Category: Mother Nature

Nature Friday ~ June 14, 2024

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 55 Comments

Elsa on sofaWell, will you lookie here…once again it’s  Friday and that means we’re joining our friends from Adventures of the LLB Gang. It’s been hot this week so I’m kinda melting whenever I find a comfy spot. In case you’ve missed us, there’s good reason.  Mom has been up to her eyeballs working on the sheepdog rescue picnic event and they had their annual spring fundraiser last weekend (more on that later) and she just couldn’t think about anything else. I’m surprised she had time to feed us.

Wilson: Gosh, that would have been totally tragic, wouldn’t it? Since I moved here nearly six months ago, she’s been on this “the sheepdog has got to lose weight” quest. I’m beginning to think I’m going to whittle away to just a small pile of fur.

Elsa: Ha…that’s not likely. Even though you’re nice and trim now, you’re NEVER gonna be a small pile of anything. But you’re right, you have slimmed down nicely and are probably at the idea weight now. Mom took you in for a groom job and Miss Sydney did a pawsome job showing off your thin profile for a cool summer look. Although I think you may have a case in Canine Court that Mom may have deceived you with that whole “wanna go for a ride” line.

Legal case meme

Wilson:  I’m a bit reluctant to pursue legal action at this time but will file this away for future reference. Right now, I’m feeling a bit naked, but with it being so hot this week, it is kind of nice to feel the cool tile on my belly for a change. And, getting rid of all that hair has had a bonus effect-I’m even speedier than usual. Watch out squirrels, I’m primed and ready for you.

Wilson groom

Elsa: About that…you need to chill out on the whole “death to squirrels” thing. Mom ain’t as flexible and young as she used to be and you wouldn’t want to break her now, would you? I mean…who’d feed us you then? You think you’re slim now, just wait if she’s hurt and can’t hobble around easily. I guarantee we’ll both get slim and that will be very uncool. I mean, Ninjas are lithe and svelte but hunger isn’t part of that equation, got it House Pony?

Wilson: Sorry, I just lose my mind whenever I see them and instinct takes over. I’ll try to do better.

Elsa: Instinct? What’s instinctive about that, bozo? You’re a herding dog, not a hunter.

Wilson: Hmm, good point. Like I said, I kind of lose my mind and forget my DNA.

Elsa: Well you better remember because if I miss any meals because Mom is laid up…there will be some consequences, got it, Dude?

Wilson: I’ll keep that in mind. So let’s see what we parts of Nature we can share this week, shall we?

Elsa: Works for me. With Mom being so focused on the rescue, her picture taking took a bit of a nosedive but I think there are a few pics we can share. I know when she went to pick you up from your grooming appointment, she walked you around before returning home and you guys came across a hawk near the groomer’s shop.

Hawk

Hawk

Wilson: That’s right! I couldn’t figure out what he was doing until Mum told me he’d just sat down for a mid-afternoon snack.

Elsa: Egad…you mean…aww, poor bunny. I guess the circle of life is as much a part of Nature as are pretty flowers.

Wilson: True enough. And because it’s been so bloody hot lately, we’re going to take another opportunity to post an important PSA. Again. Yesterday afternoon when Mum needed to mail something at the Post Office shortly after lunch hour, she said she saw around a dozen dogs being walked at mid-day. And, get this…3 of them were black dogs! Goodness gracious. People need to understand our paws can get blistered in those hot temps. Please walk us either early before it heats up or late in the evening when the temps have cooled down. If you can’t walk on the sidewalk in your bare feet, you shouldn’t expect us to…that’s all I’m going to say about that. We’re reposting this graphic and hope people will wake up and stop torturing us.

Summer temp

Elsa: Oh jeez…the stupidity of some uprights is just downright amazing. And not in a good way. I suspect we’ll need to bark this repeatedly because humans just aren’t very smart at times and often don’t think of how they are harming us.

Wilson: Well hope springs eternal, right? Mum did find a couple of pretty flowers this week. Good thing she took a photo of this peony because it’s through blooming now. It sure smelled wonderful. Mum calls peonies the queen of the garden.

Peony

Elsa: Yeah, she pretty much goes gah-gah when they bloom and this was a pretty exceptional year for peonies. Everyone who walks past our garden stops and comments on how gorgeous they are.

Wilson: Mum also found a patch of Spiderwort blooming in a secluded garden we walk past every day. Isn’t that purple lovely?

Spiderwort flower

Elsa: It sure is pretty but I was more focused on the fact there had been a bunny in that spot. I picked up it’s scent right away and Mom had a hard time convincing me we needed to continue on.

Wilson: So THAT’s what bunnies smell like, eh? I’ve seen them a few times but never focused on their scent before. I’ll have to keep my nose primed for future encounters. Mum says it’s been a banner year for them and constantly checks on her strawberry plant to make sure they don’t help themselves to it. They managed to snarf one berry a couple of days ago but she harvested the last one and it was big, juicy one at that. But then she got really excited about the potted tomatoes. Both of them are producing fruit and she squealed with delight. This one is a cherry tomato variety she’s planted in the previous years and said it’s a good producer. I can hardly wait to taste it.

Tomato

Elsa: Blech…trust me, you ain’t gonna like the taste of tomatoes.

Wilson: Why not, I like veggies. Not everything is about slabs of organ meat though I don’t mind that either.

Elsa: Oh, I don’t know…there’s something about the acid that I don’t favor or their tiny little seeds. Mom goes bonkers, popping them like candy. Sorry, I just don’t see the allure.

Wilson: Well I heard that tomatoes contain antioxidants like lycopene and beta-carotene which can help protect cells and can fight off free radicals.

Elsa: What the heck are free radicals? Sounds like a political thing and you know we’re not supposed to go down that path.

Wilson: Silly sister, free radicals can cause oxidative stress, and may play a role in the development of chronic conditions like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.

Elsa: Meh…give me some calf liver any day. Not only does it taste amazing, organ meat is a nutritious addition to a dog’s diet rich in nutrients that are essential for a dog’s health because it contains protein for muscle growth, tissue repair, and immune function; vitamins: A, B, D, and E; and minerals like copper, iron, phosphorus, selenium, and zinc as well as f

Wilson: Well you won’t see me pass meat up but I may see what this tomato thing tastes like once they get a bit bigger.

Elsa: Suit yourself. Anyway, I thought you might want to share a few pics from the sheepdog picnic. The weather in Elizabeth called for thunderstorms and several people didn’t show up but it looked like there was still a decent turnout and everyone including the uprights had a great time. Mom said it ended just before a thunderstorm rolled in and dumped some rain on the dry landscape.

Wilson: Yes, it was a successful event and everyone was very happy to learn the state finally approved our rescue. Woof, woof! We’re legit now and are looking forward to saving good sheepdogs who need new homes like I did. It’s been a long and challenging process but the Rocky Mountain Old English Sheepdog Rescue is now officially approved with the State of Colorado.

Logo

Sheepdog picnic

Grooming demoElsa: Nice! Say, isn’t that your Miss Sydney sharing grooming tips in a demonstration on show dog, Conner?

Wilson: Indeed it is. She’s very nice and quite knowledgeable about how to groom us sheepdogs. And look how much fun people and dogs had under some of the tents.

OES picnic

Sheepdog picnic

Elsa: I heard there was lots of tasty food for people.

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Wilson: Oh quite. Lots of great food and lots of fabulous gift baskets. We’re waiting for the totals but I’d say the final results were good.

Elsa: Outstanding. Guess I don’t mind that Mom has been so busy when I see so many happy sheepdogs living their best lives.

Wilson: Right…when you put it like that, all the hard work really paid off. Well that’s it this week. We hope you have a great weekend and a good Father’s Day celebration.

Nature Friday

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ May 31, 2024

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 59 Comments

Nature FridayWelcome to this week’s edition of Nature Friday. It is really the last Friday of May? Yikes, how in the world has this month zipped by so quickly? Elsa and the House Pony here with a special edition of Nature Friday where we’re going to share photos of Mom’s recent trip to the Iris Farm. As always, we are joining our pals from Adventures of the LLB Gang. Don’t forget to click on the link to see what other posts were shared.

Elsa: Ok House Pony, let’s see how you do this week. It’s going be different from our usual bevy of miscellany from around the ‘Hood since we’re only going to be featuring photos from Mom’s visit last weekend to the Iris4U Farm in the heart of the city How do you feel about that?

Wilson: I’m quite the affable chap so it’s no problem for me. We talked about this at our weekly editor’s meeting. I’m chuffed to feature pics of those beauties which Mum says that this year’s crop are the prettiest she’s ever seen.

Elsa: Well, if you okay with it. I thought maybe you might find it limiting since you tend to be a bit on the wild side.

Wilson: I am decidedly not wild. I am merely a youthful sheepdog who is most enthusiastic about life.

Elsa: Uh-huh. You say tomato, I say to-mah-to. Well, let’s get to it, dude.

Wilson: Mum met up with with her granddaughter and the new baby. I could tell because I could smell new baby all over her when she came home. Mum said she’s becoming quite the little blossom herself. I know we agreed to only share images of the irises, but come on…is her latest documentation pic just the cutest! Woof! and look at that smile and those chubby arms and legs.

Halia

Elsa: Boy, she sure is cute. Sure hope we get to meet her in person soon. She looks like she could use a puppy kiss…or two.

Wilson: I know, right? Well, I know Mum is pretty keen on her and so is everyone else who sees her but I’m sure it’ll be soon. I mean how long can they hold out not sharing her with us?

Elsa: Oh man, you don’t know moms, do you?

Wilson: Umm, I guess not, when you say it like that. Well, let’s move on to the flowers this week. When it comes to irises Mum is always partial to the dark purple ones but the black irises…well she started swooning and banging on so much I thought I’d have to administer CPR.
Black iris

Elsa: Whoa…that’s one very striking and unusual iris. I’m guessing Mom placed an order immediately. She can’t refuse coveting those black ones.

Wilson: She’s been combing through the online catalog and can’t decide but will eventually. Plus I’m sure she’ll go back again this week when the farm should be in peak view. I’m sure she’ll get it or one of the other black ones. There’s nothing like that around the “Ranch.”

Elsa: I can see why she’s so gaga over them. What other notables did she see?

Wilson: Well, let me just tell you. This close-up of one of the more striking ones, hit quite a note with Mum. I mean just look at that color. It just screams fabulous, doesn’t it?

Iris

Elsa: What? I can’t hear you…the color of that iris is too loud.

Wilson: Right! That shock of purple fringing the ‘beard’ was really something.

Elsa: Well I know for a fact that some of our readers are big fans of orangey colored flowers. Got anything for them?

Wilson: Indeed I do. Here are two that were especially lovely and had gorgeous ruffles around their edges. The ‘beard’ on the first one was particularly vivid.

Orange iris

Orange Iris
Elsa: Oooh…pretty. Any other unusual entries? Come on, House Pony, wow me some more.

Wilson: Well, beyond the traditional (yet still quite lovely) varieties, there was this one. Mum thought the contrast in the pale to the striking color was pretty sensational. I can just see her running around ‘oohing and ahhing.’ She probably resembled a bumblebee flitting from one row to the next after some smashing color caught her eye.

Iris

Elsa: Wow, just wow. Now that’s what I’m talking about. What else you got, big guy?

Wilson: There were so many pretty blooms, it was hard to narrow it down. Here’s a lovely pink and purple combo with a shockingly bright ‘beard.’

Iris Elsa: Holy flowers, Batman! That ‘beard’ is very bright!

Wilson: Ay, it sure was. Here are a few more that caught Mum’s eye.

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Elsa: I can see why Mom is struggling trying to narrow down selections from the catalog. With this being the last season Iris4U will be open, there are a lot of decisions she’s going to have to make. I’d hate to be in her shoes.

Wilson: Yeah, she’s going to have to make some tough choices. And this weekend she’s going to be busy getting ready for the annual sheepdog picnic.

Elsa: Oh yeah, that’s coming up soon, isn’t it? There’s lots to do around the Ranch for it and hope that whatever your weekend has in store for you, it’s a weekend where you can get out and enjoy the bounty of Nature as we continue to move toward summer good times. Happy Weekend, folks.

Wilson: Right-o. What she said. ⬆️ Have a super weekend!

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ May 17, 2024

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 49 Comments

ElsaGood Friday morning everyone…even though it feels like the day is practically gone. Elsa here. Mom has spent several hours trying to fix some of her technology and sort out some issues in WordPress and has been muttering and grousing for the past few hours about how tech is conspiring against her. I’m not sure what’s going on (I’m a Ninja, not Steve Jobs) but she’s pretty exhausted and very frustrated so I’ll apologize for her right up front. Hopefully, she’s resolved the issues and you’ll be able to see our post. As the House Pony says, “Sometimes you’re the dog, sometimes you’re the hydrant.” I think today qualifies for being a hydrant. As always we’re joining the fur kids from Adventures of the LLB Gang for their Nature Friday blog hop. Be sure to click on the link to see what others have shared.

Wilson: Cheerio mates, yes what my sister just said above is quite true. I’m trying my level best to make Mum not so miserable but then some other link breaks, or the passwords needed to be changed and all sorts of falderal and she has been holding her head a lot for the past few hours and moaning. Even tech products that work 99% of the time seem to have abandoned her and been über vexing. Let’s hope she takes a few deep breaths and things will start to look better. In the meantime, how about some photos from around our neighborhood?

Elsa: Good idea, Pony. What’cha got?

Cheesman Park
View from Cheesman Park

Wilson: The weather has been quite changeable since the weekend. It rained all Mother’s Day and put the kibosh on a planned outing to a favorite public garden nearby. But we have managed to make lemonade from the lemons since the flowers are blooming nicely. The Alliums and Poppies have exploded with gorgeous blooms and the bees sure seem to enjoy them. I’ve been tracking those flying bugs and I think I might have figured out how to capture one or two of them.

Poppies

Elsa: Ok, listen. to. your. Big. Sister. Stay away from the flying raisins with stingers! They bite back and, I hesitate to break it to you, but you’re not a Venus Fly Trap. Last thing Mom needs right now is a trip to the vet’s office because you got stung on the nose or tongue. Got it, Bucko?

Wilson: I’ll try to keep that in mind but they kind of remind me of squirrels and I just can’t seem to help myself although Mum’s constant training sessions about self discipline on going after squirrels has shown definite improvement. I want to please Mum so I’ll try extra hard, Ninja.

Allium Elsa: Mom and I have seen those Alliums on our walking route too. It seems to have been a very good year for Alliums and I’m sure the recent showers have been a good thing for them and all the plants in the garden.

Wilson: Mum had wanted to share some images of last weekend’s Northern Lights from some of her Facebook friends and received permission to share them just this morning since she couldn’t see them from our Ranch. Look how amazing they were; talk about a visual treat. These photos are courtesy of  Carrie Back-Edwards from Indian Hills.

Northern Lights
Photo courtesy of Carrie Back-Edwards
Northern Lights
Photo courtesy of Carrie Back-Edwards

Elsa: Whoa, those are fabulous and far more interesting than all the hype associated with the recent eclipse. So what other pics did you guys find on your walks?

Wilson: We came across a blooming cactus that was quite exquisite. Most cactus gardens are kinda boring here but this one particular garden was professionally installed and this little guy is nicely nestled near a big rock. The entire bed is full of xeriscape plants and has amazing diversity and color. This little fella is fairly small and Mum thinks most people probably overlook it.

Cactus

Elsa: Bet you tried to sniff it, didn’t you?

Wilson: Um…I started to, but Mum reigned me in so technically, I didn’t sniff it. But not because I didn’t want to.

Elsa: You and that honking big nose. It’s gonna get you in trouble yet!

Wilson: Can’t help myself. When you have a nose like mine, you are tempted to use it for what it was designed to do. Can I help it if it’s on the large side?

Elsa: Large? Ha, Mom should have called you Jimmy Durante! So what else do you got, big guy?

Wilson: We pass by this shrub rose all the time and Mum was quite surprised to see that it started blooming. Actually she was fairly gobsmacked! It’s far too early for roses to be blooming.

Shrub rose

Elsa: Nice. Again, I caution you about sniffing around this plant. See those thorns. They don’t go well with big noses.

Wilson: Thanks for the head’s up; I’ll keep that in mind. Not too far away from that shrub rose Mum found this beautiful Snow Anemone. The white petals looked like they were illuminated from within. Talk about glow-ey!

Flowers - Anemone

Elsa: Although I know it kind of looks like Mother Nature switched some lights on, it’s probably just a glitch in the metering on the camera. Still, it’s kinda cool. Looks very woodland-ish…something we don’t really have a lot of around our arid landscape.

Wilson: Well that’s it for now. We better wrap this up and post it before the day is completely shot.

Elsa: We hope you are able to get outside this weekend and check around for all the beauty Nature leaves us if we only look closely. Have a great weekend and remember, don’t sniff the thorny roses.

Nature Friday

Live, love, bark!

Nature Friday ~ May 10, 2024

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 50 Comments

Wilson & ElsaGood 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.

Mother's Day

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
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.

Lilac

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.

Iris

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?

Iris

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.

Wisteria

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.

Allium

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?

Chestnut tree

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?

Baby Halia

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.

Nature Friday

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ May 3, 2024

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 35 Comments

Wilson & ElsaWelcome to the first Friday of May where we join those sweet pups from the Adventures of the LLB Gang. Don’t forget to click on the highlighted link to see what other posts were shared. After a laughter-filled good visit with Mom’s Dad and sister, and just like Arnold Schwarzenegger, we’re ‘baacck.’ It was a bit early as spring on the prairie was just beginning to wake up but with temperatures warming up this week, it’s bound to go into overdrive. Crystal blue skies greeted us every day along with breezy conditions, but it was a lovely visit. Let’s start our tour, shall we?

Mailbox

Elsa: A new neighbor has slowly been getting settled in. They put up this adorable mailbox-one of the nicest in all of Pueblo West. Mom was captivated by it. Wilson thought the post needed to be baptized and I kept thinking, “Ugh…who are these weirdos?” Egad I just hope nobody saw me with them.

Wilson: What?! There was a small message in the gravel that the post was setting on that I needed to respond to…what’s wrong with that?

Elsa: I can’t even begin to respond to those ‘needs.’

Wilson: Well I noticed you left a message along our walks.

Elsa: Yup, I did. It said DON’T PEE HERE, YOU BOZO. Or do you need a translator?

Wilson: {miffed} Well I never…

Elsa: If only that were true. Moving along…the trees were just beginning to leaf out. This is one of a few deciduous trees that my Grandpa has that serves as resting spots for the prairie birds and shades the patio. Mom said the meadowlarks were back with fewer doves this time. The doves have taken over the past couple of years, much to the chagrin of the uprights but everyone seemed happy to hear the meadowlarks chirping their lovely songs. We couldn’t get close enough to take a pic but had to be content with their song. Mom starts to swoon whenever she hears their distinctive trilling. Here’s what they sound like.

Wilson: My heavens, what a charming and delightful sound. I can see why Mum enjoys their calls. She said the Western Meadowlark’s most common call is a “low, bell-like pluk or chupp which they use when disturbed and during courtship and territorial displays” according to the All About Birds website with the males giving “a hurried, excited “flight song” of short-spaced whistles and warbles.” If it makes Mum happy, who are we to interrupt?

Elsa: I know that…it just cracks me up when she goes into “bird frenzy.” More than once while they were all chatting on the patio, she interrupted the conversation excitingly telling the others “ooh, ooh, check out the Meadowlark call” {eyes rolling}. Her sister looked at her as if she’d lost her mind.

Wilson: Well I didn’t notice her sister seem to mind since she never stopped rubbing my ears. Boy was I glad I got to meet her.

Elsa: You are simply shameless. One day you’ll meet someone who isn’t seduced by your oafish large self.

Wilson: I doubt it but until then, I’ll enjoy the attention. I notice you were hanging out near her a lot of the time too.

Elsa: {clearing her throat} Ahem, she was my aunt before she ever became yours. And one of the sweetest dog lovers in the world. I love being around her and her husband and think I filled a vital role since I know they both were missing their dog back in Texas.

Wilson: It’s a good thing we always answer the call to quickly go to service, right mate?

Elsa: Oh jeez…get over yourself, House Pony. Anywho…what else you got today?

Wilson: Mum told me the rabbit brush is beginning to flower  but I was somewhat disappointed there didn’t seem to be any rabbits at home whenever we walked by.

Rabbit brush

Elsa: I suspect its pollen was what made Grandpa and Mom’s sister all stuffed up although there could have been other culprits, like maybe this wild Verbena that was beginning to sprout here and there. It’s a pretty little flower that stays low to the ground and provides a nice pop of color in a tawney landscape.

Wild Verbena

Wilson: How did I miss that one? I surely would have left a message.

Elsa: Ha…color Mom happy about that!

Irish

Wilson: Speaking of color…Mum mentioned that this untraditional iris was something her Mum planted many years ago. It’s quite striking and with the anniversary of her passing this past week, gave everyone a smile between their tears as they remembered her and how she lovingly created her garden over the years. I wish I could have met her, I’m sure I’d have loved her as much as everyone else.

Elsa: Yeah, she was the best, and I’m sure she’d actually have enjoyed you plonking your big fat head in her lap. She was especially fond of Sam who tended her when she went into hospice.

Wilson:  She must have been a very special human. And for the record…I don’t plonk. I gently rest my head in the lap of uprights who seem to appreciate and need my company. That’s why Mum thinks I might be a good candidate for pet therapy. So what was all that falderal about that flying thing? I couldn’t tell what all the excitement was but it sure seemed to entertain everyone.

Elsa: Oh that thing? That was the first Swallowtail of the season. It’s one of the largest of all butterflies and quite distinctive.

Wilson: Mum was very excited and tried to follow it around the patio area. She wasn’t able to get too close before it would flit around and move to another tree so her photo isn’t the greatest and is pretty grainy. But it’s not for lack of trying.

Swallowtail

Elsa: You’ll learn soon enough that Mom isn’t the best photographer anyway but especially with her cell phone. She considers it a victory if she gets a shot that resembles what it is she’s trying to share.

Wilson: Well in all fairness, sometimes a cell phone is all one happens to have at the moment and the only way to document something.

Elsa: Yeah, you’re probably right, but still…some of that documentation is so lame. Like this one, as we were heading back to Denver. You can tell the species, but you couldn’t tell what kind it was. Mom thought it might be a rattlesnake but she wasn’t about to get out of the car to get closer. She cropped it hoping it’d be more clear but alas…another fail. The full size pic looked more like a rope was across the road. She worried that if this guy sunned himself for too long, some big truck would likely run over him. She’s not a fan of snakes, I mean who IS right, but she didn’t wish him any harm. He was pretty long and blended in well to the landscape.

Snake

Wilson: Snake? Umm, I’d have passed as well…

Elsa: {interrupting} That’s rich, I know perfectly well you’d have investigated. You’d have either peed on it or tried to eat it.

Wilson: Well what else can you do with something like that in the middle of the road? I mean, come on…

Elsa: Well they are useful out on the prairie, keeping the mice population down and other small critters.

Wilson: I think this guy might have been napping a bit too much. He missed one in a planter near the front door that Mum and her sister were getting ready for plants.

Field mouse

Elsa: I heard the commotion. Auntie wasn’t nearly as thrilled as Mom was seeing that cute little thing. Mom thought it fell in and couldn’t climb out. It seemed pretty exhausted so she took it out and gently let it escape into the underbrush of a mugo pine. Look at all those hairs standing up!

Mouse

Wilson: I thought I smelled something but didn’t see it.

Elsa: That’s probably why Mom brought out the scissors and clippers when we got home. I heard ‘something’ about you getting a trim later today.

Wilson bath

Wilson: Ugh…yesterday’s bath was bad enough. While I’m  mostly a good boy when it comes to grooming, I’d rather be out walking and checking out Nature, frankly.

Elsa: Well you needed a bath and you might as well get used to it. Mom gets worked up if we get mats or begin to ‘heaven forbid,’ smell like dogs and then runs around collecting all her grooming gear.

Wilson: Oh dear. I didn’t sign up for that.

Elsa: Un-lax, Pony…there are lots of treats involved. And this new self-dog wash Mom found is run by a really nice lady who will make you feel quite special at her adorable shop and dog wash.

Wilson: Yes, but, but..water. I mean…are there enough treats for water?

Elsa: There are, after it’s all over. Trust me. I don’t like baths either but when I smell good, Mom really loves on me. Well, I’m outa here…time for my mid-morning nap. I’ll let you wrap it up, Pony.

Wilson: Roger that, Ninja. We hope you have a fabulous weekend and are able to check out all the posh sights Nature brings us everyday. Cheerio, mates!

Nature Friday

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ April 26, 2024

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 48 Comments

Welcome to this week’s edition of Nature Friday where we share bits of urban nature. Well another week of Spring is in the books but like always, we are joining those cuties from Adventures of the LLB Gang. Don’t forget to click on the link to see what other posts were shared.

Wilson

Elsa: Yo…yo, House Pony, wake up…it’s time to dish up a few images of spring from around the neighborhood.

Wilson:  {soft snoring} Huh…wha….Oh good morning. The crisp morning air left me wanting to stay in bed a bit longer but now that I’m awake, let’s get rolling!

Elsa: My goodness…aren’t you the eager beaver. So what’s on today’s hit parade?

Wilson: Not sure about any parade but with all the miles we’ve put on this week sniffing around, Mum said Spring is in full display The tulips in particular have been quite posh this Spring though they always disappoint me since they have no fragrance-trust me-I’ve checked. Mum’s red tulips are finally blooming. And notice the volunteer grape hyacinths in the background? Mum has been trying to corral them and even dug som to give to a friend who came by to take some irises and perennials for her garden. Talk about prolific!

Tulips

Elsa: Yeah, I’ve noticed those little scamps popping up in the oddest spots. There’s a whole patch in the garden where they’ve spread like weeds. I’m surprised Mom hasn’t gone on a terror yanking them up.

Wilson: She told me she didn’t mind them naturalizing but then said they were beginning to start acting like the lupines so she may need to start some remediation so they don’t go crazy. I haven’t seen the lupines but Mum told me there likely won’t be many this year. With all her talk about them, I was rather hoping I’d get to experience them. You can see past photos here.

Elsa: Yeah, she took zillions of photos, first with Sam and me and then Norman and me. I dreaded seeing them because it always meant we’d have to pose for 87 hours in the middle of them. Everyone who walked by would wax on about how beautiful they were. They had no idea how us dogs had to put up with photo sessions. I mean, it was almost animal cruelty!

Wilson: Oh gosh, sorry you had to endure that, Ninja. Must have been awful.

Elsa: You have no idea. It was like Christmas pictures. Hours and hours of “sit-stay” poses with all manner of Christmas decorations. The only good thing about it was Mom doled out lots of treats.

Wilson: Treats? Sign me up! I’ll stand on my head if there are treats involved.

Elsa: You say that now, but trust me, you’ll change your tune come later this year when we do our annual Christmas photos.

Wilson: Well I’m up for the challenge. I know Mum has some very high value treats she dispenses when she wants me to do something. I’ll humor her.

Elsa: Jeez, what a brown nose!

Wilson: {correcting} No-no…I have a very black nose. It’s one of those standout features about us Old English Sheepdogs.

Elsa: I was talking figuratively, New Guy. We’re gonna have to work on the meaning of ‘figuratively’ and ‘literally.’ You just don’t seem to understand the difference.

Wilson: I just go by what you tell me. I’m not a mind reading dog, I’m a herding dog. There’s a difference.

Elsa: Whatever. What else have you got?

Wilson: The lilacs are in full bloom and Mum is quite surprised since it’s early in the season. Now, those things DO smell great. Especially on a pretty blue sky day.

Lilacs

Elsa: Be careful where you stick that honker, bees like those flowers for their nectar.

Wilson: I’m not afraid of bees but I think wasps like this one might make me reconsider. Yesterday he was drinking from the solar fountain, buzzing around. I started to take a snap at him but Mum said that would be a very bad idea.

Wasp

Elsa: Trust me, dude. Stay away from those nasty things-they’ll make your tongue swell up if you try to eat one of those things. And then you won’t be able to taste the treats Mom gives you.

Wilson: Egad!! Thanks for that advice. I’ll try hard to avoid them. You can believe I want to be able to taste all the tasty treats Mum gives me.

Elsa: {head shaking} My gawd, you’re like a canine garbage disposal, aren’t you?

Wilson: Mum never gives me garbage.

Elsa: I can’t. I just can’t even begin to school you on the difference of stuff like that.

Wilson: What? I don’t understand…

Elsa: {interrupting} Precisely and I don’t have the time nor the patience to teach you. Let’s move along, House Pony, shall we? Beside that wasp, I think there was another encounter with some urban wildlife, though in all my years at the Ranch, I’ve never seen one of those.

Wilson: I have no idea what the bloody hell that thing was doing sashaying across this yard. I did have a feeling Mum did me a solid but not letting me try to herd it.

Turkey

Elsa: Darn straight she did. You don’t want to mess with those birds. They’ll mess you up but good. Probably came from someone’s city chicken coop.

Wilson: I could sense there was danger in that turkey by how tightly Mum held my leash and kept reinforcing the “leave it!” command with her clicker. Naturally I was a good boy and complied.

Elsa: {hysterical laughter} Complied? Right…I’ve seen how you handle the command to “Leave it!” when there’s a squirrel anywhere around {more raucous laughter}.

Wilson: If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were being quite cheeky with me.

Elsa: Umm, that’s one way of putting it. Good catch. Maybe you’ll figure things out eventually yet. Hope springs eternal.

Wilson:  I’m just going to ignore you and show you some other images we encountered yesterday afternoon. Mum tells me this plant is the state flower.

Columbine

Elsa: Well technically it’s the blue one that’s the state flower but like many of the perennials in the city, it’s blooming early.

Wilson: It’s quite striking, I say. But nothing compared to this purple flower. Mum said she’s never seen these blooming in April.

Iris

Elsa: Yeah, I’d agree. It was quite a shock seeing that pop up in a pile of weeds. Mother Nature seems to be teasing us.

Wilson: Right you are. When Mum and I walked back from the library, we came across this field of yellow flowers. I had to stop and admire them.

Dandelions

Elsa:  I hope Mom told you those yellow flowers are weeds and the bane of gardeners everywhere. With the moisture we’ve received this Spring, they have been a bumper crop of them everywhere. But they are kinda pretty.

Wilson: I should say so…they are quite cheerful. Well, that’s all I have today. I heard we’re going to visit our Grandpa this weekend and I will get to meet Mum’s youngest sister who’s coming from Texas for a short visit. I’m excited to meet more of the family and promise I’ll be on my best behavior.

Elsa: Uh, huh…best, eh? Not sure what you mean by ‘best’ but it should be a nice visit for a few days. What are your plans for the weekend? You doing anything exciting for this last weekend of April? We’re still amazed that May is upon us and just around the corner. Where is this year going?

Wilson: Not sure but it does seem to be moving along quickly. Whatever you do, we hope you’re able to see loads of Nature’s finest. Just avoid the turkeys and wasps.

Nature Friday

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Earth Day ~ 2024

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 52 Comments

Earth Day

Happy Earth Day. Let’s begin today’s nod to Earth Day with a compilation of numerous videos from CBS’s Walter Conkrite on the first Earth Day from around the country, which contained a reference to Denver’s smoggy skies in the first segment. Going to school in a small southern Colorado community, I was somewhat sheltered from Denver’s air quality notoriety at the time and found was surprised the state capitol was specifically singled out. It speaks volumes of how important the issue was and continues to be featured in the news, especially with the extreme weather patterns we are experiencing across the globe.

The original idea of bringing attention to the environment came from Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wyoming following a 1969 massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California. Sen. Nelson who enlisted the help of a young activist, Denis Hayes, had growing concerns for the environment following Rachel Carson’s book, Silent Spring which was gaining attention among environmental groups and wanted a unified cause to provide a way for disparate groups find a way to join together and bring information and education to people on the impact of pesticides were on farm workers and the environment.

The first Earth Day saw approximately 20 million people participate, many using the day to clean up streets in their neighborhoods. New York’s Earth Day parade shut down Fifth Ave. Later that year, The Environmental Protection Agency was created by then president, Richard Nixon. A condensed timeline can be found at the EPA’s website. Earth Day went global in 1990 and is now recognized around the world.

As you begin this week, I hope you take some time to look at your immediate environment and do something to improve it even if it’s just picking up trash or something a bit more lasting like not using plastic bags. January 2024 saw Colorado ban plastic bags from large retail stores as well as prohibiting restaurants and retail food establishments from using Styrofoam takeout containers.

Although today’s post is of a serious nature, we still want to end it with a small smile and hope it prompts you to do whatever you can to help this growing problem. Semper Fido.

Earth Day

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ April 19, 2024

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 44 Comments

Wilson & ElsaWelcome to Nature Friday where we share bits of nature from the urban landscape. As always, we are joining our friendly hosts from Adventures of the LLB Gang. Don’t forget to click on the link to see what other posts were shared.

It’s been another crazy weather week with wide swings in the temperatures which have seemed to accelerate spring’s presence. Fifty degree temperature swings are not uncommon around here, especially at this time of year. Let’s see what we have, shall we?

Elsa: First off, on behalf of Mom who has become super forgetful since the birth of her great granddaughter, we need to apologize for not expressing our shock gratitude for being a winner last week on the Teaser. She’s never first to arrive  but she was first to correctly guess on April 9th, the day Baby Halia arrived. Naturally she’s been gaga ever since so we hope you don’t hold it against her. Originally she thought it was a photo of a pile of gravel she had delivered many years ago but I convinced her to look for some clues to figure out where that photo was taken. Many thanks to Two Spoiled Cats for awarding her this cool badge. We have our paws crossed she starts to remember things better. {shouting out}…oh Mom…don’t forget to put your pants on today, okay?

Teaser Badge

The Mom:  Umm, for the record, yes, I remembered to put on  my pants {eyes rolling}.

Elsa: Whew…anywho…now that we’ve expressed our thanks, I’m gonna wake up the Pony and see what he’s put together for today.

Wilson: {butt wiggling with excitement} I’m here, I’m here…let’s get going!

Elsa: Down Sportor…don’t weird out on me.

Wilson: Well I just wanted to let you know I’m quite bright eyed and bushy…

Elsa: {sighing while interjecting} Ugh…this guy is way too literal, not to mention, way too bouncy. Let’s move along, shall we? What do you have to share first?

Wilson: {giddy with excitement…tail and bum wiggling like crazy} Well, this week Mum installed this cool garden whirligig that she received as a Christmas gift. She had put it away in the garage and forgot about it…mostly because the ground was frozen at the time. But she came across it and decided now would be a good time to install it. It took her a few minutes to figure out the instructions but figured it out. I can stare at that thing for ages. It’s very calming and Mum is hoping it will not only be lovely to passersby but also that it’ll the squirrels from coming in the front garden. Notice the wet stuff. We are grateful Mother Nature decided to gift us a little bit of moisture but hope she is even more generous later today.

Elsa: Erm…o-kay. Whatever cranks your handle. I suppose if it keeps you from going bananas, it’ll be worth it.

Wilson: As you well know, I’m pretty plugged into anything that moves so maybe this will keep me occupied. Otherwise, Mum is going to have to go back to the drawing board.

Elsa:  I’m guessing this is the first of many strategies Mom is going to have to employ to keep you from killing her.

Wilson: {protesting and sounding slightly miffed} I’d never kill Mum. I just. am. always. hyper-vigilant about my surroundings.

Elsa: Hyper-vigilant? How about you’re a crazed lunatic?

Wilson: Name calling is not necessary. Besides, I’m the big strong one and must protect Mum.

Elsa: Ha! She’s managed to survive on her own without your help for 87 years so don’t flatter yourself. Just try not to run either of us over, and we’ll all be cool, okay.

Wilson: So…moving along. I thought this week we’d share photos of how accelerated spring is this year. Mum tells me she’s never seen perennials in such an early state of blooming.

Elsa: Yeah, I’ve noticed things in various stages of bloom and I’m not just talking about flowering trees although they’ve been nice. Here are a redbud and crabapple trees.

Flowering trees

Wilson: Oh I love that redbud tree and Mum tells me all of us dogs love it too because we always try to potty beneath its low branches. She’s not having any of that and at least with me, she drags me off.

Elsa: Don’t feel special. She does the same thing with me while she’s grumbling something about how she’s not bending over like a gnome picking up after us under those low branches.

Wilson: Oh yes, she said the same thing with me. She was quite testy about it, too.

Elsa: Old people…what can you do but humor them. But I know we’ll both try every time we walk past that house. Angels Norman and Sam did the same thing. Maybe someone can explain to Mom why we do that. I can’t explain it.

Wilson: It’s quite a mystery to me but then I’m the new guy and a lot of things are mysterious to me here.

Elsa: So what’s up with this next pic? Care to explain it?

Mushrooms

Wilson: Mum said it’s a mushroom clump and she thought it was rather fascinating. Because of our lack of humidity, seeing clumps like this are fairly unusual. It was quite a fragrant spot but Mum dragged me off again. She won’t let me pee on plants.

Elsa: She mentioned to me she can’t remember the last time so many perennials have started to bloom so early in the season. Mother Nature seems to be playing tricks on us. From poppies to irises and peonies and Bachelor Buttons from seed…I mean, for crying out loud, even some lilacs started blooming. In the middle of April! Say what you will, there is definitely something about this global warming thing. How else can you explain it?

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Wilson: It sure seems that way, but I’m a herder, not a scientist so don’t rely on my observations.

Elsa: Boy you can say that again. Trust me, I wouldn’t rely on your thoughts, even if you WERE a scientist. But the absolute wildest thing we saw on our walks from yesterday were some blooming Bleeding Hearts. We were almost to our house and Mom saw them as she walked by. And BAM! she stopped and yelled, “What the bloody dog?!” and walked back to take a photo. I thought I was going to have to revive her, I tell you.Bleeding HeartsWilson: It’s quite something, that’s for sure. Well that’s it for the flora this week but Mum was super excited that she saw some wildlife as well. It’s not a very good photo since all she had was her cell phone but she was blown away to see what she thinks was a juvenile Cooper’s Hawk in her silver maple tree. They’re not unheard of but seeing one in the city seems somewhat unusual.

Bird

Elsa: We need to remind Mom to get an arborist out to trim that tree. The squirrels are playing havoc with new branches and there are lots of old ones that need to be pruned away.

Wilson: Squirrels??? Where, I’ll get them!

Elsa: Down Pony…I said we need to have Mom take care of it. You’ll just create a mess and hurt yourself or more likely, someone else. I know you mean well but I’m starting to grow used to you and would hate to see you get hurt. Besides, I think I used up the entire veterinary budget this year. So let’s agree to let Mom take care of this. Guess that’s it for us this week. We hope you have a great weekend. So dude…are we doing anything exciting?

Wilson:  Don’t think so. Mum said something about seeing the baby again. I wish she’d let me go with her…I definitely want to meet her. Mum can’t stop banging on about how fabulous she is and hopefully I’ll get to meet her soon when Mum’s sister comes to Colorado for a visit in a couple of weeks. We hope you have a splendid weekend and are able to get outside and take in the beauty Nature shares with us. In the meantime, we’ll leave you with this week’s image of the little sprout on her one week anniversary.

Baby Halia
Baby Halia – one week old

Nature Friday

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ April 12, 2024

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 68 Comments

Welcome to Nature Friday where we share a few slices of Nature from around our ‘Hood. As always, we are joining our hosts from Adventures of the LLB Gang. Please click on the link to see what other posts were shared.

ElsaIt’s been an exciting and busy week around the Ranch. For a couple of days both me and the New Guy wondered why Mom was gone so much. I mean, what could possibly be more important than us? Elsa here. Well, it turns out our family increased in size. We will now have five, yes FIVE living generations around the Ranch House. How is that possible, you ask? Mom’s first granddaughter gave birth to a healthy, beautiful baby girl (who was just a tad reluctant to leave the comfy womb but who finally made her debut at 12:34 pm on Tuesday). Mom, Dad and baby are all doing well even if they’re massively tuckered out.

Baby Halia
Courtesy of Bella Baby Photography

I can say without reservation Mom is over the moon even if she’s not sure about being called a great grandma. I think that means she’s older than dirt but we’ll love her just the same. We can hardly wait to meet this little one. The Pony told me he’s an excellent and very responsive baby watcher. We’ll see but he does seem to respond to crying babies, puppies and mewing kittens whenever he hears them in a video.

Wilson: I say, little sister, does this mean I’m an uncle now?

Elsa: No Oaf…you’re not an uncle. Because this is a G-rated blog, I can’t say what you are but you will be expected to be on your best, furry behavior.

Wilson: So what do WE call this bundle?

Elsa: I was gonna guess Princess, but Mom says her name is Halia which is apparently Hawaiian for “remembrance.” Her name is an homage to all the grandparents who didn’t live long enough to welcome her to this world. She’s going to be so loved by this family.

Wilson: Bravo, I suspect Mum’s dad is over the moon too? He’s very attached to Hailey, the baby’s mum.

Elsa: He most certainly is which means you’re no longer going to be top banana at his house. But I’m positive he’ll still be glad to see us the next time we go down to visit him.

Wilson: I should hope so. I’d hate to think we’ve lost our station. {sniffling}

Elsa: No chance of that, I mean…after all we’re pretty, cuddly and irresistible still so put your British insecurities at rest.

Wilson: Well if you say so…now what else do we have to share this week.

Elsa: Well you can bet your tea and crumpets it isn’t going to be a weather report, though it has been pretty gorgeous outside and Nature seems to be fairly happy. She’s coaxing more blooms out in the garden. What did you find to share, Hoss?

Wilson: Hmm, there you go again with another nickname. Since there appears to be no point in correcting you again, I’ll just continue and share some lovely blooms from around the neighborhood. First up are some Creeping Phlox. They are blooming everywhere in loads of shades of pink and purple.

Flowers

Elsa: Well everywhere but in our yard. Mom had a small patch of it but it didn’t come back this year. That one is from the guy across the street’s garden. Mom’s going to ask him if he knows why her’s failed to come back.

Wilson: Gosh how sad, I know how much Mum likes to see flowers in the garden. Look at these grape hyacinths we discovered on our walk this week. We hadn’t noticed these ombre colored ones before. How brilliant is that?! Dark on the bottom and lighter at the top. Ours are only one color-be they purple or the blue ones.

Flowers

Elsa: Whoa…the ones in our garden aren’t ombre colored. That IS pretty cool.

Wilson: Quite right!

Elsa: Some of the flowering trees have started their annual show too. I think these are plum trees. I’ll know more if the squirrels start munching on the fruit.

Flowers

Wilson: Squirrels?!?! Where? I’ll take care of those rotten buggers.

Elsa: Down Bucko. Don’t get excited just yet.

Wilson: Well you know how I feel about squirrels!

Elsa: Unlax dude. Why not share some of the pretty pink tulips Mom found recently. She’s been looking for tulips that weren’t red for the past couple of weeks and they’re finally out. Yay…maybe now she’ll stop whining about it.FlowersWilson: I can see why she likes them. They are quite lovely. Well, she really doesn’t mind the red ones, but she says she wanted to see other colors. She still hasn’t seen yellow, white or purple ones yet…

Elsa: {interrupting} Gah…don’t bring it up or we’ll never hear the end of it. Let’s move along and share this other tulip instead.

Tulips

Wilson: Right. So what do you think about this shrub? I think it’s a flowering quince. I checked it out but it was decidedly unfriendly to my nose.Quince

Elsa: I’d be unfriendly too if you stuck that big ole honker up my grill.

Wilson: Ahem, excuse me…I’ve noticed you sniffing at things a lot more since your surgeries. Sniffing is how I process the world around me. I’m still getting used to how differently things smell from my old home. Things here in Colorado are quite different. Some things remain the same scent-wise to humans but I still need to check and make sure. That’s where my nose comes in.

Hyacinths

Elsa: And here I thought it was because you’re a nosey-nellie. I stand corrected.

Wilson: I’m going to ignore that comment. Mum has also noticed loads of Creeping Phlox along our daily walks beyond what the neighbor has. It sure is a cheerful addition to a sidewalk path.Phlox

Elsa: Here’s another blooming tree branch I found on my walk yesterday. Looks like pink is this week’s showcase color. It sure makes Mom happy when she sees it.

Wilson: Seems only fitting that pink is the week’s theme color. After all, it goes well with the little pink human who arrived. Flowering tree

Elsa: Good one, House Pony. You may actually be on to something.

Wilson: Well I’m not just a furry face, you know.

Elsa: Umm, the jury is still out on that.

Wilson: {ignoring the snarky comment) So Mum showed me this art installation. She waxed on and on about how clever it was and how original but I’m afraid I didn’t get it. Can you explain it to me?

Elsa: There’s no explanation, dude. She just likes it. You have to realize art is in the eye of the beholder and leave it at that.

Wilson: Okay, but it was almost creepy. I wasn’t sure I should sniff it or growl at it. I’m always suspicious of faces with big eyes that don’t blink. It’s a bit unnerving, don’t you think?

Elsa: That’s nothing-you should have seen it when it was wearing a gigantic mask during COVID. Talk about unnerving

Art

Wilson: Oh dear, glad I didn’t see that! I like looking at faces, they usually have a smile, an ear rub and offer me a treat. I’ll try to be on my best behavior whenever I see them. Mum says she’s going to start training me to join the pet therapy dog program soon. She thinks people will love meeting me. And well…if there are treats involved, I’m sure I can do it without any trouble.

Elsa: {eyes rolling} You and your treats. Dude, you gotta be a bit less enthusiastic about eating things.

Wilson: {eyes moving from left to right and back again…mulling that thought over} Why…I’m not sure I understand that but will try to make Mum proud, regardless. Well, that’s it from me. You have anything to add?

Elsa: Other than Mom’s strawberry just set some fruit which made her mouth water, no. I just hope everyone has a great weekend enjoying Spring. I can’t wait to meet little Halia and hope we get to do that over the weekend. Otherwise, we’ll have to be content with enjoying the sights and sounds of spring and hope you are able to get outside and enjoy Nature at its prettiest. Have a great weekend.

Strawberry

Wilson: Yes, what my dear sister said. Happy weekend. And I can’t wait to taste those lovelies.

Elsa: Oh for dog’s sake. Have a good weekend everyone!

Nature Friday

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ April 5, 2024

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 42 Comments

Elsa on sofaHappy first Friday of April peeps…it’s time for another Nature Friday post. Well spring continues to do spring things…you know…like dump tons of snow on the Northeast, bring 70’s and 80’sF to the central portion of the country with higher  temps in gulf states with buckets of moisture to the West Coast. Good golly, it seems like Mother Nature is truly cheesed off. As we typically do on Friday’s, we’re joining our pals at Adventures of the LLB Gang. Be sure to click on the highlighted link to see what other posts were shared.

Elsa: So I finally was released from vet care yesterday by receiving a clean bill of health. They removed my stitches and pronounced me fully healed from a diagnosed UTI, femoral surgery and I received a good report on the histogram of the removed cyst (it was benign but Mom was told it could come back so I guess they’ll monitor it down the road). While the folks at this vet clinic are super nice, I told them I hope to never see them again…any time soon.

Vet office
Sorry about the sun flare-the clinic faces south and it’s been very sunny here

Wilson: That’s jolly good news, Ninja. Congratulations. I’m sure those vet folks will miss seeing you. Mum told me they always enjoyed you coming in because you were a great patient.

Elsa:  They probably enjoyed seeing Mom and her credit card more than me. But now that I think of it, they were quite nice to me and gave me terrific ear rubs…even when I was shaking with fear at their fancy posh office. There’s just no way to disguise the fact that office visits to the vet can be very traumatic. From the first time I arrived with the femoral fracture to the dental procedure…it was doggone scary. But being the Zen Ninja I am, I handled it with great aplomb and dignity.

Wilson: Don’t sell yourself short. Everyone I encounter always says how lucky I am to have you as a sister. And despite the fact I get grumpy sometimes with you because you ofen hog all of Mum’s attention, you do make her smile a lot. Like all those times this past week where you lazed away on the sofa despite the no dogs on furniture rule. She laughed out loud. You didn’t even pretend to be sorry for disobeying both Mum and the vet’s specific instructions to not jump while your shoulder was healing. Tsk, tsk…naughty girl.

Elsa, epilepsy

Elsa: Do I look like I care?

Wilson: Umm, good point. Still, I can’t help wondering why I get yelled at whenever I get up on the sofa.

Elsa: Well, you’re you and I’m me. There are different rules for Ninjas versus House Ponies. The sooner you realize that, the better we’ll all be.

Wilson: {somewhat dejected} Whatever happened to equality for all?

Elsa: {jumping up on the sofa as Mom types} You want  equality? You need to look up it on page 391 of Mom’s  Webster’s dictionary.

Wilson: {frowning} Umm, perhaps instead we should share some of this week’s nature images.

Elsa: Whatever cranks your handle. Mom has been walking past this little tree/shrub for months now and wondered what it was. According to her plant app, it was identified as an American Pussy Willow but she was somewhat dubious since it’s not known to be found in Colorado. Still, it’s pretty cool and Mom liked it.

Pussy willow

Wilson: Whoa…look at those silky catkins! I guess they start blooming on the bare stems before the leaves appear, and provide a wonderful source of pollen for native bees early in the season.

Elsa: Supposedly the male and female flowers are produced on separate plants yet both plants have flowers. There was only the one there so Mom wasn’t sure if it was male or female. While the male plant produces pollen, both sexes produce nectar and the flowers of the male plant produce those nubby catkins that are used in flower arrangements.

Pussy willows

Wilson: Trust me I checked to see what it smelled like but apparently no one has left any clues about it.

Elsa: Of course you smelled it. Sheesh, I am still of the opinion you’re part Bloodhound. Emphasis on the hound part.

Wilson: {eyes looking left and right, mind mulling over what was just said} Wait, is that some kind of put down because I’m 100% Old English Sheepdog.

Elsa: Hey, you sniff more that your normal English fur ball. You know I just call ’em like I see ’em.

Wilson: Rest assured, I am NOT a hound, blood or otherwise. I’m part of the magnificent group of herding dogs and…

Elsa: Save it dog breath. You try herding me, I’ll show you what Poodles do, ok?

The Mom: Ok you two, no more flexing of breed egos. Just get on with sharing nature this week, ‘kay?

Elsa and Wilson: {in unison and two part harmony} Yes Mom/Mum.

The Mom: {smiling} Whew, that’s better.

Elsa: He started it, Mom.

Wilson: Did not, you started it.

The Mom: Enough guys. Let’s. move. on! I’m sure there are a few more spring photos we can share.

Elsa: Okay, okay…yeesh…so cranky on a Friday. Anywho…the recent snow storms didn’t seem to have too negative of an impact on the emerging tulips, although apparently the moisture produced a by-product plant. Who know snow would cause Pringles containers to bloom? That’s a new one on me. And yes, we disposed of it. {head shaking} Man, what is wrong with uprights?

Tulips

Wilson: {with stiffened back and shaking head} Unforgivable, I say! At least none of those containers grew with these tulips. Talk about a cheerful bunch.

Tulips Elsa: You’re so right there, Pony. Some people are just beasts.

Wilson: You can say that again. I know it really upsets Mum when we’re out on our constitutionals. She gets very sad seeing trash. Weeds are bad enough but litter is simple unforgivable.

Elsa: We started to see a few of the flowering trees emerging from their winter snooze. Check out this type of cherry tree in bloom. The bees acted like they were having a kegger, buzzing and noshing on all the nectar.

Cherry Blossoms

 

Wilson: Hmm, what’s a kegger? Sounds like some decidedly American expression. There were a bunch of bees in this ornamental pear as well. It sure was quite the sight against a Colorado bluebird sky.

Ornamental pear

Elsa: It’s going to be another warm day (sorry Northeast peeps). We’re under a Red Flag warning for high winds with extremely low humidity today for much of the state. Winds could reach 75 mph later this morning so we better get cracking and batten down the hatches. Hopefully tomorrow’s forecast for moisture will materialize. And here I just got a bath this week. Ugh.

Wilson: Never fear, sister…I’ll keep you well anchored on the ground. Between me and Mum, you have nothing to fear about blowing away.

The Mom: Umm, I’m sure that was a compliment.

Wilson: Of course it was, Mum.

Elsa: {interrupting} Sounds like the House Pony is saying you’re on the chubby side, Mom. {snickering}.

Wilson: Not at all, dear sister; I was just trying to alleviate any fears you may have about blowing away.

Elsa: There you go, ruining another easy softball I pitched to you. What the dog? Whatever…we hope that whatever Nature dishes out this weekend, you stay safe and are able to ‘enjoy’  whatever she delivers your way. Have a great weekend everyone.

Wilson: Right, enjoy your weekend…even if you’re sipping a nice cuppa with a good book from the sofa watching the snow fly in case you’re not interested in shoveling or sloshing around in it. Stay safe.

Nature Friday

Live, love, bark! 🐾