Category: Gardens

Nature Friday ~ June 5, 2026

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 58 Comments

Wilson Chewed up coasterHappy Friday, folks. Wilson here. We have been busy this week. Mum is getting ready for our annual sheepdog picnic/fundraiser and sadly, I’m had to spend a lot of time entertaining myself after my walks. But apprently I’m not happy about being left to my own devices while Mum is working on getting the gift baskets ready for the picnic. I don’t know, it seemed like the right thing to do at the time. But I was contrite when Mum saw it. My head went down quicker than a bad day on the stock market. Mum knows I had no idea what I was doing, us dogs don’t feel guilt like our humans think we do. Still I know I disappointed her and for that, I’m sorry. Ok, maybe not all that so sorry, but here we are. Anyway, we’re joing our pals from the Adventures of the LLB Gang. Be sure to click on the link to see what others are sharing.

Wilson: So we had a couple of days of light rain in our neighborhood. Oh my giddy aunt! In Denver however, things got real. There was major downpour in downtown and hailstones fell like crazy (see a video here). A family from Aurora posted a photo of an alligator they created from all of the hail. Bulldozers had to be called in to shovel it off roadways and one woman was rescued at a gas station because the hail and fast moving water was running so deep. Holy cow!

Hail alligator

The Mum: That was quite the weather event. It was nice to receive some moisture but I’m sure the northern third of Denver and eastern suburbs feel differently. Currently those nice temperate days are definitely in the rear view mirror. It’s back to hot temps. Yesterday the thermostat hit 88F (31C) and it’s forecast to be hotter during the next week. Bet you’re glad that you were groomed with a summer cut, aren’t you, House Pony?

Wilson: Absolutely. We’ve had to take our morning walks at the crack of dawn. I know you’d like to sleep in a bit as much as me but we need to get cracking to avoid the heat. It’s disrupting my chi, Mum.

The Mum: I know, buddy and yes, I’m not happy about it either but we just have to accept that’s the way El Niño rolls…hot temps, with lots of moisture. ‘Course with those hot temps, it makes our statewide drought worse. It’s a vicious cycle. Anyway, not much we can do about it. What else do you have for us?

Wilson: Well, the weird weather didn’t keep us from finding a few pretty flowers from around the ‘Hood early in the mornings. I think I’m going to look at this next photo often while it’s hot. It’s so calming and gives me a nice cooled off feeling. Not that I will start liking water, mind you, Mum…so don’t get any ideas but I think it’s a refreshing place along the trail to pause and enjoy.

Creek

The Mum: No, I get it. I feel the same way. That view is from one of the bridges we cross  and it always makes me want to stop and inhale deeply to relax even more during our walks. Best time of the day crossing that bridge and seeing that runoff rushing into the creek from the canal.

Wilson: Right! That’s what I’m talking about. I did rather enjoy the new route we took this week to see what kind of gardens other folks have. This front garden was especially pretty.

Garden flowers

The Mum: This was such a pretty front garden and they had a couple of fun signs in the middle of it. Everything was neat as a pin and fairly formal.

Wilson: And then there was this gorgeous clematis. So full and vibrant. Much more so than the ones we had at our old house. Yours never did bloom that much.

Clematis

The Mum: No, I don’t think I really gave mine enough water and with the shade from the silver maple, well I just don’t think they ever liked the conditons where they were planted.

Wilson: It’s ok, Mum. We have lots to see on our walks. I really enjoyed passing this large clump of blue flax in the area between the path and the creek very near the spot where that coyote was seen. Looks like Mother Nature was moving ‘furniture’ again. She sure finds the oddest places to put flowers, doesn’t she?Blue flax

The Mum: Well I don’t mind, it’s rather fun finding what she thinks is a good spot for flowers. Last week it was the Gaillardia (blanket flower) and this week, it’s this flax. Nature sure has an interesting way of moving things around.

Wilson: Nature provides us with some beautiful sights, like last night’s sunset. The clouds gathered up and swirled and it looked like it might rain a bit. But alas, it was just a tease. Still, it was very lovely. Well, that’s it for us. Please make sure you get outside this weekend and have a great weekend enjoying all that Nature shares with us. Since Mum is busy again today with picnic preparations for the rescue’s fundraiser, we may not be able to respond for a while but she’ll do her best. After the picnic, she’ll be getting ready for her sister from Texas to come visit next week. No rest for the wicked and the righteous don’t need it, right. So which one is she? Have a great weekend.

Sunset

PicnicThe Mum: Wish us lots of luck at the picnic! It’s always interesting herding all those Floofs.

Nature

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ May 8, 2026

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 60 Comments

Greetings mates, tis I, Wilson your friendly neighborhood House Pony. Boy have I got some photos to share with you showing Mother Nature at her best or her worst, depending on your opinion. It’s been a wild week but let’s dive in shall we. As always we’re joining those cute pups from Adventures of the LLB Gang for their weekly nature blog. Don’t forget to click on the link to see what others have shared from around Blogville.

Wilson in snow

Wilson: Mum…why do I have to bundle up? I mean keeping me dry is one thing, but you know how I feel about snow boots. Ugh.

The Mum: What? Come on, you look adorable in your booties. And you posed so nicely wearing them…

Wilson: {interrupting while raising his voice} E-nough. I should think that expression says it all. Wearing those hideous things is humiliating, Mum. I hate them.

The Mum: But they sort of keep your feet somewhat dry, well at least drier than if you were stomping around with your furry paddles…and without anything to protect your paws you’d need either a session with a hairdryer or a serious and lengthy mopping up with towels before coming back inside the house. I mop the new floors enough as it is because you’re a such drool machine.

Wilson: Yeesh…you cut me to the quick, Mum. We could argue discuss this all day long. But I’ve got photos to share and we should probably just move along. So as you were able to tell from our discussion and the first photo, it snowed this week (Tuesday and Wednesday). I know a lot of you will be aghast at the thought of snow in May but it’s not all that uncommon in the Rocky Mountain region. The irony to that fact is we received the most snow in May for over 20 years. Look at some of these snow depths through Wednesday.

Snow totals

The Mum: The total in Arvada really surprised me. We all knew a storm was coming but I only expected around 4 inches or so. Fortunately it was a nice wet snow with lots of moisture. I think we received nearly as much moisture over those two days as we’ve received to date this year. We’re still down and the drought is nowhere near gone but this was a nice dent toward improving things.

Wilson: Do you think plants were adversely impacted by that heavy snow?

Spring snow storm
Early morning view of our trees – the shrubs were buried for the most part

Spring snow storm

The Mum: I won’t sugar-coat it, the storm did a fair amount of damage to trees. Cottonwoods which are softwood trees, were particularly hit hard as were many ornamental pear trees around the neighborhood. I went out every 3 or 4 hours to shake off our crabapple trees but along the trail we walk every day, a lot of large and small limbs were broken. Yesterday I was impressed that the city crews were out early cleaning up around the pathway. Most of the larger branches that fell far away from the pathway will be cut up and left to provide habitat to the area’s critters, while those closer to the trail were removed. And a lot of plants were flattened but by yesterday when we were in full melt, they were rebounding. Even these peonies didn’t seem to be worse for wear but they are somewhat protected by the trees around it. Yesterday’s high  was 72F (22C) and more than half of the snow had melted. It was totally crazy. The forecast for the weekend will be in the 70’sF and we may even reach the low 80’sF by Monday. The temperature whiplash is in full force.

Peonies with snow

Wilson: It was absolutely beautiful when we walked and even more quiet than normally. Funny how people don’t want to get out and walk around in it. I’m glad you don’t mind, I just wish I didn’t have to bundle up from head to paw but it was fun checking everything out. The smells were quite remarkable.

The Mum: Even our newly blooming Bachelor Buttons in a large pot survived.

Bachelor Buttons

Wilson: Nature is pretty amazing. But somewhat selective, isn’t she?

The Mum: Pretty much. What other photos did you want to share?

Wilson: Well…how about some photos from the pathway? It was so beautiful and the quiet was palable.

Spring snow storm
Along the southwest side of the golf course
Spring snow
The canal was filling up from its previously low levels
Ralston Creek Trail in snow
Along the creek

The Mum: You managed to curate a fairly representative batch of photos. Well done, House Pony.

Wilson: Thanks Mum. See, I’m not just a pretty face. I can put a few pics together to show off how Nature is truly amazing. I see that Mother’s Day is this weekend and we want to wish everyone a very Happy Mother’s Day. We know not all of you have two feet kids, but you have fur babies so I think you deserve to enjoy the day as well as mums to them. Are you doing anything special for your mum? Whatever you do, we sincerely wish you a wonderful weekend and hope you are able to spend some time enjoying the many sides of Mother Nature. Have a good one, everyone.

Nature

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ April 24, 2026

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 62 Comments

Wilson, bed headWelcome to the last Friday of April. I’m still wrapping my head around the fact that April is nearly over. Where did the month go? Wilson here and I’m joining our pals from Adventures of the LLB Gang for their weekly Nature Friday blog hop where participants share slices of nature. Don’t forget to click on the link to see what others have shared. The good news is we haven’t blown away but these daily Red Flag Warning days are becoming a bit ridiculous. Yes, I’m a floof but for the love of all that’s holy, floofs gotta see and I constantly have hair in my eyes. Yes I know one remedy is a haircut but you know how I feel about grooming sessions. Mum suggested we put my hair up into a ‘pineapple’ top knot. {SHUDDER} I put my paw down and said unequivocally, “umm, no thank you.” Guess I’ll just keep rubbing my face on the sofa to get the hair out of my eyes.

The Mum: Oh come on, at least you’d be able to see easier…

Wilson: {interrupting} No way, Jose. I’m not wearing a rubber band or scrunchy on the top of my head to get the hair out of my eyes. End of discussion.

The Mum: Alrighty then. So what do you have to share today.

Wilson: Wait…what?  I said no and you caved with no attempts to urge a different outcome? I better pinch myself…I figured you’d spend a lot of time arguing trying to cajole me into looking like a pineapple landed on top of my head. Not to say I’m suspicious…but I am a bit suspicious, Mum.

The Mum: Not to worry, House Pony…I don’t mind giving you some agency about minor things like that.

Wilson: Minor? Trust me, that’s not minor, Mum. Wearing my hair up in a top knot would make me the laughing stock of Ralston Creek. You know I have a certain “je ne sais quoi” to maintain.

The Mum: Oh my gosh, you are so dramatic! It was just a suggestion to help you see better until your grooming appointment in a few weeks. Lighten up.

Wilson: Harumph…I just wanted to get things out in the open and on the record. I think we should probably focus on slices of nature we encountered this week instead, now that the pineapple strategy is dead in the water. How about it, Mum?

The Mum: {rolling her eyes} Yes, let’s change the subject and move on. I know where you stand and won’t bring it up again.

Wilson: Thank dog! Now that we’ve settled that, let’s share a few slices of nature from our house before we hit the trail outside, shall we? Figaro is looking pretty doggone good. I can barely get around him. He’s going crazy, Mum. I think we should put him outside.

Figaro

The Mum: He is getting pretty big but since there still can be overnight freezes, we’re going to have to wait until that threat is gone so you’ll just have to co-exist with him for a little while longer. And I beg you to be careful as you’re racing to the front door which is just a few feet away.

Wilson: Hey there, I’m always careful! I can’t help it if he takes up too much space.

The Mum: Right…{eyes rolling again}. You’re about as careful as a bull in a china shop. Delicate you are not.

Wilson: Now, now, Mum. That corner of the entry must have some really good juju because your Christmas cactus is in bloom again. While not nearly as full of blooms at it was at Thanksgiving and Christmas, it does have a few bright blooms. Even the Christmas cactus that rarely blooms and nearly died a few months ago has some buds on it. Are you doing something special with the cactuses?

Christmas cactus

Christmas cactus

The Mum: Nope, not at all. That last cactus has more blooms than it ever has! It lost a fair amount of its branches and I almost considered letting it go. I just think they like the light in the entryway-it’s not too severe or bright. But whatever it is, I’m pleased that they’re in bloom again and setting leaves and flowers. It’s very exciting and even the newest one (on the lower right) is joining the ranks of bloomers. It came from Dad’s house and is also setting buds. Color me happy.

Wilson: Way to go, Mum. Did you see the new neighbors? I haven’t met them but hear them every day.

Bird nest

The Mum: Spring is always an exciting time in the world of birds. I’m keeping my eyes peeled to see new baby ducks and Canadian geese which we’ll likely see before any of the birds who nest in trees.

Wilson: We’ve seen some blooming wildflowers along the Ralston Creek Trail this week. This first one looked a lot like the lupine we had in our old garden. I looked it up and it’s  a Thermopsis, a herbaceous perennial and legume and commonly known as goldenbanners or false lupine. When I looked it up , I discovered it’s quite toxic so I guess we won’t be walking close to it. Apparently there has been some research about the toxicity of T. rhombifolia (which I think is the variety we found along the creek) with the highest concentration in young plants. We just found them blooming this week so they are likely fairly young.

False lupine

The Mum: It’s a good thing you aren’t much of a taster of plants. I was shocked to read about the toxicity. I’ve been missing the lupines from the old garden so was happy to see something that looked like the old garden plant (although I discovered a hitchhiker that started to grow in a planter that had bachelor buttons in it which will like bloom over the next week). Maybe we’ll get some new seedlings to start a fresh lupine garden at the new house. Fingers crossed.

Wilson: I’m sure that’d would make you happy. So what’s this plant? It was next to the sidewalk on the street I walk along every day toward the creek trail.

Parrot tulip

The Mum: Ahhh, that’s a parrot tulip. Just look at that pretty ruffled flower. It sure is quite colorful but I think it needs some fellow tulips to create a nice spot of color. Hopefully it will naturalize.

Wilson: Guess yellow is this week’s main color outside. We found another yellow blooming plant along the creek trail. This one is a biennial herb called, Barbarea vulgaris, commonly known as wintercress or yellow rocket. Native to Eurasia and North Africa, it has naturalised in many parts of North America. It prefers fresh or moist places, along  roadsides, rivers, and on slopes and in ditches, up to an altitude of around 8,000 ft. It apparently doesn’t mind clay soil so it should do well here. I don’t think Mum has ever found more clay soil than here. Along the trail it was interspersed among grasses and near a few sporadic blooming flax plants. Mum wasn’t able to get any photos of the flax, it didn’t show up very well in the grass.

Yellow rocket

The Mum: It’s been a week of discovery of the local wild plants and I’m enjoying what grows well around here in the wild. It’s fun to see critters among plants in natural settings. It’s so different from our old neighborhood so this has been quite the adventure.

Wilson: Speaking of adventures, what plans do you have for the weekend? Anything exciting going on. Mum is meeting up with another old colleague to catch up with her before she retires. Mum was saying she probably wouldn’t know too many people still at the firm, they’re all retired now. I tried to tell her that’s normal for humans. They move on but they hang on to the past too often. They should be more like us dogs who know how to live in the moment. Whatever you do, we hope you have a great weekend and can find spots of nature to enjoy.

Nature

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ April 17, 2026

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 74 Comments

Wilson watching PBSWelcome to this week’s edition of Nature Friday. As we always do, we’re joining Rosy and Sunny from Adventures of the LLB Gang. Wilson here with today’s offering. Last week I shared a PBS link about the orphans of the Retiti  Rescue Center. You may have seen Part 2 this week on PBS, but if not, I encourage you to click on YouTube link, if you love animals and happy endings in Nature, you’ll be glad you did. I know I sure did. Those baby elephants will steal your heart.

Wilson: Oooh, Mum…that was so good. I’m glad we got to watch part 2 of that Nature episode this week. It was reaffirming watching humans work hard for years trying to save multiple species of orphans and to meet the next group as they work toward re-wilding each of them.

The Mum: It was a very touching conclusion to the first episode. I hadn’t realized there was  a second one and it made me realize we need to record more episodes of Nature on PBS. We love that it shows elements of the natural world that we don’t get to see every day and highlights some of the pitfalls many animals face in a warming planet.

Wilson: Sounds good to me. But in other news, it happened again…we got hoodwinked into believing our weather forecast which called for a couple of inches of white stuff with cold temps. As usual, we received the cold part, although it was not quite as cold predicted in the 20’sF approximately -6C, with a freeze warning. The temps hovered slightly above freezing but featured what we are beginning to accept as normal around here…windy conditions. And not a flake in sight. In fact, the sky is only cloudy in our neighborhood so maybe precipitation will happen later {fingers crossed}.  Mum brought in the herbs she had purchased earlier in the week, just in case. She probably didn’t need to bother but she didn’t want to take a chance and below freezing temps may occur tonight.

The Mum: I’m going to start taking weather forecasts with a grain of salt. Being off a few degrees is one thing but to get people all wigged out about impending precipitation is a bridge too far to cross. The only thing we can definitely count on being correct are windy conditions.

Wilson: Well, in the good news department, you were able to attend a fundraiser at the neighborhood’s premiere garden center last evening and what a great batch of flowers you saw. Just look at some of these photos.

Black Mounding Petunia
Black Mounding Petunia
Mounding Petunia
Another Mounding Petunia-just look at that beautiful veining!
Topiary
A Topiary troll greeted visitors near the front of store

Shrubs Overview

The Mum: It was a totally amazing array of unusual plants which I especially love to see. I’m not a big fan of the big box stores with their limited selection of unusual plants, so this was quite the treat. And because it was a fundraiser for a good cause, there were vendors of all manner, much like a farmer’s market so my friend and I were able to sample various tasty treats and see an outstanding selection of craft items. It had been years since I last visited Echter’s and I was blown away by their selection. They bill themselves as carrying many unusual varieties of flowers not typically found at other garden centers. With over 70,000 square feet of indoor space, they carry over 2500 different varieties of flowers every year and their plants are not sold at other locations. In addition, they offer trees, shrubs, houseplants, garden art, houseplants, birdhouses and bird seed and all manner of supplies to beautify and take care of your garden. They also are a big supporter of the community and offer their facilities for events at no charge. They also host a quilt show, a glass and art show so I plan to attend more events in the future.

Lobelia
An unusual variety of Lobelia

Wilson: Just look at these beauties! Mum loves interesting and unusual plants and these bi-colored geranium leaves qualify and she was blown away by the gorgeous Ranunculus, a massive Delphinium, a speckled Rose and of course, our gorgeous state flower, the blue Columbine to name a few. The pond area was very zen-like as well.Geranium leaves Ranunculus Speckled rose Pond

The Mum: Yes, it was such a lovely evening walking about the enormous greenhouse and outside grounds. Oohs and ahhs came from every single row of flowers. It was such a lovely evening spent with a former colleague from the law firm. We hadn’t seen each other since we both retired and we recently learned on Facebook that we lived a mere 5 minutes away from each other. It was a lovely evening that allowed us to see interesting and beautiful plants and get a bit caught up on the personal front since our mutual retirements. We’re hoping to get together again soon. It was such fun.

Polka dot plant
Red polka dot plant
Foxglove
Foxglove
Delphinium
A massive Alpine Delphinium

Topiary

Wilson: What a strange creature, Mum. What was that last topiary?

The Mum: Not 100% sure but it looked mostly like an elk. Whatever it was it was pretty cool. So how was your week? Do you have anything planned for the weekend? Whatever you do we both hope you are able to get outside and check out all the beauty nature provides. Have a wonderful weekend and if you’re like us, you’ll ignore the weather forecast-it’s probably way off.

Nature

Live, love, bark! 🐾

 

Nature Friday ~ April 3, 2026

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 54 Comments

Wilson - EasterWelcome to April’s first edition of Nature Friday. Today also happens to be Good Friday and Passover began a couple of days ago, so first off, we first want to wish everyone a Happy Easter and send our best Passover greetings to our Jewish friends.

As we typically do for these Nature Friday’s, we’re joining Rosy and Sunny from the Adventures of the LLB Gang. Don’t forget to click on their link to see what others have shared for their Nature Friday blog hop.

Greetings, mates. Tis I, the House Pony ridiculously gussied up as the Easter Bunny. The things I do for my Mum. This week we’re going to look at Nature from nearby Boulder since we enjoyed a family get-together with Mum’s son, his partner and the grandbaby last weekend. Spring has begun unfurling itself in earnest all along the Front Range but seeing springtime in Boulder caught Mum by surprise.

The Mum: You bet your sweet bippy, House Pony. I don’t think I’ve ever seen lilac bushes in full bloom in March. Talk about being gobsmacked. Early and ever so fragrant, that delicious sweet fragrance really caught me off guard.

Lilac

Wilson: That is pretty crazy, Mum. But no crazier than the pear tree that was in full bloom.

Pear tree

The Mum: As I walked their backyard garden I was amazed at the various fruit trees in bloom along with returning vegetables (the artichoke was only a few inches tall so I didn’t take a photo of it), along with other perennials like Columbines. The bearded irises I gave my son early last autumn are doing well in their new home and I may end up getting a few back since the movers neglected to bring the bucket of corms with specimens of the black and soft blue bearded irises I had hoped would accompany me to the new garden.

Wilson: I noticed the Hostas were going gangbusters, too. Those variegated leaves make them distinctive in any garden landscape.

Hostas

The Mum: I was pleased to see Forget-Me-Nots throughout their garden. Such pretty little blue flowers adding lovely pops of color in the spring garden. I’m a sucker for blue flowers. Kevin said they are going as crazy naturalizing as my lupines did in the old garden.

Forget Me Nots

Wilson: Did you know the Forget-Me-Not is Alaska’s state flower, Mum? Though generally classified as short-lived perennials or biennials, they often act like perennials since they spread vigorously by self-sowing. They tend to bloom from spring to early summer in USDA Zones 3–8, and prefer partial shade and moist soil. With the ongoing drought here, it’s not likely we’ll be adding any of them to our garden any time soon. I know how you are about water guzzlers.

The Mum: You’re right, especially this year where mandatory water restrictions are in place. I’m still mulling over what plants I’ll add and where to put them but did buy a nice deep purple hyacinth and a small peony bush that I hope to plant soon. I’m sure by autumn when spring bulbs will be planted, I’ll have a good idea of where things might go. Working on the overall plan may  take some time so I’m not in a super hurry and am excited about various possibilities long term.

Wilson: There were even some lovely tulips in bloom. I know you didn’t photograph the black ones that were just beginning to start forming buds but you fell in love with this pink one.

Pink tulip

The Mum: Yeah, I absolutely love pink tulips and would have photographed the black ones if they weren’t still fairly tight in bud. I always enjoy an unusual colors in the garden.

Wilson:  You do tend to favor pink in the garden. I mean just look at this beautiful pink apple blossom that really is highlighted against the blue sky.

Apple tree

The Mum: It was nice being in Boulder for the day especially since I’ve been driving back and forth to Pueblo working on the house every other day. I think we’re basically ready for the house to be listed next week.

Wilson: Grandpa was sure delighted with the way it turned out. The new flooring sure turned out beautifully and I know you and all the siblings are hoping a new family will buy it and continue the happy times in that lovely home now that it’s been updated and spiffed up.

The Mum: Yes, the house needs to have a family that will continue the awesome history initially started by our family. We shared so many great meals, spirited conversations and celebrations with wonderful get-togethers welcoming new family members over the years. There is such a positive energy to the home and I wish whomever moves in loads of ongoing love, laughter and happiness.

Wilson: I’m sure someone will be very happy there. And closer to home along the Ralston Creek Trail we saw the creek fill up from the canal you featured last week. Not sure where that water came from but hearing it moving downstream warmed our hearts. It’s been barely trickling for the past several weeks and while we received a tiny amount of rain on Wednesday, it certainly wasn’t due to that. It sure brought folks out to check it out, probably because it’s been so long since it was running. With mild temperatures this week, this is the kind of spring we can get on board with.Ralston Creek

The Mum: Well that’s it from us. Do you have special plans for Easter or Passover? However you celebrate this time of year, we hope everyone has a safe and joyous holiday.

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature

Nature Friday ~ March 27, 2026

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 70 Comments

WilsonWell, well, well…here we are although Mum wasn’t expecting to post today because of all the traveling back and forth to Pueblo but she learned late yesterday that she didn’t need to go down today so here we are. Maybe she can relax a bit now. Course this means I’ve gotta scramble like a mad hatter to throw pull something together. But I’m nothing if not a professional, in addition to being a fabulous floof, so I’ll do my level best. Wilson here. I know Mum is overwhelmed and over stressed but I managed to find a few things to share for this week’s edition of Nature Friday. As always, we’re joining those adorable pups from Adventures of the LLB Gang for the last Friday of the month. Be sure to click on their link to see what slices of nature others have shared.

The Mum: {yawning} Thanks House Pony, appreciate you stepping up. I’m a bit brain dead after the last session where I painted the outside window sills in 90F (32.2C) degree temps. After a week of summer temperatures in the upper 80’sF (31.6C), this morning’s crisp temp of 37F (2.77C) was very welcome. It felt great needing to wear a light jacket to take you outside at 6 AM.

Wilson: It sure revved me up. I just wanted to bounce till I got to my favorite potty spot. I hope you buckle up for our morning walk, Mum. No slow walking, okay?

The Mum: Please be gentle with me. I’m old and sleep deprived, buddy.

Wilson: Oh Mum…I’m sure you’ll be okay…

The Mum: {rolling her eyes and interrupting} Especially remember the old part. These days that’s extra critical…so what did you manage to find for us?

Wilson: Well, spring definitely has sprung. Although I think we went from pitiful winter to flat out broiling summer. I finally spotted a nice clump of blooming daffodils around a tree. Aren’t they just delightfully cheerful?

Daffodils

The Mum: Those daffodils are the largest clump we’ve seen yet. The few places we’ve spotted daffodils have been the one off and I always think a clump gives them a much better presence in the spring garden. They did make me smile.

Wilson: Well if you liked them, I’ll just bet you enjoyed yesterday’s sunrise. The clouds were quite gorgeous and left a nice glowing arch to decorate the morning sky.

Sunrise

The Mum: It was very pretty, for sure. And very quiet, something that I rather relish since moving to this peaceful neighborhood. The morning sounds are birds calling to one another, not the traffic and hubbub that we used to face every morning. And it makes me very grateful to begin each day here. When you’re in the midst of hustle bustle, and then you’re out of it, it’s very noticeable. Life is good, even when it’s busy.

Wilson: That’s the spirit, Mum! I know I sure enjoy the birds and all the new smells I encounter and I’m glad you’re taking the time to notice the simple things. The flowering trees (ornamental pears and crabapples that were getting ready to bloom late last weekend) emerged with the warm temps and are providing a beautiful contrast of color to the otherwise scorched brown landscape.

Flowering trees

The Mum: I noticed yesterday afternoon some of those same trees are beginning to lose their pretty blossoms. I guess we’re finally getting snow…even if it doesn’t have any moisture in it.

Flowering trees

Wilson: Well look on the bright side, you don’t have to shovel. But yeah, I get it. One of the things I found a couple of days ago was the following graphic that depicts the seriousness of the high temps and lack of moisture on the snowpack that the entire state is suffering. Things are very grim with no end in sight. Notice the statewide average is a mere 38%.

Colorado snowpack
Colorado snowpack courtesy of 9 News

The Mum: That graphic is very sobering. While today is much cooler (and very appreciated) moisture continues to not show up in our extended forecast. Mandatory water restrictions are going into effect all up and down the Front Ranch.

Wilson: I know it’s very grim, Mum. We’ll have to do what we can conserving water. For my part, I will happily give up baths.

The Mum: {smiling} Not so fast, dog breath. You still will need to get the occasional bath just not as frequently as when you were going to Lutheran for visits but I appreciate your willingness to sacrifice.

Wilson: Harumph…thought you might say that. Just wanted you to know I’ll happily forego any water torture. But let’s leave our dear readers with a scene that’s not all doom and gloom, with a bit of pretty, shall we, Mum? I liked seeing ducks swimming in the water’s reflection.

Canal reflections

The Mum: We enjoy walking nearby on the trail path but when I noticed the canal was full, I just had to check it out and was delighted to see a couple of ducks swimming around in it. I had expected that the canal would delay filling up but it was a nice sight seeing it. I’m sure it’ll be used downstream and the level will fluctuate during late spring and summer.

Wilson: So long as we just walk past and don’t get into the water, I’ll be happy. Well that’s it for me. Do you have any plans for this last weekend of March? Whatever you do, we both hope you are able to get outdoors and enjoy some of the beauty Nature provides. Have a wonderful weekend!

Nature

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ March 6, 2026

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 53 Comments
Weather forecast
Photo courtesy of Denver 7

Welcome to the first Friday of the month. March has arrived like a lion and while we’re counting down the days until Spring officially arrives (14 days if you’re keeping score), today greeted us with a bit of white stuff. You’ll get no complaints from Mum-with ongoing fire alerts, we’re welcoming the change. A nice wet slushy mix of rain and snow. The forecast only calls for 1-3 inches in the area but it’s welcomed nonetheless. Just look at all that glorious blue on the map…woohoo. The forecast is calling for 6 to 14 inches of new snow through Friday night in the mountains. Gusty winds will make travel dangerous with blowing and drifting snow on higher mountain passes.

Wilson: Well, are you happy now, Mum? Here I was, raring to go out to pee this morning when “this” greeted me. I got my paws wet for heaven’s sake. What the dog?!

Spring snow

The Mum: This is one weather phenomena I can get behind. We need the moisture.

Wilson: But Mum…I. Got. My. Feet. Wet! Eew, you know how much I hate my feet to get wet.

The Mum: Oh for heaven’s sake…you big baby. You’ll live.

Wilson: Well, for the record, I’m not happy about it. This will mean I’ll have to wear heaven’s only knows what kind of anti-moisture apparel. I’ll be grudgingly fine keeping my floof dry but may have to draw the line when it comes to snow boots. Ugh…

The Mum: {interrupting}  For crying out loud, stop being such a wuss. You will be just fine. You’ll stay relatively dry and any moisture will be on your raincoat and won’t be released as that distinctive ‘eau de wet dog odor’ while staying nice a dry underneath. It’s a win-win for both of us.

Wilson: Umm, for the record, I’m rather dubious, Mum. I shall expect lots of ear rubs as well as a pocket full of treats to assuage my feelings. Sigh.

The Mum: {changing the subject} Tender feelings aside, I think you have a few photos to share?

Wilson: Oh yeah, I almost forgot. It was an exciting week. After last week’s post telling everyone that we saw a coyote on a golf green, he was back on the links closer than ever to us on the Ralston Creek Trail. And while the close up isn’t nearly as good as Mum would have liked, I didn’t have to circle it like I did in last week’s post. By the way, Mum, that was more than embarrassing. Taking that little itty bitty scene and having to circle him. I have standards you know and didn’t appreciate looking so lame. Besides, he looks like a German Shepherd not a coyote.

Coyote

The Mum: My goodness…you really are on a roll today. I have a little advice for you…lighten up, House Pony and stop being so sensitive about little things.

Wilson: Harrumph. I remain on the record as simply trying to bring respectability to this blog. After all, I’m trying to keep you relevant.

The Mum: {eyes rolling and with a hint of sarcasm} Ummm, I appreciate your efforts? Let’s move along and see what else you have for us.

Wilson: Fine, I’m moving along. More spring bulbs are emerging along our walking route. This neighborhood seems to favor turf over flowers, much more than our old neighborhood did but I did manage to find a few scenes that were delightful. Again because the dry winter conditions didn’t display them at their optimal best, but a spot of color here and there were welcomed.

Daffodils

The Mum: Those daffodils were peaking out of a clump of ornamental grass next to the sidewalk. I almost missed them. But who can resist these cheerful blooms?

Hyacinth

Wilson: And those hyacinths were a nice shock of color in the red mulch. And of course, the scent was divine! I can see why you like them.

The Mum: Yup, I put them on my list of spring bulbs to add to our landscape this autumn. The mulch in our small garden space only has a few shrubs so we’ll need to add lots of bulbs and xeric perennials to provide color around the Ranch ‘Barn.’ I hope you’re ready for a big season of gardening.

Wilson: Well I am ready to snoopervise your efforts. Remember, I lack a vital component for gardening…a thumb.

The Mum: You’re right, but I hope we can create a nice outdoor space from where you can supervise. Are you up for the task?

Wilson: {saluting} I won’t let you down, Mum!

The Mum: I will be most grateful for your efforts. Together I think we can create a lovely space where we can relax and enjoy the great outdoors this Spring and Summer. The first project will be to add a small paver patio from where you can oversee the transformation. We have to submit plans to the HOA for approval. Hopefully they’ll grant our proposal. Keep your paws crossed, the rules surrounding the submission seemed a bit involved but we’re trying to play nice and meet the requirements, onerous as they may be. I’m not used to having a board having oversight on outside projects so this is all new to me.

Wilson: You got this Mum. I have every confidence you’ll be able to sweet talk them into making our little garden a beautiful place. With that vote of confidence I’ll leave you with last night’s sunset walk. The clouds were forming for today’s spring storm and with a hint of color, it made for a lovely evening walk. The silhouetted trees were quite pretty.

Sunset

The Mum: Indeed they were. We hope you all have a lovely weekend. Doing anything special? Whatever you do, we hope you’re able to get outside and experience some of nature’s best this time of year.

Wilson: This is all I plan on doing until the sunshine returns this weekend. Stay warm and dry.

Wilson - snow

Whirlygig

PSA: Remember Daylight Saving Time starts this weekend. Make sure you ‘spring’ forward Saturday night.

Nature

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ February 27, 2026

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 60 Comments

Canal iceWelcome to the last Friday of February where we’re joining those kids from Adventures of the LLB Gang. While the eastern part of the country has been repeatedly pounded with snow, bone dry conditions continue in our area. And the temperatures have been all over the map but mostly the days are unseasonably warm. As in 20-24 degrees warmer than normal. And yet, the canal along the Ralston Creek Trail earlier in the week had ice along the banks. Talk about whiplash! Wind has been the dominant weather feature this week; we’ve been under High Wind Alerts all week. There have been a couple grassland fires in the metro area as well, and in particular, in the northern suburb of Thornton, a portion of I-25 was closed. Mine you, this is the major north/south highway through the metro area. Evacuations of homes, businesses and a high school were ordered. For photos of some of the damage to various business including the destruction of 148 vehicles, visit this link.

WilsonWilson here. I know Mum whines a lot about the lack of moisture (for which I apologize about that) but seriously, have you ever seen 148 vehicles melted from a vegetation fire before? It’s quite alarming when the sky is black with smoke. But we soldier on…it’s all we can do…and pray Mother Nature takes pity on the West and stops dumping mounds of snow repeatedly on the East coast. We heard there is another system set to hit again this weekend.

The Mum: Hiya, House Pony. While snow is falling everywhere but here, the weather marches on with very spring like conditions. And spring bulbs are beginning to emerge. We love seeing spots of color in the brown landscape but we’d welcome moisture of any kind at this point. Two days ago, about 23 drops of rain fell but it had barely landed before it evaporated, only leaving spots on windshields.

Spring bulbs

Wilson: Check out this pitiful hyacinth that probably has seen better days in years past. Emerging early and having dry edges upon emerging underscores the seriousness of our drought. It makes my Mum sad. She loves spring bulbs but they aren’t soothing her soul like they normally would do with these kinds of conditions.

Hyacinths The Mum: It’s kind of depressing, although I was delighted to see a few bulbs emerging around the neighborhood that we walk through every day. This small clump of  crocuses caught my eye from quite a distance away since the landscape is so very brown. I felt like I needed to water the newly installed landscaping because things looked extremely parched and have notice others along our regular walking route also resorting to supplemental watering. I just grateful the development we moved into has not installed any turf–only trees, shrubs and drought tolerant perennials. I’m making a list of the kinds of plants I hope to install (and bulbs for next spring) once the risk of frost has passed. Still it’s hard to conceive spring is just three weeks away.

Crocus

Wilson: On the plus side Mum, we’re enjoying longer amounts of sun each day. In fact, when we walked through the golf course the other morning, we were rewarded with a coyote sighting. He was probably over a 100 feet away but we could make out his shape. Mum had to chuckle as he was laying on the green sunning himself and when Mum noticed him he spotted her and began to walk away. Sorry about the dismally lousy photo, Mum only had her cell phone but in the good news department, she actually found her large DSLR camera yesterday and will start carrying it periodically. She was thrilled since she’s been wondering where it was since she moved in back in early December.

Coyote

The Mum: I know when we walk past the wildlife habitat that borders the golf course you always are on high alert and think you know there’s some sort of critter there so after seeing that guy, I won’t doubt you in the future.

Wilson: I’ve been trying to tell you there’s ‘something’ there but you just think I’m seeing things. Truth of the matter is, I’m smelling things, Mum. So you’d be well served by paying attention to my highly tuned snooter.

The Mum: You’re right, Floof. I’ll definitely respect your sniffing abilities henceforth.

Wilson:  Glad to see you’ve come to your senses. I noticed right after we saw that coyote you were keeping your eyes out for other signs of critters. Look at this little guy, scurrying around in the grass. What is that little thing, Mum? He sure tried hard to run away from my inquisitive nose.

Ladybug

The Mum: That’s a ladybug, buddy. We must do everything we can to protect them. They are one of the good bugs (actually they are considered a beetle but let’s not get too technical here) in any garden. Whenever you see one scuttling about just know they are considered good luck since they are known for eating aphids and other pests. Being so tiny, they implement a particularly fascinating defense mechanism where they secrete a noxious liquid from their joints to ward off predators. Referred to as “reflex bleeding,” that liquid emits a disgusting odor, so it makes sense to not crush ladybugs. That’s why I always make sure you don’t inadvertently squash him with one of your gigantic paws.

Wilson: Well that explains why you dragged me away from him. I only wanted to sniff him and wouldn’t do any harm. Well, not on purpose anyway.

The Mum:  I know you don’t mean to injure bugs or little critters like that. But that inquisitive nose seems to come just before the big paws land.

Wilson: Lastly this week, we wanted to give you a progress report on Figaro. He looks pretty doggone good since he seems to have looked outside and noticed the spring like temps. Just look how much he’s grown since he woke up. I think it’s safe to say he likes the new neighborhood too. We’re looking forward to putting him outside soon for a good dose of Vitamin D.

Figaro

The Mum: Well, that’s it from us. We hope you have a wonderful weekend and if bad weather sets in where are live, we hope it passes quickly. Let us know if there are any signs of spring in your area or if it’s still (or yet again) buried under white stuff. Feel free to send it to us. We’ll accept COD deliveries at this point.

Nature

Live, love bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ January 16, 2026

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 48 Comments

Wilson-sleeping dogIt’s Friday and you know what that means…it’s time for another edition of Nature Friday where we join our friends from at Adventures of the LLB Gang. Don’t forget to click on the link to see what others shared for their Nature Friday blog hop. Wilson here with a light version of the Nature we encountered this week since we really didn’t see much beyond what we’ve shared before. I mean how many gorgeous sunrises can you stand, huh? Well this one was quite a showstopper with a sliver of the moon showing, but still. Anyway, Mum’s been busy trying to finish unpacking the studio and arranging it so the large space is efficient and easily accessible but she is struggling with moving furniture around. I think she’s come to realize she isn’t a spring chicken anymore. She got another bright idea yesterday that will require more moving. I can hear the sighs, grunts and groans already. Good thing I know how to help.

Sunrise

The Mum: Good morning, lad. Are you trying to blame me for a shortage of nature photos this week?

Wilson: Ooh, hiya  Mum. Nope, no blaming, just stating facts. You’ve been busy and we didn’t have a lot of different encounters with the landscape unlike the pics you’ve already posted from the past month. Critter-wise, mostly we’ve only seen Canadian geese-thousands of them in fact. Apart from them being everywhere when we walk through the golf course area, they are just flat boring. Honk, honk, honk. Don’t they ever do anything beyond honk?

The Mum: Good question; if they do, I sure don’t know what, if any redeeming qualities they have, that would be considered share worthy. We did see a few mallards earlier this week after last week’s snow had melted but they weren’t all that keen on our presence and skedaddled quickly. But watching them float around on the canal was very peaceful and there were some interesting reflections on the water from the branches. But the landscape is more than colorless this time of year. Just drab brown everywhere with lots of wind. There’s another high wind warning for today and proposed power cuts for northern Colorado.

Mallard ducks

Wilson: Yeah, those ducks were boring to me and they weren’t interested in how fabulous I am. Now if squirrels were swimming in the canal, they’d have my full and undivided attention. Heck, I might even jump in the water.

The Mum: Ha…that’ll be the day. You avoid water like the plague and I can’t believe you’d jump into the water, even for squirrels.

Wilson: {protesting} Now Mum, you know I’m totally obsessed into checking out squirrels and will follow them wherever they go. I don’t know why but there’s something quite captivating about those scurrying little troublemakers.

The Mum: Yeah, I do know. All too well. This week the sheepie stubbornness was on parade, front and center. So much so, that you and I had to have a couple of heart to heart conversations. What’s up with that, anyway?

Wilson: [nonchalantly rolling his eyes] I have no idea what you’re talking about. I mean, just look at this devoted, compliant face of a good dog. I mean, ‘who’s a good boy?’ Huh?

Wilson

The Mum: Don’t give me that “I’m such a good boy look. You conveniently forgot to mention it took several minutes to get you in this pose. You acted like you were deaf.

Wilson:  Umm, I don’t think it took more than the usual pocket of bribes treats.

The Mum: Uh-huh. You can say it, but that doesn’t necessarily make it true.

Wilson: {deftly changing the topic} Well, will you check this out! On our daily morning walk, we sashayed past a particular house on the way to the Ralston Creek Trail and I noticed you said out loud…”what the…” and promptly turned me around to go back and confirm what you thought you saw. You know I have a pinched nerve in my neck, right?

Rose budding

The Mum: Oh puleese…you weren’t hurt and seemed more than happy to check it out. I was blown away that this rose bush had started budding out. I know it’s been super mild with temps in the 50’sF and 60’sF (10C – 15C) but it’s WAY too soon for deciduous plants to start setting buds. I mean winter officially started less than a month ago and we haven’t had much in the way of winter moisture…but dang.

Wilson: It is rather surprising and of course, with all the windy conditions, even more shocking. I don’t know what to make of it, Mum.

The Mum: Me either, House Pony. It’s definitely alarming. But there’s not much we can do but supplement water for the new trees that were planted recently to make sure they get sufficient moisture to establish themselves, even though the landscapers assured us they were dormant. Hope springs eternal, right?

Wilson: Right. Not to change the subject, but I’ve noticed you’ve been checking for quirky garden art on our walks now that we have an established route that we take every day. Hopefully we’ll find more otherwise this is going to be a rather dull neighborhood compared to some of the original stuff we were used to seeing.

Signs

The Mum: Yeah, but I did have to laugh out loud when we walked past this house. So what’s up for your weekend? Got any plans, buddy?

Wilson:  Beyond catching a squirrel…umm, no nothing overly special. We may have a birthday party for your granddaughter who turns the Big 3-0 next week. That out to be fun. What about you readers? Anything? Whatever you do (and I hope staying safe and warm is included in your weekend plans), we hope you have a fantastic weekend that includes checking out nature around your ‘Hood.

Nature

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ November 21, 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 80 Comments

WilsonIt’s a foggy, grey morning in the 303 and while we’re slow getting our brains to work, it’s Nature Friday so we’re still going to join our friends at Adventures of the LLB Gang for their weekly blog hop. Wilson here. Mum and I have been c-r-a-z-y and it’s not going to end any time soon but, as you can see, I’m working hard to help her out. {yawn, snore}

Let’s see now, Thanksgiving in the US is next Thursday. As you can imagine, I’m very excited about a day  celebrating food. Woof, woof! My tail is simply giddy about it. {wiggle, wiggle} Anyway, let’s show what we managed to find in Nature around our ranch.

Wilson: The weather has been simply amazing all week long until today. We’ve enjoyed temps in the 70F’s (21C). Today our high will likely be in the low 40’sF with a potential for showers. I’m not keen about the wet but Mum says it’s welcome since we haven’t had any moisture since early September.

The Mum: Good morning, Floof…I share your blunted enthusiasm for today. With our foggy and grey skies, it felt good starting the day on the down-low rather than busting a gut dashing about. I don’t know about you, I just wasn’t into hustling out first thing this morning. With all the online difficulties I’ve encountered, I just didn’t have the bandwidth. In case you don’t follow us on Facebook or Instagram, our Instagram account was hacked and it’s been hell trying to wrest control over it. I have changed passwords daily but the low-life gremlin comes back in the middle of the night and switches it again. He keeps trying to sell a 2020 Honda. All fine and good but why not sell it on your own doggone account if its legit, which it probably is not. So if you do follow us, please accept our apologies and for heaven’s sake, don’t click on any links (if you’re so inclined you can report it as well). Of course we’ve contacted Meta repeatedly since they hold the keys to both platforms and all I’ve heard is crickets. Not surprising there. But enough energy on that. Suffice to say our picture taking is somewhat slim this week because I wasted way too much energy trying to fix it.

Wilson: Naturally I’m quite distressed when my Mum is unhappy but I don’t have thumbs and probably less computer savvy than she has (and, let me just say for the record, she doesn’t have a lot and will readily admit she’s a Luddite when it comes to her computer). We’ve got way too much going on to continually fuss about it…do you hear that, Mum? Ok. Let’s get started, shall we. We mentioned in a previous post that the “Christmas cactus” started to form buds and this week a few of them burst into full bloom. It’s such a striking hot pink shade and being in the kitchen window, it seem most happy and is a cheerful presence in the room she’s in a lot-so it makes her smile which makes me happy. We both wonder why it’s called Christmas cactus since it always begins to bloom before Thanksgiving.

Christmas cactus

The Mum: It’s one of life’s mysteries, I guess. But in this month of thanks, I know I’m very grateful for the shock of color when nature is at its brownest. With leaves falling everywhere and windy conditions, everything is very dry and dusty. Today’s sprinkles may help keep the dust down and this potted beauty will warm our souls.

Wilson: You’re so right about that, Mum. Were you as surprised to see some Globe thistle on our walk a couple of days ago as I was? This plant, native to southern and eastern Europe, from Spain east to Turkey, Ukraine, and Belarus, and western and central Asia east to Mongolia, is sparingly naturalised throughout various locations in Canada and the US. The blue color is quite pretty but it doesn’t particularly enjoy a sniffer like mine. It poked back but not so bad that I didn’t adhere to its subtle warning.

Globe thistle

The Mum: Yes, I was pretty surprised. We were walking along at quite a clip and the sight of it took a moment for it to register in my little pea brain. I had to backtrack to photograph it. Blue being my favorite color, I always have to stop and admire blue flowers.

Wilson: Yes, you confused me by going back. I’m used to moving forward but I can see why you wanted to capture it. Let’s just call it like it is…pretty.

The Mum: I noted in previous posts the Christmas tree lot is now stocked with inventory and suspect it will open this weekend. What the actual…there just are no words. While they all look nice and fresh now, given our above average temps are up by as much as 15 degrees above normal, those babies are going to have a hard time staying green through the whole Christmas season. I haven’t had a cut tree for decades and nearly fainted at the price tag on closeup of the 5 footer. Is that a ‘normal’ price? I hope you can see the tag easily enough. If not, it says $79.99…almost $16 buckaroos a foot. Seems very high to me, but what do I know. I know prices are high everywhere for all sorts of things, but like I said, it’s been years since I had a live tree…in fact it’s been years since I put up any tree. I hope this year will be different but the next two weeks will determine that.

Christmas tree
Anyone else notice some brown needles on the left side?

Christmas trees Christmas trees

Wilson: Oh be still my beating heart. Look at all those trees that I could ‘water!’

The Mum: Down dude…notice the fence? That’s specifically up to keep the likes of you (and Christmas Grinches) at bay. You can only look from afar to appreciate. Got it?

Wilson: {sigh} Jeez, Mum, you’re taking all the fun out of the holidays. Well that’s it from me. I guess it’s time that we hit the trail and go for a nice long walk. We hope you have a great weekend and are able to get out and enjoy a spot of Nature. It’s good for your mental health to make time for it. Let us know if you’re doing anything fun and if you’re ready for Food Appreciation Day.

Nature

Live, love, bark!