Category: Landscapes

Nature Friday ~ January 24, 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 70 Comments

Elsa

Welcome to this week’s edition of Nature Friday where we join the pups from Adventures of the LLB Gang. Elsa here. Well you can blame Mom for this week’s post since she’s been whining about the drab color lately. Nature said, ok, you don’t like drab…how’s about we change the palette to white? Good grief! And then she doubled down and turn off the heat. It’s been freezing, in fact, it’s been so cold, we haven’t been able to go for walks. Heck, I barely want to go pee but here we are. Yesterday we finally were able to go for a walk around the neighborhood to check out the updated color palette.Umm, Mom…not sure this is an improvement. Just saying.

Wilson: Well I jolly well was happy to be able to stretch my legs and see what I’ve missed at the various canine bulletin boards. Wow, can you believe people were walking their dogs in the snow and cold? Crikey.

Elsa: So that’s why Mom has been shaking her head. Walking a dog in sub-zero temps seems cruel to me. We even saw several dogs without coats or snow boots. Mom said that was not going to happen to us. She got creative with snuffle mats and a new gadget to entertain and exercise our brains. She’s constantly thinking about keeping us occupied…but mostly out of self-defense. I don’t do well being bored and will stand in a room and let her know in no uncertain times that I’m displeased.

Wilson: Boy was I glad for this wobble bowl. Mom smeared pumpkin, canned dog food and yogurt all up and down those knobs and because it’s bowl shaped it rocks. It took me forever to snarf up all that delicious spread. Way to go, Mum!

Elsa & her Wobble bowl

Elsa: Even as picky as I can be about stuff like this, I didn’t mind ‘working’ for the reward of that tasty spread. Wish the darn thing wouldn’t walk all over the place though.

Wobble bowl lick mat

Wilson: Mum said that’s the point. We had to ‘think’ about how we were going to get those tasty snacks. I don’t know about you, but I was tuckered out and enjoyed a nice nap after all that work.

Elsa: Well I wouldn’t want to do that for extended times, but it helped while Nature turned our world into a deep freeze. Can’t remember the last time it snowed for a solid day and a half although some of the snow dribbled down to flurries. It wasn’t the most snow we’ve received, probably only about 7 inches or so, but it was super dry. The cold must have squeezed out all the moisture.

Wilson: Could be. But the past couple of days the temps finally got out of the cellar and we were able to walk in reasonably comfortable temps with the appropriate snow wear. Neither of us are keen to paddle about in those snow boots, but Mum insisted. She said it’ll keep ice balls from forming in our pads. You know she always has our best interests at heart.

Elsa: That may be but I hate those bloody things and I’m gonna let her know my displeasure by making it hard for her to get them on me. It took us forever to get dressed and then she had to bundle herself up. That’s when I get impatient and try to make her to fall down. Heh, heh. I’ll show her.

Wilson: We really should cooperate more so that we can start walking sooner.

Elsa: Oh yeah…hmmm, guess I better rethink my strategy so it’s more in our favor.

Wilson: Right-o, Ninja!

Elsa: So Mom loves encountering Canadian geese, though I swear, I have no idea. Those fat birds aren’t very friendly and the poop everywhere. But she almost always takes photos of them and there were a bunch of them out on the lawn at the Mullen House, an assisted living area nearby our Ranch. They stomped all over the snow leaving tracks and yelled a lot at us.

Wilson: I was fascinated watching those strange creatures and was torn between staying or moving along to catch up with latest gossip at the various doggo bulletin boards. By golly, it was a hard decision for me but when they took flight and honked their displeasure that we interrupted them, it was an easy decision to move along.

Canadian geese

Elsa: Move along? Ha…that’s one to sugarcoat it. Mom practically had to tie an anchor around you to keep you from trying to chase them! Why do you think she only caught the tail end of them taking flight? It’s because she was trying to hang on to you while fishing her cell phone out of her pocket and stay upright. You have an interesting way of interpreting reality.

Wilson: What? Can I help it if those geese were afraid of me? I’m not responsible for how they view things, am I?

Elsa: {eyes rolling} You know you should become a politician…the way you parse things, you’d be good spinning things.

Wilson: Erm…I don’t think that’d be a good vocation for me. I already have a terrific job being a pet therapy dog. Let’s just leave it there.

Elsa: I’m telling you, man…you could be the James Carville of the canine world. We continue to be shocked at every turn since January 20 but know Mom couldn’t take any more political news that sucks the oxygen out of the country and underscores the meanness of some humans. What else you got from our walk?

Wilson: We walk past this beautiful Queen Anne house that is always fascinating any time of year, especially in autumn and winter. From the large trees surrounding the beautiful architecture to the sights and sounds of nature in the city, it always provides an interesting view. This home is listed on the national historical registry and is known as the Heiser House. Built by saddle maker Hermann Heiser in 1893, the home is fully restored with an incredible stained glass front door. Mum told me she’s toured the inside of this home and it’s just as gorgeous and tastefully updated with modern touches. I’m just sure there’s a squirrel or two in that yard. That turett would make a great place to scan the yard for those little buggers. Do you notice  how much the evergreens absorbed the melted snow from this southern exposure pic or how crystal clear the blue the skies were? It was a gorgeous afternoon, even if temps were only around freezing.

Heiser House

Wilson: Here’s a photo of the front entrance showing the front door stained glass taken ove the late summer.

Elsa: I can see why Mom likes to walk past that house. It truly is something to behold. Well that’s it from us. We hope you like the new palette. Judging by news reports where snow fell all over the South, I guess Mom will be careful what she wishes for in the future. Her granddaughter from Houston sent her this snowman pic from their yard. While they’re from Colorado originally they now live in the Houston area and people were insane about the snow.

Snowman

Wilson: No doubt snow and cold in Houston were a real eye opener for folks, but probably not as much as the 10 inches that fell in New Orleans. Folks down in the South aren’t familiar with the ways of cold and snow but we heard kids enjoyed a free day from school to sled down hills on cardboard boxes. Well that’s it from us. We hope everyone has a safe weekend and can enjoy some of the beauty Mother Nature provides us. We hear she’s planning on delivering more snow, but at least it won’t be cold as it was this week. Have a jolly good weekend!

Nature Friday

Live, love, bark! 🐾

P.S. Mom apologies in advance in case there are problems with this post. In its quest to irritate the snot out of users, the latest update has things really screwed up and Mom had to hunt and search and hunt again to find things that used to be easily located (like categories, the save button, you know simply things like that). When you have a laptop with a trackpad instead of a mouse, you have to scroll down to find %$#@ up and down to add photos, change formatting and even the save button. It was maddening. She continues to think it’s a way to make everyone switch to that hell hole known as the Block editor. What a cluster!!

Nature Friday ~ January 3, 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 53 Comments
New Year 2024-2025
Graphic courtesy of BlogPaws

Welcome to the first Friday of 2025. We hope you had safe and magical holidays.

Elsa here today and as usual, we’re joining our friends from Adventures of the LLB Gang. Don’t forget to click on the link to see what others have shared. Now that the holidays are behind us, people are starting to get back to normal. Let’s see what’s happening in nature-less Denver. Nature-less you ask? You bet your sweet bippy, it’s nature-less. It’s drab and brown out there and truth be told, Mom and the land hippo brother of mine pretty much have had bupkus as far as nature photos go. The weather has been bone dry and windy…a double whammy on the urban landscape…so that’s why I’m calling this nature-less. With our windy conditions, nobody wants to go for walks to find if there is in fact, any nature worth sharing.

Wilson: Mum was so distraught about a lack of photos she even contemplated featuring previously posted photos. Gasp! I flat told her there was no way I could go along with anything like that. I think she grumbled something that sounded like “Go pound sand.”

Elsa: When she told me she was going to run repeats, I suggested to her why not feature some clever ways folks had use holiday lights in their gardens since it’s kind of an unwritten rule in Denver to leave the lights up until after the National Western Stock leaves towns (the show & rodeo is open from January 11 through the 26th). Not only did that go over like a lead balloon, as we walked the neighborhood yesterday on our walk, folks all over the neighborhood were taking down light displays and decorations. What. the. actual. dog!? The only things we saw tended to be  brown, dead or both.

Inflatables

Wilson: {shuddering} No, we are absolutely not featuring any those dead things again. I had to put my paw down.

Elsa: Good for you. I’m kinda surprised you were able to convince her.

Wilson: Well, like you said, the wind makes people crazy. She was none too happy with me on our walk. I was shocked with some of her language, I mean I was just being a dog chasing squirrels and blowing leaves and she got all bent out of shape. Good grief!

Elsa: I tried to tell you the wind makes people and pets crazy. But man, dude…you gotta stop taking off to chase moving things especially in breezy conditions. The wind makes Mom very crabbish and having you act like some kind of deaf nutcase, well it only makes sense there will be some inevitable HBO howling.

Wilson: I guess so. She was pretty steamed at me and said I was at the top of her short list. I mean, I’m just a sweet floof…I don’t understand how she could be upset. By the way, what’s a short list?

Elsa: You don’t want to know. Just know it’s not good. When it’s as windy as it has been, there’s no accounting for how people and  dogs act.

Wilson: Umm, I don’t know. I just can’t help myself. It’s gotta be the wind…I mean, what else can it be?

Elsa: {head shaking} You are such a dolt. You’re just lucky Mom had errands to run yesterday and drove past the park and saw all the birds on the lake and stopped to take a few pics.

Wilson: Whew…it’s not a great batch of photos but it’s better than posting photos of dead inflatables. With the wind blowing, you could see how it left frozen spots in the water. The geese looked like they were having a good time sliding around on the frozen parts. A few were swimming in the open areas but they still stayed huddled up closely in others. Check out the ice chunks forming.

Elsa: Makes you wonder why don’t they congregate closer to shore instead of being out in the middle of the lake. You gotta think they’d be warmer near the rushes.

Wilson: That’s what I thought! I really don’t understand ducks and geese. They seem to do odd things. Guess you have to make do with what you have. Me, I just snooze on a sofa or a dog bed to stay warm. I’m not an ordinary fool.

Elsa: Ha! I could say you’re an extraordinary fool since you brought it up, but I won’t.

Wilson: Umm, you say you won’t but then you did. That makes no sense.

Elsa: It’s not for you to understand. Just leave it at that and scoot over.

Wilson & Elsa

Wilson: Stop hogging all the blankets. However you pass the time these winter days, we hope you find something outside worth checking out. Have a jolly good weekend and stay warm.

Nature Friday

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ December 20, 2024

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 65 Comments

Gingerbread houseWelcome to the last Friday before Santa Paws arrives for this week’s edition of Nature Friday. Elsa here, joining our furry friends from Adventures of the LLB Gang. Don’t forget to click on the link to see what others have posted. Since photos of nature photos have been a bit slim these days, I’m gonna do things a little different today and think it’ll also help put our Mom in the proper holiday spirit. Thankfully, there won’t be any tacky Christmas inflatables and don’t know about you, but I’m so over the way-over-the-top displays. I keep wondering whatever happened to subtle and tasteful Christmas decor? So today, I’m going to tell you how outdoor Christmas lights originated, and as it turns out, there’s a Denver connection to the story.

David Dwight Sturgeon, a local electrician, whose home just happened to be not that far from the Ranch, wanted to brighten his ill son’s spirits so he hand dipped light bulbs in red and green paint and strung them around a tree in the yard so his son could see them from his bed.

Sturgeon had no idea how his efforts would change the way that people celebrate Christmas all over the world. Although Sturgeon did not invent indoor Christmas lights (that was Thomas Edison, back in the 1800s), according to Sturgeon Electric’s Marketing Director Erin Stromberg — his innovation spread like wildfire throughout early 20th-century Denver.

“People went past the house and saw it and liked the look of it,” Jason Hansen, History Colorado’s director of interpretation and research said. “And we then as now knew that they had to keep up with their neighbors. “And so, the next year, there were a few more houses with Christmas lights, (and) after that even more houses had Christmas lights, and it spread really rapidly throughout Denver,” Hansen continued. As the outdoor lights became more widespread, an intrepid reporter from the Denver Post took note. Francis “Pinky” Wayne picked up the story and wrote several articles on Sturgeon’s invention, according to local freelance writer and historian Rosemary Fetter. The idea’s popularity spurred Wayne to organize the first outdoor Christmas lighting contest — which drew hundreds of participants. Soon after, the tradition had gained a foothold across the front range.

The Denver City and County Building – Christmas Decor, 1935

Wilson: Whoa, that’s pretty interesting info. Who knew?!

Elsa: I know, right? What a brilliant idea by Sturgeon, all in his quest to make his son feel better. ‘Course, we’ve whistled past those humble beginnings as lights tend to be mass produced and imported from China these days. Still, you gotta tip your hat to that loving Dad for his efforts.

Wilson:  Well, I’m quite happy to that actually since Mum’s been ‘decorating’ me once again. When I was less than enthusiastic, she told me not to get my tinsel in a tangle. I’m sorry, don’t see any tangled tinsel here, do you?

Wilson, Christmas

Elsa: Dude, it’s a figure of speech. Why do you have to take everything so literally?

Wilson: Well, I’m from the “show-me” state where we expect people to mean what they say.

Elsa: {eyes rolling} You gotta lighten up and stop being so serious. Hey…wait a minute, I thought you were a British dog?

Wilson: I am, but I grew up in Missouri.

Elsa: You just can’t help yourself, can you?

Wilson: What do you mean? I just think everyone should mean what they say.

Elsa: {moving along} So, do you have anything else? I know Mom’s activity has been curtailed with her bizzaro injury. Leave it to our Mom to figure out how to fracture her sternum.

Wilson: She’s been pretty wiped out from it and hasn’t been able to get outside as much as she normally would. She got pretty exhausted after our hospital visits and has been trying to keep a low profile when it comes to being out and about. She can’t take deep breaths without a whole lot of pain so I’m doing my best keeping her pinned down by laying on her by making sure she doesn’t hurt herself while trying to find interesting scenes to photograph.

Elsa: Yeah, she’s been extra careful on the walks. I walk pretty slowly these days and she hasn’t tried to hurry me along. She’s hoping she will get better soon to be able to keep up with her scheduled commitments.

Wilson: Apart from her injury, there really hasn’t been all that much to photograph anyway. The landscape has been drab and brown, so we decided to share some interesting Christmas wreaths from around the ‘Hood. They sure beat those tacky inflatables.

Elsa: Wreaths, huh? Ok, I’m in. Waddu got, House Pony?

Wilson: We looked around our neighborhood and tried to find the prettiest, most unusual and even one odd one that’s not really a wreath but Mum just couldn’t resist taking a picture of it. So what’s a wreath anyway you ask? Wreaths were originally constructed of evergreens to represent everlasting life brought through Jesus and the circular shape of the wreath represents God, with no beginning and no end. We’ve come a long way since ancient times.

Elsa: Well here’s a pretty traditional wreath. Put me down as liking this one. It’s tasteful and subtle on a second story balcony.

Wilson: Wreaths are a lovely way to welcome holiday guests. Check out these four wreaths. They’re all so diverse and just really lovely, colorful and welcoming. Mum likes those colorful ornament wreaths.

Elsa: I really like that last one. It’s so wintery looking, even though our temps have been in the 60’sF this week. Yeah, you read that right, s-i-x-t-i-e-s! Here are a couple more. Mom liked the jingle bells wreaths and just couldn’t resist that guitar…which isn’t a wreath at all…it’s just a single ornament, but how cute is it??

Wilson: Pretty adorable I say, Ninja. Well that’s all I have for this last week before Christmas. We hope you have a festive weekend and are able to get outside to see some nature. Be safe and don’t break anything. I’m booked solid for the next several weeks providing therapy to my Mum.

Nature Friday

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ December 13, 2024

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 64 Comments

Wilson We made it to another Friday. Is it just me or are the days leading up to the Santa Paws visit coming faster and more furiously? With just 2 weeks to go, our poor Mom is going crazy. She’s been furiously working on her Christmas cards and {snicker-snicker} trying to add a few touches of holiday cheer around the Ranch (translate…adding a tiny table tree) as well as taking the House Pony to hospital to visit with nurses, visitors and patients and then taking me to the vet yesterday for a routine checkup. I don’t have the heart to tell her she’s gotta do her Christmas baking this weekend.  Hi, Elsa here.As if last week’s humiliation at the dog spa wasn’t bad enough, like I mentioned I had to endure a vet visit at the new practice that’s closer to the Ranch. Wilson went to see them during their grand opening and Mom was pretty impressed with the whole clinic. Dr. Melberg was super nice but his tech was even nicer and I liked her very much. I’m usually pretty aloof around strangers unless I like them. A lot. And Wilson’s vet tech popped in to give me a special treat. Yum, yum. Don’t tell my Mom, but I could get used to this attention and treat thing. Also, don’t tell my oaf of a brother…he thinks he’s so special and I’ll never be able to live with his big fat inflated head.

New vet

Wilson: {singing} Doh-de-do-dah…humming…good morning, Ninja. How are you this fine Friday the Thirteenth?

Elsa: Umm, ok…but why are you so chipper today? You ready to share some slices of nature?

Wilson: Of course I’m chipper, I didn’t have to go to the vet.  After a great week where I spent a lot of time at the hospital, I can do a few photos. I’m getting pretty good at this multitasking thing-being a dapper chap after being freshly groomed this week as well as providing some interesting pics we found this week. But this week’s pics are a tiny bit unusual in that we’re featuring Christmas critters. How’s that sound?

Elsa: Don’t rub it in on the vet visit. Bet you wanted to feature squirrels dressed up like tiny elves, don’t you?

Wilson: Umm, I’m not going to lie, that would be entertaining, but no. Mum didn’t see any tiny little elves but she did notice a fair number of neighbors who brought out some big critters…and I’m not talking about those noisy inflatable critters. There’s a fair number of them and some blocks seem to be competing for the title of tackiest seasonal garden ever. This house in particular makes my head practically explode every time we walk past it. What the bloody dog is up with those folks?

Christmas decor

Elsa: Oy…I don’t know how you can walk past that house, day after day. Talk about too much!

Wilson: Precisely. There’s so much going on in that garden, and we only got half of it in the frame! That block is squirrel central-there’s a gob of them there but I can’t spot them for all these decorations. What’s a good dog to do? I prefer subtle decor.

Elsa: Blah, blah, blah…ok, I don’t blame you this time. What do you have in terms of Christmas critter photos?

Wilson: Well, as you alluded to earlier, it’s been a hectic week and we didn’t really see a too much actual nature. Everyone in the neighborhood is busy decorating their gardens-some tastefully and others…well not to cast dispersions but others are more like the photo above. But we did have a couple of nice sunsets. Does that count for actual nature photos?

Elsa: Sure, why not. I mean since Mom’s been busy and there aren’t anymore of those obnoxious inflatables, bring on what you got.

Wilson: Mum loves sunrises since we’re always up early but we saw a sunset with some beautiful color for a change of pace. She loved looking through the silhouetted tree limbs to see that pretty color.

Sunset

Sunset

Elsa: Oooh, nice, dude. I remember that evening. It was bright and not too chilly after Monday’s quick snowstorm.

Wilson: Yeah that was something else. The forecast says we may have a couple more quick storms over the next several days. Maybe we can make a snowman?

Elsa: Umm, yeah, no. There’s too much to do before Santa Paws arrives and I don’t want to spend time making a snowman when there are dog treats to bake.

Wilson: Egad, you’re right. Time to be efficient with our time! Well when we’re out on our daily constitutions, we’ll still look for tasteful Christmas decor. First up, I spotted a moose! I mean, a MOOSE…in our neighborhood. What are the odds?

Elsa: Hmm, haven’t seen one of those in the neighborhood, although we did have some deer noshing on the groundcover in our Dr. Dolittle post.

Moose

Wilson:  Whoa…you had real live deer in the garden?? I say, that’s something, considering we live so close to the downtown business center but I’m getting used to seeing hooved critters like these.

Deer Deer

Elsa: Meh…more stuff to store by my way of thinking but at least those guys are quiet. I like peace and quiet. This is the season of peace and these fit the bill.

Wilson: Peace is good. I liked this little bear too. He didn’t seem too threatening toward Mum, me or the snowman he was sitting next to.

Bear

Elsa: {eyes rolling} Threatening? You really are a buffoon, aren’t you? You know it’s not real, right?

Wilson: Oh right, I kind of got caught up in the moment. My bad.

Elsa: Just wanted to keep you grounded. You’re taking this Christmas critter thing a bit too serious. At least you didn’t growl at any of the critters.

Wilson: Mum was quite proud of me, especially where the moose was concerned. I approached it cautiously though because those things can be dangerous.

Elsa: Oh for heaven’s sake. Those aren’t real; there’s no danger!!

Wilson: I’m not taking any changes. I mean, I don’t want you to get your tinsel all twisted like me during our recent photo shoot. Where Mum gets these ideas I have no idea. We hope you all have a sporting good weekend and are able to enjoy a spot of real nature as you’re out and about rushing around finishing up your holiday preparations.

Wilson, Christmas

Elsa: You do know when you pose like that, it gives Mom more incentive to do more photo sessions with costumes?

Wilson: Yes, I do realize it. I’ve also figured out the high value treats flow readily. See, I’m not a complete fool. Nom, nom. Have a great weekend!

Nature Friday

Nature Friday ~ December 6, 2024

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 51 Comments

ElsaAnother Friday and you know what that means. Hiya…Elsa here. Welcome to this week’s edition of Nature Friday. As always, we’re joining our pals from Adventures of the LLB Gang. Don’t forget to click on the link to see what others have posted.

Elsa: What the dog? Can you see what my Mom did to me yesterday afternoon? I think this has something to do with it being Christmas time and her wanting to take pictures, I just know it.

Elsa, bath time

Wilson: Hey little sister, looks like you went to that amazing doggo spa, Lily’s Bath & Biscuits in our neighborhood. I don’t like baths either, but LBB has one of the nicest places I’ve ever been to and she provides buffalo crunchy treats.

Elsa: I don’t care if she provided crypto shares. You know how I feel about baths! This is just all wrong.

Wilson: I’m sorry, little one. I know you don’t like baths. I wasn’t going to say anything but you were getting to be a bit funky smelling and now you’re a breath of lovely.

Elsa, bath time

Elsa: Like I said before…

Wilson: Aww, come on, Ninja…the lady who owns Lily’s is so kind and serene…the soft music is very soothing and it’s the cleanest place I’ve ever been to…

Elsa: {interrupting} You came from a barnyard. What would you know about clean places?

Lily's Bath & Biscuits, dog spa

Wilson: Well being a therapy dog has opened by eyes to the importance of cleanliness and I’ve figured out that when you smell and look good, people can’t begin to shower you enough with praise, attention and TREATS. No pun intended.

Elsa: Grrr…well aren’t you clever?

Wilson: Just being pragmatic. It’s done with, you survived and now let’s get on with sharing slices of Nature from this week, shall we?

Elsa: Harumph. Whatev.

Wilson: While many places around the country have been dumped on from a weather phenomena called the ‘lake effect,’ we’ve been basking in delightful sunny and dry weather. Mum had an holiday event for the hospital and afterward, she strolled on the grounds of the golf club where it was held. She told me all about the pond with its frozen edges and birds dropping in to break through the crystals around the edge of it. She said it was very cool.

Elsa: Lake effect? What is this sorcery of which you speak?

Wilson: Well…I learned that it’s a kind of weather phenomenon where cold air moves in over a relatively warm lake picking up moisture, which rises and then condenses into clouds, often producing loads of snow on the downwind side of the lake, particularly when the air is cold enough for the moisture to fall as snow. Remember when we watched that football game in Buffalo last Sunday night? Boy was I glad to be sitting next to Mum cuddled up on the sofa. It looked miserably cold and all that snow would have stuck to us like glue and formed ice balls.

Elsa: Well I will say this week has been quite lovely which is no doubt why Mom betrayed decided to ambush me with a bath.

Wilson: Now, now, you know we dogs don’t live in the past. We live in the present where the weather is nice, we have yummy treats and our Mum loves us with all her heart.

Elsa: Yeah, yeah, yeah…there you go being all philosophical again.

Wilson: It’s called living in the moment and being a dog.

Elsa: Whatever…let’s move this train wreck forward.

Wilson: Not sure how a train wreck factors in but check out the photo Mum took of the lake facing the foothills. It was so serene and lovely and she had a nice walk about that pond and she lingered watching some Canadian geese circle and then land in the water.

Pond Canadian geese

Elsa: {yawn} Wake me up when you’re done droning on.

Wilson: You really are in a mood today. Well I chose to be positive. Despite knowing I’ll be on the grooming table after a bath on Monday. {humming a snappy tune} I’m going to the hospital where I’ll bring loads of joy to folks and oh, did I mention, I’ll get loads of dehydrated liver bits? Yum, I can practically taste those yummy morsels.

Elsa: Wow, you sure have gone all Dale Carnegie on me. What else you got this week?

Wilson: The garden may be full of dried leaves but on cue, Mum’s Christmas cactus has begun it’s annual show of beauty. She started to notice tiny little buds Thanksgiving weekend and now it’s beginning to explode with vivid, hot pink blooms.

Christmas Cactus

Elsa: They are pretty and their blooms brighten Mom’s mood considerably this time of year which is always hard on her. Lots of people suffer from depression during the holidays so bright spots of nature like this can help them cope better. Maybe Mom should take me to the botanical gardens conservatory to boost my mood?

Wilson: If they allowed dogs, I’d have suggested it to her. You’ll just have to do with my cheerful personality and the fact that we’ll have a few more days of warm sunny days and clear blue skies. You think walking around the neighborhood checking out all the Christmas decorations might make you feel a bit better?

Elsa: {ugh} there you go again, being all positive.

Wilson: I just want you to be happy, little sister. When you’re happy the world is a better place and you can enjoy Nature and all it has to offer. I heard we’re going to get some snow soon, so we might as well be happy campers until then.

Wilson

Elsa: Oh for dog’s sake…my brother now thinks he’s Jimmy Kimmel! Well let me just dispel any silly notion you have of me being your Guillermo, got it House Pony? Whatever you do, in the words of the resident optimist, have a great weekend and find something in Nature to be impressed with. Not inflatables mind you, but real life nature. I can’t help but wonder if the big guy will be as sanguine after his grooming appointment. Have a great weekend. {snickering}

Nature Friday

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ November 29, 2024

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 58 Comments

ElsaWelcome to Nature Friday. Today is the last Friday of November, 2024 and no doubt some of us are moving a little bit slower today, no doubt still under the influence of a Thanksgiving Day food coma. For those needing a spot of pressure, there are only 26 days left until Christmas and only 33 days left in 2024. As always we’re joining our pals from Adventures of the LLB Gang. Don’t forget to click on the link to see what others have posted. We hope your ‘holiday’ was safe, full of good cheer and that you were able to enjoy Thanksgiving with friends and family for those who celebrate it.

Elsa here to start things off. Mom got a hankering to trim up my paws because she said, and I quote…”my feet were looking like a muppet.” I hate getting my paws trimmed and won’t let her use clippers. She can only trim them with scissors but she’s gotten fairly good making them look halfway decent. But we’re here to talk about Nature things. Mom went to spend the Thanksgiving howliday with our Grandpa with a few family members. He’s going to be a busy fella over the next few days, as other siblings will show up extending the holiday and food fest. I’m jealous as there will be some amazing foodables while they’re celebrating which will be good for him to see other family members from out of state who will begin to arrive this weekend. Let the fun and food continue.

But first, jeez Mother Nature, could you be a bit more kinder on the thermostat? It was 18ºF freaking degrees this morning when I went outside to pee at oh-dark-thirty. As the popular musician Collins Obinna Chibueze (otherwise known as Shaboozey) sings in his chart topping A Bar Song remake of the 2004 single song Tipsy, “oh my….good Lord!” We aren’t nearly ready for walks on the frozen tundra.

Wilson: ‘Morning little sister, boy are you right about the temps. I hurried my morning constitution in record time. For a quick minute I thought perhaps it might freeze to me private parts! Since you’re the native of this landscape, I’m guessing this is the norm for this time of year but even with my double coat, I’m grateful Mum will be taking us out for our morning walk later, hoping for a few degrees of warmth from the clear skies and sun. But I’m guessing those same clear skies are why it’s so bloody cold. Brrrrr.

Elsa: Right you are, House Pony. Those clear blue skies, while pretty as all get-out, are what makes things so cold. But they also make for some beautiful pictures, even when you’re whizzing past familiar sights. Mom can never get enough of seeing Pikes Peak; she’s written about that view before. It’s that view that inspired author and poet, Katherine Lee Bates to write the lyrics for America the Beautiful after she saw the gorgeous view from the summit of this well-known 14,000+ ft. peak.

Wilson: She really enjoys seeing it, both when she drives through Colorado Springs where it looms over the city as well as the back side once she gets to her Dad’s house.

Pikes Peak Pikes Peak

Elsa: It’s very close, it’s easy to see why it’s such a draw. Then again, it’s our Mom so there’s always that. She loves seeing  mountain majesty anytime and Pikes Peak is so close and can be easily captured even with a cell phone.

Wilson: I guess so…the area is so different from what I was used to experiencing in Missouri where the highest point was a mere 1,772 feet (540 metres). These fourteeners are something else.

Elsa: Our state is very lucky to have so many tall mountains; and especially at this time of year, when we’re focused on gratitude for the views they provide. By contrast, the Great Plains spread far and wide and have their own special beauty. Mom volunteered at the OES rescue booth at last weekend’s Denver Dog Fair where there were over 150 adoptable dogs from breed rescue organizations with scads of inside and outside activities with loads of vendors.

Wilson: Righto, Ninja. Mum loves the views on the plains and captured this windmill at the event site in eastern Arapahoe County with the landscape being so wide open with nothing to stop the wind.

Windmill

Elsa: My ears would be flapping like the Flying Nun in those breezy conditions out there.

Wilson: Indeed. But you’d have enjoyed it inside where your first vet, Dr. Jeff of Animal Planet fame gave a talk to the attendees. He and Mum talked about how you’re doing these days since he relocated his practice up in the foothills southwest of the city.

Dr. Jeff

Elsa: Oh yeah, I remember him! He’s a good guy and does so much for the community on the topic of overpopulation despite being diagnosed with cancer and challenging the local veterinary community with his low-cost affordable care model. Glad Mom got a chance to talk with him and find out how he’s doing these days in foothill area of Conifer, CO. He was well received at the event.

Wilson: And here’s a trained pup from one of the many dog trainers with one of his graduates. This Doodle fancied about carrying a bag of treats in his mouth. I can’t. even. begin. to. fathom. not eating treats I was carrying. I mean, I barely taste them as it is without having to carry them.

Doodle dog RMOES Rescue

Elsa: Oh brother…there you go again thinking with your 17 stomachs. All an all, it was a good event and the rescue managed to receive a decent amount of donations. Their first mission was to promote a senior OES named Reagan and we have our paws crossed that someone will adopt her. If you’re interested, please check the rescue’s website and fill out an application. Technically we’re not fully set up to take in dogs but Reagan’s situation prompted a special case scenario and we are doing what we can to help her. Isn’t she quite the gorgeous lady?

Reagan the OES

Wilson: Miss Reagan has come a long way since we began to foster her and we hope she will find her fur-ever home soon. She truly deserves a second chance.

Elsa: Well that’s it for this week’s hodgepodge of rather unrelated photos. We hope everyone has a great weekend and manages to find a lovely view or three of Mother Nature at her finest. Stay warm and make it a pawsome weekend.

Wilson: Yes, what my little sister said. Happy Friday and have an even better weekend.

Nature Friday

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ November 22, 2024

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 44 Comments

SnowmanIt’s Friday and you know what that means…hiya…Elsa here. Welcome to this week’s edition of Nature Friday.We’re joining our pals from Adventures of the LLB Gang. Don’t forget to click on the link to see what others have posted.

We didn’t post last week because Mom was too sick to prepare a post, so a couple of this week’s photos were ones that were slated for last week. Especially the snowy scenes from the foot of wet, white stuff that fell. Mom was up north getting the House Pony spiffed up and killed some time by taking an extended walk in the neighborhood where her groomer works.

Wilson: Don’t remind me of that day…I got myself so worked up Miss Sydney wasn’t able to groom me because I had really bad stress diarrhea. I felt badly for her and couldn’t leave fast enough to recover at home. I was super clean but Mom had to trim me up for my pet therapy evaluation last Monday. Let’s start with our first photo-Longs Peak.

Longs Peak

Longs Peak is one of the many 14,000+ ft. high mountains in Colorado. At 14,256-foot (4345.22 m) ‘fourteener’ it’s located in the Rocky Mountain National Park Wilderness, about 9.6 miles (15.5 km) from the Town of Estes Park. It was named to honor explorer Stephen Harriman Long and the mountain is featured on the Colorado state quarter. To the left in the photo shrouded in the clouds, is Meeker Peak (elevation 13,911 ft. (4240.07 m). The two mountains are sometimes referred to as the Twin Peaks. Longs Peak has long been popular among climbers year round, it being the only fourteener in Rocky Mountain National Park. It was a cold day and fairly windy and she sat next to the snowman on the bench above watching the clouds shift from her perch for a while. Well…until she got too cold and resumed a vigorous walk to warm up again.

Elsa: Makes you wonder what early settlers thought and experienced as they came through the area. It got her thinking maybe she’d like to head up there when the weather was less severe and hopes it won’t be too crowded during the middle of the week. We’ll see. She gets all cranky about scenic places where thoughtless tourists ruin the experience like when she went leaf peeping back in September. I remain skeptical but as the expression goes, ‘we’ll see.’

Wilson: She told me that she was very contemplative as she sat there shivering on the  hill looking westward as the clouds hurried through the area.

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Elsa: Brrrrr…glad I wasn’t there. I mean, I don’t mind bouncing around in snow but to just sit there…yeah…no. {head shaking} Mom and her zen moments kind of goes over my head.

Wilson: I know what you mean. When we were on our way home, she stopped to get petrol and while pumping, she kept staring at the colors of oil drops mixed with the slushy snow at the parking lot. Weird, right?

Oil spill

Elsa: There are so many weird things humans do, you’ll get no arguments from me. But the colors are kinda cool. I’m sure Mom got contemplative thinking of the environmental impact of oil on roadways, especially during that intense storm.

Wilson: Come to think of it, she did. She got real quiet. The next day, she noticed how the ice had formed in the solar fountain and watched it for several moments. Then she realized she needed to pull out the leaves so it didn’t clog up the pump. Guess there’s always something for her to do.

Solar fountain

Elsa: Whenever she’s been out walking, she comes back inside almost melancholy. When people walked past our house, she often finds paper wrappers or plastic cups. Why do humans liter?

Wilson: Beats me. Mum was picking up stuff that had blown in on Monday and suffered a small relapse because she overdid it. That got her attention so she’s been better about it. It’s important to get a nice dose of Vitamin D but she doesn’t have to build Rome while she’s getting back to 100%. I even tried to convince her to take it easy by laying across her legs. I figured that’d hold her down a bit but you know Mum, she gets a notion in her head and off she goes.

Elsa: Yeah, I have noticed that. Thank goodness you are able to literally pin her down so she can fully recover. I’m glad she went outside for a little sunshine and didn’t come back in with a trash bag full of rubbish or leaves. Gawd knows with the wind bringing down most of the leaves, she’d be outside for hours. She did find some interesting hip fruit on a tree and on an Euonymus shrub. She notices little berries and kinda goes crazy checking them out. I guess they’re good for birds and squirrels…

Euonymus Winter berries

Wilson: {interrupting with an audible gasp} Squirrels?! Where…let me at them!

Elsa: Down Rover. You’ll have plenty of opportunity to go hunting but remember Mom is still recovering and doesn’t need to be turned into a kite. Remember, you can check them out…you just can’t go running like a Sherman tank after them.

Wilson: I can’t help myself. They call me names and taunt me….

Elsa: Oh for bloody sakes, dude. You’re a dog, of course they are going to taunt you. Get. Over. It. Sheesh. You need to be above that, dude.

Wilson: When you put it like that, I guess I need to demonstrate more control, now that I’m a full fledged therapy dog.

Elsa: I’m impressed, you didn’t even argue with me. Maybe there’s hope for you yet. So what’s on your schedule this weekend? Got any big plans before the big turkey day celebration next Thursday?

Wilson: I’m just going to make sure Mum doesn’t work too hard. She’s attending the Denver Dog Days event on behalf of the rescue for a few hours and just hope she doesn’t overdo. But there will be other volunteers there so I think she’ll be okay. If you’re local, swing by and say hi. I know she’d love to see folks. Click on link for details and location.

Elsa: Sounds like fun, but you know me, I’m planning on napping in a nice warm sun puddle. The weather should be the 60’s. Perfect for snoozing and chill-axin. Whatever you do, we hope you have a great weekend as you prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday. Make it a great weekend and by all means check out what scenes Nature provides.

Nature Friday

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ November 8, 2024

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 57 Comments

Elsa in snow

Sleigh bells ring, are you listening…in the lane, snow is glistening…a beautiful sight…hmmm, hmmm, hmmm…walking in a winter wonderland. Humming continuing…oh hiya, Elsa here. Welcome to this week’s edition of Nature Friday.We’re once again joining our pals from Adventures of the LLB Gang. Don’t forget to click on the link to see what others have posted.

You know how often we’re whining about lack of moisture, right? Boy howdy…did Mother Nature finally decide to turn on the faucet. Before the temperatures decided to hover in the mid-20’s, a soft misting rain fell, later joined by wet slushy snow. The snow has barely stopped and Mom tells me the forecast is calling for another 10 inches between now and early Sunday morning. I asked her, where are you gonna put all that white stuff? She just groaned and shrugged her shoulders. Rude!

Wilson: Oooh, oooh, is it my turn, yet, huh…is it?

Elsa: WAIT! Sheesh…talk about ruining a perfectly good intro.

Wilson: But…but I waited while you opened and even let you post the first photo. I’m so confused about the rules for our Friday posts since they seem to defy precedent.

Elsa: Get used to it. Changes are in the air after this week’s ‘happening’ of which we shan’t get into, but I’m sure everyone knows to what I’m referring, so I’ll just leave it at that. And no, this isn’t some sort of Ninja logic…I can’t help but wonder if logic just became extinct this week but this is a pet blog, not some political podcast so let’s just get started. Ok, House Pony?

Wilson: Yeah, I’ve noticed Mum has the sads and wondered if that’s what’s been bothering her. I hope she knows we’re here for her.

Elsa: Of course we are and with your pet therapy skills, I’m counting on you to really step up. I can’t wait four years for her to smile again.

Wilson: I’ll do my part and with your help, we’ll make her feel better even though she won’t to be able to affect the political world around here. Luckily our state passed sweeping changes to codify some of the social issues in the state constitution. But because we’re a pet blog, that’s all we will say for now. Let’s move on to Mother Nature and what she unleashed on us the past couple of days, shall we?

Elsa: You got it, brother. So I already alluded to the heavy wet snow that’s been falling for the past day and a half. I think we had about 6-8+ inches so far. Hard to tell because with that heavy snow, there has been a lot of leaf drop.

Wilson:  Boy, you can say that again. Leaves have dropped along with the temps after they were heavily coated in a layer of white stuff. Sadly, some of that droppage has included lots of tree branches with it. Mum was out at midnight and at 4:00 AM, trying to shake snow off branches and various wires for the past couple of nights. But first, let’s share a couple of pics from last weekend.

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Elsa:  Wow, those seem like such ancient history. Fast forward to just two days later and you have this.

Wilson: Righto. Talk about a huge change.

Snow

Elsa: It sure was pretty.

Wilson: Pretty but deadly. As we were doing our morning constitutional in the dog run, Mum heard a loud crash and walked out front to this scene. A huge limb came down, blocking about 90% of the street. She went over to talk to the guy who lives in the house to see if there was anything she could do to help since she had just obtained the name of a licensed tree trimmer the day before.

Broken tree limbs

Elsa: Yikes! So that’s why she was gone for so long. She told me the guy said he’d talked with the police department and they indicated they would send someone out to clear the street.

Wilson: Mum knew that would take hours, if not days but the Ranch is on a great block and the neighbors came out, one with a chainsaw, and between four of them they managed to cut up and move the pieces out of the street. They worked like beavers taking care of that huge catastrophe.

Elsa: When everyone works together look what they can accomplish that’s positive and divisive. Oops, there I go again injecting a political slant. Sorry. It’s going to be hard to remain objective I suspect and hope people don’t take offense.

Wilson: It’s hard not to but I’ll be here to gently remind to stay above the fray, deal?

Elsa: Deal. I just hope I can keep up my end of the bargain.

Wilson: I’ll be patient and gentle, I promise even if I feel the same.

Elsa: So with the colder temps, it’s making things really interesting. Our Catalpa tree leaves keeps making funny noises.

Catalpa tree

Wilson: You can say that again. It’s been dropping frozen leaves like bombs. Luckily no tree limbs, just tons of leaves. Normally these leaves hang around longer than most but the weather did a major number on the tree. We were lucky, the neighbor across the street, lost a huge limb, just barely missing his car. Everyone in the neighborhood is on high alert and with parking always at a premium in this dense neighborhood, it makes things interesting.

Elsa: I can only imagine. I know Mom had a hair appointment scheduled yesterday and fortunately the hairdresser’s salon in only a couple of miles away so she walked over there and it gave her a chance to see how other people fared. It was a bit of a war zone out there.

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Wilson: Crikey…glad she didn’t take me with her. I’m still not comfortable around garbage trucks and the sound those broken tree limbs must make. I’m grateful to have been spared that outing, though I’m beginning to get a spot of cabin fever.

Elsa: Yeah and my weary bones won’t be happy in icy wet snow either. Mom said she was going to bring out the puzzle snuffle mats so we could exercise our minds. She said something absurd about not wanting us to cause mischief. Mischief? Us? Bwahahaha!

Wilson: Well you know me, if there are treats involved, count me in!

Elsa: {eyes rolling} Of course you are but it’ll be good for some mental stimulation. Let’s leave everyone with a few pretty pics and not just carnage, shall we?

Wilson: Happy to oblige.

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Elsa: Those are lovely, House Pony. I just looked outside, and it started snowing again. But we hope whatever you do and wherever you are, we hope you are safe and warm while still enjoying all that Mother Nature provides us. To those who share Mom’s current inner anguish, please know we are with you in spirit. Let’s continue to be supportive to each other.

Hugs and tail wags 🐾

Nature Friday

Nature Friday ~ October 25, 2024

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 53 Comments

ElsaWelcome to this week’s Nature Friday post. As has been typical…oh let’s see, since forever, October joined all the other months that set records. While not as warm as September,  temps are still about 15-20ºF above average, with crisp mornings. Hi, Elsa here. As always we’re joining our friends from Adventures of the LLB Gang. Don’t forget to click on the link to see what others shared. This week’s photos are a  bit all over the map-Mom couldn’t seem to get her act together for a coherent theme. And speaking of incoherent, here’s the House Pony to try to make sense of the photos.

Wilson: Hello mates, Happy Friday. My snarky sister is right, Mum really didn’t have a specific theme this week but we’ll try to make it interesting nonetheless.

Elsa: That may be a stretch but I’m sure you’ll do the best you can given the pickings are somewhat slim.

Wilson: Yeah, while Mum and I have been walking 5 miles a day, scenes along our route haven’t changed that much though I will note Mum saw a re-blooming iris two days ago. It’s the first time she’s ever seen one that wasn’t white. It’s actually rather pretty and no, Ninja, I didn’t sniff it for marking purposes.

Reblooming iris

Elsa: Wha…how dare you accuse me of being ready to pounce on that softball, err…that comment. But I’m convinced you thought about it.

Wilson: I did not. I was a good chap and Mum was proud of me.

Elsa: Well that has to be a first. So what was all that ranting and raving about that unusual find the other morning? I was on that walk and I couldn’t see what big deal was all about

Wilson: You mean that mushroom we found? Mum thinks it might have been an oyster mushroom or possibly a mock oyster mushroom. She said she wasn’t a mycophile by any means but she was pretty excited about coming across its path. Typically our humidity is in the low to mid-teens so for this one to sprout up in the gravel was definitely something to get jazzed about.

Elsa: Then again, maybe not so much. We see far more interesting things all the time. But whatever cranks your handle is fine by me.

Mushroom
Wilson: Well can I just say I was fascinated. I haven’t seen anything like that around here, at least not since I became a Ranch Hand and thought perhaps you might be intrigued with it.

Elsa: Nope, not even the slightest. Now…show me that chubby racoon that’s been waddling around our ‘Hood in the early morning, and I’m all over it. They are such fascinating critters. And that one who’s so chunky is particularly interesting. He’s barked at me before. I wanted to give him a piece of my mind, but Mom was adamant that we avoid any encounter at all costs. She can be such a killjoy sometimes.

Wilson: Tell me about it. She’s gotten so strict about me not even getting close to squirrels. It’s a major drag that I can’t chase after them. I’m sure I could catch one, I just know it. I’m quite speedy, you know.

Elsa: Yeah, yeah, yeah and you could whip it with one paw tied behind your back. Spare me, brother.

Wilson: I say, dear sister. No need to be so harsh. I was just saying…

Elsa: {interrupting} Oh spare me. Nobody wants to hear you yammering on about how close you came to bagging a squirrel.

Wilson: {miffed} Fine, I won’t say a thing about it.

Elsa: Promise? Ahhh, peace and quiet…just what I was praying for…

Wilson: {steamed} Oh so you planned to trick me into not talking about it, eh? Well that’s rather unkind. You know you could just do the post yourself if you don’t like what I’m sharing.

Elsa: Sheesh, lighten up, dude. Don’t be overly sensitive. Be more like me. Like I could give a rat’s…

Wilson: Umm Mum said to stop talking like that. You’d be well to heed that directive.

Elsa: Whatever…I’m the Ranch’s only princess…I can pretty much get away with just about anything. I mean, look at last week’s post where I munch her ballot. And here I am to tell about it. Heh, heh…this ‘no consequences’ thing is just awesome, I mean…hmm, it’s got me thinking…I wonder what else I can get away with…

Wilson: Best not, I’d have to report you to Mum. She was more than irritated with you again after you ate the latest flyer from Costco.

Elsa: Yeah, I did a really amazing shredding job on that yesterday morning. Mom doesn’t need the flyer anyway; she’d just spend money on stupid stuff instead of dehydrated liver treats on moi.

Wilson: Best not to chance it. You just never know and I sure as the devil don’t want to be blamed for something you did.

Elsa: Un-lax big guy. I’ve got the ‘Mom’ touch. She gives me a lot of latitude because of my early years in the puppy mill. And of course, the fact that I’m an epi-warrior just adds to her feeling sorry for me. I mean, talk about the luck of not one but “two get out of jail free” cards. I’m golden, trust me.

Wilson: Best not to push it. Besides, Mum loves it when we behave nicely.

Elsa: {eyes rolling} I’ll always be her favorite. You can take that to the bank.

Wilson: Not 100% sure about that but let’s share yesterday’s beautiful sunrise. With days getting shorter and it not being quite as hot, we’re able to eat our breakfast before going on our morning constitution. I rather like sleeping in a bit instead of having to go for a ‘crack of dawn’ walk. It’s nice to saunter outside and check out the pretty sunrise.

Sunrise

Elsa:  Whoa…nice clouds. I was too busy going potty to notice that bright orangey cloud. Mom was blown away by how bright it was. The mornings have been so clear so that was a nice treat.

Wilson: Treat, where? Wait, oh, I think you’re teasing me again. I know Mom will give me a nice tasty treat and it’ll be acceptable to eat it. I’m getting very good with waiting until she gives me the ok command. Anyway, we walked past a nearby church the other morning and saw how they created this scene. Kinda cool. Not sure if it means something because I’m not Episcopalian but it did catch Mum’s eye.

Rocks

Elsa: Don’t look at me for an explanation. Maybe someone reading this will know if it means something special. Anyway, it’s nicely done at any rate.

Wilson: Agreed. So the leaves around the Ranch have just begun to change in the last couple of days. Many are just so dried out but Mum found this tree with a bit of color yesterday morning. It was very breezy yesterday and looked a lot like it was almost snowing.

Changing leaves

Elsa: I know she’s been on the hunt for a very large leaf to put on top of your head because you’re so easy. Consider yourself lucky it’s been windy to thwart those efforts to make you look ridiculous. I’ve already put her on notice, I ain’t posing. Period.

Wilson: Don’t be so sure, I saw her pulling down that box that contains all the bandanas, hats and costumes in anticipation of Halloween. I just hope she’s too busy to pull it all together.

Elsa: Egad…so that’s what she was doing. Oh right, I’ll be laying low. Speaking of Halloween, what scene did you decide on sharing this week? There have been so many to choose from, won’t it be hard to find just one?

Wilson: You’re right about that, there have been so many but this one seemed to be truly out of the norm. We are definitely not fans of inflatables but this one caught Mum’s eye. I don’t think I’d want to stop at that house for treats.

Halloween

Elsa: Wait, you’d skip this house? Well that’s gotta be a first. But I’m with you. I wouldn’t want to stop at that house either. That’s just creeps-ville, dude.

Wilson: I agree. Well that’s it from me. So many of you were concerned about Mum’s ballot problem last week but I’m happy to report she filled it out as soon as she got home and hand delivered it to a nearby drop box. She received notice from the Secretary of State a couple of days later saying they’d received, verified the signature and accepted it. Whew. Look what they sent her in return-it even has the state flower, the Columbine, in the design. Pretty cool, don’t you think?

I voted

Elsa: Nope, I can’t chew up a digital sticker. Anyway, glad the whole thing is over now-she droned on about it endlessly. We hope you all have a terrific weekend and are able to get out and enjoy finding some slices of nature before daylight saving time ends.

Nature Friday

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ October 18, 2024

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 59 Comments

Elsa on sofa

{Whispering} Welcome to this week’s edition of Nature Friday where we join our hosts, Rosy and Sunny from Adventures of the LLB Gang. Don’t forget to click on the link to see what others shared. Elsa here with the latest skinny from around the Ranch. I wanted to start today’s post before that numbskull messes it up like he did last week. On the one hand, it’s still pretty dark early in the morning so pardon me for whispering-don’t want to wake up the kraken. On the other hand, it’s dark and by getting up early to beat that fool, I’m missing out on my beauty sleep. The things I do for this blog.

Anyway, this has been a whirlwind busy of a week…

Wilson: {yawning and smacking his lips} Huh, blurp…uh, what’s going on…where am I? I’m up!

Elsa: {rolling her eyes} Dude, you interrupted me. I was laying the foundation for you to open up with this week’s post. You’re awake? Your bedhead looks pretty gnarly, House Pony.

Wilson, bed head

Wilson: Umm, yeah…I haven’t had a chance to brush my hair yet but thought I was hearing you talk to someone. So…is it kosher for me to start now?

Elsa: If you must. Go for it.

Wilson: Well, when you put it like that…this week we are joining our friends…

Elsa: {smacks paw against her forehead} You fool, I already took care of that.

Wilson: Right, okay, then I presume it’s ok to start sharing photos?

Elsa: Yes!! Sheesh, I don’t know why I…ugh…you just can’t get good help. Go already!

Wilson: {shaking off the annoying little sister’s comment} As I was just about to say…it’s been quite the week. You managed to eat more mail again, including Mum’s ballot she just received. You seem to be on a mission to send her over the edge.

Ballot

Elsa: Maybe I was just irritated that she took you on a separate, longer walk after our initial sniff-ari. Besides, did you see it was 6 pages long? Sheesh, Mom’s busy and doesn’t have time to investigate all those citizen initiatives on the ballot. She just wants to make sure her vote for President is counted. The ballot was too long, I was just shortening it for brevity’s sake.

Wilson: We dogs are a smart lot, but Mum said you’ve lost the plot, little sister.

Elsa: Get over yourself. Besides, it was good for Mom to get out and see the world. Even if it’s the construction zone formerly known as downtown. Whoa, what a cluster. If it makes you feel better, I felt bad that she had to endure the crazy trip. She took the bus downtown to avoid the outrageous parking fees on what was a very nice autumn day (we’re hoping autumn temps will now dominate the landscape) but had no idea she was going to have to be plunked in the middle of such a major construction zone and would need to walk about on foot to get to the election board.

Wilson: Well you should feel badly. Without wheels, she was forced to wander hither and yon, back and forth, to get around all the construction on the mall (they’re resurfacing it and there was loads of heavy excavation equipment and workers directly traffic) in order to get over to the election office to obtain a duplicate ballot. She was too cautious to take photos of all that chaos with uneven surfaces, holes and the like and that wasn’t the kind of nature she wanted to share anyway so when she realized she was going to need to walk home, she walked along Cherry Creek which runs parallel to downtown. She discovered the creek was clear, but it was littered with all kinds of trash. That 3+ mile walk home was pretty depressing. Here’s a gallery of some of what she saw.

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Elsa: Whoa…the first couple of pics looked pretty good. The golden light was nice, everyone loves seeing ducks and things seemed all hunky-dory.

Wilson: Right, but the longer she walked, the more depressing and filthy it got. Despite multi-million dollar lofts on the east side of Cherry Creek, there was a lot of trash in the creek. Broken bottles, wrappers and even a chair. Come on humans…do better for our planet. Mum has never seen it like that before.

Elsa: I couldn’t agree more, brother. I see she got a decent shot of Confluence Park where Cherry Creek and the South Platte meet. Surprised there weren’t more people hanging out-it used to always have people playing in the water, kayaking and throwing sticks for their dogs in the past.

Wilson: Why would anyone want to deal with the traffic, construction and trash?

Elsa: I see your point. So now to the portion of our post where you gleefully get to post the latest Halloween scene from around the ‘Hood. I know this will make your bum wiggle with joy.

Wilson: I truly have found this neighborhood really gets into the whole Halloween decorating thing. It’s puzzling to me. This first photo is what is known as Halloween central. People from all over the city come to see this yard which has dozens of skellies including a lot of animal skellies. They change up the scene, usually weekly. Can you imagine dressing up all these guys every week? The latest theme-Olympic, is complete with flags from France (the most recent host to the summer Olympics), USA and even the Olympic flag with the iconic rings. They even went to the trouble of getting placards for the various displayed competition events which included a some gymnastics scenes, judo, swimming, table tennis and wrestling. Everytime we walked past it Mum finds another thing she’s missed before. She stands there in awe some days. People drive or walk by taking photos and shaking their heads in awe. Humans are truly odd.

Dog skellie

Elsa: That’s an understatement. So big guy, anything on your agenda this weekend?

Wilson: Just the usual dog stuff. Chase squirrels, nosh on treats and cuddle with Mum. It’s been quite crisp in the mornings and I have found she appreciates me blanketing her and keeping her nice and toasty.

Elsa: {under her breath} More like being pinned down and unable to move a muscle.

Wilson: Huh, what’s that you say?

Elsa: Oh nothing. Whatever you do, we hope you’re able to enjoy a lovely autumn weekend. Our forecast is calling for snow in the southwestern part of the state with Wolf Creek Pass already getting some yesterday. Naturally Denver remains a brown spot. Sigh.

Weather forecast
Image courtesy of the DenverGazette.com website.

Wilson: Maybe if we’re lucky, we might get a drop or two of rain in the city with a couple of inches of snow in the nearby mountains. Hope springs eternal.

Nature Friday

Live, love, bark! 🐾