Whatever snack you prefer, we hope it adds to a ‘pawf-fect’ Monday for you.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Category: Wilson
Nature Friday ~ April 24, 2026
The Mum: Oh come on, at least you’d be able to see easier…
Wilson: {interrupting} No way, Jose. I’m not wearing a rubber band or scrunchy on the top of my head to get the hair out of my eyes. End of discussion.
The Mum: Alrighty then. So what do you have to share today.
Wilson: Wait…what? I said no and you caved with no attempts to urge a different outcome? I better pinch myself…I figured you’d spend a lot of time arguing trying to cajole me into looking like a pineapple landed on top of my head. Not to say I’m suspicious…but I am a bit suspicious, Mum.
The Mum: Not to worry, House Pony…I don’t mind giving you some agency about minor things like that.
Wilson: Minor? Trust me, that’s not minor, Mum. Wearing my hair up in a top knot would make me the laughing stock of Ralston Creek. You know I have a certain “je ne sais quoi” to maintain.
The Mum: Oh my gosh, you are so dramatic! It was just a suggestion to help you see better until your grooming appointment in a few weeks. Lighten up.
Wilson: Harumph…I just wanted to get things out in the open and on the record. I think we should probably focus on slices of nature we encountered this week instead, now that the pineapple strategy is dead in the water. How about it, Mum?
The Mum: {rolling her eyes} Yes, let’s change the subject and move on. I know where you stand and won’t bring it up again.
Wilson: Thank dog! Now that we’ve settled that, let’s share a few slices of nature from our house before we hit the trail outside, shall we? Figaro is looking pretty doggone good. I can barely get around him. He’s going crazy, Mum. I think we should put him outside.
The Mum: He is getting pretty big but since there still can be overnight freezes, we’re going to have to wait until that threat is gone so you’ll just have to co-exist with him for a little while longer. And I beg you to be careful as you’re racing to the front door which is just a few feet away.
Wilson: Hey there, I’m always careful! I can’t help it if he takes up too much space.
The Mum: Right…{eyes rolling again}. You’re about as careful as a bull in a china shop. Delicate you are not.
Wilson: Now, now, Mum. That corner of the entry must have some really good juju because your Christmas cactus is in bloom again. While not nearly as full of blooms at it was at Thanksgiving and Christmas, it does have a few bright blooms. Even the Christmas cactus that rarely blooms and nearly died a few months ago has some buds on it. Are you doing something special with the cactuses?
The Mum: Nope, not at all. That last cactus has more blooms than it ever has! It lost a fair amount of its branches and I almost considered letting it go. I just think they like the light in the entryway-it’s not too severe or bright. But whatever it is, I’m pleased that they’re in bloom again and setting leaves and flowers. It’s very exciting and even the newest one (on the lower right) is joining the ranks of bloomers. It came from Dad’s house and is also setting buds. Color me happy.
Wilson: Way to go, Mum. Did you see the new neighbors? I haven’t met them but hear them every day.
The Mum: Spring is always an exciting time in the world of birds. I’m keeping my eyes peeled to see new baby ducks and Canadian geese which we’ll likely see before any of the birds who nest in trees.
Wilson: We’ve seen some blooming wildflowers along the Ralston Creek Trail this week. This first one looked a lot like the lupine we had in our old garden. I looked it up and it’s a Thermopsis, a herbaceous perennial and legume and commonly known as goldenbanners or false lupine. When I looked it up , I discovered it’s quite toxic so I guess we won’t be walking close to it. Apparently there has been some research about the toxicity of T. rhombifolia (which I think is the variety we found along the creek) with the highest concentration in young plants. We just found them blooming this week so they are likely fairly young.
The Mum: It’s a good thing you aren’t much of a taster of plants. I was shocked to read about the toxicity. I’ve been missing the lupines from the old garden so was happy to see something that looked like the old garden plant (although I discovered a hitchhiker that started to grow in a planter that had bachelor buttons in it which will like bloom over the next week). Maybe we’ll get some new seedlings to start a fresh lupine garden at the new house. Fingers crossed.
Wilson: I’m sure that’d would make you happy. So what’s this plant? It was next to the sidewalk on the street I walk along every day toward the creek trail.
The Mum: Ahhh, that’s a parrot tulip. Just look at that pretty ruffled flower. It sure is quite colorful but I think it needs some fellow tulips to create a nice spot of color. Hopefully it will naturalize.
Wilson: Guess yellow is this week’s main color outside. We found another yellow blooming plant along the creek trail. This one is a biennial herb called, Barbarea vulgaris, commonly known as wintercress or yellow rocket. Native to Eurasia and North Africa, it has naturalised in many parts of North America. It prefers fresh or moist places, along roadsides, rivers, and on slopes and in ditches, up to an altitude of around 8,000 ft. It apparently doesn’t mind clay soil so it should do well here. I don’t think Mum has ever found more clay soil than here. Along the trail it was interspersed among grasses and near a few sporadic blooming flax plants. Mum wasn’t able to get any photos of the flax, it didn’t show up very well in the grass.
The Mum: It’s been a week of discovery of the local wild plants and I’m enjoying what grows well around here in the wild. It’s fun to see critters among plants in natural settings. It’s so different from our old neighborhood so this has been quite the adventure.
Wilson: Speaking of adventures, what plans do you have for the weekend? Anything exciting going on. Mum is meeting up with another old colleague to catch up with her before she retires. Mum was saying she probably wouldn’t know too many people still at the firm, they’re all retired now. I tried to tell her that’s normal for humans. They move on but they hang on to the past too often. They should be more like us dogs who know how to live in the moment. Whatever you do, we hope you have a great weekend and can find spots of nature to enjoy.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Monday Musings ~ April 20, 2026
Here’s hoping you have the best Monday possible following a wonderful weekend. Stay motivated.
Life, love, bark! 🐾
Nature Friday ~ April 17, 2026
Wilson: Oooh, Mum…that was so good. I’m glad we got to watch part 2 of that Nature episode this week. It was reaffirming watching humans work hard for years trying to save multiple species of orphans and to meet the next group as they work toward re-wilding each of them.
The Mum: It was a very touching conclusion to the first episode. I hadn’t realized there was a second one and it made me realize we need to record more episodes of Nature on PBS. We love that it shows elements of the natural world that we don’t get to see every day and highlights some of the pitfalls many animals face in a warming planet.
Wilson: Sounds good to me. But in other news, it happened again…we got hoodwinked into believing our weather forecast which called for a couple of inches of white stuff with cold temps. As usual, we received the cold part, although it was not quite as cold predicted in the 20’sF approximately -6C, with a freeze warning. The temps hovered slightly above freezing but featured what we are beginning to accept as normal around here…windy conditions. And not a flake in sight. In fact, the sky is only cloudy in our neighborhood so maybe precipitation will happen later {fingers crossed}. Mum brought in the herbs she had purchased earlier in the week, just in case. She probably didn’t need to bother but she didn’t want to take a chance and below freezing temps may occur tonight.
The Mum: I’m going to start taking weather forecasts with a grain of salt. Being off a few degrees is one thing but to get people all wigged out about impending precipitation is a bridge too far to cross. The only thing we can definitely count on being correct are windy conditions.
Wilson: Well, in the good news department, you were able to attend a fundraiser at the neighborhood’s premiere garden center last evening and what a great batch of flowers you saw. Just look at some of these photos.
The Mum: It was a totally amazing array of unusual plants which I especially love to see. I’m not a big fan of the big box stores with their limited selection of unusual plants, so this was quite the treat. And because it was a fundraiser for a good cause, there were vendors of all manner, much like a farmer’s market so my friend and I were able to sample various tasty treats and see an outstanding selection of craft items. It had been years since I last visited Echter’s and I was blown away by their selection. They bill themselves as carrying many unusual varieties of flowers not typically found at other garden centers. With over 70,000 square feet of indoor space, they carry over 2500 different varieties of flowers every year and their plants are not sold at other locations. In addition, they offer trees, shrubs, houseplants, garden art, houseplants, birdhouses and bird seed and all manner of supplies to beautify and take care of your garden. They also are a big supporter of the community and offer their facilities for events at no charge. They also host a quilt show, a glass and art show so I plan to attend more events in the future.
Wilson: Just look at these beauties! Mum loves interesting and unusual plants and these bi-colored geranium leaves qualify and she was blown away by the gorgeous Ranunculus, a massive Delphinium, a speckled Rose and of course, our gorgeous state flower, the blue Columbine to name a few. The pond area was very zen-like as well.
The Mum: Yes, it was such a lovely evening walking about the enormous greenhouse and outside grounds. Oohs and ahhs came from every single row of flowers. It was such a lovely evening spent with a former colleague from the law firm. We hadn’t seen each other since we both retired and we recently learned on Facebook that we lived a mere 5 minutes away from each other. It was a lovely evening that allowed us to see interesting and beautiful plants and get a bit caught up on the personal front since our mutual retirements. We’re hoping to get together again soon. It was such fun.
Wilson: What a strange creature, Mum. What was that last topiary?
The Mum: Not 100% sure but it looked mostly like an elk. Whatever it was it was pretty cool. So how was your week? Do you have anything planned for the weekend? Whatever you do we both hope you are able to get outside and check out all the beauty nature provides. Have a wonderful weekend and if you’re like us, you’ll ignore the weather forecast-it’s probably way off.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Monday Musings ~ April 13, 2026
Have a very Happy Monday and don’t forget to include some sunbeam therapy.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Nature Friday ~ April 3, 2026
As we typically do for these Nature Friday’s, we’re joining Rosy and Sunny from the Adventures of the LLB Gang. Don’t forget to click on their link to see what others have shared for their Nature Friday blog hop.
Greetings, mates. Tis I, the House Pony ridiculously gussied up as the Easter Bunny. The things I do for my Mum. This week we’re going to look at Nature from nearby Boulder since we enjoyed a family get-together with Mum’s son, his partner and the grandbaby last weekend. Spring has begun unfurling itself in earnest all along the Front Range but seeing springtime in Boulder caught Mum by surprise.
The Mum: You bet your sweet bippy, House Pony. I don’t think I’ve ever seen lilac bushes in full bloom in March. Talk about being gobsmacked. Early and ever so fragrant, that delicious sweet fragrance really caught me off guard.
Wilson: That is pretty crazy, Mum. But no crazier than the pear tree that was in full bloom.
The Mum: As I walked their backyard garden I was amazed at the various fruit trees in bloom along with returning vegetables (the artichoke was only a few inches tall so I didn’t take a photo of it), along with other perennials like Columbines. The bearded irises I gave my son early last autumn are doing well in their new home and I may end up getting a few back since the movers neglected to bring the bucket of corms with specimens of the black and soft blue bearded irises I had hoped would accompany me to the new garden.
Wilson: I noticed the Hostas were going gangbusters, too. Those variegated leaves make them distinctive in any garden landscape.
The Mum: I was pleased to see Forget-Me-Nots throughout their garden. Such pretty little blue flowers adding lovely pops of color in the spring garden. I’m a sucker for blue flowers. Kevin said they are going as crazy naturalizing as my lupines did in the old garden.
Wilson: Did you know the Forget-Me-Not is Alaska’s state flower, Mum? Though generally classified as short-lived perennials or biennials, they often act like perennials since they spread vigorously by self-sowing. They tend to bloom from spring to early summer in USDA Zones 3–8, and prefer partial shade and moist soil. With the ongoing drought here, it’s not likely we’ll be adding any of them to our garden any time soon. I know how you are about water guzzlers.
The Mum: You’re right, especially this year where mandatory water restrictions are in place. I’m still mulling over what plants I’ll add and where to put them but did buy a nice deep purple hyacinth and a small peony bush that I hope to plant soon. I’m sure by autumn when spring bulbs will be planted, I’ll have a good idea of where things might go. Working on the overall plan may take some time so I’m not in a super hurry and am excited about various possibilities long term.
Wilson: There were even some lovely tulips in bloom. I know you didn’t photograph the black ones that were just beginning to start forming buds but you fell in love with this pink one.
The Mum: Yeah, I absolutely love pink tulips and would have photographed the black ones if they weren’t still fairly tight in bud. I always enjoy an unusual colors in the garden.
Wilson: You do tend to favor pink in the garden. I mean just look at this beautiful pink apple blossom that really is highlighted against the blue sky.
The Mum: It was nice being in Boulder for the day especially since I’ve been driving back and forth to Pueblo working on the house every other day. I think we’re basically ready for the house to be listed next week.
Wilson: Grandpa was sure delighted with the way it turned out. The new flooring sure turned out beautifully and I know you and all the siblings are hoping a new family will buy it and continue the happy times in that lovely home now that it’s been updated and spiffed up.
The Mum: Yes, the house needs to have a family that will continue the awesome history initially started by our family. We shared so many great meals, spirited conversations and celebrations with wonderful get-togethers welcoming new family members over the years. There is such a positive energy to the home and I wish whomever moves in loads of ongoing love, laughter and happiness.
Wilson: I’m sure someone will be very happy there. And closer to home along the Ralston Creek Trail we saw the creek fill up from the canal you featured last week. Not sure where that water came from but hearing it moving downstream warmed our hearts. It’s been barely trickling for the past several weeks and while we received a tiny amount of rain on Wednesday, it certainly wasn’t due to that. It sure brought folks out to check it out, probably because it’s been so long since it was running. With mild temperatures this week, this is the kind of spring we can get on board with.
The Mum: Well that’s it from us. Do you have special plans for Easter or Passover? However you celebrate this time of year, we hope everyone has a safe and joyous holiday.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Nature Friday ~ March 27, 2026
throw pull something together. But I’m nothing if not a professional, in addition to being a fabulous floof, so I’ll do my level best. Wilson here. I know Mum is overwhelmed and over stressed but I managed to find a few things to share for this week’s edition of Nature Friday. As always, we’re joining those adorable pups from Adventures of the LLB Gang for the last Friday of the month. Be sure to click on their link to see what slices of nature others have shared.
The Mum: {yawning} Thanks House Pony, appreciate you stepping up. I’m a bit brain dead after the last session where I painted the outside window sills in 90F (32.2C) degree temps. After a week of summer temperatures in the upper 80’sF (31.6C), this morning’s crisp temp of 37F (2.77C) was very welcome. It felt great needing to wear a light jacket to take you outside at 6 AM.
Wilson: It sure revved me up. I just wanted to bounce till I got to my favorite potty spot. I hope you buckle up for our morning walk, Mum. No slow walking, okay?
The Mum: Please be gentle with me. I’m old and sleep deprived, buddy.
Wilson: Oh Mum…I’m sure you’ll be okay…
The Mum: {rolling her eyes and interrupting} Especially remember the old part. These days that’s extra critical…so what did you manage to find for us?
Wilson: Well, spring definitely has sprung. Although I think we went from pitiful winter to flat out broiling summer. I finally spotted a nice clump of blooming daffodils around a tree. Aren’t they just delightfully cheerful?
The Mum: Those daffodils are the largest clump we’ve seen yet. The few places we’ve spotted daffodils have been the one off and I always think a clump gives them a much better presence in the spring garden. They did make me smile.
Wilson: Well if you liked them, I’ll just bet you enjoyed yesterday’s sunrise. The clouds were quite gorgeous and left a nice glowing arch to decorate the morning sky.
The Mum: It was very pretty, for sure. And very quiet, something that I rather relish since moving to this peaceful neighborhood. The morning sounds are birds calling to one another, not the traffic and hubbub that we used to face every morning. And it makes me very grateful to begin each day here. When you’re in the midst of hustle bustle, and then you’re out of it, it’s very noticeable. Life is good, even when it’s busy.
Wilson: That’s the spirit, Mum! I know I sure enjoy the birds and all the new smells I encounter and I’m glad you’re taking the time to notice the simple things. The flowering trees (ornamental pears and crabapples that were getting ready to bloom late last weekend) emerged with the warm temps and are providing a beautiful contrast of color to the otherwise scorched brown landscape.
The Mum: I noticed yesterday afternoon some of those same trees are beginning to lose their pretty blossoms. I guess we’re finally getting snow…even if it doesn’t have any moisture in it.
Wilson: Well look on the bright side, you don’t have to shovel. But yeah, I get it. One of the things I found a couple of days ago was the following graphic that depicts the seriousness of the high temps and lack of moisture on the snowpack that the entire state is suffering. Things are very grim with no end in sight. Notice the statewide average is a mere 38%.
The Mum: That graphic is very sobering. While today is much cooler (and very appreciated) moisture continues to not show up in our extended forecast. Mandatory water restrictions are going into effect all up and down the Front Ranch.
Wilson: I know it’s very grim, Mum. We’ll have to do what we can conserving water. For my part, I will happily give up baths.
The Mum: {smiling} Not so fast, dog breath. You still will need to get the occasional bath just not as frequently as when you were going to Lutheran for visits but I appreciate your willingness to sacrifice.
Wilson: Harumph…thought you might say that. Just wanted you to know I’ll happily forego any water torture. But let’s leave our dear readers with a scene that’s not all doom and gloom, with a bit of pretty, shall we, Mum? I liked seeing ducks swimming in the water’s reflection.
The Mum: We enjoy walking nearby on the trail path but when I noticed the canal was full, I just had to check it out and was delighted to see a couple of ducks swimming around in it. I had expected that the canal would delay filling up but it was a nice sight seeing it. I’m sure it’ll be used downstream and the level will fluctuate during late spring and summer.
Wilson: So long as we just walk past and don’t get into the water, I’ll be happy. Well that’s it for me. Do you have any plans for this last weekend of March? Whatever you do, we both hope you are able to get outdoors and enjoy some of the beauty Nature provides. Have a wonderful weekend!
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Nature Friday ~ March 20, 2026
Today’s Nature Friday post is going to be a bit light on clever observations on the world around us. Mum has been traveling back and forth to her Dad’s house. She and her siblings have been working to get Dad’s house ready to list as his deteriorating vision has forced him to move to an independent senior facility last weekend. It’s very nice facility and will be a good place for him but he’s understandably not happy about giving up the house he built for his wife of 73 years. He’s struggling with the idea that he’s become a renter after all these years despite the fact that everything in the new place is brand spanking new and beautiful. He said his old house was nice and quite comfortable for him but understands the reality with his vision and is learning to accept this new situation. So on with an abbreviated number of photos.
We’ve seen it all this week, weather-wise. The week started out cold (16F – -8.88C) after snow fell all day on Sunday. Apparently it wasn’t too cold for our neighborhood coyote, as he was happily walking along the golf course golf cart path. Guess he was getting his steps in for the day.
That coyote appeared to be a female. She wagged her tail at me. Being the ‘polite fellow’ that I am, I wanted to go over and introduced myself but Mum said, “No way. Jose.” I had to remind her my name is Wilson.
With the warm temperatures and now that the actual arrival date is now here, we are noticing certain fruit trees (plum and crab apples) are ready to start blooming. Mum expects them to pop this weekend.
Well that’s it for me. Mum has to leave now and hit the road before rush hour gets too insane. We both wish you all a wonderful weekend and we encourage you all to get outside and enjoy Spring! It may take us a while to respond to your comments and hope you’ll be patient. Cheerio!
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Nature Friday ~ March 13, 2026
According to folklore, the number “13” is considered unlucky. Based on a Norse myth, 12 gods met for a dinner party in Valhalla. The mischief maker Loki, who had not been invited, arrived as the 13th guest, and arranged for Höðr to shoot Balder with a mistletoe-tipped arrow. After Balder died, Earth became dark and the day was thought to be a bad, unlucky day. Norse mythology believed the number 13 to be unlucky and combining Fridays and the number 13 are considered unlucky in Western superisition.
Another month and another Friday the 13th. What’s up with that? Mum said 2026 will experience three this year, with the next one not until November. Here’s a bit of background on the history of Friday the 13th. According to folklore, the number “13” is considered unlucky. Based on a Norse myth, 12 gods met for a dinner party in Valhalla. That mischief maker, Loki, who had not been invited, arrived as the 13th guest, and arranged for Höðr to shoot Balder with a mistletoe-tipped arrow. After Balder died, Earth became dark, and mourned and the day was thought to be a bad, unlucky day. Norse mythology believed the number 13 to be unlucky and both Fridays and the number 13 are considered unlucky in Western superisition. Now that you know more about Friday the 13th, let’s move on with this week’s photos.
Wilson: Mum used to live in Monte Vista for a few years and her son decided to check out the Sandhill Crane Festival last weekend at the Wildlife Refuge there. So he decided to check it out and brought back this image. After wintering near the US/Mexico border, the cranes began to arrive in the “Valley” in early February, feeding on grain and natural grasses in the area. Did you know that cranes mate for life and every Spring they do their ritual mating dance that includes dancing, bowing, chortling, and throwing tufts of grass in the air. They will continue on their pilgrimage to the far upper Midwest and southern Canada later in the month where they’ll raise their young and then return south again in early autumn. You can see it directly on YouTube here.
The Mum: I was really excited (and a bit jealous) that Kevin was able to see the cranes in person during the festival (I prefer seeing the refuge before or after the actual festival to avoid all the looky-loos). But I was glad he got to experience it. Seeing some 20,000 birds in one place in the San Luis Valley is something else. I had visited the refuge back when we lived in Monte Vista in the late 70’s.
Wilson: Their noise made me keep looking at your screen, Mum. What a racket! But how cool was that to see? We really have experienced just about everything weather-wise this week. It snowed all day last Friday and left a good 5+ inches of wet, white stuff. Two days later you could barely tell we had received any when our temps reaching 73F (22.7C) on Monday. The weather has bounced up and down all week long…the only constant all week long being the multiple high wind warnings.
The Mum: On Monday we decided to check out the Ralston Creek Trail in the opposite direction to see how things fared in the storm. We’ve gone that way a couple of times in the past and came to the conclusion it’s very different from our usual route. The landscape suggests there may be beavers in the area but we saw no sign of any dens and noted the creek is narrow and rather shallow so I’m not sure how to explain the first photo.
Wilson: The City has been working on water improvements and flushed a few hydrants into the creek. It’s not normally that deep, at least it hasn’t been since we’ve moved into the area.
The Mum: Right, House Pony. I had one day of errands in the old neighborhood and walked past the magnolia tree a block away from our old house. It was covered with buds-more than ever this year. It’s going to be beautiful once they open presuming the wind or a freeze won’t hurt them. We have our paws crossed. It’s such a lovely tree and I felt a little bit of nostalgia walking through the neighborhood which was surprisingly more springlike than our own.
Wilson: That’s all we have to share this week. Next week we’ll officially welcome more view of spring and hopefully we can find more evidence of its arrival. Wish us luck. We hope you have a marvelous weekend and get outdoors to see signs of spring in your neighborhood. Do you have any special plans?
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Nature Friday ~ March 6, 2026
Welcome to the first Friday of the month. March has arrived like a lion and while we’re counting down the days until Spring officially arrives (14 days if you’re keeping score), today greeted us with a bit of white stuff. You’ll get no complaints from Mum-with ongoing fire alerts, we’re welcoming the change. A nice wet slushy mix of rain and snow. The forecast only calls for 1-3 inches in the area but it’s welcomed nonetheless. Just look at all that glorious blue on the map…woohoo. The forecast is calling for 6 to 14 inches of new snow through Friday night in the mountains. Gusty winds will make travel dangerous with blowing and drifting snow on higher mountain passes.
Wilson: Well, are you happy now, Mum? Here I was, raring to go out to pee this morning when “this” greeted me. I got my paws wet for heaven’s sake. What the dog?!
The Mum: This is one weather phenomena I can get behind. We need the moisture.
Wilson: But Mum…I. Got. My. Feet. Wet! Eew, you know how much I hate my feet to get wet.
The Mum: Oh for heaven’s sake…you big baby. You’ll live.
Wilson: Well, for the record, I’m not happy about it. This will mean I’ll have to wear heaven’s only knows what kind of anti-moisture apparel. I’ll be grudgingly fine keeping my floof dry but may have to draw the line when it comes to snow boots. Ugh…
The Mum: {interrupting} For crying out loud, stop being such a wuss. You will be just fine. You’ll stay relatively dry and any moisture will be on your raincoat and won’t be released as that distinctive ‘eau de wet dog odor’ while staying nice a dry underneath. It’s a win-win for both of us.
Wilson: Umm, for the record, I’m rather dubious, Mum. I shall expect lots of ear rubs as well as a pocket full of treats to assuage my feelings. Sigh.
The Mum: {changing the subject} Tender feelings aside, I think you have a few photos to share?
Wilson: Oh yeah, I almost forgot. It was an exciting week. After last week’s post telling everyone that we saw a coyote on a golf green, he was back on the links closer than ever to us on the Ralston Creek Trail. And while the close up isn’t nearly as good as Mum would have liked, I didn’t have to circle it like I did in last week’s post. By the way, Mum, that was more than embarrassing. Taking that little itty bitty scene and having to circle him. I have standards you know and didn’t appreciate looking so lame. Besides, he looks like a German Shepherd not a coyote.
The Mum: My goodness…you really are on a roll today. I have a little advice for you…lighten up, House Pony and stop being so sensitive about little things.
Wilson: Harrumph. I remain on the record as simply trying to bring respectability to this blog. After all, I’m trying to keep you relevant.
The Mum: {eyes rolling and with a hint of sarcasm} Ummm, I appreciate your efforts? Let’s move along and see what else you have for us.
Wilson: Fine, I’m moving along. More spring bulbs are emerging along our walking route. This neighborhood seems to favor turf over flowers, much more than our old neighborhood did but I did manage to find a few scenes that were delightful. Again because the dry winter conditions didn’t display them at their optimal best, but a spot of color here and there were welcomed.
The Mum: Those daffodils were peaking out of a clump of ornamental grass next to the sidewalk. I almost missed them. But who can resist these cheerful blooms?
Wilson: And those hyacinths were a nice shock of color in the red mulch. And of course, the scent was divine! I can see why you like them.
The Mum: Yup, I put them on my list of spring bulbs to add to our landscape this autumn. The mulch in our small garden space only has a few shrubs so we’ll need to add lots of bulbs and xeric perennials to provide color around the Ranch ‘Barn.’ I hope you’re ready for a big season of gardening.
Wilson: Well I am ready to snoopervise your efforts. Remember, I lack a vital component for gardening…a thumb.
The Mum: You’re right, but I hope we can create a nice outdoor space from where you can supervise. Are you up for the task?
Wilson: {saluting} I won’t let you down, Mum!
The Mum: I will be most grateful for your efforts. Together I think we can create a lovely space where we can relax and enjoy the great outdoors this Spring and Summer. The first project will be to add a small paver patio from where you can oversee the transformation. We have to submit plans to the HOA for approval. Hopefully they’ll grant our proposal. Keep your paws crossed, the rules surrounding the submission seemed a bit involved but we’re trying to play nice and meet the requirements, onerous as they may be. I’m not used to having a board having oversight on outside projects so this is all new to me.
Wilson: You got this Mum. I have every confidence you’ll be able to sweet talk them into making our little garden a beautiful place. With that vote of confidence I’ll leave you with last night’s sunset walk. The clouds were forming for today’s spring storm and with a hint of color, it made for a lovely evening walk. The silhouetted trees were quite pretty.
The Mum: Indeed they were. We hope you all have a lovely weekend. Doing anything special? Whatever you do, we hope you’re able to get outside and experience some of nature’s best this time of year.
Wilson: This is all I plan on doing until the sunshine returns this weekend. Stay warm and dry.
PSA: Remember Daylight Saving Time starts this weekend. Make sure you ‘spring’ forward Saturday night.
Live, love, bark! 🐾