Hope you all managed to survive Explosion Day, aka July 4th. Elsa here. Whew, thank goodness we got through it even though it lasted until after midnight. Mom closed up the house and turned up the volume on the TV so we’d have less to hear. Bless her. Seems like a lot of peeps are beginning to question this whole “let’s blow &#@% up” holiday and not just here in the Mile High. Although Mom thought there were a lot of people who give lip service to ending fireworks but still ran to their favorite fireworks pop up stand and bought a bunch. Still we hope all that barking and whining by folks about it is starting to move the needle. Baby steps. Not only are there alternatives that don’t scare the Bejesus outa woman and beast, it’s so much better for the environment. With way too many ozone alert days around here lately (thanks Mother Nature-the heat ain’t bad enough?), let’s add a ton of toxins to the atmosphere from shooting fireworks to make it even more obnoxious. But I digress.

Today we’re here to join our friends, Rosy and Sunny for this week’s edition of Nature Friday so be sure to click on the link to see what else was shared this week. Today we are finishing up with the final installment of photos to last week’s Spirit Guide post. Take it away, House Pony.

Wilson: Greetings mates. Let me begin by saying you chaps can keep your noisy holiday. Color this dog definitely not a fan. And here I thought garbage trucks were loud. But thankfully it’s over, and like any good dog, I live in the present moment. so let’s check out the rest of Spirit Guide photos, shall we?

Elsa: Yeah, come into our garden, said the spider to the fly.

Wilson: Huh…wait, there are spiders? And flies? You mean I missed noshing on bugs? Crikey, I don’t recall seeing any of those.

Elsa: {eyes rolling} Dude, it’s just a figure of speech. Jeez, you gotta stop being so literal.

Wilson: Whew, I thought I missed a few snacks. Anyway, I think Mum saved the best for this week. Check out this Coyote-Fish spirit guide.

Elsa: What. The. Dog?! Umm, o-kay. Not sure about some of those spirit combinations. I mean just look at these different views on the eagle-camel.

Wilson: I will say they are most colorful. Even the pond’s reflection with the deer-butterfly looked glassy but colorful. I say, I can’t even image not getting cross-eyed while painting all those patterns.

Elsa: I’m dizzy just looking at them. I mean, check it out…{stuttering} I, I mean…it’s so bizarrely weird. Got anything to share that won’t give me a seizure?

Wilson: Well, Mum took some photos of several bonsai trees. I’m rather miffed I couldn’t sniff at them.

Elsa: I’m sure the grounds keepers are quite grateful for that. Some of these bonsai trees had been in ‘training’ for well over 10 years. That’s some kind of intensive maintenance to keep their shape. Some were crafted from yews, ordinary pine trees, a jade and also a maple like this one. Guess you can make a bonsai out of anything.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Wilson: Many of the flowers were pretty as well and of course the Chihuly spire that’s located in the Romance Garden is always striking. Mum really enjoyed her visit at the Denver Botanical Gardens (which she learned is one of the top five botanical gardens in the country). Their special events and exhibits manage to please and entertain all visitors.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Elsa: Ok, now that’s what I’m talking about. N-i-c-e flowers. I can see why she loves going there. There’s always something for everyone. Even the weirdos. So, what are your plans for the weekend? We’re heading down to my grandpa to introduce him to the new great, great granddaughter. We are very excited and can’t wait to see them all together. Whatever you do, just make sure you get outside and check out all the cool (and yes, some of the weird) stuff that Nature provides. Have a great weekend.

Live, love, bark! 🐾