Happy first Monday of June. The temperatures are rising and it clearly looks like Summer is ramping up. Temps will be in the 90’s in the Mile High and that means it’s even more important to think of the four-legged sect. Before we get to today’s smile, here’s a public service announcement every pet parent and/or animal lover should remember.
Fresh water will do more than just make your petunias happy; it is essential for you and your pet’s good health. So be sure to stay hydrated. And now for this week’s smile.
Today is Memorial Day, a national holiday in the U.S. where we officially remember and mourn all those who perished while serving in the country’s armed forces. Let’s take a look at the historical background to see how this holiday began.
Originally it was known as “Decoration Day” following the Civil War when both Union and Confederate soldiers honored their dead by decorating their graves with flowers. Today it has morphed into its current form honoring all Americans who served and paid the ultimate price for their service.
So why do we see people wearing red poppies on Memorial Day? Red poppies are associated with remembrance and officially became the national emblem of remembrance in 1920. Those little flowers originated from the battlefields of World War I because they sprouted in the unlikeliest of places. One reason-poppies are actually considered a weed and its seeds germinated when the soil was disturbed between the trench lines and the Western Front.
Poppies grew in the most inhospitable landscapes of war-torn battlefields in 1915 and from this wreckage of war, they seem to spring up like tiny beacons of hope.
As you can see, there is a difference yet there is still confusion between the various patriotic holidays celebrated in the U.S. Far too many people think Memorial Day honors every service members who served. The truth is Memorial Day honors those who gave their lives in service of their country. Unofficially it’s also known as the start of summer and too often used as a marketing campaign for such things like mattress sales.
We hope this post provides you with sufficient info regarding the origins of Memorial Day. Although our family has been blessed to not have lost anyone who served, we know families who were not as lucky and our hearts go out to them with deep appreciation for the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. We honor their memory and send gentle thoughts of comfort today.
And even though it’s a serious day of remembrance, it’s still Monday which means we need to share a smile. Two weeks ago, the 148th American Kennel Club Dog Show was held and Wilson thought there may been some celebration during and after the competition. Congratulations to “Sage,” the miniature poodle who was won Best in Show. For more on her impressive win, see this story.
It’s Monday. Again. Gosh, how is that even possible? We hope you had a wonderful weekend. At any rate, it was one of those perfect weekend’s where the weather was near perfect, the garden received a lot of attention and yesterday, a certain special someone, received a lot of attention when I went to visit with the newest family member who continues to captivate my heart and who is growing like a little weed. I know I’m biased, but she seems to get cuter every time I visit. Luckily, it’s a good thing dog barking doesn’t seem to bother her too much while her canine protectors continue to monitor her well-being and alert the entire household of any perceived sketchy visitors or passersby. Lucky for her, there aren’t any smart-alecky squirrels in her apartment complex. And as insurance, I bring a pocket full of tasty treats to quell any racket quickly.
We hope you have a fabulous Monday and aren’t faced with any life conundrums like Mr. Ruffles. Happy Monday!
Good Friday morning. As is our usual MO, we’re joining Rosy and Sunny from the LLB life for this week’s Mother’s Day edition. Be sure to click on the link to see what others have shared.
Elsa: Before we get started sharing some of this week’s photos, I personally want to wish our own Mom a very Happy Mother’s Day weekend.
Wilson: Yes, Mum, I too want to wish you a very Happy Mother’s Day. You provide us both with treats, unconditional love, great ear scritches and belly rubs, and are the best walking companion who happens to be a super duper pooper scooper. In fact, I’ll go one better…I wish all dog mums a Happy Mother’s Day.
Elsa: Yo Big Guy, this isn’t a competition. Those are all implied in my Happy Mother’s Day wish, so stop trying to up your game, okay?
Wilson: Well I just wanted to elaborate just a tad in case Mum didn’t know how I felt about her.
Elsa: Face it House Pony, you’re a brown nose and are trying to make up for being a pill yesterday. Trust me, Mom loves us no matter what we chew up or do. She may be unhappy for a quick moment, but I guarantee you she still loves us, so stop going overboard.
Wilson: You mean she won’t be upset with me because I chewed one of her craft tools when she took you for a separate walk? Whew…glad to hear that. And again, you seem to be a bit colorblind, my nose is most assuredly black, not brown. Just wanted to point that out for the record.
Elsa: Oh for crying out loud. STOP, just stop. I told you before it’s a figure of speech. Now that we’re 300 words in, let’s get on with the post, all right?
Wilson: Just wanted the record to be clear. It’s been a very windy week accompanied by cool temps. Yesterday morning it was a cool 36ºF (2ºC) when we went outside for our morning wee. I didn’t mind it but Mum seemed a tad chilled.
Elsa: She was sleep walking I think. She made sure she had a jacket on this morning. While it’s ever so slightly misting, at least it wasn’t quite as chilly. Neither of us seem to mind (well at least not the cooler temps-but I’m not walking around if it’s raining) but at least we’re not in the mountains where 1-3 inches of white stuff are expected. Over the past 4 of the past 5 years, we’ve actually had a bit of snow during Mother’s Day week so I guess we should consider ourselves lucky.
Spring snow from a few years ago
Wilson: Snow? Hmm, I thought we were over all that. Well it hasn’t seemed to damping any spring flowers from what I can tell on our walkabouts. I mean just look at this gorgeous lilac bush. Mum said it’s different that the solid color ones we’ve seen over the past couple of weeks. Each bloom is rimmed in a narrow stripe of white and the purple is quite intense. It smells amazing, too.
Elsa: Whoa…that’s quite a beauty, dude. I haven’t seen that variety on my route but then I don’t walk the Santa Fe trail like you do. I’m not good with a deviation from the route so probably won’t get to see it before it’s finished.
Wilson: You should try a different route, it’s good to experience new things-trust me. I’m exposed to all sorts of new and look how great I am.
Elsa: Umm, I wouldn’t be going there, Pony. You still get wigged out with large trucks and…
Wilson: {interrupting} Excuse me…those things are terrifying to a country boy like me. I don’t know how you city chaps manage to not freak out whenever a UPS or garbage truck rumbles past. They are quite noisy and they startle my otherwise calm demeanor.
Elsa: Oh brother…just deal with it. As long as you’re with Mom, nothing is going to get you. Chill dude, ok.
Wilson: Well I’m trying, but I don’t have to like them.
Elsa: What’s to like. Just look pitiful and not like some scaredy-cat and Mom will likely give you a treat if you don’t freak out.
Wilson: {wheels turning in his brain} Hmm, treats you say? Ok, I’ll keep that in mind and practice on the pitiful look for the best effect.
Elsa: Yeah, I thought that might make you stand up straight. Yeesh, what a chow hound. What else did you see on your travels?
Wilson: Well the bearded irises are blooming all over the place. Gosh some of them are quite striking. Like this one.
Wilson: Mum was very excited at this bearded iris from her garden. Most of her’s are in the very early stages since the garden doesn’t get as much intense sunlight. This one is actually a reblooming hybrid that she really likes but that hasn’t performed as reliably as she’d like. Still, it’s rather pretty even if it doesn’t have any scent. What’s up with that?
Elsa: Hey, do I look like a botanist? I don’t know why some plants have scents and others don’t. I just like the way they look.
Wilson: Well scent is very important to me, I mean have you seen my nose?
Elsa: Good point. That honker was made for sniffing. I’m surprised they don’t use Old English Sheepdogs like bloodhounds.
Wilson: Well we need to sniff out potential predators, so maybe that’s why. Sniff then drive them for forward together. That’s us.
Elsa: {eyes rolling} Look dude, this isn’t a job interview. We’re sharing slice of Mother Nature, okay? What else have you got?
Wilson: Mum noticed this blooming wisteria a couple of days ago. I asked her, “Where’s the leaves?” She assured me they’ll start forming soon. Seems rather odd to me, those droopy racemes hanging down. Mum said they are part of the legume family so naturally I inquired if they are edible but she said the pods and seeds are quite toxic and for me not to get any clever ideas about noshing on them. Luckily this house has a wrought iron fence so it’s not likely pets will mistakenly snack on the toxic parts.
Elsa: There are plenty of things for you to nosh on, you don’t need to sample poisonous things. This next plant is also toxic so don’t get any bright ideas.
Wilson: These plants are tucked into an overgrown corner of a garden we pass every day and Mum liked that park bench in the back. She thought what a lovely secluded spot. They come in a variety of colors and are quite ornamental. Mum says they’re part of the garlic/onion family and can make us dogs sick if they ingested. She said some species are quite poisonous so I’ll be staying away. Don’t need any stomach upset any time soon.
Elsa: Whoa…you’re actually not interesting in eating something. That’s gotta be a first!
Wilson: Ahem…don’t sell me short. Yes I enjoy food but it’s just not worth a case of diarrhea or vomiting. Not when Mum hands out tasty treats like Tic-Tacs.
Elsa: Hmm, maybe you are trainable! So when you were out on your walks, did you come across these flowering trees?
Wilson: Yes, we did see one near the post office the other afternoon. Mum said it’s a Aesculus x carnea..a red buckeye/horse chestnut an artificial hybrid. Mum said it’s a medium sized showy tree with toothed leaves. It’s pretty striking to look at and makes a great shade tree. Those flowers can be messy when they’ve finished blooming.
Elsa: That looks like it for this edition. Nice job, Pony. So what’s on the agenda for Mother’s Day? I heard Mom is going to see the new great grandbaby for brunch tomorrow. I keep asking Mom when are we going to be able to see her and she said soon. She turned one month old yesterday. Kinda a cute little chunk, isn’t she?
Wilson: She sure is. Mum is nuts about her. I’m not sure just how I’ll react when she starts wailing but I’m sure I’ll be Johnny on the spot, ready to soothe her with a pup kiss or three. I always react to videos of her with a cocked head, with upright posture and loads of bum wiggles. Crying babies need to be soothed and they don’t call us sheepies Nanny dogs for nothing.
Elsa: You do know she’s not edible, right?
Wilson: Of course I do. But she is kissable and I can’t wait to see and meet her. Mum says soon and I can’t wait. We hope all mums have a wonderful Mum’s Day whether your ‘kids’ have two or four legs. Enjoy your weekend being the center of attention-you totally deserve it. And don’t forget to enjoy some nature over the weekend.
Happy last Monday of April, 2024. We’ve returned to gorgeous Spring weather and are looking forward to spending the next few days with out-of-state family who are visiting Colorado. Nice weather on the patio will make the get together that much more fun.
But first before we hit the road, we need to take a moment to share today’s smile. Since Elsa’s last surgery, her nose woke up dramatically so when I saw this cartoon, it made me think of how she’s seems to have become more of a Bloodhound than a Spoo on the walks. Before finding this epiphany, she was an all business kind of girl, finding the absolute right spot (which often took at least 90 seconds of walking in a circle to find the exact perfect spot) before she would potty. I always get a kick out of how male dogs and female dogs differ in this regard. I often think Wilson could pee anywhere, whereas the location is critical to Elsa’s way of thinking, er sniffing. For her it now takes several minutes checking out all the ‘messages’ left, scanning the landscape for ripe spots, determining who replied, what and how they communicated their presence and goodness only knows what else. It does however brighten my day knowing she’s exploring her environment through sniffing and I welcome it. Most people rush their good dog’s walk, but they really should embrace it. It quiets dog’s minds and makes it more enjoyable for everyone on the trail.
Whatever you do today, we hope you take time to, at least metaphorically, smell the roses and let your dog do likewise (though I doubt it’ll be roses they’re sniffing). Happy Monday.
Happy Earth Day. Let’s begin today’s nod to Earth Day with a compilation of numerous videos from CBS’s Walter Conkrite on the first Earth Day from around the country, which contained a reference to Denver’s smoggy skies in the first segment. Going to school in a small southern Colorado community, I was somewhat sheltered from Denver’s air quality notoriety at the time and found was surprised the state capitol was specifically singled out. It speaks volumes of how important the issue was and continues to be featured in the news, especially with the extreme weather patterns we are experiencing across the globe.
The original idea of bringing attention to the environment came from Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wyoming following a 1969 massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California. Sen. Nelson who enlisted the help of a young activist, Denis Hayes, had growing concerns for the environment following Rachel Carson’s book, Silent Spring which was gaining attention among environmental groups and wanted a unified cause to provide a way for disparate groups find a way to join together and bring information and education to people on the impact of pesticides were on farm workers and the environment.
The first Earth Day saw approximately 20 million people participate, many using the day to clean up streets in their neighborhoods. New York’s Earth Day parade shut down Fifth Ave. Later that year, The Environmental Protection Agency was created by then president, Richard Nixon. A condensed timeline can be found at the EPA’s website. Earth Day went global in 1990 and is now recognized around the world.
As you begin this week, I hope you take some time to look at your immediate environment and do something to improve it even if it’s just picking up trash or something a bit more lasting like not using plastic bags. January 2024 saw Colorado ban plastic bags from large retail stores as well as prohibiting restaurants and retail food establishments from using Styrofoam takeout containers.
Although today’s post is of a serious nature, we still want to end it with a small smile and hope it prompts you to do whatever you can to help this growing problem. Semper Fido.
In case you somehow missed it, today is the deadline to file your income taxes in the U.S. While you may file an extension, you still need to include any payment of any taxes owed with the extension. Can anyone explain the point of doing that?
Luckily, the Ranch Hands filed theirs last month, quickly received a refund and then immediately signed it over to the vet {grimace}.
While I’d have loved to file this form with our return, I’m not sure Uncle Sam would have found it as humorous as I did. No offense, but I often have wondered if having no sense of humor was a hard requirement for all employees who work for the IRS. With the 2017 revision of the tax code, itemization seems to have become a relic of the past.
Despite today’s deadline, we still hope you are able to tackle today…lo the entire week, with loads of humor and grace. It’s a gorgeous spring day here in the 303-we hope you are able to make it yours wherever you are. Happy Monday.
Welcome to Nature Friday where we share a few slices of Nature from around our ‘Hood. As always, we are joining our hosts from Adventures of the LLB Gang. Please click on the link to see what other posts were shared.
It’s been an exciting and busy week around the Ranch. For a couple of days both me and the New Guy wondered why Mom was gone so much. I mean, what could possibly be more important than us? Elsa here. Well, it turns out our family increased in size. We will now have five, yes FIVE living generations around the Ranch House. How is that possible, you ask? Mom’s first granddaughter gave birth to a healthy, beautiful baby girl (who was just a tad reluctant to leave the comfy womb but who finally made her debut at 12:34 pm on Tuesday). Mom, Dad and baby are all doing well even if they’re massively tuckered out.
Courtesy of Bella Baby Photography
I can say without reservation Mom is over the moon even if she’s not sure about being called a great grandma. I think that means she’s older than dirt but we’ll love her just the same. We can hardly wait to meet this little one. The Pony told me he’s an excellent and very responsive baby watcher. We’ll see but he does seem to respond to crying babies, puppies and mewing kittens whenever he hears them in a video.
Wilson: I say, little sister, does this mean I’m an uncle now?
Elsa: No Oaf…you’re not an uncle. Because this is a G-rated blog, I can’t say what you are but you will be expected to be on your best, furry behavior.
Wilson: So what do WE call this bundle?
Elsa: I was gonna guess Princess, but Mom says her name is Halia which is apparently Hawaiian for “remembrance.” Her name is an homage to all the grandparents who didn’t live long enough to welcome her to this world. She’s going to be so loved by this family.
Wilson: Bravo, I suspect Mum’s dad is over the moon too? He’s very attached to Hailey, the baby’s mum.
Elsa: He most certainly is which means you’re no longer going to be top banana at his house. But I’m positive he’ll still be glad to see us the next time we go down to visit him.
Wilson: I should hope so. I’d hate to think we’ve lost our station. {sniffling}
Elsa: No chance of that, I mean…after all we’re pretty, cuddly and irresistible still so put your British insecurities at rest.
Wilson: Well if you say so…now what else do we have to share this week.
Elsa: Well you can bet your tea and crumpets it isn’t going to be a weather report, though it has been pretty gorgeous outside and Nature seems to be fairly happy. She’s coaxing more blooms out in the garden. What did you find to share, Hoss?
Wilson: Hmm, there you go again with another nickname. Since there appears to be no point in correcting you again, I’ll just continue and share some lovely blooms from around the neighborhood. First up are some Creeping Phlox. They are blooming everywhere in loads of shades of pink and purple.
Elsa: Well everywhere but in our yard. Mom had a small patch of it but it didn’t come back this year. That one is from the guy across the street’s garden. Mom’s going to ask him if he knows why her’s failed to come back.
Wilson: Gosh how sad, I know how much Mum likes to see flowers in the garden. Look at these grape hyacinths we discovered on our walk this week. We hadn’t noticed these ombre colored ones before. How brilliant is that?! Dark on the bottom and lighter at the top. Ours are only one color-be they purple or the blue ones.
Elsa: Whoa…the ones in our garden aren’t ombre colored. That IS pretty cool.
Wilson: Quite right!
Elsa: Some of the flowering trees have started their annual show too. I think these are plum trees. I’ll know more if the squirrels start munching on the fruit.
Wilson: Squirrels?!?! Where? I’ll take care of those rotten buggers.
Elsa: Down Bucko. Don’t get excited just yet.
Wilson: Well you know how I feel about squirrels!
Elsa: Unlax dude. Why not share some of the pretty pink tulips Mom found recently. She’s been looking for tulips that weren’t red for the past couple of weeks and they’re finally out. Yay…maybe now she’ll stop whining about it.Wilson: I can see why she likes them. They are quite lovely. Well, she really doesn’t mind the red ones, but she says she wanted to see other colors. She still hasn’t seen yellow, white or purple ones yet…
Elsa: {interrupting} Gah…don’t bring it up or we’ll never hear the end of it. Let’s move along and share this other tulip instead.
Wilson: Right. So what do you think about this shrub? I think it’s a flowering quince. I checked it out but it was decidedly unfriendly to my nose.
Elsa: I’d be unfriendly too if you stuck that big ole honker up my grill.
Wilson: Ahem, excuse me…I’ve noticed you sniffing at things a lot more since your surgeries. Sniffing is how I process the world around me. I’m still getting used to how differently things smell from my old home. Things here in Colorado are quite different. Some things remain the same scent-wise to humans but I still need to check and make sure. That’s where my nose comes in.
Elsa: And here I thought it was because you’re a nosey-nellie. I stand corrected.
Wilson: I’m going to ignore that comment. Mum has also noticed loads of Creeping Phlox along our daily walks beyond what the neighbor has. It sure is a cheerful addition to a sidewalk path.
Elsa: Here’s another blooming tree branch I found on my walk yesterday. Looks like pink is this week’s showcase color. It sure makes Mom happy when she sees it.
Wilson: Seems only fitting that pink is the week’s theme color. After all, it goes well with the little pink human who arrived.
Elsa: Good one, House Pony. You may actually be on to something.
Wilson: Well I’m not just a furry face, you know.
Elsa: Umm, the jury is still out on that.
Wilson: {ignoring the snarky comment) So Mum showed me this art installation. She waxed on and on about how clever it was and how original but I’m afraid I didn’t get it. Can you explain it to me?
Elsa: There’s no explanation, dude. She just likes it. You have to realize art is in the eye of the beholder and leave it at that.
Wilson: Okay, but it was almost creepy. I wasn’t sure I should sniff it or growl at it. I’m always suspicious of faces with big eyes that don’t blink. It’s a bit unnerving, don’t you think?
Elsa: That’s nothing-you should have seen it when it was wearing a gigantic mask during COVID. Talk about unnerving
Wilson: Oh dear, glad I didn’t see that! I like looking at faces, they usually have a smile, an ear rub and offer me a treat. I’ll try to be on my best behavior whenever I see them. Mum says she’s going to start training me to join the pet therapy dog program soon. She thinks people will love meeting me. And well…if there are treats involved, I’m sure I can do it without any trouble.
Elsa: {eyes rolling} You and your treats. Dude, you gotta be a bit less enthusiastic about eating things.
Wilson: {eyes moving from left to right and back again…mulling that thought over} Why…I’m not sure I understand that but will try to make Mum proud, regardless. Well, that’s it from me. You have anything to add?
Elsa: Other than Mom’s strawberry just set some fruit which made her mouth water, no. I just hope everyone has a great weekend enjoying Spring. I can’t wait to meet little Halia and hope we get to do that over the weekend. Otherwise, we’ll have to be content with enjoying the sights and sounds of spring and hope you are able to get outside and enjoy Nature at its prettiest. Have a great weekend.
Wilson: Yes, what my dear sister said. Happy weekend. And I can’t wait to taste those lovelies.
Elsa: Oh for dog’s sake. Have a good weekend everyone!
Happy Monday, peeps. Hard to believe it’s been 3 months since a certain sheepdog joined our Bunk House. Wilson’s personality continues to unfold, much like the springtime flowers here. He’s still a work in progress but hasn’t started remodeling the house. Yet. Although I’m sure if it crossed his imagination, he’d have a treat and food dispenser installed that would be activated by a well-placed, gigantic paw doling out snacks.
After nearly a foot of white stuff fell a few days ago, it’s quite remarkable so much has already melted. What a feeling when you see beautiful emerald green grass emerging from all that white. Spring storms are simply fabulous for the urban landscape.
Wishing you a week filled with loads of sunbeam therapy. Happy Monday.
Today is Memorial Day, a national holiday in the U.S. where we officially remember and mourn all those who perished while serving in the country’s armed forces. Let’s take a look at the historical background to see how this holiday began.
Good Friday morning. As is our usual MO, we’re joining Rosy and Sunny from the 
It’s been an exciting and busy week around the Ranch. For a couple of days both me and the New Guy wondered why Mom was gone so much. I mean, what could possibly be more important than us? Elsa here. Well, it turns out our family increased in size. We will now have five, yes FIVE living generations around the Ranch House. How is that possible, you ask? Mom’s first granddaughter gave birth to a healthy, beautiful baby girl (who was just a tad reluctant to leave the comfy womb but who finally made her debut at 12:34 pm on Tuesday). Mom, Dad and baby are all doing well even if they’re massively tuckered out.
Wilson: I can see why she likes them. They are quite lovely. Well, she really doesn’t mind the red ones, but she says she wanted to see other colors. She still hasn’t seen yellow, white or purple ones yet…
