We managed to make it to another Friday and we’ve lots to show you from a recent trip to Boulder, where Mom’s son lives. He had shoulder surgery and needed a caretaker to help him out while his partner was out of town. Well, color me happy…a road trip AND a visit to one of my favorite peeps. Wilson here to share photos from our time in Boulder with Mum. As always, we’re joining our friends from the Adventures of the LLB Gang. Be sure to click on the link to see what else was shared in this week’s Nature Friday blog hop.

My first walk around the North Boulder neighborhood took me up to the base of Mount Sanitas. It was a lovely morning looking in either direction at sunrise. But getting up there was where the real fun was. I got to see scads of bunnies. Oh my dog…they are EVERYWHERE. The neighborhood hardly had any squirrels, which was very disappointing. I wished for lots of squirrels at our neighborhood wishing well before we left. Once again, they spray painted the dried allium blooms vibrant color. Whoever grants the wishes must have been on vacation because I only got to see two squirrels in Boulder. I felt somewhat swindled but know my chances are loads better near our house.

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.

At 6,863 feet (2,092 meters), Mum was a tad winded since the climb is kinda of steep. One trailhead is just a mile from the downtown district where college students and tourists congregate in the many restaurants, pubs and other fascinating hang-outs.

One of the neighbors prepares fresh baked goods that she sells at a tiny  pittance of their value especially in this toney part of town where million dollar plus homes are the norm. At the edge of the street near her driveway, she has the equivalent of a ‘lending library’ for dogs. Mum was touched by this sweet tribute, its message of love and sharing. When she showed that pic to her son, he told her that’s the lady who bakes and sells her treats to people from all over the area!  They had a good laugh about that but I missed the joke. And come to think of it, the scones were missing too. Hmm, this a second gyp on this trip not that anyone is particularly keeping score, mind you…but…

The Mum: {interrupting} Wilson, sweet boy, you know perfectly well that baked goods aren’t for dogs and besides, I gave you lots of dehydrated liver treats on your walks. There’s no reason to feel gypped, House Pony.

Wilson: I’m not so sure about that Mum, you should know it’s particularly problematic when I hear my tummy gurgling…

The Mum: {interrupting again} Your stomach is always growling. I swear you must have either hollow legs or 7 stomachs!

Wilson: And that’s a problem because?

The Mum: {ignoring the question by changing the subject} So what else did you see on your walks?

Wilson: Around the corner from the box of tennis balls, we found a beautiful Japanese garden, complete with a really nice statute of the Buddha.

The Mum: It was a very serene walk highlighted by this statute and garden. It was the first of of some noteworthy garden artwork we passed. Do you remember this mailbox and donkey?

Wilson: No…erm neighhhhhhh {dog snicker}.

The Mum: Oh my…was that your attempt to deliver a Dad joke? I wouldn’t give up your day job.

Wilson: Harrumph. That was kind of harsh. Perhaps I shouldn’t be so compliant near busy intersections by poing so nicely for you,  Mum? What do you think of that?

The Mum:  Errr, let’s not get hasty now. You wouldn’t want to endanger yourself, especially at busy intersections, now would you?

Wilson: Good point. I’d probably lose my floofy head and run out into traffic in a panic. Doggone it…score one for Mum logic.

The Mum:  It’s not about scoring anything, I just want you to stay safe sweet boy. What else do you have for us today?

Wilson: Well, I know you enjoyed these strange ‘flowers’ at the first dinner your son fixed. You said these steamed artichokes were quite tasty. I, on the other hand with my incredible floofy discernment, favored the salmon skins that were barbequed and served with them. Yum, yum…I think you need to start buying a package of those salmon filets soon. Just saying.

The Mum: My son is an amazing cook (and gardener) and we work well together with 3 hands making dinner on a lovely evening on the patio deck. Artichokes, salmon and a nice salad made for a tasty meal. The appetizers were equally tasty. I am going to hunt from some of that lemoned beet hummus. It was soooo tasty.

Wilson: Well my favorite part of our 3 days in Boulder (other than being with your son) came on the last day. I made friends with some very strange looking dogs. But we all were polite and they mosied on down the street, undisturbed by me. Not sure if the neighbor’s dog felt the same since he was barking up a storm but no one can say I was a nuisance while visiting that ‘Hood.

The Mum: At first I thought they were garden statutory and then the two babies kissed each other and then began nursing on mama. I’d never seen young fawns in person so it was a real treat for me as well. Mama seemed a tad nervous and said, “enough breakfast, let’s go, you little hooligans.” They were just a couple doors away from my son’s house and when I mentioned them to him he was not quite as excited about their visit as I was. They apparently scale fences and nosh on the fruit trees, elderberry bushes and planted veggies. Luckily the resident dog, Junie, is ‘Johnny on the spot’ keeping them at bay but folks generally aren’t glad they come around.

Wilson: Umm, Mum…wouldn’t that be Junie on the spot? Not that I’m overly picky, but…

The Mum:  Oh Fine. Junie on the spot then. There…are you happy now?

Wilson: Happy as a clam at high tide, Mum. We’ll leave you with our best wishes to have a terrific weekend and hope you get out and enjoy some beauty around your neck of the woods.

Live, love, bark! 🐾