Welcome to this week’s edition of Nature Friday where we join our friends 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 in Blogville.
This week we’re taking a different approach to our post since Mum and I are sick of whinging about the relentless heat. You’re welcome. I told her, I’m done with it and we should focus on something lovely that Nature is providing instead. Instead we’re going to yammer on about the August full moon which is called a red “Sturgeon Moon,” said moon due to arrive tomorrow. So what is a red Sturgeon Moon, you ask?
The Mum: Well, look at you Mr. Science Dude. Nicely explained. Sadly none of the moon pics I have do the term justice. I understand a Sturgeon Moon is especially important for indigenous peoples as it reminds them of the interconnectedness between nature and their communities.
Wilson: That’s right, Mum. Anyway, we could try to capture a photo this weekend.
The Mum: I’ll definitely give it my best shot, House Pony. I understand you have a few photos of flowers that are coming into their own right now. Why don’t you show us what else you’ve got.
Wilson: Ooh, I’m so glad you segued to the flowers we captured this week because are there some real beauties. Check out these Gladiolus.
The Mum: I never think about planting these bulb standouts…until they start blooming and then I tell myself…next year.
Wilson: No worries, Mum. Some good neighbors seem more than willing to step in and share their beauties. Those same neighbors had some lovely dahlias, too! This one is practically iridescent on the outer edges.
The Mum: Yes, they were truly gorgeous. It’s not likely I’ll ever plant any Dahlias because I’m too lazy to dig them up, wash the tubers and then store them in the garage. And even if I did go to that effort, I’d probably forget them the following spring. Things tend to be forgotten in the depths of the nooks and crannies in the garage. I’m still looking for a 5/8″ crescent wrench that I know I have but just can’t seem to find. Every other size is right where they are supposed to be, but the 5/8 inch one is MIA. Sigh.
Wilson: Ahh, so that’s what you were doing the other day. I think I heard some grumbling about a lost tool. You know if it’s even remotely near a treat, I could find it. Just saying if you want some help, my sniffer is pretty good when it comes to finding things if treats are involved.
The Mum: I’m sure you could, buddy. You do tend to be helpful like that. {changing the subject} So what else do you have?
Wilson: Well I came across some sunburned flowers that sure were pretty.
The Mum: Sunburned? Oh Wilson lad, you crack me up.
Wilson: Well that first one seemed like nature put a low SPF sunscreen on the flowers because it’s not too burnt, but the second one is well beyond the bronze stage, in my humble opinion.
The Mum: Hahahaha. Well I ‘ll give you an “A” for your interesting observation. Sunflowers actually can come in a variety of colors (i.e. yellow, shades of orange and red, white and even green) although most of them found in our neighborhood are the bright yellow variety.
Wilson: You mean they aren’t sunburned? Hmm…guess I have a bit to learn about flowers. Well, the one thing that we can both agree on is that they are rather lovely. And the birds sure like them.
The Mum: Oh yes, birds are pretty crazy about sunflowers, no matter what color they are.
Wilson: Well that’s it from me. We had a visitor to the front garden but he didn’t want to stay for long. Mum said she hasn’t seen many of them and spent a lot of time trying to get close enough to actually be able to see him. A beautiful Monarch butterfly! He was enjoying the nectar from the blue flowers of the plumbago. Isn’t he grand? I named him Felix and hope he comes back.
Mum, Felix and I hope you have a terrific weekend and are able to get out and check all the wonderful gifts Mother Nature provides us, like this month’s full moon and garden visitors. Cheerio mates!
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Walking up toward Mount Sanitas, the clouds were busy dotting the sky. What an incredible view-both looking up as well as looking down toward town.
As John Oliver says…welcome, welcome, welcome. Wilson here ready to share slices of nature as I join our pals from the 
Greetings from the Ranch, mates. Wilson here, joining our friends from the 
Welcome to the last Friday of Hell month, aka arrival of summer-often referred to as the month of June. And boy did she arrive with a major league chip on her shoulder. Hey, what did I do to deserve this hellscape? Wilson here and I just don’t understand. I’m a good boy (most of the time) and I haven’t turned my Mum into a kite for ages. Yet for some reason apparently Mother Nature is quite P.O’d and she’s taking it out on us floofs. Well guess there’s no easy answer as to her motives, so I guess we’ll just joint our mates from 
Live, bark, love! 🐾
Welcome to the Summer of Hades, 2025 edition. Bloody hell…who turned the blinking heat up?? We are under a heat advisory for the next few days. Good thing my fur coat was groomed last week but I’m still panting up a storm to cool myself down and Mum is sweating like a pig. Neither of us do well in heat and I have to make sure she stays well hydrated. Heck, we both have to stay well hydrated since unlike many areas of the country, ours is what’s known as ‘a dry heat.’ I don’t give a squirrel’s patootie, the bottom line is it’s been ungodly hot.
