It’s another Monday and I can’t help but wonder what happened to the weekend. Oh sure, winter returned…that part I was keenly aware of but the time…it just seemed to go poof and it was gone. As I was looking for a smile for today, I came across this and audibly said, ‘yup, that’s the one.’
Here’s hoping Mother Nature comes to her senses and settles down. We could use a bit of ‘false spring’ that February often shares. We’re tired of ‘second winter.’
We hope your Monday, however you enjoy it, is good to you. In fact, we would love nothing more than everyone enjoying Charlie Brown’s desire. Stay warm, stay happy and make it a great week, with whatever ole Mother Nature manages to hand out.
Welcome to this week’s edition of Nature Friday. Today is Valentine’s Day…the day of love. It’s been a helluva week for all of us. Both Mom and Wilson are exhausted after some very intense visits at the hospital, visiting tons of people and patients and Mom had multiple commitments every single day this week. On top of that she’s been trying to nurse-mate me to feel better. She’s took me to the vet again today and it looks like I have a mild case of pneumonia. Any POTP wishes you can spare would be greatly appreciated.
Please join us along with our friends from Adventures of LLB Gang as we celebrate Nature on this day of love. Be sure to click on the link to see what others shared.
Wilson: Mum especially loves it when she can find slices of wild nature in the depths of the city and not just on Valentine’s Day. Because I had hospital duty this week, that meant that I have to get bathed and groomed and Mum was in no shape to do it herself so she took me to the nice people at The Dirty Dog in Broomfield. Miss Sydney loves us sheepdogs and got me totally spiffed up. Everyone knows I don’t like baths but Sydney is very sweet to me and always she tells Mum I’m a good boy for her.
Elsa: Bet Mom would appreciate it if you’d be that as good for her as you are for Sydney. The last time she bathed you, she thought she was in a steer wrestling contest.
Wilson: I don’t know why I hate baths so much and I was sorry I got Mum and the bath totally drenched. I know with her sternum and now torn bicep, she couldn’t easily do me and like most kids, we tend to behave better for others than our own parents. Umm, sorry Mum. Anyway, Sydney trimmed me up and because of all the nasty dirty snow melting of late, my feet and legs were extra dirty. They had to give me multiple washing. Ugh. Luckily like all dogs, I live in the moment and soon forgot the torture. I was a happy boy at the hospital and brought a lot of joy to lots of doctors, nurses, staff and patients because I don’t discriminate…I love them all, even when it’s not Valentine’s Day. Heh, heh.
Elsa: Oh for crying out loud, you’re such a suck-up. So whaddya got to share this week that’s nature inspired.
Wilson: Well, while I was getting washed for the 87th time, Mom went hiking around the neighborhood after she met up with a rescue board member who lives up north. They were able to have coffee and catch about rescue matters and Mum dropped off some supplies. Afterward, Mum went to explore the nearby area. The Dirty Dog recently moved into a new space not to far from their old shop but it was a world away in terms of finding slices of nature.
Elsa: What the dawg are those furry creatures?
Wilson: Ha! Speaking of dogs, Mum said those are prairie dogs. Mum says they are a keystone species having a huge impact on the environment. Native to the grasslands of North America they eat various plants and are especially found in newly developed areas where humans are taking over their habitat. While not actually canines, they belong to the family of similar critters like marmots, chipmunks and are related to my nemesis, squirrels. You can imagine how sad I was to not be able to accompany her on that walk. I’d have shown those scurrying little varmints how fast I really am.
Elsa: You probably would have made those burrows a whole lot bigger. No wonder ranchers don’t like them because any horse or cow whose leg fell in one of those holes never ended well for livestock.
Wilson: Right you are! Those rodents make my life a living hell and I just can’t help myself trying to chase them down. Not sure what I’d do if I ever caught one, but Mum is very keen on keeping me as far away from them as possible.
Elsa: So where were those little cuties. I always love when the bark at us while sitting up on their mounds when we visit our Grandpa’s house.
Wilson: They were behind the Broomfield Depot Museum-a small unassuming little structure that was built in 1909 as a stop for train travelers. While Mum waited for me to get finished, she took a tour through it. It was one of the first steps that led to Broomfield being created as a regional city. Here’s a photo from their website since Mum forgot to take one herself.
Elsa: Nice building. Wow, look at this old bee hive that was out back. Very cool.
Wilson: The inside of the depot was pretty fascinating too. Just check out these photos from the living room and kitchen.
Wilson: Life must have been challenging for uprights back then but it looks like this place had all the conveniences of the time for travelers.
Elsa: Yeah, things must have been a lot different back then. Guess that makes us pretty lucky that we’ve got soft comfy beds, and modern conveniences like furnaces, running water, but don’t think much toast would be made around the Ranch with that appliance.
Wilson: Times were different back then. Next week we’ll finish up Mum’s visit to the museum with a special surprise she found near the beehive. We’re hoping today is a nice day after all the sub-zero temps this week but heard Winter is returning this weekend. It’ll be a good time for us to lay low, chill and catch up on our rest. You’ll forgive me if I hibernate to stay warm with this new haircut. Hope you all have a great weekend and if you can, get out there to check out what Nature shares with you.
Welcome to this week’s Nature Friday post where we join those cute pups from Adventures of the LLB Gang. Hiya, Elsa here. It’s winter and any photos are fairly slim showcasing nature around the Mile High. The National Western Stock Show is going on but Mom said she’d rather set her hair on fire than deal with the traffic and wannabe cowboys than go to that event. Since she no longer works downtown, she didn’t even see the annual parade of Longhorn cattle up Seventeenth Street.
Image from the 2015 National Western Stock Show parade
Elsa: {continuing} The big thing that we’ll be watching is the newsworthy story of a winter advisory in the form of an Arctic blast that’s slated to arrive later today (more on that below). Mom and Wilson will once again be spending the day at the hospital visiting folks. I heard he visited with a jillion people yesterday and made friends with even more. He tried to make ‘friends’ with a local hoodlum right before he left for his shift. Trust me, he didn’t get close but there was one tuckered out squirrel that collapsed from exhaustion on top of the wooden fence. His sides were heaving as he tried to catch his breath. Mom said he seemed pretty traumatized since he didn’t even run away when she went to see if he was ok. The House Pony was foiled {again} and life moved forward. Guess you had to be there to appreciate the drama.
Wilson’s friend
Wilson: Hey, I almost got him! He didn’t realize how speedy I am.
Elsa: Don’t kid yourself. No matter how {ahem} speedy you think you are, you’re always going to lose to that rodent. You should save your energy for more important endeavors, like Olympic style napping, like me. Trust me, that’s a much better use of your time with a greater chance for success.
Wilson: I just know I can get him at some point. I just know he’s going to make a mistake, slip off that top rail and fall on my side of the fence. And I’ll be there to ‘welcome’ him. {smiling with teeth exposed} Heh, heh.
Elsa: Well, I’m just saying, you’re wasting valuable time trying. I mean, wasn’t it Groucho Marx who said “paying alimony is like buying hay for a dead horse.”
Wilson: Perhaps, but because it’s almost MKL Day, I subscribe to the his quote, “It’s a job that’s never started that takes the longest to finish.” Martin Luther King, Jr.”
Elsa: Whatever, bozo.
Wilson: I think this is just something that you and I will have to agree to disagree about. Now about that Arctic blast you mentioned. The local weather channel said we can expect a “flash freeze.” What the bloody dog is a “flash freeze?” How cold is it going to get?
Graphic courtesy of Denver 7 channel
Elsa: Glad you asked though I’m not looking forward to those days with the minus symbol. One of the local meteorologists said a “flash freeze” is when there’s a rapid drop in temperatures from above freezing to below freezing in a really short period of time. She said Colorado rarely gets them. There’s a chance we’ll get some snow later today, even if it’s practically balmy as of this morning (32ºF/0ºC). That cold front will move in later this evening and any existing moisture on the ground like rain or melted snow will quickly freeze into ice. It’s gonna be nasty and brutally cold out there for the next few days so Mom is most grateful her calendar is clear and she won’t have to drive anywhere. It will likely be way too cold for us to do anything outside beyond super quick potty trips, so expect lots of sessions with the snuffle mats.
Wilson: Mmmmm, I can hardly wait. Well that’s it for us. Because this Arctic blast is going to hit a lot of the country and affect so many, we hope you all stay safe and warm. I strongly recommend you snuggle with a dog. Just saying.
Elsa: What he said. ⬆️ Stay warm and don’t let squirrels or Jack Frost put too much of a damper on your weekend. Hugs and tail wags. I’m going to get started on that nap now.
Welcome to Nature Friday. Today is the last Friday of November, 2024 and no doubt some of us are moving a little bit slower today, no doubt still under the influence of a Thanksgiving Day food coma. For those needing a spot of pressure, there are only 26 days left until Christmas and only 33 days left in 2024. As always we’re joining our pals from Adventures of the LLB Gang. Don’t forget to click on the link to see what others have posted. We hope your ‘holiday’ was safe, full of good cheer and that you were able to enjoy Thanksgiving with friends and family for those who celebrate it.
Elsa here to start things off. Mom got a hankering to trim up my paws because she said, and I quote…”my feet were looking like a muppet.” I hate getting my paws trimmed and won’t let her use clippers. She can only trim them with scissors but she’s gotten fairly good making them look halfway decent. But we’re here to talk about Nature things. Mom went to spend the Thanksgiving howliday with our Grandpa with a few family members. He’s going to be a busy fella over the next few days, as other siblings will show up extending the holiday and food fest. I’m jealous as there will be some amazing foodables while they’re celebrating which will be good for him to see other family members from out of state who will begin to arrive this weekend. Let the fun and food continue.
But first, jeez Mother Nature, could you be a bit more kinder on the thermostat? It was 18ºF freaking degrees this morning when I went outside to pee at oh-dark-thirty. As the popular musician Collins Obinna Chibueze (otherwise known as Shaboozey) sings in his chart topping A Bar Song remake of the 2004 single song Tipsy, “oh my….good Lord!” We aren’t nearly ready for walks on the frozen tundra.
Wilson: ‘Morning little sister, boy are you right about the temps. I hurried my morning constitution in record time. For a quick minute I thought perhaps it might freeze to me private parts! Since you’re the native of this landscape, I’m guessing this is the norm for this time of year but even with my double coat, I’m grateful Mum will be taking us out for our morning walk later, hoping for a few degrees of warmth from the clear skies and sun. But I’m guessing those same clear skies are why it’s so bloody cold. Brrrrr.
Elsa: Right you are, House Pony. Those clear blue skies, while pretty as all get-out, are what makes things so cold. But they also make for some beautiful pictures, even when you’re whizzing past familiar sights. Mom can never get enough of seeing Pikes Peak; she’s written about that view before. It’s that view that inspired author and poet, Katherine Lee Bates to write the lyrics for America the Beautiful after she saw the gorgeous view from the summit of this well-known 14,000+ ft. peak.
Wilson: She really enjoys seeing it, both when she drives through Colorado Springs where it looms over the city as well as the back side once she gets to her Dad’s house.
Elsa: It’s very close, it’s easy to see why it’s such a draw. Then again, it’s our Mom so there’s always that. She loves seeing mountain majesty anytime and Pikes Peak is so close and can be easily captured even with a cell phone.
Wilson: I guess so…the area is so different from what I was used to experiencing in Missouri where the highest point was a mere 1,772 feet (540 metres). These fourteeners are something else.
Elsa: Our state is very lucky to have so many tall mountains; and especially at this time of year, when we’re focused on gratitude for the views they provide. By contrast, the Great Plains spread far and wide and have their own special beauty. Mom volunteered at the OES rescue booth at last weekend’s Denver Dog Fair where there were over 150 adoptable dogs from breed rescue organizations with scads of inside and outside activities with loads of vendors.
Wilson: Righto, Ninja. Mum loves the views on the plains and captured this windmill at the event site in eastern Arapahoe County with the landscape being so wide open with nothing to stop the wind.
Elsa: My ears would be flapping like the Flying Nun in those breezy conditions out there.
Wilson: Indeed. But you’d have enjoyed it inside where your first vet, Dr. Jeff of Animal Planet fame gave a talk to the attendees. He and Mum talked about how you’re doing these days since he relocated his practice up in the foothills southwest of the city.
Elsa: Oh yeah, I remember him! He’s a good guy and does so much for the community on the topic of overpopulation despite being diagnosed with cancer and challenging the local veterinary community with his low-cost affordable care model. Glad Mom got a chance to talk with him and find out how he’s doing these days in foothill area of Conifer, CO. He was well received at the event.
Wilson: And here’s a trained pup from one of the many dog trainers with one of his graduates. This Doodle fancied about carrying a bag of treats in his mouth. I can’t. even. begin. to. fathom. not eating treats I was carrying. I mean, I barely taste them as it is without having to carry them.
Elsa: Oh brother…there you go again thinking with your 17 stomachs. All an all, it was a good event and the rescue managed to receive a decent amount of donations. Their first mission was to promote a senior OES named Reagan and we have our paws crossed that someone will adopt her. If you’re interested, please check the rescue’s website and fill out an application. Technically we’re not fully set up to take in dogs but Reagan’s situation prompted a special case scenario and we are doing what we can to help her. Isn’t she quite the gorgeous lady?
Wilson: Miss Reagan has come a long way since we began to foster her and we hope she will find her fur-ever home soon. She truly deserves a second chance.
Elsa: Well that’s it for this week’s hodgepodge of rather unrelated photos. We hope everyone has a great weekend and manages to find a lovely view or three of Mother Nature at her finest. Stay warm and make it a pawsome weekend.
Wilson: Yes, what my little sister said. Happy Friday and have an even better weekend.
It’s Friday and you know what that means…hiya…Elsa here. Welcome to this week’s edition of Nature Friday.We’re joining our pals from Adventures of the LLB Gang. Don’t forget to click on the link to see what others have posted.
We didn’t post last week because Mom was too sick to prepare a post, so a couple of this week’s photos were ones that were slated for last week. Especially the snowy scenes from the foot of wet, white stuff that fell. Mom was up north getting the House Pony spiffed up and killed some time by taking an extended walk in the neighborhood where her groomer works.
Wilson: Don’t remind me of that day…I got myself so worked up Miss Sydney wasn’t able to groom me because I had really bad stress diarrhea. I felt badly for her and couldn’t leave fast enough to recover at home. I was super clean but Mom had to trim me up for my pet therapy evaluation last Monday. Let’s start with our first photo-Longs Peak.
Longs Peak is one of the many 14,000+ ft. high mountains in Colorado. At 14,256-foot (4345.22 m) ‘fourteener’ it’s located in the Rocky Mountain National Park Wilderness, about 9.6 miles (15.5 km) from the Town of Estes Park. It was named to honor explorer Stephen Harriman Long and the mountain is featured on the Colorado state quarter. To the left in the photo shrouded in the clouds, is Meeker Peak (elevation 13,911 ft. (4240.07 m). The two mountains are sometimes referred to as the Twin Peaks. Longs Peak has long been popular among climbers year round, it being the only fourteener in Rocky Mountain National Park. It was a cold day and fairly windy and she sat next to the snowman on the bench above watching the clouds shift from her perch for a while. Well…until she got too cold and resumed a vigorous walk to warm up again.
Elsa: Makes you wonder what early settlers thought and experienced as they came through the area. It got her thinking maybe she’d like to head up there when the weather was less severe and hopes it won’t be too crowded during the middle of the week. We’ll see. She gets all cranky about scenic places where thoughtless tourists ruin the experience like when she went leaf peeping back in September. I remain skeptical but as the expression goes, ‘we’ll see.’
Wilson: She told me that she was very contemplative as she sat there shivering on the hill looking westward as the clouds hurried through the area.
Elsa: Brrrrr…glad I wasn’t there. I mean, I don’t mind bouncing around in snow but to just sit there…yeah…no. {head shaking} Mom and her zen moments kind of goes over my head.
Wilson: I know what you mean. When we were on our way home, she stopped to get petrol and while pumping, she kept staring at the colors of oil drops mixed with the slushy snow at the parking lot. Weird, right?
Elsa: There are so many weird things humans do, you’ll get no arguments from me. But the colors are kinda cool. I’m sure Mom got contemplative thinking of the environmental impact of oil on roadways, especially during that intense storm.
Wilson: Come to think of it, she did. She got real quiet. The next day, she noticed how the ice had formed in the solar fountain and watched it for several moments. Then she realized she needed to pull out the leaves so it didn’t clog up the pump. Guess there’s always something for her to do.
Elsa: Whenever she’s been out walking, she comes back inside almost melancholy. When people walked past our house, she often finds paper wrappers or plastic cups. Why do humans liter?
Wilson: Beats me. Mum was picking up stuff that had blown in on Monday and suffered a small relapse because she overdid it. That got her attention so she’s been better about it. It’s important to get a nice dose of Vitamin D but she doesn’t have to build Rome while she’s getting back to 100%. I even tried to convince her to take it easy by laying across her legs. I figured that’d hold her down a bit but you know Mum, she gets a notion in her head and off she goes.
Elsa: Yeah, I have noticed that. Thank goodness you are able to literally pin her down so she can fully recover. I’m glad she went outside for a little sunshine and didn’t come back in with a trash bag full of rubbish or leaves. Gawd knows with the wind bringing down most of the leaves, she’d be outside for hours. She did find some interesting hip fruit on a tree and on an Euonymus shrub. She notices little berries and kinda goes crazy checking them out. I guess they’re good for birds and squirrels…
Wilson: {interrupting with an audible gasp} Squirrels?! Where…let me at them!
Elsa: Down Rover. You’ll have plenty of opportunity to go hunting but remember Mom is still recovering and doesn’t need to be turned into a kite. Remember, you can check them out…you just can’t go running like a Sherman tank after them.
Wilson: I can’t help myself. They call me names and taunt me….
Elsa: Oh for bloody sakes, dude. You’re a dog, of course they are going to taunt you. Get. Over. It. Sheesh. You need to be above that, dude.
Wilson: When you put it like that, I guess I need to demonstrate more control, now that I’m a full fledged therapy dog.
Elsa: I’m impressed, you didn’t even argue with me. Maybe there’s hope for you yet. So what’s on your schedule this weekend? Got any big plans before the big turkey day celebration next Thursday?
Wilson: I’m just going to make sure Mum doesn’t work too hard. She’s attending the Denver Dog Days event on behalf of the rescue for a few hours and just hope she doesn’t overdo. But there will be other volunteers there so I think she’ll be okay. If you’re local, swing by and say hi. I know she’d love to see folks. Click on link for details and location.
Elsa: Sounds like fun, but you know me, I’m planning on napping in a nice warm sun puddle. The weather should be the 60’s. Perfect for snoozing and chill-axin. Whatever you do, we hope you have a great weekend as you prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday. Make it a great weekend and by all means check out what scenes Nature provides.
Sleigh bells ring, are you listening…in the lane, snow is glistening…a beautiful sight…hmmm, hmmm, hmmm…walking in a winter wonderland. Humming continuing…oh hiya, Elsa here. Welcome to this week’s edition of Nature Friday.We’re once again joining our pals from Adventures of the LLB Gang. Don’t forget to click on the link to see what others have posted.
You know how often we’re whining about lack of moisture, right? Boy howdy…did Mother Nature finally decide to turn on the faucet. Before the temperatures decided to hover in the mid-20’s, a soft misting rain fell, later joined by wet slushy snow. The snow has barely stopped and Mom tells me the forecast is calling for another 10 inches between now and early Sunday morning. I asked her, where are you gonna put all that white stuff? She just groaned and shrugged her shoulders. Rude!
Wilson: Oooh, oooh, is it my turn, yet, huh…is it?
Elsa:WAIT! Sheesh…talk about ruining a perfectly good intro.
Wilson: But…but I waited while you opened and even let you post the first photo. I’m so confused about the rules for our Friday posts since they seem to defy precedent.
Elsa: Get used to it. Changes are in the air after this week’s ‘happening’ of which we shan’t get into, but I’m sure everyone knows to what I’m referring, so I’ll just leave it at that. And no, this isn’t some sort of Ninja logic…I can’t help but wonder if logic just became extinct this week but this is a pet blog, not some political podcast so let’s just get started. Ok, House Pony?
Wilson: Yeah, I’ve noticed Mum has the sads and wondered if that’s what’s been bothering her. I hope she knows we’re here for her.
Elsa: Of course we are and with your pet therapy skills, I’m counting on you to really step up. I can’t wait four years for her to smile again.
Wilson: I’ll do my part and with your help, we’ll make her feel better even though she won’t to be able to affect the political world around here. Luckily our state passed sweeping changes to codify some of the social issues in the state constitution. But because we’re a pet blog, that’s all we will say for now. Let’s move on to Mother Nature and what she unleashed on us the past couple of days, shall we?
Elsa: You got it, brother. So I already alluded to the heavy wet snow that’s been falling for the past day and a half. I think we had about 6-8+ inches so far. Hard to tell because with that heavy snow, there has been a lot of leaf drop.
Wilson: Boy, you can say that again. Leaves have dropped along with the temps after they were heavily coated in a layer of white stuff. Sadly, some of that droppage has included lots of tree branches with it. Mum was out at midnight and at 4:00 AM, trying to shake snow off branches and various wires for the past couple of nights. But first, let’s share a couple of pics from last weekend.
Last of the clematis
Water feature
Elsa: Wow, those seem like such ancient history. Fast forward to just two days later and you have this.
Wilson: Righto. Talk about a huge change.
Elsa: It sure was pretty.
Wilson: Pretty but deadly. As we were doing our morning constitutional in the dog run, Mum heard a loud crash and walked out front to this scene. A huge limb came down, blocking about 90% of the street. She went over to talk to the guy who lives in the house to see if there was anything she could do to help since she had just obtained the name of a licensed tree trimmer the day before.
Elsa: Yikes! So that’s why she was gone for so long. She told me the guy said he’d talked with the police department and they indicated they would send someone out to clear the street.
Wilson: Mum knew that would take hours, if not days but the Ranch is on a great block and the neighbors came out, one with a chainsaw, and between four of them they managed to cut up and move the pieces out of the street. They worked like beavers taking care of that huge catastrophe.
Elsa: When everyone works together look what they can accomplish that’s positive and divisive. Oops, there I go again injecting a political slant. Sorry. It’s going to be hard to remain objective I suspect and hope people don’t take offense.
Wilson: It’s hard not to but I’ll be here to gently remind to stay above the fray, deal?
Elsa: Deal. I just hope I can keep up my end of the bargain.
Wilson: I’ll be patient and gentle, I promise even if I feel the same.
Elsa: So with the colder temps, it’s making things really interesting. Our Catalpa tree leaves keeps making funny noises.
Wilson: You can say that again. It’s been dropping frozen leaves like bombs. Luckily no tree limbs, just tons of leaves. Normally these leaves hang around longer than most but the weather did a major number on the tree. We were lucky, the neighbor across the street, lost a huge limb, just barely missing his car. Everyone in the neighborhood is on high alert and with parking always at a premium in this dense neighborhood, it makes things interesting.
Elsa: I can only imagine. I know Mom had a hair appointment scheduled yesterday and fortunately the hairdresser’s salon in only a couple of miles away so she walked over there and it gave her a chance to see how other people fared. It was a bit of a war zone out there.
Wilson: Crikey…glad she didn’t take me with her. I’m still not comfortable around garbage trucks and the sound those broken tree limbs must make. I’m grateful to have been spared that outing, though I’m beginning to get a spot of cabin fever.
Elsa: Yeah and my weary bones won’t be happy in icy wet snow either. Mom said she was going to bring out the puzzle snuffle mats so we could exercise our minds. She said something absurd about not wanting us to cause mischief. Mischief? Us? Bwahahaha!
Wilson: Well you know me, if there are treats involved, count me in!
Elsa: {eyes rolling} Of course you are but it’ll be good for some mental stimulation. Let’s leave everyone with a few pretty pics and not just carnage, shall we?
Wilson: Happy to oblige.
Elsa: Those are lovely, House Pony. I just looked outside, and it started snowing again. But we hope whatever you do and wherever you are, we hope you are safe and warm while still enjoying all that Mother Nature provides us. To those who share Mom’s current inner anguish, please know we are with you in spirit. Let’s continue to be supportive to each other.
Welcome 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
Hiya, 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.
Strawberry
Tomatillo
Lettuce
Tomatoes
Peppers
Grapes
Peppers
5 / 7
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?
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!
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.
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!
Happy Friday peeps and welcome to this week’s edition of Nature Friday where we join our pals Rosy and Sunny from Adventures of the LLB Gang.Elsa here and Imma ready to dish the latest from the summer of hell. It’s not that it’s been bad mind you, but for the love of all that’s holy, could it get any hotter? For the record, that’s just a rhetorical question. Of course it can be hotter. Just remember this Ninja life observation, House Pony…”things are never so bad, they can’t get worse.”
Wilson: Oy, don’t tell me that. I was hoping we could maybe catch a break on the relentless hot temps that have played out from sea to shining sea.
Elsa: Sorry dude, I just report the news/weather, I don’t create it. But yeah-no…nature decided she was going to pay us a few days visit with gifts. As in recording breaking triple digits. You know what that feels like on a black dog?!
Wilson: You have my sympathies, little sister. But I’m sure our readers are sick of hearing us whine about the heat. We’re all over it. Mum keeps checking a special calendar she has every day and told me we’re ‘just’ 71 days from the official arrival of autumn. She actually cheers now with each passing day as the number is getting smaller. I’m a dog; I live in the present so it kind of passes over me.
Elsa: Yeah, me too…I’m a big proponent of living in the here and now but think I might be tempted as that number gets a lot smaller. Still it kind of dovetails with what’s going on in the urban garden right now. We seem to be in a bit of a transition. All the pretty late spring/early summer blooms are now history and, at least in our garden, not a whole lot is very pretty or blooming much although I will note the Plumbago is starting to set it’s pretty little blue flowers and Mom even found a couple of leaves that were turning mahogany. She thought it was a few weeks early and couldn’t help wondering if that’s a sign that we’ll have an early autumn. This is after all, a La Niña year. Oh sure, the coreopsis, yarrow and the last remains of the Bachelor Buttons are blooming and the Russian Sage is making a colorful splash throughout the neighborhood but our garden is in a bit of transition now.
Wilson: What the bloody devil is a La Niña year? Is this related to El Niño?
Elsa: Well, I’m glad you asked. A La Niña year is when winter temperatures are warmer than normal in the South and cooler than normal in the North. La Niña can also lead to a more severe hurricane season, as evidenced by Hurricane Beryl that pounded Texas earlier this week and still has a million people without power.
Wilson: Gosh, sounds so ominous. I know Mum has been worried about her daughter who lives in the Houston area and who’s been without power all week long. As of last night, the hope was that the power will be restored by midnight tonight. So what’s the difference between La Niña and El Niño?
Elsa: El Niño is the opposite of La Niña. According to NOAA, during La Niña events, “trade winds are even stronger than usual, pushing more warm water toward Asia. Off the west coast of the Americas, with seawater levels increasing, bringing cold, nutrient-rich water to the surface. winter temperatures are warmer than normal in the South and cooler than normal in the North. La Niña can also lead to a more severe hurricane season. These cold waters in the Pacific push the jet stream northward. This tends to lead to drought in the southern U.S. and heavy rains and flooding in the Pacific Northwest and Canada.
Wilson: Fascinating. Thanks for the meteorology lesson.
Elsa: Hey, that’s what I’m here for. So let’s share the pics Mom took this week. I’m giving her a pass on the few photos because of the heat. I’m not completely heartless.
Wilson: Quite sporting of you, mate. So she and I walk past this corner garden every day. The garden itself is somewhat nondescript as gardens go, it’s a bit wild and jungle-y. And now that the allium have finished blooming the gardener had a brilliant idea to bring some color and attention to that corner space. Mum watercolored it for today’s header. Here’s what it looks like for real.
Elsa: Whoa…that is pretty clever! I see what you mean about the jungle but I do like that ceramic piglet on the bench. And I see there is an Oregon grape (holly-leaved barberry) plant there too, along with some other plants.
Wilson: You know I’ve never noticed that pig statute before. I’m always more interested in the tree rats that live there. Mum always grips my leash tightly as we walked past.
Elsa: Well gosh, I wonder why? Could it be that her shoulders are shot and she’s tired of becoming a human kite?
Wilson: {blushing} Sorry, I just can’t help myself. I am beginning to focus a bit more on the numerous bunnies that have populated our neighborhood. Boy, are they ever fast! And wily too. They deke so much better than squirrels. Even the babies. They could make a kite run much more interesting…er I mean a side hunt.
Elsa: {eyes rolling} Are you trying to kill our Mom?
Wilson: Certainly not. I’m just a victim of canine instincts. But I have to protect my Mum.
Elsa: Protect is one thing…your homicidal critter chasing is something else. You gotta remember you’re a herder, not a hunting dog!
Wilson: I know, I know…but I can’t help it if they jump out in front of me and startle us both, can I?
Elsa: Just focus on sheep, pal, okay and leave the squirrels and rabbits to the hunting dogs. Or better yet, just learn to ignore them. Does that work for ya?
Wilson: Umm, I’ll try. But can’t make any promises.
Elsa: Well, If wishes were horses, beggars would ride, I say. What else you got, House Pony?
Wilson: Well, you know how Mum has been battling the nasty wasps that keep hanging around our solar fountain. Well it’s been good practice because she’s trained her eyes to find bees on milkweed as well as that beautiful globe thistle that’s currently blooming.
Wilson: I’ve been trying to catch bees as well but Mum has managed to deter my laser like moves here as well. Sometimes, she takes the fun out of our walks.
Elsa: Oh lord. You’re gonna get stung and then maybe you’ll learn to leave them alone. They’re the kind of pollinators we like in the garden…like those pretty Swallowtail butterflies.
Wilson: You mean they bite? Crikey…maybe I should rethink biting them.
Elsa: What else you got, dude? Something I hope that doesn’t involve turning Mom into a kite or provides you with a tiny snack.
Wilson: Oooh, did you say snack? Mum’s potted cherry tomatoes are beginning to ripen. She told me under no circumstances was I to go near them. Luckily they don’t really appeal to me so I’ve been good not trying to nosh on them.
Elsa: Mom was so excited to see that little spot of reddish goodness. I think she even drooled a little. She babies her potted tomato plants and works hard to keep the neighborhood critters who shall remain nameless away from them. I think she said they cost about $20 a pound after it’s all said and done. Still, she enjoys them saying there’s nothing half as tasty at the grocery store.
Wilson: Well that’s everything I have for this week, Ninja. I guess we’re gonna be spending a lot of time in the cool comfort of the house which means lots of naps. I don’t know about you, but I’m okay with that.
Elsa: Naps? Oh yeah, put me down for lots of naps in air conditioned bliss. Whatever you do for the weekend, we hope you stay hydrated and enjoy catching slices of Mother Nature early before she gets a head of hot steam going. Have a great weekend!
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: 🎶 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.
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.
Elsa: Jeez, you’re such a wuss! It’s bracing and refreshing.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
