Category: Ranch Hands

Nature Friday ~ May 17, 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 61 Comments

Wilson

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.’

Iris

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.

Iris

The Mum: Yes, that red one is quite a beauty. Right now most of what are blooming around the ‘Hood are the purple ones.

Iris Iris

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.

Lupine

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.

Nature Friday

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Monday Musings ~ March 10, 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 51 Comments

Monday smile

Today’s smile comes to you courtesy of a recent ‘concert’ singing just this song. It never seems to fail when you have a pet.

Here’s wishing you a lovely and ‘concert-free’ Monday.

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! 🐾

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 24, 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 70 Comments

Elsa

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

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

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

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

Elsa & her Wobble bowl

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

Wobble bowl lick mat

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wilson: Right-o, Ninja!

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

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

Canadian geese

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

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

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

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

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

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

Heiser House

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

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

Snowman

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

Nature Friday

Live, love, bark! 🐾

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

Nature Friday ~ January 17, 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 66 Comments

ElsaWelcome to this week’s Nature Friday post where we join those cute pups from Adventures of the LLB Gang. Hiya, Elsa here. It’s winter and any photos are fairly slim showcasing nature around the Mile High. The National Western Stock Show is going on but Mom said she’d rather set her hair on fire than deal with the traffic and wannabe cowboys than go to that event. Since she no longer works downtown, she didn’t even see the annual parade of Longhorn cattle up Seventeenth Street.

Stock Show
Image from the 2015 National Western Stock Show parade

Elsa: {continuing} The big thing that we’ll be watching is the newsworthy story of a winter advisory in the form of an Arctic blast that’s slated to arrive later today (more on that below). Mom and Wilson will once again be spending the day at the hospital visiting folks. I heard he visited with a jillion people yesterday and made friends with even more. He tried to make ‘friends’ with a local hoodlum right before he left for his shift. Trust me, he didn’t get close but there was one tuckered out squirrel that collapsed from exhaustion on top of the wooden fence. His sides were heaving as he tried to catch his breath. Mom said he seemed pretty traumatized since he didn’t even run away when she went to see if he was ok. The House Pony was foiled {again} and life moved forward. Guess you had to be there to appreciate the drama.

Wilson's friend
Wilson’s friend

Wilson & the squirrel

Wilson: Hey, I almost got him! He didn’t realize how speedy I am.

Elsa: Don’t kid yourself. No matter how {ahem} speedy you think you are, you’re always going to lose to that rodent. You should save your energy for more important endeavors, like Olympic style napping, like me. Trust me, that’s a much better use of your time with a greater chance for success.

Wilson: I just know I can get him at some point. I just know he’s going to make a mistake, slip off that top rail and fall on my side of the fence. And I’ll be there to ‘welcome’ him. {smiling with teeth exposed} Heh, heh.

Elsa: Well, I’m just saying, you’re wasting valuable time trying. I mean, wasn’t it Groucho Marx who said “paying alimony is like buying hay for a dead horse.”

Wilson: Perhaps, but because it’s almost MKL Day, I subscribe to the his quote, “It’s a job that’s never started that takes the longest to finish.” Martin Luther King, Jr.”

Elsa: Whatever, bozo.

Wilson: I think this is just something that you and I will have to agree to disagree about. Now about that Arctic blast you mentioned. The local weather channel said we can expect a “flash freeze.” What the bloody dog is a “flash freeze?” How cold is it going to get?

Weather forecast
Graphic courtesy of Denver 7 channel

Elsa: Glad you asked though I’m not looking forward to those days with the minus symbol. One of the local meteorologists said a “flash freeze” is when there’s a rapid drop in temperatures from above freezing to below freezing in a really short period of time. She said Colorado rarely gets them. There’s a chance we’ll get some snow later today, even if it’s practically balmy as of this morning (32ºF/0ºC). That cold front will move in later this evening and any existing moisture on the ground like rain or melted snow will quickly freeze into ice. It’s gonna be nasty and brutally cold out there for the next few days so Mom is most grateful her calendar is clear and she won’t have to drive anywhere. It will likely be way too cold for us to do anything outside beyond super quick potty trips, so expect lots of sessions with the snuffle mats.

Wilson: Mmmmm, I can hardly wait. Well that’s it for us. Because this Arctic blast is going to hit a lot of the country and affect so many, we hope you all stay safe and warm. I strongly recommend you snuggle with a dog. Just saying.

Wilson

Elsa: What he said. ⬆️ Stay warm and don’t let squirrels or Jack Frost put too much of a damper on your weekend. Hugs and tail wags. I’m going to get started on that nap now.

Elsa

Nature Friday

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Monday Musings ~ January 13, 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 66 Comments

Happy Monday, peeps! Now that the holidays are over, winter seems to be in full swing with snow and cold temperatures. Our weather forecast calls for a warming trend and we’re good with that. With Elsa’s aging joints and Wilson’s attitude about snow, we’re looking forward to blue skies without the ‘lace-woven ice’ Nature so kindly provided us with last week. The snow that did fall here is 96% melted and was only about 4-5 inches deep.

Over the weekend one of our Instagram followers surprised us with a Gotcha Day gift for Wilson. Can we just say how cool was that? Thank you, Barkland Bakery, a local family business. We loved your treats and will look for you at various events when you come back to town. You can follow them on their Facebook or  Instagram pages. Having once launched a dog treat business myself, I am impressed that Barkland produces small batches of tasty treats that have no artificial additives and zero preservatives. The fact they made a personalized Gotcha Day biscuit for Wilson was so unexpected and appreciated. Wilson thought the peanut butter flavor is the bomb and Elsa was thrilled to get in on the treat action. Thank you, Becky for the treats and speedy delivery. Wilson and Elsa both think your taste taster, Kylo, deserves a raise. Barkland’s next event is the Winter Farmers Market this Saturday at the Foothills Mall in Fort Collins from 10-2pm. Keep your eyes open for this up and coming local pet treat company around the metro area and follow them on social media to see when they’re near you.

Before we get busy with the week, we ask you to keep all those impacted by the LA wildfires in your thoughts and prayers. If you are able to help, please consider making a donation to reputable groups who are help pets and people who have been impacted. Watch out for scammers. Happy Monday.

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Monday Musings ~ January 6, 2025

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 69 Comments

Welcome to the first Monday of 2025. Today is also notable for another reason, it was one year ago my dear friend, Cheryl and I drove to Missouri (along with Elsa, riding shotgun in the back seat) to pick up a gigantic and severely matted floof, then named Sam, to foster. He greeted us enthusiastically and I knew right away that it was more than likely I would fail at the foster aspect of this journey. We drove 1500 miles roundtrip through snowstorms on highways and tiny rural roads over a 24 hour period. I couldn’t have made that trip without Cheryl’s presence, good nature and common sense to guide us (and keep us squarely on the road and not in a ditch after it became dark). I’ll always remember our conversations which reassured me along that uncertain road where we recalled the past 20+ years of friendship, with observations on life, people and dogs (and egg sandwiches bought at a gas station convenience store). Her great company surrounded me in comfort and continues to this day. I’ll always be grateful for her joining me on this transformative journey, with all its twists and turns. Thank you my friend, for accompanying me then, as well as for your ongoing loving support and friendship. I love ya!

Cheryl with Wilson

The transformation of this filthy, matted mess…

Sam, the OES

to this handsome boy after his first grooming…

Wilson-pointing

While we’ve experienced few hiccups over the past year, I still have a dear friend who was always there for both of us.

You’ve come a long way Wilson, both literally and figuratively. From all the ups (learning how to navigate the ways of a noisy, chaotic urban environment while becoming an beloved pet therapy dog at Lutheran) as well as the downs (losing those unnecessary pounds and a couple of damaged teeth), you’ve been quite the addition to the Ranch, Wilson. Here’s to many more happy trails, buddy. Happy Gotcha Day, House Pony.

And because it’s also a Monday, we would be remiss if we didn’t share a smile to welcome the New Year. Have a great week!

Monday smile

Live, love, bark!  🐾