Nature Friday ~ February 20, 2026

Lunar New YearGreetings mates. While you’re reading this post, I’m at the vet’s office getting my teeth cleaned. Ugh. It may be Pet Dental Health Month but for me, like everyone else…I. do. not. like. to. go. to. the. dentist. Period. Come to think of it, I’m not much of a fan for going to the vet. Wilson here and through modern technology (aka Mum getting her bum in gear to post this), I am likely snoozing while my vet and his assistant are making me have pearly whites again, as you read this. As we always do on Friday’s, we’re joining Rosy and Sunny from the Adventures of the LLB Gang. Don’t forget to click on their link to see what others have shared for their Nature Friday blog hop.

So this week was full of celebrations. First, we welcomed the Chinese Lunar New Year and celebrated the Year of the Horse. I was a bit miffed it wasn’t so much about celebrating me. I mean everyone knows] I’m called the House Pony. Still it was fun to see all the news showing people being excited and celebrating a regal animal like the horse.

Wilson: This week was full of some pretty nice weather until Thursday where it got downright chilly. Once again we’re entering yo-yo territory as it go back to warmer temps by Monday, and will be back to 60F (15C). Mum is getting whiplash from the back and forth. She even had to water the new shrubs yesterday because the warm temps started to make them leaf out. The calendar may indicate spring officially arrives soon, but it’s starting to look a bit spring like around our neighborhood. I mean just look at this clump of daffodils from our walk!

Daffodils

Wilson: I mean, what’s more spring like than daffodils? Aren’t they just super cheerful and sunny? We’ve noticed most of the homes we walk past once we leave the Ralston Creek Trail don’t have a lot of bulbs, something Mum has been whining about as she’s missing her old garden that had lots of daffodils, crocuses, tulips and hyacinths. This is the only house along our 3+ mile walk that has any spring bulbs. She’s already looking at catalogs and talking with landscapers about how she can spiff up our little lot. She said she wants it to be bougie…but I don’t know what that means. So I’m guessing she’s going to be busy sprucing up the ole garden this summer. She’s started watching YouTube videos on how to deal with the slope that the garden has. She’s beginning to drive me a little crazy, truth be told. But i’m sure she’ll end up with some nice flowers that we both can enjoy.

The Mum: Well you had to figure that I would need an outdoor space that will nurture my soul and it’s not going to install itself. So I figured a few well placed peonies and maybe some lavender would be a good start until the fall when I can concentrate on bulbs for next spring.

Wilson: Oh hiya, Mum. Glad you could join us. Well as long as I can watch you dig and spade to your heart’s content outside, I’ll be happy. I hope the first project you start working on will be the laying of pavers near the back door off the porch so I can soak up some rays while you dig, prune and plant. How’s that sound to you?

The Mum: I’m getting itchy fingers just thinking about it. It’s been lovely waking up to more of gorgeous sunrises we experienced this week during all the celebrations. Just look at these.beautiful morning photos. Mother Nature sure left us with a couple of gifts with the pleasant temps.

Sunrise Sunrise

Wilson: I figured you were walking around trying to get various views. It sure was bright in the living room with those colors.

The Mum: It sure was, that’s why I went outside. Talk about a gorgeous morning.

Wilson: It was a great way to usher in Fat Tuesday. I actually got into wearing beads for you but I was rather chuffed you couldn’t find the Mardi Gras hats.

The Mum: In my mind, that was rather unfortunate. My list of things that seem to be missing is growing but I’m sure the costumes and hats are somewhere, I just don’t know where they ended up.

Wilson: Well don’t count me as being sad. The less I have to put up with stuff like that, the happier I am.

Wilson -Mardi Gras

The Mum: You don’t look to unhappy in this photo.

Wilson: I’m a professional, I know how to work the camera.

The Mum: Right…besides, you’re just in it for the treats. anyway Treats always make you happy.

Wilson: Oh dear, am I that transparent?

The Mum: {smiling} Umm, well maybe just a teeny-weeny bit.

Wilson:  Oh dear. I guess I better practice putting on a poker face. I’ll start practicing as soon as I wake up from a restorative nap after the anesthesia wears off. And just because I got my teeth cleaned, doesn’t mean I won’t be hungry later tonight.

Wilson - sleeping

The Mum: I know. Dinner will be at the usual time-and I’m sure you’ll enjoy the extra soft topper on top. We hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. For those of you counting, spring arrives in 27 days. Woot!

Nature

Live, love,  bark! 🐾

61 thoughts on “Nature Friday ~ February 20, 2026

  1. Purrty Daffydillss Wilson!! Lovelee Sunrisess Miss Monika!
    Wee has snow…an more snow…an white on white on white….**sighss**
    Wilson you look so hansum inn yore Madry Graw BEEDSS!! That made us 🙂 🙂
    ~~~head rubss~~~BellaDharma~~~ an {{{huggiess}}} BellaSita Mum

    1. Thanks so much for the kind comment. Sadly we haven’t received any snow in forever. Just wind. Gusts today of up to 43 mph and I heard there’s been another grassland fire about 20 miles north. The wind nearly blew Wilson and I over on our morning walk.

  2. We hope everything went well and your teefies are sparkling, Wilson! We are also sick and tired of this yo-yo weather….We’re in the 40s today and set to be in the 70s by Tuesday!

    1. Thank you. He did well and we’re working on getting the anesthesia out of his system.

      Your weather mirrors ours. It’s just ridiculously crazy! Have a terrific weekend.

  3. I love being outside, Miss Monika. It nurtures me and my Mommy’s souls, too. XOX Xena
    Wilson, I’m sorry you had to have your teeth cleaned by the dentist. But I bet they are sparkley white now when you smile! Your friend, Lucy *smiles and wags*

    1. Thanks for the kind wishes. Wilson is still a bit wobbly and whiny just like the vet said he would but he’s getting better. It’s a crisp day but it’s going to be in the lie 60’s by Monday. Crazy yo-yo weather is making our heads snap back and forth. Argh. We hope it’s a wagnificent weekend for you all!

  4. Oh, you sweet darling, glad it went well at the dentist. Do we have to wear sunglasses, now that you shine…not only as your year of the House Pony…MOL…We’re glad that there are coming more signs of Spring, if only the weather here, got a little warmer. It is warmer, but it feels colder with all the rain. Double Pawkisses for a Happy Weekend to you and your mommy too…oh, and have we told you already that those beads look great on you, Wilson🐾😙💞

    1. Thanks. I’m going to milk the entire year for House Ponies every where. 😂 Make that sparkly tooths House Ponies. 🤣

  5. You’ll be ready to eat as soon as you come out of your “dental visit coma” Wilson. I bet your Mom will be fixing up that yard with all kinds of beautiful things soon. Takes time to totally settle in. So she says she’s missing some things???? Wilson – did you hide some stuff so she couldn’t find it just to keep her on her toes????? Come on – you can tell me!!

    Hugs, Teddy

    1. Not me, mate. I’m sure she’s put it someplace and just forgot where. BOL
      Your fur-iend,
      Wilson 🐾

    1. Many thanks. Yes, Wilson came through with flying colors although he’s a bit wobbly right now until the anesthesia works its way out of his system.

      Glad you enjoyed the flowers. It feels good seeing colors other than grey or brown for a change.

  6. If you want a garden you will love, I guess you’ll have to plant it yourselves, right?

    Meanwhile, the daffodils and skies are beautiful and cheering.

    The calendar collides this way every few years, with Valentine’s Day, President’s Day, Mardi Gras and the Lunar New Year all intersecting, and this year it also collided with the start of Ramadan. It sounds like everyone has something to celebrate.

    1. Many thanks. Yes, about loving a new garden. Luckily I enjoy the process. My old garden took several years to reach the way it looked and it was a complete labor of love.

      We hope you have a lovely weekend.

  7. LOL about the Year of the Pony. Yes, I can understand you being disappointed, Wilson. You do deserve to be celebrated! 🥳 🎉 🎊
    Daffodils are certainly a cheerful sign of Spring. I bet your Mum will have your yard looking beautiful!
    Beautiful sunrise photos!
    But of course the photos of you are the best! Looking good and adorable when sleeping. 😊
    Happy Weekend to you and your Mum and Cheers for Spring to hurry up!

    1. Thanks. I’m actually looking forward to creating another lovely outdoor space to enjoy but may get some help on the hard parts this time rather than do it all by myself. Hopefully it’ll satisfy my need for beauty.

      Glad you enjoyed the sunrise pics. It’s been such a joy waking up to such gorgeous skies.

      Wilson was so zonked out on top of me and I couldn’t refuse not capturing his closed eyes. He usually seems with them partially open so that was so sweet to see.

      He’s pretty wobbly after the teeth cleaning but he should be fine tomorrow. I love watching him sleep while his body restores itself. Have a super weekend!

  8. I hope you’re feeling good again, after that nap with consequences, Wilson.
    Those daffy’s look delightful! Ours are still totally hidden. All our old snow is gone thanks to some nice days, followed by some very rainy days, but we are cold again, and might see more snow before the weekend is over. Indeed, talk about yo yo!

    1. Thanks. He’s still not 100% this morning but much better than he was last night. And (of course) he had a hearty breakfast. This boy always seems to have an excellent appetite.

      It was chilly for a couple of days but 60’s are expected to return by Monday. We’re going to need to go to the massage therapist to work out the constant kinks from the back and forth temperatures. It wouldn’t be so bad if we got some moisture out of it. Yesterday I think 27 flakes fell and then promptly blew away.

      Enjoy your weekend-hopefully you won’t receive any more snow this weekend. Stay warm.

    1. Thank Dan! The pavers are a priority so I hope the patio is completed in 4-6 weeks-it’s a small space so I’m hopeful. 🤞🏻

      Glad you enjoyed the daffodils-if there ever was a flower that exemplified spring, it had to be Daffs. They are so cheerful and just scream ‘spring is coming!’ Have a lovely weekend.

      1. Many years ago, our daughter and I build a small patio for my wife for Mother’s Day. Prior to the day, we bought pavers, flower pots, a patio umbrella, plant hangers and a wrought iron bench. We did the whole project while she was out. When she got home, we took her out to see it. Maddie (our last Irish Setter) stepped up on the bench and went to sleep. After that, she begged for us to take her cot out to the patio so she could rest in the sun.

        She’s gone, but we still refer to the space as the Maddie Patty.

        1. What a sweet story! I can guarantee if I take on this project by myself, it’ll take a lot longer than your wife’s Mother’s Day outing! LOL I would expect no less from someone who builds furniture from scratch. 😊 Happy Saturday to you and Angel Maddie.

    1. Thank you. When daffodils start appearing, it usually means spring is eminent even if the weather backslides a couple of times like it typically does around here. Have a great weekend!

  9. All this talk about flowers and gardens has me thinking of . . . oh I don’t want to write it out loud. But it starts with S and rhymes with sing. I won’t jinx it though since we might be getting some “weather” over the weekend.

    Wilson isn’t just a professional, he’s the handsomest, goodest professional!

    Have a great weekend peeps

    1. I don’t want to be fast tracking the “S” word either (we’ve had snow Mother’s Day several years in a row) but man I’m so sick of this back and forth stuff is the pits. Let’s just pray things get better soon. Have yourself a fantabulous weekend!

      1. The weather is touch and go for this weekend. It rained all day yesterday and took most of the snow that has been in place for over a month with it. Now if we can just skip this latest ummm . . . What was I saying?

        Happy weekend

  10. Daffodils and temps in the 60s… I am a bit envious. We’ll have to wait a while yet to experience the same. Planning a new garden is wonderful, can’t wait to see what you create. Enjoy your weekend!

    1. Well no 60’s today…it hasn’t even reached freezing yet. Brrrr. Have a terrific weekend.

    1. Oh yes, I’m becoming painfully aware of the work and no doubt pain on my ancient back. the more I research, the more inclined I am to hire that project out! The timbers alone are probably too heavy for me to easily drag home or fit in my little car, let alone place on this slope. Wish us luck.

      Glad you enjoyed the pics. I wish there were pics of snow but alas, Mother Nature is being uber stingy this winter. 😉 Have a pawtastic weekend!

    1. He was in a very deep sleep. Usually his eyes are partially open so it was near that I caught him so zonked out. Have a great weekend!

  11. I remember my next to the last dental visit. I was looking forward to pearly whites and I found out a FANG WAS LOOSE! That was horrible. To lose a fang!!!

    1. Awk! It’s always rough to lose any teeth but especially fangs. You have our sympathies. Hope the weekend is wonderful.

    1. Thank you. Dental visits aren’t great for peeps or their pets. We hope you and the kitties have a terrific weekend!

    1. It’s never fun. Now that Wilson is retired I don’t receive those semiannual vet evals. Luckily there’s a ‘holiday’ now to remind me about the dental. Whew. Have a great weekend!

    1. He’ll be back late this afternoon. Then he and I can get back to our regular routine…his being eating like a starved bear! 🤣 Have a pawsome weekend.

  12. Lulu: “Nothing stops those daffodils, does it? Our Dada looked at a Google Street View of their old house in New York not long ago and he noticed that all the daffodils they had planted along the roadside were up and in bloom!”

    1. Daffodils are the ultimate harbinger of spring! Here’s wishing you all a great weekend! Gotta love the updated pics of Google stalking our hold homes as well as our online visits. 😂

    1. You’re too kind. You’d have to be willing to ‘enjoy’ a 75 lb. quilt! He loves laying on me. Can’t seem to get close enough. 😂

  13. Gus and Sasha sympathize. They had dentals in 2024 and weren’t excited about that. Gus, who they thought might need extractions, didn’t. Sasha, who they thought had pretty good teeth had some extractions. You can never tell what will happen except that there are always treats at the end! Hugs.

    1. Yeah, when I adopted him he needed a dental to deal with a lot of plaque and I knew he had a cracked tooth in front. They remove it (he looks like a hillbilly when he smiles now) and a couple in the back which I had no idea were a problem. It’s always a crap shoot when dentals are involved. I’m keeping my fingers crossed there aren’t any more extractions. 🤞🏻

  14. Oh the beads!!! So sweet! I can’t wait to see daffodils. We have nothing but wet leftover leaves and mud. Have a great weekend and give the house pony an extra treat!

    1. Thanks, Martha. I enjoyed all the bulbs that I planted over the years and so finding this clump was a balm for my heart. Nothing is more cheerier than a bunch of daffodils emerging in dirt, especially when the temps are hovering in the mid 20’s. 🥶 Have a great weekend and give sweet Chester a nice belly rub from us.

  15. I hate the dentist, too, Wilson, but I do like the feel of clean teeth after. Hope the rewards you get were worth it. We have crazy weather her too…50 one day, 30 or worse the next. No wonder i I have a cold.

    1. Mother Nature is even more hormonal this year than usual. It’s no wonder my sinuses are revolting! Wilson and I agree on dentist visits but he totally needed a cleaning. Poor floof.

  16. Thanks, Helen. They are so blinking cheery-I love daffodils so she was quite giddy when she saw that clump. Ears rubs for the Thugs and a wagnificent weekend to you.

  17. Hope your teeth cleaning went well. We girls do not like going to the vet at all. Nelson thinks it is great as everyone pets him and gives him treats. We just want to get back out with no petting or treats, just get back home. As for landscaping, Mom says less is more as she regrets planting so many things the first years. Now she would like to rip half of the stuff out as it is a lot of work. Have a fun weekend!

    1. Thanks. Yeah, going to the vet is not Wilson’s idea of a fun time. He was more irritated there was no breakfast this morning.

      Our yard is so tiny compared to the old house and we won’t be able to add a whole lot anyway. But first, hardscaping has to go in which ain’t going to be easy with the slope. It’s the first house I’ve ever owned that has a slope so I’m kind of nervous about getting it done right. At least there’s no grass-thank goodness. Talk about work. Blech. Have a happy weekend.

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