Nature Friday ~ November 22, 2024

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 44 Comments

SnowmanIt’s Friday and you know what that means…hiya…Elsa here. Welcome to this week’s edition of Nature Friday.We’re joining our pals from Adventures of the LLB Gang. Don’t forget to click on the link to see what others have posted.

We didn’t post last week because Mom was too sick to prepare a post, so a couple of this week’s photos were ones that were slated for last week. Especially the snowy scenes from the foot of wet, white stuff that fell. Mom was up north getting the House Pony spiffed up and killed some time by taking an extended walk in the neighborhood where her groomer works.

Wilson: Don’t remind me of that day…I got myself so worked up Miss Sydney wasn’t able to groom me because I had really bad stress diarrhea. I felt badly for her and couldn’t leave fast enough to recover at home. I was super clean but Mom had to trim me up for my pet therapy evaluation last Monday. Let’s start with our first photo-Longs Peak.

Longs Peak

Longs Peak is one of the many 14,000+ ft. high mountains in Colorado. At 14,256-foot (4345.22 m) ‘fourteener’ it’s located in the Rocky Mountain National Park Wilderness, about 9.6 miles (15.5 km) from the Town of Estes Park. It was named to honor explorer Stephen Harriman Long and the mountain is featured on the Colorado state quarter. To the left in the photo shrouded in the clouds, is Meeker Peak (elevation 13,911 ft. (4240.07 m). The two mountains are sometimes referred to as the Twin Peaks. Longs Peak has long been popular among climbers year round, it being the only fourteener in Rocky Mountain National Park. It was a cold day and fairly windy and she sat next to the snowman on the bench above watching the clouds shift from her perch for a while. Well…until she got too cold and resumed a vigorous walk to warm up again.

Elsa: Makes you wonder what early settlers thought and experienced as they came through the area. It got her thinking maybe she’d like to head up there when the weather was less severe and hopes it won’t be too crowded during the middle of the week. We’ll see. She gets all cranky about scenic places where thoughtless tourists ruin the experience like when she went leaf peeping back in September. I remain skeptical but as the expression goes, ‘we’ll see.’

Wilson: She told me that she was very contemplative as she sat there shivering on the  hill looking westward as the clouds hurried through the area.

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Elsa: Brrrrr…glad I wasn’t there. I mean, I don’t mind bouncing around in snow but to just sit there…yeah…no. {head shaking} Mom and her zen moments kind of goes over my head.

Wilson: I know what you mean. When we were on our way home, she stopped to get petrol and while pumping, she kept staring at the colors of oil drops mixed with the slushy snow at the parking lot. Weird, right?

Oil spill

Elsa: There are so many weird things humans do, you’ll get no arguments from me. But the colors are kinda cool. I’m sure Mom got contemplative thinking of the environmental impact of oil on roadways, especially during that intense storm.

Wilson: Come to think of it, she did. She got real quiet. The next day, she noticed how the ice had formed in the solar fountain and watched it for several moments. Then she realized she needed to pull out the leaves so it didn’t clog up the pump. Guess there’s always something for her to do.

Solar fountain

Elsa: Whenever she’s been out walking, she comes back inside almost melancholy. When people walked past our house, she often finds paper wrappers or plastic cups. Why do humans liter?

Wilson: Beats me. Mum was picking up stuff that had blown in on Monday and suffered a small relapse because she overdid it. That got her attention so she’s been better about it. It’s important to get a nice dose of Vitamin D but she doesn’t have to build Rome while she’s getting back to 100%. I even tried to convince her to take it easy by laying across her legs. I figured that’d hold her down a bit but you know Mum, she gets a notion in her head and off she goes.

Elsa: Yeah, I have noticed that. Thank goodness you are able to literally pin her down so she can fully recover. I’m glad she went outside for a little sunshine and didn’t come back in with a trash bag full of rubbish or leaves. Gawd knows with the wind bringing down most of the leaves, she’d be outside for hours. She did find some interesting hip fruit on a tree and on an Euonymus shrub. She notices little berries and kinda goes crazy checking them out. I guess they’re good for birds and squirrels…

Euonymus Winter berries

Wilson: {interrupting with an audible gasp} Squirrels?! Where…let me at them!

Elsa: Down Rover. You’ll have plenty of opportunity to go hunting but remember Mom is still recovering and doesn’t need to be turned into a kite. Remember, you can check them out…you just can’t go running like a Sherman tank after them.

Wilson: I can’t help myself. They call me names and taunt me….

Elsa: Oh for bloody sakes, dude. You’re a dog, of course they are going to taunt you. Get. Over. It. Sheesh. You need to be above that, dude.

Wilson: When you put it like that, I guess I need to demonstrate more control, now that I’m a full fledged therapy dog.

Elsa: I’m impressed, you didn’t even argue with me. Maybe there’s hope for you yet. So what’s on your schedule this weekend? Got any big plans before the big turkey day celebration next Thursday?

Wilson: I’m just going to make sure Mum doesn’t work too hard. She’s attending the Denver Dog Days event on behalf of the rescue for a few hours and just hope she doesn’t overdo. But there will be other volunteers there so I think she’ll be okay. If you’re local, swing by and say hi. I know she’d love to see folks. Click on link for details and location.

Elsa: Sounds like fun, but you know me, I’m planning on napping in a nice warm sun puddle. The weather should be the 60’s. Perfect for snoozing and chill-axin. Whatever you do, we hope you have a great weekend as you prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday. Make it a great weekend and by all means check out what scenes Nature provides.

Nature Friday

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Monday Mo(a)nings

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 71 Comments

Monday

You may (or may not) have realized we’ve been MIA lately. In case you’ve missed us, we (as in me) have experienced some technical difficulties. Last week a particularly ugly stomach bug showed up so I’m a bit behind on visiting blogs. Please be patient as I rejoin the human race and regain my strength mojo. For the record I have turned the corner and am feeling better but it’s going to take some time getting all the pistons running smoothly again. I’ll get there but don’t worry, I’ll get caught up (eventually). Meanwhile the dogs think my return this means extra walks/attention to make up for the time they missed out on last week.

On the plus side, Wilson earned his official pet therapy dog status just before I got sick. He is now able to visit as an official member of Lutheran’s pet therapy program. He lit up a lot of people up during his test and made a jillion new friends. In all the years I’ve been the pet therapy chauffeur, I don’t think we’d ever seen as many people. He was so tired when we came home he actually snored, something he’s never done before.

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Hope life has treated you well during our absence. Please stay safe and healthy and by all means, do not catch this bug. It’s ugly and mean. Happy Monday.

Monday

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Monday Musings ~ Veterans Day 2024

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 63 Comments

Today is a federal holiday in the U.S., where we annually honor all veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Prior to 1954, Veterans Day was known as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day and coincides with celebrations in Europe, marking the anniversary of the end of World War I when major hostilities formally ceased at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, when the Armistice with Germany went into effect. Today we honor all who have served whether they have two or four legs.

While we honor all who have served, the Ranch wants to pay special tribute to one in particular who happened to have a Denver connection. Sergeant Geronimo was a parachuting dog and a member of the famous 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment. Thought to be part coyote and German Shepherd he was picked up as a stray by Sergeant Kenneth Williams, a member of the 507th and served in World War II with Williams’ unit.

Sgt Geronimo
Photo courtesy of Denver Pet Ceremony Website

Named after the famous “jump shout” of the unit, Geronimo was so enthusiastic about jumping, he often needed to be restrained from jumping too soon.

Geronimo was trained by the men in the unit, had his own parachute and was the company’s mascot. Trained in 1943 in Nebraska at Alliance Base, he and his handler, Williams were used in demolition work. He made numerous jumps and word of the parachuting pup spread making him famous. Geronimo was widely featured in magazines and newspapers including Life magazine. The Army used his popularity to  raise millions of dollars in war bonds.

Sgt Geronimo
Photo courtesy of Denver Pet Cemetery

Geronimo was considered a hero by his unit, especially after he alerted them that Sergeant Williams’ was badly injured on maneuvers to destroy a bridge. After being rescued by his fellow soldiers, Williams recovered from his injuries following a lengthy recovery period. Both Williams and Geronimo were  honorably discharged and retired in the Denver area together. Sadly Geronimo was tragically killed by a hit and run driver when he escaped from his yard in 1947. His body is interred at the Denver Pet Cemetery located in Commerce City, Colorado. Over the years, two markers have been placed for Geronimo by members of the 507th Paratrooper Infantry Regiment.

Sgt. Geronimo
Photo courtesy of Denver Pet Cemetery

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Veterans Day

Nature Friday ~ November 8, 2024

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 57 Comments

Elsa in snow

Sleigh bells ring, are you listening…in the lane, snow is glistening…a beautiful sight…hmmm, hmmm, hmmm…walking in a winter wonderland. Humming continuing…oh hiya, Elsa here. Welcome to this week’s edition of Nature Friday.We’re once again joining our pals from Adventures of the LLB Gang. Don’t forget to click on the link to see what others have posted.

You know how often we’re whining about lack of moisture, right? Boy howdy…did Mother Nature finally decide to turn on the faucet. Before the temperatures decided to hover in the mid-20’s, a soft misting rain fell, later joined by wet slushy snow. The snow has barely stopped and Mom tells me the forecast is calling for another 10 inches between now and early Sunday morning. I asked her, where are you gonna put all that white stuff? She just groaned and shrugged her shoulders. Rude!

Wilson: Oooh, oooh, is it my turn, yet, huh…is it?

Elsa: WAIT! Sheesh…talk about ruining a perfectly good intro.

Wilson: But…but I waited while you opened and even let you post the first photo. I’m so confused about the rules for our Friday posts since they seem to defy precedent.

Elsa: Get used to it. Changes are in the air after this week’s ‘happening’ of which we shan’t get into, but I’m sure everyone knows to what I’m referring, so I’ll just leave it at that. And no, this isn’t some sort of Ninja logic…I can’t help but wonder if logic just became extinct this week but this is a pet blog, not some political podcast so let’s just get started. Ok, House Pony?

Wilson: Yeah, I’ve noticed Mum has the sads and wondered if that’s what’s been bothering her. I hope she knows we’re here for her.

Elsa: Of course we are and with your pet therapy skills, I’m counting on you to really step up. I can’t wait four years for her to smile again.

Wilson: I’ll do my part and with your help, we’ll make her feel better even though she won’t to be able to affect the political world around here. Luckily our state passed sweeping changes to codify some of the social issues in the state constitution. But because we’re a pet blog, that’s all we will say for now. Let’s move on to Mother Nature and what she unleashed on us the past couple of days, shall we?

Elsa: You got it, brother. So I already alluded to the heavy wet snow that’s been falling for the past day and a half. I think we had about 6-8+ inches so far. Hard to tell because with that heavy snow, there has been a lot of leaf drop.

Wilson:  Boy, you can say that again. Leaves have dropped along with the temps after they were heavily coated in a layer of white stuff. Sadly, some of that droppage has included lots of tree branches with it. Mum was out at midnight and at 4:00 AM, trying to shake snow off branches and various wires for the past couple of nights. But first, let’s share a couple of pics from last weekend.

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Elsa:  Wow, those seem like such ancient history. Fast forward to just two days later and you have this.

Wilson: Righto. Talk about a huge change.

Snow

Elsa: It sure was pretty.

Wilson: Pretty but deadly. As we were doing our morning constitutional in the dog run, Mum heard a loud crash and walked out front to this scene. A huge limb came down, blocking about 90% of the street. She went over to talk to the guy who lives in the house to see if there was anything she could do to help since she had just obtained the name of a licensed tree trimmer the day before.

Broken tree limbs

Elsa: Yikes! So that’s why she was gone for so long. She told me the guy said he’d talked with the police department and they indicated they would send someone out to clear the street.

Wilson: Mum knew that would take hours, if not days but the Ranch is on a great block and the neighbors came out, one with a chainsaw, and between four of them they managed to cut up and move the pieces out of the street. They worked like beavers taking care of that huge catastrophe.

Elsa: When everyone works together look what they can accomplish that’s positive and divisive. Oops, there I go again injecting a political slant. Sorry. It’s going to be hard to remain objective I suspect and hope people don’t take offense.

Wilson: It’s hard not to but I’ll be here to gently remind to stay above the fray, deal?

Elsa: Deal. I just hope I can keep up my end of the bargain.

Wilson: I’ll be patient and gentle, I promise even if I feel the same.

Elsa: So with the colder temps, it’s making things really interesting. Our Catalpa tree leaves keeps making funny noises.

Catalpa tree

Wilson: You can say that again. It’s been dropping frozen leaves like bombs. Luckily no tree limbs, just tons of leaves. Normally these leaves hang around longer than most but the weather did a major number on the tree. We were lucky, the neighbor across the street, lost a huge limb, just barely missing his car. Everyone in the neighborhood is on high alert and with parking always at a premium in this dense neighborhood, it makes things interesting.

Elsa: I can only imagine. I know Mom had a hair appointment scheduled yesterday and fortunately the hairdresser’s salon in only a couple of miles away so she walked over there and it gave her a chance to see how other people fared. It was a bit of a war zone out there.

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Wilson: Crikey…glad she didn’t take me with her. I’m still not comfortable around garbage trucks and the sound those broken tree limbs must make. I’m grateful to have been spared that outing, though I’m beginning to get a spot of cabin fever.

Elsa: Yeah and my weary bones won’t be happy in icy wet snow either. Mom said she was going to bring out the puzzle snuffle mats so we could exercise our minds. She said something absurd about not wanting us to cause mischief. Mischief? Us? Bwahahaha!

Wilson: Well you know me, if there are treats involved, count me in!

Elsa: {eyes rolling} Of course you are but it’ll be good for some mental stimulation. Let’s leave everyone with a few pretty pics and not just carnage, shall we?

Wilson: Happy to oblige.

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Elsa: Those are lovely, House Pony. I just looked outside, and it started snowing again. But we hope whatever you do and wherever you are, we hope you are safe and warm while still enjoying all that Mother Nature provides us. To those who share Mom’s current inner anguish, please know we are with you in spirit. Let’s continue to be supportive to each other.

Hugs and tail wags 🐾

Nature Friday

Blog 4 Peace Monday

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 70 Comments

Blog4PeaceToday we’re doing something a little different from our typical Monday Musings post. In this troubled world full of division, wars and unrest, we are joining Blog4Peace and ask you to participate in this year’s theme to Hold The Light to let peace grow.

With the whole world struggling and stumbling in darkness, it’s far too important not to be a part of this movement, now in its 19th year.  Right now there’s too much listening to the loudest voices yet we don’t have to watch people stumble or be confused in the dark. We can make a concerted effort to add light so that people everywhere can Hold the Light for others. This is not about trying to convince them to follow your beliefs, there’s enough of that already. With each opinion, the noise gets louder but the peace doesn’t become more possible. It’s possible to love people without agreeing with them.

Mimi Lenox created Blog4Peace and explained it like this:

When I was a little girl, my Dad worked on cars and faucets and mechanical issues around the house. He could fix anything. I was his “light holder.” I wasn’t very good at it and sometimes he’d fuss if the caged light I was holding swerved to the left or the right. Why was he frustrated with me?  Because I had one job. ONE JOB. And that job was to hold the light for him. His task was daunting. It was dark and he was weary. He needed to SEE. I couldn’t see what he was seeing and I certainly couldn’t help him; but I could stand steady and still, listening to his voice and directions, offering illumination and support.He didn’t need a play-by-play of why I couldn’t hold the light still or what my opinion was about how he was fixing things. My opinion, my argument, my sass…didn’t matter.I had one job. He couldn’t do the job without me and that light. You don’t have to speak to hold it – just hold it. You don’t have to expose or uncover or guide or judge the path they have chosen. You just have to be there and let them find their way. AND SOMETIMES….holding a Light means railing against injustices and CHANGE that needs to happen! Your words won’t help them see but the unconditional silent steady light and TRUTH flowing from you to them held without judgment without opinion without directions means that the one needing light has a clear path to make decisions one that isn’t muddied with your opinion, your “rightness” or the loudest voice whether they’re fixing a carburetor or mapping out a plan for world peace or choosing the leader of the free world. The most powerful words of all are the ones we deliver in deed. Sometimes that means standing still and holding a Light.

As we hold the light today, we still want to share a Monday smile and this one seems to be timely. I know…groan.

Autumn smile

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ November 1, 2024

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 47 Comments

Welcome to this week’s edition of Nature Friday where we join our friends from Adventures of the LLB Gang. Don’t forget to click on the link to see what others posted. Elsa here. Can you believe it, there are only 60 days left in 2024?? My heavens, where did this year go? This week’s post is what I’m calling the “Last of the Mohicans” since there’s not a lot of flowers left after we experienced a hard frost yesterday morning. While we’re glad the days have turned toward more seasonal autumn temps, it was a bit of a shock to the system to walk in such chilly conditions. Mom even drug out our coats as it we received a couple of drops of moisture and the wind chill was pronounced.

Wilson: Ooh, ooh, please let me show a photo of that, okay?

Elsa: Go for it, House Pony.

Wilson: I rather enjoyed wearing my coat and you looked quite fetching yourself.

Wilson & Elsa in coats

Elsa: I was more impressed that you and I walked together so closely. We start out next to each other these days for our walks but then you peel off to go ‘water’ a tree or some other poor piece of nature. It’s just so weird, even Mom commented on how we’re doing next to each other. I guess after nearly 11 months, I’m getting better about accepting you as a brother and not nearly as timid.

Wilson: Gosh, you’re right. I hadn’t noticed. I’m always so focused on my surroundings and keeping my eyes peeled for squirrels.

Elsa: I figured as much-you tend to forget I’m around and bump me when you plow through. I’m getting better about letting you go first but Mom has started making you wait until I clear a doorway or other narrow pathway.

Wilson: I’m sorry, it’s not intentional to bump you, I just tend to be a bit wound up. Maybe with this walking next to each other thing will become more common and I’ll get used to not being  a bulldozer.

Elsa: Hope springs eternal. My balance reflexes are a tad teeter-y. But I know Mom’s got my back so behave yourself, dude. Okay?

Wilson: Right, I’m trying hard to be less excitable. So did you notice the red leaves have started falling in big numbers?

Falling leaves

Elsa: Sure did. Mom was oohing and aahing the whole walk. Show everyone just how much moisture we received. What was it, 12-15 drops?

Drops on leaves

Wilson: Right…it wasn’t much. The forecasters who said we may receive a spot of snow were wrong but they tell me now we may receive a few inches on Monday.

Elsa: Well…can’t wait for that…oh wait…yes I can. These past couple of chilly mornings have made the ole bones just a tad creaky and I’ve enjoyed taking over your cuddle bed.

Wilson: I’ve noticed that but I tend to occupy it on the afternoon/evening shift. Mum said she needs to find another one but has no place to put it since there are beds galore throughout the house. Guess for now, we’ll just have to share it and I’m on board with that.

Elsa: Thanks, I appreciate that. So what else have you got?

Wilson: Well like you said, it’s getting a bit sparse on flower blooming. Our neighbor had a few gorgeous roses but he must have cut them because they were gone late yesterday afternoon. Our Canadian shrub roses look fairly pitiful with only a few bracts blooming. This was the best of the lot and I’m only showing to for Rosy.

Rose

Elsa: You’re right, pretty pathetic. Hope Rosy doesn’t hold that against us.

Wilson: {gasp} Sweet Rosy would never do that! She’d just smile and be gracious as always. We do have a couple of tomatoes that survived the frost but I think Mum is going to ash-can the plant. They likely won’t taste very good. I know she’s going to miss noshing on fabulous tomatoes. The ones in the grocery store seem to be pretty flavorless.

Tomatoes

Elsa: I wouldn’t know…they’re veggies and when it comes to veggies, I only willingly eat green beans and broccoli.

Wilson: Oh, you’re missing out on a lot of tasty morsels and I’m happy to take your portions for you. You hear that, Mum? Give Elsa’s tomatoes and fruit snacks to me. She said it’s okay.

Elsa: {eyes rolling} Egad, you are shameless when it comes to tiny morsels.

Wilson: You can never have too many tidbits, I say.

Elsa: {moving along} Well I see there are still a few snapdragons blooming. They are so resilient.

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Wilson: They certainly are! So are the Zinnias and now that the temperatures are cooler, the Pansies have started to bloom too.

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Elsa: Those pansies are cute. I’m kind of over the Zinnias and marigolds, they’re looking way too bedraggled.

Wilson: But the Plumbago has come alive with rich mahogany leaf-color. There are just a few blue flowers now but the Plumbago is giving the maple trees a run for its money.

Plumbago

Elsa: Well I for one hope everyone had a safe and happy Halloween. There were no trick-or-treaters last night so it was peaceful and quiet. Good thing, I’d have given them a piece of my mind like I did with yesterday’s creature where I barked yelled “Boo!” to on our walk. Try to scare me…get over your bad self!

Halloween

Wilson: I for one appreciate you standing up for me. Now that we’re through Halloween, we can focus on Thanksgiving. I’m salivating just thinking about all the yummy food that will be served…

Elsa: {interrupting} There you go again, thinking with your stomach.

Wilson: What’s wrong with that?

Elsa: I. can’t. even. begin. to. explain. it. Suffice to say we hope you have a great weekend and are able to get out and enjoy the return of nice weather and hope you find one of the beautiful sights Mother Nature provides for us. Enjoy celebrating Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) this weekend.

Day of the Dead (DBG)

Nature Friday

Live, love, bark! 🐾

 

Monday Musings ~ October 28, 2024

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 78 Comments

Happy Monday! Today we’re going to offer not one, but a trio of smiles in honor of Halloween. The weather could possibly impact the number of trick-or-treaters who will drop by the Ranch as the first hard frost has been forecasted along with perhaps a spot of actual moisture. We’re not sure how many will actually ring the doorbell since the local merchants in the neighborhood offered daylight parades with kid activities over the weekend. There were loads of costumed pets and kids walking around neighborhoods.

Smile #1

Halloween smile

Smile #2

I think everyone who’s ever tried to fold a fitted sheet can relate to this smile.

Halloween smile

Smile #3

My fluffy (e)motion detector is off to spread some joy at Lutheran today and tomorrow. While we barely survived the bath (I think the walls are still recovering from all the water), I’m hoping it hasn’t impacted Wilson’s attitude about bringing joy to folks. I’m clearly gonna have to devise a better strategy getting him ready. My back won’t survive any more ‘steer wrestling’ episodes. Let’s just hope the high value treats will provide some amnesia and he focuses on seeing his friends swoon over him, especially in the emergency department. He’s a big hit there among the staff. Wish us luck that wiggly bum goes into overdrive.

Monday smile

Wishing you a terrific Monday!

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ October 25, 2024

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 53 Comments

ElsaWelcome to this week’s Nature Friday post. As has been typical…oh let’s see, since forever, October joined all the other months that set records. While not as warm as September,  temps are still about 15-20ºF above average, with crisp mornings. Hi, Elsa here. As always we’re joining our friends from Adventures of the LLB Gang. Don’t forget to click on the link to see what others shared. This week’s photos are a  bit all over the map-Mom couldn’t seem to get her act together for a coherent theme. And speaking of incoherent, here’s the House Pony to try to make sense of the photos.

Wilson: Hello mates, Happy Friday. My snarky sister is right, Mum really didn’t have a specific theme this week but we’ll try to make it interesting nonetheless.

Elsa: That may be a stretch but I’m sure you’ll do the best you can given the pickings are somewhat slim.

Wilson: Yeah, while Mum and I have been walking 5 miles a day, scenes along our route haven’t changed that much though I will note Mum saw a re-blooming iris two days ago. It’s the first time she’s ever seen one that wasn’t white. It’s actually rather pretty and no, Ninja, I didn’t sniff it for marking purposes.

Reblooming iris

Elsa: Wha…how dare you accuse me of being ready to pounce on that softball, err…that comment. But I’m convinced you thought about it.

Wilson: I did not. I was a good chap and Mum was proud of me.

Elsa: Well that has to be a first. So what was all that ranting and raving about that unusual find the other morning? I was on that walk and I couldn’t see what big deal was all about

Wilson: You mean that mushroom we found? Mum thinks it might have been an oyster mushroom or possibly a mock oyster mushroom. She said she wasn’t a mycophile by any means but she was pretty excited about coming across its path. Typically our humidity is in the low to mid-teens so for this one to sprout up in the gravel was definitely something to get jazzed about.

Elsa: Then again, maybe not so much. We see far more interesting things all the time. But whatever cranks your handle is fine by me.

Mushroom
Wilson: Well can I just say I was fascinated. I haven’t seen anything like that around here, at least not since I became a Ranch Hand and thought perhaps you might be intrigued with it.

Elsa: Nope, not even the slightest. Now…show me that chubby racoon that’s been waddling around our ‘Hood in the early morning, and I’m all over it. They are such fascinating critters. And that one who’s so chunky is particularly interesting. He’s barked at me before. I wanted to give him a piece of my mind, but Mom was adamant that we avoid any encounter at all costs. She can be such a killjoy sometimes.

Wilson: Tell me about it. She’s gotten so strict about me not even getting close to squirrels. It’s a major drag that I can’t chase after them. I’m sure I could catch one, I just know it. I’m quite speedy, you know.

Elsa: Yeah, yeah, yeah and you could whip it with one paw tied behind your back. Spare me, brother.

Wilson: I say, dear sister. No need to be so harsh. I was just saying…

Elsa: {interrupting} Oh spare me. Nobody wants to hear you yammering on about how close you came to bagging a squirrel.

Wilson: {miffed} Fine, I won’t say a thing about it.

Elsa: Promise? Ahhh, peace and quiet…just what I was praying for…

Wilson: {steamed} Oh so you planned to trick me into not talking about it, eh? Well that’s rather unkind. You know you could just do the post yourself if you don’t like what I’m sharing.

Elsa: Sheesh, lighten up, dude. Don’t be overly sensitive. Be more like me. Like I could give a rat’s…

Wilson: Umm Mum said to stop talking like that. You’d be well to heed that directive.

Elsa: Whatever…I’m the Ranch’s only princess…I can pretty much get away with just about anything. I mean, look at last week’s post where I munch her ballot. And here I am to tell about it. Heh, heh…this ‘no consequences’ thing is just awesome, I mean…hmm, it’s got me thinking…I wonder what else I can get away with…

Wilson: Best not, I’d have to report you to Mum. She was more than irritated with you again after you ate the latest flyer from Costco.

Elsa: Yeah, I did a really amazing shredding job on that yesterday morning. Mom doesn’t need the flyer anyway; she’d just spend money on stupid stuff instead of dehydrated liver treats on moi.

Wilson: Best not to chance it. You just never know and I sure as the devil don’t want to be blamed for something you did.

Elsa: Un-lax big guy. I’ve got the ‘Mom’ touch. She gives me a lot of latitude because of my early years in the puppy mill. And of course, the fact that I’m an epi-warrior just adds to her feeling sorry for me. I mean, talk about the luck of not one but “two get out of jail free” cards. I’m golden, trust me.

Wilson: Best not to push it. Besides, Mum loves it when we behave nicely.

Elsa: {eyes rolling} I’ll always be her favorite. You can take that to the bank.

Wilson: Not 100% sure about that but let’s share yesterday’s beautiful sunrise. With days getting shorter and it not being quite as hot, we’re able to eat our breakfast before going on our morning constitution. I rather like sleeping in a bit instead of having to go for a ‘crack of dawn’ walk. It’s nice to saunter outside and check out the pretty sunrise.

Sunrise

Elsa:  Whoa…nice clouds. I was too busy going potty to notice that bright orangey cloud. Mom was blown away by how bright it was. The mornings have been so clear so that was a nice treat.

Wilson: Treat, where? Wait, oh, I think you’re teasing me again. I know Mom will give me a nice tasty treat and it’ll be acceptable to eat it. I’m getting very good with waiting until she gives me the ok command. Anyway, we walked past a nearby church the other morning and saw how they created this scene. Kinda cool. Not sure if it means something because I’m not Episcopalian but it did catch Mum’s eye.

Rocks

Elsa: Don’t look at me for an explanation. Maybe someone reading this will know if it means something special. Anyway, it’s nicely done at any rate.

Wilson: Agreed. So the leaves around the Ranch have just begun to change in the last couple of days. Many are just so dried out but Mum found this tree with a bit of color yesterday morning. It was very breezy yesterday and looked a lot like it was almost snowing.

Changing leaves

Elsa: I know she’s been on the hunt for a very large leaf to put on top of your head because you’re so easy. Consider yourself lucky it’s been windy to thwart those efforts to make you look ridiculous. I’ve already put her on notice, I ain’t posing. Period.

Wilson: Don’t be so sure, I saw her pulling down that box that contains all the bandanas, hats and costumes in anticipation of Halloween. I just hope she’s too busy to pull it all together.

Elsa: Egad…so that’s what she was doing. Oh right, I’ll be laying low. Speaking of Halloween, what scene did you decide on sharing this week? There have been so many to choose from, won’t it be hard to find just one?

Wilson: You’re right about that, there have been so many but this one seemed to be truly out of the norm. We are definitely not fans of inflatables but this one caught Mum’s eye. I don’t think I’d want to stop at that house for treats.

Halloween

Elsa: Wait, you’d skip this house? Well that’s gotta be a first. But I’m with you. I wouldn’t want to stop at that house either. That’s just creeps-ville, dude.

Wilson: I agree. Well that’s it from me. So many of you were concerned about Mum’s ballot problem last week but I’m happy to report she filled it out as soon as she got home and hand delivered it to a nearby drop box. She received notice from the Secretary of State a couple of days later saying they’d received, verified the signature and accepted it. Whew. Look what they sent her in return-it even has the state flower, the Columbine, in the design. Pretty cool, don’t you think?

I voted

Elsa: Nope, I can’t chew up a digital sticker. Anyway, glad the whole thing is over now-she droned on about it endlessly. We hope you all have a terrific weekend and are able to get out and enjoy finding some slices of nature before daylight saving time ends.

Nature Friday

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Monday Musings ~ October 21, 2024

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 67 Comments

Good Monday morning, peeps. Welcome to Monday. While it seems as if everyone is just trying to get through the election, do you realize there are only 71 days left this year. Don’t know about you but that is somewhat alarming. Where has this year gone?

Monday smile

It should be noted that Wilson is a bit of a cheapskate when it comes to tips. He can’t seem to help but lick his bowl spotlessly clean for all meals. I guess not sweeping up bits and bobs of crumbs is my tradeoff for actual tips. There’s no doubt he’s quite the neatnik when it comes to not leaving morsels of food on the floor. If only he could be convinced to wipe off his nose prints on the front door.

Wishing you a spotless Monday.

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ October 18, 2024

~ Tails Around the Ranch ~ 59 Comments

Elsa on sofa

{Whispering} Welcome to this week’s edition of Nature Friday where we join our hosts, Rosy and Sunny from Adventures of the LLB Gang. Don’t forget to click on the link to see what others shared. Elsa here with the latest skinny from around the Ranch. I wanted to start today’s post before that numbskull messes it up like he did last week. On the one hand, it’s still pretty dark early in the morning so pardon me for whispering-don’t want to wake up the kraken. On the other hand, it’s dark and by getting up early to beat that fool, I’m missing out on my beauty sleep. The things I do for this blog.

Anyway, this has been a whirlwind busy of a week…

Wilson: {yawning and smacking his lips} Huh, blurp…uh, what’s going on…where am I? I’m up!

Elsa: {rolling her eyes} Dude, you interrupted me. I was laying the foundation for you to open up with this week’s post. You’re awake? Your bedhead looks pretty gnarly, House Pony.

Wilson, bed head

Wilson: Umm, yeah…I haven’t had a chance to brush my hair yet but thought I was hearing you talk to someone. So…is it kosher for me to start now?

Elsa: If you must. Go for it.

Wilson: Well, when you put it like that…this week we are joining our friends…

Elsa: {smacks paw against her forehead} You fool, I already took care of that.

Wilson: Right, okay, then I presume it’s ok to start sharing photos?

Elsa: Yes!! Sheesh, I don’t know why I…ugh…you just can’t get good help. Go already!

Wilson: {shaking off the annoying little sister’s comment} As I was just about to say…it’s been quite the week. You managed to eat more mail again, including Mum’s ballot she just received. You seem to be on a mission to send her over the edge.

Ballot

Elsa: Maybe I was just irritated that she took you on a separate, longer walk after our initial sniff-ari. Besides, did you see it was 6 pages long? Sheesh, Mom’s busy and doesn’t have time to investigate all those citizen initiatives on the ballot. She just wants to make sure her vote for President is counted. The ballot was too long, I was just shortening it for brevity’s sake.

Wilson: We dogs are a smart lot, but Mum said you’ve lost the plot, little sister.

Elsa: Get over yourself. Besides, it was good for Mom to get out and see the world. Even if it’s the construction zone formerly known as downtown. Whoa, what a cluster. If it makes you feel better, I felt bad that she had to endure the crazy trip. She took the bus downtown to avoid the outrageous parking fees on what was a very nice autumn day (we’re hoping autumn temps will now dominate the landscape) but had no idea she was going to have to be plunked in the middle of such a major construction zone and would need to walk about on foot to get to the election board.

Wilson: Well you should feel badly. Without wheels, she was forced to wander hither and yon, back and forth, to get around all the construction on the mall (they’re resurfacing it and there was loads of heavy excavation equipment and workers directly traffic) in order to get over to the election office to obtain a duplicate ballot. She was too cautious to take photos of all that chaos with uneven surfaces, holes and the like and that wasn’t the kind of nature she wanted to share anyway so when she realized she was going to need to walk home, she walked along Cherry Creek which runs parallel to downtown. She discovered the creek was clear, but it was littered with all kinds of trash. That 3+ mile walk home was pretty depressing. Here’s a gallery of some of what she saw.

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Elsa: Whoa…the first couple of pics looked pretty good. The golden light was nice, everyone loves seeing ducks and things seemed all hunky-dory.

Wilson: Right, but the longer she walked, the more depressing and filthy it got. Despite multi-million dollar lofts on the east side of Cherry Creek, there was a lot of trash in the creek. Broken bottles, wrappers and even a chair. Come on humans…do better for our planet. Mum has never seen it like that before.

Elsa: I couldn’t agree more, brother. I see she got a decent shot of Confluence Park where Cherry Creek and the South Platte meet. Surprised there weren’t more people hanging out-it used to always have people playing in the water, kayaking and throwing sticks for their dogs in the past.

Wilson: Why would anyone want to deal with the traffic, construction and trash?

Elsa: I see your point. So now to the portion of our post where you gleefully get to post the latest Halloween scene from around the ‘Hood. I know this will make your bum wiggle with joy.

Wilson: I truly have found this neighborhood really gets into the whole Halloween decorating thing. It’s puzzling to me. This first photo is what is known as Halloween central. People from all over the city come to see this yard which has dozens of skellies including a lot of animal skellies. They change up the scene, usually weekly. Can you imagine dressing up all these guys every week? The latest theme-Olympic, is complete with flags from France (the most recent host to the summer Olympics), USA and even the Olympic flag with the iconic rings. They even went to the trouble of getting placards for the various displayed competition events which included a some gymnastics scenes, judo, swimming, table tennis and wrestling. Everytime we walked past it Mum finds another thing she’s missed before. She stands there in awe some days. People drive or walk by taking photos and shaking their heads in awe. Humans are truly odd.

Dog skellie

Elsa: That’s an understatement. So big guy, anything on your agenda this weekend?

Wilson: Just the usual dog stuff. Chase squirrels, nosh on treats and cuddle with Mum. It’s been quite crisp in the mornings and I have found she appreciates me blanketing her and keeping her nice and toasty.

Elsa: {under her breath} More like being pinned down and unable to move a muscle.

Wilson: Huh, what’s that you say?

Elsa: Oh nothing. Whatever you do, we hope you’re able to enjoy a lovely autumn weekend. Our forecast is calling for snow in the southwestern part of the state with Wolf Creek Pass already getting some yesterday. Naturally Denver remains a brown spot. Sigh.

Weather forecast
Image courtesy of the DenverGazette.com website.

Wilson: Maybe if we’re lucky, we might get a drop or two of rain in the city with a couple of inches of snow in the nearby mountains. Hope springs eternal.

Nature Friday

Live, love, bark! 🐾