Category: The Ninja

Nature Friday ~ April 5, 202

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 42 Comments

Elsa on sofaHappy first Friday of April peeps…it’s time for another Nature Friday post. Well spring continues to do spring things…you know…like dump tons of snow on the Northeast, bring 70’s and 80’sF to the central portion of the country with higher  temps in gulf states with buckets of moisture to the West Coast. Good golly, it seems like Mother Nature is truly cheesed off. As we typically do on Friday’s, we’re joining our pals at Adventures of the LLB Gang. Be sure to click on the highlighted link to see what other posts were shared.

Elsa: So I finally was released from vet care yesterday by receiving a clean bill of health. They removed my stitches and pronounced me fully healed from a diagnosed UTI, femoral surgery and I received a good report on the histogram of the removed cyst (it was benign but Mom was told it could come back so I guess they’ll monitor it down the road). While the folks at this vet clinic are super nice, I told them I hope to never see them again…any time soon.

Vet office
Sorry about the sun flare-the clinic faces south and it’s been very sunny here

Wilson: That’s jolly good news, Ninja. Congratulations. I’m sure those vet folks will miss seeing you. Mum told me they always enjoyed you coming in because you were a great patient.

Elsa:  They probably enjoyed seeing Mom and her credit card more than me. But now that I think of it, they were quite nice to me and gave me terrific ear rubs…even when I was shaking with fear at their fancy posh office. There’s just no way to disguise the fact that office visits to the vet can be very traumatic. From the first time I arrived with the femoral fracture to the dental procedure…it was doggone scary. But being the Zen Ninja I am, I handled it with great aplomb and dignity.

Wilson: Don’t sell yourself short. Everyone I encounter always says how lucky I am to have you as a sister. And despite the fact I get grumpy sometimes with you because you ofen hog all of Mum’s attention, you do make her smile a lot. Like all those times this past week where you lazed away on the sofa despite the no dogs on furniture rule. She laughed out loud. You didn’t even pretend to be sorry for disobeying both Mum and the vet’s specific instructions to not jump while your shoulder was healing. Tsk, tsk…naughty girl.

Elsa, epilepsy

Elsa: Do I look like I care?

Wilson: Umm, good point. Still, I can’t help wondering why I get yelled at whenever I get up on the sofa.

Elsa: Well, you’re you and I’m me. There are different rules for Ninjas versus House Ponies. The sooner you realize that, the better we’ll all be.

Wilson: {somewhat dejected} Whatever happened to equality for all?

Elsa: {jumping up on the sofa as Mom types} You want  equality? You need to look up it on page 391 of Mom’s  Webster’s dictionary.

Wilson: {frowning} Umm, perhaps instead we should share some of this week’s nature images.

Elsa: Whatever cranks your handle. Mom has been walking past this little tree/shrub for months now and wondered what it was. According to her plant app, it was identified as an American Pussy Willow but she was somewhat dubious since it’s not known to be found in Colorado. Still, it’s pretty cool and Mom liked it.

Pussy willow

Wilson: Whoa…look at those silky catkins! I guess they start blooming on the bare stems before the leaves appear, and provide a wonderful source of pollen for native bees early in the season.

Elsa: Supposedly the male and female flowers are produced on separate plants yet both plants have flowers. There was only the one there so Mom wasn’t sure if it was male or female. While the male plant produces pollen, both sexes produce nectar and the flowers of the male plant produce those nubby catkins that are used in flower arrangements.

Pussy willows

Wilson: Trust me I checked to see what it smelled like but apparently no one has left any clues about it.

Elsa: Of course you smelled it. Sheesh, I am still of the opinion you’re part Bloodhound. Emphasis on the hound part.

Wilson: {eyes looking left and right, mind mulling over what was just said} Wait, is that some kind of put down because I’m 100% Old English Sheepdog.

Elsa: Hey, you sniff more that your normal English fur ball. You know I just call ’em like I see ’em.

Wilson: Rest assured, I am NOT a hound, blood or otherwise. I’m part of the magnificent group of herding dogs and…

Elsa: Save it dog breath. You try herding me, I’ll show you what Poodles do, ok?

The Mom: Ok you two, no more flexing of breed egos. Just get on with sharing nature this week, ‘kay?

Elsa and Wilson: {in unison and two part harmony} Yes Mom/Mum.

The Mom: {smiling} Whew, that’s better.

Elsa: He started it, Mom.

Wilson: Did not, you started it.

The Mom: Enough guys. Let’s. move. on! I’m sure there are a few more spring photos we can share.

Elsa: Okay, okay…yeesh…so cranky on a Friday. Anywho…the recent snow storms didn’t seem to have too negative of an impact on the emerging tulips, although apparently the moisture produced a by-product plant. Who know snow would cause Pringles containers to bloom? That’s a new one on me. And yes, we disposed of it. {head shaking} Man, what is wrong with uprights?

Tulips

Wilson: {with stiffened back and shaking head} Unforgivable, I say! At least none of those containers grew with these tulips. Talk about a cheerful bunch.

Tulips Elsa: You’re so right there, Pony. Some people are just beasts.

Wilson: You can say that again. I know it really upsets Mum when we’re out on our constitutionals. She gets very sad seeing trash. Weeds are bad enough but litter is simple unforgivable.

Elsa: We started to see a few of the flowering trees emerging from their winter snooze. Check out this type of cherry tree in bloom. The bees acted like they were having a kegger, buzzing and noshing on all the nectar.

Cherry Blossoms

 

Wilson: Hmm, what’s a kegger? Sounds like some decidedly American expression. There were a bunch of bees in this ornamental pear as well. It sure was quite the sight against a Colorado bluebird sky.

Ornamental pear

Elsa: It’s going to be another warm day (sorry Northeast peeps). We’re under a Red Flag warning for high winds with extremely low humidity today for much of the state. Winds could reach 75 mph later this morning so we better get cracking and batten down the hatches. Hopefully tomorrow’s forecast for moisture will materialize. And here I just got a bath this week. Ugh.

Wilson: Never fear, sister…I’ll keep you well anchored on the ground. Between me and Mum, you have nothing to fear about blowing away.

The Mom: Umm, I’m sure that was a compliment.

Wilson: Of course it was, Mum.

Elsa: {interrupting} Sounds like the House Pony is saying you’re on the chubby side, Mom. {snickering}.

Wilson: Not at all, dear sister; I was just trying to alleviate any fears you may have about blowing away.

Elsa: There you go, ruining another easy softball I pitched to you. What the dog? Whatever…we hope that whatever Nature dishes out this weekend, you stay safe and are able to ‘enjoy’  whatever she delivers your way. Have a great weekend everyone.

Wilson: Right, enjoy your weekend…even if you’re sipping a nice cuppa with a good book from the sofa watching the snow fly in case you’re not interested in shoveling or sloshing around in it. Stay safe.

Nature Friday

Live, love, bark! 🐾

World Purple Day ~ March 26, 2024

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 49 Comments

Epilepsy

We don’t normally post on Tuesday’s but this year it seemed more important than ever to merit posting on a topic that is near and dear to my heart. Today we join our friends, Dorothy Wills-Raftery, the award-winning author, K9 Epilepsy Awareness Ambassador, and creator of the Five Sibes™️ blog along with CEO Olivia from Knotty Toys for Dogs  for this year’s annual celebration of Purple Day,® a global grassroots event created to increase epilepsy awareness throughout the world to dispel many of the common myths and fears associated with this neurological disorder. We can’t begin to thank Dorothy and Olivia enough for their ongoing advocacy, shared information and tips relating to seizures and epilepsy.

Purple Day® was created to reduce social stigmas many encounter while providing valuable assurance and resources to all those living with epilepsy by letting them know that they are not alone.  Purple Day® occurs every March 26 and honors all epi-warriors, be they 2 or 4-legged. Once again, we proudly support this event by wearing purple. As many of you know, Elsa, was diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy shortly after she was rescued in 2016 as a puppy mill survivor with unknown lineage, (her story can be read here). Supporting epilepsy awareness and education has become a no-brainer for me and I continue to be committed to learning as much as possible about this condition, how to effectively manage it while providing a safe and loving home for this special dog by bringing attention to the condition. We are truly fortunate that despite some of the recent stressors she’s experienced that could trigger a seizure, my favorite ‘Ninja’ {knock on wood} has been mostly seizure-free of late.

Elsa
You woke me up for this?

So again for this year’s “Purple Day®” event you are invited to join us by wearing purple for everyone who is impacted by seizures and epilepsy. Please check out the Epilepsy Foundation’s website for useful information for people and pets who experience seizures with a worldwide resource database can be found here. 

Word Cloud

Live, love, bark! ❤︎

Nature Friday ~ March 15, 2024

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 60 Comments

ElsaIt’s Friday and that means it’s time for me and the ‘New Guy’ to share a few slices of spring from around our ‘Hood with our hosts from Adventures of the LLB Gang. Be sure to click on the link to see what other posts were shared. Yeah, I’m a sell-out and let Mom put a stupid hat on me. I gave her a nice big fat raspberry to show her what I thought about the whole thing.

Elsa: Welcome to the St. Patrick’s Day edition of Nature Friday. I think you all understand how I feel about dressing up so we’ll leave it at that.

Wilson: Oh come on, dress up is fun! There are treats involved. I LOVE treats.

Wilson

Elsa: You would, dog breath. We’ve got lots of spring pics to share so let’s not dally with mindless chatter, ‘kay?

Wilson:  Right! Well spring is definitely starting to show up in our neighborhood. Birds are arriving and the spring bulbs are starting to grow in earnest. I had to check out these hyacinths. At first I thought they might have a tasty morsel in them but then realized that was only an illusion. I think their appearance must be related to the whole fabricated AI thingy. As in ‘not the real deal.’ I was expecting something yummy in the middle. Imagine my disappointment.

Spring bulbs

Elsa: Jeez, dude, not everything is about food!

Wilson: Wait, it’s not? What the…

Elsa: You may think you’re some great hunter of food, but let me tell ya, that’s bunk. As a dignified Standard Poodle, I refuse to be a hunter around the Ranch. I am far too regal to have to search for food.

Wilson: Hey, don’t knock it until you try it. I think I’m a pretty pawsome hunter. Auntie Cheryl got us each a snuffle mat and I’m getting really good at being a real life hunter of goodies. Just look at that buried nose!

Wilson-snuffle mat

Elsa: Oh for crying out loud…you’re an embarrassment to civilized dogs everywhere.

Wilson: What?! It was fun finding all the goodies. But I must say, it wore me out. Hunting is exhausting.

Wilson

Elsa: I just make sure the forewoman brings me my treats…I am NOT in the hunter/gatherer business. I have a kingdom to rule and as such can’t be bothered with such nonsense.

Wilson: Well I for one, think you should try it, you just might like it.

Elsa: Highly unlikely. Besides, why would I work for food when my subjects Mom will provide it without any interference from me {gasping at the mere thought of such routine plebeian activity}.

Elsa

Wilson: Whatever. I told Mum I was all in…

Elsa: {interrupting} Of course you’re all in…food never escapes you. And you seem to think everything is food.

Wilson: Not true, I mean I didn’t try to eat these blue grape hyacinths.

Grape Hyacinths

Elsa: Well maybe the bees gathering nectar on them might have dissuaded you?

Wilson: Well, that did factor in my thought process. That and Mum hollering “LEAVE IT!” I’m catching on to what that  command means. She sure says it a lot.

Elsa: {eyes rolling} Well if you didn’t view everything as nourishment, maybe she wouldn’t have to yell at you.

Wilson: She told me it was a good way for me to show off some self control. I’m pretty good most of the time…well except for when I hear the dog next door. That guy really winds me up behind the fence.

Elsa: Which is exactly why Mom is trying to make you ‘leave it’ whenever you’re in the dog run. I mean, you’ve got to be 15 shades of stupid to race the length of the run barking, snarling at him.

Wilson: He really pushes my button but I’ll try to be better about the whole self control thing. I mean, when I’m good, Mum rewards me with things that I enjoy very much. Like taking me to Sloan’s Lake earlier this week. I enjoyed the long walk and sniffing things out although there were a few weird things. Didn’t I pose nicely at the lake?

Wilson

But what’s up with some of the yard art around here? We didn’t have anything like that back in Missouri. Well we did, but they didn’t have horns and they made grunting sounds. There are some very odd humans who live in this neighborhood.

Yard art

Elsa: You’ll get no arguments from me on that subject.  I probably would have challenged that guy if I’d been along on that walk.

Wilson: Well he was ok as far as boars go, but just not what I expected to find in the city. Mostly I thought he was more of a ‘bore,’ than an actual boar.

Elsa: Hahaha, Wilson made a funny, Mom.

Wilson: Ahem…I think we have a few other spring pics to share.

Elsa: Oh yeah, sorry I got carried away. So spring in the Rocky Mountains always has its challenges. Crummy soil, intense sun, and a wide range of temperatures but DANG! I sure wasn’t prepared for this type of Spring. What the dog?!

Spring snow

Wilson: I know, right?! I nearly tipped over trying to balance pee in the piles of snow.

Elsa: Ha…if it’s sympathy you want, look it up in the dictionary, Bucko. Try squatting in a foot of snow, dude. Brrrr.

Wilson: The snow was very heavy and broke some branches  that Mum will have to deal with, once she can get back in that corner.

Broken trees

Broken trees

Elsa: Mom tried to shake off the snow a few times, but there were just some areas she couldn’t reach. She noticed that despite the snow, there were a few signs of spring emerging and was very grateful the trees hadn’t leafed out yet-the damage would have been much worse. The good news was there was a LOT of moisture from this storm that will help the landscape.

Spring snow

Wilson: That tree shades my favorite spot to pee and I wasn’t quite prepared for clumps to come falling down on me. But like many things, I know just how to react. Shake it off and take a nap. It’s the best way to deal with things Nature throws at you.

Wilson

Elsa: Hmmm, I’d have figured you would have said, eat a treat to soothe being startled but a nap does sound like a good idea.

Wilson: Well, a nap was my second choice.

Elsa: Of course it was. Anyway, we’re all snug as bug, the power stayed on (unlike for 11,000 peeps) and Mom made sure we were entertained, happy and didn’t go stir crazy.

Wilson: Yeah, she’s the best. I hope the snuffle mat comes out again soon, but I think all that super heavy, wet snow is supposed to melt in the warmer temps this weekend so walks will resume. We hope you have a safe and fun filled St. Patrick’s Day weekend-enjoy the green. I’m looking forward to more broccoli but no green Guinness. Even Mum doesn’t like that beer. Have a bonnie good weekend and “may the road rise up to meet you; may the wind be always at your back.” Happy St. Patrick’s Day from all of us at the Ranch.

Elsa: What he said. Just make sure you explore nature in your neck of the woods. You may be surprised with what you’ll encounter.

Nature FridayLive, love bark! ☘️

Monday Musings ~ March 4, 2024

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 64 Comments

Today’s post is an homage to Sock Monkey Day which occured over the weekend. Speaking of weekends, where the heck did it go? Most of mine was all about getting my taxes done (don’t ask, it was 5 hours I’ll never get back at one of those first come, first serve tax prep places for seniors that don’t make appointments-I even arrived 2 hours before they opened, and it still took all morning), today’s Monday pic pretty much describes how I feel. Monday

At least the “Pony” humored me (notice Elsa also left her trademark calling card by removing an ear). Here’s hoping Monday treats you well and you don’t suck at poetry.

Sock Monkey

Live, love, bark! 🐾

 

Nature Friday ~ March 1, 2024

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 54 Comments

It’s time for another Nature Friday post. Holy canine…it may be the first of March already but it won’t stop us from joining our pals at Adventures of the LLB Gang. Be sure to click on the highlighted link to see what other posts were shared.

Elsa on sofaElsa: 🎶 humming and singing 🎶  Here comes the sun, doo-doo-doo-doo…here comes the sun, 🎶 and…oh, Hiya. It’s me, Elsa…just chillaxing on the sofa this morning…

Wilson: {interrupting} Blimey, how come you are allowed to get up on the sofa and Mum always makes me get down?

Elsa: It’s simple, dog breath, I. am. me. and I’m a Ninja. I think they’re called special rights and I was grandfathered in. You’re just the new guy. You have to earn those privileges though I’m certain that ain’t happening any time soon…not only are you the new guy but you’re a gigantic, new guy. There are different rules for the likes of you.

Wilson: I say, that doesn’t seem fair at all. I’m gonna go ask Mum for a clarification. {gallops into other room hollering} Oh Mum…how come Elsa gets to get up on the sofa and I don’t?

The Mom: ELSA!!  Get down…NOW! You’re not supposed to be (a) jumping up while you’re still recovering and (b) you’re not supposed to get up on the furniture. Period.

Elsa: Wait, I’m not supposed to get up on the furniture? When did that rule go into effect.

The Mom: Remember, I’m trying to train Wilson from getting up on the furniture and decided it was better to make the sofa and my bed off limits to both of you.

Elsa: Well that’s just dumb. I never agreed to that and besides, I’m feeling pretty good recovery wise so there’s no need to not let me get up on the sofa.

The Mom: Beg to differ missy; I’m the boss. The current rule in place is that no dog shall be allowed on the furniture.

Elsa: {grumbling} Well color me unhappy about that rule. {turning toward Wilson} Way to go spoiling things, blabbermouth.

Wilson: W-h-a-t?? I just asked for clarification with the hope of fairness.

Elsa: Considering I am recovering because of you, I might add, I should be allowed special privileges. Way to put the kibosh on my freedoms, fur ball. Harrumph!

Wilson: {contrite} Sorry, didn’t mean to get you in trouble. So shall we soldier on and share some views of Mother Nature from around our neighborhood? I say…we’ve experienced the gamut of weather and nature this week.

Elsa: No kidding. First there was the Snow Moon…Mom of course was too lazy didn’t grab her big camera [in fairness, the battery needed to be charged so I’ll forgive her this time] and she used her cell phone as it was setting early in the morning. This was the best she could do given the limitations of the phone camera and tall trees blocking our view.

Snow moon

Wilson: I contemplated howling at it but then thought better of it. Mum keeps telling me I’m not supposed to bark in the house and I’m working hard on learning better self-control behavior now that I’ve found my voice.

Elsa: Apart from the blaring decibels, you’re not a wolf, new guy.

Wilson:  Well there is that too. And as the new guy, can I just say the weather around here sure does a lot of vacillating. One minute it’s lovely and warm and the next it’s snowy and cold. The ducks didn’t seem to mind but let’s just say I prefer it less wet and chilly.

Snowy pond

Elsa: Jeez, you’re such a wuss! It’s bracing and refreshing.

Elsa in snow

Wilson: {Shivering} To each his own, eh? But the day after the snow squall, Mum and I noticed elements of spring trying to emerge. We saw more blooming bulbs. These little lovelies were quite colorful and I for one, love their stripes.

Crocuses

Elsa: Those are crocuses. They’re often the first of the spring bulbs to bloom. Here’s a solid purple version and a pic with  another daffodil and crocus.

Crocuses

Daffodil & crocuses

Wilson: I say, those are quite grand! They didn’t seem to be any worse for the wear after yet another snow storm arrived. It seems like every other day that white stuff falls around here.

Snow

Elsa: Boy do you have a lot to learn about gardening in the Mile High City. If you don’t like the weather, just wait ten minutes. Snow doesn’t seem to bother these guys-I’ve seen them completely buried and yet they’ll still bloom. Look at these reticulated irises and the first of the baby blue grape hyacinths. Mom loves them both and always shouts when she catches first glimpses of those hyacinths.

Wilson: I know! We were just returning from a long walk when she caught sight of something blue and tiny before we got to the gate. I was worried by those squeals and thought I had to protect her.

Irises

Grape hyacinths

Elsa: She was likely more worried that your gigantic ‘hooves’ would squash them. You do tend to plow through stuff rather unceremoniously.

Wilson: I beg your pardon…I’m as delicate stepping about as any sheepdog.

Elsa: I rest my case, Big Foot.

Wilson: {disappointed at the criticism} I might be large but I do have feelings and now you’ve gone and hurt them.

Elsa: Oh please…you’re a big oaf…own it dude.

Wilson: I’m sure I’ll recover…with the proper treat to console my bruised feelings.

Elsa: {eyes rolling} Oh brother. Never fear, the treats will continue to flow your way, for whatever reason. Especially when you go to Grandpa’s house next week. I swear the whole family spoils you rotten. I don’t get it.

Wilson: What’s not to get, I’m a handsome bloke who loves people and they love me.

Elsa: Hmm, is that so? I’m a bit selective although I really do love people. I just make them earn my attention without having to flaunt it.

Wilson: Trust me on this, sister…you catch more flies with a wiggly bum and soft puppy eyes. I mean not many people can resist this face.

Wilson

Elsa: {eyes rolling at the shameless pose} If you say so. We hope you have a great weekend and hope Nature delivers more early signs of spring. Make sure you get outside to enjoy it and have a great weekend.

Nature Friday

Live, love, bark! 🐾

 

Nature Friday ~ February 23, 2024

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 74 Comments

Nature Friday

Hey there sports fans…welcome to this week’s edition of Yippee-Ki-Yay, Mother Nature…

ELSA!!!!

Elsa: What?!

The Mom: Today is Nature Friday and you well know it.

Elsa: Umm, erm…sorry. {Spoken in a dull monotone voice} Welcome to this week’s edition of Nature Friday where my little Pony of a brother and I share slices of nature and join our friends from over at Adventures of the LLB Gang. Click on the highlighted link to see what other posts were shared. There, you happy now?

The Mom: That’s better. Now get on with it and stop with going off the reservation. This is a G-rated blog.

Elsa: But Mom…I was just adding a bit of color commentary to start the post off…no harm, no foul.

The Mom: I said, there will not be colorful language like that before and I meant it!

Elsa: Ok, I get it. Why are you so grumpy today, I thought you were feeling better after last week’s reaction to the shingles vaccine.

The Mom: I feel fine, thank you very much. Boy that was some kind of reaction, wasn’t it? {Sarcastically} Can’t wait for the second round.  I’m just glad you guys nursed me back to health. Anyway, like I’ve said before, this is a family friendly blog and you can’t talk like that here. You wanna talk like that, go to Twitter.

Elsa: Yo, Mom, it’s “X” not Twitter.

The Mom:  Nonetheless…this blog is off limits to colloquialisms like that. Got it?

Elsa: Yes, I got it. Sheesh…

Wilson: Hey sorry, I’m late. I was eating breakfast. What did I miss?

Elsa: Mom is having a meltdown about my opening sentence. FYI, we have to dull it down for her tender sensibilities.

Wilson: Hmmm, ok…don’t see why that’s a problem but I’m the new guy so what do I know…don’t answer that.

Elsa: Oh never mind…let’s just get on with it. I got stuff to do today.

Wilson: Stuff? What are you doing later? Can I come, huh, can I?

Elsa: Ugh…little…or in your case, gigantic brothers…are such a pain.

The Mom: Be nice, Elsa. Wils is trying to fit in and you’re making it tough with an attitude like that. Why not show us what we saw this week, without the editorializing, okay?

Elsa: {Sigh} Fine. Now that she’s feeling better, Mom had to make a quick trip to visit my Grandpa’s. She says she never tires of the early morning sunrises. I myself am a bit fonder of sleeping in but whatever floats your boat, right?

Sunrise

Wilson: I didn’t mind, one whit. I mean, the early morning may appeal to humans visually but there are lots of wonderful sniffs a bloke can enjoy while they’re oohing and ahhing at the sunrise. I mean, who doesn’t love a bunny scent??

Elsa: Dude, you need to get a life. Bunny smells at Grandpa’s house is old news.

Wilson: Well it’s still interesting to me. The early morning dew brings out some great smells. Remember, I’m still learning about the flora and fauna in Colorado which is quite different from Missouri.

Elsa: We’re not holding the Missouri thing against you. But after you’ve visited as often as I have, you’ll get used to bunny smells. Maybe even the donkeys that live across the street from Grandpa’s house?

Wilson: Meh…those guys didn’t impress me…I am after all, used to seeing hoofed livestock. We had horses so seeing those guys was no big deal. The traffic however, I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to that.

Elsa: You’re getting better. Just remember to stay next to Mom and she’ll protect you.

Wilson: I’ll try, but blimey, the traffic is so noisy. I get frightened by vehicles.

Elsa: Stick with me kid, you’ll get used to them.

Wilson: I sure hope so.

Elsa: Trust me, you’ll be fine, it just may take a while. But I can promise you this with 100% certainty. Mom will never let anything hurt you. Got it?

Wilson: Thanks, that’s somewhat reassuring. I’ll try to remember that.

Elsa: You got this. The other sight that Mom never gets tired of seeing is the back side of Pikes Peak, particularly when it’s covered in snow on a clear day. You can find out more about this iconic Colorado view here.

Pikes Peak

Wilson: I’ve begun to notice small signs that Spring is impending. Looks like yellow is the color of the day. I think both of these yellow beauties are varieties of crocuses which are now beginning to bloom.

Spring bulbs

Spring bulbs

Elsa: Yeah, you’ll want to not get too close to this tree cholla cactus. It bites back. It’s starting to bloom as well. Mom thought this variety was Cylindropuntia imbricata ssp. imbricata.

Wilson: Stay away…right, got it.

Elsa: Well so much for the flora this week, but we do have a couple of pics of fauna. Mom attended the annual Rocky Mountain Old English Sheepdog Rescue board meeting and saw these guys at the placement director’s home. The rescue is getting closer to being certified with the state. Hurrah! Finally, something that’s your size.

Goats

Goats

Wilson: I know I’m supposed to do something around those guys but not sure just what exactly that is. Someone said something about herding. I just hope that involves food.

Elsa: Oh for heaven’s sake. Dip into your genetic pool, dude. Yes, you’re a herder (well technically you’re a drover but herding’s close enough). Jeez, do I have to teach you EVERYTHING?

Wilson: Well I’ve led a rather sheltered life but promise I’ll get up to speed soon. {gulp} I hope.

Elsa: Egad, you’re such a mental light-weight. Well, that’s it for this week. Got anything exciting going on? Mom said something about working on taxes but I’m not sure what means and frankly, Scarlet, I don’t really care.

Wilson: Umm, for the record my name is Wilson.

Elsa: I can see this socialization thing is gonna take time. Anyway, whatever you do, we hope you enjoy getting outside and checking out what Nature shares. Have a great weekend!

Wilson: Yes, right-o…a good weekend.

Elsa: Argh…there appears to be an echo these days around the Ranch. It may or may not get amusing. I wonder just how far I can push the envelope.

The Mom: Elsa…be nice.

Elsa: Drat…she wasn’t supposed to hear that last part. Anyway, we sincerely hope the last weekend of February is downright wagnificent! Come on down, Spring…we’re waiting with bated breath on your arrival.

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ February 9, 2024

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 46 Comments

We survived last week’s snowstorm and are waiting for the arrival of the next one sometime this weekend, or so they say. Hiya, Elsa here. As always we’re joining our friends from Adventures of the LLB Gang. Click on the link to see what other posts have been shared.

Elsa, surgeryI’m still recovering from surgery but am doing well actually. Thank you all for your kind get well and recovery wishes.They mean the world to me and Mom.

Lots of you said I should let the foster dog pony get in on the action with posting so without further adieu, here’s the newest Ranch Hand and I’ll judge let him give you his perspective from around the ‘Hood. Hope I haven’t made a mistake by letting him in on today’s post. This whole foster biz seems to have made him a bit anxious and I don’t wanna spin him into a tizzy. And now, live from the corral…I present…the Pony!

Wilson

Wilson: Umm, don’t mean to get off on the wrong paw with you or your readers, but my name is now Wilson.

Elsa: You say tomato, I say tomahto. Anywho…you need to show them you’re a real live Ranch Hand before your introduction is official.

Wilson: Oh, you mean the one with the hat?

Elsa: {Gasp} Look, you big galute…that’s not a just hat-that’s a Stetson and it’s legendary in the West. You need to forget everything you knew about Missouri…you’re a Colorado doggie these days.

Wilson, hat

Wilson: {in a snooty British voice} I. beg. your. pardon. You must understand, I’m new to this blogging thing but will do my utter best to try and contribute in a meaningful manner.

Elsa: Oh puleez…what’s with you British guys and your high falutin talk? Save it for another time, dog breath.

Wilson: Well blimey…so sorry. I’ll share a pic of me out in the snow after getting groomed last week. How’s that?

Wilson-pointing
Pointer or sheepdog?

Elsa: Save it, bucko. I can see this is going take some time and energy getting you familiar with how things work around here.

Wilson: {somewhat miffed} Right-o. Well, like you mentioned before, we received some snow. It was heavy and wet after an entire night of rain. It was quite crunchy trying to walk on it-I kept falling through.

Elsa: Well, if you weren’t such a chonker, you might not have fallen through. Now you know why Mom has you on a diet.

Wilson: Are you saying I’m overweight? I’d say all the grooming and removing of mats took a lot of excess weight off. See how trim I am now.

Elsa: {eyes rolling} Trust me, Mom will continue to keep the portions small for a while. Sure, she’ll say something like “it’s good for your joints” or some other ridiculous thing. Get used to it and be prepared to be hungry for a while.

Wilson: {frowning} Oh dear…I’m not sure I’ll be able to survive here. I do like my meals.

Elsa: Forget crumpets and tea, dude. You’ll get two small squares a day and Mom will walk your fat tush off right before she takes me out on my rehab walks. It’s going to be interesting between the two of you, as to who loses the most weight. {snicker}

Wilson: Oh dear…this IS going to be quite the adjustment. How in the world am I going to survive?

Elsa: Relax, you’ll never go completely hungry, Mom just wants to get your weight a bit more under control. She’s already had to resize your collar because it was getting too loose. And trust me, there will always be a treat (or two) around the Ranch. I’ll make sure you get a snack.

Wilson: Bravo! That’s right proper of you helping me adjust to this new lifestyle. I still miss my old family and packmates. You do know my old Mum unexpectedly passed away. I loved her so much but do love my new Mum now. Still it’s been quite the adjustment over this past month but I’m really trying hard to learn how to fit in.

Elsa: For the record, she’s MY MOM. But you’re doing ok so far (even if you caused my injury). Mom says you’re pretty smart and I promised her I wouldn’t hold a grudge. I realize you have a lot to learn. Mom explained to me that you grew up in a tiny little town and the city can be a rather intimidating reality. I mean, come on…you’re doing so much better on walks now from when you first arrived and you’re improving a bit each day. Before you know it, garbage trucks won’t even register in that big, fat head. Got any other pics of the snow? My readers want to see nature at her finest.

Wilson: {clearing throat} Right…it started out like most snowstorms but then it just kept snowing and snowing and snowing. It was pretty though and I found it bracing to run around outside in it.

Wilson: Here’s a view from the sofa that made my mind spin on the day after. It looks unlike any snow I’d ever seen before with that melting/freezing thing going on and with the sculpting wind. Looks like a lunar landscape a bit.

Snow

Elsa: Like you’d know about the lunar landscape, although it is the Chinese New Year this week. It was a weird storm, dumping 6-15 inches over the metro area after a night of rain-something we never get this time of year. But you know, things don’t seem any worse for wear for the bulbs, do they?

Spring bulbs

Wilson: They seem to be fine and most of the snow has gone now but we’re waiting for the next storm which may start later today and be a repeat of last weekend.

Elsa: Don’t hold your breath. One of the things you’ll learn about Colorado weather around here, it’s changes on a dime-and weather forecasters simply cannot be trusted to be accurate. As long as I still get to enjoy some snow cones, I’ll be happy. This was right after my staples came out. I felt like I earned it and Mom seemed to agree.

Snow cone

Wilson: I’ll keep that in mind. So can I share this little guy who I encountered on a walk? Mum’s eagle eyes spotted him, I totally missed him. I’m just learning about other critters; Mum refers to them as tree rats. I’m not a fan of them and have tried hard to run them down catch them. Not sure what to do if I’m able to catch one but Mum still won’t let me go after them.

Bunny

Elsa: Yeah, Mom is like that…she wants to protect you from potential problems with face to face meetings with wild animals. She also is extremely adverse to being turned into a human kite and since I’ve noticed you possess lightning quick reflexes, but will learn she’s not as easy as you think she’d be when she’s been lifted off her feet.

Wilson: I did surmise that. But I’m a crafty lad, you never know what I can do.

Elsa: Shush you big oaf, you don’t want to give up the element of surprise. Best that you keep your big trap shut. Moms of all stripes aren’t amused by the element of surprise so don’t wreck it by blabbing any moves in advance.

Wilson: {in a hushed voice} Oh right…will keep that in mind.

Elsa: Well that looks like we made it through without killing each other. Guess it wasn’t as bad as I thought it might be. Bravo me.

Wilson: Ahem…I did mention that I could be a sport here and hope you’ll give me another chance in the future.

Elsa: Let’s not get carried away. A lot depends on how I feel and whether or not my readers like your by-line. How about we just say…we’ll see.

Wilson: Roger that. So do I get to ask what everyone’s going to do this weekend. I heard something about some big football game. While we had them in Missouri, in Britain, we call it ‘soccer.’

Elsa: Trust me dude, around here the only sport that matters is hockey. You’ll learn that soon enough. Finally, we would be remiss if we didn’t wish everyone a safe and prosperous  Chinese New Year. Have a great weekend everyone.

Chinese New Year

Wilson: Oh yes, please do have a splendid weekend.

Elsa: Give it a rest, Pony.

Nature Friday

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ February 2, 2024

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 65 Comments

Elsa, surgeryHappy Groundhog Day. Elsa here. If you believe in the predictions of some chubby Pennsylvanian rodent, looks like that Gobbler Knob resident, Punxsutawney Phil, predicted an early spring this year. While I’m not convinced a groundhog can accurately predict Spring’s arrival, apparently this phenomena has been celebrated for ages. How did this custom originate, you ask? Well, I’m here to give you a bit of background on this silliness annual tradition. Diary records from as early as 1841 entry showed weather forecasts had been celebrated among families of German descent in Pennsylvania though most historians agree the custom began in the late 1800’s. According to Don Yoder,  former professor from University of Pennsylvania, he noted a Celtic connection and surmised this annual celebration had its roots in “ancient, undoubtedly prehistoric, weather lore.”

Guess it appears that Celtic people across Europe marked a 4-day period in early February, which is the midpoint between the Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox. Celts observed that Christians celebrated Candlemas (known as Imbolc), which coincided with Joseph and Mary’s presentation of Jesus at the Temple in Jerusalem. As ancient folk observed sun, stars and animal behavior and those observations influenced their farming practices. They came to the conclusion that the emergence of hibernating animals, coincided with seasonal weather forecasts. Similarly, German traditions observed that badgers or bears emerging from hibernation came around the same time as the arrival of spring. Pennsylvania German settlers apparently substituted the groundhog, which was endemic to the eastern and midwestern United States. Guess you use what you got to keep the myth going, eh? Now that you know the background, let’s move on and see what slices of nature arrived in the 303, shall we?

Welcome to the first Friday of February where we join our friends Rosy and Sunny for their Nature Friday blog hop. Be sure to click on the link to see what others have shared.

I dunno about you, but January seemed to go on forever, and makes you wonder why they do Dry January during such a long month?  Sorry, I’ve been out of commission lately, I’m recuperating from an injury that required surgery. Normally Mom keeps me buttoned up with a horrid satellite dish (aka cone) but she took that pic after I had eaten breakfast to make it easier on me and removes the cone so I don’t bang on walls while trying to locate my bowl. Man…I can’t wait to burn that thing! I’m not even getting Showtime.

Anyway…this week the weather has been almost spring-like with temps nearly 20F degrees warmer than average for this time of year (hmm, maybe that stupid rodent is on to something). The hyacinths in our garden began to wake up which actually surprised Mom. With the subzero temps in January, she didn’t think they’d wake up yet, but lo and behold…warmer temps seemed to coax these little squirts upward.

Spring bulbs

Mom also noticed some daffodils were farther along than we thought they should be. Now don’t go crazy…this isn’t some kind of atmospheric miracle, mind you. When you’re at a Mile High elevation-wise, you’re that much closer to the sun and that makes a huge difference over those near sea level.

Daffodils Daffodils

We’re noticing it’s getting lighter earlier in the morning and some of the recent sunrises have been pretty spectacular. There’s something about winter sunrises that always captivates Mom’s interest. She’s lucky I’m not supposed to walk very fast so she was able to capture this view before the red sky disappeared while waiting on me.

Sunrise

So the integration of the ‘pink-eyed pony’ who’s probably going to be my brother, has been slow going. We still get somewhat bent out of shape especially when I’m too close to my Mom [yo doofus…she was my Mom long before you arrived…so back  #@%$ off] but we’re trying our best. Well that’s not 100% accurate…it’s more like Mom is hyper focused on our proximity to avoid any more collisions or unpleasantness.

Last week Wilson went to the groomer after Mom spent 187 hours dematting his fur (trust me, that’s not much of an exaggeration either-that gallon bag was just from his ears and took almost 5 hours). The groomer said Mom made the job easier for her and Wilson was good getting spiffed up. I’ll admit, that boy does clean up nicely.

Mats

Wilson

Sure his fur is shorter than Mom would like, but it will grow out quickly. The groomer only needed to blend the length from where the mats were cut out. I’m just glad I didn’t have to lose any more fur than what the vet shaved off but Mom mentioned something about trimming up my paws. {Gasp} I hope that was just a rhetorical observation and not real. I’m slow moving right now and wouldn’t be able to escape quickly enough. I hate for my feet to be groomed.

So far, I haven’t decided if I’m going to let Wilson appear as a co-host on my Friday posts. The jury is still out on that one. What do you guys think? Should I let him or just keep this gig to myself? Let me know in your comments.

Got anything exciting on your dance card this weekend? We are planning to enjoy the NHL All-Star Game and then prepare for next weekend’s Super Bowl. Can anyone tell me what the dog is all the hubbub about on this whole Taylor Swift/Travis Kelce thing. I mean, why are people so bent out of shape that a very successful musical star supports her boyfriend at his games? I just don’t get it.

Do you believe Punxsutawney Phil’s forecast will bear out? Whatever you do, we hope you are able to enjoy whatever Mother Nature dishes up.

Nature Friday

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ December 22, 2023

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 57 Comments

ElsaWelcome to the first full day of Winter following yesterday’s Solstice. While the days are short, and in this season, it’s easy to get your tinsel in a tangle, but it’s also a magical time of year with ‘Santa Paws’ arriving in just a few days. As always we’re joining Rosy and Sunny at Adventures of the LLB Gang. This week I’m actually going to share real life nature photos. Elsa here and just so you know, I made an important editorial decision today. No more stupid inflatables or weird Santa skeletons for the rest of the year. You’re welcome. For the past couple of weeks, the Ranch had been going to the dogs naturewise, showing some ridiculous pics. Today I’m going to show you how to really go to the dogs…wolves that is. In exciting news this week, the Colorado Department of Parks and Wildlife (CPW) released the first group of wolves in accordance with a 2020 voter mandated reintroduction in Colorado now that all the legal challenges were resolved by a federal court last week. So let’s get started, shall we?

Elsa: On Monday, the CPW seemed to take pity on me by sharing this video showing the release of the 5 grey wolves (3 males and two females). They were released in an undisclosed area on public lands in Grand County. There had been multiple legal challenges filed by various Western Slope groups, including The Colorado Cattlemen’s Association and the Gunnison County Stockgrowers’ Association who had lost their final court challenge on December 16th. Judge Regina Rodriguez said that while ranchers’ concerns were understandable, their complaints were insufficient “for this court to grant the extraordinary relief they seek.” She added that pausing the reintroduction process would be against public interest since a majority of voters (albeit a slim one) passed Proposition 114 back in 2020, requiring the reintroduction. On Monday, the wolves were released with a pleased governor and about 45 guests watching as they ran to a nearby forested area. There is no audio to this video (but at least there aren’t any annoying ads either). I heard that one of the wolves looked back at the peeps before high-tailing it into the trees. Aren’t they just magnificent?

The Mom: Umm yeah, I realize I haven’t been my best lately when it comes to sharing Nature pics so I’m glad you took initiative with this week’s Nature Friday edition, although the truth of the matter regarding the timing was simply coincidental. In reality, this hot-button issue had been mandated by the voters when Proposition 114 was passed in 2020, with rural communities staunchly opposed to the reintroduction plan, complaining it wasn’t fair to them since Front Range cities carried the proposal over the rural Western Slope residents’ criticisms. Their complaint was they would be impacted more by the presence of this top-tier predator than city slickers. Between 30-50 wolves will be sourced from multiple northern Rocky Mountain states, then reintroduced over a 3-5 year period with CPW partnering with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Department according to their plan for reintroduction. Monday’s wolves had been captured, health checked and fitted with radio colors only a few days before they were released in Colorado.

Wolves
Wolf stock image, courtesy of David Parsons

Elsa: Whoa…talk about impressive. I heard the largest was 108 lbs…so what’s their usual habitat range?

The Mom: Scientists suggest on average that it’s around 50 miles but it can range anywhere from 22 to 140 miles, so they won’t be released within 60 miles of the state border. The wolves were released in an undisclosed area that has a large deer and elk population. Officials are hoping they won’t be a risk to livestock, thus hopefully alleviating rancher concerns.

Elsa: Hmm, I seriously doubt that ranchers will still be fuming. Wolves have been villainized forever. Didn’t wolves use to live in Colorado before?

The Mom: Yes, they did but it was a long time ago. Wolves were extirpated decades ago by ranchers and hunters although a few have migrated from Wyoming over the years but CPW basically thinks that effectively there haven’t been any since the 1940’s. There’s always been such a fear of wolves so this reintroduction was heavily debated. To assuage rancher concerns, according to the CPW’s website…

All released wolves will be monitored using satellite GPS collars, which will inform managers on survival and dispersal, as well as future release protocols. As packs establish, effort will be made to collar at least one member of each pack with emphasis on breeding adults. The desired standard will be to have two collars in each pack; whether this is achievable for every pack in the state will be determined following reintroduction (emphasis added).

Elsa: Sounds like the CPW is going to keep a close eye on them. Say, didn’t your daughter visit a wolf sanctuary several years ago in a private photography session that allowed her to be right in their enclosures with them?

The Mom: Indeed she did. It was a surprise birthday gift from her husband and one of the most amazing experiences she’s ever had. Just check out some of their images from their gallery of these magnificent creatures.

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Elsa:  Wow, how cool that she could go inside the enclosures and be among those amazing creatures! Now this, is what I call nature, Mom.

The Mom: It sure is and she was thrilled beyond words to be able to spend an entire day taking it all in. She’s always had a spiritual connection to wolves.

Elsa: Pretty doggone cool, Mom. So what’s shakin’ for Santa Paws’ arrival? Are we going to spend the holiday with my Grandpa?

The Mom: We sure are, should be another wonderful get-together with several family members. Christmas was Mom’s birthday so we’ll all be thinking of her and raising a glass to toast her memory.

Elsa: So dear readers, what are your plans for Christmas. I’ve been good being a relative term good so I’m sure ‘Santa Paws’ will leave me some nice gifts. Do you open your presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?

The Mom: However you spend the holiday, Elsa and I wish you a day filled with magic, peace and joy and we hope you are able to enjoy slices of Nature’s beauty this next week. Can you believe it, 2024 is just around the corner?

Elsa: Good heavens…now that IS rather unbelievable. Best wishes from me and Mom. We ‘woof’ you a very Merry Christmas.

Nature Friday

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ December 15, 2023

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 45 Comments

ElsaWell, well, well…sports fans…another Friday is here so now we’re just 10 days from Santa Paws’ arrival. Elsa here ready to share a few (and by a few, I do mean few…my editorial staff photographer has been busy with Christmas preparations and hasn’t taken too many pics lately-I dunno know…seems like a lame excuse to me). And those she did take should probably be taken with a grain of salt as “nature” shots. Her idea of nature and mine are clearly different. Anyway for the record Santa, in case you’re listening…I’ve been good. Oh alright, let’s get real here, I tried real hard-that’s gotta count, right? But I can guarantee I was stellar during this year’s Christmas photo shoot as you can see above. Lots of different hats were plunked on my head and I grimaced grinned with a whole lotta grace, if I do say so myself. Course the tasty treats were a nice incentive-thanks Mom. As always we’re joining our pals, Rosy and Sunny. Click on their link to see what others have shared.

The Mom: You’re most welcome, Ninja. I can attest that you were pretty patient while I snapped a bunch of various shots. I was quite shocked that you were as good as you were and for so long. Well done, Elsa.

Elsa: Hey, I’m a professional…I don’t do bad work. Now, let’s get to sharing some of your teensy slices of nature this week, shall we?

The Mom: I know, I know…not enough photos in your opinion. In my defense, I’ve been baking up a storm and making tasty goodies for family and friends. The kitchen resembles a FEMA disaster area and yet I noticed you didn’t mind the hours of preparation of the jerky I made for your Grandpa when you were offered a little slice of meat when I was cutting it up.

Elsa: Yeah, that stuff was the bomb Mom, before you began marinating it and sticking it in the dehydrator. How come you don’t make some of that for me?

The Mom: Au contraire little one…I’ve made you some jerky a number of times. Marinated meat just isn’t good for your system but sweet potatoes are. Did you forget about?

Sweet Potato jerky

Elsa: Oh yeah…oops. Moving along…so what have you got that says nature, eh?

The Mom: It’s been pretty chilly this week with a bit of snow almost every day but there was one morning when it was clear. I found these ‘critters’ on our walk and I noticed you were kind of inquisitive but then lost interest fairly quickly when a squirrel boogied in front of us.

Inflatibles

Elsa: Umm, hate to break it to you but those are not real critters.

The Mom: Technically speaking you’re right, but I still thought they were interesting in the city landscape.

Elsa: Yeah if you’re into inflatables. I prefer real live critters. This is not very ‘nature-y’ by the way.

The Mom: Ok, how about these guys…are they nature-y enough for you?

Canadian Geese

Elsa: Now we’re talking. But did you notice they just were laying around…looking for handouts. What a bunch of lazy bums.

The Mom: Hey now, that’s not very much in keeping with the Christmas spirit. You can’t fault them for trying to keep warm and have a little rest, now can you? Besides, everyone can use nap after flying around the city while foraging for some food.

Elsa: Erm…I suppose you’re right {looking around to see if Santa was watching}. Sorry ’bout that. I guess I do the same thing when you’re cooking…lay in the middle of the kitchen near you hoping you’ll share a morsel or two. You’ve commented more than once on my “please sir, can I have another,” look.

The Mom: Oh Elsa, you crack me up. Yes, you do a very right pitiful look from the movie, “Oliver!”

Elsa: I guess you have a couple more non-nature-y pics you expect me to share.

The Mom: {sigh} Yes, I do as a matter of fact. It was busy and I only got out for short jaunts to the grocery store. There wasn’t much nature to check out but people are being creative with their holiday decor, you’ve got to admit.

Skellie

Elsa:  Again with the lazy…why couldn’t these people just take their skellie down and pack it away until next year?

The Mom: I dunno…it seemed clever to me. If I had to schlep a 12 ft. skeleton out and set it up, I’d want to make the most of decorating it beyond Halloween too. It’s called maximination of their efforts.

Elsa: Man, you uprights are too weird. And then what’s the deal with this ‘sculpture’ that’s around the corner from us that’s been plastered onto the porch foundation?

Sculpture

The Mom: I’ve scratched my head on that one since I moved here. It’s a weird sculpture but this year they stuck a Santa hat over the extremely bizzare face and called the outside decorations done.

Elsa: First time I saw that, it creeped me out. So odd. But I guess they’re trying to get in the festive mood so props for being creative.

The Mom: That’s very generous of you. What did you think of this gingerbread guy?

Gingerbread guy

Elsa: Meh…I prefer it when the kids are playing in the tree house.

The Mom: It seemed original to me decor-wise…but I can see where one might not make the connection to nature. Well that’s all I got for you.

Elsa: Probably just as well. I’m gonna go with this final thought and leave it to my readers. Nature

The Mom: Good way to close, Ninja. We hope you have a great weekend and be sure to “question Nature…she’ll provide whatever answers you’re looking for.’ Have a terrific weekend and stay warm.

Nature Friday

Live, love, bark! 🐾