Category: Ranch Hands

Nature Friday ~ October 18, 2024

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 59 Comments

Elsa on sofa

{Whispering} Welcome to this week’s edition of Nature Friday where we join our hosts, Rosy and Sunny from Adventures of the LLB Gang. Don’t forget to click on the link to see what others shared. Elsa here with the latest skinny from around the Ranch. I wanted to start today’s post before that numbskull messes it up like he did last week. On the one hand, it’s still pretty dark early in the morning so pardon me for whispering-don’t want to wake up the kraken. On the other hand, it’s dark and by getting up early to beat that fool, I’m missing out on my beauty sleep. The things I do for this blog.

Anyway, this has been a whirlwind busy of a week…

Wilson: {yawning and smacking his lips} Huh, blurp…uh, what’s going on…where am I? I’m up!

Elsa: {rolling her eyes} Dude, you interrupted me. I was laying the foundation for you to open up with this week’s post. You’re awake? Your bedhead looks pretty gnarly, House Pony.

Wilson, bed head

Wilson: Umm, yeah…I haven’t had a chance to brush my hair yet but thought I was hearing you talk to someone. So…is it kosher for me to start now?

Elsa: If you must. Go for it.

Wilson: Well, when you put it like that…this week we are joining our friends…

Elsa: {smacks paw against her forehead} You fool, I already took care of that.

Wilson: Right, okay, then I presume it’s ok to start sharing photos?

Elsa: Yes!! Sheesh, I don’t know why I…ugh…you just can’t get good help. Go already!

Wilson: {shaking off the annoying little sister’s comment} As I was just about to say…it’s been quite the week. You managed to eat more mail again, including Mum’s ballot she just received. You seem to be on a mission to send her over the edge.

Ballot

Elsa: Maybe I was just irritated that she took you on a separate, longer walk after our initial sniff-ari. Besides, did you see it was 6 pages long? Sheesh, Mom’s busy and doesn’t have time to investigate all those citizen initiatives on the ballot. She just wants to make sure her vote for President is counted. The ballot was too long, I was just shortening it for brevity’s sake.

Wilson: We dogs are a smart lot, but Mum said you’ve lost the plot, little sister.

Elsa: Get over yourself. Besides, it was good for Mom to get out and see the world. Even if it’s the construction zone formerly known as downtown. Whoa, what a cluster. If it makes you feel better, I felt bad that she had to endure the crazy trip. She took the bus downtown to avoid the outrageous parking fees on what was a very nice autumn day (we’re hoping autumn temps will now dominate the landscape) but had no idea she was going to have to be plunked in the middle of such a major construction zone and would need to walk about on foot to get to the election board.

Wilson: Well you should feel badly. Without wheels, she was forced to wander hither and yon, back and forth, to get around all the construction on the mall (they’re resurfacing it and there was loads of heavy excavation equipment and workers directly traffic) in order to get over to the election office to obtain a duplicate ballot. She was too cautious to take photos of all that chaos with uneven surfaces, holes and the like and that wasn’t the kind of nature she wanted to share anyway so when she realized she was going to need to walk home, she walked along Cherry Creek which runs parallel to downtown. She discovered the creek was clear, but it was littered with all kinds of trash. That 3+ mile walk home was pretty depressing. Here’s a gallery of some of what she saw.

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Elsa: Whoa…the first couple of pics looked pretty good. The golden light was nice, everyone loves seeing ducks and things seemed all hunky-dory.

Wilson: Right, but the longer she walked, the more depressing and filthy it got. Despite multi-million dollar lofts on the east side of Cherry Creek, there was a lot of trash in the creek. Broken bottles, wrappers and even a chair. Come on humans…do better for our planet. Mum has never seen it like that before.

Elsa: I couldn’t agree more, brother. I see she got a decent shot of Confluence Park where Cherry Creek and the South Platte meet. Surprised there weren’t more people hanging out-it used to always have people playing in the water, kayaking and throwing sticks for their dogs in the past.

Wilson: Why would anyone want to deal with the traffic, construction and trash?

Elsa: I see your point. So now to the portion of our post where you gleefully get to post the latest Halloween scene from around the ‘Hood. I know this will make your bum wiggle with joy.

Wilson: I truly have found this neighborhood really gets into the whole Halloween decorating thing. It’s puzzling to me. This first photo is what is known as Halloween central. People from all over the city come to see this yard which has dozens of skellies including a lot of animal skellies. They change up the scene, usually weekly. Can you imagine dressing up all these guys every week? The latest theme-Olympic, is complete with flags from France (the most recent host to the summer Olympics), USA and even the Olympic flag with the iconic rings. They even went to the trouble of getting placards for the various displayed competition events which included a some gymnastics scenes, judo, swimming, table tennis and wrestling. Everytime we walked past it Mum finds another thing she’s missed before. She stands there in awe some days. People drive or walk by taking photos and shaking their heads in awe. Humans are truly odd.

Dog skellie

Elsa: That’s an understatement. So big guy, anything on your agenda this weekend?

Wilson: Just the usual dog stuff. Chase squirrels, nosh on treats and cuddle with Mum. It’s been quite crisp in the mornings and I have found she appreciates me blanketing her and keeping her nice and toasty.

Elsa: {under her breath} More like being pinned down and unable to move a muscle.

Wilson: Huh, what’s that you say?

Elsa: Oh nothing. Whatever you do, we hope you’re able to enjoy a lovely autumn weekend. Our forecast is calling for snow in the southwestern part of the state with Wolf Creek Pass already getting some yesterday. Naturally Denver remains a brown spot. Sigh.

Weather forecast
Image courtesy of the DenverGazette.com website.

Wilson: Maybe if we’re lucky, we might get a drop or two of rain in the city with a couple of inches of snow in the nearby mountains. Hope springs eternal.

Nature Friday

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ October 11, 2024

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 44 Comments

🎵 Humming…Rule Britannia… 🎵

Halloween

Elsa: {practically apoplectic} What the dog do you think you doing?!?!?!

Wilson: I’m starting our post with the latest Halloween photo from the neighborhood.

Elsa: No, you moron…we don’t start out Nature Friday with a Halloween photo. What is wrong with you? And singing the British anthem…that’s definitely a faux pax. You’re no more British than I am!

Wilson: Well I am a British Isle breed and figured since I am, it would be okay . Don’t you think that was clever and fun to switch things up a bit. Sorry.

Elsa: Not even a little and your apology is not accepted. Let me just say for the record, you seriously miscalculated. We always start out by saying…Welcome to this week’s edition of Nature Friday where we join our hosts, Rosy and Sunny from Adventures of the LLB Gang. Blah, blah, blah…don’t forget to click on the link to see what others have shared. Then I say “Elsa here, ready to share this week’s latest scenes from around the Ranch with the House Pony. Then, and only then do you enter. Now you’ve just gone and killed the entire post’s mojo. Thanks for screwing that up big time, bozo!

Wilson:  Oh my heavens…someone seems a bit testy this week. Guess Mum isn’t the only one who’s short on sleep. Fine, I’ll start all over…

Elsa: {Interrupting} Oh never mind. Just get on with it.

Wilson: {harumph} Fine…moving along then, Mum has been  super busy this week so photos of Nature around the neighborhood are a bit thin but I’ll try to do the best I can.

Elsa: Don’t bother. You can’t put the genie back in the bottle and try to save this train wreck now. {head shaking} Dang, I still can’t get over you opened with a photo before I set it up for you.  But go on, proceed now, Bozo.

Wilson: You’re not going to let this go, are you?

Elsa: This is the biggest deviance in the history of deviances on this blog. Of course I’m not letting this go. You’re making me regret letting you be a contributor to these posts.

Wilson:  Look, I apologized. What else can I do? {proceeding ahead and clearing his throat} Ahem…guess I better soldier on as best as I can. Last week we shared the pictures of leaves changing in the mountains but they’re barely changing here in the city. It’s still very much summer, temperature-wise although a few trees are beginning to ‘golden’ up. Which segues nicely to this week’s featured images. Mum recently participated in a hospital event for the hospital in nearby Golden, on one of those pretty autumn-ish, and warm days. Mum hadn’t been to Golden in forever and according to her, it had changed a lot. It’s not the cute little town west of Denver anymore. It’s turned into hipsterville these days with loads of fancy galleries and more restaurants than one can shake a stick at; the riverwalk was lovely (but crowded) and it was cool to view Clear Creek from the bridge and do some people watching.

Golden, CO

Elsa: Whoa…look at that clear water in downtown Golden! Is that why they call it Clear Creek? Very nice view from the bridge. Clear Creek has lots of activities going on all the time from kayaking to fishing, to just plain old fashioned people watching. What do you know about Golden’s history?

Wilson: Golden began as a gold rush mining camp back around 1859 and was named after Thomas L. Golden, one of the first prospectors to strike it rich in the area. “Golden City,” as it was called back in its early days actually was the territorial seat. Once Colorado achieved statehood, Denver became the state capitol, much to the chagrin of Golden locals but it hasn’t stopped Golden from continuing to grow.

Elsa: Interesting. What else did Mom see?

Wilson: She walked down to get a better view of the riverwalk  but it was crowded with lots of people to really get many good photos. Still, it could be a fun walk strolling around all the public artwork when there aren’t as many people around.

Golden, CO

Elsa: Wait…is that a dog in that sidecar on that e-bike? Can you imagine how much fun it would be to ride in comfort checking things out on the road.

Wilson: I know, right? Mum said I could never be a passenger since she doubted she could pedal with me in it. Something about too much ballast.

Elsa: {snicker} You know that just means she say you’re a fat dolt, don’t you?

Wilson: Fat? {gasp}, I am decidedly NOT fat…the vet said I was perfect with a nice slim waistline now.

Elsa: That may be but I guarantee Mom is still not pedaling your big tush on any riverwalk, even if was all downhill.

Wilson: Gosh, you are quite harsh today…

Elsa: You’re the reason, dude. If you would have just followed the rules, everything could be all hunky dory. But no…you had to go off the reservation by beginning with a Halloween photo  right off the bat. I mean, who does that?

Wilson: I guess I do. Sorry. You can be sure it will never happen again.

Elsa: Relax brother. I’m not completely pixxed. I know you meant well, you just failed to execute properly. I’ll forgive you; just don’t let it happen again.

Wilson: Thank you, Ninja-you got it. This whole experience has reminded me that we should have more editorial meetings so I don’t get it wrong again. You know like training sessions.

Elsa: Deal. I’ll bring some treats and we can gnaw over details on how to do this in the future. Waddu say, big guy?

Wilson: Treats? You know I’m all in. So what are you doing this weekend? Whatever you do, we hope you have a wonderful weekend and can enjoy this glorious time of year while enjoying nature. We understand the Northern Lights have been putting on quite the show in northern latitudes. In the meantime, we will continue to pray for everyone affected by the latest hurricane and hope all of you stay safe and strong.

Nature Friday

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ October 4, 2024

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 63 Comments

Elsa

Welcome to this week’s edition of Nature Friday where we join our hosts, Rosy and Sunny from Adventures of the LLB Gang. Don’t forget to click on the link to see what others have shared. Elsa here with the latest scenes from around the Ranch. I’ll be joined by the House Pony who, as it turned out, had a successful batch of visits at the hospital. There may be hope for that lummox yet.

Wilson: {ignoring the snark} Hello, mates. Like my sister said, we’re here to share slices of nature we’ve seen. As Mum mentioned in our last Nature Friday post, the plan was to take in some leaf peeping over last weekend. Along with 87,000 of our closest city friends {sarcasm}. You probably saw the photo Mum posted earlier this week. In Mum’s voice, “what. a. cluster.” It was a good thing she was with good friends otherwise she may not have survived without making a fuss. After days of all the local TV stations telling everyone to get out and see the glorious colors on what was billed as prime leaf viewing, guess everyone heeded the advice because there were thousands of them lined up for miles and miles. Mum had never seen as many Teslas and trucks, some of whom got their side mirrors ripped off when they stupidly carelessly parked on the road to the summit of Guanella Pass. Bloody fools!

Leaf peeping

As you can see, it was quite the line heading back toward Denver. They were told there were hundreds of cars ahead of them and it took 3 hours to drive a mere 3 miles. But it was a gorgeous day and all they could do was sit in queue and ooh and aww at the beautiful changing colors.

Guanella Pass

Elsa: So tell me more about this Guanella Pass. I know Mom knew a bit about it but I’m not familiar.

Wilson: As it happens, I have some interesting info about Guanella Pass which is located about 56 miles west of Denver in the Front Range in southwestern Clear Creek County, near Georgetown. It was named after long-time road supervisor and commissioner, Byron Guanella.

The pass provides a route between Georgetown in the valley of Clear Creek to the north and Grant in the valley of Geneva Creek, a tributary of the North Fork South Platte River, to the south. The pass is traversed by the Guanella Pass Scenic Byway. The road provides a link between Interstate 70 to the north and U.S. Highway 285 to the south. [source: Wikipedia]

Elsa: Hmm…learn something new every day. What’s the scoop on the trees and why are they so special?

Wilson: Glad you asked. Colorado is known for its Aspen trees (also known as quaking aspens). They are native to colder climates which is one reason they do well in this state. Did you know that Colorado averages the highest number of peaks in the lower 48 states and has more thicker concentrations of these trees than anywhere else in the U.S. They do well in Colorado because of their ability to sprout new growth after large wildfires – of which there have been many in recent years. It is usually the first tree species to re-colonize a burn area. Aspens however are more fire resistant than other native trees such as the various kinds of evergreen trees. Aspens have a unique ability to the photosynthesis process in the white bark, while most trees carry out this process in their leaves. That means in winter once the leaves have fallen and snow begins to fall, the tree continues to produce sugar for energy which helps provide a food source for deer, elk and other animals. And finally, aspen trees cluster closely together because they clone themselves as roots sprout new trees and share an identical genetic makeup, making them extremely large organisms. Even though there may be multiple clones in an aspen grove, the grove’s leaves turn at the same time.

Elsa: Hmmm, you don’t say? I knew they were one of the largest organisms in nature but didn’t know the part about  genetic makeup turning the leaves at the same time. So what else you got?

Wilson: What I got is some great photos while everyone waited to get through the gridlock. While Colorado is known for its  bright ribbons of gold, Mum and her friends managed to see some spots of orange and red. Check out this gallery of pics:

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Elsa: Gosh, no wonder there were so many people catching glimpses of those trees and shrubs. You gotta love the humor of the locals with that sign. Mom initially laughed but after waiting 3 hours to reach US 285 to head back to Denver, she kinda lost her humor. She said she’s never seen it that congested before.

Wilson: Can you blame her? Everyone was jonesing for their ‘Instagram’ moment and not really appreciating the beauty of nature. She was irritated that too many people were looking down at their devices rather than enjoying the scenery. How is it that people watch TikTok instead of enjoying being in Nature? I just don’t get it.

Elsa: There are so many reasons to not be able to understand humans and what they seem to value. I mean you and I would be running around sniffing up a storm and enjoying it all.

Wilson: Seems like a wasted opportunity. I do have one more local image to share…some mutant squash Mum and I encountered on our walk the other day. I thought it was a starfish at first.

Squash

Elsa: You’re right, that is weird. For the record, I’m not eating that.

Wilson: Oh no…me neither. Can you believe it? Me not wanting to eat something. That has to be a first.

Elsa: Egad, Mooommm, Wilson must be sick, he didn’t want to eat that squash!!

Wilson: Oh come on…it’s not that unusual.

Elsa: Ha! Don’t make me laugh. So…anything else you want to share?

Wilson: Well no more beautiful changing leaves but I did want to let everyone know that even though it was delayed a bit following a deathmatch between a couple of contestants which messed up the bracket, it’s Fat Bear Week. You can vote here.

Elsa: Oh for crying out loud…you’re promoting Fat Bear Week {paw smacks forehead}? This is not some sleazy tabloid, dude.

Wilson: I’m quite serious. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite Alaskan bear. I’m rooting that 128 Grazer will repeat.

Elsa: Oh jeez. Forget voting for a fat bear. Instead, enjoy this week’s Halloween scene from just around the corner from the Ranch. A skellie watchdog is better than some old fat bear. Have a great weekend and enjoy walking about in nature. Get out there and really savor it.

Wilson: Savor? Is there food somewhere I don’t know about?

Elsa: Oh for heaven’s sake…I just can’t. Have a great weekend enjoying nature.

Halloween

Nature Friday

Live, love bark! 🐾

National Black Dog Appreciation Day

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 63 Comments

Cheers, mates. Wilson here to extol the virtues of the day…today is National Black Dog Day. Yes, there is a day devoted to black dogs and for good reason. Did you know that black dogs have the lowest rate of adoption and highest rate of euthanasia of any shelter dogs? What’s behind that craziness, you ask?

National Black Dog Day

Celebrated annually on October 1st to combat Black Dog Syndrome, this day was founded by animal behaviorist and activist Colleen Paige (who also created National Dog Day and National Mutt Day). To encourage the adoption of black dogs, some shelters and rescues will waive adoption fees or host special events to benefit dark-colored pups.

Did you know that black dogs are often the last to be adopted in shelters? That’s why we celebrate National Black Dog Day each October to spread awareness that every pup deserves a fur-ever home.

While there is some debate over the veracity of black-colored dogs being readily adopted, the issue known as  Black Dog Syndrome (BDS) is real. It’s thought that black dogs are more likely to stay in shelters longer and may potentially be euthanized if they aren’t adopted soon enough. With space and other resources being limited and the real effort to get dogs adopted out as quickly as possible, black dogs are often overlooked by potential adopters.
Elsa
Anyone can participate in National Black Dog Day. Even if you don’t have a black dog, you can use #NationalBlackDogDay on your social media posts to help spread awareness about BDS or by donating to your local shelters and rescues to aid in the adoption of black dogs, as well.

Black Dog Syndrome

What is Black Dog Syndrome? There are many negative connotations associated with black animals. Ancient superstitions often keeps someone back from adopting a black pet. All too often black dogs have been portrayed as guardians of the underworld in mythology.

Yes, it’s a real challenge photographing dark dogs and they are frequently  passed over. Light-colored dogs definitely stand-out a bit more in pictures. But in reality, a black dog is no different than any other pup regardless of their coloring. They all need love and care just like every other dog.

Ancient superstitions may hold someone back from adopting a black pet.  Black dogs have often been portrayed as guardians of the underworld in mythology much like black cats are associated with bad luck or witchcraft.

Likewise, black dogs in movies and television are often portrayed as aggressive, as well (i.e. the attack dogs in the movie The Dark Knight and Fluffy, the three-headed guard dog, in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone are all black dogs).

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And while she’s been known to nosh on some of the strangest things over the years and has seizures, this girl is beloved and Mum thanks her lucky stars she’s a Ranch Hand. So please join me in celebrating Black Dog Appreciation Day. Way to take center stage, little one.

National Black Dog Day

Live, love bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ September 27, 2024

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 52 Comments

ElsaWelcome to the last Friday of September. It’s been yet another week of record-breaking temps and they are expected to continue for at least the next ten days. Oh joy. And for the record, it was 93ºF (33ºC) yesterday. If you think those temps are above average, you’d be right-in fact approximately 18ºF above average. We’re now up to 63 days of above 90ºF temps. Elsa here, along with the House Pony who is headed for his third visit at Lutheran later this morning. Mom thought getting him cleaned up was pretty much like steer wrestling and vowed to never do it at home again nor would she groom both of us on the same day. I tried to tell her I was good without the trim but would she listen? No. So I say, you get what you reap. Sore back, tough noogies. She mopped up puddles and hair for a good hour. It was pretty awful.  Anywho, let’s get this party started.

Wilson: Hello mates. As always we’re joining our friends from Adventures of the LLB Gang. Don’t forget to click on the link to see what others posted. This week we’re showing off photos from our recent trip to Southern Colorado to visit Mum’s Dad and her sister who also came for a visit. While it’s been hotter than bloody blue blazes, there was one day of pleasant temps with a nice shower at Grandpa’s. Things were noticeably green and we even saw a spot of snow on one of the peaks on the Wet Mountains to the southwest.

Snow on Wet Mountains

Elsa: Boy that snow sure looks inviting though I imagine in January or February, we’ll be singing a much different tune.

Wilson: No doubt. But that was nothing. Here we were headed back from our early morning walk when all of a sudden, we ran into these guys on the hill. Mom said she’s never seen deer in the nearly 40 years of visiting. Antelope yes, but never deer. I wasn’t quite sure just what to make of those creatures with those impressive antlers.

Deer

Elsa: They sure didn’t waste a lot of time waiting around for introductions. They boogied up that hill and were gone in a flash. I’m still surprised Mom managed to capture a few shots on her cell even if they aren’t great images. It was chilly that morning (43ºF/6ºC) and Mom’s fingers were kind of cold but she managed to whip out her cell phone lickety split. I, for one, was most impressed. I noticed you sure were gawping at them.

Wilson: Like Mum, I’d never seen anything like that. Usually we just chew the fat with the horse across the street from Grandpa’s house. They come a-running whenever we drop by. This time though, I didn’t bark at them. Mum seemed chuffed about that.

Horses

Elsa: Of course she was pleased. Nobody wants to be woken up at oh-dark-thirty in the morning by a bunch of hooved ninnies. You forget how much that distinctive bark of yours carries. That sound resembles two pots being clanged together and known as ‘pot-casse.’ It’s often what some people  dislike about sheepdogs.

Wilson: I. beg. your. pardon. We need to have a large voice when protecting sheep or kids.

Elsa: I can guarantee that people don’t want to hear your version of security protection early in the morning. Beside your voice, what else you got to share, dude?

Wilson: On the day it rained at Grandpa’s house, the sniffs were something else. I was in olfactory nirvana, I tell you. It was Mum’s keen eyes that kept me from checking this rattlesnake skin more closely. She closely checked it out but wouldn’t let me near it. She can be such a killjoy at times.

Snake skin

Elsa: {shudder} I’m with Mom; no reason to get close to those things. You know they’re poisonous, right?

Wilson: {gulp} Poisonous, you say? Umm, good thing we continued down the road. Besides, I had to check on something. And this time I got lucky.

Antelope bones

Elsa: I know you said you just wanted to ‘decorate’ our front garden since it’s Halloween season but eww, ick. Too sunbleached for my taste buds. Besides, I doubt you know how to decorate. For Halloween or any other holiday.

Wilson: Oh little one…you cut me to the quick.

Elsa: Oh please…you grabbed that section of the spine because you thought you could get away with it. I’m not stupid, you know. Mom is on to your chicanery and you blew us both away when you dropped it when she gave the command. We figured you’d try to hang on until she pried it from the jaws of death. She’s still blown away that you dropped it immediately. Why I’ll never know, but you sure impressed her. Usually she whines about how stubborn you are.

Wilson: How many times do I have to say it…I am not stubborn, I’m a sheepdog.

Elsa: Whatever lets you sleep, House Pony but the rest of us know.

Wilson: {miffed} I daresay, you’ve gone and hurt my feelings. Guess I’ll just wander on the prairie and contemplate the complexities of life on the open range.

Pueblo West vistas

Elsa: {eyes rolling} Ha…if only you’d go wandering. {changing topics} So the neighborhood is beginning to look a bit tacky, between all the political yard signs competing with loads of Halloween decorations popping up. I heard you growled at certain elements at this house.

Wilson: That’s not true. I just had this weird feeling I was being watched.

Wilson - Halloween

Elsa: Once again you have ever so deftly demonstrated you are an oaf and a complete moron.

Wilson: Umm…thank you? Anyway, we’re going to feature one Halloween scene each week just to show everyone how gah-gah folks from our neighborhood are when it comes to decorating for Halloween.

Elsa: Judging from the early signs, we should have plenty from which to choose. Time to wrap us this week’s post, bucko.

Wilson: Right, before closing, we want to let everyone know we’re thinking of all who has been impacted by Hurricane Helene. Stay safe.

Sending prayers

Elsa: It’s heartbreaking. Here in the West we’re ever so parched while the East is getting hammered. Mother Nature is super cranky.

Wilson: Ay, that she is. We hope everyone has a nice weekend and takes time to search for the beauty nature provides us every day, whenever we look for it. We are hoping to do some leaf peeping in the high country to escape the heat. How about your plans?

Nature Friday

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ September 20, 2024

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 49 Comments

Elsa in the PlumbagoHiya peeps, it’s me, Elsa…here to welcome you to the last Friday of the summer, 2024. Woof, woof…hallelujah! As always, we’re joining our friends Rosy and Sunny from Adventures of the LLB Gang. Be sure to click on the link to see what everyone else has posted. Let’s bury this season and show some of the beauty of Nature this week from around the neighborhood.

You can’t imagine how excited we are to finally have a week of pleasant temps and pretty blooms. None of that veggie junk this week! Now let’s get started. Take it away Wilson!

Wilson

Psst…yo buddy, you’re up.

Wilson: Huh, wha…yawning, oh good morning. Sorry I was just resting my eyelids until my introduction. Alright then, let’s get cracking, shall we?

Elsa:  It’s about time. I was beginning to think I’d have to get this party started.

Flowers, zinnia

Wilson: Sorry, about be a smidge late-it’s still dark when Mum gets up and I really was just resting my eyes.

Elsa: Yeah right. So that’s an interesting flower. What is that?

Wilson: It’s a Zinnia that Mum planted from seed in a pot by the front door. She wasn’t sure if they’d germinate since the package of seeds was a few years old but like all the seeds she plants, she stores them in the refrigerator. Apparently that keeps them viable, even if not all of them germinate.

Elsa: Ahh, I see, using up space in the fridge that otherwise could be used to store tasty fresh toppers for us, eh? Hmm, I’m not sure I totally approve, I mean, we could have more space for tasty morsels for us. What do you think?

Wilson: Come on, mate…you’re always saying Mum’s needs to have a hobby, and it’s only a small glass container that she keeps in a jar by the door…

Elsa: STOP! No singing tunes from your fellow country-compadres.

Wilson: Ahem, let me assure you, I am as American as you are, born and breed in Missouri but fine, yes, I do like the chaps from Liverpool. So do a lot of other Americans, I might remind you.

Elsa:  Fine. Sheesh, so touchy first thing in the morning. Looks like somebody got up from the wrong side of the cuddle bed.

Wilson: Not at all, I just wanted to point out the facts here. Not everyone is a conspiracist or fact denialist, okay?

Elsa: Boy…man…what a stickler, dude.

Wilson: Well it seems like everyone on the news is blathering on about some absurd thing. I mean, I even heard that some people are saying pets are supposedly being  eating by people and we know that’s just crazy.

Elsa: Yeah, I heard that too. People…what can you do with them?

Wilson: We just have to set the record straight. Over and over. And people think I’m stubborn!

Elsa: Well I hate to break it to you, but you kinda are, but let’s debate that some other time. What else have you got?

Wilson: Well here’s another Zinnia from that pot. That bright orange color is screaming autumn all over it, I say.

Flower, zinnia

Elsa: WHAT, I CAN’T HEAR YOU, THAT FLOWER IS TOO LOUD!!

Wilson: I say, young lady, I do believe you’re trying to spin me up, aren’t you.

Elsa: Hee, hee. Just pulling your leg, House Pony. But you got to admit, that’s one brightly colored flower.

Wilson: It sure is. Here’s another one. It’s another volunteer and one that delights Mum whenever or wherever it shows up. She planted a pink Snapdragon years ago and they are such vigorous reseeders so she enjoys it when it pops up, especially when the color is so different from the original. She’s never seen this color combination at the nursery. Just goes to show how important pollinators are in nature.

Flower-snapdragon

Elsa: Whoa…looks like a floral rainbow going on there. That’s so cool.

Wilson: It sure is. And here’s another pretty you might say is screaming autumn-the simply marigold. Mum always plants some seeds next to her tomatoes to keep the crawly things away. Too bad they don’t seem to work on the squirrels. They’ve been noshing on her big tomatoes though they don’t seem to bother the potted cherry tomatoes. We still have a jillion of those buggers.

Flower-marigold

Elsa: I hope you don’t have pics of veggies. I just want to see flowers, okay buck-o.

Wilson: Right, I shan’t bore you with any veggies this week. What do you think of this photo?

Flower, aster

Elsa: Now we’re talking. I think that’s an aster. And look, a bee is working it’s magic in the center of it. Asters are synonymous with autumn.

Wilson: Mum and I could hear them as we walked past this lovely. I wanted to help her stage the photo but she shooed me away so I wouldn’t be tempted to snap at them as they flew about.

Elsa: Maybe if Mom let you get bit, you might learn. But I’m doubtful. For being such a smart dog, you are a bit of a knothead about some things.

Wilson: I beg your pardon. I am 100% Old English Sheepdog, not a drop of DNA has any knots…

Elsa: {interrupting} Oh brother. Come on, dude…just get with the program and show us what you got.

Wilson: {refocusing} Ahem.. Well I do have another beauty for your pleasure. This is a lovely bed of Dahlias that Mum and I walked past a couple of days ago. They sure are stunning.

Flower-dahlia

Elsa: That’s a lovely shade of coral. Says autumn to me.

Wilson: Yes, autumn is beginning to make appearances. Even some leaves are beginning to change. Take a look at these Viburnum leaves.

Autumn leaves

Elsa: Ahh, so that’s what that shrub is, eh? Hmm, did not know that. You’re getting pretty good at naming these plants. I mean before you know it, you’re gonna be a Master Gardener.

Wilson: Not likely, I understand the program frowns on sniffing the plants.

Elsa: Good point, but at least you’re learning who’s who in the garden.

Wilson: I try. Here’s another plant that speaks autumn with its coloring. This is Coreopsis, also known as large-flowered tickseed. Did you know it’s also a member of the aster family?

Flower-coreopsis

Elsa: I did not. It sure is cheerful looking.

Wilson: Speaking of cheerful, you know how Mum is always on the hunt to spot new garden art. Check out what she found yesterday. She giggled out loud when she saw its face.

Yard art-donkey

Elsa: Hee, haw…opps…sorry I couldn’t refuse. I’ll be seeing the real McCoy this weekend when we go down to see Grandpa and Mom’s other sister who is spending a few days in Colorado visiting. We’ll be walking across the street to say ‘top of the morning’ to the donkeys that live near Grandpa. Won’t that be fun?

Wilson: For you maybe…I’m not much of a fan. They’re awfully large and I’d rather say hello to the bunnies than those monsters.

Elsa: Wuss. I’m all in…just think of it as a fun outing-who knows, maybe Mom will let you drag off a bone of some poor critter who bought the farm.

Wilson: Bones? Umm, well now you’re talking.

Elsa: Hee, hee…note to the ladies…the way to a man’s brain is definitely through his stomach. Just a little tidbit from the Ninja.

Wilson: Excuse me, I’m still here, sister. I’ve got one more photo that shows we’re transitioning nicely toward autumn. Skellies.

Halloween-skelly

Elsa: Oh for crying out loud. Seems kinda early to be bringing out the Halloween decor. Or as Mom would say, “no Halloween decorations just yet…it’s still summer and I haven’t finished my margarita yet!”

Wilson: I know-we’re slowing seeing more and more Halloween decor already. Humans are hilarious, aren’t they. Can’t wait until the next big thing.

Elsa: Yeah, they’re always wishing their lives away. Unlike us dogs who live in the moment. Well, I’ll give you props, big guy, nicely done. And no veggies.

Wilson: Well like they say…Bob’s your uncle. We hope you have a great weekend and check out all the flora that’s out. Even if it’s a veggie or a fruit. Cheerio, mates!

Nature Friday

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ September 13, 2024

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 58 Comments

Elsa in the PlumbagoHiya, everyone. Welcome to Nature Friday where we’re joining our furry friends from Adventures of the LLB Gang. Don’t forget to click on their link to see what others have shared.  While it may be Nature Friday, it’s also  Friday the 13th [cue the creepy music for the superstitious]. Elsa here to explain a little of what all this Friday the 13th superstitious falderal about before we share a few slices of nature from our neighborhood?

Well…Friday the 13th has been thought to be an unlucky day ever since Norse times.  One explanation suggested the reason of the number 13 being unlucky as the ill-fated dinner party of 12 Norse gods in Valhalla. The trickster god known as Loki (who had not been invited), arrived as the 13th guest. He tricked the blind Höðr, son of Odin, to shoot Balder with a mistletoe-tipped arrow. The myth goes on…with Balder’s death, Earth became dark. As the whole Earth mourned, the number 13 began to be viewed as an unlucky day. It might be easy to see why this caused everyone to go gah-gah crazy about the number  and consider it unlucky. It sure was for Balder.

The unlucky nature of Friday the 13th also has roots in Christianity with the arrest of the Knights Templar on Friday, October 13, 1307, by officers of King Philip IV of France as the origin of the Friday the 13th superstition, but the origins are murky. There are also connections to Hispanic and Greek culture as well and I could go on but then we’d never get to the nature part of this post so let’s just leave it there. Whether you believe that Friday the 13th is unlucky, I got a post to write, so do you own thing, ‘kay? Just don’t walk under any ladders or let a black cat cross your path today and you should be fine. With apologies to cats…sheesh, doesn’t seem right to  discriminate against black cats…but here we are. So, House Pony…waddu got for us today?

Wilson: A bonny day to you, little one. Well I thought today might be a bit different…

Elsa: [interrupting] Different-how so? Do you mean we won’t add to the already 61 days 90ºF and above this summer? Well hallelujah…

Wilson: What I meant was we’re not showcasing flowers today, but instead taking a look at vegetable gardens from around the neighborhood.

Elsa: Wha..wait a minute-that sounds lame.

Wilson: Au contraire, sister. Nature is everywhere when you look around…I just thought we could look at something a little different. Just have an open mind, would you?

Elsa: Hey, it’s your parade. I just call ’em like I see it.

Wilson: Well tell me you don’t see beauty in these garden images? Note to readers, that’s not rain drops but supplemental watering on some of those plants. We have kind of forgotten what rain looks like in our area. Sigh.

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Elsa: Well…maybe…okay, I guess I see your point. But there’s nothing there that I’d eat.

Wilson: Now, now…as you like to remind me, not everything in life is about eating. Egad, I can’t believe I’m saying that but think of it as a good thing to expand your horizons, Ninja. Besides, you don’t eat flowers either.

Elsa: Who’d have thought you’d be so philosophical? I mean, who’d have thought you, of all people, would be so reflective. I’m impressed.

Wilson: Excuse me, I’m a sheepdog, not a ‘people’. There’s more to me than just being a pretty face.

Elsa: You can say that again…

Wilson: I resemble that remark!

Elsa: You would. Got anything else?

Wilson: Ahem…as a matter of fact I do. You know how Mum likes garden art. Well when she was off celebrating her birthday earlier this week with our Auntie Cheryl, they were sitting in Cheryl’s backyard and Mum spied this little fella. Isn’t he just as cute as a sheep can be?

Yard art sheep

Elsa: Umm, only you’d think a sheep was cute. I’d have to inspect and sniff it in person before I went there.

Wilson: Balderdash! I haven’t sniffed it but still think that little fella is adorably cute.

Elsa: To each his own, I guess.

Wilson: That’s what makes art so interesting. Mum also found this picnic area for squirrels yesterday. I was naturally appalled….I mean, setting up a picnic table for tree rats is, is {stammering} just all wrong!

Picnic table

Elsa: Oh I dunno, maybe we should think of it as more for birds than squirrels. Reframing that thought makes it more palatable. I can’t believe anyone would seriously entertain accommodating squirrels. I mean, I just can’t.

Wilson: I know just what you mean. But then Mum found this little drinking fountain of love and I softened my thoughts, if you can believe that.

Heart shaped drinking fountain

Elsa: It’s a nice touch to end this week’s post. Although I wasn’t a fan of the idea of showcasing vegetable gardens, you ‘done good,’ Land Hippo. Well done.

Wilson: Why thank you…glad you enjoyed something different for a change. I know how you struggle with anything that’s not part of your deeply ingrained routine, so I appreciate it. Well, sister…you have anything on your agenda this weekend?

Elsa: Beyond the normal, nope. While today is hosting a nice cool front moving through the region, it’s back to adding to the 90ºF list for the next few days before more autumn-like temps start in earnest. I think there’s a Oktoberfest festival near the Farmer’s Market this weekend, so maybe Mom will swing by to check it out. Having been to the real Oktoberfest in Munich, she’s not expecting much but it’ll be something. Whatever you do, we hope you enjoy your weekend omp-pah-pahs as you take in all the beauty Nature offers. Prost!

Nature Friday

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ September 6, 2024

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 55 Comments

Changing leavesWelcome to the first Friday of September. With a flip of the page on the calendar, we’re now seeing the golden glow of the promise that autumn is on its way, set to arrive in less than 3 weeks with nature beginning to transition. Hallelujah! As always, we’re joining those two adorable pups from Adventures of the LLB Gang. Don’t forget to click on their link to see what others have shared.

Elsa here and as you can see above, some leaves are beginning to change a bit. Our early morning walks have been crisp and we’re loving it. As you may recall, we went to visit our Grandpa for his 94th birthday last weekend and boy was it fun! So let’s get this party started and share some of the amazing sights we encountered.

Wilson: That’s right little sister, we did see some amazing things. First off I went on an honest to gosh sniff-ari! Boy, I had no idea sniffing could be so much fun. Look what I discovered…the remnants of some critter (probably an antelope). Doggone it though, Mum wouldn’t let me get too close to the bones but just inhaling their scent was amazing. I wanted to carry one of those bones with me but Mum said no way.

Wilson sniffing

Elsa: Thank goodness. The last thing Grandpa would appreciate is some nasty chewed up bone in the house.

Wilson: Well it would have been better than some of the things I discovered along our walk. These burs were everywhere and they kept sticking to my ankles and paws and they even stuck to Mum’s paws too.

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Elsa: Even I had a couple in my paws but when I met the ‘neigh-bors’ I didn’t mind one bit. Mom was really surprised how excited I was while you just barked at them and wouldn’t even get close enough to introduce yourself. So rude, dude!

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Wilson: Erm…I’m not used to meet fellow ponies. The little lizards were more my type…and I enjoyed chasing them although I didn’t even get close to introducing myself.

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Elsa: {eyes rolling} You are such a moron. We had such a good time hanging out on the patio with the family who were more than happy to rub my ears. What a great trip! And Mom never gets tired of the view of Pikes Peak. Some  grasses were a beautiful golden color while other areas were lush and green. Mom thought the area was much more verdant than here in Denver since they had experienced a few recent rain showers. Thankfully we finally received a lovely shower early Thursday morning. I was bunny hopping to start out our walks because it felt great. Mom says the weekend forecast will return to summertime with 90’s  making a comeback and dry conditions for this next week. Ugh-way to bring us back down to earth, Mom.

Pikes Peak

Wilson: Once we returned back home after our visit, we started noticing how things are starting to look somewhat autumnal in the Mile High. One thing that’s decidedly not autumnal was a blooming lupine which really shocked Mum. They typically bloom in the spring. What the bloody…

Lupine

Elsa: The squirrels are going bananas because of all the acorns falling everywhere.

Acorn

Acorn

Wilson: Squirrels?? Ooh, maybe I’ll get lucky and catch one because they’ll be too busy collecting nuts. A bloke can only hope.

Elsa: Don’t hold your breath, House Pony. They’re doggone wily and downright devious and sure as heck aren’t interested in meeting up with the likes of us.

Wilson: Bollocks! And here I was hoping…

Elsa: Down ace..don’t get your knickers in a bunch. We will have to use our superior brains if we want to catch any of those guys. That and hope that Mom doesn’t reel us in. But…if you zig and I zag, maybe just maybe…

Wilson: Hmm, you’re giving me something to think about plot over the weekend. While I’m creating a plan we’ll leave you with one last photo from our neighborhood. Mum had never seen this colorful welcoming post but was quite chuffed when she did see it. It seemed so friendly. Have a great weekend and don’t forget to notice little things like this when you’re out and about. Have a great weekend.

Welcome sign

Nature Friday

Live, love, bark 🐾

Celebrating August Friends

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 64 Comments

Wilson badgeGreetings sports fans, yeah, I know it’s not our usual day to post but I just couldn’t contain my excitement that our friends Ann and June from Zoolatry featured the House Pony on her blog today. Way to go Wilson, although I’m sure I would have been an equally pawsome feature subject. Elsa here, I’m very proud of my oaf of a brother, especially because he will begin bringing joy and smiles to all kinds of folks when he starts visiting the staff and patients at the new Lutheran facility which opened earlier this month. And a special shout out to dear Ann who created such fabulous badges-we love them both. Isn’t she amazing? Be sure to visit her website-she’s so creative and quite generous making badges of all types for the cats and dogs of Blogville. We are so very grateful to her for her work here and throughout Blogville. Way to go Ann!

Wilson's wagon

Wilson’s Wagon will begin his probationary visits at the hospital next week and both Mom and he are so looking forward to bringing comfort to the folks at Lutheran. Once he completes his probationary period, he’s be awarded the purple scarf indicating he’s a full fledged pet therapy pooch. Couldn’t be more proud of the dude! Way to shine, “Intern Wilson.” You’re on your way to becoming a full fledged dogtor. And again, thanks every so much, Ann for doing an amazing job on today’s badges-you’re the best. That Denver skyline is the bomb! Don’t forget to drop by her truly wonderful blog. She’s the best!

Friends header
Live, love, bark 🐾

Nature Friday ~ August 16, 2024

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 58 Comments

Elsa in the PlumbagoWelcome to Friday where we share small slices of Nature, urban style with our friends, Rosy and Sunny from Adventures of the LLB Gang. Be sure to click the link to see what else was shared. Elsa here, so let’s get right to it, shall we?

Elsa: {whispering} Hey everyone, thought I’d start before the Kraken wakes up. This week…

Wilson: Huh, wha…who goes there?

Elsa: Dang it, I was this close to setting the tempo for this show and now I’ll have to share the spotlight with the land hippo. Sigh.

Wilson: {stretching} Yawn…top o’the morning, mate. You starting without me?

Elsa: What, me? Nah…erm…you know me…I was just getting things ready so we can share some stuff together.

Wilson: Uh-huh. Ok, for a moment I thought maybe you were going to start without me. Well let’s get this train moving, shall we?

Elsa: Yeah, whatever. This week was pretty doggone decent as far as temperatures go but from what I understand, Mother Nature has decided enough of being nice and has decided to go back into pizza oven mode. Ugh. We even received a couple of small showers which were so very welcomed but I guess that ship has sailed.

Wilson: Well you have to admit nature sure made things look good. The veggie gardens are bursting with some yummy looking produce. What’s this gigantic thing called? It just seemed to pop up overnight.

Pumpkin

Elsa: That my friend is a called a jack-o’-lantern pumpkin. Humans will carve it up into a scary face for Halloween, which for those of you who love that holiday, is just 76 days away.

Wilson: You don’t say, mate? So I guess that means there’ll be kids ringing the doorbell and being offered treats? I love those kinds of days.

Elsa: {eyes rolling} There you go again…thinking with your 27 stomachs. Dude you gotta get a hobby or something and stop thinking about food all the time. Besides, candy is what will be dished out to kiddos and that’s forbidden for us dogs.

Wilson: Crikey…Mum sure like to torture us dogs with all the treats that we can’t have.

Elsa: Meh…Mom is just trying to keep us healthy. We just need someone to watch her. Since she started learning how to decorate cakes, she’s been doing a bit too much ‘quality control’ if you know what I mean.

Wilson:  She told me she just wanted to make sure that last batch of cupcakes was suitable to serve the family when they came for a visit. You know…pretty AND tasty. I kind of suspected something was not quite kosher.

Elsa: She tries, really she does but it’s hard to give up sweets. Maybe I should tell her Lent has been extended. She always gives sweets up for Lent. {pondering} I wonder if she’ll buy it?

Wilson: Probably not, She’s pretty clever. What she needs is to keep extra busy. I’ll see if I can convince her to take me out in public so I can get used to crowds for when I make my debut at the new hospital later this month-I do hope I do well.

Elsa: Time will tell, dude. What else you got from the veggie garden. I heard she saw an artichoke plant in bloom. It’s not yet ready to be eaten but no doubt after the next few days of sunny, hot conditions, will get there quickly. It’s actually kind of pretty.

Artichoke

Wilson: Mum was pretty excited to see it at her son’s veggie plot where things were ripening all over the place.  Some people think artichokes are a veggie but they’re actually the bud of a large thistle, before it blooms. When you cut an artichoke in half you’ll can see the thistle part inside. Here’s the anatomy of one cut in half.

Artichoke anatomy
Photo Courtesy of Favorite Family Recipes

Wilson: The outer petals are hard and somewhat tough but edible when you strip off the meaty part from the petal. The inner petals aren’t as tough and can be cut up and served with the heart. Then you get to the thistle part (the ‘choke’) which is inedible and is discarded. Then you reach the heart, where all the tasty goodness lies.The stem is also edible but is kind of stringy like celery.

Elsa: Seems like a lot of work when you can just buy them in a jar but I know how people can be.

Wilson: Well there is a lot of satisfaction in growing your own food so I get it. Sometimes it just tastes better. I know Mum feels that way about her tomatoes. This week she put up a couple of jars of sun dried tomatoes to enjoy over the winter. She never buys tomatoes in the winter-she says they always taste like cardboard so she’s looking forward to using them in pasta dishes once the weather turns cool. It will turn cool, right?

Elsa: Your guess is as good as mine but I think so. It’s a El Nińo year and is supposed to be colder but with the crazy way the weather has been, I wouldn’t be surprised with anything that happens. It’s best just to roll with the punches and do the best we can.

Wilson: You’re so right. Approach each day like us dogs and you’ll be a whole lot happier. Kind of like these guys from Mount Saint Vincent Behavioral Health facility that Mum walks past frequently. She thought the zinnias surrounding the statutes added to the joy of the scene.

Statutes

Elsa: The first time I walked past those guys, I wasn’t sure what to make of them but realized real quick they weren’t going to bother me.

Wilson: Well I hope you know I’d protect you if anyone tried to bother you.

Elsa: Pfft. I’m a Ninja…I can take care of myself but appreciate your willingness. Maybe you’re not such a…what do you call it…bloke?

Wilson: You can always count on me-just say the word and I’ll be there Johnny-on-the-spot.

Elsa: Thanks, House Pony. Appreciate that. So what else you find around the ‘Hood? Anything unusual?

Wilson: Well, we all know Mum loves sunflowers but she goes completely mental whenever she sees the bronze or red ones. This one is near a busy street we were going to cross before traffic ramped up so I was prepared to hustle across but then she stops, turns around and says “I HAVE to have a photo of that sunflower!”

Sunflower

Elsa: I can see why. It’s quite pretty. Bet the birds are enjoying it too.

Wilson: Oh yes, indeed they were. Much like the hummingbirds enjoy this trumpet vine which has been in full glory lately. Between the ‘hummers, assorted bees, flies, and ants, they all seem to enjoy feeding on the nectar of these vigorous plants. You can’t help but wonder if all the nectar isn’t completely drained before the summer is over.

Trumpet vine

Elsa: It does make wonder if there’s enough to go around. But like all good things, including this post, things have to come to an end. Because it’s going to be so bloody hot, we plan to stay close to home this weekend. How about you? Whatever you plan, we hope it’s enjoyable with a bit of nature to take in as well. Stay safe, stay hydrated.

Wilson: Righto, friends. Make it a great weekend.

Nature Friday

Live, love, bark! 🐾