Category: Wilson

Nature Friday ~ April 3, 2026

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 54 Comments

Wilson - EasterWelcome to April’s first edition of Nature Friday. Today also happens to be Good Friday and Passover began a couple of days ago, so first off, we first want to wish everyone a Happy Easter and send our best Passover greetings to our Jewish friends.

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.

Lilac

Wilson: That is pretty crazy, Mum. But no crazier than the pear tree that was in full bloom.

Pear tree

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.

Hostas

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.

Forget Me Nots

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.

Pink tulip

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.

Apple tree

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.Ralston Creek

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

Nature Friday ~ March 27, 2026

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 70 Comments

WilsonWell, well, well…here we are although Mum wasn’t expecting to post today because of all the traveling back and forth to Pueblo but she learned late yesterday that she didn’t need to go down today so here we are. Maybe she can relax a bit now. Course this means I’ve gotta scramble like a mad hatter to 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?

Daffodils

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.

Sunrise

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.

Flowering trees

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.

Flowering trees

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%.

Colorado snowpack
Colorado snowpack courtesy of 9 News

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.

Canal reflections

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!

Nature

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ March 20, 2026

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 70 Comments

WilsonWelcome to the official arrival of Spring. It seemed like winter was year’s long even though we received hardly any snow or much cold. I know folks back on the East Coast, had it a whole lot worse than we did but it still seems like winter was endless. Wilson here and as always, 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.

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.CoyoteWe saw another coyote just two days later. Notice the snow is completely gone. The temperatures started warming up and have been in the mid 80’sF since. The forecast is calling for 90F (32.2C) by tomorrow. In March, people! 90F bloody degrees. What the dog!

Coyote

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.

Crabapple Trees Plum trees

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!

Nature

Live, love, bark! 🐾

 

Nature Friday ~ March 13, 2026

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 62 Comments

Friday the 13thWelcome to this week’s edition of Nature Friday. As we always do on 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. Coincidently this is the second Friday the 13th after last month’s Friday the 13th. As you ;probably know, Friday the 13th happens when the 13th day of the month of the Gregorian calendar falls on a Friday, and that can happen up to three times in a year. This year will have three with the final one happening in November. Here’s a little background surrounding 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. 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.

Sandhill Cranes
Photo courtesy of K. Samson

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.

Snow
This shrub is a Physocarpus opulifolius – Ninebark Dart’s Gold
Snow
It was a beautiful morning
Canal Snow
A beautiful morning

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.

Beaver

Ralston Creek

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.

Magnolia
Magnolia buds
Spring trees
Plum blossoms

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?

Nature

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ March 6, 2026

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 53 Comments
Weather forecast
Photo courtesy of Denver 7

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?!

Spring snow

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.

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.

Daffodils

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?

Hyacinth

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.

Sunset

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.

Wilson - snow

Whirlygig

PSA: Remember Daylight Saving Time starts this weekend. Make sure you ‘spring’ forward Saturday night.

Nature

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ February 20, 2026

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 61 Comments

Lunar New YearGreetings mates. While you’re reading this post, I’m at the vet’s office getting my teeth cleaned. Ugh. It may be Pet Dental Health Month but for me, like everyone else…I. do. not. like. to. go. to. the. dentist. Period. Come to think of it, I’m not much of a fan for going to the vet. Wilson here and through modern technology (aka Mum getting her bum in gear to post this), I am likely snoozing while my vet and his assistant are making me have pearly whites again, as you read this. As we always do on 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.

So this week was full of celebrations. First, we welcomed the Chinese Lunar New Year and celebrated the Year of the Horse. I was a bit miffed it wasn’t so much about celebrating me. I mean everyone knows] I’m called the House Pony. Still it was fun to see all the news showing people being excited and celebrating a regal animal like the horse.

Wilson: This week was full of some pretty nice weather until Thursday where it got downright chilly. Once again we’re entering yo-yo territory as it go back to warmer temps by Monday, and will be back to 60F (15C). Mum is getting whiplash from the back and forth. She even had to water the new shrubs yesterday because the warm temps started to make them leaf out. The calendar may indicate spring officially arrives soon, but it’s starting to look a bit spring like around our neighborhood. I mean just look at this clump of daffodils from our walk!

Daffodils

Wilson: I mean, what’s more spring like than daffodils? Aren’t they just super cheerful and sunny? We’ve noticed most of the homes we walk past once we leave the Ralston Creek Trail don’t have a lot of bulbs, something Mum has been whining about as she’s missing her old garden that had lots of daffodils, crocuses, tulips and hyacinths. This is the only house along our 3+ mile walk that has any spring bulbs. She’s already looking at catalogs and talking with landscapers about how she can spiff up our little lot. She said she wants it to be bougie…but I don’t know what that means. So I’m guessing she’s going to be busy sprucing up the ole garden this summer. She’s started watching YouTube videos on how to deal with the slope that the garden has. She’s beginning to drive me a little crazy, truth be told. But i’m sure she’ll end up with some nice flowers that we both can enjoy.

The Mum: Well you had to figure that I would need an outdoor space that will nurture my soul and it’s not going to install itself. So I figured a few well placed peonies and maybe some lavender would be a good start until the fall when I can concentrate on bulbs for next spring.

Wilson: Oh hiya, Mum. Glad you could join us. Well as long as I can watch you dig and spade to your heart’s content outside, I’ll be happy. I hope the first project you start working on will be the laying of pavers near the back door off the porch so I can soak up some rays while you dig, prune and plant. How’s that sound to you?

The Mum: I’m getting itchy fingers just thinking about it. It’s been lovely waking up to more of gorgeous sunrises we experienced this week during all the celebrations. Just look at these.beautiful morning photos. Mother Nature sure left us with a couple of gifts with the pleasant temps.

Sunrise Sunrise

Wilson: I figured you were walking around trying to get various views. It sure was bright in the living room with those colors.

The Mum: It sure was, that’s why I went outside. Talk about a gorgeous morning.

Wilson: It was a great way to usher in Fat Tuesday. I actually got into wearing beads for you but I was rather chuffed you couldn’t find the Mardi Gras hats.

The Mum: In my mind, that was rather unfortunate. My list of things that seem to be missing is growing but I’m sure the costumes and hats are somewhere, I just don’t know where they ended up.

Wilson: Well don’t count me as being sad. The less I have to put up with stuff like that, the happier I am.

Wilson -Mardi Gras

The Mum: You don’t look to unhappy in this photo.

Wilson: I’m a professional, I know how to work the camera.

The Mum: Right…besides, you’re just in it for the treats. anyway Treats always make you happy.

Wilson: Oh dear, am I that transparent?

The Mum: {smiling} Umm, well maybe just a teeny-weeny bit.

Wilson:  Oh dear. I guess I better practice putting on a poker face. I’ll start practicing as soon as I wake up from a restorative nap after the anesthesia wears off. And just because I got my teeth cleaned, doesn’t mean I won’t be hungry later tonight.

Wilson - sleeping

The Mum: I know. Dinner will be at the usual time-and I’m sure you’ll enjoy the extra soft topper on top. We hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. For those of you counting, spring arrives in 27 days. Woot!

Nature

Live, love,  bark! 🐾

Monday Musings ~ February 16, 2026

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 50 Comments

Good morning peeps. We hope you had a good weekend and are enjoying improved temperatures. With 32 days until the official arrival of Spring, things are starting to show signs that temps is moving in the right direction after a seemingly endless winter for many. We saw our first daffodil blooming on Saturday right before attending the rescue fundraiser at Kendra Scott’s. Wilson was quite the guest and seemed to enjoy all the attention and treats. He even tried his hand with herding after his appearance but was somewhat disappointed with the results. He said, “those doggone difficult creatures showed him no respect.” You can judge for yourself if the sheep disrespected him.

Wilson & sheep

Have a marvelous Monday.

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ January 16, 2026

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 48 Comments

Wilson-sleeping dogIt’s Friday and you know what that means…it’s time for another edition of Nature Friday where we join our friends from at Adventures of the LLB Gang. Don’t forget to click on the link to see what others shared for their Nature Friday blog hop. Wilson here with a light version of the Nature we encountered this week since we really didn’t see much beyond what we’ve shared before. I mean how many gorgeous sunrises can you stand, huh? Well this one was quite a showstopper with a sliver of the moon showing, but still. Anyway, Mum’s been busy trying to finish unpacking the studio and arranging it so the large space is efficient and easily accessible but she is struggling with moving furniture around. I think she’s come to realize she isn’t a spring chicken anymore. She got another bright idea yesterday that will require more moving. I can hear the sighs, grunts and groans already. Good thing I know how to help.

Sunrise

The Mum: Good morning, lad. Are you trying to blame me for a shortage of nature photos this week?

Wilson: Ooh, hiya  Mum. Nope, no blaming, just stating facts. You’ve been busy and we didn’t have a lot of different encounters with the landscape unlike the pics you’ve already posted from the past month. Critter-wise, mostly we’ve only seen Canadian geese-thousands of them in fact. Apart from them being everywhere when we walk through the golf course area, they are just flat boring. Honk, honk, honk. Don’t they ever do anything beyond honk?

The Mum: Good question; if they do, I sure don’t know what, if any redeeming qualities they have, that would be considered share worthy. We did see a few mallards earlier this week after last week’s snow had melted but they weren’t all that keen on our presence and skedaddled quickly. But watching them float around on the canal was very peaceful and there were some interesting reflections on the water from the branches. But the landscape is more than colorless this time of year. Just drab brown everywhere with lots of wind. There’s another high wind warning for today and proposed power cuts for northern Colorado.

Mallard ducks

Wilson: Yeah, those ducks were boring to me and they weren’t interested in how fabulous I am. Now if squirrels were swimming in the canal, they’d have my full and undivided attention. Heck, I might even jump in the water.

The Mum: Ha…that’ll be the day. You avoid water like the plague and I can’t believe you’d jump into the water, even for squirrels.

Wilson: {protesting} Now Mum, you know I’m totally obsessed into checking out squirrels and will follow them wherever they go. I don’t know why but there’s something quite captivating about those scurrying little troublemakers.

The Mum: Yeah, I do know. All too well. This week the sheepie stubbornness was on parade, front and center. So much so, that you and I had to have a couple of heart to heart conversations. What’s up with that, anyway?

Wilson: [nonchalantly rolling his eyes] I have no idea what you’re talking about. I mean, just look at this devoted, compliant face of a good dog. I mean, ‘who’s a good boy?’ Huh?

Wilson

The Mum: Don’t give me that “I’m such a good boy look. You conveniently forgot to mention it took several minutes to get you in this pose. You acted like you were deaf.

Wilson:  Umm, I don’t think it took more than the usual pocket of bribes treats.

The Mum: Uh-huh. You can say it, but that doesn’t necessarily make it true.

Wilson: {deftly changing the topic} Well, will you check this out! On our daily morning walk, we sashayed past a particular house on the way to the Ralston Creek Trail and I noticed you said out loud…”what the…” and promptly turned me around to go back and confirm what you thought you saw. You know I have a pinched nerve in my neck, right?

Rose budding

The Mum: Oh puleese…you weren’t hurt and seemed more than happy to check it out. I was blown away that this rose bush had started budding out. I know it’s been super mild with temps in the 50’sF and 60’sF (10C – 15C) but it’s WAY too soon for deciduous plants to start setting buds. I mean winter officially started less than a month ago and we haven’t had much in the way of winter moisture…but dang.

Wilson: It is rather surprising and of course, with all the windy conditions, even more shocking. I don’t know what to make of it, Mum.

The Mum: Me either, House Pony. It’s definitely alarming. But there’s not much we can do but supplement water for the new trees that were planted recently to make sure they get sufficient moisture to establish themselves, even though the landscapers assured us they were dormant. Hope springs eternal, right?

Wilson: Right. Not to change the subject, but I’ve noticed you’ve been checking for quirky garden art on our walks now that we have an established route that we take every day. Hopefully we’ll find more otherwise this is going to be a rather dull neighborhood compared to some of the original stuff we were used to seeing.

Signs

The Mum: Yeah, but I did have to laugh out loud when we walked past this house. So what’s up for your weekend? Got any plans, buddy?

Wilson:  Beyond catching a squirrel…umm, no nothing overly special. We may have a birthday party for your granddaughter who turns the Big 3-0 next week. That out to be fun. What about you readers? Anything? Whatever you do (and I hope staying safe and warm is included in your weekend plans), we hope you have a fantastic weekend that includes checking out nature around your ‘Hood.

Nature

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Monday Musings ~ January 12, 2026

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 61 Comments

Holy cow, we’re heading quickly toward the middle of the month…how in the world did that happen? In some ways January has been speeding by and in other ways seems like a slow crawl. The national news makes it seem like an endless Groundhog Day. Different day, same old headlines. Such is the contrast when you reach a certain age, I guess.

Wilson: We hope you had a fantabulous weekend. Mum attended a celebration of life from a former beloved partner of the law firm she worked at for nearly 25 years. He had been a champion for women in the legal biz and just a downright amazing human. It was great for her to catch up with folks from decades ago, including one who was a neighbor of hers in the old neighborhood as well as her favorite attorney at the firm. R exemplified the concept of kindness, dignity and competence. It was wonderful catching up with folks and celebrating the life of one of the best attorneys. Rest in eternal peace, Mike. As a long time pilot and aerial enthusiast, Mum is sure he is flying high and free now.

The Mum: As we normally do on Monday’s, let’s start this week out with a couple of smiles. Wilson said he could identified with both of them (though he thought it was ridiculously crazy to chase after a toy, but a tiny morsel of a crumb…but that’s a whole other ballgame; he did say he’d dig to China if it meant he could retrieve crumbs) . Of course whenever there’s anything food related, he will put his paw of approval on the post. Have a wonderful Monday and an even better week overall. Sending out January hugs and tail wiggles to you all. We plan to enjoy a warm up after last week’s slice of winter.

Monday smile

Finally, let’s take a look at the life of Farley, the sheepdog from For Better or For Worse. Wilson definitely could identify with this day in Farley’s world. He likes to keep those days at a minimum and reminded me that there’s always something he could do with me, even if it means getting his paws paddles caught up in my feet upending me and sending me splatting on the street. I’m ok, just a bit sore. The expression on his face though was priceless. He had a “what the bloody hell are you doing down there?” Guess I need to give you a Wilson healing slurp to get you up and moving.” Which he did. Silly boy.

Monday smile

Here’s hoping you stay upright and have a terrific Monday.

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ January 9, 2026

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 60 Comments

WilsonWelcome to this week’s edition of Nature Friday where we join our friends from at Adventures of the LLB Gang. Be sure to check out what others shared for their Nature Friday blog hop. As you can see, I’m getting more used to doing these parkour poses for Mum. This is a huge log that’s pretty slippery so I had to hang on tight so as not to slip down while patiently wait for Mum to fumble take the pic. Umm, hurry up, Mum!

We have a little something different this week highlighting what the Colorado Department of Transportation Department (CDOT), working together with the Federal Highway Administration recently accomplished by opening the largest wildlife overpass crossing in North America on a stretch of I-25 between Larkspur and Monument, Colorado along a heavily used stretch area where wildlife crossings often collide with the heavy traveled north/south highway. At 200 feet wide and 209 feet long, with wide gradually sloped entrances, it should be easy and inviting for wildlife to use. The location connects wildlife corridors while preserving open space with good proximity to water and is known for heavy movement of large game. Wildlife tend to avoid tunnels, so this overpass is a better solution when keeping both large game and drivers safe.

Wildlife crossing
Photos courtesy of CDOT

The overpass spans six lanes of interstate traffic and connects 39,000 acres of habitat on both sides of I-25. This overpass should decrease the number of wildlife/vehicle collisions by 90% and provide a vital and safe connection for large game to cross I-25 in their natural habitat.

Wilson: When Mum first heard about the completion in mid-December, she became very excited, after having been in a car that was hit by a deer a few years back. It’s never pretty when wildlife and cars collide and too often results in fatalities for both people and wildlife. This project was one of 19 wildlife crossings in the U.S. Department of Transportation has help fund nationwide. Pretty cool stuff.

The Mum: Glad you liked it, House Pony. What a great way to save large wildlife and keep drivers from colliding with them. I just thought it was a very innovative way to keep both wildlife and humans safe.

Wilson:  I love it when humans and animals can live in harmony. So, it looks like Nature heard your request for some snow. We have a good 4-5 inches and it continues to accumulate. I don’t have to go out in it, right Mum?

Snow

The Mum: Oh my gosh, you’re such a fair weather dog! Never fear, it should stop snowing later this morning and then we can carry on.

Wilson: Whew. Well that’s good to know. So this week we saw the Wolf Moon which was the first super moon of 2026. With the neighborhood being so quiet, it was almost eerie at sunset, especially since we been hearing more and more wildlife sounds at night. This week alone, we heard owls hooting and a bobcat’s screams.

Wolf Moon

The Mum:  It was even cool watching it in the early morning hours against the backdrop against the foothills.

Full moon

Wilson: The moon was fun to watch this week as we’ve enjoyed some pretty sunrises. The sky has been quite colorful.

Sunrise Sunrise

The Mum: Mornings have been quite awe-inspiring. It’s been fun watching you check things out. I’ve begun to wonder if you aren’t part Bloodhound.

Wilson: The sniffs are just so doggone interesting. I’m completely enthralled at all the new, fascinating smells.

Wilson

The Mum: You’ve been investigating grasses and logs like a detective. It’s exciting to see you learning about all that’s going on along our walks. Sniffing is a good exercise for your mind and the more engaged you are, the more relaxed you are. Did you see that coyote on the golf course late yesterday afternoon?

Wilson: Nope, I was too busy watching the hundreds of Canadian Geese while they were resting on the green.

The Mum:  I think he was watching them as well. It was chilly day and they were resting near Hole #9. I think he might have been sizing up any weak ones for a bit of dinner.  He didn’t stay in view long enough for me to grab a quick pic, but I’m going to try to be better prepared for the next time we walk through that area. I know a lot of people, especially small dog owners are afraid of them and will go to great lengths to keep their little fur babies safe. I don’t think you lived with me yet when a friend and I saw this little guy in Westminster when visiting a friend who works with the rescue a couple of years ago and we came across this little guy with his mum. I thought that anti-coyote jacket was wild. It seemed to be just perfect for that little guy who seemed to be having a bad hair day.Dog with coyote vestWilson: Wait, people dress their dogs up like that? Poor little guy. Kinda feel badly for him.

The Mum: That lady was pretty adamant about having those jackets for her two little guys. I think if I were that afraid of my dogs getting snatched by a coyote in the city, I might find a different neighborhood to safely walk my pups and avoid the lake where she was walking hers, but to each his (or her) own.

Wilson: Well that’s about it for us this week. We’ve got lots to do in the house today and probably better get cracking at it. Looks like the snow has stopped and I can see a patch or two of blue sky so we best get rolling. We hope you have a terrific weekend and are able to enjoy the first weekend of the football playoffs and have enough time to get out and see what Nature provides. Right now, I need to get ‘back to work.’

Wilson-sleeping dog

Nature

Live, love, bark! 🐾