Welcome to the last Friday of February where we’re joining those kids from Adventures of the LLB Gang. While the eastern part of the country has been repeatedly pounded with snow, bone dry conditions continue in our area. And the temperatures have been all over the map but mostly the days are unseasonably warm. As in 20-24 degrees warmer than normal. And yet, the canal along the Ralston Creek Trail earlier in the week had ice along the banks. Talk about whiplash! Wind has been the dominant weather feature this week; we’ve been under High Wind Alerts all week. There have been a couple grassland fires in the metro area as well, and in particular, in the northern suburb of Thornton, a portion of I-25 was closed. Mine you, this is the major north/south highway through the metro area. Evacuations of homes, businesses and a high school were ordered. For photos of some of the damage to various business including the destruction of 148 vehicles, visit this link.
Wilson here. I know Mum whines a lot about the lack of moisture (for which I apologize about that) but seriously, have you ever seen 148 vehicles melted from a vegetation fire before? It’s quite alarming when the sky is black with smoke. But we soldier on…it’s all we can do…and pray Mother Nature takes pity on the West and stops dumping mounds of snow repeatedly on the East coast. We heard there is another system set to hit again this weekend.
The Mum: Hiya, House Pony. While snow is falling everywhere but here, the weather marches on with very spring like conditions. And spring bulbs are beginning to emerge. We love seeing spots of color in the brown landscape but we’d welcome moisture of any kind at this point. Two days ago, about 23 drops of rain fell but it had barely landed before it evaporated, only leaving spots on windshields.
Wilson: Check out this pitiful hyacinth that probably has seen better days in years past. Emerging early and having dry edges upon emerging underscores the seriousness of our drought. It makes my Mum sad. She loves spring bulbs but they aren’t soothing her soul like they normally would do with these kinds of conditions.
The Mum: It’s kind of depressing, although I was delighted to see a few bulbs emerging around the neighborhood that we walk through every day. This small clump of crocuses caught my eye from quite a distance away since the landscape is so very brown. I felt like I needed to water the newly installed landscaping because things looked extremely parched and have notice others along our regular walking route also resorting to supplemental watering. I just grateful the development we moved into has not installed any turf–only trees, shrubs and drought tolerant perennials. I’m making a list of the kinds of plants I hope to install (and bulbs for next spring) once the risk of frost has passed. Still it’s hard to conceive spring is just three weeks away.
Wilson: On the plus side Mum, we’re enjoying longer amounts of sun each day. In fact, when we walked through the golf course the other morning, we were rewarded with a coyote sighting. He was probably over a 100 feet away but we could make out his shape. Mum had to chuckle as he was laying on the green sunning himself and when Mum noticed him he spotted her and began to walk away. Sorry about the dismally lousy photo, Mum only had her cell phone but in the good news department, she actually found her large DSLR camera yesterday and will start carrying it periodically. She was thrilled since she’s been wondering where it was since she moved in back in early December.
The Mum: I know when we walk past the wildlife habitat that borders the golf course you always are on high alert and think you know there’s some sort of critter there so after seeing that guy, I won’t doubt you in the future.
Wilson: I’ve been trying to tell you there’s ‘something’ there but you just think I’m seeing things. Truth of the matter is, I’m smelling things, Mum. So you’d be well served by paying attention to my highly tuned snooter.
The Mum: You’re right, Floof. I’ll definitely respect your sniffing abilities henceforth.
Wilson: Glad to see you’ve come to your senses. I noticed right after we saw that coyote you were keeping your eyes out for other signs of critters. Look at this little guy, scurrying around in the grass. What is that little thing, Mum? He sure tried hard to run away from my inquisitive nose.
The Mum: That’s a ladybug, buddy. We must do everything we can to protect them. They are one of the good bugs (actually they are considered a beetle but let’s not get too technical here) in any garden. Whenever you see one scuttling about just know they are considered good luck since they are known for eating aphids and other pests. Being so tiny, they implement a particularly fascinating defense mechanism where they secrete a noxious liquid from their joints to ward off predators. Referred to as “reflex bleeding,” that liquid emits a disgusting odor, so it makes sense to not crush ladybugs. That’s why I always make sure you don’t inadvertently squash him with one of your gigantic paws.
Wilson: Well that explains why you dragged me away from him. I only wanted to sniff him and wouldn’t do any harm. Well, not on purpose anyway.
The Mum: I know you don’t mean to injure bugs or little critters like that. But that inquisitive nose seems to come just before the big paws land.
Wilson: Lastly this week, we wanted to give you a progress report on Figaro. He looks pretty doggone good since he seems to have looked outside and noticed the spring like temps. Just look how much he’s grown since he woke up. I think it’s safe to say he likes the new neighborhood too. We’re looking forward to putting him outside soon for a good dose of Vitamin D.
The Mum: Well, that’s it from us. We hope you have a wonderful weekend and if bad weather sets in where are live, we hope it passes quickly. Let us know if there are any signs of spring in your area or if it’s still (or yet again) buried under white stuff. Feel free to send it to us. We’ll accept COD deliveries at this point.
Live, love bark! 🐾
Java Bean: “Ayyy, our Dada has been getting alerts about those fires out your way on his Watch Duty app, on account of we have got family there! We’re glad the damage hasn’t been worse, because we know from bad fires out here …”
Fire season is going to be miserable for so many peeps and animals. We can only pray that March and April provide some moisture to minimize it. We hope your Dad stays safe-along with his family.
Loved walking with you and Wilson…loved the precise description of 23 drops of rain…😄😄😄 loved the pics of the flowers and the ladybug. Hope you get some rains soon. Take care 💕
Thanks so much, Nimi. We love having you accompany us on our walks. Wilson and I are going to start doing a rain dance if nature stays asleep at the wheel. 😉 Be well and keep smiling.
The weather has been unforgiving all the way around so far this year. From brutally cold conditions with tons of snow to what you guys are now experiencing. Good to see Figaro is feeling good!
Hope you guys had a great weekend mama
You ever so nicely sugar-coated the weather situation. I’ve never seen a winter like this one! Thank heavens Figaro has bounced back…at least that’s one positive thing this winter. It’s been a terrific weekend. Love it when things come together and progress was made. Here’s to a terrific first week of March!
Is that what I did? I thought maybe it was PTSD, LOL.
Figaro is looking great.
Here’s to March!
I’m praying you get rain for those beautiful blooms. Staying away from turf and going with drought resistant plants is a wise idea.
As for the coyote, never doubt they are around, just like the raccoons and squirrels and such.
You’re so right, I’m sure they’re hanging out in the bramble along the golf course. With the temps warming up and daylight saving time come up next week, we’ll start our walk early and think we’ll likely see them more often. At least I hope so.
Wilson and I are gonna start doing rain dances! We hope you have a pawsome rest of the weekend!
So much lovelee Nature there Wislon an Miss Monika…..all wee have iss snow…white in white on white…yore flowerss are so cheerfull lookin. All wee have iss snow….oh wait mee all reddy meowed that….
THE Ladybug iss purrty!
If wee cuud share snow with youss’; wee wuud…..cheerfully 😉
~~~head rubss~~~BellaDharma~~~ an ((hugss)) BellaSita Mum
You’re very sweet to say that. Thank you. We hope the snow stops being so generous to you. Have a lovely weekend. Only 3 more weeks until spring arrives!
It seems like the Spring winds have arrived here a month early also…along with the warmer temperatures!
It’s so crazy! I’ve never seen anything like it in the over 40 years since I moved to the Denver area. So bizarre. Have a great weekend enjoying all your birdies.
The weather seems crazy everywhere. This morning it was 41. It’s now in the 60’s and still rising and sunny. Think I’ll go take the pups for a nice walk…
You’re right about the weather being crazy all over the place. Enjoy your walk and have a pawsome weekend!
We had one day of warmth (Wednesday) and now it is wet, soggy and cold again!! Still winter until tomorrow, I guess 😀
I’m rather jealous of your winter. All we’ve had is wind and it’s been unseasonably warm. Try to make a go of the weekend.
And we hope you’ll get some good wetness there, be it rain or snow…
Thank you. You’re too sweet. We hope so too!
Your spring is way earlier that here…(SW Michigan). On the south exposure of our house,m a small clump of diffs is showing up out from the grass. No buds yet, but that might happen with the warmer sunny days we have now and then. but…we may get more snow on Saturday night.
It’s been so warm it’s no wonder bulbs are beginning to emerge here. It was 70F earlier this week but the wind has been relentless. Sure up we end up with some nice spring storms in March with some moisture-we so need it! Have a great weekend (and one that’s without snow)!
Beautiful blooms. Yours arrive so much earlier than ours. Have a nice weekend. xO
Thank you, Ellen. It’s been so warm this entire winter, it’s not surprising flowers are starting to emerge early. Have a lovely weekend.
Way to grow, Figaro! The fires seem so scary. We have tornado threats in the spring but not often. Today was up to the 50s but it was a one day event. No flowers yet though, it is nice to see them!
Thanks. Figaro seems to be doing really well for which I’m very happy. He looked so pitiful without leaves.
The fire situation is really bad here especially with high wind alerts all week. I’m hoping there’s some moisture in our immediate future. We hope you and Chester have a good weekend and it doesn’t include any snow shoveling.
I love seeing the bits of color. They look even brighter now that I haven’t seen anything that pretty in so long. I can’t imagine the scale of damage from that fire. It seems odd to even have a brush fire in February. We once bought a supply of ladybugs to eat some bugs that were attacking my wife’s garden. She was depositing them carefully but noticed a toad following her around and eating the ladybugs. I hope you guys have a nice weekend.
Thanks, Dan. Those purple crocuses can be spotting from across the street this time of year. Everything is so drab and brown. You guys have had a total absence of any color! There was another brush fire south of the metro area. Luckily firefighters were able to contain it fairly quickly but this week’s winds sure don’t make it easy.
We hope you have a safe and cozy weekend. Hopefully one that doesn’t require a snow shovel!
Fires are scary! Coyotes are not good, they ate some of our feral cats a couple of years ago. It’s nice to see some blooms popping up Wilson. You and Mom and a wonderful weekend!
Thanks Terry. Yes, these early fires are quite alarming. You just don’t expect something like that in a large metro area. I know coyotes are tough on outdoor feral cats and small dogs but there is something quite fascinating watching them. We had a few in our old neighborhood. I always had to do a double take when I’d see one sashaying down an alley. They are quite opportunistic. We hope you have a ‘furbulous’ weekend.
So lovely to see Figaro doing so well in these temperatures Monika and we do hope you’ll get more rain and moisture soon 🙏 Wishing you and Wilson a blessed weekend and much love from our house to yours 🤗❤️🐾 xxx
Thanks so much, Xenia. I’ve been so pleased that he’s back and doing so well. And thanks for hoping we get some moisture. We definitely need it. Have a wonderful weekend and please give precious Bria a nice ear rub from us.
Thanks for taking me along on your walk. I think watering is all you can do. We are in a drought as well, and things do not do well if they go without water for too long. It is sad to see the crocus with brown edges.
Thanks John. We always enjoy you accompanying us. We’re getting to a critical mass situation on the water which is going to only get worse as states in the Colorado River basin can’t seem to agree on flow levels. Im more than overly concerned and think things are shaping up to be a very hot and dry summer. It really was sad to see that hyacinth with the brown edges.
Here’s hoping you have a good weekend.
So lovely to see all the flowers coming out of the dark, and all the critters…we’re so excited and can’t wait until Spring springs in😻It’s amazing to see the Coyote out in the streets. We once saw a fox, the only wildlife that we have here, that was wonderful. Thanks for the tour, sweet Wilson. Double Pawkisses for a wonderful weekend to you and your mommy too🐾😙💞
Thanks kitties and Granny. When we first moved into our old house, we had foxes playing in our front garden frequently and I have pics of them hanging out in the storm sewers. I loved it whenever they would drop by, usually in the middle of the night to play in our garden. We’re contemplating going to another nearby park area that may have some to see and where there are less homes and humans about. Hopefully we’ll get to see more critters as spring, summer and autumn arrive. We hope you have a wonderful weekend.
I’m so sorry about the drought, wind, and fires. So scarry. I am hoping for rain for you very soon. Pretty flower and bug pictures though.
Thanks, Debra. It’s pretty scary right now. Four years ago there was a high wind day and it was sparked, ultimately it burned over 1500 homes south of Boulder. Some of those folks are still trying to get rebuilt. I have a feeling we’re going to have a hot, dry summer but keep praying for snow next month since March is our wettest month. Fingers crossed. have a great weekend!
My thoughts are very much with you.
You’re too sweet. Thank you!
Ugh, too bad about that fire damaging so much personal property. 🙁
I’ve noticed that temps out West are running at least 10º+ above normal. My son lives in the eastern Sierras and has had only one major snowstorm and all the rest rain.
After a decade of mild winters, we’re having ‘normal’ temps and though we’ve had snow, we are still below what used to fall here. The weather is no longer reliable and it is tough to know what to expect anymore.
Hope you get some moisture soon and have a wonderful weekend!
Thanks, Eliza. We’d be lucky if the temps were only 10 degrees warmer. The weather app on my phone routinely says we’re at least 20 degrees warmer and that seems pretty significant. The Gulf Stream keeps failing to dip down enough that we’d receive any moisture coming from Canada. Enjoy your weekend-hope it isn’t too snowy!
Fun read. We have lots of coyots around here. They’re protected so I’m not sure how to scare them off. I have pepper spray. Hope that works!
Far too many people around here really get panicky whenever one appears. I consider myself lucky. Then again I don’t have a little dog that could easily be snatched. I know Wilson would protect me should one get a bit too close. I’m sure your pepper spray is sufficient. Most of the time they tend to avoid humans. Have a wonderful weekend.
We too are on the roller coaster still. Days of way too warm, then bitter cold with nasty winds, snow, repeat. We are headed into cold for two days then too warm again. Our snow is all turning to ice again which is a huge mess. We are thankful for the snow we have gotten but a huge blizzard would be welcomed by us. Enjoy the sunshine if you have it.
Thanks. The weather is just so strange anymore. It’s all or nothing apparently and we’re in the nothing category. March is our wettest month and we just hope the snows will arrive then. I always enjoy good old fashioned spring storms. They come in quickly, dump a bunch of snow and usually are melted within a few days. We hope your wish comes true and you have a nice snowy weekend. 😉
As always, an enjoyable walk with you two!
I cannot believe you are seeing crocuses! I would dearly love to share some of my snow with you…
As long as the lady bugs are red, we save them… the orange ones that bite? Not so much!
Aww, thanks, Miss Dale. Crocuses are favorites of Mum’s and she’s missing all the spring bulbs she planted at the old house. We’re hoping she is able to plant a bunch for next year. This HOA business is somewhat troubling since approval is required for adding things and it’s a bit bureaucratic but hopefully she’ll get approval to have a nice perennial filled little yard that folks can enjoy. Wish us luck.
When researching ladybugs, I hadn’t realized there were some who bite. What we found indicated they usually aren’t too dangerous but may affect some folks who have sensitivities. I think I’ve only seen one or two of the yellowish ones. 99.9% are the red with black dots and we know first hand how much they loved eating aphids on the lupines.
Have a marvelous weekend!
Oh darn. Let us hope they are not annoying and DO allow her to plant some!
The other than red ones are not favourable to plants, either.
Thank you! May you, as well!
Hmm, interesting about those non-red ones. Had no idea they weren’t good for plants either. Yikes.
I’m hopeful with the HOA but don’t know how I’m going to submit the plans and drawings they are requiring. May need to see if my son can create something on his computer that I can submit since he’s going to help me install the improvements anyway. He’s up to his eyeballs trying to make the final changes in order to submit his patent so it may be awhile before I can get that approval. 🙄 Then again, I may just bite the bullet and reach out to the landscaper who partnered with the development to do the job. Wish me luck!
Check this out: Invasive Asian lady beetles (Harmonia axyridis) are the primary ladybugs that bite, often distinguished from native species by a white “M” or “W” shape on their head. Unlike native ladybugs, these aggressive beetles feed on fruit and can bite, leaving a pinch-like sensation, a small welt, and in rare cases, allergic reactions.
Oh lordy! So many requirements. Your son is getting a patent? How cool is that?
Lots and lots of luck to you!
Whoa…that’s one nasty bugger!
Yup, my son has been working on this new ‘invention’ for nearly a year. It’s a speciality sleeping bag designed to accommodate men when they need to make that eventual midnight potty break. Check out his FB or Instagram page: https://www.facebook.com/OWLOutdoorWildLife or https://www.instagram.com/owloutdoorwildlife/. It’s pretty clever I think. Not that I’m going camping any time soon. 😉 It’s been submitted for review with the patent office but he won’t know anything for probably 12-18 months but at least he’ll have first rights for it. He’s talking with an overseas manufacturer now. Loads of fun.
It is!
And that is vey cool!! Not that I will go camping either 😉
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The mention of high winds and grass fires resonates! Our relatively wet winter in SoCal has decreased the chance for wildfires but they’ll be back and – yeah – the devastation they can cause is incredible. Your dry winters are wreaking havoc on the Colorado River volumes and there’s been tons of press coverage this week about failed agreements on water management and how they may have to take glen Canyon Dam offline from electricity generation because of low water levels. So maybe we’ll spend the summer in the dark. By the way, does Mr. Wilson ever get the urge to jump in Ralston Creek? Is he a water pup at all?
I can tolerate all sorts of weather…except I absolutely loathe the wind. It’s dangerous especially in these dry conditions. I’m sure you’re all too familiar with grass fires in California. The Marshall Fire near south Boulder from over four years ago still weighs heavily on people’s minds and there are still folks who have not rebuilt due to all bureaucratic red tape and insurance snafus. One of the Thornton fire marshalls said to avoid any spade work as the tiniest spark would ignite the dry grass. How crazy is that??
Wilson is extraordinarily anti-water. He hasn’t ventured even remotely close to the creek. I almost wish he were then again I could just see him getting soaked and coming out of the water and shaking his shaggy behind all over me.
I too have been following the Colorado River situation and the upper basin states competing concerns with the southern basin states. Lake Powell is also waaaay below sustainable levels and no one seems willing to make compromises. Everyone seems dug in which means a certainly ‘someone’ currently living in the DC area (no names will be mentioned here) will likely make some outrageous ruling that will irritate everyone in the West since most of the states out here are being punitively punished for not voting for that certain someone in 2024 in all sorts of other ways. The petty smallness is staggering. It’s going to be a real problem for small almond farmers for sure. Not to mention most of the farms that supply most of the veggies around here. 🤦🏼♀️
We still have some snow cover although most of it has melted. Looks like the next big storm will spare us and go farther south but that can change a dozen times until it gets here. I am so sorry for your drought. We are also in a drought. I keep water out for the critters and hope that our snow helps some.
The drought is simply ridiculous. It was bad in back in 2012 but I fear this summer will be even worse. We’ve got our paws crossed the snow stays away and we can all move one weekend closer to spring. Have a lovely weekend, Kate.
we are glad the cowyote was far away… probably the luck da lady bug brought to you… happe maerch into march… and you are the only ones who can share yellow croci… pawsome!
Thanks. We weren’t afraid of him, and if I hadn’t had Wilson impatiently wanting to simultaneously get on with our walk and wanted to investigate him closer, I’d have stay longer to see what he would done. I think they are fascinating and always root for them when I see all the jillions of geese on the golf course. We hope you have a dry weekend and can get out and walk about to see if other flowers are emerging. Have a good one!