Category: Critters

Nature Friday ~ July 25, 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 54 Comments

Sunrise - Boulder

We managed to make it to another Friday and we’ve lots to show you from a recent trip to Boulder, where Mom’s son lives. He had shoulder surgery and needed a caretaker to help him out while his partner was out of town. Well, color me happy…a road trip AND a visit to one of my favorite peeps. Wilson here to share photos from our time in Boulder with Mum. As always, we’re joining our friends from the Adventures of the LLB Gang. Be sure to click on the link to see what else was shared in this week’s Nature Friday blog hop.

My first walk around the North Boulder neighborhood took me up to the base of Mount Sanitas. It was a lovely morning looking in either direction at sunrise. But getting up there was where the real fun was. I got to see scads of bunnies. Oh my dog…they are EVERYWHERE. The neighborhood hardly had any squirrels, which was very disappointing. I wished for lots of squirrels at our neighborhood wishing well before we left. Once again, they spray painted the dried allium blooms vibrant color. Whoever grants the wishes must have been on vacation because I only got to see two squirrels in Boulder. I felt somewhat swindled but know my chances are loads better near our house.

Wilson - wishing well

Bunny - BoulderWalking up toward Mount Sanitas, the clouds were busy dotting the sky. What an incredible view-both looking up as well as looking down toward town.

Mount Sanitas - Boulder

At 6,863 feet (2,092 meters), Mum was a tad winded since the climb is kinda of steep. One trailhead is just a mile from the downtown district where college students and tourists congregate in the many restaurants, pubs and other fascinating hang-outs.

Tennis balls - Boulder

One of the neighbors prepares fresh baked goods that she sells at a tiny  pittance of their value especially in this toney part of town where million dollar plus homes are the norm. At the edge of the street near her driveway, she has the equivalent of a ‘lending library’ for dogs. Mum was touched by this sweet tribute, its message of love and sharing. When she showed that pic to her son, he told her that’s the lady who bakes and sells her treats to people from all over the area!  They had a good laugh about that but I missed the joke. And come to think of it, the scones were missing too. Hmm, this a second gyp on this trip not that anyone is particularly keeping score, mind you…but…

The Mum: {interrupting} Wilson, sweet boy, you know perfectly well that baked goods aren’t for dogs and besides, I gave you lots of dehydrated liver treats on your walks. There’s no reason to feel gypped, House Pony.

Wilson: I’m not so sure about that Mum, you should know it’s particularly problematic when I hear my tummy gurgling…

The Mum: {interrupting again} Your stomach is always growling. I swear you must have either hollow legs or 7 stomachs!

Wilson: And that’s a problem because?

The Mum: {ignoring the question by changing the subject} So what else did you see on your walks?

Wilson: Around the corner from the box of tennis balls, we found a beautiful Japanese garden, complete with a really nice statute of the Buddha.

Buddha - Boulder

The Mum: It was a very serene walk highlighted by this statute and garden. It was the first of of some noteworthy garden artwork we passed. Do you remember this mailbox and donkey?

Horse mail box Donkey yard art - Boulder

Wilson: No…erm neighhhhhhh {dog snicker}.

The Mum: Oh my…was that your attempt to deliver a Dad joke? I wouldn’t give up your day job.

Wilson: Harrumph. That was kind of harsh. Perhaps I shouldn’t be so compliant near busy intersections by poing so nicely for you,  Mum? What do you think of that?

Wilson - Boulder

The Mum:  Errr, let’s not get hasty now. You wouldn’t want to endanger yourself, especially at busy intersections, now would you?

Wilson: Good point. I’d probably lose my floofy head and run out into traffic in a panic. Doggone it…score one for Mum logic.

The Mum:  It’s not about scoring anything, I just want you to stay safe sweet boy. What else do you have for us today?

Wilson: Well, I know you enjoyed these strange ‘flowers’ at the first dinner your son fixed. You said these steamed artichokes were quite tasty. I, on the other hand with my incredible floofy discernment, favored the salmon skins that were barbequed and served with them. Yum, yum…I think you need to start buying a package of those salmon filets soon. Just saying.

Artichoke - Boulder

The Mum: My son is an amazing cook (and gardener) and we work well together with 3 hands making dinner on a lovely evening on the patio deck. Artichokes, salmon and a nice salad made for a tasty meal. The appetizers were equally tasty. I am going to hunt from some of that lemoned beet hummus. It was soooo tasty.

Wilson: Well my favorite part of our 3 days in Boulder (other than being with your son) came on the last day. I made friends with some very strange looking dogs. But we all were polite and they mosied on down the street, undisturbed by me. Not sure if the neighbor’s dog felt the same since he was barking up a storm but no one can say I was a nuisance while visiting that ‘Hood.

Mama deer with babies - Boulder

The Mum: At first I thought they were garden statutory and then the two babies kissed each other and then began nursing on mama. I’d never seen young fawns in person so it was a real treat for me as well. Mama seemed a tad nervous and said, “enough breakfast, let’s go, you little hooligans.” They were just a couple doors away from my son’s house and when I mentioned them to him he was not quite as excited about their visit as I was. They apparently scale fences and nosh on the fruit trees, elderberry bushes and planted veggies. Luckily the resident dog, Junie, is ‘Johnny on the spot’ keeping them at bay but folks generally aren’t glad they come around.

Wilson: Umm, Mum…wouldn’t that be Junie on the spot? Not that I’m overly picky, but…

The Mum:  Oh Fine. Junie on the spot then. There…are you happy now?

Wilson: Happy as a clam at high tide, Mum. We’ll leave you with our best wishes to have a terrific weekend and hope you get out and enjoy some beauty around your neck of the woods.

Nature

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ June 27, 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 67 Comments

WilsonWelcome to the last Friday of Hell month, aka arrival of summer-often referred to as the month of June. And boy did she arrive with a major league chip on her shoulder. Hey, what did I do to deserve this hellscape? Wilson here and I just don’t understand. I’m a good boy (most of the time) and I haven’t turned my Mum into a kite for ages. Yet for some reason apparently Mother Nature is quite P.O’d and she’s taking it out on us floofs. Well guess there’s no easy answer as to her motives, so I guess we’ll just joint our mates from Adventures of the LLB Gang and share some of the nature we found this week. Make sure you click on their link to see what others have shared.

This week we’re going to feature some garden insects from around the garden so if bugs creep you out, you may want to rejoin us on Monday.

The Mum: Hello House Pony, so you’re hankering to share some bugs today, eh?

Wilson: Sure, Mum. I’ve got some real doozies and beauties. Let’s start with the pretty ones first. The Swallowtail butterflies have been visiting our garden. They kind of meander and flit from one flower to the next. I sure enjoy keeping an eye on them.

Swallowtail butterfly

The Mum: You were a very good boy around the butterflies…now if only you wouldn’t try to eat the bees and wasps who have been noshing on the lavender that’s in bloom.

Wilson: In my defense, that bee started it. Can I help it that he just happened to fly into my jaws of death mouth yesterday?

The Mom: You were lucky not have been stung.

Wilson: I was too fast for him. But boy, he sure tasted funky. Did you notice how quickly I shook him out of my mouth?

The Mum: And then ate him? Yes, I sure did. You were very fortunate. A sting in a dog’s mouth can be very painful-your whole jaw could have swelled up.

Wilson: Mum you worry too much. I got this. It seems my saliva doesn’t just make for amazing mousse on your head…it apparently drowned that buzzing guy.

The Mum:  {eyes rolling} All I’m saying is, some day you’re not going to be as lucky. Best to avoid the buzzing bugs. Especially if they look anything like this prehistoric monster. It looked like something from Jurassic Park.

Parasitic wasp

Wilson: {shivers} You’re so right, Mum. That thing totally creeped me out. I discovered it was likely some sort of parasitic wasp. That extremely long ovipositor is what she uses to deposit her eggs in or on either a host body or piece of rotted wood. Despite looking doggone terrifying, that ovipositor does not deliver a sting like typical wasps. Why didn’t you step on it? Now I’m constantly going to be looking out for the bloody thing until I get distracted by a squirrel or other critter, that is. We’ve had a lot of bunnies visiting lately but they don’t bother me like the tree rats do.

The Mum: Sadly I was so blown away by it by, that I didn’t think about stepping on it and It flew away after posing for a photo.

Wilson: I hope it flew to another city and stays away from our neighborhood! Ick…I just can’t un-see that monster. But I was rather keen on checking out the ladybugs that are appearing on the lupines. They’re so Disney-nice looking and don’t look prehistoric like that parasitic wasp. Notice how it was perfectly centered in the leaf cluster as if she was trying to imitate stamin.

Ladybug

The Mum: Don’t be fooled. Ladybugs (as they are called in North America and ladybirds In the UK) are actually beetles who are quite carnivorous predators. They are characterized by domed backs with flat undersides and conspicuous aposematic (warning) colours and patterns, e.g red with black spots, which are used to warn potential predators that they taste toxic. They can gorge themselves on aphids and scale insects and are often used as a natural deterrent to agricultural pests. In other words, they’re like biological control agents.

Wilson: Gosh, I had no idea they were so ferocious. Well I’m just grateful you have some help controlling those aphids. There are more than enough them to give those ladybugs a right proper belly ache for over-indulging.

The Mum: Speaking of predators, how about this Wheel Bug. I found this guy hanging out on some mulch. He was so striking so you can imagine my surprise to discover he was a type of ‘assassin bug’ when I looked him up. You just never can tell what kind of critters are lurking about the garden. Another predatory bug, these use their beak-like mouthparts to pierce their prey, then inject a powerful mix of enzymes which is lethal and begin to digest their prey much like spiders do. It’s a good thing I didn’t try to pick him up since they have a nasty bite that can hurt like the dickens for a few days.

Assassin bug

Wilson: Crikey…I’m going to have nightmares tonight thinking about all these predator bugs. We better find some pretty flowers or I’ll be a basket case.

The Mum: You worry too much, House Pony. We’ll just have to look for more flowers so we don’t disrupt your beauty sleep or give you PTSD about predator bugs. Let’s wrap this up with something that is lovely to look at and is currently in bloom. Yum…I just love English lavender and this Lavandula Angustifolia-Hidcote variety is definitely swoon worthy. Does that make you feel better, sweet boy?

Lavender

Wilson: Ahhh…I could sniff that stuff all day. It’s totally divine and ultra relaxing. Thanks, Mum. ‘Course I don’t really need anything to help me relax as I’m pretty good freelancing.

Wilson

The Mum: {smiling} Presuming nature hasn’t deep fried you to a crisp, we hope you are able to check out all the beautiful and remarkable sights Nature provides. We’ll be checking out the Denver Dog Fair this weekend and hope your weekend is beyond excellent.

Nature Friday badge

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ April 18, 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 51 Comments

Easter Bunny WilsonHappy Good Friday, mates. Wilson here to finish up sharing the photos from Mum’s recent outing to the Denver Aquarium for this week’s edition of Nature Friday. As always, we’re joining Rosy and Sunny from the LLB Gang for their weekly blog hop. Be sure to click on the link to see what scenes were shared by others. But before I begin to share the rest of the photos, can I just say Spring has left the building and done a boomerang back to Winter again. Yesterday was a right proper Spring day with temps in the mid-70’s. (22cº). Today when we woke up, it was 28ºF and snowing. We can expect anywhere from 3-6 inches of white stuff. It’s not accumulating on the sidewalks but I think our walk this morning will require lots of waterproof layers. Can anyone explain why Mother Nature can’t seem to decide what season she wants to be?

The Mum: Good morning, House Pony. I see you’re raring to go. Is it because we returned to winter today? You seem to get a bit frisky when the temps drop.

Wilson: Umm, something like that, although I was perfectly content sleeping on top of your legs this morning.

The Mum: Yeah, about that…you know you’re killing me at night with this “dog pile” behavior. What’s up with that?

Wilson: Dog pile? I have no idea what you’re talking about. I’m just staying close to you for a couple of reasons. One, I think enjoy it and two, since I got groomed last week, I’m a little short on hair and thus a tad chilled.

The Mum: I tried to cover you with a blanket on your bed but you end up kicking the covers off and then jumping on my bed.

Wilson: Well your bed seems a bit more comfy. So does the sofa. I REALLY like the sofa…well so long as you’re on it.

The Mum: We’re gonna have to have a ‘come to Jesus chat’ about that. It’s becoming harder to read a book when you’re sprawled across my lap.

Wilson: I’m just staying close in case you get stuck on a word. Consider me as your reading tutor.

The Mum: {eyes rolling} I see we’re going nowhere fast here so let’s wrap up my visit to the Denver Aquarium, ok?

Wilson: Works for me. This first one is going to freak everybody it so feel free to skip this part. Why in the world would you take a photo of a Green Tree Python? He looks quite intimidating!

Green python

The Mum: Hey I’m not a fan of snakes either, but he was quite fascinating.  I learned that they are arboreal (meaning they live in trees, not on the ground); their luminescent scales give off a green light and help them blend into the trees allowing them to stay camouflaged; unlike most snakes, they don’t lay eggs-the females give live birth to their offspring and are quite protective of them; they aren’t venomous; they have a unique skull shape that’s different from other snakes, was told they make great pets for experienced snake keepers and live a relatively long time for snakes.

Wilson: No, nope, not a chance…if you think you’re going to bring home one of those, you’re sadly mistaken. And that is non-negotiable. I put my paw down on this, Mum.

The Mum: Don’t get your knickers in a bind. There’s not a chance that one of those guys will become a Ranch Hand any time soon. But you gotta admit, they are quite fascinating to watch.

Wilson: Well I’m glad we agree on the part where there’s no chance of them coming here. I don’t even think I’d enjoy eating them and that’s saying something!

The Mum: I should say so! For you to not be interested in eating something has to be a first. Well, what about these fish?

Trout & Kokanee salmon

Wilson: Whoa…those Kokanee salmon are quite colorful and I hear they are pretty tasty, so yes, you can put them on the menu. And so is that trout. I heard the Cutthroat Trout is Colorado’s state fish, did I get that right?

The Mum: You’re are right. They are a big hit among Colorado anglers. They were first discovered by the Spanish explorer, Francisco de Coronado in 1541. Lewis and Clark made notes of their presence in their journals in the early 1800’s as they were exploring the Western US.

Wilson: You told me your highlight was seeing the Sumatran tigers, Rudi and Luhahn. Sumatran tigers are extremely endangered with probably only about 400 of them left in the wild. They are the smallest of the subspecies and have the darkest coats, allowing them to blend in quite well to their habitat. Did you know all tigers have unique stripe patterns much like humans fingerprints? They tend to sleep around 20 hours a day. You think there’s some truth to Sumatran tigers being the source for the expression, ‘taking a cat nap?”

Sumatran tiger

The Mum: {snickering} They are truly majestic; I could watch them for hours as they play and move around their enclosure.

Wilson: I see you found Nemo, Mum. Those clownfish are quite colorful, too!

Where's Nemo

The Mum: Yup, I DID find Nemo! I think Dorie was in that tank as well but she refused to swim with Nemo while I was there and because there was such a crowd, I needed to move along to the Lionfish. Talk about a fearsome looking fish.

Lion fish

Wilson: Those fish are quite invasive I understand. Native to the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific, the fins are venomous to small fish. Fatalities can occur on very young children, the elderly, or anyone who is allergic to the venom. Healthy adults fare better but in some cases they can sure make you uncomfortable for several days. I’d hate to be poisoned by one of those guys.

The Mum: No kidding…that would definitely make for a bad day.

Wilson: You seem to have a fascination with stingrays, Mum.

The Mum:  I love watching them swim around so effortlessly.

Sting ray

Wilson: So what the bloody heck is this fish?

The Mum: I think that’s a Shovelnose Ray but I didn’t make a note about it. It was most fascinating with its long nose and tail. There was another fish I forgot to note. It might be a young Lumpfish, but I wouldn’t bet the Ranch on it.

Fish

Wilson: Hmm, it’s kind of interesting but definitely not scary like this Moray Eel. My heavens…look at those teeth! Now do you understand why I hate water.

Moray eel

The Mum: Those eels are pretty scary looking, I’ll give you that. I saw a green one, too that was positioned in a “S” shape under some rocks. It’s creatures like this that made me decide diving in the ocean was not my scene. I’m more of a ‘walk along the shoreline’ kind of person.

Eel

Wilson: Yikes…they come in green too? No, thank you. I think I’m done with all the creatures of the sea. I’m glad you are more of a dry land kind of mum. Hopefully we’ll get back to photographing flowers and land animals next time. We hope everyone has a lovely celebration of Easter and Passover. And don’t forget to get outside and view the natural world in between egg hunts and Seders. Have a fabulous holiday weekend.

Nature Friday

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ April 11, 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 46 Comments

Denver AquariumWelcome to this week’s edition of Nature Friday in April, where we’re joining the LLB Gang for their weekly blog hop. Be sure to click on the link to see what scenes from nature others are sharing. This week my great-granddaughter turned one year old and the family visited the Denver Aquarium to celebrate. Kids young and old are fascinated by the calming sight of fish floating through coral and rocks. While it’s challenging to photograph fish in large tanks with glass reflection, not to mention the occasional photo bomber or poor positioning due to large crowds visiting, we apologize in advance here. That said, let’s ‘dive in,’ so to speak.

Wilson: Right, Mum. I’m sure glad they don’t allow dogs. You know how I feel about water especially since I received the full professional water torture treatment so I could visit patients and staff at the hospital. The only water I’m interested in lives in my water bowl where I’m happy to gulp and make a mess with the best of ’em. The Downtown Aquarium (originally known as Colorado’s Ocean Journey) opened back in 1999. It’s not huge as aquariums go, however the aquarium holds approximately 1,000,000 US gallons (3,785,000 L), and exhibits a variety of fish and other animals.

The Mum: That’s right, House Pony…the aquarium was rebranded in 2005 as the Downtown Aquarium after Ocean Journey filed  bankruptcy when it wasn’t able to make the high construction cost repayments. The restaurant chain, Landry’s Restaurant purchased the facility in 2003 and remodeled the premises by adding a full restaurant, bar and ballroom for events.

Wilson: This aquarium examines the relationship between inland freshwater ecosystems and the ocean and features the path of two rivers in their route to the ocean (namely, the Colorado River and the Kampur River in Indonesia).

Reticulate Whipray
Reticulate Whipray

Wilson: After the 2005 renovations, the two paths were continued although they are not arranged in a zoogeographic pattern. Tanks were added to showcase species from African and South American freshwater ecosystems and some tanks are mixed community spaces. There are several interactive exhibits, including a stingray touch-and-feed tank. Check out the Reticulate Whipray that looked like a leopard. It’s a large species from the Indo-Pacific area. I notice you chose not to pet him.

The Mum: Yeah, I had a minor infection on one of my finger tips and decided there were plenty of people to pet him so I’m sure he didn’t miss my fingers running along his skin.

Wilson: Whoa…for someone who’s so gung-ho about petting animals, that was a surprise. But I applaud you for thinking of the welfare of ‘therapy ray.’

The Mum: I just thought it was prudent for him. Besides, I was kind of mesmerized by the way he floated around and didn’t even realize I wasn’t petting him. He did seem to enjoy the attention under the watchful eye of the human attendant who was quick to correct overly enthusiastic visitors.

Wilson: The aquarium continues to focus on conservation by housing many endangered or threatened species. There are twelve species of fish, six reptiles, two mammals, and two birds and the aquarium participates in the American Species Survival Plan for Sumatran tigers with two gorgeous young male tigers, Rudi and Luhahn who will be featured in another post.

The Mum: There were loads of students on field trips and I couldn’t help watch them checking out all the fish. The largest tank is the one where everyone is awed. It was quite something to see sharks floating in front of and above the crowds, almost like a cave. Most of the sharks were females but there were a couple of males that looked quite fearsome.

Shark
Shark
Shark
Shark

Wilson: Gosh, Mum…it’s not even Shark Week! But I can see why everyone wants to see them. Say, didn’t your grandson dive in the tank with them years ago on his birthday?

The Mum: He did and we chatted about his recollections. It began his ongoing love with diving and the ocean. I ‘m afraid I’d be too afraid to do that as an adult, let alone as a spry young kiddo.

Wilson: I don’t blame you for not getting in. There’s water involved and not nearly enough treats to make me want to get in it.

The Mum: Silly boy. Diving is not for everyone but it’s good that some people are willing to do the research to save and protect these amazing creatures. I mean, just look at those rows of teeth!

Wilson: Ummm, I think I’ll pass on focusing on all those teeth. Let’s look at a few more of the creatures from the aquarium.

Octopus
Octopus
Sea star
Sea star
Sea Anemones
Sea Anemones
Fossil
Fossil

The Mum: It was a great visit and I loved watching Halia’s reaction to the fish floating around. I’m sure it was somewhat overwhelming for her but glad she had the opportunity to be exposed to the natural world. Well, we’d better skedaddle for the hospital. Another big day, buddy. You were a real superstar and I know there will be more opportunities to bring smiles to folks today. This afternoon, I’m going out to pick up a sheepdog who’s coming into our rescue. Her family is moving here from out of state and the landlord won’t allow pets so she’s relinquishing her girl. While I don’t know a whole lot about her, I’ll have a better idea later this afternoon. It’s going to be a big day. What’s on your weekend schedule?

Wilson: Whatever it is, we hope you can get outside and experience a great springtime weekend. You’ll have to fill me in after you pick her up. I’m glad the owner had sense enough to contact us but sad that she’ll lose her family. I know how traumatic that can be and we’re keeping our paws crossed it goes well. Have a great weekend, mates.

Nature FridayLive, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ September 27, 2024

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 52 Comments

ElsaWelcome to the last Friday of September. It’s been yet another week of record-breaking temps and they are expected to continue for at least the next ten days. Oh joy. And for the record, it was 93ºF (33ºC) yesterday. If you think those temps are above average, you’d be right-in fact approximately 18ºF above average. We’re now up to 63 days of above 90ºF temps. Elsa here, along with the House Pony who is headed for his third visit at Lutheran later this morning. Mom thought getting him cleaned up was pretty much like steer wrestling and vowed to never do it at home again nor would she groom both of us on the same day. I tried to tell her I was good without the trim but would she listen? No. So I say, you get what you reap. Sore back, tough noogies. She mopped up puddles and hair for a good hour. It was pretty awful.  Anywho, let’s get this party started.

Wilson: Hello mates. As always we’re joining our friends from Adventures of the LLB Gang. Don’t forget to click on the link to see what others posted. This week we’re showing off photos from our recent trip to Southern Colorado to visit Mum’s Dad and her sister who also came for a visit. While it’s been hotter than bloody blue blazes, there was one day of pleasant temps with a nice shower at Grandpa’s. Things were noticeably green and we even saw a spot of snow on one of the peaks on the Wet Mountains to the southwest.

Snow on Wet Mountains

Elsa: Boy that snow sure looks inviting though I imagine in January or February, we’ll be singing a much different tune.

Wilson: No doubt. But that was nothing. Here we were headed back from our early morning walk when all of a sudden, we ran into these guys on the hill. Mom said she’s never seen deer in the nearly 40 years of visiting. Antelope yes, but never deer. I wasn’t quite sure just what to make of those creatures with those impressive antlers.

Deer

Elsa: They sure didn’t waste a lot of time waiting around for introductions. They boogied up that hill and were gone in a flash. I’m still surprised Mom managed to capture a few shots on her cell even if they aren’t great images. It was chilly that morning (43ºF/6ºC) and Mom’s fingers were kind of cold but she managed to whip out her cell phone lickety split. I, for one, was most impressed. I noticed you sure were gawping at them.

Wilson: Like Mum, I’d never seen anything like that. Usually we just chew the fat with the horse across the street from Grandpa’s house. They come a-running whenever we drop by. This time though, I didn’t bark at them. Mum seemed chuffed about that.

Horses

Elsa: Of course she was pleased. Nobody wants to be woken up at oh-dark-thirty in the morning by a bunch of hooved ninnies. You forget how much that distinctive bark of yours carries. That sound resembles two pots being clanged together and known as ‘pot-casse.’ It’s often what some people  dislike about sheepdogs.

Wilson: I. beg. your. pardon. We need to have a large voice when protecting sheep or kids.

Elsa: I can guarantee that people don’t want to hear your version of security protection early in the morning. Beside your voice, what else you got to share, dude?

Wilson: On the day it rained at Grandpa’s house, the sniffs were something else. I was in olfactory nirvana, I tell you. It was Mum’s keen eyes that kept me from checking this rattlesnake skin more closely. She closely checked it out but wouldn’t let me near it. She can be such a killjoy at times.

Snake skin

Elsa: {shudder} I’m with Mom; no reason to get close to those things. You know they’re poisonous, right?

Wilson: {gulp} Poisonous, you say? Umm, good thing we continued down the road. Besides, I had to check on something. And this time I got lucky.

Antelope bones

Elsa: I know you said you just wanted to ‘decorate’ our front garden since it’s Halloween season but eww, ick. Too sunbleached for my taste buds. Besides, I doubt you know how to decorate. For Halloween or any other holiday.

Wilson: Oh little one…you cut me to the quick.

Elsa: Oh please…you grabbed that section of the spine because you thought you could get away with it. I’m not stupid, you know. Mom is on to your chicanery and you blew us both away when you dropped it when she gave the command. We figured you’d try to hang on until she pried it from the jaws of death. She’s still blown away that you dropped it immediately. Why I’ll never know, but you sure impressed her. Usually she whines about how stubborn you are.

Wilson: How many times do I have to say it…I am not stubborn, I’m a sheepdog.

Elsa: Whatever lets you sleep, House Pony but the rest of us know.

Wilson: {miffed} I daresay, you’ve gone and hurt my feelings. Guess I’ll just wander on the prairie and contemplate the complexities of life on the open range.

Pueblo West vistas

Elsa: {eyes rolling} Ha…if only you’d go wandering. {changing topics} So the neighborhood is beginning to look a bit tacky, between all the political yard signs competing with loads of Halloween decorations popping up. I heard you growled at certain elements at this house.

Wilson: That’s not true. I just had this weird feeling I was being watched.

Wilson - Halloween

Elsa: Once again you have ever so deftly demonstrated you are an oaf and a complete moron.

Wilson: Umm…thank you? Anyway, we’re going to feature one Halloween scene each week just to show everyone how gah-gah folks from our neighborhood are when it comes to decorating for Halloween.

Elsa: Judging from the early signs, we should have plenty from which to choose. Time to wrap us this week’s post, bucko.

Wilson: Right, before closing, we want to let everyone know we’re thinking of all who has been impacted by Hurricane Helene. Stay safe.

Sending prayers

Elsa: It’s heartbreaking. Here in the West we’re ever so parched while the East is getting hammered. Mother Nature is super cranky.

Wilson: Ay, that she is. We hope everyone has a nice weekend and takes time to search for the beauty nature provides us every day, whenever we look for it. We are hoping to do some leaf peeping in the high country to escape the heat. How about your plans?

Nature Friday

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ September 13, 2024

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 58 Comments

Elsa in the PlumbagoHiya, everyone. Welcome to Nature Friday where we’re joining our furry friends from Adventures of the LLB Gang. Don’t forget to click on their link to see what others have shared.  While it may be Nature Friday, it’s also  Friday the 13th [cue the creepy music for the superstitious]. Elsa here to explain a little of what all this Friday the 13th superstitious falderal about before we share a few slices of nature from our neighborhood?

Well…Friday the 13th has been thought to be an unlucky day ever since Norse times.  One explanation suggested the reason of the number 13 being unlucky as the ill-fated dinner party of 12 Norse gods in Valhalla. The trickster god known as Loki (who had not been invited), arrived as the 13th guest. He tricked the blind Höðr, son of Odin, to shoot Balder with a mistletoe-tipped arrow. The myth goes on…with Balder’s death, Earth became dark. As the whole Earth mourned, the number 13 began to be viewed as an unlucky day. It might be easy to see why this caused everyone to go gah-gah crazy about the number  and consider it unlucky. It sure was for Balder.

The unlucky nature of Friday the 13th also has roots in Christianity with the arrest of the Knights Templar on Friday, October 13, 1307, by officers of King Philip IV of France as the origin of the Friday the 13th superstition, but the origins are murky. There are also connections to Hispanic and Greek culture as well and I could go on but then we’d never get to the nature part of this post so let’s just leave it there. Whether you believe that Friday the 13th is unlucky, I got a post to write, so do you own thing, ‘kay? Just don’t walk under any ladders or let a black cat cross your path today and you should be fine. With apologies to cats…sheesh, doesn’t seem right to  discriminate against black cats…but here we are. So, House Pony…waddu got for us today?

Wilson: A bonny day to you, little one. Well I thought today might be a bit different…

Elsa: [interrupting] Different-how so? Do you mean we won’t add to the already 61 days 90ºF and above this summer? Well hallelujah…

Wilson: What I meant was we’re not showcasing flowers today, but instead taking a look at vegetable gardens from around the neighborhood.

Elsa: Wha..wait a minute-that sounds lame.

Wilson: Au contraire, sister. Nature is everywhere when you look around…I just thought we could look at something a little different. Just have an open mind, would you?

Elsa: Hey, it’s your parade. I just call ’em like I see it.

Wilson: Well tell me you don’t see beauty in these garden images? Note to readers, that’s not rain drops but supplemental watering on some of those plants. We have kind of forgotten what rain looks like in our area. Sigh.

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Elsa: Well…maybe…okay, I guess I see your point. But there’s nothing there that I’d eat.

Wilson: Now, now…as you like to remind me, not everything in life is about eating. Egad, I can’t believe I’m saying that but think of it as a good thing to expand your horizons, Ninja. Besides, you don’t eat flowers either.

Elsa: Who’d have thought you’d be so philosophical? I mean, who’d have thought you, of all people, would be so reflective. I’m impressed.

Wilson: Excuse me, I’m a sheepdog, not a ‘people’. There’s more to me than just being a pretty face.

Elsa: You can say that again…

Wilson: I resemble that remark!

Elsa: You would. Got anything else?

Wilson: Ahem…as a matter of fact I do. You know how Mum likes garden art. Well when she was off celebrating her birthday earlier this week with our Auntie Cheryl, they were sitting in Cheryl’s backyard and Mum spied this little fella. Isn’t he just as cute as a sheep can be?

Yard art sheep

Elsa: Umm, only you’d think a sheep was cute. I’d have to inspect and sniff it in person before I went there.

Wilson: Balderdash! I haven’t sniffed it but still think that little fella is adorably cute.

Elsa: To each his own, I guess.

Wilson: That’s what makes art so interesting. Mum also found this picnic area for squirrels yesterday. I was naturally appalled….I mean, setting up a picnic table for tree rats is, is {stammering} just all wrong!

Picnic table

Elsa: Oh I dunno, maybe we should think of it as more for birds than squirrels. Reframing that thought makes it more palatable. I can’t believe anyone would seriously entertain accommodating squirrels. I mean, I just can’t.

Wilson: I know just what you mean. But then Mum found this little drinking fountain of love and I softened my thoughts, if you can believe that.

Heart shaped drinking fountain

Elsa: It’s a nice touch to end this week’s post. Although I wasn’t a fan of the idea of showcasing vegetable gardens, you ‘done good,’ Land Hippo. Well done.

Wilson: Why thank you…glad you enjoyed something different for a change. I know how you struggle with anything that’s not part of your deeply ingrained routine, so I appreciate it. Well, sister…you have anything on your agenda this weekend?

Elsa: Beyond the normal, nope. While today is hosting a nice cool front moving through the region, it’s back to adding to the 90ºF list for the next few days before more autumn-like temps start in earnest. I think there’s a Oktoberfest festival near the Farmer’s Market this weekend, so maybe Mom will swing by to check it out. Having been to the real Oktoberfest in Munich, she’s not expecting much but it’ll be something. Whatever you do, we hope you enjoy your weekend omp-pah-pahs as you take in all the beauty Nature offers. Prost!

Nature Friday

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ May 24, 2024

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 51 Comments

Nature FridayHowdy and welcome to this week’s edition of Nature Friday where we join those cute fur kids, Rosy and Sunny from Adventures of the LLB Gang. Don’t forget to see what others have shared from around .

Elsa here to share some interesting  flora and fauna photos this week. It’s been a lovely spring  week with mild temps and even one day with a nice rain shower. Everything has turned green, especially the weeds which seemed to pop up overnight. This been a good year for dandelions and the much loathed bindweed, much to Mom’s chagrin. But enough fussing over that, let’s see what the House Pony has curated for us, shall we?

Wilson: Thanks, Ninja and hello mates…have we got some lovelies for you this week. The Peonies have started blooming and boy are they something else. Mum especially likes this red one and I noticed that even you took time to stop and smell them.

Peonies Peonies

Elsa: Well you’re always yammering on about how great it is to sniff flowers and I will concede these peonies are pretty fragrant. Plus they’re just so doggone pretty.

Wilson: You’re right about that. Peonies and irises this week have been quite something to behold. These two I’m happy to report are from our own garden. Mum really is fond of dark irises and said the first image didn’t bloom last year that she could recall so when she saw it, she was more than chuffed.

Irises

Irises

Elsa: Mom definitely loves her irises. She mentioned that she’s planning on a visit to the Iris Farm this weekend and will likely take at least a thousand photos of them one last time as this is the last year the Iris Farm will be open. After 35 years, owner ‘Iris Bob’ will be retiring. We’ve shared this video before, but are sharing it again for your viewing pleasure. These gorgeous three acres have been such a wonderful place to walk through and the most remarkable aspect of it has been seeing such a large private space near the heart of the city.

Wilson: Mum told me all of her irises came from the Iris Farm except the one she brought from her old house over 22 years ago.

Elsa: Yeah, it’ll probably be somewhat emotional for her since she has visited the farm so many times over the years. But enough of the gooey nostalgia, how’s about you share what else we’ve saw on our separate walks.

Wilson: Right-o. We’ve noted it’s been an exceptional year for allium bulbs. Mum found a gigantic one in bloom and even captured a bee noshing on it. She wouldn’t let me get near it because I tend to try to catch bees. Mark my words, I’m ‘this’ close to catching one.

Allium

Elsa: You bonehead…I told you last week you do not want to play Venus Flytrap with these guys. They will mess you up but good and your nose is already big enough. Jeez, what is wrong with you?

Wilson: Oops, I forgot your sage advice you told me last week. I’ll try to do better, but with their buzzing noise, I just can’t help myself.

Elsa: {shaking her head} Well, don’t come yelping to me when you get stung and your face swells up like a balloon. Trust me…you ain’t gonna like it one bit. That’s all I’m gonna say about that.

Wilson: I’ll try to be better. We probably ought to move along on this week’s garden tour. Mum noticed this striking Heuchera plant with its yellow-green leaves and striking dark red veining. Also known as Coral Bells or Alumroot, this beauty looked amazing in a shaded garden we pass on our daily walks. Its many species are all native to North America (except for Heuchera Sichotensis, which is native to the Russian Far East). This low-growing, evergreen comes in multiple colors, and is fairly easy to grow and do well in semi-sunny or shady conditions. Deadheading them promotes subsequent blooming. Another bonus to planting this lovely perennial is it’s deer resistant.

Heuchera

Elsa: That’s so different from the green ones we have in our garden but I’ll give it to you for finding it. Those red veins are really something else. You’re developing into quite the plant discoverer of interesting, if I do say so myself.

Wilson: Why thank you, Ninja. I appreciate that. I’m growing more and more comfortable with the city and can concentrate better on sniffing out things. Speaking of interesting plants, check out this plant called Iris Pseudacorus (sometimes called yellow iris flag, or water flag) when mom wandered over to Sloan’s Lake. It’s often considered an invasive, aquatic plant where it’s not native. Mum had never seen them at the lake before and only saw 3 or 4 plants before she looked them up to see what they were.

Yellow iris

Elsa: That pop of yellow must have surprised Mom since the water was kinda murky looking. But the biggest surprise she saw were these American White Pelicans, who apparently are tourists moving through as they make their way from various parts of North America southward to California and Mexico. You think they have valid fishing licenses which are required to fish the lake? Still they were very cool to watch and despite being fairly good-sized birds, they were quite graceful after one of them decided that Mom was getting just a bit too close for comfort and took flight. They rest of them took their cue from the leader and left shortly thereafter. Those black tipped wings must be exceptional on both take-offs and landings. Did you know a group of pelicans is called a pod?

Pelicans

Pelicans

Wilson: Wow, that’s a fascinating fact-I did not know that. Golly, I wish I could have seen them. I’m starting to be aware of birds around the neighborhood and keep hoping I can become friends with them.

Elsa: Oh sure, just like you want to be friends with squirrels? Umm, I’m gonna say that’s probably a hard no in the bird world. It’s quite likely squirrels have been besmirching your name to get even with you trying to catch the little hoodlums.

Wilson: Harumph…I’m not a bad sort; I’m actually quite friendly, much like this last plant whose blooms look like loads of smiles.

Panseys

Elsa: {giggling} Smiles indeed with squinty little eyes. Hahaha. I gotta admit, Pony…you’ve outdone yourself this week.

Wilson: Thanks Ninja. I’m starting to get this nature thing down. Well that’s it from us. We all hope you have a smashing good holiday weekend. Stay safe and don’t forget to stop and smell the peonies.

Elsa: You got it big guy. Have a pawsome weekend.

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ March 15, 2024

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 60 Comments

ElsaIt’s Friday and that means it’s time for me and the ‘New Guy’ to share a few slices of spring from around our ‘Hood with our hosts from Adventures of the LLB Gang. Be sure to click on the link to see what other posts were shared. Yeah, I’m a sell-out and let Mom put a stupid hat on me. I gave her a nice big fat raspberry to show her what I thought about the whole thing.

Elsa: Welcome to the St. Patrick’s Day edition of Nature Friday. I think you all understand how I feel about dressing up so we’ll leave it at that.

Wilson: Oh come on, dress up is fun! There are treats involved. I LOVE treats.

Wilson

Elsa: You would, dog breath. We’ve got lots of spring pics to share so let’s not dally with mindless chatter, ‘kay?

Wilson:  Right! Well spring is definitely starting to show up in our neighborhood. Birds are arriving and the spring bulbs are starting to grow in earnest. I had to check out these hyacinths. At first I thought they might have a tasty morsel in them but then realized that was only an illusion. I think their appearance must be related to the whole fabricated AI thingy. As in ‘not the real deal.’ I was expecting something yummy in the middle. Imagine my disappointment.

Spring bulbs

Elsa: Jeez, dude, not everything is about food!

Wilson: Wait, it’s not? What the…

Elsa: You may think you’re some great hunter of food, but let me tell ya, that’s bunk. As a dignified Standard Poodle, I refuse to be a hunter around the Ranch. I am far too regal to have to search for food.

Wilson: Hey, don’t knock it until you try it. I think I’m a pretty pawsome hunter. Auntie Cheryl got us each a snuffle mat and I’m getting really good at being a real life hunter of goodies. Just look at that buried nose!

Wilson-snuffle mat

Elsa: Oh for crying out loud…you’re an embarrassment to civilized dogs everywhere.

Wilson: What?! It was fun finding all the goodies. But I must say, it wore me out. Hunting is exhausting.

Wilson

Elsa: I just make sure the forewoman brings me my treats…I am NOT in the hunter/gatherer business. I have a kingdom to rule and as such can’t be bothered with such nonsense.

Wilson: Well I for one, think you should try it, you just might like it.

Elsa: Highly unlikely. Besides, why would I work for food when my subjects Mom will provide it without any interference from me {gasping at the mere thought of such routine plebeian activity}.

Elsa

Wilson: Whatever. I told Mum I was all in…

Elsa: {interrupting} Of course you’re all in…food never escapes you. And you seem to think everything is food.

Wilson: Not true, I mean I didn’t try to eat these blue grape hyacinths.

Grape Hyacinths

Elsa: Well maybe the bees gathering nectar on them might have dissuaded you?

Wilson: Well, that did factor in my thought process. That and Mum hollering “LEAVE IT!” I’m catching on to what that  command means. She sure says it a lot.

Elsa: {eyes rolling} Well if you didn’t view everything as nourishment, maybe she wouldn’t have to yell at you.

Wilson: She told me it was a good way for me to show off some self control. I’m pretty good most of the time…well except for when I hear the dog next door. That guy really winds me up behind the fence.

Elsa: Which is exactly why Mom is trying to make you ‘leave it’ whenever you’re in the dog run. I mean, you’ve got to be 15 shades of stupid to race the length of the run barking, snarling at him.

Wilson: He really pushes my button but I’ll try to be better about the whole self control thing. I mean, when I’m good, Mum rewards me with things that I enjoy very much. Like taking me to Sloan’s Lake earlier this week. I enjoyed the long walk and sniffing things out although there were a few weird things. Didn’t I pose nicely at the lake?

Wilson

But what’s up with some of the yard art around here? We didn’t have anything like that back in Missouri. Well we did, but they didn’t have horns and they made grunting sounds. There are some very odd humans who live in this neighborhood.

Yard art

Elsa: You’ll get no arguments from me on that subject.  I probably would have challenged that guy if I’d been along on that walk.

Wilson: Well he was ok as far as boars go, but just not what I expected to find in the city. Mostly I thought he was more of a ‘bore,’ than an actual boar.

Elsa: Hahaha, Wilson made a funny, Mom.

Wilson: Ahem…I think we have a few other spring pics to share.

Elsa: Oh yeah, sorry I got carried away. So spring in the Rocky Mountains always has its challenges. Crummy soil, intense sun, and a wide range of temperatures but DANG! I sure wasn’t prepared for this type of Spring. What the dog?!

Spring snow

Wilson: I know, right?! I nearly tipped over trying to balance pee in the piles of snow.

Elsa: Ha…if it’s sympathy you want, look it up in the dictionary, Bucko. Try squatting in a foot of snow, dude. Brrrr.

Wilson: The snow was very heavy and broke some branches  that Mum will have to deal with, once she can get back in that corner.

Broken trees

Broken trees

Elsa: Mom tried to shake off the snow a few times, but there were just some areas she couldn’t reach. She noticed that despite the snow, there were a few signs of spring emerging and was very grateful the trees hadn’t leafed out yet-the damage would have been much worse. The good news was there was a LOT of moisture from this storm that will help the landscape.

Spring snow

Wilson: That tree shades my favorite spot to pee and I wasn’t quite prepared for clumps to come falling down on me. But like many things, I know just how to react. Shake it off and take a nap. It’s the best way to deal with things Nature throws at you.

Wilson

Elsa: Hmmm, I’d have figured you would have said, eat a treat to soothe being startled but a nap does sound like a good idea.

Wilson: Well, a nap was my second choice.

Elsa: Of course it was. Anyway, we’re all snug as bug, the power stayed on (unlike for 11,000 peeps) and Mom made sure we were entertained, happy and didn’t go stir crazy.

Wilson: Yeah, she’s the best. I hope the snuffle mat comes out again soon, but I think all that super heavy, wet snow is supposed to melt in the warmer temps this weekend so walks will resume. We hope you have a safe and fun filled St. Patrick’s Day weekend-enjoy the green. I’m looking forward to more broccoli but no green Guinness. Even Mum doesn’t like that beer. Have a bonnie good weekend and “may the road rise up to meet you; may the wind be always at your back.” Happy St. Patrick’s Day from all of us at the Ranch.

Elsa: What he said. Just make sure you explore nature in your neck of the woods. You may be surprised with what you’ll encounter.

Nature FridayLive, love bark! ☘️

Nature Friday ~ February 9, 2024

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 46 Comments

We survived last week’s snowstorm and are waiting for the arrival of the next one sometime this weekend, or so they say. Hiya, Elsa here. As always we’re joining our friends from Adventures of the LLB Gang. Click on the link to see what other posts have been shared.

Elsa, surgeryI’m still recovering from surgery but am doing well actually. Thank you all for your kind get well and recovery wishes.They mean the world to me and Mom.

Lots of you said I should let the foster dog pony get in on the action with posting so without further adieu, here’s the newest Ranch Hand and I’ll judge let him give you his perspective from around the ‘Hood. Hope I haven’t made a mistake by letting him in on today’s post. This whole foster biz seems to have made him a bit anxious and I don’t wanna spin him into a tizzy. And now, live from the corral…I present…the Pony!

Wilson

Wilson: Umm, don’t mean to get off on the wrong paw with you or your readers, but my name is now Wilson.

Elsa: You say tomato, I say tomahto. Anywho…you need to show them you’re a real live Ranch Hand before your introduction is official.

Wilson: Oh, you mean the one with the hat?

Elsa: {Gasp} Look, you big galute…that’s not a just hat-that’s a Stetson and it’s legendary in the West. You need to forget everything you knew about Missouri…you’re a Colorado doggie these days.

Wilson, hat

Wilson: {in a snooty British voice} I. beg. your. pardon. You must understand, I’m new to this blogging thing but will do my utter best to try and contribute in a meaningful manner.

Elsa: Oh puleez…what’s with you British guys and your high falutin talk? Save it for another time, dog breath.

Wilson: Well blimey…so sorry. I’ll share a pic of me out in the snow after getting groomed last week. How’s that?

Wilson-pointing
Pointer or sheepdog?

Elsa: Save it, bucko. I can see this is going take some time and energy getting you familiar with how things work around here.

Wilson: {somewhat miffed} Right-o. Well, like you mentioned before, we received some snow. It was heavy and wet after an entire night of rain. It was quite crunchy trying to walk on it-I kept falling through.

Elsa: Well, if you weren’t such a chonker, you might not have fallen through. Now you know why Mom has you on a diet.

Wilson: Are you saying I’m overweight? I’d say all the grooming and removing of mats took a lot of excess weight off. See how trim I am now.

Elsa: {eyes rolling} Trust me, Mom will continue to keep the portions small for a while. Sure, she’ll say something like “it’s good for your joints” or some other ridiculous thing. Get used to it and be prepared to be hungry for a while.

Wilson: {frowning} Oh dear…I’m not sure I’ll be able to survive here. I do like my meals.

Elsa: Forget crumpets and tea, dude. You’ll get two small squares a day and Mom will walk your fat tush off right before she takes me out on my rehab walks. It’s going to be interesting between the two of you, as to who loses the most weight. {snicker}

Wilson: Oh dear…this IS going to be quite the adjustment. How in the world am I going to survive?

Elsa: Relax, you’ll never go completely hungry, Mom just wants to get your weight a bit more under control. She’s already had to resize your collar because it was getting too loose. And trust me, there will always be a treat (or two) around the Ranch. I’ll make sure you get a snack.

Wilson: Bravo! That’s right proper of you helping me adjust to this new lifestyle. I still miss my old family and packmates. You do know my old Mum unexpectedly passed away. I loved her so much but do love my new Mum now. Still it’s been quite the adjustment over this past month but I’m really trying hard to learn how to fit in.

Elsa: For the record, she’s MY MOM. But you’re doing ok so far (even if you caused my injury). Mom says you’re pretty smart and I promised her I wouldn’t hold a grudge. I realize you have a lot to learn. Mom explained to me that you grew up in a tiny little town and the city can be a rather intimidating reality. I mean, come on…you’re doing so much better on walks now from when you first arrived and you’re improving a bit each day. Before you know it, garbage trucks won’t even register in that big, fat head. Got any other pics of the snow? My readers want to see nature at her finest.

Wilson: {clearing throat} Right…it started out like most snowstorms but then it just kept snowing and snowing and snowing. It was pretty though and I found it bracing to run around outside in it.

Wilson: Here’s a view from the sofa that made my mind spin on the day after. It looks unlike any snow I’d ever seen before with that melting/freezing thing going on and with the sculpting wind. Looks like a lunar landscape a bit.

Snow

Elsa: Like you’d know about the lunar landscape, although it is the Chinese New Year this week. It was a weird storm, dumping 6-15 inches over the metro area after a night of rain-something we never get this time of year. But you know, things don’t seem any worse for wear for the bulbs, do they?

Spring bulbs

Wilson: They seem to be fine and most of the snow has gone now but we’re waiting for the next storm which may start later today and be a repeat of last weekend.

Elsa: Don’t hold your breath. One of the things you’ll learn about Colorado weather around here, it’s changes on a dime-and weather forecasters simply cannot be trusted to be accurate. As long as I still get to enjoy some snow cones, I’ll be happy. This was right after my staples came out. I felt like I earned it and Mom seemed to agree.

Snow cone

Wilson: I’ll keep that in mind. So can I share this little guy who I encountered on a walk? Mum’s eagle eyes spotted him, I totally missed him. I’m just learning about other critters; Mum refers to them as tree rats. I’m not a fan of them and have tried hard to run them down catch them. Not sure what to do if I’m able to catch one but Mum still won’t let me go after them.

Bunny

Elsa: Yeah, Mom is like that…she wants to protect you from potential problems with face to face meetings with wild animals. She also is extremely adverse to being turned into a human kite and since I’ve noticed you possess lightning quick reflexes, but will learn she’s not as easy as you think she’d be when she’s been lifted off her feet.

Wilson: I did surmise that. But I’m a crafty lad, you never know what I can do.

Elsa: Shush you big oaf, you don’t want to give up the element of surprise. Best that you keep your big trap shut. Moms of all stripes aren’t amused by the element of surprise so don’t wreck it by blabbing any moves in advance.

Wilson: {in a hushed voice} Oh right…will keep that in mind.

Elsa: Well that looks like we made it through without killing each other. Guess it wasn’t as bad as I thought it might be. Bravo me.

Wilson: Ahem…I did mention that I could be a sport here and hope you’ll give me another chance in the future.

Elsa: Let’s not get carried away. A lot depends on how I feel and whether or not my readers like your by-line. How about we just say…we’ll see.

Wilson: Roger that. So do I get to ask what everyone’s going to do this weekend. I heard something about some big football game. While we had them in Missouri, in Britain, we call it ‘soccer.’

Elsa: Trust me dude, around here the only sport that matters is hockey. You’ll learn that soon enough. Finally, we would be remiss if we didn’t wish everyone a safe and prosperous  Chinese New Year. Have a great weekend everyone.

Chinese New Year

Wilson: Oh yes, please do have a splendid weekend.

Elsa: Give it a rest, Pony.

Nature Friday

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Monday Musings ~ February 5, 2024

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 59 Comments

Winter returned to the Mile High City over the past weekend yet our celebration was a bit muted compared to some of the animals at the Portland zoo in that video. Can’t help but smile at seeing their apparent joyful glee. Our storm dumped anywhere from 6-15 inches of super heavy, wet stuff throughout the metro area with some neighborhoods experiencing power outages. Wilson was frisky in the snow but equally excited to come back inside after an extended potty break. Elsa found walking on the crusty snow more than a bit challenging and not entirely to her majesty’s liking as she walked gingerly on it, sinking in with each step which was likely most startling to her sense of equilibrium, given her somewhat wobbly state. Hopefully she’ll receive the all clear to resume to short leash walks after today’s scheduled staple removal and can begin the process of building back her muscles. Please keep your paws crossed for us.

Some local residents experienced power outages might have felt a little like this water buffalo which reminds me that cattle egrets can be stinkers and just don’t care (maybe that’s the price of tick removal?). This pic begs the question at least from golfers if they are related to Canadian Geese in the give-a-hoot category? Courses throughout the metro area have become landing strips for enormous flocks of the pesky birds.

Bird poop

Never fear for us, the forecast is expected to reach back into the 40’s & 50’sF (4-10ºC) throughout the week (before the next storm arrives), which should melt most of the welcomed moisture.

In the “eek, I neglected to acknowledge our double win for last week’s Teaser” category, here’s a pic of the badge we won. It was exciting and quite unexpected to be a firstie, let alone accurately guessing where the Teaser pic was taken-talk about a-m-a-z-i-n-g! Many thanks to our friend Teddy and his mom for the super cute badge. We’re very grateful and thrilled that we won. Maybe all those middle of the night ‘chirps’ by a certain princess aren’t all bad though I’m looking forward to when I can sleep an entire night uninterrupted in my bed.

Teaser win

Best wishes for a pawsome Monday.

Live, love, bark! 🐾