each other; they are friends when the mom takes their dog, but the guy won’t even slow down. Honestly. Those trees are beautiful! We had much needed rain also. We are still hanging on to baseball with the Guardians tearing it up (until last night, boo). Hopefully we will be at it for a bit longer! have a good weekend!
The demographics have changed a lot ove rthe past 10 years. And after COVID, social courtesy kinda flew out the window. I love my block of neighbors-we all look out for each other and always wave or say hi but the socially stunted folks who have moved in are just unbelievable. They either look through you or act as if you asked them for a kidney or something. Grrr.
Hopefully your baseball team will prevail. The Rockies have the worst record in their 30 year history and don’t have to worry about the playoffs. Again. 😈 Have a great weekend.
The Halloween creepy starts earlier every year! We have some trees that get berries but they are for the birdies to eat. Do birds eat crab apples, we don’t know. The other night we had a big storm system move through with lots of thunder and lightning and almost two inches of rain in a few hours. We don’t mind getting wet, but that kind of rain is almost painful so we were not outside for that and lightning is dangerous anyway. Have a funtastic weekend.
Places like Costco have had the Halloween stuff out for well over a month. It’s just crazy. Course the Halloween stuff is competing with the Christmas stuff right now too. It’s crazy.
A lot of birds like Cedar Waxwings, Robins, and Cardinals are attracted to crabapples but I’ve never personally witnessed it. I just know somebody eats them because they get picked clean by spring for the most part.
Luckily this week’s rain wasn’t accompanied by thunder like the storms that came through the past couple of week with only a few drops of wet but lots of noise. Knock on wood, Wilson doesn’t seem overly bothered by normal thunder.
We hope you guys have a lovely weekend.
Hi Monika & Ranch…nice to be visiting here once again. We got ourselves 24 hours of wonderful rain this week as well. The dry August has become the balanced September…we shall see what October brings us (indeed, one thing for sure is the return of the NHL…perhaps Philadelphia will choose to field a team this year lol). We have our share of reds and oranges leaf-wise but they have not started to pop just yet. That being said, we expect a lot of colors this season. I do think this weekend I should also honor the beloved pancake and have a couple…ok, a few. Enjoy!
Thanks for dropping in, Bruce. You’ve been missed and appreciate your boosting our stats today.;) It’s not often we get rain that lasts long so this week’s visit was more than lovely even if Wilson could have done without it. The garden sure perked up. Seems this year the changing leaves are slow to get started. There are still more green trees (or brown from the summer heat’s stress) just beginning to turn bright gold. I’m sure the high country is awash with cars and the state’s well known quaking aspen. After last year’s debacle trying to ‘leaf peep’ I won’t be heading up on a weekend again. We hope you are well and have a great weekend. Go Avs. 😉
I tried making it once when I was younger thinking I’d enjoy the jelly but it took forever to pick them from the tree, wash and prepare them. It wasn’t really worth all the effort for the taste in my humble opinion. I decided I preferred regular apply jelly or better, a good apple butter.
That’s the first time I’ve ever seen that ogre in Halloween decor-not sure where it came from although there are plenty of ogre like pols who’d fill in nicely. Have a lovely weekend, Helen.
we like the guy with the big teeth.. and we love the pink pumpkin tree… we will look if we can find one here…
Thanks. Maybe you can find some, but be careful, they become weeds in no time ap[parently. Have a terrific weekend.
Crabapple jelly is just that…chop them up, skin, seeds, the lot, stew them until soft then cook off the liquid with sugar….beautiful colour and really nice.
That skellie house…..has the husband borrowed some politicians?