Adventures about pet therapy, dog rescue and urban life in the 'Burbs
It’s Monday and for both of us, it came way too quickly.
The Mum: Good morning, House Pony…what have you got planned for today?
Wilson: {lip smacking, snorf, burp} Umm, extensive sleeping with intermittent snoozing, some yawning, a bit of stretching, relaxing, a few dreams with a bit of leg twitching.
The Mum: Whoa…I see. Sounds like you have a busy day planned.
Wilson: I’m wondering how I’ll be able to fit it all in.
We hope you have a great Monday. Don’t overdo it, ‘kay?
Live, love, bark! 🐾
As we do on Friday’s we’re joining the sweet pups from Adventures of the LLB Gang for their weekly blog hop. Be sure to click on the link to see what others have shared. Wilson here. My goodness, with so little time left this year, and with so much going on, this message about nature and patience are a bit at odds. But if we’ve learned anything from walking around our neighborhood and noticing the little things, it’s that this Emerson dude gave good advice, don’t you think? Today is a twofer because we’re also joining Dan over at No Facilities to honor fellow blogger, Cee Neuner on what would have been her birthday. Cee passed away earlier this year and used to host the “Which Way Challenge.” Today also happens to be Dan’s birthday and because he’s a favorite of ours, we wanted to share an autumn flower in bloom in her honor since we have no bridges to share. Apparently Cee loved bridges and in this day and age, bridges are more important than ever. Happy Birthday Cee and Dan.
Wilson: We hope this bunch of Black Eyed Susan’s might be a good homage.
The Mum: Hopefully Cee will enjoy it. While I never participated in her blog hop, Dan spoke so highly of her and he’s one of our favorite bloggers who takes remarkable photos in addition to being a very talented writer with several published books and has introduced me to some very talented folks.
Wilson: Right-o Mum. Happy birthday to both Cee and Dan. So…I’m not sure if any of you knew for certain that ‘we’re’ early risers. Mum has always been a morning person from the days when her were kids were little to when she went to college while working full time while being a single parent. Me, I just get up because I want to be close to Mum. As a floof, I’m rather fond of enjoying an extra 40 winks any time of day, but especially in the early morning hours.
The Mum: Good morning, lad. Saying you enjoy snoozing is a bit of an overstatement but seeing you like this tends to bring a smile to my face and heart. I love it when you’re this cute.
Wilson: {blushing} Aww, Mum, don’t embarrass me. I was just resting my eyes while you were howling about some hockey game. Sheesh, the noise you make…oh.my.goodness. I’m sure your favorite team can hear you through the TV!
The Mum: Are you saying I’m loud? I tend to think of myself as more of an engaged fan.
Wilson: “Engaged fan?” Is that what it’s called? Ok, whatever gets you through the night. Anyway, while it’s dark when you get up, we are still able to take walks early on and I can leave you presents in the fallen leaves still pretty easily. It’s crisp and I know we’ll be going later as the temps continue to warm, but I’m enjoying you having to really dig in low light conditions to pick up after me. There have been some fairly breezy conditions lately so leaves are falling into nice little brown piles…perfect for camouflaging my nice little brown pile. Heh, heh, heh.
The Mum: Ahem…please don’t remind me. I’ve noted that you do have a knack for finding the deepest piles of leaves and/or longest bits of grass or weeds to do your business. It never seems to fail.
Wilson: You know what they say…the way to Carnegie Hall is through lots of practice.
The Mum: I don’t think there are any concerts at Carnegie Hall for what you’re particularly adept at. Just saying.
Wilson: Gosh, you cut me to the quick, Mum. Anyway, let’s share some of the interesting sights we came across this week. First off, this scene from the morning after Halloween. Look at the orange and green on those peppers mixed with a skeleton bone in the pot. The person who lives there seems to have ‘your’ kind of humor. That top pepper reminded me of a Halloween classic…candy corn!
The Mum: Hahaha…good one, House Pony. Never let it be said, you don’t have a sense of humor. Now that frost has hit the area a few times, things in the garden take on a whole new perspective.
Wilson: Even birds gather in groups to watch from their high vantage points. Makes you wonder if these guys had a quorum for their meeting. We don’t usually see such a gathering on houses around our house-they’re usually in trees but this is a new neighborhood we visited recently.
The Mum: Back in our neighborhood, as you may recall we brought Figaro inside to keep him safe from frost. Things seemed be going well and then all of a sudden, he must have looked outside, took one look at the falling leaves and decided to follow suite. Awk…poor Figaro. I guess the spot I put him in wasn’t bright enough (apparently just like me) and replicated the outdoor scene. Just look at that pile of leaves! Gah!
Wilson: On the bright side, there are lots of buds on some of the bare branches so I hope that’s a good sign. We’ll keep an eye on him and see how he does in the studio window which faces south and provide sufficient light.
The Mum: I was pretty heartbroken to see all those fallen leaves and hope with a little patience he’ll recover. On the other side of the coin, right on cue, my Christmas cactus has begun blooming. I think they must have mislabeled it-it really seems to be more of Thanksgiving cactus because it always starts budding around the first of November. Hopefully it will bloom throughout both holidays. It’s a pretty pop of color in the kitchen window when things tend to be dull and brown outside.
Wilson: The milkweed is in full bloom and its gossamer silk catches the light nicely. It means there’ll be ongoing food for butterflies next spring.
The Mum: It was almost iridescent in the morning light-I could see it shining from across the street.
Wilson: Lovely Mum, just lovely. But what is this? Isn’t it a bit early to start selling Christmas trees?
The Mum: I was a bit concerned when I first spotted the chain link fencing around the historic old Elitch Garden carousel earlier this week. The next day signs appeared so while I breathed a sigh of relief, I began scratching my head at the early appearance. Even if you’re counting down the holiday shopping season, nothing says ‘get on with it’ quite like a Christmas tree lot. Yikes!
Wilson: Indeed. Well that’s it for this week. Any big plans for the weekend? The weather, while being a bit cooler, still should be nice and hopefully we can get outdoors to check out what Nature is generously gifting us this time of year. Maybe even a critter or two…paws crossed. Have a great weekend and don’t forget to look for what Nature provides us…when we just take the time to look.
Lice, love, bark! 🐾
Have you ever roasted the seeds from your porch Jack-o-lantern? It’s a slimey exercise but boy howdy, they sure are tasty snacks.
We survived the neighborhood kids doorbell ringing by placing our treats on a small table and inviting them to take a treat without sending Wilson into protective mode by sending him into an extreme eardrum-splitting alarm. He and I rested calmly and by 10 pm, all but about 6 pieces of Hershey nuggets had been taken and were promptly saved for Saturday’s lunch snack with my granddaughter’s house. I’d have to rate this year’s holiday a resounding success even if I didn’t get to see all the adorable costumes for the little ones coming to the door.
Today is the first weekday back on standard time. If you were like some people (me), you spent a bit of time yesterday trying to remember how to reset the car clock or re-adjusting clocks that don’t automatically change around the house. After decades of changing clocks, you’d think I’d have changing the dining room, a pendulum clock, the art studio, microwave and stove clocks down pat for the manual switch. You’d be wrong. This is why I save all instruction manuals for appliances and have even tabbed the owner’s manual in my car to the page on how to manually change the clock since thee is no “how to change your clock page in the table of contents (WTH Mazda?). Thank god there are no VCR’s with their flashing blue clocks these days. Changing that clock after a power outage and the twice a year time adjustment practically took an act of god. Goodbye and good riddance to that old fashioned technology. The alarm clock in my bedroom automatically changes but it’s old enough that it’s always off for a week or so. Good thing I don’t have to rely on it to get up in time to leave for work. I just wait it out until the switches back (or forward) to the ‘correct’ time.
Which leads me to today’s smile. I couldn’t help but think how many similar scenes to this one were happening all over the country. For his own reaction, Wilson hopped up on my bed when I got up and curled up in the covers until he realized my getting up meant he could go outside and possible scare round up a bunny in the low light like he did a couple of mornings ago. Nothing like chasing a full speed Sherman tank down the alley in low light conditions wearing flip-flop slippers. Imagine his disappointment when he realized it was a rabbit and not the bane of his existence-a squirrel.
We hope today’s reunion with the weekday world was easy enough, the yawns were kept to a minimum and you didn’t have to overdose on caffeine. Have a wonderful Monday.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Today is Halloween and we’re hoping there are lots of little ghouls who will drop by this evening and polish off the bag of chocolate candies Mum got for the occasion. She thought she was getting a mixed bag that included KitKats and Twix but discovered there were only KitKats in it and more than half of them have what’s known as “white chocolate.” Mum said ‘white’ chocolate is a rouse and worse, it feels like you’re being gypped. Then she started howling about something called ‘shrink-flation’ being bad enough rexently discovered companies are now shortchanging chocolate content in candy. Harumph. Mum’s a bit of a chocoholic and said if it’s white, it’s definitely NOT chocolate. I think there were a few HBO words which I shan’t repeat here. I’ll let her tell you just how she feels. You may want to skip over this part since she’s all frothed up about some of the politics leading to her anguish which takes a bit of a turn with the political goings-on.
The Mum: That’s right, Floof. Chocolate is brown (i.e. milk, dark chocolate); there is no such thing as white chocolate. That substitution is simply a sugarfied replacement since cocoa has become so expensive with companies trying to weather the cocoa shortage by diluting content with rice krispies and/or nuts and smaller packaging. Bah humbug! The shortage has been attributed to rising production costs and trade tariffs which have further impacted the situation driving up prices for chocolate makers and consumers. Climate change has also contributed to the shortage with a severe drought in West Africa from where most chocolate comes.
Wilson: Ok, Mum. You’ve had your say, let’s move on now shall we?
The Mum: You’re right, that was totally insensitive of me. In these current economic times, I do hope people consider helping out their local food pantries to help out those less fortunate. The need is even more important now due to the government shutdown. Food prices are still very high and with so many workers not receiving paychecks, it’s compounding the problem. I was shocked to learn that some 40 million people receive some sort of food assistance which they won’t be receiving beginning in November. 40 million people in this country! Let that sink in. While I loathe politics on the blog, but I’m just so angry that Congress continues to receive their salaries but is okay with denying women and children food assistance.
Wilson: {deftly changing the topic to keep Mum from additional howling} So we experienced our first hard frost this week and gosh, has it been chilly. On Tuesday it was only 25F (-3C) and there I was minus my heavy fur coat after getting groomed for my hospital duties. Luckily my dapper fleece coat helped keep me toasty walking across the parking lot to the hospital.
The Mum: Everyone remarked how cute you looked, but I did notice that you blew me a raspberry when I took your pic.
Wilson: {chuckling at being busted} Just check out the frost crystals on our compost bin. I’m shivering just looking at it.
The Mum: Yes, that frost finally did in the tomato plant. I knew it was coming and I neglected to harvest the dozen or so ripe ones and almost felt badly that I let them go to waste but at least they’ll help make some nice compost for next spring. Look at those sad frost bitten leaves. The cold also did a big number on the catalpa tree leaves. Those babies were dropping like bombs on the sidewalk. That second photo doesn’t really do it justice-there were so many fallen leaves covering the sidewalk.
Wilson: It was however a much different picture a couple of days before the frost hit. We found some really pretty flowers and brilliantly hued leaves from around the neighborhood.
The Mum: I loved finding that Burning Bush shrub. It just ‘screamed’ autumn. And even that Black-eyed Susan was pretty even if it was just a bit past its expiration date. And who’d have thought roses would still be blooming at the end of October?!
Wilson: Together with the golden light, it’s turned out to be a pretty spectacular autumn this year. And look what you found yesterday. A cute little mushroom mostly buried in leaves. You almost missed it, didn’t you?
The Mum: I sure did, I nearly stepped on it. I was in the garden looking for a trowel I seemed to have misplaced when I was out there dividing the irises last weekend. Never did find it but will continue to look. Too often I get distracted or need something and set my tool down to take care of it and forget where I set my tool down. Ugh. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve done that. They eventually show up but it bugs me when I misplace my tools.
Wilson: You’ll find it, Mum. Sooner or later. Well, that’s all we have. If you celebrate it, we hope everyone has a safe Halloween. Don’t let those ghosts scare you. There are also The Day of the Dead festivities this weekend and we offer our best “Feliz Dia de los Muertos” wishes where people show respect to the traditions of honoring and remembering their loved ones.
The Mum: That’s right, plus the second worst day of the year ends tomorrow night…Daylight Savings Times, so don’t forget to ‘fall back.’ The first being when we started this stupid period back in early spring. I won’t get up on my soapbox about this twice annual switch, suffice to say I’m no fan of going back and forth. It was always a nightmare adjusting the timing of Elsa’s anti-seizure medication. We send our condolences to those who still need to adjust the schedule to keep pets and peeps safe and seizure free.
Wilson: Enjoy that ‘extra’ hour of sleep Sunday morning. Have a great weekend.
Live, love, bark! 🍁
Happy Monday. Despite the recent executive order to the contrary, today is Indigenous People’s Day in the U. S. (aka Columbus Day). In his order, the president praised the 15th-century explorer as “the original American hero” and “a giant of Western civilization” which seems ironic in this day and age, given that Columbus was the first immigrant to reach the Americas.
But because it’s Monday, we need to start the week out with a smile. Today that means we’re joining the live coverage with ‘Louie’ as he covers a very important news story.
One thing I’ve learned about Wilson, is that he apparently can count and has seemingly mastered fractions as well. All of which means that dividing treats is forbidden around the Ranch. I no longer even try to pull any treat division like that here and have assured the House Pony there will be no ‘crime scenes’ around the Ranch about that.
We hope the news in your neck of the woods involves only whole portions. Make it a pawsome Monday and an even better week.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Over the weekend I transported a relinquished sheepdog to one of our fosters. He’s a sweet boy and was placed with a seasoned sheepdog owner who’ll help him get over his shyness.
While I was gone, it looks like the spirit of Elsa showed up to keep Wilson company. Even as an angel she shares her presence and legacy. This was new behavior from Wilson and clearly was a paw on my shoulder from my beloved Ninja who wanted me to know she’s thinking of us.
Which leads me to today’s smile which perfectly sums it up. May you savor the theft of your heart. Happy Monday, friends.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
But enough about me, let’s get to the nature we saw this week, eh?
Wilson: Chrysanthemums are exploding with color around our neighborhood and these red beauties caught my eye. Just look at all those blooms!
The Mum: Those mums are beautiful and can see why they caught your eye. This is definitely the time of year where these flowers truly shine in the glorious golden light of September.
Wilson: You’re right, Mum, the light this month makes even flowers passed their expiration date like this oversized sunflower look good. Mum loved it, even if it’s droopy.
The Mum: You are correct there, House Pony. I think if we’d have received any of the forecasted rain instead of only very loud thunder, it might have been more perky. But I did like it and viewed it from all angles.
Wilson: You’re so weird Mum. I mean when I stop, I at least sniff. You just stand there and look at flowers. That’s so lame. I just don’t understand why looking is enough for humans.
The Mum: Are you kidding me? The magical light this time of year is enough to look in awe and appreciate the light as well as the form.
Wilson: Whatever floats your boat, Mum. So what’s the story behind this zinnia? I heard you squealing about it and when you came inside; you looked proud as punch. Looks like they were splashed with paint.
The Mum: Well I planted this new variety of zinnia seed called Confetti. It’s taken all summer long before any of the ‘confetti’ actually showed up. You can see a couple of pink ones in the background. All the flowers were only solid colors but no confetti so I was somewhat disappointed, even though the few flowers that displayed the confetti part were a lot less exciting than the picture on the seed packet. It was underwhelming by comparison but I’m grateful at least a few finally germinated even if it was somewhat subdued.
Wilson: When we were out walking before our hospital shift began yesterday, we noticed this little vertical garden just down the street. Look at this cute little pumpkin…just hanging there…waiting to be picked. It’s the first time since the owner installed that steel arbor that had something like that grow. Going vertical in a limited space seems brilliant.
The Mum: It was a clever use of the narrow ‘hell space’ that rarely gets used effectively. And a plus is there’s no misshapen form from the bottom from laying on the ground. Win-win.
Wilson: Nice, Mum. A couple doors down the street we found this youngish Ginkgo tree. The city has begun including them in the inventory of trees used to replace the troublesome silver maple trees as a different option for city landscapes. Ginkgos are large shade trees that are resistant to wind and snow damage. They have a distinct and unique fan-shaped leaf but are a slow growing tree that requires at least 6 hours of full sunlight and well watered and well drained sites. Native to eastern Asia, they are like living fossils as they’ve been around for 290 million years.
The Mum: I find these trees quite fascinating with those interestingly shaped leaves. This one is slowly starting to turn golden. It seems like the changing colors of leaves is a bit slow this year, at least in the city. Oh sure there are some spots showing up in the tree canopy but nothing really suggesting that autumn will officially arrive next week. It’s been a strange prelude to this magical time of year. In fact, I was surprised to see this Stella de Oro daylily blooming. It’s often called the perfect perennial because of its many wonderful qualities (beautiful flowers, drought tolerance and the ability able to withstand heat stress, and its low care requirements). It maybe a miniature daylily but it packs a big punch in a city landscape.
Wilson: While it attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, it is quite toxic for cats so be careful if you plant it in your yard and you have a kitty that likes to stroll through the garden looking for mousies.
The Mum: That’s interesting-I did not know that about its toxicity to cats.
Wilson: Well that’s it for this week, Mum. We hope everyone has a great weekend and are able to get outdoors to experience this fabulous time of year.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Not to set off an alarm, but I realized there are only 111 days left in 2025. That means there are just 104 days until Santa Paws arrives. Yikes, I don’t know how you feel about that, but I know it’s got me and Mum starting to panic. But let’s focus on how beautiful nature has been this week.
Wilson: While the temps have been warm, they haven’t been too hot (unless you were standing in the sun for any length of time). Warms days, coolish nights…the perfect weather for ripening all those little tomatoes. Mum picks one or two every time she goes outside. Our street was all in a dither last week when a baby squirrel apparently fell out of the large maple across the street. Poor little thing-just a wee baby. It wasn’t doing so great and even my squirrel despising Mum went to help a group of compassionate neighbors rescue it and its sibling. She was told there were three babies, but she never saw the other one and their mum seemed to be MIA. We heard the shrill call of a hawk on Sunday and decided that it was likely responsible for this guy falling trying to avoid becoming an entree and he fell. We managed to coax the other baby down the tree and we put them both in a little box for a young couple who took pity and insisted on taking them up to a wild animal rescue in Boulder. We all agreed they were pretty young. This little guy was pretty week and likely dehydrated. We left some water out and he at least opened his eyes after licking some from where he stumbled and spilled the containers. Another neighbor even put out some bread bits but he wouldn’t eat. I was thinking he was too young and most likely hadn’t been weaned yet to survive. As you all know I’m no fan of these little varmints but felt badly for the baby.
The Mum: I was surprised at all the attention those two little guys received from people in the neighbor. Most of the time they hardly ever look up from their cell phones but were very engaged on saving these babies. It almost restores my doubts about humans especially given the news this week. Not only was Charlie Kirk assassinated, there was a mass shooting at nearby Evergreen High School, the shooter shot a couple of classmates and turned the gun on himself. Many students were injured in the melee trying to escape. This world is becoming a crazy place.
Wilson: We were out walking around and came across this pretty dragonfly on the sidewalk. Turns out it was an adult female common whitetail dragonfly most likely hunting for mosquitos, their main food source. Mum had never seen one before and was fascinated with her appearance. The male’s abdomen is all white, while the females have those white dots running along her sides.
The Mum: We love any insects that hunt mosquitoes.
Wilson: Right-o, Mum. So I wonder who or what left this web all over these leaves? The water droplets really highlighted the web after you watered the garden.
The Mum: It sure was quite the sparkly view and caught my eye.
Wilson: You sure have been keeping your eyes open for spiders this summer. It seems like there’s been more than usual. But because they help control some nasty insects, we don’t mind them so much. Hey, how about this pretty Sweet Autumn Clematis vine? Native to northeastern Asia, this lovely plant is part of the buttercup family and was introduced into the United States in the late 1800s as an ornamental garden plant,. It’s naturalized in many of the eastern states and is considered an invasive plant in north and central Florida as well as some other eastern states. It had a delicate scent to it
The Mum: At first I thought it might be jasmine but the scent was barely perceptible so I figured it had to be something else. It sure was pretty though.
Wilson: Indeed it was, Mum. That was a good walk but nothing like the one we took after our meeting at the hospital this week. You took me to an open space area not too far from the hospital and we got to walk along the trail. I even got to see some riders with their horses. This pointing pose says it all but it was nice walking along the little stream on such a beautiful day.
The Mum: I noticed you made no attempt to check out the water.
Wilson: I presume that was just a rhetorical observation. You know perfectly well that I’m not a water dog.
The Mum: {chortling} Yeah, I’ve figured that out. But you should try it sometime. It’s not like a bath. Besides, who knows, you might find a fish or a frog…also known as interactive toys.
Wilson: Also for the record, I don’t do toys, Mum.
The Mum: Lighten up laddie. I do know that…you need to unclench, ‘kay?
Wilson: Well, I just wanted to make it perfectly clear. So what did you think about the reblooming irises we saw outside the hospital before our meeting? I thought you said you had some but I don’t recall them reblooming…come to think of it, did they bloom in the spring?
The Mum: I think they did, but you’re right they didn’t rebloom. The one’s at Lutheran were pretty and just like ours. They caught me off guard. I do love me some irises and the fact that these rebloomers makes them such a lovely addition to any garden.
Wilson: They were indeed pretty but I got to admit, I was more excited to see another garden goose dressed up. This must be a ‘thing’ because it’s the second one we’ve seen recently. They’re so funny and make me tilt my head.
The Mum: You’re right House Pony…they are funny. I love gardeners with a sense of humor. Naturally, I’ll be on the alert to see more of these quirky garden art pieces.
Wilson: Whatever makes you happy, Mum. I can tell we’re getting closer to autumn and I didn’t even have to check a calendar. Apart from more spots of gold in tree tops, I noticed the strawberry plant is changing colors. Just look at those reddening leaves!
The Mum: That is another good sign. Ten days and counting so color us happy. Looks like that’s it for this week. Both of us hope you have a fantabulously awesome weekend and are able to get outside to see how nature is morphing into autumn.
Wilson: Woof! That means ‘yes’ in dog. Have a great weekend.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Hello mates and welcome to the first Nature Friday post of September. Wilson here to share what I’m seeing in Nature this week. As always, I’m joining those two cute pups from the Adventures of the LLB Gang’s blog hop. Don’t forget to click on the link to see what great posts and pics were shared throughout Blogville.
This week’s temps were warmer than last week’s, but not horrible. Days are warm, nights are crisp and we have a diverse offering for today’s post.
It’s was a crazy week made crazier by Mum. She has been scurrying around swabbing decks and other stuff that probably should have been done in spring and it’s causing me some major heartburn. She keeps saying everything is going to be fine, but seriously, who trusts someone with wielding a mop or pushing a vacuum around. OMD…a dog cannot relax in this kind of environment. I move from one place to another to avoid that noisy soul sucking machine and it’s like she’s stalking me with that vacuum wand. Anyway, please be patient with us as we’ve not had a lot of online time visiting blogs but hope to get reasonably caught up soon. But if anything goes wrong or if you don’t hear from us, be sure to assign blame on her because I’m never at fault…only fabulous. Despite what she may imply with her snide comments about paw prints on the floors and nose art on the front door.
So like I said earlier, it has been a little warmer this week but not overly unpleasant. I have my paws crossed this is summer’s last hurrah and that she’s ready to move aside for our favorite season, autumn, which officially arrives in two weeks and three days, but who’s counting and we’re beginning to notice subtle signs that a new script is in the works. Just take a look at some of a couple of indicators that things are in flux.
This tree is from down the street. Those spots of gold make for a nice contrast with the green leaves, wouldn’t you agree?
While not near as vivid, this Honey Locust is across the street from our house, and we’re seeing little spots of yellow appearing in the upper canopy.
Another sure fire sign that the seasons are beginning to change are oaks trees with their little nuts, i.e. acorns. I’ve always dreamed of noshing on them and just a couple of weeks ago, that tree was covered with them and there were gobs of them on the ground. This week, there were only a couple left on the tree and nothing on the ground. No doubt the hoodlum neighborhood squirrels stocked up before I had a chance to snack on them. Interesting side note…I found out acorns provide food for birds, rodents, beers, even deer, so I ask, why not a Floof? You know, just as a quality control thing. Plus they make some lovely craft items, if one is interested in that sort of thing. I know Mum has collected them in the past for making wreaths and holiday ornaments.
The Mum: Good morning, laddie, how’s it…
Wilson: {interrupting} Oh hiya, finally decided to join us, did you?
The Mum: Well I was trying to find something I misplaced…sorry I’m late. But I see you managed without my help.
Wilson: I can’t believe anything around here is misplaced. You’ve been on a crusade to put things where they belong or even purging it. Did you find what you were looking for yet?
The Mum: No, not yet, but I’m sure it’s gotta be around and I’ll continue to hunt.
Wilson: Just don’t hunt with the vacuum, okay, Mum? That thing scares the devil out of me, not that there’s any devil in me, but you know. That’s just an expression, mind you. I don’t have to remind you that I’m totally fabulous and a very good boy.
The Mum: Yes, you’re a good boy though I’ve notice a certain stubborn streak emerging of late that…
Wilson: {interrupting} GASP!! I am not stubborn, I’m just strongly devoted to keep doing what I’ve been doing. Besides, my clock is on a different wavelength from your artificial time table.
The Mum: Oh, different wavelength, is that what it is? That’s one way of describing it.
Wilson: Oh I’ll admit, I was nice and comfy on the patio a few times watching the world go by while you were in gardening mode and I was merely not ready to come back in the house.
The Mum: I’ve learned it’s not a good idea leaving you to your own devices. While I was trimming the iris leaves, I noticed you ran across the street to give a certain squirrel the what for. Remember? We had a long talk about that.
Wilson: Talk? Harumph…you put me in time out inside the house as I recall.
The Mum: Well you know the saying, if you do the crime, you have to do the time.
Wilson: {ignoring the squirrel transgression} Umm, not to change the subject, but I noticed last week’s showers and this week’s warmer temps sure made for some pretty flowers. I mean, just look at this pretty Morning Glory. Is that some gorgeous color or what?
The Mum: Indeed, nature knows how to showcase its own.
Wilson: Another sign that autumn is upon us is the annual ritual of people planting Chrysanthemums. This cheery yellow one caught my eye. They’re pretty but they don’t smell as great as they look.
The Mum: Yup, you know when mums are planted, autumn can’t be too far away. Being scented isn’t the only reason to plant pretty things in the garden.
Wilson: Yeah, but my own preference is to have both a great scent and pretty blooms. Nothing wrong with that, is there?
The Mum: No, I totally understand. But mums are one of those autumn plants that seem to want to look better than they smell and that’s okay too.
Wilson: Says the person with about a third as many olfactory cells than most dogs have. Suit yourself.
The Mum: Right…what else do you have? Did you see any critters this week?
Wilson: As a matter of fact, I did encounter a crawly thing with huge eyeballs that seemed to be taking in all sorts of scenery. I do know he kinda startled you but then once you overcame the surprise, seemed transfixed by his eyes and the tiny little hairs on all his legs. Didn’t you say you thought that was a harmless wolf spider?
The Mum: Yes, I think that’s what it was. I’ve seen several of them hanging out this summer. The early wet conditions seemed to activate the arachnid population around the garden. I’ve been pulling webs off the water spigot and around the base of pots on a twice-a-week basis. They’re great for keeping harmful insects at bay and are not dangerous. I read that they have 8 eyes but the two prominents ones were the ones I was mesmerized most by them. It was pretty cool. So what else do you have to share today?
Wilson: I noticed a Sorbus tree, known as a mountain-ash in North America and a rowan in the UK. An ornamental, smallish tree is in full berry mode which will keep a lot of birds fed this winter.
The Mum: When my kids were very small, they planted one for me one Mother’s Day and it was a favorite addition. I’ve often wondered how that little guy has fared.
Wilson: Well that’s it for this week. We hope everyone has a great weekend and are able to get out and enjoy nature first hand. Enjoy!
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Wilson: This week we’re doing a Farmer’s Market kind of nature thing since our veggie garden is in full harvest swing. Mum always plants a couple of tomato plants and this year they’ve been doing quite nicely. Just look at those little red beauties.
Wilson: Harumph…well it’s certainly not like I got a chance to nosh on any. How come you don’t let me be quality control, eh, Mum?
The Mum: Hmm, not sure why I haven’t offered any to you. I have given you multiple strawberries and you seem to have enjoyed them.
Wilson: Good thing you took a photo of those berries when you did because they were gone the next morning. Seems as though some little critter ate my berry!
The Mum: Now, now…it wasn’t your berry per se but I share your disappointment as I was hoping for a fresh strawberry snack myself that morning with breakfast.
Wilson: Excuse me, you at least have thumbs to obtain snacks. Pardon me if I’m not very sympathetic.
The Mum: My goodness…stop waxing on about a single little strawberry. What else have you got?
Wilson: After enduring such a huge gastric loss, I guess I can share a bit of exciting news about your fig plant who continues to do extremely well. I think I need to host a naming content for this little guy. Every sports team in the country bids out their stadium/arena to corporate interests so I’m officially accepting name suggestions. Best treat…err most popular name wins. This guy is doing so well I can’t just keep calling him ‘the fig’ any longer. He’s nearly fully ripened. We must fill this opportunity and name this dude. And the good news is it won’t cost you a shilling. So leave your name suggestions in your comment.
And at last count, there are about a dozen little nubs waiting to join this ripening bad boy in my belly!
The Mum: I’m not sure you’ll be getting a fig, but I might be persuaded to share a tiny taste with you. How’s that sound?
Wilson: Sheesh, Mum, you’re getting pretty stingy in your old age. I thought Farmer’s Markets were supposed to be more community minded, as in sharing all the harvest.
The Mum: {purposely ignoring the snark} Speaking of community minded as in sharing…look at this basket of nectarines shared by a nearby neighbor who placed it on the sidewalk with a note to enjoy their bounty. How sweet was that?
Wilson: Very sweet indeed. As well as generous. I note the sharing aspect of that neighbor, maybe you should be willing to share some of your figs with a certain floof. Just saying.
The Mum: Let it go, House Pony. On another neighbor’s yard, I’ve noticed that garden that we walk past every day on our walks. Their front yard is covered with a Little House of Horrors style vine that’s spreading all over the place. And this guy is starting to get big. He’s going to make a lovely Jack-o-Lantern.
Wilson: What a lovely shade of orange. I guess this neighbor is preparing for the whole pumpkin spice season which was launched this week.
The Mum: I heard that Starbuck news. What can I say? I’m sure corporate America will figure out interesting ways to jump on the bandwagon, creating heaven only knows what kind of food, drink, snack or candle fragrance.
Wilson: I’m good with plain ole pumpkin myself actually. For our final photo, we offer a beautiful rose especially for our friend, Rosy. Mum took this pic shortly after an early morning shower a couple of days ago and oohed and awed all the way home about it. Yes, it’s pretty, but I was more interested in what’s for breakfast. We wish you all a very wonderful weekend. Our family is going to have a family reunion with all 5 generations attending to celebrate Mum’s dad’s 95th birthday. I know there’ll be lots of treats there. This year they are doing a Mexican food with margaritas theme to celebrate with him. Ole! Please pass the tacos and don’t forget to have a wonderful and safe Labor Day weekend. Finally, may your college football team have a splendid season opener.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
