Category: Holidays

Monday Musings ~ October 27, 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 67 Comments

HalloweenIt may be Halloween week but we’re adding a culinary twist to celebrate. So go ahead and pull up a chair and enjoy a Halloween Venti on us. Let’s bring out the smiles.

We hope you had a great autumn weekend and are now ready to start out the week in ‘spook-tacular’ fashion. Just know we’re not here to ‘hide and shriek.’ Feel free to leave the corniest Halloween pun you like. Hope there are smiles galore today and throughout the week with plenty of plates of Boo-rittos for snacks.

Halloween

But please don’t skimp on the hops, eh?

Halloween

Live, love, bark! 🎃

Monday Musings ~ September 22, 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 51 Comments

Happy Monday, peeps. As you probably know we’ve been counting down the days until the official arrival of autumn since July as it has been one heck of a hot summer.  Well it’s here…so color us happy! If you need some perspective, there are 100 days left in 2025.

Because it’s hard for us to resist a good pun, today’s autumn smile featuring the Floof (from last year-leaves have been slow to change yet here) is for you. Do you recall that old Maybelline commercial from a few years ago: maybe he’s born with it, maybe it’s Maple leaves. By his expression, apparently the tongue sticking out is Wilson’s way to groan.

Wilson - leaves
Maybe he’s born with it, maybe it’s Maple leaves.

Today is also Rosh Hashanah and we send our best New Year wishes to all who celebrate.

Rosh Hashanah

Rosh Hashanah

We hope you have a fabulous Monday and an even better week. Enjoy!

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Labor Day Monday ~ 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 52 Comments

WilsonTime to fire up the old BBQ because today is Labor Day in the US and its territories where we celebrate and acknowledge the contributions of workers. Always celebrated on the first Monday of September, today we honor labor and union movements (if you work 40 hours or less a week, you can thank unions for that) and the role all workers have made to the strength and well-being of the nation. For many of us, we may have the day off from work and the first holiday of the new school year. Many consider Labor Day as the unofficial last weekend of summer with backyard get-togethers. Wilson is hoping someone will pass the chips or better, a hot dog.

A brief history of Labor Day shows that as trade and labor movements began to grow, calls for a day commemorating workers’ contributions were proposed. Colorado was one of the first five states to enact legislation recognizing Labor Day, with Oregon being first to officially make it a public holiday back in 1887. Labor Day became a national holiday in 1894. Our Canadian friends likewise celebrate “Labour Day” on the first Monday in September.

Historically speaking, it wasn’t all roses and candy to get where we are today. Following the deaths of workers at the Pullman Strike of 1894, Congress unanimously approved legislation making Labor Day a national holiday and it was signed into law by Grover Cleveland shortly after the end of the strike.

Birthday cake

We had our family reunion with all 5 siblings and scores of grandkids over the weekend gathering to celebrate my Dad’s 95th birthday. Tacos were a-plenty along with Cerveza and Margaritas, appetizers as well as a customary birthday cake. It was so much fun seeing nephews, nieces, cousins and family friends that I don’t normally get to see. The weather was perfect with mild temps-you couldn’t have asked for a better day capped off by a lovely shower and beautiful rainbow on the way home.

Rainbow

Even though it’s a holiday, it’s still a Monday, which means we’re going to start out the day with a shared chuckle. Let’s hear it for pigeons!

Monday smile

We hope your holiday weekend was great and today keeps the streak alive. Happy Labor Day and Happy 95th to my Dad.

95th birthday

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Work Like a Dog Day ~ 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 27 Comments

We don’t generally post on Tuesday but today is one that really applies to Wilson which is why we’re joining our friends at The Cat Blogosphere for “Work Like A Dog Day” today. This celebration is held every August 5th. Drop by their monthly calendar for all manner of cool celebrations and announcements.

While this is strictly an unofficial holiday, we think it’s important to celebrate all the hard work that working dogs like herding dogs, hunting dogs, rescue, service and in our personal case, therapy dogs who work hard, providing help and cheer for their humans. Please notice that the House Pony takes his daily contributions quite seriously.

Wilson

Cat Blogosphere badge

Happy Tuesday peeps!

National Pet Memorial Day ~ 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 62 Comments

Wait…what…isn’t today a Tuesday? So what kind of sorcery is this where we post something on a Tuesday, you ask? Well today is a most special day. It’s Norman’s second heavenly birthday and simultaneously it’s World Pet Memorial Day so we just couldn’t not post today.

Norman

According to the National Day Calendar, every second Tuesday in June is designated as a day where pet owners can remember their precious fur angels. The fact that it falls on his actual birthday made it seem all the more poignant in preparing a post. Today’s celebration is also an opportunity for people to do something kind for those who have recently lost their beloved pet.

Norman’s legacy continues to surface at some of the most unexpected times. Last week, Wilson and I needed to attend a meeting at Lutheran and were greeted by a group of staff in the coffee shop who squealed “ooh, it’s Norman!” and came running up to us. There was a bit of a sharp stab to my heart but I smiled and noted that the floof now on the end of my leash was actually Wilson and let them know that Norman had passed. They were saddened to learn about Norman but luckily Wilson distracted them with a nice butt wiggle along with his own way of gaining attention that encouraged them to focus on the current floof. Obviously it wasn’t as simple for me but I was grateful they remembered my big guy and I was happy they fawned over the new guy. I thanked them for welcoming Wilson and then we headed on to our meeting. But Norman continued to occupy space in my heart and recalled some of the more memorable visits we shared. He was so beloved in the short few years that he brought joy to everyone at Lutheran. I know people are enjoying Wilson’s presence as he’s stepped nicely into the role that was paved by the extra-special therapy dog before him. I continue to hope Wilson brings as many smiles and joy to staff and patients as his predecessor did but I know the love affair with the sheepdogs all began with Norman being one of the most mellow and sweetest dogs to ever grace the hospital’s program.

Happy heavenly birthday, sweet boy. Sure do miss you, big fella. You’ll always occupy a special place in my heart. Love ya.

Norman Norman NormanLive, love, bark! 🐾

Memorial Day Monday ~ 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 53 Comments

Memorial DayToday in the US, we celebrate Memorial Day. It’s often called the ‘unofficial’ beginning of summer but for us at the Ranch, we view it as more of a day of reflection that honors and mourns US military personnel who died while serving in the armed forces. So how did Memorial Day originate?

Originally called Decoration Day, the first national observation was proclaimed in 1890 though it is believed many cities in the South began decorating Civil War grave sites honoring their war dead years earlier.

On May 5, 1868, Gen. John A. Logan, commander in chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, proclaimed that all soldiers from both the Union and Confederacy shall be honored by decorating graves the same way the Southern states had.

The name “Memorial Day” was first used in 1882, and ultimately replaced “Decoration Day” after World War II but it did not become federal law until 1967. In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, moving four holidays (including Memorial Day) from their traditional dates to a specified Monday, thus creating a three-day weekend by changing Memorial Day from its original May 30 date to the last Monday in May.

We will eschew the mattress sales and BBQ’s to reflect on those who lost their life protecting the country’s freedom. Please have a safe and reflective holiday.

Memorial Day

Live, love, bark! 🐾

 

Monday Musings ~ May 5, 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 61 Comments

Happy Cinco de Mayo. What is this Cinco de Mayo celebration all about? Let’s take a look back at history to find out, shall we?

Cinco de Mayo marks the commemoration of the Mexican Army’s defeat over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. The army led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, died months following the battle from an illness and his army was subsequently defeated in a second battle. The French occupied Mexico City and at the end of the American Civil War, the US began lending money and guns to the Mexican Liberals, pushing France and Mexican Conservatives to the edge of defeat.

In 1866 Napoleon announced the withdrawal of French troops from Mexico. Although France asked for American neutrality, the then American secretary of state, William H. Seward (he of Seward’s Folly fame who purchased the territory of Alaska for roughly $7.2 million in 1867-the equivalent to $129 million in 2023), told the French the withdrawal from Mexico should be unconditional.

More popular in the United States than in Mexico, Cinco de Mayo has become associated with the celebration of Mexican-American culture somewhat ironic in today’s political climate. Wilson asks if you know where your blender is for today’s smile.

Cinco de Mayo

Happy Monday and Happy Cinco de Mayo. Make it a great week!

Live, love, bark! 🐾

 

MLK Monday ~ January 20, 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 75 Comments

Today is Martin Luther King Day in the U.S. When I found this quote/meme, it occurred to me it was even more poignant to share it today. I had just came back inside from shoveling the snow that fell overnight on top of all of yesterday’s snow. One way to honor the civil rights leader, is through participating in some sort of service on this day. So, I chose to shovel the two houses sidewalks next to my corner lot. Both are somewhat new to the neighborhood and I haven’t met them. While it’s below zero, it was quiet, I was well bundled up and being out pre-dawn, it allowed my thoughts to percolate softly on that idea of service today. I also couldn’t help but think that Mother Nature’s calendar is definitely messed up. January is normally our driest month of the year. Guess the powers to be didn’t send out that memo to her.

MLK

And while it’s MLK Monday, we still felt it was important to start today out with a couple of smiles. Stay safe and warm; we hope MLK’s words strike a note in your heart.

Monday smile

Not to be outdone, as I was trying to shovel out the ‘pee-tio’ yesterday, a similar scene made for some interesting maneuvering at the Ranch.

Wilson

Here’s hoping you have a great Monday.

Live, love, bark! 🐾

The Ranch Hands Wish for 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 75 Comments

Greetings and salutations. Wilson and Elsa here to express our sincere hope that your 2025 will be a canvas filled with beautiful moments along with a palette of vibrant experiences for you and your good pet. Cheers to a year that’s safe, healthy and full of joy with a few tasty treats.

Happy New Year.

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Monday Musings ~ December 23, 2024

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 56 Comments

Elsa ChristmasPop-culture can provide us with new terms and this week’s convergence of the two holidays on Wednesday, gives us an opportunity to do just that by combining the two holidays into a new term. Happy Chrismukkah week! Elsa here. That portmanteau neologism is a perfect example. Mind you, we’re not trying to be disrespectful of either holiday, but we thought it might be a nice way to acknowledge both holidays in today’s smiles. Without further adieu, let’s enjoy more than one smile for today, shall we?

Monday smile

We all have heard songs where people hear/sing the wrong lyrics. Humans have been messing them up on some songs forever (Manfred Mann’s Blinded by the Light immediately comes to mind). Apparently dogs have done it as well, even with our great hearing.

And for our Jewish friends, we hope you like this smile.

Monday smileHowever you celebrate this week’s holidays, we hope you’re not spinning out of control and send our very best wishes to you and yours. Have a safe and pawsome holiday(s) spent with your friends and families.

Monday smile

P.S. That pic of me at the top is my way of saying I hope we’re done with the photo shoots for a good long time. And here I thought I could escape being exposed like my brother was last week. Sigh…no such luck.

The Ranch will be taking a few days off to relax and rejuvenate and are not completely positive if we’ll post this Friday. We’ll catch up with you soon. Happy holidays everyone!

Live, love, bark! 🐾