Good morning. Summer summers along. #Photography #Today #Chicago #Summer #bloomscrolling

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A close-up view of two blooming zinnia flowers surrounded by lush green foliage, featuring a large, soft pink double-bloom zinnia with dense, rounded petals and a yellow center in the foreground, and a vibrant magenta-purple zinnia blooming just behind it.

Summer is pooped.
She is looking at me like I'm going to ask her to do something else and she wants to cuddle with her pal.
I told her she can rest.
Blueberry cobbler is in the oven.
Beets are cooked and cooling.
Remaining chores will be deferred.
We all agree.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

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Golden lab is lying on her blue and white blanket and blue pillow on a sofa next to her favorite human. She isn't wearing a collar because she got it all muddy and it is drying after a good scrub.

To try to make up to the #Monsterdon crowd for voting for #StarOdyssey, I give you all a picture of tonight’s sunset. In retrospect, I should’ve just stayed outside staring at the sky.

August 16, 2026. Wolverine Lake, Michigan.

#sunset #photography #michigan #summer #StarOdyssey1979

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Sunset photograph of colorful clouds over a lake.

"The melting of land and sea ice are expected to increase over the coming decades, resulting in an enhanced freshwater discharge into the Northern Atlantic. With stronger freshwater anomalies, our results indicate an increase in the risk of warm, dry European summers and of heat waves and droughts accordingly".
https://wcd.copernicus.org/articles/5/109/2024/

#heatwaves #droughts #coldBlob #climate #climateChange #globalWarming #Europe #summer #weather #forecast

"Our storyline simulations reveal an additional risk: worst-case heatwaves occur predominantly after another extreme heatwave.
[…]
"Given the scale, intensity, and unprecedented successive and compounding nature of these worst-case heat storylines, we underscore the urgent need for well-informed adaptation strategies that sufficiently reflect these risks."

https://bsky.app/profile/drlaurasuarez.bsky.social/post/3mnwxsetpnk2v

#heatwaves #droughts #coldBlob #climate #climateChange #globalWarming #Europe #summer #heatwave #Atlantic

Summer hops in the car and says I'm not as muddy as I look.
I don't believe it.
It's ok.
Everything is washable.
Even Summer.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

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Golden lab is looking at me as I put our backpack in the back of the car. She knows that she is a mess.

More Summer mud bath slash walk adventure this morning.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

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Golden lab is standing in Humboldt Bay with her ears up.

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Golden lab is frolicking on the shore of Humboldt Bay.

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Golden lab is running back to get me on our walk on the Humboldt Bay shore. The dune grass is between us and the ocean side.

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Happy dog is running in the mud.

I asked Summer to wake me up early enough to get down the hill for an adventure.
She was on it.
The coffee maker was ready to push the button and Summer brought my socks and hat.
My husband isn't quite ready for a walk in the mud so he waved as we motored down the driveway. Once the trail with benches opens back up I think he will be able to join us again.
Summer was so excited.
Nothing like a romp in the early morning foggy shoreline mud to start the day.
Good morning, Mastodon.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

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Golden lab is running on the shoreline of Humboldt Bay. You can see her reflection in the water.

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Golden lab is standing in the mud on the shore of Humboldt Bay.

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Golden lab is running and running in the yucky mud. Kicking it up and getting me muddy too.

South heat wave to bring dozens of records this week

A dangerous heat wave currently searing the South will stay locked in place into this week, with triple-digit…
#NewsBeep #News #Headlines #August #carolinas #DeepSouth #dewpoint #Florida #forecast/regional #heat #heatdome #heatindex #heatsafety #heatwave #humidity #muggy #recordhighs #recordwarmlows #south #Summer #Texas #UnitedStates #Us #USA
https://www.newsbeep.com/696010/

Good morning. Summer summers along. #Photography #Today #Summer #Chicago #bloomscrolling

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A close-up, side-profile view of a vibrant red-orange zinnia flower in full bloom, featuring layers of textured petals around a yellow-tipped center, set against a softly blurred green garden background.

UK 'on course' to record warmest summer for second year in a row https://phys.org/news/2026-08-uk-warmest-summer-year-row.html

#UnitedKingdom #UK #environment #heat #summer

Summer is a great comfort to both of us.
She took over the other end of the sofa while we watch the Tiger's game.
I might have to turn the volume up now that Summer decided it's nap time.
She is a snorezy dog.
So cute even when she snores.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

Summer says enough lollygagging around.
She want to do something.
So we went to the post office to mail towels and fill up the free pantry.
Dropped some books at the little library and came back home to fix lunch for her pal.
Gardening is next to be followed by baking.
I put some heavy cream out of the freezer to thaw for scones or blueberry cobbler.
Happy Monday Mastodon.
#Summer

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Golden lab is guilting me into putting her to work. I guess we better get busy. She is lying in front of a glass door looking back at the camera.

Good morning. Summer summers along. #Photography #Today #Bees #Chicago #Summer

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A close-up, top-down shot of a striped, fuzzy bumblebee foraging on a blooming pink zinnia flower. To the left, a tall, unopened yellow-and-green flower bud rises on a slender stem, set against a softly blurred background of lush green leaves.

Good morning. Summer summers along. #Photography #Today #Summer #Chicago

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A close-up view of small, delicate pink and red coral bell flowers blooming in the sharp foreground, set against the softly blurred background of a dark stone gargoyle statue nestled among garden greenery.

🥒AN UNUSUAL FORM OF TRANSPORTATION🍆

Invited by bells and flames, the spirits of the dead are currently holidaying in this world.

But how do ancestral spirits travel between realms?
Probably not how you imagine😂...

🥒 🐎 (arriving by 'spirit horse' 精霊馬)
🍆 🐂 (returning via 'spirit ox' 精霊牛)

#obon #お盆 #summer #eggplant #cucumber

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A 'cucumber horse' and 'eggplant ox'. Image thanks - https://ameblo.jp/aoba-tokosya/

Summer and I have been cleaning non stop since dawn. We've vacuumed, mopped, steam cleaned her pal's recliner, washed rugs, cleaned the refrigerator and started reorganizing the mess in our garage.
She finally said enough.
It seems that as a card carrying member of the Very Good Dog Union she is entitled to a periodic rest and cuddle break. Her pal was ready to accommodate. I just have to go along so I took a break too.
My husband has been feeling well enough to move around to stay out of the way. It feels good to feel good so he tells us.
Hope all of our Mastodon friends are having a spectacular Saturday.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

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Golden lab is snuggled up to her pal who is throwing her a kiss. His arm is draped over her back. They are sitting together on a black sofa.

Good morning. Lake time as summer summers along. #photography #today #summer #chicago

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A dark blue mug with the text "ON LAKE TIME" sits next to a pair of black-framed eyeglasses on a grey slatted table by a calm lake dock.

Summer runs a tight ship.
If you want her to fetch something it requires a verbal request.
Once the details are ironed out she proceeds as directed.
Post haste.
Slippers are often requested items to fetch for her pal.
No matter where he left them last.
She knows.
She even supervises the application of the delivered slippers.
One of Summer's many well deserved titles is Slipper Procurement Manager.
She is so proud and happy to help.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

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Summer is carefully listening to her pal's request for her to fetch his slippers. He is sitting in his chair and she is standing in front of him.

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Golden lab is walking to her pal with his second slipper in her mouth.

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Summer watches the slippers go on his feet and waits until he stands up. She is standing with her front paws on a stair.

It's getting dark at 8PM. Summer's over. 😭

#ontario #summer

#TGIF
Apparently it rained right before I got home. I didn't have to look at the driveway. The AIR IS THICK AS BRICK! Sorry about the caps, but it's disgusting.
Have a good evening and a great weekend, everyone.

#dog #dogs #DogsOfMastodon #AdoptDontShop #rescuedog #photography #FujiFilm #hydrangea #flowers #summer #maple #leaves

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A white and brown dog portrait. He was caught during grooming and looked up.

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A white and brown dog's portrait as he lies in his bed, looking straight at the camera

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Maturing colors of hydrangea flowers toward richer yet still light blue

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Japanese maple tress in the late afternoon sun as the green leaves began turning yellow.

Good morning. Summer summers along. #Photography #Today #Summer #Chicago #bloomscrolling

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Close-up photograph of bright yellow black-eyed Susan flowers with dark brown center cones.

Fun, fun, fun.
Summer got the surprise of a plastic water bottle when her pal added one to the toy mix. Summer says the bottle makes a satisfying loud noise when squished.
As soon as we were done playing Summer followed instructions to deposit the bottle in our recycle bin. We have lots of empty water bottles.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

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Golden lab is chasing an empty water bottle down the stairs that are covered with her stuffed animal toys.

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Golden lab is standing at the top of the stairs.

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Golden lab is sitting at the top of the stairwell with her pile of stuffed toys.

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Golden lab is lying on the top of the stairs with her water bottle.

Summer is determined to find some fun on this drizzly early morning.
I explained that with no running water I can't really take her on an outside adventure. All of our adventure options require a shower or at least a spirited washing afterwards.
When she asked for some playtime on the stairs I just couldn't deny her.
I have found myself defending her presence in our household the past two weeks. I am positive that she isn't causing any of our current issues with bacteria. She is super healthy, we are careful about keeping her from licking her pal and she is kept as clean as is possible.
She isn't going anywhere.
So anyone who thinks otherwise is barking up the wrong tree.
My daughter has decided to intervene for us with the health department staff to explain that we keep a clean and orderly environment at our house.
I expect when our water is clean we will fall of everyone's radar again.
Good morning, Mastodon.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

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Golden lab is sitting on the landing at the bottom of the stairs asking me to help her play with her toys and run up and down the stairs.

Good morning. Summer summers along. #Photography #Today #Chicago #Summer #Bloomscrolling

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Close-up portrait photo of three vibrant, circular lantana flower clusters blooming in shades of yellow, pink, and orange set against lush green foliage.

#Humpday
Getting hotter as forecast. But the sun and sky are gorgeous. Summer will still stick around...That's the hump of the day.

#dog #dogs #DogsOfMastodon #AdoptDontShop #rescuedog #photography #FujiFilm #mushrooms #damselfly #insects #summer

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A white and brown dog lying in the shaded area of his yard, looking up, as he is always positive.

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Another shot of a white and brown dog lying in his yard in the shaded area, looking straight ahead

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A bunch of orange color Chanterelle mushrooms against the green of the grass

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A damselfly standing with his body/tail straight up on a hydrangea leaf

#bee feeding on #watermelon blooms.

#iGrowFood #FoodSecurity #FoodEquity #FoodSystems #GrowFood #AnarchoSocialist #GrowVegetables #GrowItEatIt #AntiCapitalist #BeTheChange #SeedsOfTheRevolution #GardeningIsRevolutionary #ResistanceGardeners #GrowFromSeed #DisabledGardeners #FoodGardening #FoodPlants #Saanich #VictoriaBC #VancouverIsland #PNW #Zone8 #YYJ #Cascadia #PacificNorthwest #VanIsle #HomegrownGoodness #HomegrownFood #ContainerGardening #GrowOnGirl #pollinators #Bloomscrolling #Summer #flowers

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A bee collects pollen from a bright yellow watermelon flower surrounded by fuzzy green leaves.

Day two with no running water.
There will be lots of clean up when the well is back up and running.
Yesterday the workers drained, cleaned and disinfected our 2,500 gallon holding tank. I used the water to give our rhododendrons and apple tree a good soak.
Par for the course something had to go wrong. It seems we have a breakdown in the electric connection needed to install the water filters. Lucky for us the plumber's brother-in-law is an electrician who agreed to come out this morning. The below ground wiring goes from our house two acres down the hill to the well. Hoping for the best...
In the mean time we are staying positive because the people working on this project seem determined to provide us with a safe functioning water system.
It will happen.
I have faith.
Good morning, Mastodon.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

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Golden lab is lying on a black sofa with her pal an older man wearing a green jacket. They are cuddling.

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Golden lab is lying on a black sofa with her pal an older man wearing a green jacket. They are cuddling.

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Golden lab is lying on a black sofa with her pal an older man wearing a green jacket. They are cuddling.

Good morning. Summer summers along. #Photography #Today #Summer #Chicago #bloomscrolling

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Vibrant red bromeliad plant with star-bursting red bracts and green leaves in bright sunlight against a blurred green background.

The world is burning and I'm left trying to capture the reflections of its slow decline.

August 11, 2026. Wolverine Lake, Michigan.

#photography #sunset #michigan #smoke #wildfire #summer #art #abstract #abstractArt #MastoArt

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Photograph of red sunlight reflecting off greyish pink water in a lake, forming abstract swirls.

It's raining with thunder roaring far away. So, Kengo had only a few moments of outdoor time. Today's the last day below 90f/32c for another week as it will go up to 97f/36c🤬
But, dogwood knows autumn is somewhere as some of its leaves are changing colors.

#dog #dogs #DogsOfMastodon #AdoptDontShop #rescuedog #photography #FujiFilm #hydrangea #flowers #summer #autumn #dogwood #leaves

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A white and brown in his bed looking at something toward top right

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A white and brown dog in his bed looking toward the left side of the screen this time

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A part of hydrangea blossom, looking like weeping

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A dogwood tree with mostly green leaves but some are changing colors to orange.

I am happy to report that my husband is feeling better every day.
A steady diet of milkshakes, cookies and pies are putting some pounds back on him.
Today he jumped in to help me make coffee. I was struggling to open the giant water bottle so he flexed his muscles and unscrewed the lid with one hand even. Since he was already in position he lifted the heavy container to fill the coffee maker right to the line. I do believe the coffee tastes better because we made it together.
Summer even got a little massage while he sat in his chair. Soon he will be off to see one of his many doctors.
Today our well work starts. I am trying to avoid thinking about what could go wrong and look forward to clean water on tap again.
Summer says good morning Mastodon.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

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Golden lab gets a back rub from her pal. His sock clad feet are on her side while she lies on the floor.

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Golden lab is lying on the floor enjoying a foot massage.

Good morning. Summer summers along. #Photography #Today #Chicago #Summer #bloomscrolling

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A vertical close-up photograph of soft pink and peachy-coral roses in full bloom under bright sunlight. The central, fully open pink rose features a small bee foraging near its exposed yellow stamens. Surrounding the main bloom are several other delicate rose blossoms, dark green foliage, and warm highlights.

Who ordered the extra-large tree topper?

August 10, Wolverine Lake, Michigan.

#photography #sunset #sun #smoke #wildfire #tree #ChristmasTree #michigan #summer #art #MastoArt

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Sunset photograph of a large pink sun in a grey, smokey sky, apparently sitting on the pointed top of a pine tree.

Do you want to see pictures of bees? Of course you do! I've got another picture post on my blog, with some of the flying friends who have been visiting me lately.

www.thefrugalgamer.net/blog/2026/08/10/bee-parties-and-greenery

#bees #carpenterbees #nature #gardening #blog #blogging #summer #texas #texasnature #insects #plants #naturephotography #photography

Kotaro likes to go for walks near the mausoleum for Date Masamune, a famous historical lord. Komimi, who lives in a glass workshop, has a surprising spot where she likes to drink water.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/shows/6045087/

#Japan #Sendai #Cats #ACatsEyeViewOfJapan #NHK #Summer

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A screenshot from NHK's 'A Cat's-Eye View of Japan', titled 'Sendai: In Deep Green', with a thumbnail of a cat stting on the stepts of Date Masamune's tomb.

Sticker of the Day!

This is my sticker based on my painting, "Capybara in Summer"!

https://www.joyousjoyness.com/products/four-seasons-collection-capybara-in-summer-non-holographic-matte-sticker

#art #sticker #capybara #summer #beach

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Photo of a left hand holding a rectangle sticker. The sticker is a matte painting of a capybara resting at a beach at sunset.

An after breakfast epic stare down.
Summer and her tuxedo cat do this on the regular.
I think Summer expects she will come out victorious someday but so far she always blinks first.
Afterwards they made up but Summer wouldn't tell me who won.
I have my suspicions.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

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A staring competition between a golden lab and a black and white toy cat. Is intense.

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Summer and Tuxedo after they made up. They are lying on Summer's blue and white blanket on a black sofa

More Summer bay side adventure this morning.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

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Golden lab is running through a huge mud puddle.

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Golden lab is running on a sandy trail

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Golden lab is running through dry grass.

This morning didn't quite work out as planned.
Summer and I overslept and were late getting down the road to our trail.
When we finally arrived it was gated with a huge red closed sign.
Bummer.
So we headed down the hill to the bay.
There is still a month to wait for our favorite beach to open back up for off leash dog traffic.
Clearly everyone is not concerned about the Marbled murlette nesting because the person with the unruly German shepherd dogs was terrizing a whole stretch of beach. I told Summer to get back in the car and we motored on to a less populated spot on Humboldt Bay.
She says her only requirement for an adventure is that we are outside. The trail we found met her criteria. She even found a puddle to romp in.
I guess our adventure turned out fine after all.
Happy dog for sure.
Good morning, Mastodon.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

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Golden lab is running through dry dune grass.

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Golden lab is running in to a puddle. You can see her reflection in the water.

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Golden lab is sauntering along the trail we found.

Good morning. Summer summers along. #Photography #Today #Chicago #Summer #bloomscrolling

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A close-up view of a vivid orange, pom-pom style zinnia flower with densely layered petals. Lush green leaves frame the flower in the foreground, with soft-focused orange blooms in the background.