Here’s hoping you have the best Monday possible following a wonderful weekend. Stay motivated.
Life, love, bark! 🐾
Category: #ohthatdog!
Nature Friday ~ January 30, 2026
Welcome to the last Friday of January. As always, we’re joining our friends over at Adventures of the LLB Gang for their weekly nature blog hop. Be sure to check out what everyone else has shared.
Well goodness gracious…what the bloody hell is with the weather? Winter Storm Fern sounded like such a nice name and who goes on a rampage like she did when they’re named “Fern?” That beast showed her true colors and pounded most of the U.S. mercilessly. If she didn’t dump a load of snow, she hammered people with sleet and/or ice. We were very sorry to hear about all the misery she caused and hope people are getting their power turned back on and settling in cozy, warm laps. Mum heard there’s another potential snowstorm coming to the east coast but we hope the weather forecasters are wrong and it’s not nearly as bad as they are saying it might be.
Wilson: It’s been cold here this week but nothing like it’s been around Blogville. When the sun is out though, it’s most welcoming and it melted nearly all our snow. There still are some frozen places along the creek. Mum kept me out of the walking lineup until midweek for which I was mostly grateful. Even if I was antsy and kind of annoying, I think she was trying to keep me safe and warm. It’s just boring being inside all day long.
The Mum: I know it’s hard for you when you have to be inside but if it’s too cold for me all bundled up, I know it’s too cold for you. I’m just trying to look out for ya, buddy.
Wilson: I appreciate it, Mum, even when I don’t like it. My potty breaks were a bit on the fast side because of the cold at the beginning of the week. I thought when you took me for a ride, things were going to look up and then I realized as soon as we pulled up, you were taking me to the groomer. What the dawg, Mum? I thought you were my friend. Harumph.
The Mum: Sorry, House Pony. You were getting a bit funky but now you’re all nice and floofy, you smell amazing and are nicely trimmed up. I didn’t let her steal all your furs. As we drove to the groomer’s shop, I couldn’t help but notice the wide open spaces. This stretch was pretty windy which likely sped up the melting and although it was 40F (4C), it felt much colder with the wind. Still it was such a pretty day with those sunny blue skies that I didn’t mind.
Wilson: Of course you didn’t, it wasn’t your furs being stolen.
The Mum: Oh puleez…she didn’t take that much off-you still have plenty of floof. It’s clean now and smells heavenly.
Wilson: {grumbling} It’s humiliating. Luckily Sydney is nice to me and everyone was very supportive.
The Mum: Oh for heaven’s sake, you are such a drama queen. Has anyone told you to ‘grow a pair.’
Wilson: {blinking and then rolling his eyes} I have a certain reputation to maintain. Sadly I am a Maligned Floof with a case of anxiety.
The Mum: {eyes rolling} Whatever. So what else do you have to share besides these overly ridiculous claims surrounding your latest grooming session?
Wilson: Well, since we missed several days of walks along the trail, we finally were able to take photos of one of the underpasses that has a pretty amazing mural late in the week. I kind of like this mural, the colors morph from one color to another. It rather looks like it’s a gigantic dragon in segments.
The Mum: It really is a statement piece. I wish I could show it in its entirety, not just in the segments to really show off how well each color blends into the next.
Wilson: The colors are pretty cool and it sure beats looking at plain old concrete walls or graffiti. I like it when cities incorporate interesting art into their infrastructure.
The Mum: Yes, you’re spot on, House Pony. It breaks up winter drab nicely.
Wilson: Well that’s it for me this week. Next week I will share a different kind of artwork by the legendary Camille Pissarro whose exhibit is being shown at the Denver Art Museum. Pissarro is known as the father of the Impressionist Movement and his landscapes are truly incredible.
The Mum: Sounds like a plan. We hope everyone stays warm and safe this weekend and that the weather doesn’t impact your ability to enjoy nature. We also hope that power is fully restored to all those folks who’ve been impacted by the ice storms. Be safe and have a great weekend.
Wilson: Yes, what Mum said. If you’re planning on something special this weekend, leave us a comment and tell us what you’re doing. Enjoy this last weekend in January. If you need some good news, just remember, there are 48 days until Spring officially arrives. With each passing day, I think we’ll all be giddy for when it arrives.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Monday Musings ~ January 12, 2026
Holy cow, we’re heading quickly toward the middle of the month…how in the world did that happen? In some ways January has been speeding by and in other ways seems like a slow crawl. The national news makes it seem like an endless Groundhog Day. Different day, same old headlines. Such is the contrast when you reach a certain age, I guess.
Wilson: We hope you had a fantabulous weekend. Mum attended a celebration of life from a former beloved partner of the law firm she worked at for nearly 25 years. He had been a champion for women in the legal biz and just a downright amazing human. It was great for her to catch up with folks from decades ago, including one who was a neighbor of hers in the old neighborhood as well as her favorite attorney at the firm. R exemplified the concept of kindness, dignity and competence. It was wonderful catching up with folks and celebrating the life of one of the best attorneys. Rest in eternal peace, Mike. As a long time pilot and aerial enthusiast, Mum is sure he is flying high and free now.
The Mum: As we normally do on Monday’s, let’s start this week out with a couple of smiles. Wilson said he could identified with both of them (though he thought it was ridiculously crazy to chase after a toy, but a tiny morsel of a crumb…but that’s a whole other ballgame; he did say he’d dig to China if it meant he could retrieve crumbs) . Of course whenever there’s anything food related, he will put his paw of approval on the post. Have a wonderful Monday and an even better week overall. Sending out January hugs and tail wiggles to you all. We plan to enjoy a warm up after last week’s slice of winter.
Finally, let’s take a look at the life of Farley, the sheepdog from For Better or For Worse. Wilson definitely could identify with this day in Farley’s world. He likes to keep those days at a minimum and reminded me that there’s always something he could do with me, even if it means getting his paws paddles caught up in my feet upending me and sending me splatting on the street. I’m ok, just a bit sore. The expression on his face though was priceless. He had a “what the bloody hell are you doing down there?” Guess I need to give you a Wilson healing slurp to get you up and moving.” Which he did. Silly boy.
Here’s hoping you stay upright and have a terrific Monday.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Monday Musings ~ November 10, 2025
It’s Monday and for both of us, it came way too quickly.
The Mum: Good morning, House Pony…what have you got planned for today?
Wilson: {lip smacking, snorf, burp} Umm, extensive sleeping with intermittent snoozing, some yawning, a bit of stretching, relaxing, a few dreams with a bit of leg twitching.
The Mum: Whoa…I see. Sounds like you have a busy day planned.
Wilson: I’m wondering how I’ll be able to fit it all in.
We hope you have a great Monday. Don’t overdo it, ‘kay?
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Monday Musings ~ November 3, 2025
Happy first Monday of November! We hope you survived the onslaught of ghosts and goblins and have properly disposed of the half chewed up pumpkins. Did you know that throwing pumpkins in landfills creates loads of methane which contributes to climate change. Best to compost them for next year’s flower beds.
Have you ever roasted the seeds from your porch Jack-o-lantern? It’s a slimey exercise but boy howdy, they sure are tasty snacks.
We survived the neighborhood kids doorbell ringing by placing our treats on a small table and inviting them to take a treat without sending Wilson into protective mode by sending him into an extreme eardrum-splitting alarm. He and I rested calmly and by 10 pm, all but about 6 pieces of Hershey nuggets had been taken and were promptly saved for Saturday’s lunch snack with my granddaughter’s house. I’d have to rate this year’s holiday a resounding success even if I didn’t get to see all the adorable costumes for the little ones coming to the door.
Today is the first weekday back on standard time. If you were like some people (me), you spent a bit of time yesterday trying to remember how to reset the car clock or re-adjusting clocks that don’t automatically change around the house. After decades of changing clocks, you’d think I’d have changing the dining room, a pendulum clock, the art studio, microwave and stove clocks down pat for the manual switch. You’d be wrong. This is why I save all instruction manuals for appliances and have even tabbed the owner’s manual in my car to the page on how to manually change the clock since thee is no “how to change your clock page in the table of contents (WTH Mazda?). Thank god there are no VCR’s with their flashing blue clocks these days. Changing that clock after a power outage and the twice a year time adjustment practically took an act of god. Goodbye and good riddance to that old fashioned technology. The alarm clock in my bedroom automatically changes but it’s old enough that it’s always off for a week or so. Good thing I don’t have to rely on it to get up in time to leave for work. I just wait it out until the switches back (or forward) to the ‘correct’ time.
Which leads me to today’s smile. I couldn’t help but think how many similar scenes to this one were happening all over the country. For his own reaction, Wilson hopped up on my bed when I got up and curled up in the covers until he realized my getting up meant he could go outside and possible scare round up a bunny in the low light like he did a couple of mornings ago. Nothing like chasing a full speed Sherman tank down the alley in low light conditions wearing flip-flop slippers. Imagine his disappointment when he realized it was a rabbit and not the bane of his existence-a squirrel.
We hope today’s reunion with the weekday world was easy enough, the yawns were kept to a minimum and you didn’t have to overdose on caffeine. Have a wonderful Monday.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Monday Musings ~ October 6, 2025
Over the weekend I transported a relinquished sheepdog to one of our fosters. He’s a sweet boy and was placed with a seasoned sheepdog owner who’ll help him get over his shyness.
While I was gone, it looks like the spirit of Elsa showed up to keep Wilson company. Even as an angel she shares her presence and legacy. This was new behavior from Wilson and clearly was a paw on my shoulder from my beloved Ninja who wanted me to know she’s thinking of us.
Which leads me to today’s smile which perfectly sums it up. May you savor the theft of your heart. Happy Monday, friends.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Nature Friday ~ August 29, 2025
Well, 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.
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.
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.
And at last count, there are about a dozen little nubs waiting to join this ripening bad boy in my belly!
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?
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.
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.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Work Like a Dog Day ~ 2025
We don’t generally post on Tuesday but today is one that really applies to Wilson which is why we’re joining our friends at The Cat Blogosphere for “Work Like A Dog Day” today. This celebration is held every August 5th. Drop by their monthly calendar for all manner of cool celebrations and announcements.
While this is strictly an unofficial holiday, we think it’s important to celebrate all the hard work that working dogs like herding dogs, hunting dogs, rescue, service and in our personal case, therapy dogs who work hard, providing help and cheer for their humans. Please notice that the House Pony takes his daily contributions quite seriously.
Happy Tuesday peeps!
Monday Musings ~ June 2, 2025
Good grief, I can’t believe it’s June already! What the dawg is going on? Wasn’t it just Valentine’s Day? However we got here, it’s no reason not to still start the week out with a smile. And today’s installment is sooo Wilson. There has never been any doubt in my mind that this trait embedded deep in his DNA since he’s shown a strong proclivity for chilling out on the sofa (or even better, on a bed).
From the day I brought him home, this boy has loved laying on my bed…the sofa, me…well you get the point. I’d be upset at his flagrant disregard for one of the house rules if he wasn’t such a cute floof.
Sending you loads of happy thoughts for a great Monday.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Nature Friday ~ May 17, 2025
Welcome to the 20th Friday of 2025 and the 136th day of the year. Your friendly neighborhood floof is here to share slices of nature for this week’s latest edition of Nature Friday. Once again we’re joining the LLB Gang and hope you’ll click on their link to see what others have shared. And no…in case anyone is wondering, I’m not broken this morning, I’m just catching a few more winks before starting my day. Plus I just love laying like this on my favorite pile of pillows. Ahhhhh-the good life.
The Mum: {from the other room} Wilson! Get off the sofa!!
Wilson: {sighing} Whoops, guess that’s my signal to get up and get rolling. This week started out with a couple of toasty days with temps in the upper 80’s F (31C) but then a cool front moved in along with about 16 drops of rain. Both Mum and I enjoyed the sunny mornings and temps in the 60ºs F (15º C) in the afternoons to spy on this week’s focus-irises. Mum is a huge fan of irises, bearded irises in particular. They do extremely well in our semi-arid climate and if there’s any downside to planting them, it’s that they have a relatively short blooming cycle. I guess that old adage-into each life, some rain must fall-is accurate…pitiful as it may be.
The Mum: Life is full of give and take, House Pony especially in our climate. But it just makes life interesting. You’re quite right, I am a big fan of bearded irises. While they prefer well drained soil and sunny conditions they have done fairly well in our garden and around the neighborhood. Low maintenance, low water requirements…yes please-sign us up! And now that I’ve discovered there are some varieties that will re-bloom again in autumn, color me happy as a clam at high tide. Bearded irises are just about perfect as a garden addition and are easy to grow. The re-bloomers are currently flowering now while our main iris bed is only beginning to show signs of waking up. Here are a couple photos of the re-bloomers. Normally, white flowers aren’t a big deal, but I have always thought these are just plain pretty with that soft pale yellow signal below the ‘beard.’
Wilson: They are lovely, Mum and if I do say so, most sniff-worthy as well (but I will resist because I know you love them). Last week’s rain sure made them very happy. I know you like unusual colors in flowers so this reddish colored one seems to fit that bill. Just look at how the sun shines through the petals. Early morning light is just so special.
The Mum: Yes, that red one is quite a beauty. Right now most of what are blooming around the ‘Hood are the purple ones.
Wilson: They’re pretty too, Mum. It’s like they’re sticking their tongues out us. Who knew flowers had a sense of humor?
The Mum: Oh Wilson…you are a funny dog…the things that amuse you.
Wilson: What? I’m just calling things like I see them. You humans are so serious, it’s good to look at life with a dog’s perspective.
The Mum: I’m not objecting, you just crack me up. One of the many reasons I love you. I have a feeling you have something else to share from around our garden. You’ve spent a lot of time hanging out with me while I’ve been cleaning up the beds.
Wilson: Yes, and it’s been pretty exciting. While you’re pulling weeds and picking up leaves and twigs the squirrels have been taunting me with, I’ve been watching bees hanging out around the lupines. Last week we captured the purple one and this week, the pink one is playing center stage.
The Mum: You’re starting to sound like me being mesmerized by bees going from flower to flower searching out the best pockets of pollen.
Wilson: And I see you managed to capture another one in mid-flight. I wish I could do that, but you keep telling me I wouldn’t like that so I’m being a good boy and not trying to capture them in my sheepdog jaws of death. I’ll save that for the squirrels. Did you see how close I came to catching that tree rat yesterday?
The Mum: Don’t remind me. You shot down the alley like a rocket. I saw that you scared the daylights out of a bunny who ran along with the squirrel. Poor thing. You know the rule, no chasing the bunnies and certainly not down an alley where you may encounter traffic. I nearly had a heart attack when you did that. Are you just insane?
Wilson: {blinking innocently} I have no idea what came over me but you notice I responded to your hysterical command to return.
The Mum: Umm, that’s not exactly what transpired. I had to go chase you before you returned.
Wilson: Now, now,…the bottom line is I came to my senses and came willingly.
The Mum: Hmmm, as I recall it, I had to snatch you by the collar and drag you.
Wilson: You say say tomato (toMAYto) I say tomato (toMAHto), …let’s be like Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, shall we?
The Mum: I just want you to be safe, buddy. Please promise you’ll do better about chasing the tree rats, okay?
Wilson: I’ll do my best, but you gotta admit, I sure gave that rascal a run for its money.
The Mum: While giving me a heart attack in the process. It’s one thing to try to chase them up a tree, but let’s agree not to go flying down the alley, shall we?
Wilson: Deal, Mum. I hope I can keep that promise. I don’t want to disappoint you. And I know you’re just trying to keep me safe. So bunnies are ok to chase?
The Mum: {smacking her forehead} NO, BUNNIES ARE NOT OK TO CHASE!! For the record, we do not chase anybody, least of all down the alley, okay? Do you understand now?!
Wilson: {sheepishly} Got it Mum. Sorry. Not to change the subject, but what’s on the agenda this weekend? Got any special plans? Whatever you do, we hope it includes checking out all the beauty nature dishes out. Have a great weekend and avoid any squirrels.
Live, love, bark! 🐾