Category: Mother Nature

Nature Friday ~ April 11, 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 46 Comments

Denver AquariumWelcome to this week’s edition of Nature Friday in April, where we’re joining the LLB Gang for their weekly blog hop. Be sure to click on the link to see what scenes from nature others are sharing. This week my great-granddaughter turned one year old and the family visited the Denver Aquarium to celebrate. Kids young and old are fascinated by the calming sight of fish floating through coral and rocks. While it’s challenging to photograph fish in large tanks with glass reflection, not to mention the occasional photo bomber or poor positioning due to large crowds visiting, we apologize in advance here. That said, let’s ‘dive in,’ so to speak.

Wilson: Right, Mum. I’m sure glad they don’t allow dogs. You know how I feel about water especially since I received the full professional water torture treatment so I could visit patients and staff at the hospital. The only water I’m interested in lives in my water bowl where I’m happy to gulp and make a mess with the best of ’em. The Downtown Aquarium (originally known as Colorado’s Ocean Journey) opened back in 1999. It’s not huge as aquariums go, however the aquarium holds approximately 1,000,000 US gallons (3,785,000 L), and exhibits a variety of fish and other animals.

The Mum: That’s right, House Pony…the aquarium was rebranded in 2005 as the Downtown Aquarium after Ocean Journey filed  bankruptcy when it wasn’t able to make the high construction cost repayments. The restaurant chain, Landry’s Restaurant purchased the facility in 2003 and remodeled the premises by adding a full restaurant, bar and ballroom for events.

Wilson: This aquarium examines the relationship between inland freshwater ecosystems and the ocean and features the path of two rivers in their route to the ocean (namely, the Colorado River and the Kampur River in Indonesia).

Reticulate Whipray
Reticulate Whipray

Wilson: After the 2005 renovations, the two paths were continued although they are not arranged in a zoogeographic pattern. Tanks were added to showcase species from African and South American freshwater ecosystems and some tanks are mixed community spaces. There are several interactive exhibits, including a stingray touch-and-feed tank. Check out the Reticulate Whipray that looked like a leopard. It’s a large species from the Indo-Pacific area. I notice you chose not to pet him.

The Mum: Yeah, I had a minor infection on one of my finger tips and decided there were plenty of people to pet him so I’m sure he didn’t miss my fingers running along his skin.

Wilson: Whoa…for someone who’s so gung-ho about petting animals, that was a surprise. But I applaud you for thinking of the welfare of ‘therapy ray.’

The Mum: I just thought it was prudent for him. Besides, I was kind of mesmerized by the way he floated around and didn’t even realize I wasn’t petting him. He did seem to enjoy the attention under the watchful eye of the human attendant who was quick to correct overly enthusiastic visitors.

Wilson: The aquarium continues to focus on conservation by housing many endangered or threatened species. There are twelve species of fish, six reptiles, two mammals, and two birds and the aquarium participates in the American Species Survival Plan for Sumatran tigers with two gorgeous young male tigers, Rudi and Luhahn who will be featured in another post.

The Mum: There were loads of students on field trips and I couldn’t help watch them checking out all the fish. The largest tank is the one where everyone is awed. It was quite something to see sharks floating in front of and above the crowds, almost like a cave. Most of the sharks were females but there were a couple of males that looked quite fearsome.

Shark
Shark
Shark
Shark

Wilson: Gosh, Mum…it’s not even Shark Week! But I can see why everyone wants to see them. Say, didn’t your grandson dive in the tank with them years ago on his birthday?

The Mum: He did and we chatted about his recollections. It began his ongoing love with diving and the ocean. I ‘m afraid I’d be too afraid to do that as an adult, let alone as a spry young kiddo.

Wilson: I don’t blame you for not getting in. There’s water involved and not nearly enough treats to make me want to get in it.

The Mum: Silly boy. Diving is not for everyone but it’s good that some people are willing to do the research to save and protect these amazing creatures. I mean, just look at those rows of teeth!

Wilson: Ummm, I think I’ll pass on focusing on all those teeth. Let’s look at a few more of the creatures from the aquarium.

Octopus
Octopus
Sea star
Sea star
Sea Anemones
Sea Anemones
Fossil
Fossil

The Mum: It was a great visit and I loved watching Halia’s reaction to the fish floating around. I’m sure it was somewhat overwhelming for her but glad she had the opportunity to be exposed to the natural world. Well, we’d better skedaddle for the hospital. Another big day, buddy. You were a real superstar and I know there will be more opportunities to bring smiles to folks today. This afternoon, I’m going out to pick up a sheepdog who’s coming into our rescue. Her family is moving here from out of state and the landlord won’t allow pets so she’s relinquishing her girl. While I don’t know a whole lot about her, I’ll have a better idea later this afternoon. It’s going to be a big day. What’s on your weekend schedule?

Wilson: Whatever it is, we hope you can get outside and experience a great springtime weekend. You’ll have to fill me in after you pick her up. I’m glad the owner had sense enough to contact us but sad that she’ll lose her family. I know how traumatic that can be and we’re keeping our paws crossed it goes well. Have a great weekend, mates.

Nature FridayLive, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ April 4, 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 49 Comments

Nature FridayWelcome to the first Friday in April where as always we join the LLB Gang for their weekly Nature Friday blog hop. Click on the link to see what scenes from nature others are sharing.  Hard to believe we’ve officially entered the second quarter of 2025. Where has the time gone? Soon Passover and Easter will be front and center. The speed at which time flies by seems to speed up the older you get. Luckily there’s a certain ‘lad’ who’s happy to keep me on my toes (aka staying young by trying to keep up with him, despite the uncanny number of wrinkles staring back at me from my bathroom mirror). Well, let’s get started with today’s latest conversation.

Wilson: Hello, Mum…happy Friday. So what will we showcase this week?

The Mum: Well, young man, before we get started, how’s about we have a little ‘chat’ first before we share any photos from nature we encountered this week, shall we?

Wilson: Umm, this sounds ominous. Am I in trouble?

The Mum: Not in trouble per se but we do need to have a heart to heart about the maple flowers that are dropping on the sidewalk like flies.

Maple Flowers

Wilson: Ooooh, you mean those tasty morsels I find whenever I go outside? They are just so…

The Mum: {interrupting} STOP…you can’t eat those…

Wilson: But Mum…I can’t help but think of them as little truffles. I realize they may not be for everyone, but you do realize one of my greatest gifts to humankind is my uncanny ability to hoover up crumbs, wherever I find them. Just think of these things as crumbs that I’m cleaning up for you. I mean, you realize I’m doing you a solid by you not having to constantly have to sweep them up from the patio. When you think about it, I’m actually doing you a favor.

The Mum: Umm, well when you put it like that…wait, what am I saying? When you snarf those little flower clusters up, I have to mop up the slobbery drool marks! No, no, no…maple flowers must not to be eaten. While it should be noted that they aren’t poisonous, ingesting the flowers could cause stomach upset, including vomiting and diarrhea. You wouldn’t want to have to go to the vet now, would you?

Wilson: {gasp} Well, when you put it like that…definitely not. I’ll try not to eat them Mum, but we both know it won’t be easy. May I suggest you bring plenty of treats with you when taking me outside to deter me from eating until they’re gone?

The Mum: Boy, you’ll do just about anything for a treat, won’t you?

Wilson: I say, Mum, I’ve told you many times before, I’m no ordinary fool. You should know treats are a bravo-good way to deter unwanted behavior. All the training videos say so.

The Mum: You’ve been on Facebook again, haven’t you?

Wilson: {clearing his throat} Let’s just say I’m a quick study, Mum.

The Mum: I can see this conversation is going nowhere. Now that we’ve chewed on that topic, what slices of nature do you have to share this week?

Wilson: Well, the forsythias are blooming right now and boy are they cheerful and bright. I’ll bet they make lovely cuttings in any vase.

Forsythia

The Mum: They are definitely a sign that spring is here.

Wilson: And flowering shrubs are beginning to bloom around the neighborhood. One of the prettiest is Prunus Glandulosa, commonly known as flowering almond. This small shrub is fairly tolerant of urban conditions, and once well established, can be fairly drought-tolerant. All parts of the flowering almond shrub  including the stems, leaves, and seeds, are toxic as are many plants in the Prunus family (i.e. plums, cherries, and peaches). It contains cyanogenic glycosides, that release cyanide when metabolized. Ingestion can lead to all sorts of health problems like gastrointestinal distress, difficulty in breathing, seizures, coma and death. Yikes-I’m rather glad we don’t have any in our garden. 

The Mum: Yikes indeed. When I first moved into this house, there were a couple of them but ultimately they didn’t survive for which I’m rather grateful now. I had no idea about its toxicity.
Wilson: Why is it that so many of the prettiest blooms in spring are toxic or poisonous?
The Mum:  I have no idea but it’s quite true. Spring bulbs are poisonous for dogs and because of your propensity toward noshing on things, I worry and have to make sure you don’t get any dumb ideas.
Wilson: I appreciate your looking out for me. When I was researching for this post, I learned that the most common spring bulbs like tulips, hyacinths, irises, daffodils and crocuses are all poisonous for us canines. But boy, they sure are pretty. Guess we have to take the good with the bad, eh?
The Mum: You’re right on both counts. So what flowering bulbs have you seen this week? It’s been pretty chilly and grey, unlike last week where we enjoyed some fabulously warm days. We experienced some flurries of white stuff over the past a few days but nothing that has accumulated.
Wilson:  Quite right, Mum. As usual, winter is being difficult and it just can’t seem to stay away. It even dropped below freezing last night.
The Mum: Yesterday was even chilly enough to turn the furnace back on and more snow showers have been called for in the forecast with temps in the 20’s tonight. Brrrrr.
Wilson: These flowers don’t seem to mind the weather. Check out the unusual hue on this hyacinth. What would you call it, magenta, claret?
The Mum: Sure…that works. It’s quite a beauty but I still tend to be drawn to the purple ones. Their fragrance is just so divine.
Wilson: Oooh, that one is a real beauty, Mum. They sure do have a luscious scent to them. And aren’t you proud of me, I didn’t even water them or the daffodils that we found later on our walk nor did I try to eat them.
Tulip
Daffodil
The Mum: Very proud of you, House Pony. Well done. It’s important to look, just don’t water. And definitely don’t eat!
Wilson: See, I can be a good boy, Mum…well most of the time. So what’s your plan for the weekend? Anything interesting happening? With the weather reverting to winter again, we think we’ll just hang out and stay cozy.
The Mum:  An easy weekend sounds just paw-fect. We hope you are able to enjoy whatever spring has in store for your area. Have a great weekend!
Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ March 28, 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 57 Comments
WilsonWilson: Hey Mum, you know it’s Friday, right? It’ll be my second day of visiting patients and staff at the hospital but I wanted to know if we’re still going to try to participate with the Nature Friday posts from our friends over at Adventures of the LLB Gang without the Ninja?
The Mom: Well…I thought we should at least try but I doubt our posts will be nearly as entertaining. Would you be up for it?  I’m sure Elsa would like that. Just know some days will be easy and some will be harder. That last sentence is more of a note to myself than to you, House Pony.
Wilson: You do know that I miss her even if I’m more than enjoying having you all to myself. Is it wrong for me to be selfish?
The Mom: No, I understand, House Pony. She was a special girl and while she had her quirks, she was quite unique in her own way that made her truly adorable. I was always rooting for her to succeed as a dog-it just took a little longer after enduring such adversity in the puppy mill.
Wilson: I can’t imagine what she endured. But I do have to wonder, if you loved her more than me?
The Mom: No, sweet boy. She and I just had a slightly different connection-she was basically feral when I got her and needed lots of love and care. You know I loved you as well.
Wilson: That’s reassuring but you do know I’m worried about you. You seem so sad at times…that’s why I feel like I have to smother you with love.
The Mom: I know. It…well except when I wake up and can’t breathe easily because of it. But I do understand. You’re a sensitive chap and true blue loyal which are some of the many qualities I love about you. So what kind of slices of nature did you find this week to share?
Wilson: Right-o. I’ll give it a try but without her unique slant, I think you’re right, it’s not going to be nearly as entertaining. Let’s start with a couple of pics taken earlier this week now that some of the early spring flowering bulbs have begun to appear. Just look at this lovely Scilla luciliae specimen (aka squill). It’s part of  the Asparagaceae family and its common name is Bossier’s glory-of-the-snow after the Swiss botanist, Pierre Edmond Bossier. Sometimes it’s referred to as Lucile’s glory-of-the-snow, as an homage to the botanist’s wife. After this early spring bulb blooms, it goes dormant until the next spring and originally came from western Turkey. It is a low-maintenance naturalizing bulb that can be found in zones 3 to 8. I know you like low-maintenance and was surprised you don’t have any in your garden. Their blossoms have a white center with blue or violet petals and the stamens are flat and clustered in the middle of the flower.
Scilla flower
The Mom: It’s lovely, Wilson. You know how partial I am to blue flowers and this is a pleasant change from yellow daffodils that are beginning to bloom. I like how it naturalized between the fence post and sidewalk. Isn’t it fascinating that there weren’t any other flowers like it nearby. I keep asking myself why I haven’t planted any before too. So far, I haven’t got a good answer to that.

Wilson: Well maybe this autumn you’ll remember to add some. You know I was just about ready to ask about how is it that Nature is so selective and surprising when it comes to placement of some plants.
The Mom: It’s one of those botanical mysteries, I guess. But it never ceases to amaze me how Nature arbitrarily decides for something to appear out of nowhere.
Wilson: Boy, you can say that again. Nature really knows how to surprise gardeners. Speaking of surprises, did you see that yellow magnolia tree blooming in the next block up from our house? Talk about being pretty. Hard to believe it’s blooming in March especially considering the temperatures were just shy of 80ºF (26ºC) yesterday. Maybe I shouldn’t be surprised.
The Mom: I know! The temperatures have been crazy warm for March and uncharacteristically dry. March and April are the two snowiest months and all we’ve had around the Ranch is wind, wind, oh and more wind. Everything is parched and spring bulbs are flowering earlier than usual. I’m surprised any bulbs are blooming without winter moisture. Guess flowering bulbs somehow manage to be quite adaptable when conditions aren’t ideal. No wonder they’re so popular.

Wilson: When we were on one of our long walks a couple of days ago, I noticed the pussy willow blooms were beginning to change. Those fuzzy nubs are starting to flower. When I looked them up to find out more about them I discovered those nubs are insulation from cold temperatures before these yellow flower bloom. It’s like finding two different plants in one shrub. What a fascinating morphing. Soon the plant will be leaving out and look completely different. We probably won’t even notice it much then.
The Mom: You may be just right about that. It’s a real striking shift from the throws of winter to spring and finally toward its summer look. Again, Nature is full of surprises.
Wilson: Well that’s all I have for this week. I gotta get ready to go back to Lutheran and visit folks. Yesterday was a fun packed day and lots of folks seemed to enjoy our visit. It was the first time I got to train a new applicant who is bringing her dog into the program. She shadowed me as I visited patients and staff. It was a long day but I enjoyed it. How about you, Mum?
The Mom: It was a long day but a nice diversion to establishing a new normal. You and I both passed out early. Hopefully today will be less packed but it felt good bringing a bit of joy to others. You did good, House Pony. Let’s hope today goes as well.
Wilson: Thanks, Mum. I’ll do my best today…as long as I’m with you, I’ll be ok. I’m just glad I don’t have to have another bath any time soon. We hope spring has sprung where you live and you are able to get outside and enjoy finding lots of signs of spring. Wishing everyone a terrific weekend. I see that WordPress acted up on some of the spacing. Doggone it, I relied on the Ninja to make this stuff look right. Hopefully next time I’ll do a better job. For now, please accept my apologies. I may be a trainer for pet therapy but it seems obvious that I need to my own training to account for the vagaries of blogging.
Nature Friday
Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ March 7, 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 69 Comments

ElsaIt’s Friday and that means we’re here with today’s edition of Nature Friday where we join those furry cutie pies from the Adventures of the LLB Gang. Be sure to click on the link to see what slices of nature others around Blogville have shared. Elsa here. Still feeling punk and hoping the new meds can help me fight this doggone case of pneumonia.

Wilson: I’m sorry you’re still not feeling well yet. Hopefully this week’s nature views will be a bright spot and interesting at the same time.

Elsa: Something interesting? Hmmm, that would be nice. What do you have, big guy?

Wilson: Well…before Mum moved to Denver years ago, she lived in Monte Vista, Colorado located in the San Luis Valley. At roughly 8,000 square miles, the San Luis Valley is largest high-altitude desert in North America and the world’s largest alpine valley. Every Spring, Sandhill Cranes migrate through the Valley on their way to their northern habitat. And this weekend thousands of birds and tourists will show up to celebrate the 42nd annual Crane Festival at the Monte Vista Wildlife Refuge before they continue their semi-annual migration. This weekend will be peak viewing time for some 20,000+ Sandhill cranes in this part of the state. The occasional Whooping crane, Canada geese, cinnamon teal, gadwall, mallards, American Widgeon and American Coot also stop at the Refuge to feed and rest at the Refuge wetlands. These wetlands provide crucial habitat to some 200+ bird species and other wildlife. After wintering near the US/Mexico border, the cranes began to arrive in the “Valley” in early February, feeding on grain and natural grasses in the area. Did you know that cranes mate for life and that every Spring they do their ritual mating dance that includes dancing, bowing, chortling, and throwing tufts of grass in the air. They’ll continue to head north to the far upper Midwest and southern Canada later in the month where they’ll raise their young and then migrate south again in late September.

 

Elsa:  Hmm…that’s pretty cool, but jeez…talk about noisy. I’m guessing the best time to see them is at sunrise and sunset?

Sandhill Cranes-San Luis Valley
Photo courtesy of NPS/Patrick Myers near the Sand Dunes National Park

Wilson: That’s right. Mum was always intrigued by the cranes at the Refuge when she lived in Monte Vista and she even saw a few Whooping Cranes. She discovered that the wetlands were artificially created and are consistently managed to provide sufficient habitat for the cranes, as well as a plethora of other waterfowl including mallards, pintails, teals, and Canada geese. American avocets, killdeers, white-faced ibises, egrets, and herons can also be found there. The Valley’s two aquifers, together with a network of irrigation canals and wells provide the necessary water that feed the wetlands. Located in a desert valley, and cradled between the snow-capped peaks of the San Juan and Sangre de Cristo Ranges near the headwaters of the Rio Grande River, the Refuge was officially established in 1952 as the first national wildlife refuge in Colorado, although plans for it began in the 1940’s. It was named after the nearby town of Monte Vista after the original name (Spring Creek) was deemed to be too common of a name. The Refuge was set aside not only as a haven for migratory birds and resident wildlife, but also as an important conservation effort to protect the wildlife, habitat, and water of the north and eastern portions of the Valley.

Elsa: Part of the fascination about those birds is all the noise they make. It’s definitely a sign that Spring is near when the festival begins. Did you find any local signs that Spring is a little closer to home?

Wilson: As a matter of fact, I did. Mum has been feeling well enough to take me on my walks and we actually found some Spring bulbs in bloom. It was pretty exciting, I tell you. Just check out these reticulated irises and a pussy willow in bloom.

Reticulated iris Pussy willow

Elsa: Well done, House Pony. I’m impressed. Those reticulated irises are a most unusual color and those pussy willow flowers look so fuzzy and soft. And who doesn’t love the cheerfulness of the first yellow crocuses of the season?

Wilson: I’m very pleased that you like them, Elsa. Thank you.

Elsa: Don’t get excited, dude. I haven’t been out of the house in a month and actually I’m a bit jealous you were able to see some signs of Spring on your walks. I just pray the medication kicks in soon and I stop losing weight. Mom is doing everything in her power to try and entice me to eat but I’m just not interested much and so far, I am staying hydrated but any food just isn’t very appealing.

Wilson: Well both Mum and I just want you back to being the scamp Ninja we all know and love.

Elsa: Thank you, bro. You’re very sweet, in an oafish sort of way way {chuckling under her breath}. Maybe you’re not so bad after all. Here’s hoping you’re seeing pretty signs of Spring in your neighborhood. Have a great weekend.

Wilson: Thanks Ninja…yes, please do have a lovely weekend. I would be remiss if I didn’t remind everyone that the stupid time change thing is happening this weekend so don’t forget to ‘Spring’ forward and set your clocks an hour ahead {grumbling}. Can’t believe I’m going to lose an hour of sleep because we’re still doing Daylight Saving Time. Only Arizona or Hawaii have managed to refuse to make the switch by relying on a loophole in the federal law to avoid it. We suggest you write and call your U.S. Representative since Congress is the only entity who can repeal the Uniform Time Act of 1966 and start applying pressure for them to get rid of it once and for all.

Nature Friday

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ February 21, 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 77 Comments

Elsa{Cough…wheeze} Welcome to this week’s wrap up from last week’s visit to the Broomfield Depot Museum while she was killing time waiting to pick up the House Pony from the groomer. Elsa here…I’m only a little better so if any of you have wizard-like powers, I’d sure appreciate you sprinkling me with some good Juju magic.

Today we’re going to share info about Broomfield’s Depot Museum Please enjoy this YouTube video on the Depot’s restoration.

Wilson: Mum loves historical places and always likes to investigate unusual or unexpected things inside and outside the Depot. After capturing those prairie dog images, she went inside to see what  life in general looked like in 1909 Broomfield.

Broomfield Depot living room scene

Elsa: Mom was skeptical as to whether there was electricity for that toaster from last week but she discovered that electricity actually came to Colorado in the late 1800’s during the railroad boom. It makes sense that this stop would showcase some of the modern conveniences of the times that passengers liked. Pictured above is the Kolster Tombstone Tube Radio with a vintage Kodak box camera on top of it. However both items were actually from the mid-to-late 1920’s. They were likely added to the display because of their antique-y look of the period and might have been added after the Depot was opened.

Wilson: You’re right, Ninja. She suspected many of the items displayed at the Depot were more associated with the 1920’s, like this amazing looking ice box.

Antique ice box

Elsa: That piece is in great condition, though and is similar to this early 1900’s wall-mounted telephone. I’m going out on a limb by saying they probably didn’t use this phone to order an Uber carriage ride home after they reached the station.

Antique telephone

Wilson: That’s likely a good bet. But we’re very sure this next photo showing a Hall’s Safe & Lock Company safe (circa 1849) actually was one of the initial things they had when the Depot opened to safely stash ticket receipts. At that time, the Cincinnati based Hall’s company sold half of all fireproof and burglar-proof safes and vaults in the US and was the largest vault company in the world by 1892.

Antique safe 1849

Elsa: I’ll bet that was one heavy safe and it looks like it too was in pretty good condition.

Wilson: It sure is. As is this classic Hoosier cabinet which was very popular from 1900 to 1930. Around the 1890s, several furniture manufacturers in Indiana discovered that a stand-alone kitchen cabinet with storage and workspace would be an easy sell. Having a kitchen workstation where ingredients and various utensils could be stored, yet easily accessed when preparing meals and they were all the rage. It’s always a treat when Mum finds antiques like these especially when they’re in such good shape. She used to go antiquing years ago and still has a few nice pieces she collected nearly 50 years ago.

Hoosier cabinet

Elsa: Whoa…didn’t realize that Mom was that old. {heh, heh} Because I know how much you like meals, where do you think they stored the dog food?

Wilson: {oooh..yum…smack…drool} Good question…I personally think our food should have been stored in that large door on the bottom left but I’m sure things were a lot different for us dogs back then.

Elsa: Easy on the drool, buddy. Let’s get back to focusing on what else Mom found at the Depot.

Wilson: {disappointed} You sure know how to take the joy out of sharing these images.

Elsa: Not everything is about food, dude.

Wilson: {gasp} Perish the thought but I saved the best history for last. There wasn’t any info that Mum found during her quick poke around inside the Depot but she did a lot of sniffing around when she got home about “Shep, the Turnpike Dog,” after she came upon this spot outside. She wanted to know all about Shep.

Shep, Turnpike Dog

Elsa: So the story goes that back in the early 1950’s when the Denver-Boulder Turnpike toll opened, Shep was already a fixture on the scene. Rumored to be part of a litter of pups who escaped from a farmer, Shep apparently made his way to the construction site where the toll road was being built. Workers on the toll road would share their lunches with the friendly pooch and then Shep was eventually enticed to sleep in the toll booth on a cold night. Being no ordinary fool, Shep welcomed the invitation and then spent part of his days with the toll booth operators where he quickly became their mascot. Soon travelers would offer treats, toys, bones and even left donations to fund food for the engaging dog as they made their way along the toll way.

Wilson: He sure sounded like he enjoyed his ‘job.’ I know first hand people love dogs with a purpose and he likely brought a lot of joy to folks traveling on the turnpike.

Elsa: He was beloved and after he was shot, he managed to return to the toll booth where workers rushed him to a nearby vet, Clyde Bruner who treated the canine celebrity for free. Shep lived the rest of his life at the toll booth and Dr. Bruner treated him for various injuries incurred from coyote interactions. As Shep aged, he began to lose his eyesight and toll booth workers decided rather than have him suffer or get seriously injured around all the cars, and he was euthanized in 1964 at age 14.

Wilson: That seems rather sad, though Mum told me he lived a good life and was personally buried by the highway superintendent, Paul Kempf. A donated headstone marked the grave until 2009 when the Department of Transportation gave the Broomfield Museum permission to move the grave from Zang Spur Park to the Depot Museum which also had been relocated from its original location. He lived at the tollbooth for 14 years. [Photo credits: Justin Kent, L, and Jeff Kissinger, of Broomfield Parks, dug out the grave markers for Shep the Turnpike Dog for the move from his resting place at the intersection of Hwy. US 36 and State Hwy. 121 to the Depot Hill Museum in 2009. Photo courtesy-Staff photo/David R. Jennings.]

Moving the grave
Broomfield Enterprise Photo
Shep photo-Denver Post
Photo: The Denver Post

Shep, Turnpike Dog

Elsa: Gotta love the inscription on the newer headstone. Sounds like quite a dog and another story of famous dogs from the metro area. Well done, House Pony.

Wilson: Many thanks, Ninja. Sharing stories like this always warms Mum’s heart. We dogs are special creatures and by telling their stories, others recognize all of our contributions.

Elsa: Umm, let’s not get carried away with nostalgia but it’s suffice to say how important it is to learn about the local history. So what’s on your dance card for the weekend? Our weather will be taking a detour on the winter from hell tour (color us happy) At the time this post was written we had high hopes but after last night’s 8-10 inch dump, it looks like Mom will only be digging out. I feel sorry for her sternum and torn bicep because this is a heavy snow. Originally I had hoped I’d be well enough to go for a short walk but Mom barely let me go potty this morning. . No offense Mom, but being inside with you all day is getting old, even with the snuffle mats and the Licki-Mat bowl to exercise our minds. Whatever you do, we hope your weather permits you to enjoy the nicer elements that Nature might offer. If you can find them.

Nature FridayLive, love, bark! 🐾

Monday Moanings ~ February 17, 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 76 Comments

It’s another Monday and I can’t help but wonder what happened to the weekend. Oh sure, winter returned…that part I was keenly aware of but the time…it just seemed to go poof and it was gone. As I was looking for a smile for today, I came across this and audibly said, ‘yup, that’s the one.’

Monday smileHere’s hoping Mother Nature comes to her senses and settles down. We could use a bit of ‘false spring’ that February often shares. We’re tired of ‘second winter.’

We hope your Monday, however you enjoy it, is good to you. In fact, we would love nothing more than everyone enjoying Charlie Brown’s desire. Stay warm, stay happy and make it a great week, with whatever ole Mother Nature manages to hand out.

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ February 14, 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 51 Comments

Elsa - Valentine's DayWelcome to this week’s edition of Nature Friday. Today is Valentine’s Day…the day of love. It’s been a helluva week for all of us. Both Mom and Wilson are exhausted after some very intense visits at the hospital, visiting tons of people and patients and Mom had multiple commitments every single day this week. On top of that she’s been trying to nurse-mate me to feel better. She’s took me to the vet again today and it looks like I have a mild case of pneumonia. Any POTP wishes you can spare would be greatly appreciated.

Please join us along with our friends from Adventures of LLB Gang as we celebrate Nature on this day of love. Be sure to click on the link to see what others shared.

Wilson: Mum especially loves it when she can find slices of wild nature in the depths of the city and not just on Valentine’s Day. Because I had hospital duty this week, that meant that I have to get bathed and groomed and Mum was in no shape to do it herself so she took me to the nice people at The Dirty Dog in Broomfield. Miss Sydney loves us sheepdogs and got me totally spiffed up. Everyone knows I don’t like baths but Sydney is very sweet to me and always she tells Mum I’m a good boy for her.

Elsa: Bet Mom would appreciate it if you’d be that as good for her as you are for Sydney. The last time she bathed you, she thought she was in a steer wrestling contest.

Wilson: I don’t know why I hate baths so much and I was sorry I got Mum and the bath totally drenched. I know with her sternum and now torn bicep, she couldn’t easily do me and like most kids, we tend to behave better for others than our own parents. Umm, sorry Mum. Anyway, Sydney trimmed me up and because of all the nasty dirty snow melting of late, my feet and legs were extra dirty. They had to give me multiple washing. Ugh. Luckily like all dogs, I live in the moment and soon forgot the torture. I was a happy boy at the hospital and brought a lot of joy to lots of doctors, nurses, staff and patients because I don’t discriminate…I love them all, even when it’s not Valentine’s Day. Heh, heh.

Elsa: Oh for crying out loud, you’re such a suck-up. So whaddya got to share this week that’s nature inspired.

Wilson: Well, while I was getting washed for the 87th time, Mom went hiking around the neighborhood after she met up with a rescue board member who lives up north. They were able to have coffee and catch about rescue matters and Mum dropped off some supplies. Afterward, Mum went to explore the nearby area. The Dirty Dog recently moved into a new space not to far from their old shop but it was a world away in terms of finding slices of nature.

Prairie dogs

Elsa: What the dawg are those furry creatures?

Wilson: Ha! Speaking of dogs, Mum said those are prairie dogs. Mum says they are a keystone species having a huge impact on the environment. Native to the grasslands of North America they eat various plants  and are especially found in newly developed areas where humans are taking over their habitat.  While not actually canines, they belong to the family of similar critters like marmots, chipmunks and are related to my nemesis, squirrels. You can imagine how sad I was to not be able to accompany her on that walk. I’d have shown those scurrying little varmints how fast I really am.

Elsa:  You probably would have made those burrows a whole lot bigger. No wonder ranchers don’t like them because any horse or cow whose leg fell in one of those holes never ended well for livestock.

Prairie dog burrow

Wilson: Right you are! Those rodents make my life a living hell and I just can’t help myself trying to chase them down. Not sure what I’d do if I ever caught one, but Mum is very keen on keeping me as far away from them as possible.

Elsa: So where were those little cuties. I always love when the bark at us while sitting up on their mounds when we visit our Grandpa’s house.

Wilson: They were behind the Broomfield Depot Museum-a small unassuming little structure that was built in 1909 as a stop for train travelers. While Mum waited for me to get finished, she took a tour through it. It was one of the first steps that led to Broomfield being created as a regional city. Here’s a photo from their website since Mum forgot to take one herself.

Broomfield Depot Museum

Elsa: Nice building. Wow, look at this old bee hive that was out back. Very cool.

Bee hive

Wilson: The inside of the depot was pretty fascinating too. Just check out these photos from the living room and kitchen.

Museum typewriter Museum kitchen Museum

Wilson: Life must have been challenging for uprights back then but it looks like this place had all the conveniences of the time for travelers.

Elsa: Yeah, things must have been a lot different back then. Guess that makes us pretty lucky that we’ve got soft comfy beds, and modern conveniences like furnaces, running water, but don’t think much toast would be made around the Ranch with that appliance.

Museum toaster

Wilson: Times were different back then. Next week we’ll finish up Mum’s visit to the museum with a special surprise she found near the beehive. We’re hoping today is a nice day after all the sub-zero temps this week but heard Winter is returning this weekend. It’ll be a good time for us to lay low, chill and catch up on our rest. You’ll forgive me if I hibernate to stay warm with this new haircut. Hope you all have a great weekend and if you can, get out there to check out what Nature shares with you.

Nature Friday

Live, love, bark! 🐾

 

Nature Friday ~ February 7, 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 64 Comments

ElsaWell, will you lookie here…a quarter of the way through the month already. Goodness…time sure seems to be on fast forward. Elsa here with today’s edition of Nature Friday where we join those furry cuties from the Adventures of the LLB Gang. Be sure to click on the link to see what slices of nature others around Blogville have shared.

Elsa: Pardon me, I’m a bit under the weather this week. Mom took me to the vet on Monday where he stole some blood and got very personal checking me out. He told Mom that I developed a little case of canine bronchitis, but I’m doing “pretty well for an old gal.” The nerve, can you imagine?! My liver and phenobarb levels are all in the normalish ranges and I’m doing well on the epilepsy front (knock on wood). Mom was pleased and has been pampering me all this week. Yesterday I had her hand feed me. The medication I’m on for the bronchitis is fairly acidic and can bother dog’s appetites and tummies. I’m just milking the attention but Mom doesn’t seem to mind much. She just wants me back as her favorite Ninja.

Wilson: I wondered why Mum had been extra attentive to you. Sorry you’re under the weather and hope you’ll feel better soon. Wishing you loads of healing, sheepie energy, little one.

Elsa: Thanks, House Pony. I am doing better and not coughing nearly as much as I was 5 days ago. Mom talked with the vet a couple of days ago and they’re watching me closely so I’m sure I’ll be just fine once I’m through with that yucky tasting medication. I’ve been such a good girl taking my meds and not spitting anything out. I’ve got my paws crossed that I’ll be fine soon. Last year it was recovering from the femoral fracture, this year it’s bronchitis. Guess that old adage about getting old ain’t for sissies is true. She said the two of us are quite the pair. She’s still recovering from her broken sternum but it’s improving ever so slowly. At least she can sneeze or cough without too much pain, which is a big improvement from before.

Wilson: Mum’s been working hard with me about my squirrel obsession and I seem to be doing better (at least I think I’m doing better) and haven’t turned her into a kite for a while now. I’ll be glad when she’s fully recovered. So guess what we found this week? Actual signs that spring is planning on making an appearance in just 40 days! I’m very excited and actually managed to control my urge to water these baby tulips. Mum was so excited seeing them and the photo is a tad out of focus, so apologies for that.

Tulip sprouts

Elsa: I think she was just trying to keep you from showering them and hurried to snap the pic. They’re small little sprouts now but it’s a good sign that Spring is planning on arriving  soon. It’s been so drab and brown but now she’s got her eagle eyes peeled for other sightings of spring bulbs.

Wilson: She’s constantly scanning the ground and the skies for interesting and fascinating things to share. She’s always waxing on about how cool things look and is totally captivated by the natural world. Just check out this moon sighting earlier this week through some clouds. She was enthralled with the light ring highlighting its first quarter. I’m not sure what all the fuss is about but I’ll let her enjoy it.

Moon

Elsa: Hmm, look a bit eerie through those tree branches. Almost Halloween-ish.

Wilson: Right. Humans are a funny lot. They seem to view the world through focusing on holidays. I mean, just when we thought it was safe to walk the neighborhood without fear of those abominable inflatables, look what else we discovered.

Inflatables

Wilson: {continuing} I’m all in favor of expressions of love and all, but these blimey things just confuse me. And both Mum and I have no idea why there are so many bloody dinosaurs in these holiday inflatables. Does anyone know what that’s all about?

Elsa: I have a good idea but this is a GP rated blog so Mom would likely have a conniption fit if I said it out loud.

Elsa: {continuing} I mean when she took me to the vet’s the other day, we took a bit of a potty break and came across this house. I mean I’m all for a nice holiday decoration but sheesh people, Christmas is over. Put your holiday decor away. It’s not like you couldn’t remember where all the light strings are!

Garage door

Wilson: I’m waiting for them to break out singing some carols.

Elsa: You buffoon, nobody is singing any carols. It’s probably just a cling with woodland creatures printed on it. While it could be viewed as a winter scene, it smacks of Christmas to me. I say, “take it down, peeps-Christmas is over!” Good grief.

Wilson: Ahem…it’s a good thing you don’t have strong feelings about it, eh?

Elsa: {sheepishly contrite} Well, I get worked up over things like this when I’m not feeling 100%…yay that’s the ticket. Still, I can’t help but wonder what the bloody blue blazes is wrong with humans?

Wilson: I don’t think we have enough time or space to answer that question so let’s change the subject and find out what’s on tap for the weekend.

Elsa: Well I’m just relaxing and getting 100% well. The Puppy Bowl is this weekend and I know could all enjoy those cute little pupsters waiting to be adopted. Mom loves that annual broadcast, even more than the football extravaganza everyone yammers on about. One of the pups being featured (originally named Chrysanthemum), was from a litter of puppies a blogger who Mom follows, will be in the big event on the Animal Planet channel. Author Cara Achterberg fosters dogs and writes about her experiences in the Shenandoah Valley and this little pipsqueak from the Literary Litter will be featured (note: the producers changed her name to Maya). We’ll be rooting for her to score lots of touchdowns as well as finding a forever home. What a cutie.

Maya - Puppy Bowl

Wilson: You’re too right, she is a cutie and sure hope she’s adopted. Mum’s grateful for Cara’s work, tirelessly finding new homes for dogs by fostering them after they’ve been pulled from shelters across the south. Whatever you do, we hope you too can find signs of spring out there on your next outdoor walk. Have a great weekend everyone. Cheerio!

Nature Friday

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ January 31, 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 54 Comments

BreckenridgeWelcome to another edition of Nature Friday on the last day of January. Elsa here…joining those cute pups from Adventures of the LLB Gang. The past few weeks we’ve pretty much had bupkis finding beauty in nature. Winter’s the season of drab so hopefully today’s offering will be a nice chance of pace.  Instead of kvetching about the weather, Mom and her friend, Cheryl drove up to Breckenridge to embrace it. They went to check out first hand the International Snow Sculpture Championship held at Breckenridge, Colorado this week. It was a positively gorgeous crystal clear day with temps in the low 30F’s at the ski resort. You couldn’t ask for a nicer day (unless it happened to have fewer people). Mom and Cheryl figured a Tuesday wouldn’t be nearly as busy, but they were sorely miscalculated. There were jillions of skiers, tourists and gobs of people checking out the ice sculptures which were displayed across street from the ski resort’s closest parking lot to the ski gondola. As they arrived, it seemed like everyone in town was abuzz with excitement with the event.

Breckenridge

Wilson: Along the route, they were treated to beautiful clear blue skies and snow-capped peaks. Be sure to check out the  video above on the link showing how this event unfolds, from showing those 20 ft. tall enormous blocks of ice being turned into massive artistic creations in just a few days. Mum’s only regret sharing the video is she couldn’t ditch the ad but luckily you can skip it quickly. That video is from last year but it’ll still give you a sense of what happens. She didn’t find a video for this year by the time we published.

Elsa: I guess it’s quite the deal getting ready for it. Four days of carving and then four days for the public to view. Pretty cool, eh, House Pony?

Wilson: Right you are, Ninja! Mum had a hard time winnowing down the countless pics she took there. But let me first set the stage and explain a little about Breckenridge, a mountain town located in Summit County about 80 miles west of Denver with an altitude of 9,600 ft. above sea level. It started out as a mining camp in 1859. Then in 1961, skiing was introduced and, well, the rest is history. Let’s sniff around, shall we?

Breckenridge ice sculpture
Look at that gorgeous mountain.

Elsa: Yes, yes…let’s snoop and sniff. Here’s a bit of the downtown area. Followed by the bridge where they made their way to the event site. A pic of an old cabin turned into a restaurant follows. And those icicles…holy yikes!

Downtown Breckenridge
Downtown Breckenridge

Breckenridge

Breckenridge icicle

Wilson: Nice, sister. Now let’s see some of the actual ice sculptures. This was one of the first sculptures to greet you.

Breckenridge ice sculpture
“The Accent of Icarus” from a Wisconsin team from the US

Breckenridge ice sculpture

Breckenridge ice sculpture

Breckenridge ice sculpture
“The Zipper,” entered by a team from Turkey. Such realism.

Breckenridge ice sculpture

Breckenridge ice sculpture -Dragon
“The Power of Transformation”

Wilson: One of mom’s favorites was that dragon. Considering the Chinese Lunar New Year was celebrated this week, she thought it was quite timely.

Breckenridge ice sculpture

Elsa: Oooh, ahhhhh. Those are some pretty amazing sculptures. Mom took a pic from way back so you could get a sense of the scale of these things. {head shaking} Talk about impressive! Notice how small people are compared to them.

Breckenridge ice sculpture

Wilson: Finally something bigger than me. Heh, heh.

Elsa: Oh get over yourself, dude. This next one was Mom’s favorite and it took silver.

Breckenridge ice sculpture
“Descendent” from Mexico. Notice all the carved apple cores. 

Breckenridge Ice sculpture

Wilson: Here is the massive bear entry from the team from Mongolia. It makes a statement about the impact of climate change and how it’s affecting nature. Against that gorgeous blue sky, it was quite impressive and hopefully activates people to do something to help out these beautiful creatures whose habitat is constantly being threatened.

Breckenridge ice sculpture bear
Battle for the Last Ice Island.

Breckenridge ice sculpture - bear

Elsa: But the winner…drum roll please was the entry from Team Germany. I know Mom’s German and all, but even she said “meh.” It was created with lots of precision though.

Breckenridge ice sculpture
Team Germany’s entry, entitled APEX-zero gravity.

Elsa: Not my favorite but they failed to ask me to be a judge. Their loss.

Wilson: Mum took so many photos at this event that didn’t make this post. With 12 teams, it was hard to show them all and chose the best of the best. All in all it was quite the day. As the shadows started getting longer from the nearby mountain, Mum and her friend decided to try and make a quick exit before all the skiers began to clear out and head home. Both of them were surprised at the sheer number of people on a Tuesday afternoon. But with decent snow and almost spring like conditions on a gorgeous day, I guess everyone decided to call in sick (or maybe even call in too well to go to work). Mum’s city life makes her forget just how many people love getting away to the mountains. Unfortunately driving back on I-70 was a quick reminder of just how many there are out on the roadways.

Elsa: Thanks for sharing these striking images, House Pony. So what’s on your weekend agenda?

Wilson: Give that our temps will likely reach 60ºF (15C) today and tomorrow, we hope it will involve lots of outside sniffing. Hopefully we’ll get several days of pleasant weather. Whatever you do, we hope you have a fantastic weekend. Make sure you get outside to experience all that Nature offers. There’s always some beauty to be found in the season of drab if you just look around.

Nature Friday

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ January 24, 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 70 Comments

Elsa

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

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

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

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

Elsa & her Wobble bowl

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

Wobble bowl lick mat

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wilson: Right-o, Ninja!

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

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

Canadian geese

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

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

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

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

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

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

Heiser House

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

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

Snowman

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

Nature Friday

Live, love, bark! 🐾

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