Welcome to this week’s edition of Nature Friday. Today is Juneteenth, a federal holiday. It was 160 years ago that enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned they had been freed — after the Civil War’s end and two years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. Happy Juneteenth. Because it’s a federal holiday, no mail will be delivered, the stock market is closed as well as some some businesses. Parades and other celebrations will mark the day along with public service. The City of Milwaukee is the oldest known and longest-running annual Juneteenth celebration in the United States. What started as a small gathering of vendors, now spans over several blocks of fun with over 170,000 participants. Denver will once again have a music festival beginning today and running through the weekend in the Five Points neighborhood.
Wilson here and as we always do, we’re joining our friends at The Adventures of the LLB Gang. Clicking on the link will take you to see what others shared this week. Even though summer is scheduled to arrive this Sunday, I think it jumped the gun. I don’t know about how the weather is on your end, but it’s been very hot here. As in 15+ degrees hotter than normal. Wednesday felt like we were walking into a pizza oven. Mum got up even earlier than usual so we could enjoy a morning walk in somewhat cool temperatures, but it was already 72F (22.2C) before 5 AM. Usually at that time, the temps are in the low-to-mid 50’s. By the time we finished our three-mile walk, I was panting heavily and not walk walking my usual speed and Mum was dripping in sweat. Neither of us enjoyed the walk much. The only thing that kept the walk from being a total bust was when we came across a coyote pup on our walk in the wildlife habitat we cross every day. He’s kinda hard to spot in the tall, dry grass but isn’t he kind of adorable? Look at those pointy ears! He almost resembles a German Shepherd puppy, doesn’t he? He curiously watched us walk through but made no attempt to follow us, thank goodness. I can’t help but wonder if his mama knew he was away from the den. If she’s anything like my mine, that little guy is probably in big time trouble.
The Mum: He seems larger than I thought he would be, which leads me to believe he’s older than I originally thought the pups might be. From what I learned when I looked up info about coyotes, they are usually born in spring and may have between four to seven pups in a litter. We didn’t encounter any siblings who were probably back in the thick brush behind this little guy. Anyway, I thought he was pretty cute and right in the area where that mama coyote bum rushed those little dogs recently.
Wilson: This guy kind of acted like he wanted to play with me, Mum. But I know you didn’t want to encourage him. Besides his mama was likely close by and no point poking the ‘bear,’ right?
The Mum: Absolutely! Trust me when I say, you will never be allowed…let me repeat that just in case there’s any question…you will never be allowed to play or interact with any coyotes. Period.
Wilson: Um sheesh Mum…don’t get so worked up. I’m not going off to play with some coyote pup, okay? Besides I’d never leave you on the trail by yourself…well at least not for a coyote. A squirrel, maybe but never a coyote.
The Mum: You bet your sweet bippy, you won’t! Now that we have that clear, what other slices of nature do you have to share?
Wilson: Well, there are a lot of heat loving plants out there that are pretty. Check out this lavender that was enticing pollinators early yesterday morning from a house down the street from ours. I love brushing against that border. Those plants fill the air with their scent.
The Mum: I absolutely love lavender…and so do the neighborhood bees.
Wilson: We found another beautiful clematis that the bees like too. Look how pretty this one is and how well it showcases that garden statuary.
The Mum: This is one of my favorite gardens we walk past. Everything always look so pretty.
Wilson: My favorite place is the meadowy area near the canal overflow. There are loads of blanket flowers (Gaillardia) blooming now but yesterday, Mum saw a few prairie coneflowers mixed in with some of them along the trail. Such pretty wildflowers.
The Mum: The blanket flowers are really popping up along that stretch of the Ralston Creek Trail. I get practically giddy seeing them randomly showing up here and there.
Wilson: It’s always interesting to walk along that area. You just never know what you’ll see. It’s very close to where we spotted the coyote. That area is becoming a real treasure trove of cool slices of nature. And lastly we have an update on Figaro. He’s finally beginning to set fruit after getting very bushy. Look at this little baby fig. Can’t wait till it ripens. I hope more will set because, no offense…I’d prefer not to share.
The Mum: No offense taken. I thought the same thing! Well that does it for us. Got any special plans to welcome summer?
Wilson: I plan to stay home zonked out on the sofa for a couple of hours while you’re hobnobbing for the rescue at the Denver Dog Fair.
The Mum: Yes, you can hang out at home. But please remember the rule about no dogs on the furniture.
Wilson: {snickering} Oh yeah, right. {wink, wink} Got it Mum. We both hope you have a wonderful weekend. Enjoy getting out in nature but try to stay cool and hydrated.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
The lavender is delightful and like you, we’d love to have a break in the temperatures. It’s way too much, too early.
Waaaay to early! At least lavender calms me down about that fact. 😉 Have a marvelous weekend.
Aww, on the coyote but yes, Wilson listen to your sweet mama about them!!
Love the smell of lavender! The blanket flower is so pretty! I would enjoy walking by them!
I had forgotten about Juneteenth, you are on the ball. See Wilson, your mama is smart, listen to her. 🙂
I hope both of you enjoy your weekend!!
Many thanks! The scent of real lavender as the buds are just emerging is just heavenly.
It’s gonna be a hot one this weekend. Gonna go see my dad and it will likely be a triple digit visit. At least he has great AC. 🥰 Have a fantastic weekend.
Beautiful photos, and very good advice to Wilson regarding those coyotes.
How’s the couch, Wilson 😉
Thanks, Dan. Wilson is always up for a nap on a comfy couch.
I don’t mind him looking at the neighborhood critters…just don’t want him charging their way. Unless it’s a squirrel. 🤣 Have a terrific weekend. Hope your temps are a bit more mild.
Giddy Goose looks good. That is a cute baby coyote- too bad they grow up. Have a nice weekend. XO
Thanks. I love those goose statutes and recently found they have a complete wardrobe! Coyotes are just part of nature’s circle in life.
Hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Aw, that coyote pup sure is cute, but I agree that he/she is best observed at a distance. Happy Solstice weekend, hope the temps get more comfortable!
Thanks, Eliza. We’re hoping temps moderate soon. There’s still July and August to look forward to. 😲
That pup was just so doggone adorable. I just hope he minds his p’s and q’s. Too often when people complain about wildlife, it’s the wildlife that suffer.
Have a terrific weekend.
He sure was. Sadly I do t think the temps will improve to my liking until September or October. 😁 Have a great weekend
We have fox around our neighborhood and they are interesting animals. Their curiosity usually decides what they will do. Sometimes they follow us on walks but they stay way back and when we stop, they stop, it is quite funny. We don’t bother them so they leave us alone. We also have coyotes around the area. They normally keep their distance and just watch us. Sometimes if we are two or three with Mom, when they notice us they will run away. They are kind of scary.
I’m always in awe of these creatures in urban settings and are always fascinated by their presence. Given a choice I think they’d avoid humans but often our paths cross. I feel badly their habitat is shrinking.
We hope you have a lovely weekend.
I was fascinated by those wild cone flowers. We have a pot full of domesticated cone flowers, and I have never seen wild ones. That clematis is so beautiful. The color is spectacular. Thanks for the lovely walk.
Coneflowers have a habit of showing up far from where they were planted. A bird could have brought a seed or two as well. I had some of the Mexican Hat coneflowers show up at my old house and there weren’t any nearby. It was a delightful mystery I enjoyed for years. Have a good weekend-I hope the temps won’t be too hot.
I do hope I never see a coyote around here. It terrifies me to think what the adults would do to Xena and/or Chia (Although Chia could probably outrun them.) Our temps have dropped back into the 80’s with mostly sun and a few downpours. I really don’t want to think about what the rest of the summer is going to be like! Enjoy your weekend!!
Yup, I’m with you on how the rest of the summer is shaping up. Little dogs are definitely at a disadvantage around coyotes. But I couldn’t resist taking a pic of the baby. He was just too cute. We hope you have a fantastic weekend-one that’s not too hot or too wet.
I planted lavender once. Dead in a week. I think it’s too wet here. (So why do they sell it at nurseries?) Love the baby fig and the baby coyote. You can’t help loving anything baby.
Babies of any stripe are always so doggone adorable. They’re simply irresistible.
Lavender is a very xeric plant. I’m surprised it was offered in your area if it’s that wet. They do like dry conditions and loads of sunshine. Hope you have a great weekend.
LOVE Giddy Goose and LOVE lavender…….!! I’d write more but my left wrist is sprained so I’m a bit SHORT with words!!!
Hugs, Pam
You sweet thing for even thinking of writing. Thank you! Now rest that wrist so it’ll heal. And probably ice it frequently too. 😻 Healing hugs and energy to you.
What a cute little coyote pup!
They are truly adorable. Hope you have a wonderful weekend.
I know you won’t be playing with any coyote pups Wilson, you’re a good dude! Those are sure pretty blooms you found. I hope you and Mom have a terrific weekend!
Thanks, Terry. Mum thinks I’ve been a bit too cheeky lately. Glad you enjoyed the flowers we saw this week. Hope you and the kitties all have a wonderful weekend.
The lavender looks fabulous Monika, the coyote pup looks like a very spirited wee fellow and so lovely to see Figaro looking so well too! Hope you and sweet Wilson can stay cool in these temperatures and a wonderful weekend to you all ❤️✨️ xxx
Many thanks, Xenia. There’s a whole row of that lavender and it’s simply divine in my books. I love walking along that strip because it’s so fragrant. Yes, I agree, that coyote pup is a spirited chap going out on his own. We hope you have a fabulous weekend.
Ah, this leads to the inevitable discussion: is it ky-OAT or is it Kai-Oh-Tee? According to my 28 seconds of research, in your neck of the woods it should be a Ky-OAT but my inner voice tells me you are more of a Kai-Oh-Tee person. So ‘fess up.
Your inner voice was spot on. I’m a Ky-Oh-tee sort of person even if Ky-Oat is more common in the West and Southwest. Good guess. Hope your good fortune continues throughout the weekend.
The coyote pup is adorable (at a distance!) We are finally have temps in the low 80s which is just fine with me, after a bunch of days and days in the 90’s. 80’s and a nice breeze I can manage just fine. Getting ready to welcome 8 of Marley’s family visiting us from Massachusetts next week – gonna be a busy one so we’re having a nice relaxing weekend in preparation.
The babies are adorably cute but it’s better to see them from a distance. 😉
Yeah, I’m so sick of 90’s already and it’s not even July/August furnace months yet. I think my greatest fear is being realized-one freaking hot summer. Hopefully the rain will come (and not the hailstorms).
Oh gosh, hosting a family of 8…Hope the visit goes well and isn’t too much work for you. Enjoy a quiet weekend.
Quiet weekend = calm before storm!!
Take it easy and don’t stress about it. You want to enjoy their visit.
That coyote pup IS adorable! But yes, best not encourage it to go out further than it already has…
I LOVE that clematis with the statue. My kind of garden.
I, too, love lavendar. Mine hasn’t flowered yet and with this unending rain – for the next SEVEN DAYS! I know you wish I could share. So do I. So far, June is behaving the way it has for the past few years. One week of yay! it’s summer and the rest is AW-FUL!
Gaillardia sure is flashy – so pretty.
Oooohhhhh… I am seriously jealous. Figaro indeed.
Have a fantabulous weekend!
Many thanks, dear Dale. It’ll be interesting to see how all these lovely plants thrive in the pizza oven temps. On the plus side, I recently threw a couple of packets of zinnia seeds in a pot and they look like they’re starting to germinate so at least there will be some color on the porch. Lavender is one of my favorites. Pretty and they smell divine…what’s not to love about that. Sorry you’re getting so much rain. May your skies clear soon. Hugs and tail wiggles.
Ugh. Pizza oven temps – what I have to look forward to in Greece in July. But, because it’s not at home, it’ll be fabulous… right?
Oooh… So happy for you the zinnias are coming to be! Lavender is simply divine.
Ah well… according to the forecast it won’t be until the NEXT Saturday! Oh well…
Greece anytime is fabulous, even when if it’s hot! I loved Corfu, Mykonos and even Athens (it’s like an Aegean version of Tokyo with unbelievable traffic and electrical lines hanging EVERYWHERE 😂 but there’s nothing like walking through the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike). I’m quite jealous. Hope the forecast is off. It usually is here. LOL
I’m so glad you are not giving me the: Oh my god it’s hot! Why are you going in July? speech.
We are going to Corfu, no Mykonos but Paxos and various other places – all organised by my brother-in-law.
I care not regarding this week. I am just biding my time until July 7!
Nah, I’d never do that. I think it’s good to go whenever you can. Especially with airfare being so high right now. So excited for you and can’t wait to see your photos!
You’d be amazed to know how many do. So annoying!
I am beyond excited! You know I will 🙂
I’d say so! Makes you wonder if those folks ever travel. I absolutely loved Corfu. And I know you’re going to have a fabulous time!
It’s like telling someone they are fat… you think they don’t know already? 😉
I don’t doubt I shall enjoy every minute.
People have lost the ability to filter any more. 🤦🏼♀️
You’ve got that right…
Wilson says mom is not fun at all. That little coyote would have been lots of fun to play with!
Thanks Martha…I thought so too. Mum is just an ole stick in the mud and tries to couch everything in terms of safety. Harrumph. He sure was a cute. Have a terrific weekend!
Your fur-iend,
Wilson 🐾
I hope the little coyote wasn’t abandoned. He looked healthy, just curious. It’s funny we were able to domesticate/tame wolves, but not coyotes.
I don’t think so. Mama could have been out hunting for him. I read that both parents take care of the young so maybe dad was near the den.
It is ironic about the domestication path. Although the coyotes around here seem fairly comfortable in urban settings. I love seeing them and they help keep the balance of nature in check. Wilson is hoping they take care of reducing the squirrel population more than the bunnies. Have a terrific weekend, Jacqui.
Loved the giddy goose….and that heron against the clematis….
Now contemplating Wilson wondering what exactly constitutes furniture……sofas not included, I would bet.
Thanks, Helen. I love seeing those geese statuaries. I found out there are tons of outfits you can buy! {head shaking} The ‘clematis house’ has a pair of those herons in their front garden. The other one is beautifully flanked near a spectacular huge clump of white lilies. It’s really close to the front door and I’m a bit reluctant to barge up there for a photo. Maybe the next time I see the owners, I’ll ask. They’re super friendly and gracious.
Wilson wouldn’t fit on any of the chairs so the sofa is his preferred place of respite. He sprawls out like a boss and tends to ignore calls to ‘get down.’ Funny how he seems to have lost his hearing at those moments. Talk about selective hearing!
Have a lovely weekend.