Nature Friday ~ October 13, 2023

Tra, la, la, la, la…doh, dum, de, do….Greetings, peeps, Elsa here to share this week’s Hodge-Podge Friday scenes from around the Ranch.

The Mom: Umm, sweetie…it’s “Nature Friday” not Hodge-Podge Friday. Would you like to correct that so we can get started  as we join our pals, Rosy and Sunny from LLB in Our Backyard.

Elsa: Nope, not happening. I’m calling it Hodge-Podge Friday because none of the photos you took have any real theme. I looked up hodge-podge in the online Oxford Dictionary and it specifically defines it as, and I quote, a confused mixture. So nope, it stays Hodge-Podge Friday.

The Mom: Ahem…well ex-cuussse me. Jeez, you’re pretty scrappy today. What’s got your backside all up in arms?

Elsa: Nothing special. My blog, my post. Now can we get on with it? I got things to do.

The Mom: Bwahahaha, what do you have to do today?

Elsa: I’m a dog, there’s always something to do. We are always busy, even if you don’t think so.

Sleeping Elsa

The Mom: I see…so is that what you consider as ‘so busy?’

Elsa: Erm…I’m thinking…this blogging thing is harder than it looks. Now can I get on with it?

The Mom: Fine by me. What ‘cha got?

Elsa: Well I know you went to another Dragon Boat Race last weekend, this one in Broomfield. You must really like those races. Not sure I’m on board with all that water activity but whatever floats your boat. I will give you the fact that it was a pretty autumn day. Are we through the hot temps…finally?

Broomfield park

The Mom: Well you know Colorado. I’m sure there’ll be a day or two in the 80’sºF over the next couple of weeks, but it’s probably safe to say, most likely.

Elsa: You sure know how to slice the hair in half. Is this from all the years you worked in the legal field, quibbling over terms like ‘may’ as opposed to just stating a fact?

The Mom: Ahem…I don’t quibble. But I am just trying to express the possibilities that may or may not happen.

Elsa: See, you did it again!! What the dog, Mom!

The Mom: Oops, I guess I do tend to equivocate sometimes. Sorry.

Elsa: Whatever. Just wanted you to be aware that I’m keenly aware of how you do that. So I noticed one dog at least tried to compete with the boat racers. What was up with that knucklehead?

Dog in Water

The Mom: Whaddu mean? He was just enjoying a simply swim and there weren’t any Canadian geese to race against the boats.

Elsa: Swim and enjoyment are mutually exclusive in my books.

The Mom: {eyes rolling} To each her own, right? Remember we talked about this thing called tolerance, Elsa.

Elsa: Ugh…I just want people to know how dumb it seems for dogs to actually jump in water and swim. You wouldn’t catch me doing that…not for all the bones in Denver.

The Mom: But some dogs DO enjoy it so let them have their fun.

Elsa: Sheesh…so where’s an actual picture of a race? I know this was not nearly as large an event but let me see for myself.

Dragon Boat Race

The Mom: You’re correct, it was a smaller venue but I mean…Dragon Boats! It was fun watching folks compete and it looked like they all had a good time. I especially enjoyed the entertainment from a couple of dance groups from the Asian Pacific community. Such colorful costumes on kids as young as 10 years old dancing for the small crowd.

Elsa: You think it was small because they’ve only been doing it for the past 3 years at that park? Seems a shame considering how many thousands experienced the one at Sloan’s Lake back in July.

The Mom: Could be, but I’m sure more folks will start attending. It wasn’t even close to hot which was a huge plus. The drawback was I couldn’t walk to the venue and it seemed like so far though it was only about 20 miles away. I just rarely drive that far.

Dragon Boat Race

Dragon Boat Race

Dragon Boat Race

Elsa: Ooh, I’d love to chase those twirling skirts and I’m sure that littlest girl would love to have me lay my head in her lap. Maybe next time, I’ll go.

The Mom: Umm, hate to break it to you, even though dogs are welcome to the event, they aren’t allowed on stage. So, no…that ain’t gonna happen.

Elsa: {ruckus…rats…%$&#} You just never let me have any fun!

The Mom: I’m sure if you learned to dance, they’d allow you on stage, but I don’t make the rules.

Elsa: I notice our neighbors are getting into the Halloween spirit full bore. I heard you tell the lady you’re making them Instagram stars.

Skellies

Skellies

The Mom: {snicker} Well I wouldn’t say Instagram stars but a lot of people sure seem to enjoy my posts and have contacted me to get the address so they can see them in person. The theme this week was ‘camping.’ I had to chuckle, though with the 2 dozen Skellies they must have, it must take an entire weekend to dress and set the props for the scene. It makes me smile whenever I go past that house.

Elsa: I saw that one dog who started barking at the big skellies, growling with raised hackles. What a rube!

The Mom: Now, now, Elsa…Halloween can be scary for some dogs. You used to bark your head off whenever Trick-er-treaters rang our doorbell in costume.

Elsa: Those were serial killers, I was only protecting the Ranch.

The Mom: {eyes rolling} Oh Elsa…you slay me sometimes.

Elsa: Glad I can be of comedic entertainment for you. Just don’t come crying to me when something bad happens. I take my security duties quite seriously. So is there anything else autumnal, this week?

The Mom: Well as a matter of fact, yes. Leaves are s-l-o-w-l-y beginning to change. A few here and there. This one was all aglow when we walked over to the library.

Changing leaves

Elsa: Pretty, yes, but the crunching leaves kind of bother my feet. The jury is still out on this whole autumn thing. But I do appreciate the cooler temps. And what the dog was this guy doing sashaying along the sidewalk this week?

The Mom: I know, right? There were 4 dogs in the nearby vicinity and he just waltzed past us. Blew me away. Usually they dash so fast I can’t get any kind of pic that close.

Fox

Elsa: Did you see my jaw drop open? I don’t know what he was thinking walking past us and the other dogs. I’m still flabbergasted.

The Mom: It was one of the more unusual encounters we’ve had. Seeing foxes always makes me smile.

Elsa: Me too. I think I could be a good friend if only they’d let me.

The Mom: Probably not, but it’s a nice thought. Well that’s it for this week. It wasn’t too bad, was it?

Elsa: Hodge-podge, Mom, definitely hodge-podge. So what’s on board for your weekend? Got anything going on? Whatever you do, we hope you get to see some of the pretty things Nature is serving up right now.

Nature Friday

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ August 25, 2023

Nature Friday

Welcome to this week’s edition of Nature Friday…where we join those cuties Rosy and Sunny from LLB in Our Backyard. Be sure to click on the link to see what else has been shared.

Today is the last Friday of August (good riddance I say though I know many of you will mourn summer coming to an end), and as Elsa and I prepared to head out for our early morning walk, we relish the quiet and peacefulness before the city wakes up and everyone hits their own running hamster wheel. I’m struck by the morning smell of dew, with an occasional whiff of freshly brewed coffee wafting through open windows as we wander in the dim dawn light. A few other early morning risers are out walking their dogs and, for the most part, everyone is on their best behavior with a minimum of warning barks. Now that I’ve set the stage, let’s see what we encountered.

Elsa: Well it’s another day, Mom. I know it’s been a tough week for you but let’s not focus on that, instead, how about we zero in on all the wonderful sights we encountered. Deal?

The Mom: Sounds like a plan to me. It was a rough week that’s left me emotionally drained but this morning’s walk reminded me why I enjoy these quiet early morning walks where I can contemplate life, and notice subtle signs nature often shares.

Elsa: Right-that’s the spirit, Mom! How about that bright cloud that followed us until the sun rose enough to remove the color? Glad you noticed it and didn’t take yet another sunrise photo. We may be morning folks but I’m sure some are over your fascination with sweeping sunrises from Sloan’s Lake.

Morning cloud

The Mom: I wouldn’t be so sure of that, Ninja. Early morning light can be simply magical that others can appreciate it.

Elsa: Ok, Ansel Adams…we may get it, but enough. So what about some of the other interesting shots around the neighborhood?

Cowboy boot planter

The Mom: As we walk around the ‘Hood, I’m always struck by what new interesting sights we’ll come across. The quiet allows my mind to see things we probably would overlook during the harshness of daily activity. When it’s quiet, things seem to beckon your eyes to see the city in a different view.

Elsa: That cowboy boot planter was an odd find, wasn’t it? But definitely interesting in the early morning light. I’d even hazard those owners should get together with the people who own that cow statute we featured recently. They’re probably more similar than different in the way they think about their gardens.

The Mom: You have a point. It’s fun to see the diversity throughout the area, from nationalities/races, the various kinds of architecture and how people landscape their gardens. We’re very lucky to be able to see how people interpret their gardens. It’s like a living museum of styles.

Elsa: I dunno about that…some of the sights we saw this week were just flat odd. That cowboy boot is the least of the weirdness. Hey, isn’t the city motto of Austin, Texas “keep Austin weird” starting to creep into our neighborhood? I mean, sure there are tons of people from Texas moving here all the time but…

The Mom: {interrupting} Hahaha, you sometimes crack me up with the way you look at things. I’ll just stay with different strokes for different folks. Besides it makes the neighborhood more vibrant.

Elsa: Vibrant? I’m beginning to wonder about you Mom. Seems like this was the week for seeing weird garden art/decor. And just like our dense neighborhood, it’s even impacting the housing crunch for birds. Did you see that avian condo this morning? Eight families can live there!

Birdhouse

The Mom:  Affordable housing for birds means more density. I’m sure there are eight bird families who won’t mind being in such close quarters. At least it’s not some Modern McMansion like too many lately and fits into the neighborhood aesthetic pretty nicely.

Elsa: Good perspective, Mom. So I know things have been a bit of a zoo around the Ranch lately. But I’ve been very surprised to see it spill over in gardens throughout the ‘Hood. Here’s another weird garden critter we passed on our walk.

Pigs

The Mom: I had to chuckle at the “Pigs Rule” sign, as if the numerous pig statuaries weren’t indicative enough.

Elsa: You uprights are just weirdos! We saw our fair share of critters this week. From too quick to photograph trash pandas (otherwise knowns as raccoons) to rabbits. I don’t think I’ve seen as many rabbits as I have this year. And then…{gasping} I even saw a freaking giraffe in the trees! What the dog?!

Giraffe

The Mom: That sight really blew me away. It’s not a great photo because it’s on a hill and hard to see it through all the trees and brush; we had to go back and see if we couldn’t get a better view. I suspect it’s made of metal but won’t know for sure until the leaves start dropping next month and we can it better. It’s a pretty wooded and weed filled lot but it stopped me dead in my tracks.

Elsa: As you were trying to get the best angle for that giraffe, I was focused on the bunny that ran under the car that was parked in front of that statute. I just love their fluffy white tails but they don’t seem to share the same loving feeling about me. They always hop away as quickly as their bunny feet will carry them.

Rabbit

The Mom: They are very abundant this year. There was even one in our yard when we got home but he didn’t hang out there for long. Hmmm…maybe he’s the one that ate the single ripe tomato.

Rabbit

Elsa: Let’s just hope he doesn’t filch the latest crop of  strawberries. Now let’s share the mystery plant of the week.

Flowers, Ground Cherry

The Mom: This mystery plant, as you refer to it, is Physalis Viscosa, commonly referred to as Ground Cherry. It’s a member of the nightshade family and is native to South America. Whoever moved into this property has pretty much let things go so lots of weeds have moved in and this plant is sometimes thought of as a weed. It has replaced the border of flowers where I took such pretty photos of blooming flowers in the background of you a couple of years ago. It looks a bit like tomatillos but then again, they both belong to the nightshade family. That fruit is rich in cryptoxanthin and can be consumed much like tomatoes.

Elsa: Umm, well you can, but there’s no way I’m not eating one those things. Blech…vegetables…er fruit. Nooo thank you!

The Mom: You’re so silly. Let’s end this week’s post with a bit of hope from a recent rainbow that we thought was a sign from Norman watching over us. We’re expecting a most welcomed bit of a cool down this weekend and if we’re real lucky, some rain. We hope the heat breaks soon for those  living in the central part of the country as well as folks all along the gulf coast and hope you are able to get outside to see what visual gifts Mother Nature provides in your neck of the woods.

Rainbow

Elsa: What she said ⬆️. Don’t forget to have a great weekend.

Nature Friday

Live, love, bark! 🐾

 

Nature Friday ~ April 21, 2023

Ranch HandsBlimey, is it Friday already? Norman here with my little sister Elsa and we’re ready to share some Nature views from around our neighborhood. As always, we’re joining Rosy and Sunny from the LLB life. Make sure you click on the link to see what other slices of nature have been shared.

Norman: {shivering} Brr, it’s chilly out there this morning. Good thing I’m in Mum’s studio. I’m just not built for 29ºF (-1.7ºC).

Elsa: Oh jeez, you big wuss. It’s not so bad, think of it as ‘bracing.’

Norman: Bracing? Umm, I can’t get past the bone chilling part. Anyway, let’s get started, shall we? Nature has been having a party at our house. Or specifically, a pool party. Birds have been showing up every evening around 5:00 POM and carousing in the bird bath. Mostly in the past they’ve dropped by for “Happy Hour” but I guess the water was just too inviting and they started to dive in but first, a quick slurp.

Robins

Elsa: Mom seems fascinated by them as she watched for a long time. She said she was rewarded with their Mark Spitz imitations. {eyes rolling} I mean, come on…what’s so exciting about watching them dive in after drinking a Mai Tai? That’s what a lot of drunks do when there’s a nearby pool. Wait a minute, just because you called it “Happy Hour,” I distinctly didn’t see any little umbrellas. What a cheap dive bar!

Norman: Well aren’t you just precious? There were no Mai Tai’s, Ninja.

Elsa: Well, I know I wouldn’t hang out at that bar…swimming pool notwithstanding.

Norman: What are you talking about? You don’t go near water any more than I do and you have webbed feet!

Elsa: There’s a reason I don’t. I just don’t want to make you feel badly. Yeah, yeah, that’s the ticket…I’m trying to bolster your ego.

Norman: Okay, now you’re just being cheeky.

Elsa: {giggling hysterically} Umm, {stifled snicker} no I’m not. {bursts out in wild dog laughter}. Ok, maybe just a little.

Norman: Ahem…moving right along. Mum says ‘spring has sprung’ when the Eastern Redbuds start blooming. Check out this lovely little specimen. She’s not sure how well it’s going to do long term. It faces south and with the heat those rocks and brick will generate…who knows what its long-term health will be. It sure is colorful though. Mom didn’t recall it before, likely because they’re only stunning when blooming but once they’ve leafed out, they’re mostly nondescript as far as trees go.

Redbud tree in bloom

Elsa: In the past couple of days, flowering trees are popping out all over. It’s fun to watch the bees buzz from flower to flower. Mom had to drag coax me to move along our walk but I think I was hypnotized by their noise and watching the bees flit from one bloom to another. Boy, they sure are busy little guys, aren’t they?

Flowering trees

Norman: I’m drooling thinking of the sweet apples that will be forming soon on this tree. I hope Mum lets me carry a fallen apple home from one of our walks.

Flowering trees

Elsa: You…carry anything on a walk? Bwahahahaha! Don’t make me laugh.

Norman: {clearing his throat} That’s not very sporting of you. I’ll have you know I carry toys in my mouth all the time.

Elsa: I know you well enough brother that you’d carry an apple for maybe and I’m being generous here, probably only for 3 or 4 steps. At most.

Norman: {indignantly sniffing} I’m rather offended by your criticism.

Elsa: It’s not a criticism…merely an observation, dude. Let’s not give people the wrong idea-you’re not a fetch-n-carry kind of dog. But I promise you the next time Mom offers me a slice of apple, I’ll give it to you before I gum it into mush and then spit it out. I don’t know how you can eat those things. Give me a meaty piece of jerky any day over fruit and vegetables if you want to give me a snack!

Norman: Variety is the spice of life, little one. And you know what they say…”an apple a day…”

Elsa: I know, blah, blah, blah. Barf.

Norman: Heavens, sounds like one of those bees you were mesmerized by flew under your bonnet!

Elsa: Ha, ha, my brother trying to be funny. Hey, don’t quit your day job, Bucko.

Norman: Well, I think we should get back to the nature portion of this post. Mum was delighted the chilly night temperatures hadn’t seemed to bother the Magnolia tree down the block from us. It was covered with lovely soft yellow blooms. Talk about a beautiful sight.

Magnolia

Elsa: Well I know for a fact you tend to keep your nose more focused on the ground, like this Peony bush that is already forming buds. Can’t wait to see what color the flowers are. They always smell so divine.

Peony

Norman: I can assure you nothing gets past my sniffer. I’ll check it once it starts filling the air with some perfume.

Elsa: {eyes rolling again} You know you’re the reason why our walks take forever. Mom has to pull you along from Point A to Point B because you’re sniffing so much. Are you sure you’re not part Bloodhound?

Norman: {with dignified straightening of his collar} For the record I. am. 100%. Old. English. Sheepdog.

Elsa: If you say so. But some days, I have serious doubts.

Norman: This is not the place to discuss one’s ancestry, dear sister. We’re here to share slices of Nature from around our neighborhood. And with that pronouncement, let me share one last picture from across the street. Their Phlox are blooming so prettily but I found one with a special ‘flower’ in the center of it. Mum said what a shame and we’ll probably have an infestation of the yellow flowers but I think it’s quite lovely.

Flowers

Elsa: Meh…I’m mostly indifferent. I know you really get into this whole botanical thing. I prefer to keep my eyes focused on the neighborhood squirrels.

Norman: Remember little one that “Happiness held is the seed, happiness shared is the flower. ~ John Harrigan. And with that we hope you have a smashing weekend. Don’t forget to get out there and check out Nature…right now she’s sharing loads of flowers. Cheerio, mates.

Nature Friday

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Few Words Wednesday ~ November 9, 2022

Pelican

Need to head south now.

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ October 7, 2022

HalloweenWheee…it’s been a wild and busy week but we managed to ‘hang’ there and make it to Friday which means it’s time to join Rosy from  “Adventures of the LLB Gang” for their weekly Nature Friday blog hop. Don’t forget to check out what others shared by clicking on the link.

This week I traveled south to see my Dad and to visit with a sister from flew in from Maryland to also visit with Dad. Let see what autumn looks like in southern Colorado, shall we?

NatureAutumn is in full swing along the Greenhorn mountains west of Pueblo and a beautiful alpenglow at sunrise silhouetted a lone pinon tree in the wide open space on the nearby Walker Ranch. Nature deftly adds some tawny buffalo grass among the prairie dog burrows and provides a serene and resplendent landscape.

Sunrises tend to be pretty spectacular down at Dad’s anyway and they certainly haven’t disappointed this week. Everything seems to glow in the autumn air.

Sunrisew
Rise and shine!

Prairie grasses are illuminated in the early morning light while my favorite tree continues to remain stately just a couple of hours later. You may recall I’ve featured this tree before and it continues to blow me away, given that it is estimated to be over 700 years old, yet it still soldiers on. And as is so typical in these parts, a beautiful blue bird colored sky makes for a great backdrop for added emphasis.

Pinion treeRabbit brush

Down the road a large patch of rabbitbrush is in full bloom and provides a safe habitat for neighboring bunnies and other small creatures. One dashed out in front of me as I headed up the hill but was so fast I couldn’t even grab my cell phone quick enough to capture it. But like all the rabbits around Dad’s house, it was furry and adorably cute with a signature white powder puff of a tail. Wouldn’t it be nice to be as energetic so early in the day? But all was not lost on spotting critters. I did find these guys on the afternoon walk. I’m a total sucker for whimsical lawn art.

Critters

Plus keeping up with them is never a problem and they happily pose for pics.

Critters

They may not be actual living creatures, but they still provide  a nice smile nonetheless.

We hope autumn is beautiful in your neck of the woods (or plains, as the case may be). Do you have any special plans for the weekend? Whatever you do, I hope you’re able to take some time to enjoy this beautiful time of year.

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ September 16, 2022

Well, well, well…looky here…we managed to reach Friday without hurting anyone or anything so now it’s time to join our pals over at Adventures of the LLB Gang for their weekly blog hop where folks share some slices of nature. Make sure you check out the link of all those who participate.

Hopefully (and without jinxing myself), dare I say it feels like we’re in what’s known as Indian Summer around these parts. With just a mere 6 days until the official arrival of autumn, the temps have moderated and to those of you who think I complain focus too much on the extreme high and low ends of the thermometer, am happy to provide a Goldilocks approach this week and say things have been just right. Warm days and cool nights. And not having to run the AC all day long makes for good sinus health. A real win-win.

A recent walk to Sloan’s Lake rewarded me with a few interesting pics. The morning threatened to shower, but only managed to provide some great clouds and reflections over the lake. This is a slightly different view that I normally share-near the park bathrooms and maintenance building and where the Dragon Boat races bivouac. The ducks take advantage of this spot frequently.

Sloan's Lake

One thing I noticed as I meandered around the lake is one area in particular is closed off so the grass can be restored. Notice the winged “Gen Z’ers” that once again demonstrate the rules don’t seem to apply to them just liked their human counterparts.

Sloan's Lake

One thing we’ve noticed walking around gardens of the ‘Hood are the ripening squash and pumpkins. Just in time for that favorite season of many consumers, ‘pumpkin spice’ fill-in-the-blank.

Pumpkin

Pollinators are quite busy doing their thing in anticipation of the end of the summer season. This is a community garden I often walk past and it’s chock-full of fresh produce.

Bees in the garden

Sunflowers are blooming and spreading happiness before the first frost. I’m particularly mesmerized by these bronze varieties along the ubiquitous tiny strip between street and sidewalk. The perfect autumnal colors, wouldn’t you say?

Flowers

Outdoor decor is reflecting the upcoming season as well. Porches are beginning to display buckets of pumpkins and gourds as well as another autumn favorite, that member of the aster family known as Chrysanthemums.

Pumpkins

Flowers

It’s going to be another lovely weekend and Norman and I will be doing some pet therapy events and hopefully all three of us will get a chance to see some more of the fabulous offerings of Indian Summer. Anything special scheduled for your weekend? Whatever you do, we hope you are able to get out and enjoy this special time of year where the light is magic and golden.

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ August 12, 2022

Happy Fri-Yay, peeps. Welcome to this week’s addition of Nature Friday where we join the pups from Adventures of the LLB Gang for their weekly blog hop.

We try to share nature’s beauty here every Friday but there’s nothing that says we can’t share nature’s cute aspects, right? Well, this week get ready for some serious cute. Long story short, a former neighbor and friend who made a stop at a nearby farm for fresh eggs (Amanda is a professor of geography and environmental sciences) and ended by buying the farm which sat in a conservation easement within the city limits of Wheat Ridge (a nearby Denver suburb) in 2010 which continues the legacy of former owner Louise Turner, whose family was not interested in continuing to farm. Amanda Weaver took over the egg and dairy business and uses the 13 acre farm to provide community resources and educational opportunities for the community as well as her students (you can read more about Amanda and her journey to being a farmer here). Recently she mentioned in her newsletter that the farm had new baby goats and after a series of postponements, I went to the farm yesterday to see the now almost teenaged goats.

Amanda raises LaMancha dairy goats, the only breed developed in the U.S. LaMancha are noted for high milk production, relatively high butterfat content and their people loving personalities. They also are known for their distinctive  ‘gopher ears’ which are minuscule compared to other goat breeds. Gopher ears are practically nonexistent with very little or no cartilage.

LaMancha goat mama
Don’t make fun of my gopher ears that are barely see

The above pic is the surrogate mama for one of the babies (whose own mama passed away suddenly shortly following the birth of a pair of twins). Alas, one of the babies did not survive so this little cutie pie took a double loss in life but she’s making up for it with her cuteness factor running clear off the charts.

Baby goat

She’s a mix from her LaMancha mama and a Nigerian Dwarf buck. She seemed to inherit her daddy’s ears and her mama’s love of people.

While my friend was feeding the two mama’s, this little miss jumped up in my lap! I learned however that whenever you exit your seat, it is likely to be immediately occupied by another goat who will quickly jump up in your place.

Baby goat
I swear she practically purred in my lap

Gah…that face! I was completely smitten. Here’s is the other mama goat keeping an eye on me while the little one contentedly sat in my lap being petted.

Mama Goat

Her baby liked to prance around me but wasn’t interested in getting into my lap. She did however seem to enjoy delivering very soft nibbles on my hand and watchband and gave me a raspberry when I invited her over for an ear scratch.

Baby goat
Pffft-catch me if you can

These goats are so expressive and you definitely understand why they are so popular among animal lovers everywhere. LaManchas are a lot like dogs, wagging their tails to show their excitement. They reminded me of Sam’s Swiffer tail action.

Baby goat
Feed me, Seymour!

It was way too much fun watching the kids run and prance around. Just watching their energy level wore me out and they seem to resemble wind up toys going full throttle when wound up and then a brief respite while they recharged their batteries.

Baby goats

Whenever needed, that little buzz saw would slow down by rubbing the fence-almost taunting me. I had to laugh at that behavior-Elsa does the same thing every morning against my bed. I’m convinced she does it to get me up and adam.

Baby goat

While both kids are eating grain, they were both vigorous nursers. The surrogate mama will now only allow the nursing of the tiny kid when she’s in the feeding stall. The little one’s nursing made me wince.

Baby goat eating

It was the kind of morning that made me smile inside and out despite the upper 90º temps. Both kids have new homes awaiting them once they are fully weaned over the next couple of weeks and have no doubt my friend will miss these precious sweeties but she knows they’ll provide much happiness (and milk) for their new owner.

Amanda and baby goat
Not sure who’s cuter
Baby goat
This is my happy face with a goat in my lap

I hope you enjoyed seeing the cuter side of Mother Nature, especially since temperature wise, she hasn’t been cute or adorable much this summer. She did provide quite the gully washer of a storm last weekend (several motorists had to be rescued-see story and video here). Pretty wild but since then, nature turned up the broiler and will do so for the next few more days, then maybe (if we’re real lucky) a slight cool-down to the mid-to-upper 80’s next week. We’re down to 41 days until autumn’s official arrival. At this point Indian Summer will likely be a welcomed relief. While the days will remain warm, the nighttime temps will cool down. We hope.

Here’s wishing you and yours a great weekend and hope any plans you have may include some time scoping out the beautiful as well as the cute side of Mother Nature.

Nature Friday

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Monday Musings ~ August 8, 2022

Today is International Cat Day where cats of all stripes are celebrated every August 8. Created in 2002 by the International Fund for Animal Welfare, it is a day to raise awareness for cats and learn about ways to help and protect them.

Angus the cat

So in honor of International Cat Day, the Ranch Hands thought it appropriate that I share a pic of my neph-mew, Angus, one of the most interesting cats I’ve ever known. He is one fascinating and handsome Maine Coon kitty.

Here’s your smile in honor of International Cat Day. Make it a great week.

Smiles

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ July 29, 2022

Lavender FestivalIt’s Friday and that means it’s time to join our pals Rosy, Sunny and Jakey from LLB in Our Backyard for this week’s Nature Friday. Today is the last Friday in July and we’re pretty chuffed about it since it puts us that much closer to the arrival of autumn…which is just 55 days away for anyone keeping track.

Hello fellow nature lovers, Norman here to wrap up Part 2 of the Lavender Festival that Mum attended recently. The Ninja agreed to let me finish up this week’s nature walk. {Whispering softly} Elsa’s in the other room so hopefully we’ll avoid any peanut gallery comments while I wrap this up.

Elsa (voice coming from Mom’s studio): Not so fast, dog breath. My uber sensitive, world renowned hearing is primed for anything stupid you may say, so just know I’m only a micro decibel away from stepping in if need be.

Norman: [Sigh…muttering under his breath…”and to think I was “this close” to pulling it off without being badgered”]. Replying: “Fine…snoopervise all you like but I think you’ll agree I’ve got this well in hand and am well prepared to share Mum’s photos.”

Elsa: Time will tell you, bloviating bag of fur. Just remember…I’m. Watching Listening.

Norman: {Panting with just a tinge of stress} Moving along now, let’s check out a few of the critters Mum encountered while touring the farm at Denver Botanical Gardens, Chatfield location. Click on this link for more info about the Hildebrand historic farm and surrounding trails and plant refuge at Chatfield. Last week, I shared the pic of the ‘Elvis Duck’ (otherwise known as a Crested Duck who was graciously identified by our friend Ingrid from Meezer’s Mews and Terrieristrical Woofs). This week I have a few more ani-pals to share. Mum saw a few goats and chickens along with Elvis. There were a couple who seemed rather plump, like This one who was content to lay in the hay trough while catching some sunshine as loads of young uprights squealed with delight at its antics. You may recall it was pretty hot that day so none of the animals were expending a lot of energy moving around. Looks like had she managed to lose her ear tag.

Critters
Mum thinks these goats are Anglo-Nubian variety 

Critters

Norman: Oh my…I daresay this gal is NOT plump…she’s pregnant. Carrying around another goat inside you on a hot sunny day, has to rank fairly high on the ‘miserable aspects of summer’ list.

Elsa [heckling from the studio]:  She’s almost as fat as you, Bucko!

Norman [continuing]: Ahem…as I was saying before being rudely interrupted…Elsa [now yelling]: You want interrupted, pal?!  I’ll show you interrupted. Hrumpf! Sheesh, you try to give a guy a break to get into media and what does he do…takes your awesome mentorship for granted.

Norman: [ignoring the background grumbling from the studio] As I was about to say, one of the reasons Mum likes to go to the Chatfield location is she always learns something new. There was a demonstration table set up with various plants used to dye fabric. Makes you eye naturally dyed fabric knowing that some remarkable plant created that gorgeous shade of blue, yellow or orange somewhat differently, doesn’t it? All of these jars of dried flowers contained flowers that were used to dye the pieces of silk on which they were displayed. Mum wished she would have seen the entire presentation.

Indigo

Marigold

Cosmos

Madder Root

Dyer's Coreopsis

While wandering about the grounds, Mum came across this pretty specimen that seemed deliberately planted. At first she thought it was some sort of yarrow (which is also used as a natural fabric dye), but later discovered it was in fact, Wild Carrot plant. It’s still pretty and I’d definitely check it out closely for its scent, given a chance.
FlowersElsa [from Mom’s studio]: Of course you would…you NEVER miss a chance to sniff or water ANY plants. You’re probably the main reason why they don’t let us good dogs accompany their parents to the botanical gardens.

Norman: For the record dear sister, service animals ARE allowed at the botanical gardens.

Elsa [from the studio]: Oh sure, insert facts here while I’m trying to make a point.

Norman:  [Getting back on task…] Often referred to as Queen Anne’s Lace or Bird’s Nest plants, Wild Carrot is edible but best avoided since it closely resembles hemlock and you definitely wouldn’t want to risk confusing the two. Besides, it’s considered an invasive weed in many areas.

Norman: Here’s a colorful chicken Mum found in the Elvis’ enclosure. The image doesn’t do it justice-just look at that colorful chest plumage.

Chicken

Norman: One of the best things Mum saw non-lavender related, was she realized that the Stickworks exhibit is still standing. For more photos and background info about it back when the exhibit opened, check here. Her only regret was not being able to check it out more thoroughly because there were too many people and it was too hot to wait until it cleared. It’s held up rather nicely in the three years since it first opened to the public.

Stickworks

Norman: Well that’s it for me and the Lavender Festival. I’m fairly certain next year, Mum will avoid the festival and go see the lavender and other plants days before to avoid the crush of crowds. Have any plans for the weekend? I’m just planning on recuperating after seeing gobs of people this week at Lutheran. My goodness, had no idea I was so popular!. One staff person was so excited to see me, she gave me a small stuffed teddy for all my pet therapy work.

Norman

Elsa: Yeah, I saw the pics of you carrying it around. Do you realize how stupid you looked?

Norman: I’ll have you know I was most dignified. But how wonderful was it that she gave me a new toy (although it’s not like I don’t have enough toys in the overflowing basket but it meant the world to me all the same).

Norman

Elsa: You are so gullible-she probably was trying to bribe you to get you to leave early.

Norman: Not likely, sister…I’ll have you know I have a big fan club and enjoy spending time with them all.

Elsa: Whatever gets you through the day. I was able to nap in complete bliss without the presence of a certain hairy beast.

Norman: I hope you enjoyed this year’s lavender festival and are able to get outside this weekend and enjoy Mother Nature.

Elsa: Speak for yourself, dude. I plan on chill-axin on the sofa…unless the new raccoons who moved in the ‘Hood show up. Then all bets are off. Ditto, if any bunnies are around.

Norman [rolling eyes]: Whatever you do, do it safely, stay hydrated and enjoy Mother Nature. Hope to see you again soon.

Nature Friday

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ July 8, 2022

Ranch HandsWelcome to another Nature Friday post where I, Elsa, the world class and award winning Ninja correspondent will share the latest from our urban nature-scape. As always, we’re joining our pals, Rosy, Sunny and Jakey from LLB in Our Backyard for their weekly Nature Friday blog hop. Make sure to click on their link to see other posts from Blogville.

Mom insisted ‘suggested’ I share reporting duties with the big guy this week. Personally, I think he whined to Mom about not getting enough attention after the publication of the latest edition of Colorado Canine magazine where he was sorta a star. The Dude thinks he’s some sort of super model and wants even more attention, so I guess I’ll throw him a bone just to get him to shut up. Anyway, I can always use a slave intern to expand my media empire.

Norman: Bone? Intern? Did I miss something? You know perfectly well that Mum doesn’t like us collecting bones on our constitutionals. And furthermore, I. Am. Not. An. Intern. I am the refined, archetypical Old English Sheepdog. Read…dignified and, after my two-page spread in the heretofore mentioned  magazine, am rather famous these days. And I’m patiently awaiting the official unveiling in an upcoming post. Hint, hint, Mum.

Elsa: Forget the magazine spread, fur-ball. We’ve got this Nature Friday gig-besides, no one cares about your magazine spread. Hmm…[thinking out loud]…this gives me a great idea about how to distract get rid of His Fur-ness through food.

Norman: I beg your pardon…contrary to popular belief I probably notice more around the neighborhood than you do, truth be told. As I recall, you were the one who totally missed seeing a bunny on two of our most recent walks, little sister.

Elsa: Wait…there was a bunny I missed? Egad!

Norman: Umm, can we just get started with this week’s offerings? If memory serves me correctly, I think you wanted to share all things pink this week.

Elsa: Yeah, yeah, hold on to your fur, Bucko. Sheesh, can’t believe I missed an opportunity to drag Mom see a bunny. Ok, let’s get this show on the road. I don’t need to spend more time with you than is absolutely necessary. I’m still cheesed I have to share my award winning column with you.

Norman: Wait…there’s cheese involved? No one told me about all these snacks for co-hosting with you.

Elsa: Oh for love of all that’s holy. Let’s move on, okay?

Norman: Right-o. I’m rather fond of this pretty pink lily. Just look at this beauty against that beautiful sky.

Flowers

Elsa: Yeah, yeah, pretty in pink lily. But check out this tricolor European Birch from the neighbor’s house. I mean pink freakin’ leaves…on a tree!

Tree

Norman: Well done, Ninja. It is one of the more unusual trees in the neighborhood.

Elsa: Of course it is, fool. Do I know how to pick out unusual offerings or what? They don’t call me award winning for nothing.

Norman: As I recall, no one has said you were award winning. It’s just something you came up with so you could develop a ‘brand’ as I recall.

Elsa: You say po-ta-to, I say po-tah-to.

Norman: Moving along…nothing says summer quite like these old-fashioned roses. And with their delicate scent, they are the perfect rose to share for our hostess, Miss Rosy.

Flowers

Elsa: I’m sure she thinks you’re just trying to put the ‘Rico Suave’ moves on her and is not the slightest bit impressed.

Norman: Be that as it may, I’m quite chuffed by seeing them on our walks.

Elsa: You would. You’re so easily entertained. Look at these two kinds of Echinacea I found. One is the traditional variety being sullied by those nasty Japanese Beetles that are beginning to overrun gardens throughout the Mile High City. The other one is a double. Isn’t it something?

Flowers

Flowers

Norman: Well…Bob’s your uncle on both those choices, sister!

Elsa: Wha…oh good grief. Stop speaking the Queen’s English you fool and just stick to being my intern…which means shouldn’t you be rustling up some tasty treats about now?

Norman: I thought I made it perfectly clear, I am not your fetch boy. Staying on point however, I did find a couple of pink blooms that our readers might enjoy. First is a pale pink Hollyhock, and the second is the gloriously shocking Poppy Mallow. I know for a fact that mum loves those cerise blooms.

Flowers

Flowers
Poppy mallow after a quick shower

Elsa: Ok, I’ll give you that those are distinctive but then so was the ‘doorman’ that scared the bejesus out of Mom when we came home from our morning walk. I’m not sure who jumped the highest, you, me or Mom. I do know she screamed like a little pig though.

Critters

Norman:  Blimey…that was the most unwelcome and disgusting early morning pest. I didn’t even try to eat it.

Elsa: Yeah, not my kind of protein either. I was kind of surprised that Mom didn’t drop the leashes and go running away like a crazy person. But it managed to freak us all out, didn’t it?

Norman: {shudder} I can’t…just can’t, say any more about that hideous creature.

Elsa: Well, come to think of it, I think we’ve actually heard enough from you anyway. Well, that’s it for another week. The heat dome is settling on top of us for the next few days. I have noticed that you tend to hang out near the AC vent or spread out in front of a fan in Mom’s studio. Actually dude…I don’t blame you one bit but just hope you’ll move over a tad so I can catch some of the breeze as well. Those triple digits are gonna suck.

Norman

Elsa: This is Elsa the Ninja reporting from the Ranch. Please join us again next time for another look around the urban landscape and see what Nature dishes up. Maybe next time I won’t have my style cramped by a certain brother.

Norman: I heard that. Please have a safe weekend and drink lots of water. And, if you are able to get out there to see if Nature has any less extreme offerings, have a lovely weekend. For the record, I’ll just be ‘faffing around’ myself.

Nature Friday

Live, love, bark! 🐾