Today is a federal holiday in the U.S., where we annually honor all veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Prior to 1954, Veterans Day was known as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day and coincides with celebrations in Europe, marking the anniversary of the end of World War I when major hostilities formally ceased at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, when the Armistice with Germany went into effect. Today we honor all who have served whether they have two or four legs.
While we honor all who have served, the Ranch wants to pay special tribute to one in particular who happened to have a Denver connection. Sergeant Geronimo was a parachuting dog and a member of the famous 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment. Thought to be part coyote and German Shepherd he was picked up as a stray by Sergeant Kenneth Williams, a member of the 507th and served in World War II with Williams’ unit.
Photo courtesy of Denver Pet Ceremony Website
Named after the famous “jump shout” of the unit, Geronimo was so enthusiastic about jumping, he often needed to be restrained from jumping too soon.
Geronimo was trained by the men in the unit, had his own parachute and was the company’s mascot. Trained in 1943 in Nebraska at Alliance Base, he and his handler, Williams were used in demolition work. He made numerous jumps and word of the parachuting pup spread making him famous. Geronimo was widely featured in magazines and newspapers including Life magazine. The Army used his popularity to raise millions of dollars in war bonds.
Photo courtesy of Denver Pet Cemetery
Geronimo was considered a hero by his unit, especially after he alerted them that Sergeant Williams’ was badly injured on maneuvers to destroy a bridge. After being rescued by his fellow soldiers, Williams recovered from his injuries following a lengthy recovery period. Both Williams and Geronimo were honorably discharged and retired in the Denver area together. Sadly Geronimo was tragically killed by a hit and run driver when he escaped from his yard in 1947. His body is interred at the Denver Pet Cemetery located in Commerce City, Colorado. Over the years, two markers have been placed for Geronimo by members of the 507th Paratrooper Infantry Regiment.
Welcome to this week’s edition of Nature Friday where we join our friends from Adventures of the LLB Gang. Don’t forget to click on the link to see what others posted. Elsa here. Can you believe it, there are only 60 days left in 2024?? My heavens, where did this year go? This week’s post is what I’m calling the “Last of the Mohicans” since there’s not a lot of flowers left after we experienced a hard frost yesterday morning. While we’re glad the days have turned toward more seasonal autumn temps, it was a bit of a shock to the system to walk in such chilly conditions. Mom even drug out our coats as it we received a couple of drops of moisture and the wind chill was pronounced.
Wilson: Ooh, ooh, please let me show a photo of that, okay?
Elsa: Go for it, House Pony.
Wilson: I rather enjoyed wearing my coat and you looked quite fetching yourself.
Elsa: I was more impressed that you and I walked together so closely. We start out next to each other these days for our walks but then you peel off to go ‘water’ a tree or some other poor piece of nature. It’s just so weird, even Mom commented on how we’re doing next to each other. I guess after nearly 11 months, I’m getting better about accepting you as a brother and not nearly as timid.
Wilson: Gosh, you’re right. I hadn’t noticed. I’m always so focused on my surroundings and keeping my eyes peeled for squirrels.
Elsa: I figured as much-you tend to forget I’m around and bump me when you plow through. I’m getting better about letting you go first but Mom has started making you wait until I clear a doorway or other narrow pathway.
Wilson: I’m sorry, it’s not intentional to bump you, I just tend to be a bit wound up. Maybe with this walking next to each other thing will become more common and I’ll get used to not being a bulldozer.
Elsa: Hope springs eternal. My balance reflexes are a tad teeter-y. But I know Mom’s got my back so behave yourself, dude. Okay?
Wilson: Right, I’m trying hard to be less excitable. So did you notice the red leaves have started falling in big numbers?
Elsa: Sure did. Mom was oohing and aahing the whole walk. Show everyone just how much moisture we received. What was it, 12-15 drops?
Wilson: Right…it wasn’t much. The forecasters who said we may receive a spot of snow were wrong but they tell me now we may receive a few inches on Monday.
Elsa: Well…can’t wait for that…oh wait…yes I can. These past couple of chilly mornings have made the ole bones just a tad creaky and I’ve enjoyed taking over your cuddle bed.
Wilson: I’ve noticed that but I tend to occupy it on the afternoon/evening shift. Mum said she needs to find another one but has no place to put it since there are beds galore throughout the house. Guess for now, we’ll just have to share it and I’m on board with that.
Elsa: Thanks, I appreciate that. So what else have you got?
Wilson: Well like you said, it’s getting a bit sparse on flower blooming. Our neighbor had a few gorgeous roses but he must have cut them because they were gone late yesterday afternoon. Our Canadian shrub roses look fairly pitiful with only a few bracts blooming. This was the best of the lot and I’m only showing to for Rosy.
Elsa: You’re right, pretty pathetic. Hope Rosy doesn’t hold that against us.
Wilson: {gasp} Sweet Rosy would never do that! She’d just smile and be gracious as always. We do have a couple of tomatoes that survived the frost but I think Mum is going to ash-can the plant. They likely won’t taste very good. I know she’s going to miss noshing on fabulous tomatoes. The ones in the grocery store seem to be pretty flavorless.
Elsa: I wouldn’t know…they’re veggies and when it comes to veggies, I only willingly eat green beans and broccoli.
Wilson: Oh, you’re missing out on a lot of tasty morsels and I’m happy to take your portions for you. You hear that, Mum? Give Elsa’s tomatoes and fruit snacks to me. She said it’s okay.
Elsa: {eyes rolling} Egad, you are shameless when it comes to tiny morsels.
Wilson: You can never have too many tidbits, I say.
Elsa: {moving along} Well I see there are still a few snapdragons blooming. They are so resilient.
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Wilson: They certainly are! So are the Zinnias and now that the temperatures are cooler, the Pansies have started to bloom too.
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Elsa: Those pansies are cute. I’m kind of over the Zinnias and marigolds, they’re looking way too bedraggled.
Wilson: But the Plumbago has come alive with rich mahogany leaf-color. There are just a few blue flowers now but the Plumbago is giving the maple trees a run for its money.
Elsa: Well I for one hope everyone had a safe and happy Halloween. There were no trick-or-treaters last night so it was peaceful and quiet. Good thing, I’d have given them a piece of my mind like I did with yesterday’s creature where I barked yelled “Boo!” to on our walk. Try to scare me…get over your bad self!
Wilson: I for one appreciate you standing up for me. Now that we’re through Halloween, we can focus on Thanksgiving. I’m salivating just thinking about all the yummy food that will be served…
Elsa: {interrupting} There you go again, thinking with your stomach.
Wilson: What’s wrong with that?
Elsa: I. can’t. even. begin. to. explain. it. Suffice to say we hope you have a great weekend and are able to get out and enjoy the return of nice weather and hope you find one of the beautiful sights Mother Nature provides for us. Enjoy celebrating Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) this weekend.
Happy Monday! Today we’re going to offer not one, but a trio of smiles in honor of Halloween. The weather could possibly impact the number of trick-or-treaters who will drop by the Ranch as the first hard frost has been forecasted along with perhaps a spot of actual moisture. We’re not sure how many will actually ring the doorbell since the local merchants in the neighborhood offered daylight parades with kid activities over the weekend. There were loads of costumed pets and kids walking around neighborhoods.
Smile #1
Smile #2
I think everyone who’s ever tried to fold a fitted sheet can relate to this smile.
Smile #3
My fluffy (e)motion detector is off to spread some joy at Lutheran today and tomorrow. While we barely survived the bath (I think the walls are still recovering from all the water), I’m hoping it hasn’t impacted Wilson’s attitude about bringing joy to folks. I’m clearly gonna have to devise a better strategy getting him ready. My back won’t survive any more ‘steer wrestling’ episodes. Let’s just hope the high value treats will provide some amnesia and he focuses on seeing his friends swoon over him, especially in the emergency department. He’s a big hit there among the staff. Wish us luck that wiggly bum goes into overdrive.
Today is Indigenous Peoples Day in the US. Formerly known as Columbus Day, it celebrates and honors Indigenous American peoples by commemorating their histories and cultures. While I always post some light-hearted smile on Monday’s today always leaves me with an uneasy feeling because of how native peoples have been treated and there is nothing funny about the historical past in that regard.
We here at the Ranch ask you consider the history that went into the creation of this national holiday.
And because it still IS Monday, we can’t begin the week without some sort of smile. As you may recall, Elsa has a long history of eating things that is well documented on this blog. (for example, see The Carnage Continues). She’s been very civilized for some time but then suddenly last week decided the mail would be her latest conquest, including important notices and bills. She managed to pull several pieces of mail off the dining room table 3 days in a row.
I will note however, she’s never chewed up junk mail instead, she seems to focus on important items and then proceed to pull them down from the middle of the dining table. She managed to munch was an agreement with the Water Department regarding agreement for replacing the service line. Do you know how embarrassing it is being an adult and telling a service rep “my dog ate the agreement” and how can I get another one? Luckily it’s a national holiday with mail not being delivered today so it’ll be safe, at least today.
As you celebrate the contributions of Indigenous People today, we hope you have a good week.
Today is Labor Day in the US (and its territories) where the contributions of workers are acknowledged and celebrated for their role toward bringing strength and well-being of the nation. Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday of every September. Where you aware that if you work 40 hours or less a week, you can thank a union member for that benefit for their activism in the last century. Many workers will have today off and Labor Day is now thought of as the unofficial end to summer where many folks will enjoy a last BBQ get-together with friends and family on this holiday weekend, especially now that school is back in session. Many towns will have parades as well and of course, there will be an overabundance of retail sales events from sea to shining sea.
A brief history of Labor Day shows that as the trade and labor movements began to grow, calls for a day commemorating workers’ contributions were proposed. Back then, Colorado had long been progressive on social issues and was one of the first five states to enact legislation recognizing Labor Day. Oregon was the first state to officially make it a public holiday back in 1887. Labor Day became a national holiday in the U.S. in 1894. I believe our Canadian friends also celebrate “Labour Day” on the first Monday in September as well.
Life in the labor movement wasn’t all roses and candy. Following the deaths of workers during the Pullman Strike of 1894, Congress unanimously approved legislation making Labor Day a national holiday. President Grover Cleveland signed the law into effect shortly after the end of the strike to recognize all workers and their efforts and contribution to the nation.
The Ranch Hands will continue celebrating the birthday weekend as more family members will join us in southern Colorado (including baby Halia-yay!!). We sincerely wish you a safe Labor Day holiday, and hope you safely celebrate with pride for all your work accomplishments to the country.
Now for today’s Monday smile. When you work like a dog all year long, today seems the ‘pawfect’ day to relax and enjoy friends and family.
Today is July 1st and thus begins the worst week of the year–fireworks going off in celebration of July 4th. Did you know more pets are lost during this week than any other week? A few years ago someone asked me why I was anti-patriotic because I challenged their setting off illegal fireworks in the alley behind my house. Being a naturalized citizen (meaning it was a conscious decision to become an American), I take my patriotism very seriously. Blowing up fireworks has absolutely nothing to do with patriotism and I wish people understood that. I know that two hundred and forty-seven years ago, a bunch of rebel-rousers in the New World declared their independence from their British rulers and they continue to remain as scrappy ever since. These days, much of that ‘scrappiness’ is not necessarily attractive or positive and each political camp deludes itself into thinking its side and vision for the country is a ‘more perfect union’ than was originally sought. Nonetheless, the Ranch hands continue to pray that we can somehow achieve it for all, not just for power’s sake.
Of course, there has been progress made by removing loud noises in fireworks, and there seems to be a trend where some cities have begun to favor laser shows over fireworks. With the recent heat dome covering much of the U.S. I applaud municipalities who are switching to laser shows, drone and LED light displays to avoid the potential for igniting fires in tinder dry conditions and the terrorization of vulnerable groups. Eventually I hope fireworks will become a mere memory and folks actually understand what this holiday is all about.
We hope you’ll support organizations who are working hard to help pets and those individuals suffering from PTSD especially this time of year.
Elsa, the House Pony and I wish our U.S. based readers a safe and happy Fourth of July week. To everyone, we hope you have a great Monday. With temps still in the ‘sizzle’ category, we hope you are able to stay cool without taking flight or hiding under the bed.
It’s true, I am passionate about not using fireworks to celebrate the 4th, but it’s still important to begin the week with a smile. Stay cool and make it a great day! Oh, and don’t forget to bring the poop bags with you like I did this morning {head smack}.
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.
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.
Today is Martin Luther King Day where it’s a legal holiday in the U.S. As I searched for an inspiring quote, I came across this one and it seemed particularly appropriate.
Even if it’s MLK Day where we honor the civil right leader, we still need to start the day out with a smile, or in this case a couple of smiles since I couldn’t decide on just one.
With the Arctic blast coming from our friends in the Northern Hemisphere (hey Canada, I thought we were allies), today’s smiles seemed to fit the bill about getting through it and moving forward. Today’s high will likely be zero; if we’re real lucky, we might reach 1-2ºF (-16º or -17ºC). But we’re not the only ones shivering. Things could be worse, I just heard the forecast for Iowa. Thank you baby Jesus that today is not primary ballot day.
The cold weather around here brings the sarcastic out in some of us which may mean everyone from Colorado to New England could easily be saying something like this.
Not only was it cold this morning on the first potty run, it was also beginning to snow. Sigh. Can’t wait until tomorrow where we may actually reach freezing. Now where are those flip-flops?
Whatever you do today to commemorate MLK, we hope you do it safely and with positive intention like Dr. King. Hang in there, the countdown clock toward tulip season has begun and there’s only 64 days until Spring officially arrives. Thought you could use something to look forward to while you’re shivering, shoveling and swearing. Happy Monday. Stay safe and keep smiling, peeps.
Let’s get this week started with a couple of smiles. As we bark out the old, we also bark in the new and hope you didn’t miss the ball drop.
We hope you managed to have a safe and peaceful celebration. Around the Ranch, fireworks were sadly prominent in the neighborhood, much to my chagrin and many stressed out pets. Fortunately a hockey game with its incumbent cheering and jeering as well as tightly closed windows helped keep Elsa reasonably at ease. That said, I know there were many pets who were terrified so we send out a good thump on the head to those thoughtless uprights who used fireworks to celebrate.
One other but less annoying ritual associated with New Year’s is the making of resolutions.
But for me, this is the only resolution necessary in 2024. Do you make resolutions? If so…what was yours?
We wish your new year is filled with good health, love, and laughter. Elsa also hopes there are plenty of tasty treats. Happy New Year from both of us.
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 
