Category: Mother Nature

Nature Friday ~ September 5, 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 58 Comments
Wilson
Watching Nature on the telly-those seem like fairly large dogs

Hello mates and welcome to the first Nature Friday post of September. Wilson here to share what I’m seeing in Nature this week. As always, I’m joining those two cute pups from the Adventures of the LLB Gang’s blog hop. Don’t forget to click on the link to see what great posts and pics were shared throughout Blogville.

This week’s temps were warmer than last week’s, but not horrible. Days are warm, nights are crisp and we have a diverse offering for today’s post.

It’s was a crazy week made crazier by Mum. She has been scurrying around swabbing decks and other stuff that probably should have been done in spring and it’s causing me some major heartburn. She keeps saying everything is going to be fine, but seriously, who trusts someone with wielding a mop or pushing a vacuum around. OMD…a dog cannot relax in this kind of environment. I move from one place to another to avoid that noisy soul sucking machine and it’s like she’s stalking me with that vacuum wand. Anyway, please be patient with us as we’ve not had a lot of online time visiting blogs but hope to get reasonably caught up soon. But if anything goes wrong or if you don’t hear from us, be sure to assign blame on her because I’m never at fault…only fabulous. Despite what she may imply with her snide comments about paw prints on the floors and nose art on the front door.

So like I said earlier, it has been a little warmer this week but not overly unpleasant. I have my paws crossed this is summer’s last hurrah and that she’s ready to move aside for our favorite season, autumn, which officially arrives in two weeks and three days, but who’s counting and we’re beginning to notice subtle signs that a new script is in the works. Just take a look at some of a couple of indicators that things are in flux.

Changing Leaves

This tree is from down the street. Those spots of gold make for a nice contrast with the green leaves, wouldn’t you agree?
Changing leaves

While not near as vivid, this Honey Locust is across the street from our house, and we’re seeing little spots of yellow appearing in the upper canopy.

Another sure fire sign that the seasons are beginning to change are oaks trees with their little nuts, i.e. acorns. I’ve always dreamed of noshing on them and just a couple of weeks ago, that tree was covered with them and there were gobs of them on the ground. This week, there were only a couple left on the tree and nothing on the ground. No doubt the hoodlum neighborhood squirrels stocked up before I had a chance to snack on them. Interesting side note…I found out acorns provide food for birds, rodents, beers, even deer, so I ask, why not a Floof? You know, just as a quality control thing. Plus they make some lovely craft items, if one is interested in that sort of thing. I know Mum has collected them in the past for making wreaths and holiday ornaments.

Acorns

The Mum: Good morning, laddie, how’s it…

Wilson: {interrupting} Oh hiya, finally decided to join us, did you?

The Mum:  Well I was trying to find something I misplaced…sorry I’m late. But I see you managed without my help.

Wilson: I can’t believe anything around here is misplaced. You’ve been on a crusade to put things where they belong or even purging it. Did you find what you were looking for yet?

The Mum:  No, not yet, but I’m sure it’s gotta be around and I’ll continue to hunt.

Wilson: Just don’t hunt with the vacuum, okay, Mum? That thing scares the devil out of me, not that there’s any devil in me, but you know. That’s just an expression, mind you. I don’t have to remind you that I’m totally fabulous and a very good boy.

The Mum: Yes, you’re a good boy though I’ve notice a certain stubborn streak emerging of late that…

Wilson: {interrupting} GASP!! I am not stubborn, I’m just strongly devoted to keep doing what I’ve been doing. Besides, my clock is on a different wavelength from your artificial time table.

The Mum: Oh, different wavelength, is that what it is? That’s one way of describing it.

Wilson: Oh I’ll admit, I was nice and comfy on the patio a few times watching the world go by while you were in gardening mode and I was merely not ready to come back in the house.

The Mum: I’ve learned it’s not a good idea leaving you to your own devices. While I was trimming the iris leaves, I noticed you ran across the street to give a certain squirrel the what for. Remember? We had a long talk about that.

Wilson: Talk? Harumph…you put me in time out inside the house as I recall.

The Mum: Well you know the saying, if you do the crime, you have to do the time.

Wilson:  {ignoring the squirrel transgression} Umm, not to change the subject, but I noticed last week’s showers and this week’s warmer temps sure made for some pretty flowers. I mean, just look at this pretty Morning Glory. Is that some gorgeous color or what?Morning Glory

The Mum: Indeed, nature knows how to showcase its own.

Wilson: Another sign that autumn is upon us is the annual ritual of people planting Chrysanthemums. This cheery yellow one caught my eye. They’re pretty but they don’t smell as great as they look.
Mums

The Mum: Yup, you know when mums are planted, autumn can’t be too far away. Being scented isn’t the only reason to plant pretty things in the garden.

Wilson: Yeah, but my own preference is to have both a great scent and pretty blooms. Nothing wrong with that, is there?

The Mum: No, I totally understand. But mums are one of those autumn plants that seem to want to look better than they smell and that’s okay too.

Wilson: Says the person with about a third as many olfactory cells than most dogs have. Suit yourself.

The Mum:  Right…what else do you have? Did you see any critters this week?

Wilson: As a matter of fact, I did encounter a crawly thing with huge eyeballs that seemed to be taking in all sorts of scenery. I do know he kinda startled you but then once you overcame the surprise, seemed transfixed by his eyes and the tiny little hairs on all his legs. Didn’t you say you thought that was a harmless wolf spider?

Spider

The Mum: Yes, I think that’s what it was. I’ve seen several of them hanging out this summer. The early wet conditions seemed to activate the arachnid population around the garden. I’ve been pulling webs off the water spigot and around the base of pots on a twice-a-week basis. They’re great for keeping harmful insects at bay and are not dangerous. I read that they have 8 eyes but the two prominents ones were the ones I was mesmerized most by them. It was pretty cool. So what else do you have to share today?

Wilson: I noticed a Sorbus tree, known as a mountain-ash in North America and a rowan in the UK. An ornamental, smallish tree is in full berry mode which will keep a lot of birds fed this winter.

Mountain Ash

The Mum:  When my kids were very small, they planted one for me one Mother’s Day and it was a favorite addition. I’ve often wondered how that little guy has fared.

Wilson: Well that’s it for this week. We hope everyone has a great weekend and are able to get out and enjoy nature first hand. Enjoy!

Nature

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ August 29, 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 63 Comments

WilsonWell, well, well…here we are again on a Friday and it’s been a lovely (if not extremely hectic) week with fabulous weather with lower temps. I daresay it’s been downright wonderful, with small showers nearly every afternoon or evening this week.Yay! In fact most of our photos for today have raindrops on them. No matter, neither Mum or I melted and were grateful for the moisture. We have been thrilled that the temps were in the low 70’sF (21C). At least the sun stopped being stuck on broil but figure summer will no doubt return but at least we were granted a few days respite. In the meantime, we’re gonna enjoy it while the getting is good. And as always, we’re joining our friends from the Adventures of the LLB Gang’s blog hop. Don’t forget to click on the link to see what great posts and pics were shared throughout Blogville.

Wilson: This week we’re doing a Farmer’s Market kind of nature thing since our veggie garden is in full harvest swing. Mum always plants a couple of tomato plants and this year they’ve been doing quite nicely. Just look at those little red beauties.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes The Mum: I had some reservations about those tomatoes at first, as they weren’t the usual variety I normally plant but with all the hot days and ‘coolish’ nights, they are ripening quicker than I can eat them. And they are quite tasty, if I do say so myself.

Wilson: Harumph…well it’s certainly not like I got a chance to nosh on any. How come you don’t let me be quality control, eh, Mum?

The Mum: Hmm, not sure why I haven’t offered any to you. I have given you multiple strawberries and you seem to have enjoyed them.

Strawberries

Wilson: Good thing you took a photo of those berries when you did because they were gone the next morning. Seems as though some little critter ate my berry!

The Mum: Now, now…it wasn’t your berry per se but I share your disappointment as I was hoping for a fresh strawberry snack myself that morning with breakfast.

Wilson: Excuse me, you at least have thumbs to obtain snacks. Pardon me if I’m not very sympathetic.

The Mum: My goodness…stop waxing on about a single little strawberry. What else have you got?

Wilson: After enduring such a huge gastric loss, I guess I can share a bit of exciting news about your fig plant who continues to do extremely well. I think I need to host a naming content for this little guy. Every sports team in the country bids out their stadium/arena to corporate interests so I’m officially accepting name suggestions. Best treat…err most popular name wins. This guy is doing so well I can’t just keep calling him ‘the fig’ any longer. He’s nearly fully ripened. We must fill this opportunity and name this dude. And the good news is it won’t cost you a shilling. So leave your name suggestions in your comment.

Ripe fig

And at last count, there are about a dozen little nubs waiting to join this ripening bad boy in my belly!

Figs

The Mum: I’m not sure you’ll be getting a fig, but I might be persuaded to share a tiny taste with you. How’s that sound?

Wilson: Sheesh, Mum, you’re getting pretty stingy in your old age. I thought Farmer’s Markets were supposed to be more community minded, as in sharing all the harvest.

The Mum: {purposely ignoring the snark} Speaking of community minded as in sharing…look at this basket of nectarines shared by a nearby neighbor who placed it on the sidewalk with a note to enjoy their bounty. How sweet was that?

Nectarines

Wilson: Very sweet indeed. As well as generous. I note the sharing aspect of that neighbor, maybe you should be willing to share some of your figs with a certain floof. Just saying.

The Mum: Let it go, House Pony. On another neighbor’s yard, I’ve noticed that garden that we walk past every day on our walks. Their front yard is covered with a Little House of Horrors style vine that’s spreading all over the place. And this guy is starting to get big. He’s going to make a lovely Jack-o-Lantern.

Pumpkin

Wilson:  What a lovely shade of orange. I guess this neighbor is preparing for the whole pumpkin spice season which was launched this week.

The Mum: I heard that Starbuck news. What can I say? I’m sure corporate America will figure out interesting ways to jump on the bandwagon, creating heaven only knows what kind of food, drink, snack or candle fragrance.

Wilson: I’m good with plain ole pumpkin myself actually. For our final photo, we offer a beautiful rose especially for our friend, Rosy. Mum took this pic shortly after an early morning shower a couple of days ago and oohed and awed all the way home about it. Yes, it’s pretty, but I was more interested in what’s for breakfast. We wish you all a very wonderful weekend. Our family is going to have a family reunion with all 5 generations attending to celebrate Mum’s dad’s 95th birthday. I know there’ll be lots of treats there. This year they are doing a Mexican food with margaritas theme to celebrate with him. Ole! Please pass the tacos and don’t forget to have a wonderful and safe Labor Day weekend. Finally, may your college football team have a splendid season opener.

Rose

Nature

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ August 22, 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 63 Comments

WilsonHello mates, we’re back even though we’re not quite 100% caught up from last week’s busy schedule. Mum thought this week would be great but we had an emergency situation with the sheepdog rescue that required her and others to jump into action to try to save a 4-month old puppy who was at a shelter. That old saying “it takes a village” was never more true as a handful of volunteers from up and down the Front Range sprang into action to save the pup named Herman. As he settles into one of our star foster homes over the next few days (this is sheepdog #317 he’s managed to help find a new home over the years and is the same guy who fostered the beloved Norman), I’ll try to provide updates on his status. But today, we’re all about some Nature. Finally, even if it’s somewhat slim.

You may recall that we missed last week’s blog hop. Mum and I were just too exhausted after loads of visits at Lutheran and while Mum is still a bit spent from yesterday’s sudden mad dash, we’re joining our friends from the Adventures of the LLB Gang’s blog hop. Don’t forget to click on the link to see what great posts and pics were shared in Blogville.

So during one of Mum’s many trips doing the things mums do, while she was at a stoplight she noticed this decorated utility box. She chuckled out loud that someone had artfully painted the normally ugly boxes. It’s good to see that some people can dress up less than pretty things we’ve come to accept as part of modern living. She only wished they’d have signed their work of art.

Fish

The Mum: ‘Morning lad, yes, I really did like the dressing up of an otherwise ugly utility box. If you can’t bury it, I say decorate it!

Wilson:  Hmmm, we dogs usually say if you can’t bury it, pee on it but to each his own, eh? It is quite the artistic expression but not nearly as lovely as what Mother Nature doles out with a flick of her wrist. Take for example this Queen Anne’s Lace. Normally thought of as a common weed, it fits so nicely near the water wheel when it slowly rotated with water but was taken out of commission late last year. We walk past this garden daily and while it’s sad the water wheel no longer is operational, it was nice to see plants filing in around it. This common plant botanically known as Daucus Carota, is also called wild carrot. The leaves are finely divided and lacy with leaves between 5–15 cm (2–6 in) long, that alternate in a feather like pattern that separate into thin segments. The flowers are small, dull white, and clustered into flat, dense umbels (flower clusters that resembles an umbrella). They often are pink when in bud and may even have a pink, reddish or purple flower known as the “ruby” in its center, once fully opened. As seeds develop, the umbel curls up around the edges and develops a concave surface. With rough hairy, stiff stems, Daucus Carota is readily distinguished by a mix of the feather like leaves on solid green stems with roots that smell of carrots and often have a single red flower in the center which blooms to attract insects. Did you know that it looks very similar to poison hemlock but differs in having purple mottling on its stems. As you can imagine my Mum won’t let me stick my snooter anywhere near that plant but it is pretty with that wooden wheel in the frame.

Queen Anne's Lace

The Mum: I really do miss the soft gentle sound of water pouring on each subsequent arm of the wheel as it rotated, but glad they didn’t remove it altogether. The wood has such beautiful texture and the Queen Anne’s Lace looks pretty around it. I’m sure those seeds on that wooden plank provide food for birds and insects.

Wilson:  Food…oh my gosh, where!?!

The Mum:  Relax House Pony. Sheesh, I definitely should have named you Hoover.

Wilson: But Mum, I’m a hungry boy who works hard and thus needs lots of nourishment.

The Mum:  Care to explain the need for the “power naps?”

Wilson: It’s a well-documented fact that sleep is critical to maintaining good health.

The Mum: Uh-huh. Still not every crumb, seed or piece of lint you find is good nutrition.

Wilson: I’m going to ignore that last statement only because I have some pretty photos to share. I’m sure our readers will side with me on the need to eliminate  things found on the ground.

The Mum: I don’t know, I’m sure they probably would prefer you to be svelte with a well-defined waistline where excess pounds don’t weigh down your joints.

Wilson: {grumbling} Just a word of advice to all you good readers…don’t try to out-logic mums but guess they know a thing or two about what’s good for their fur-kids.

The Mum: {smiling} I only have your best interests at heart. You may think all three of your stomachs need to be filled but that’s not quite accurate. What else do you have, nature wise?

Wilson: Ah yes, Well I found that fabulous hibiscus. Just look at that gorgeous bright color that looks amazing against a bluebird Colorado sky.

Hibiscus

The Mum: It truly was gorgeous and the blooms were over-sized. The flowers nicely contraste with the dark green leaves.

Wilson: It’s a favorite of mine too. So pretty. But I found some nearly as pretty coneflowers near the same spot as that Hibiscus. Known as Echinacea, it is part of the daisy family and has a long history of use in traditional medicine by Indigenous peoples for treating infections, pain, and wounds, and has now gained popularity as a herbal remedy, especially for cold symptoms. Once early European settlers noticed indigenous people used it successfully, they began to develop their own uses. Modern use began after a Swiss herbal supplement maker was told that Echinacea could be used as a cold prevention remedy by Native American tribes who lived in the area of South Dakota.

Coneflowers

The Mum: It’s such a cheerful looking plant and yes, I often add Echinacea if I’m starting to experience the sniffles and sometimes it works well to reduce symptoms or even eliminate them completely. I’d much rather use something that is plant based than something like an over the counter remedy like Sudafed which practically takes an act of God to obtain it from behind pharmacy counters any more due to it being a component in the production of methamphetamines.

Wilson: Plant based is probably better for you, Mum. I personally have never sick goat and they eat plants all the time. Have you?

The Mum: {winking} Ahh yes, I’m sure that’s it.

Wilson: Hey, I’m not just a pretty face. And speaking of pretty, how about this gorgeous geranium. Flowers-Geraniums

The Mum: It’s a beauty for sure. We don’t generally see two-toned geraniums like that one and I just had to take a photo of it.

Wilson: It’s just lovely Mum. And for anyone like us who might be jonesing for a visible sign that autumn is just 31 days away, I share this tiny little sliver of hope that perhaps heralds the end of this summer of hell soon. Cheers for a great weekend and remember to try and get out to see what Nature has shared with you.

Leaves

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ August 8, 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 70 Comments

WilsonWelcome to this week’s edition of Nature Friday where we join our friends from the Adventures of the LLB Gang’s blog hop. Don’t forget to click on the link to see what great posts and pics were shared in Blogville.

This week we’re taking a different approach to our post since Mum and I are sick of whinging about the relentless heat. You’re welcome. I told her, I’m done with it and we should focus on something lovely  that Nature is providing instead. Instead we’re going to yammer on about the August full moon which is called a red “Sturgeon Moon,” said moon due to arrive tomorrow. So what is a red Sturgeon Moon, you ask?

Wilson:  Aren’t you glad I’m here to explain it. Just call me your favorite science floof. The best explanation goes something like this: The same atmospheric conditions that provide those vibrant sunrises and sunsets are the same conditions that makes the Sturgeon Moon red. Since the moon is low on the horizon, its light passes through a thicker layer of the Earth’s atmosphere, which scatters shorter wavelengths and allows longer red and orange wavelengths to impact the moon’s appearance, providing its reddish hue. This particular full moon will likely be extra red here due to smoke from various wildfires throughout the state. That smoke has impacting our air quality all week long. The full moon phase generally lasts for about three days, and begins tomorrow with this month’s full moon arriving at 3:55 a.m. ET on Saturday. It will be full on both the 9th and the 10th. Some geographic areas will refer to it as the “Corn Moon” or “Harvest Moon” which coincides with ripening corn and the start of the harvest season. Mum always calls those big red full moons a harvest moon. 

The Mum: Well, look at you Mr. Science Dude. Nicely explained. Sadly none of the moon pics I have do the term justice. I understand a Sturgeon Moon is especially important for indigenous peoples as it reminds them of the interconnectedness between nature and their communities.

Wilson: That’s right, Mum. Anyway, we could try to capture a photo this weekend.

The Mum: I’ll definitely give it my best shot, House Pony. I understand you have a few photos of flowers that are coming into their own right now. Why don’t you show us what else you’ve got.

Wilson: Ooh, I’m so glad you segued to the flowers we captured this week because are there some real beauties. Check out these Gladiolus.

Gladiolus Gladiolus Gladiolus Gladiolus

The Mum: I never think about planting these bulb standouts…until they start blooming and then I tell myself…next year.

Wilson: No worries, Mum. Some good neighbors seem more than willing to step in and share their beauties. Those same neighbors had some lovely dahlias, too! This one is practically iridescent on the outer edges.

Dahlia

The Mum: Yes, they were truly gorgeous. It’s not likely I’ll ever plant any Dahlias because I’m too lazy to dig them up, wash the tubers and then store them in the garage. And even if I did go to that effort, I’d probably forget them the following spring. Things tend to be forgotten in the depths of the nooks and crannies in the garage. I’m still looking for a 5/8″ crescent wrench that I know I have but just can’t seem to find. Every other size is right where they are supposed to be, but the 5/8 inch one is MIA. Sigh.

Wilson: Ahh, so that’s what you were doing the other day. I think I heard some grumbling about a lost tool. You know if it’s even remotely near a treat, I could find it. Just saying if you want some help, my sniffer is pretty good when it comes to finding things if treats are involved.

The Mum: I’m sure you could, buddy. You do tend to be helpful like that. {changing the subject} So what else do you have?

Wilson: Well I came across some sunburned flowers that sure were pretty.

Sunflower Sunflower

The Mum: Sunburned? Oh Wilson lad, you crack me up.

Wilson: Well that first one seemed like nature put a low SPF sunscreen on the flowers because it’s not too burnt, but the second one is well beyond the bronze stage, in my humble opinion.

The Mum: Hahahaha. Well I ‘ll give you an “A” for your interesting observation. Sunflowers actually can come in a variety of colors (i.e. yellow, shades of orange and red, white and even green)  although most of them found in our neighborhood are the bright yellow variety.

Wilson: You mean they aren’t sunburned? Hmm…guess I have a bit to learn about flowers. Well, the one thing that we can both agree on is that they are rather lovely. And the birds sure like them.

The Mum: Oh yes, birds are pretty crazy about sunflowers, no matter what color they are.

Wilson: Well that’s it from me. We had a visitor to the front garden but he didn’t want to stay for long. Mum said she hasn’t seen many of them and spent a lot of time trying to get close enough to actually be able to see him. A beautiful Monarch butterfly! He was enjoying the nectar from the blue flowers of the plumbago. Isn’t he grand? I named him Felix and hope he comes back.

Monarch butterfly Mum, Felix and I hope you have a terrific weekend and are able to get out and check all the wonderful gifts Mother Nature provides us, like this month’s full moon and garden visitors. Cheerio mates!

Nature

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ August 1, 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 53 Comments

Wilson - BoulderWelcome to the first day of August. I’m going out on a limb here by saying I think it’s going to be a hot month and I’m not talking about a certain fabulous floof strutting his stuff on a Parisian runway. With less than two months until the  blessed day of autumn’s arrival, Mum has ramped up her whinging even more than usual. Can’t say as I blame her but…hello…look who’s wearing a  fur coat? Not her. Mum only managed to take a few photographs from around our garden this week but I will forewarn you about not having very high expectations as they’re not particularly special but it seems to make the chief biscuit maker happy, so let’s relish a brief moment when we managed to get out of the house, shall we?

Greetings mates. Wilson here. I know, I know…we’re like a broken record but I think anyone who has been caught in this summer version of Groundhog Day, you probably can identify. The 90’sF are returning and these temps tend to limit our outdoor times unless absolutely necessary. The hot weather makes people grumpy and Mum is no exception. Early this morning, she stubbed her foot on a tray that holds my food and water bowls and gosh…you would have heard the the most horrible imprecations imaginable floating in the air. Even I blushed and I was half asleep. Well enough of that, let’s join our furry friends from the Adventures of the LLB Gang‘s blog hop and hope Mum is civilized today. Be sure to check the link out to see what great posts and pics are shared around Blogville.

The Mum: {grumbling under her breath and shuffling her feet into the room} Yawn…’morning House Pony. Are we doing this heat thing again today? What’s the forecast for today?

Wilson: Now Mum…you’ve got to let it go. We’re all sick of it but for all that’s holy, let’s just focus on the…ahem…paltry selection of flowers we found this week, shall we?

The Mum: {more grumbling} Whatever. I’m just hoping the coffee kicks in soon to improve my disposition.

Wilson: {softly whispering under his breath} Amen.

The Mum: What’s that you say?

Wilson: {pivoting} Oh nothing. I just realized we neglected to include one photo from our time spent in Boulder. I must say, that weekend seems like so long ago. The variety up there was such a delight.

The Mum: Yes, Boulder was truly lovely with an enchanting variety of plants we don’t often see in our neighborhood. Take a gander at this Crocosmia. Isn’t it fabulous? With those colorful flower clusters on branched stems, it can flower from early summer into early autumn. It belongs to the iris family and were you aware that their genus name comes  from the Greek words krokos, meaning “saffron”, and osme, meaning “odor.” Apparently the dried leaves give off a strong scent of saffron (the spice derived from Crocus that’s been immersed in hot water.

Crocosmia

Wilson: Hmm, fascinating and like you said, quite beautiful. Lately I’ve noticed garden annuals are in full bloom. Our zinnias planted from seed are flowering into nice pops of color in their pots and I’ve notice that the marigolds have come back with a vengeance this year. Looks like you’ll be busy deadheading them or we’ll have to host an Indian festival to Lord Shiva soon.

Marigolds

The Mum: Well, they’re cheery and bright and not the worst thing to volunteer in the garden.

Wilson: Right-o. They’re as cheerful as the Coreopsis (also known as Tickseed) that have popped up in a few unexpected places. Just yesterday I saw a small patch in the Plumbago that’s also begun to bloom. Coreopsis

Plumbago

The Mum: I’m a huge fan of the Plumbago and it’s really thick and luscious this year. The blue flowers are beginning to bloom and in a few weeks, the leaves will start their morphing into a gorgeous shade of mahogany. I know I wax on about it, but I truly love Plumbago since it isn’t picky about its growing conditions and makes for an easy to grow ground cover.

Wilson: I noticed you found a quirky scene on our early walk this morning. I’ve heard of vertical gardening but this kind goes beyond that, don’t you think?

Vertical garden

The Mum: I had to chuckle when I saw those plants growing in the rain gutter. Apologies for the overcast skies. Smoke from wildfires in Utah and Arizona are clouding up our normally crystal blue skies.

Wilson: You humans have a strange sense of humor. Lastly I thought I’d share how our little fig plant is doing. The two little figs seem to be doing well and the plant has really started to leaf out. You get so giddy whenever you go outside and check on it. It’s exciting to see you enjoying them as well as seeing them doing well. Well done, Mum.

Fig

 

The Mum:  Thanks, House Pony. I’m can’t wait until they ripen. Well, that’s about it for us. We hope you are able to enjoy little glimpses of nature around your neighborhood.

Wilson: Cheerio, mates. But before I go sashaying off, I have to share the award I earned from Lutheran. I’m still somewhat new to the pet therapy thing but I received this little trophy to acknowledge that I had completed than 20 visits this year. Actually it was 26 but who’s counting. The next category is 50 or more visits. While I did not attend the event in person (they tend to be filled with a bit more canine energy than I can comfortably handle, but Mum brought it home so I could pose with it). Getting the dogs to pose was a bit like herding cats but everyone enjoyed a good laugh about it.

Wilson Pet therapy

Pet therapy

Have a pawsome weekend!

Nature

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Monday Musings ~ July 28, 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 57 Comments

Welcome to the last Monday of July. Found this sign from my favorite sign guy and found myself nodding in agreement for at least 5 minutes. My goodness, what is going on these days with people?  Wishing you a very happy and uncensored Monday. Stay cool, we’re expecting some real scorchers for the next couple of days.

Monday- signs

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ July 25, 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 54 Comments

Sunrise - Boulder

We managed to make it to another Friday and we’ve lots to show you from a recent trip to Boulder, where Mom’s son lives. He had shoulder surgery and needed a caretaker to help him out while his partner was out of town. Well, color me happy…a road trip AND a visit to one of my favorite peeps. Wilson here to share photos from our time in Boulder with Mum. As always, we’re joining our friends from the Adventures of the LLB Gang. Be sure to click on the link to see what else was shared in this week’s Nature Friday blog hop.

My first walk around the North Boulder neighborhood took me up to the base of Mount Sanitas. It was a lovely morning looking in either direction at sunrise. But getting up there was where the real fun was. I got to see scads of bunnies. Oh my dog…they are EVERYWHERE. The neighborhood hardly had any squirrels, which was very disappointing. I wished for lots of squirrels at our neighborhood wishing well before we left. Once again, they spray painted the dried allium blooms vibrant color. Whoever grants the wishes must have been on vacation because I only got to see two squirrels in Boulder. I felt somewhat swindled but know my chances are loads better near our house.

Wilson - wishing well

Bunny - BoulderWalking up toward Mount Sanitas, the clouds were busy dotting the sky. What an incredible view-both looking up as well as looking down toward town.

Mount Sanitas - Boulder

At 6,863 feet (2,092 meters), Mum was a tad winded since the climb is kinda of steep. One trailhead is just a mile from the downtown district where college students and tourists congregate in the many restaurants, pubs and other fascinating hang-outs.

Tennis balls - Boulder

One of the neighbors prepares fresh baked goods that she sells at a tiny  pittance of their value especially in this toney part of town where million dollar plus homes are the norm. At the edge of the street near her driveway, she has the equivalent of a ‘lending library’ for dogs. Mum was touched by this sweet tribute, its message of love and sharing. When she showed that pic to her son, he told her that’s the lady who bakes and sells her treats to people from all over the area!  They had a good laugh about that but I missed the joke. And come to think of it, the scones were missing too. Hmm, this a second gyp on this trip not that anyone is particularly keeping score, mind you…but…

The Mum: {interrupting} Wilson, sweet boy, you know perfectly well that baked goods aren’t for dogs and besides, I gave you lots of dehydrated liver treats on your walks. There’s no reason to feel gypped, House Pony.

Wilson: I’m not so sure about that Mum, you should know it’s particularly problematic when I hear my tummy gurgling…

The Mum: {interrupting again} Your stomach is always growling. I swear you must have either hollow legs or 7 stomachs!

Wilson: And that’s a problem because?

The Mum: {ignoring the question by changing the subject} So what else did you see on your walks?

Wilson: Around the corner from the box of tennis balls, we found a beautiful Japanese garden, complete with a really nice statute of the Buddha.

Buddha - Boulder

The Mum: It was a very serene walk highlighted by this statute and garden. It was the first of of some noteworthy garden artwork we passed. Do you remember this mailbox and donkey?

Horse mail box Donkey yard art - Boulder

Wilson: No…erm neighhhhhhh {dog snicker}.

The Mum: Oh my…was that your attempt to deliver a Dad joke? I wouldn’t give up your day job.

Wilson: Harrumph. That was kind of harsh. Perhaps I shouldn’t be so compliant near busy intersections by poing so nicely for you,  Mum? What do you think of that?

Wilson - Boulder

The Mum:  Errr, let’s not get hasty now. You wouldn’t want to endanger yourself, especially at busy intersections, now would you?

Wilson: Good point. I’d probably lose my floofy head and run out into traffic in a panic. Doggone it…score one for Mum logic.

The Mum:  It’s not about scoring anything, I just want you to stay safe sweet boy. What else do you have for us today?

Wilson: Well, I know you enjoyed these strange ‘flowers’ at the first dinner your son fixed. You said these steamed artichokes were quite tasty. I, on the other hand with my incredible floofy discernment, favored the salmon skins that were barbequed and served with them. Yum, yum…I think you need to start buying a package of those salmon filets soon. Just saying.

Artichoke - Boulder

The Mum: My son is an amazing cook (and gardener) and we work well together with 3 hands making dinner on a lovely evening on the patio deck. Artichokes, salmon and a nice salad made for a tasty meal. The appetizers were equally tasty. I am going to hunt from some of that lemoned beet hummus. It was soooo tasty.

Wilson: Well my favorite part of our 3 days in Boulder (other than being with your son) came on the last day. I made friends with some very strange looking dogs. But we all were polite and they mosied on down the street, undisturbed by me. Not sure if the neighbor’s dog felt the same since he was barking up a storm but no one can say I was a nuisance while visiting that ‘Hood.

Mama deer with babies - Boulder

The Mum: At first I thought they were garden statutory and then the two babies kissed each other and then began nursing on mama. I’d never seen young fawns in person so it was a real treat for me as well. Mama seemed a tad nervous and said, “enough breakfast, let’s go, you little hooligans.” They were just a couple doors away from my son’s house and when I mentioned them to him he was not quite as excited about their visit as I was. They apparently scale fences and nosh on the fruit trees, elderberry bushes and planted veggies. Luckily the resident dog, Junie, is ‘Johnny on the spot’ keeping them at bay but folks generally aren’t glad they come around.

Wilson: Umm, Mum…wouldn’t that be Junie on the spot? Not that I’m overly picky, but…

The Mum:  Oh Fine. Junie on the spot then. There…are you happy now?

Wilson: Happy as a clam at high tide, Mum. We’ll leave you with our best wishes to have a terrific weekend and hope you get out and enjoy some beauty around your neck of the woods.

Nature

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ July 18, 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 56 Comments

Birthday balloonsAs John Oliver says…welcome, welcome, welcome. Wilson here ready to share slices of nature as I join our pals from the Adventures of the LLB Gang‘s blog hop. Make sure you check the link out to see what great posts and pics are shared. Now let’s get on to some of what we encountered this week but first I want to extend best birthday wishes to sweet Rosy who turns 8 this weekend and Chia who continues celebrating her birthday month. Happy Birthday, girls. I’ll be turning the ole Lucky 7 on Sunday so let the good times roll. Let’s paw-!

It’s been hot, but some of the summer flowers are loving it. Check out these two pics of a particularly vigorous trumpet vine we walk past all the time.

Trumpet vine Trumpet vine

As you can see it was a bright sunny day (which made it hotter).  Hallelujah, eh Mum? So have you recovered from blowing up those balloons yesterday?

The Mum:  Oh lord, talk about a lung workout. They are meant to be blown up by hand using a special straw and not to be used with helium. Talk about being gassed! At any rate, I thought they would provide a nice celebratory vibe for your birthday weekend.

Wilson: 2025 is sure whizzing by us. For those of you who need something to look forward to, there are 66 days until autumn officially arrives. While I know it’s never good wishing your life away, we’ve been checking days off on the calendar.  In addition to these trumpet vines blooming their little heads off, daylilies are front and center around NW Denver gardens. Just look at these beauties.

Day Lily Day Lily Day Lily

The Mum: Whoa…those are gorgeous. You can never go wrong having lilies in your garden.

Wilson: Right you are on that, Mum. They are real showstoppers in a summer garden if you’re not into pots of annuals for summer color. I’ve been noticed Hollyhocks are blooming nicely too. Check this bright pink one out!

Hollyhock

The Mum: They are quite lovely, House Pony. Nice find.

Wilson: If you like those Hollyhocks, you’re gonna love the ever popular sunflowers that are having a go in summer gardens all over our neighborhood. They look especially stunning against a crystal blue sky. And I like that you managed to capture a happy bee flying from one flower to another.

Sunflowers

The Mum:  Thanks, buddy. Glad you liked it. Neighborhood birds are enjoy the sunflowers too as are your arch nemesis, the ever opportunistic furry critters you despise…squirrels.

Wilson: SQUIRRELS!! Where? Let. Me. AT. THEM! I’ll make sure they don’t take seeds away from birds!

The Mum: Easy Hoss, just relax. I’m sure there’s plenty to go around…

Wilson: {interrupting} There’s never enough when it comes to squirrels, they’ll eat anything they can get their grubby little paws on…you of all people should realize that.

The Mum:  I’m so tired of fighting them, and I’m hopeful the electronic anti-squirrel device I recently ordered keep them at bay. I mean just look at the newest bloom on the everbearing strawberry plant. That little guy needs far more protection than a bunch of sunflowers that are quite abundant.

Strawberry

Wilson: So you’re saying to choose my battles wisely? That’s probably good advice across the board. I’ll try to keep that in mind, but if I find them in my garden, mark my words…they will not go unchallenged.

The Mum: {rolling her eyes} Whatever-you know how I feel about the whole think. So long as neither of us get hurt by you launching me into space on our walks like a kite. Deal?

Wilson: Hmmm, I think I’m good with that but may backslide on occasion. Just wanted to know when it comes to squirrels, it’s literally a moving target. Full disclosure and all that.

The Mum: Fine, I’ll take my chances and hope for the best. So what else do you have?

Wilson: Well I notice this gigantic stalk coming from an agave plant on yesterday’s walk and was blown away by how tall it was. I’ve never seen one that tall before! It reminded me of a palm tree.

Agave

The Mum:  It really was something to behold. I’d never seen one that tall either and just had to take it’s pic and it obliged nicely. It looked especially regal with that blue sky.

Wilson:  And lastly we have a few photos from our immediate garden. The first  tomatoes ripened and they were mighty tasty. Your fig plant is doing nicely too and the two little figs seem to be doing well. The plant in general has put on a bunch of new leaves and it looks very healthy overall. It will be fun watching those babies ripen.Tomatoes

Fig plant

The Mum: Yes, I’m very jazzed about them and hope they continue to do well. Well that about wraps it up for us. We hope you’re able to experience some of nature’s many gifts firsthand. Have a great weekend-stay cool. We plan to do lots of celebrating for Wilson’s birthday.

Nature

Live, love, bark!  🐾

Nature Friday ~ July 11, 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 63 Comments

Wilson, HydrangeasGreetings from the Ranch, mates. Wilson here, joining our friends from the Adventures of the LLB Gang. Be sure to click on the link to see what else was shared in this week’s Nature Friday blog hop. It’s been a busy week for us that started out wet (more on that below) and we managed to receive a couple of small wet showers too. Otherwise, it was hot, as in triple digit hot. Yesterday was July’s full moon, known as the “Buck Moon,” so named as male deer (bucks) begin growing new antlers. July’s full moon is also known by other names such as Thunder Moon, Hay Moon, or Salmon Moon, depending on the various cultural associations with the month of July. Mum can’t help but wonder if the full moon period might explain some of the severe and extreme weather that’s been happening all over too. Just last night after consecutive days of very hot temps, our neighborhood received a shower that may have weakened the tree across the street enough that a large branch came crashing down last night on our poor neighbor’s car.

Full Moon
[Not my photo]
As you can imagine, Mum was pleased about the wet, but as you can tell by my expression below, it wasn’t as appreciated by me. I hate baths and this week my mum drew the short straw to get me ready to visit with staff and patients at Lutheran rather than the groomer. I don’t understand why Mum doesn’t seem to realize I don’t like baths. I mean, it’s written all over my face! And for the record, I wasn’t even that dirty.

Wilson ~ bath
Ugh, another bath!
Wilson ~bath
Here I am getting blow dried. Mum uses the ear hoodie but I still let her know how I felt about it anyway.
Wilson ~ bath
Here I am in all my glorious floofness, ready to go visit peeps.

The Mum: Oh come on, House Pony-it wasn’t that bad. But in order to get treats and attention from all your nurse friends, patients and visitors, the hospital requires each dog to receive a bath before visiting them.

Wilson: That may be the rule, but I still don’t like it. Although now that you mentioned it, everyone must have picked up on the abuse I suffered because there were LOTS of treats being dispensed and many “atta boy” ear rubs.

The Mum: Yes, I did notice that. I also noticed you tend to forget what you’re supposed to be doing and get a tad unfocused. Maybe next time don’t be such a pill in the tub and you can make folks happy and be well rewarded for it, eh?

Wilson: I’ll keep that in mind the next time, Mum. For starters, I sure did like meeting all the EMT’s buzzing around the Emergency Room. They know right where my ears like being rubbed.

Wilson ~ EMTs

The Mum: Well enough about all your abuse hard work, what kind of nature photos do you have to share with us?

Wilson: Well, I’m glad you asked, I’ve noticed the hydrangeas around the neighborhood are in full bloom. Boy, are they ever pretty, even if they don’t have much of a scent.

Wilson, Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas

The Mum: Oh look, they have floofy heads like you do!

Wilson: By jolly, you know, you’re right, Mum. I hadn’t thought it until now. I’ll bet they really enjoyed the shower we received. I know you were practically giddy and raced outside to protect your fig plant. The rain came down hard fr several minutes and small hailstones also fell and I know how much you’ve been babying that guy.

Rain storm gif

The Mum: Well, it has a couple of baby figs growing that I didn’t want to lose, so yeah, I ran outside and moved it under the covered patio. It rained a little bit yesterday as well. Certainly not as hard but I’m sure that plant loved every nourishing drop of rain. You can water three, four times a day in the heat but a few drops of rain will give it everything it desires. It was as if overnight, new leaves emerged on it. You know I think I need to give it a name. Got any ideas on what to name it?

Wilson: Hmmm, how about Bob? He kinda looks like a Bob. {excited butt wiggling}

The Mum: Okay, Bob it is then. Well that’s about it from us. Wilson, Bob and I hope you all have a good weekend. We are sending our thoughts and prayers to the folks in New Mexico and Texas after horrific flooding took place  this week. Mother Nature is definitely on a rampage this summer but we still urge everyone to get outside to enjoy some of it. But be safe, will ya?

Wilson: Yes, please be safe and enjoy all the beauty nature shares with us this time of year. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to chase a squirrel or two.

The Mum: Wilson! Knock it off. Just tell folks to have a wonderful weekend.

Wilson: {sighing} Fine. Have a good weekend and if you just happen to see a squir…

The Mum: W-I-L-S-O-N!!! Enough with the squirrels. If you don’t behave, I’m going to have to put you in time out with NO TREATS. You got that, lad?

Wilson: {eek} Righto. Have a great weekend!

Nature

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ July 4th, 2025 edition

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 64 Comments

July 4th

Well, here we are on another Friday where we join our pals from Adventures of the LLB Gang for their weekly blog hop. Please hop on over at the link to see what others have posted.

Today is July 4th in the US (well, technically it’s July 4th everywhere but it is a big deal holiday here in the US…but I digress). Wilson here. We were out walking in the early morning hours yesterday and came upon a new inflatable {insert rolling eyes here} at a house we walk past every day. I swear they must have a couple dozen of these things. May I should peek through the fence posts to see if there’s a huge shed to store them all. All I can say is “PSST.” Even if I posed nicely in front of them. I personally think they’re weird. But to each his own, eh?

The weather continues to be ungodly hot, as in pizza oven hot. Very dry with super low humidity so I’m guessing our friends in the Midwest and East Coast likely don’t have much sympathy for us. Enough of my kvetching…let’s get this show started, shall we? Oh Mumm…

The Mum: Good morning, House Pony. I see you decided to use the latest inflatable we saw yesterday to open our post. I’m just blown away by the number of inflatables that family has. All the holidays and even some special occasions-it’s hard to comprehend all of them.

Wilson: It’s a mystery for sure, but let’s stop talking about those fools guys and instead, share some of the beautiful flowers I found this week.

The Mum: O-kay. What do you have to start out today’s post? Got anything special you want to share?

Wilson: Well, I’m rather chuffed about a couple of today’s flowers that are rather unusual. Like this Greater Masterwort that our neighbor recently planted. I’ve never seen anything quite like it. And listen to some of the attributes this plant has. First, it’s a perennial with an erect and glabrous stem, with little branches but few leaves. The small flowers are typically greenish-white with reddish shades. They typically flower from June through September, and they’re native to southern Europe. It’s been in the British Isles since the 16th century. Apparently it’s quite common in mountain meadows and grasslands, in forests and clearings, and close to streams, anywhere the altitude is above sea level. It likes partial shade apparently with moist conditions so we both know it likely wouldn’t survive in our garden.

Great Masterwort

The Mum: Is that some sort of a dig at me because I avoid plants that need a lot of supplemental watering like the plague?

Wilson: Umm, nope, there’s nothing subtle about it, Mum. You only plant flowers that will withstand very arid conditions once they’ve established themselves. Now here’s a plant that will work well for you in our garden…Gaillardia,  commonly known as blanket flower or Indian blanket is a native wildflower to North and South America where they often naturalize in prairies, plains and open areas. Named after  Maître Gaillard de Charentonneau, an 18th-century French magistrate who was quite an enthusiastic botanist. They’re a cheerful lot, aren’t they?

Gaillardia- Blanket flower

The Mum: I do like those and am always amused when they suddenly appear in the garden without my planting them. Those little globe seed heads are chock full of potential new plants and they remind me of dandelions in that their ability to readily propagate around the neighborhood are quite remarkable.

Wilson: Their flowers kind of remind me of these orangey Rudbeckia, commonly called Black Eyed Susan’s. It’s another member of the Asteraceae family. These native North America perennials bloom from mid through late summer and are sometimes called coneflowers. They are deer and rabbit resistant. They grow in both damp woodlands and dry prairies, indicating they are most adaptable. They’re perfect for you, Mum.

Black eyed Susan

The Mum:  Yes, I do like them, and they have a range of colors from yellow and orange flowers as well as some varieties that bloom in multiple colors with dark brown or black centers. There are even some that come in red, bronze and even bi-colored shades.

Wilson: They’re a very good looking plant.But so are these, Mum. Anemones enjoy a nice shady spot in a woodland garden and come in multiple colors. Snowdrop Anemone

The Mum:  Those are really beautiful. And I like this red Monarda you found. ‘Bee balm’ is quite popular with butterflies and other pollinators. This specimen was beginning to get a little past its prime but the color was still so striking, I couldn’t resist taking a pic of it.

Monarda-bee balm

Wilson: And finally I found some blooming bellflowers on our walk earlier this week. Look how pretty it is. “Campanula” is considered another wildflower and can be found across the Northern Hemisphere, the Mediterranean, and its range even extends into mountains in tropical regions of Asia and Africa. A delicate perennial with graceful, slender stems, usually in clusters, rising in height from 4-15 in. The stems can be weak which causes the thing to bend over. Its rounded leaves wither early while the narrow, stem leaves remain. Blue-violet bell-shaped flowers hang singly or in clusters. Those bell-shaped flowers are borne in loose clusters at the tips and may come in a variety of colors from pale pink and light blue to deep violet-blue and pure white.

Bellflower

The Mum:  This was quite the find since I’ve only ever seen the purple/blue variety around the neighborhood. I loved the pale pink/white and will have to look for one at a garden center for future inclusion in our garden.

Wilson: Finally, because I know you love Swallowtail butterflies so much, here’s another one that followed us along our early morning  walk. He sure was beautiful, Mum and looked so cool flitting around on the summer breeze.Butterfly

The Mum: You’re right, I do like watching them. They seem to take all your worries away. Well that’s it for us this week. We hope you all have a terrific weekend. Stay cool (if that’s possible) and stay hydrated. And above all, have a safe holiday.

Nature