Welcome to this week’s edition of Nature Friday where we join the pups from the Adventures of the LLB Gang. To see what others have shared, just click on the highlighted link. Today is the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy. We hope you’ll be taking a quiet moment to honor and salute the 2977 victims, as well as 441 first responders who perished, not to mention the thousands of rescue workers, survivors, and area residents who have since died from 9/11-related cancers and respiratory diseases.
{Bowing his head respectfully for a moment} Wilson here. It’s quite remarkable that even after 25 years, the planners of the attack have still not been tried. It seems unfathomable that the survivors still have no closure regarding that horrible day.
Today we are visiting a new place that’s not that far from our house. Let’s take a look at the “Finding Nectar Nursery” and farm. Finding Nectar Nursery is a small, pesticide-free garden center and farm in Arvada, Colorado that grows native flowering plants that are not only lovely to look at, but also provide pollinators with much needed pollen. Let’s take a gander around the farm, shall we?
Wilson: You can’t dispute the cuteness factor of many of the animals at this little farm which began in 2021. Alpacas, La Mancha and Nigerian Dwarf goats were enjoying breakfast while Mum was there. Sadly I was refused entry. Can you believe it…they have a ‘no pet’ policy?! That’s just not fair, I’m a sheepdog for crying out loud…keeping everybody in line in my life’s work.
The Mum: Now, now, it’s always good to obey the rules and there was no need for you to disturb the animals as they enjoyed their breakfast…some a bit more than others. I mean, just look at this character-he really got into munching of the hay, literally. Several of the goats burrowed into the hay bin to get up close and personal with their meal.
Wilson: Well I’m just telling you, I would have maintained decorum around the hay feeder. There wouldn’t be any of that kind of tunneling on my watch.
The Mum: Which is no doubt another reason for the ‘no dogs’ rule. Although I’m sure you’d have been quite effective, there is no point unsettling everyone around the hay feeder, right?
Wilson: {eyes rolling} I’m just saying, Mum. And I definitely know I would have helped this overly enthusiastic guy out of his predicament.
The Mum: I laughed when some of the goats climbed into the feeder and while it might look like this little guy is stuck, he jumped in and out repeatedly. It was like a game with him.
Wilson: Harumph…and I suppose this guy was the mayor of the entire herd? He looks a bit bossy while trying to appear like he’s is big cheese around the farm making sure everyone stayed in line.
The Mum: He watched me like a hawk from the barn but came over to the fence to get petted. He’s a Nigerian Dwarf goat. They are an American dairy goat, but originated from western African stock. Originally bred as show goats and later as companions, they are smallish (approximately 35 kg (75 lb), quite docile, thus making them wonderful companions. They are an excellent choice for small dairy farms.
Wilson: I’m not sure I approve of that watchful eye. What if he’d attacked you?
The Mum: Don’t be silly. Like I said, they are vey docile and their milk is high in butterfat and protein content which makes it suitable for making cheese and butter.
Wilson: Well I’m just not 100% sure of their intentions. You should be careful who you hang out with, Mum.
The Mum: Oh for heaven’s sake…why do I think ‘someone’ is a bit jealous. Would you have preferred me hanging out with the alpacas instead?
Wilson: Well, at least they don’t seem too threatening. Besides, they seem more content to eating than competing for attention.
The Mum: You’re being ridiculous. Stop acting like a baby. It was fun watching them. They are such fascinating creatures.
Wilson: If you say so. The farm seems to be very much about educating the public on the importance of protecting pollinators of all kinds.
The Mum: Yes, they had a number of informative signs to show people how best to help bees and other pollinators. Their mission is to promote and keep them safe. Did I mention they are a pesticide free farm?
Wilson: Yes, you did mention that earlier. This weekend they will begin to open the pumpkin patch where peeps can wander around choosing from bins of carving pumpkins, pie pumpkins, heirloom and jumbo varieties, gourds and corn stalks. It sounds like they might even have some honey tastings. They are big in having bee keeping supplies on hand. Too bad you won’t be able to go this weekend since you’ll be busy helping out the rescue with the big Longs Peak Highland Celtic Festival in Estes Park. I’m sure you’ll take lots of pictures so you can share with us next time. This festival has been around now for over 50 years so it should be very interesting. Perhaps in a week or two you can check out the pumpkin patch and maybe you’ll ride around in this truck.
The Mum: Isn’t that a classic? The rust was particularly photogenic and I loved the teal color.
Wilson: Well that’s it from us this week. We hope you enjoyed touring the Finding Nectar farm. Have a wonderful weekend and please make sure you get outside to enjoy this beautiful time of year where the days are warm, the mornings are cool and the light has that special golden glow. Today might be our last 90F degree (32.2C) day this summer. Yay.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Oh, and yes I want a ride in the back of that truck too! LOL!
I am slowly adding lots of native plants, trees and shrubs to help pollinators around here, as well as what I put into my patio planters.
All those creatures are so cute, the goats are like clowns on four legs!
With the climate changing as much as it is, native plants are the best for one’s area to help pollinators, and with moisture and diseases-it can make such a difference in any landscape. I’m such fans of goats and alpacas…oh my gosh, they are just too adorable.
That pickup was simply FABULOUS! I loved the teal color and the rust was like icing on a cake. Have a super weekend.
Awww…they are so cute. Have a nice weekend.
Thank you. Glad you enjoyed seeing them. Enjoy your weekend.
Those animals are adorable, and I don’t think Wilson had anything to worry about. That truck is a classic. Seems like it was a beautiful day, too.
It was a gorgeous day, a bit on the hot side but the skies were a beautiful shade of blue. I am so enamored with alpacas and goats. Such adorable creatures. Hope you have a lovely weekend, Dan.
I love it when Wilson goes Americana. He’s the best.
As are all those super cute animals you met this week. Sorry that some of them got Wilson’s ‘goat’, pun absolutely intended. But he has nothing to worry about because mama knows how lucky she is to have him as a sidekick.
Have a great time at the festival coming up mama.
And yes, I took a moment this morning to reflect.
Thanks Marc. Wilson wears the red, white and blue well. He’s such a good sport.
The festival was ‘interesting’ but Estes Park was so pretty. Lots of lookers but no takers in terms of anyone buying any merch or volunteering. People seem to be holding back. Gosh, can’t imagine why they’re indecisive. You’d think the economy was holding folks back. 😈 Have a grand weekend!
He really does, and he totally is.
Oh my bad, why did I say next week?
Yeah anyway! It’s not like they’re deciding between filling up the tank or getting groceries . . . oh wait . . . they are.
You as well
So true. When I left the festival, I looked round and it looked like a lot of folks were tentative about buying things. Didn’t see a lot of bags so it wasn’t just us. I was surprised by the number of folks from out of state who were there. I guess they spent all their money on gas. There were a ton of campers & RVs in the parking lot. Eek, I cannot even begin to imagine filling up those babies!
But they’re no longer traveling to other places. With rising costs, travel to places like Europe is way down. So I guess they’re just going all in to vacation here, since camping itself isn’t expensive. It’s the getting TO your destination that hurts.
By not visiting elsewhere, It isolates us and makes us even less curious about the rest of the world and underscores our arrogance. Seeing so many out of state travelers yesterday made me really uncomfortable at the small mindedness that has taken over our country.
Lovely photos, Monika. The animals are so cute.. Wishing you a super weekend
Many thanks, John. Baby goats and alpacas just give me good feels-they’re so adorable and irresistible. Hope you and the pupsters have a lovely weekend.
Love the goats. Such characters… 😀
Thanks so much Paul. Those critters make me grin from ear to ear. So adorable. Have a wonderful weekend!
We all have such sad memories of 9/11/01, the world changed forever that day.
Thanks for sharing your farm tour, those alpacas are particularly endearing. 😍
Have a great time at the festival!
It was an incredibly horrible time. We all are forever changed because of it.
Those goats and alpacas were just too irresistible. Can’t want to go back and see them again. Have a lovely weekend.
Looks like a great place, I would have loved it…Alpacas are the best!!
It’s quite charming and I love what they’re doing for pollinators. You’re so right, Lisa. Alpacas with those adorable smiling faces just make everything just right. Have a terrific weekend b
I will never forget that horrific day.
Awww on all the adorable critters. Mother Nature is so amazing.
Have a fabulous day and weekend. Love and hugs to you and lots of scritches to handsome Wilson. ♥
Thanks Sandee. Just got home from a long day at the festival. I’m pretty bushed but grateful for the opportunity to share sheepies with a new crowd. It was fun. Have a lovely weekend.
Never forget. My heart still breaks again and the memories of that time flood my thoughts. We pulled together as a nation.
The animals on the farm are so cute! Too bad the pony dog wasn’t allowed to go. He would’ve been the biggest attraction.
It is nice there are places that focus on pollinators. I make sure the pollinators are taken care of on Blackberry Homestead.
That day is seared into my brain and heart. We will #neverforget
They have an amazing amount of resources to assist pollinators. I’ll definitely be going back again and again. Enjoy a good weekend.
You too.
I love those little goats! So cute!
Mum does too and stops where and whenever she sees them. I’m sure she’ll be going back regularly. Have a wonderful weekend.
Your fur-iend,
Wilson 🐾
Aww, Wilson, sorry they didn’t let you in, but I understand. You would have attracted so much attention that no one would have been looking at the goats and adorable alpacas. After all, you are the handsome prince of Sheepdogs! 😉
Yes, hard to believe it’s been 25 years. I want to go back to how everyone treated everyone on Sept 12,2001! My heart does go out to family and friends. The anniversary always pulls my heartstrings. Can’t imagine how it affects them. 🩵
Every year I whisper NEVER FORGET as soon as I wake up.
Thanks for the sweet comment about Wilson. I knew in advance dogs were not permitted and he stayed home. He was fine lounging on the sofa and very happy to welcome me back home. He gave me a once over sniff and deemed me forgiven. 😉 Have a lovely weekend.
❤️
You are very welcome and I am glad he forgave you. 😉 Our dogs are always so forgiving. 😊 Thanks! Enjoy relaxing this weekend, and hopefully, there will be a Fall NIP in the air next week for both of us!
I’ll toast that wish!
🥂
We will always remember that horrible day. Hey, love the nature critters today Wilson!!! I hope you and Mom have a fabulous weekend!
We sure will forget that day as if it was yesterday. What a tragic event. Glad you enjoyed the farm critters. They sure were entertaining. Wishing you and the kitties a pawsome weekend.
Lulu: “Look at all those little goats and moptops! Our Dada would love to visit that place, too! And we would give him such a sniff afterwards …”
Charlee: “We weren’t around for 9/11, of course, but our Mama and Dada will never forget it. Our Dada was in a meeting in the only room in the building that had a television, and somebody knocked on the door and said they needed the TV, and that was the end of the meeting. And of any work for the rest of the day.”
Thanks guys. Glad you liked the goats and moptops, Lulu. Yes, I had a similar experience as your Dada. It still feels surreal. At the time I was working in a law firm located in Denver’s World Trader Center. The building made everyone go home because no one knew just how far the perpetrators were willing to go. Such a tragedy that day. We hope you guys have a nice weekend.
Fall temps are supposed to arrive here in a couple days and we are thrilled! The place we get our raw food is a farm and they have a pen with alpacas right where we get the food. Sometimes we get out and visit them through the fence. We are excited for pumpkins and all the Halloween decorations around. It will be especially fun for Henry. Have a Grand weekend!
Mum is a little obsessed with alpacas and squeals whenever she sees them so you can imagine how excited she was touring the farm. We have more autumnal weather arriving next week. Hopefully that means we can say goodbye to summer-we’ve had enough. Have a good weekend.
Your fur-iend,
Wilson 🐾
Xena: I think you mighta been right about the goats, Wilson. That last one looked like he had devil horns.
Chia: I bet I coulda chased him away!
Lucy: Those alpacas looked so sweet and friendly. It’s too bad us dogs aren’t allowed in there to cuddle with them. We could be amassadors for our breeds, Wilson!
Nigerian dwarf goats are the sweetest things even if they have horns. Now, now, Chia…you wouldn’t want to scare them. They make such nice companions. We know they’d love you, Lucy. Everyone does. Have a nice weekend, all!
Gosh I had a great time seeing all they have there for animals of all types! I’d have loved being there with you Wilson. And thank you to you and your mom for such a moving tribute to those who were killed in that vicious horrific series of attacks that day of horror. XX
Thanks for going on our little tour, Carole. We’re so pleased you enjoyed all the ani-pals. Every year I relive that horrible day and every year I continue to start each 9/11 with a prayer to #neverforget. Have a lovely weekend.
I loved seeing the square bales. What’s with the round ones? I don’t get it.
Machines do a quick job baling the round ones so I’m guessing it’s a matter of ease and less expensive. We love seeing a field of them rolled up. Have a nice weekend.
Wilson: This is a wonderful farm certainly worthy of multiple visits, unless you are you, of course. I get the rule too, but I do wonder what your reaction would be to some of that action. The Mum obviously had a great time there. One more day of 90F…that is worthy of a double Yay…Yay! Have a great weekend!
Many thanks, Bruce. Yes, I’ll definitely be going back, repeatedly. There was so much to take in especially with all the info and products for pollinators. And you can bet your sweet bippy we’re thrilled the 90’s may be behind us. Next week 70’s and low 80’s. Indian Summer is the best transition-the light is golden and beautiful and the temps are much more moderate. Hurrah! Have a lovely weekend.
What a wonderful farm and delightful place to visit Monika! The pesticide-free flowers are so important for the bees and the goats and alpacas are adorable 😍 Wishing you and sweet Wilson a blessed weekend and much love to you all 🥰❤️🐾 xxx
Many thanks, Xenia. It was a lovely place to stroll around the visit will all the dairy pets. They seemed to enjoy the attention they received in between munching on their breakfast. We hope you have a lovely weekend.
What a wonderful organization/farm. Loved all the animal photos. And love your painting at the start of this blog post. You’re so talented, and what a lovely tribute.
Thanks, you’re too kind. I had a bit of help on that one. I was like a kid in a candy store walking from groups of alpacas and goats. Too much fun. Enjoy a lovely weekend.
Wilson no doubt proclaims he is the GOAT. And he is, of course. I saw your goat photo on Insta and was wondering what the full story was. That is a really nice little center – wish we had one like that here.
Thanks, Tom. It is such a respite in suburbia where the soul can rejuvenate itself. With so much tragedy and ugliness in the world, it was a morning visit filled with joy and wonder. We NEED that every so often to be able to cope with what has become an all too familar reality. Enjoy a good weekend.
I definitely think Wilson should have been allowed in! What’s a dog to do? Very cute ics, i love goats.
Thanks, Martha. I can understand why they don’t allow dogs, still it would have been fun to watch his reaction to the adorable goats and alpacas. Have a great weekend.