Our adventure had to start early this morning.
I had committed to being in town by 9 am to shop at Costco. I'm the only person in the family with a get in the store an hour early card.
So we were up and out the door by 6 am.
Thick fog and quiet followed us the whole way.
Summer was just excited to be outside.
The good thing is that the mosquitoes slept in until 7 so we only had to deal with them for a few minutes at the end.
Summer is so expressive.
Like me she has no poker face.
This morning I thought I might toot the many faces of Summer.
She makes me laugh and keeps me focused on what matters.
Family and friends.
Good morning, Mastodon friends.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

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Golden lab howling at the moment while she plays on the beach.

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Golden lab is running on a sandy trail on a very foggy early morning.

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Silly Summer is dancing around on the sand at the beach.

Saturday night sunset.

June 13, 2026. Wolverine Lake, Michigan.

#photography #sunset #michigan #summer #lake

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Sunset photo of grey and orange clouds over a lake and a treeline in silhouette.

The last photos from this morning.
Summer was just so, so happy.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

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Golden lab is running on a sandy beach with a stick in her mouth.

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Table Bluff California early on a Saturday morning.

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Golden lab is way down on the beach where it was too steep for me to climb back up.

A few more photos from our early morning adventure.
We didn't get pictures because I was driving but today we saw herds of deer, a bald eagle and a weasel. Summer didn't even bark. Unless they dare to trespass into her home territory she doesn't bother with them.
We walked and walked.
A good time for both of us.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

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Golden lab is running on a Pacific coast beach.

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Golden lab is sitting in the driver's seat.

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Golden lab is running on a sandy beach covered with driftwood with a stick in her mouth.

Perfect sunny day.
Life is good.
Summer says she is a little tired because she stayed up with me to watch the Kennedy Center facade restored. She curled up next to me and waited and watched in solidarity with millions of people who celebrate any move in the right direction.
The sun still came up early so we skipped off to the beach. Summer thought an ocean breeze would be just the ticket to wake us up.
She always knows best.
Today we will have a house full of family so she has lots to look forward to.
I will be depending on caffeine to keep me perky I think.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

Summer says good morning Mastodon.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

Good morning. Sunshine finds its way through the shadows. #Photography #Today #Chicago #Summer #bloomscrolling

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A large, fully bloomed purple clematis flower. The flower features multiple layers of pointed lavender petals that fan out dramatically. In the center is a dense, prominent burst of spiky, pale yellow and cream-colored stamens. Strong sunlight casts sharp shadows across the petals.

Title: Moon Over Lakeside (1935)

Artist: Hasui Kawase

https://miyamanavi.com/en/column/vol2_en #ShinHanga #Art #Showa #NoAi #HasuiKawase #Summer #Moon #FullMoon #Japan

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A dim evening by a country lake, somewhere in rural Japan. In the foreground, a small wooden boat is moored among reeds at the lakeshore, tied to a slender pole. On the far side of the lake, a small cluster of traditional thatched-roof buildings stands close to the water, tucked beneath tall trees; warm yellow light shines in the windows of the houses, reflecting and scattering across the calm surface of the lake. Beyond, a yellow full moon rises over low forested mountains and into a starless night sky.

Bedding is washing away before I hang it outside in the sun.
Fresh linens are my favorite.
In the meantime Summer and I watered the garden and settled down to pull some weeds.
She has to be right in the middle of the whole process. There is no getting lonely while doing chores around here.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

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Golden lab always fetches gloves if I look like I might work in the garden. I keep them where she can reach.

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Golden lab lies down next to me while I sit on the grass to weed a flower bed.

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Golden lab is bringing me a purple garden glove.

Summer and I were late getting down the road.
The parking lot for the trail to the beach was full.
We decided to mosey on to Humboldt Bay.
The fog had lifted.
The mosquitoes were abundant.
Summer was full of good energy and happy vibes.
The bestest companion for a morning walk.
We needed to get done and get home so I can be at the pharmacy when they open. The insurance made us get down to one pill before they would renew my husband's prescription. I don't understand because it's not even anything remotely fun to take.
Oh well.
Good morning, Mastodon.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

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Golden lab is standing next to the shore of Humboldt Bay. Lots of mud. Sort of early in the morning.

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Golden lab is running on a dirt vehicle access to the bay. This is kept maintained to be used for hunting in the Fall. Just is and the mosquitoes this time of year.

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Golden lab splashing through a giant mud puddle. Her reflection in the water.

Good morning. Hopefully a break in this whiplash inducing summer weather for a day or so. #Photography #Today #Chicago #summer #bloomscrolling

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A close-up, portrait-oriented photograph features two vibrant, deep pinkish-red tropical hibiscus flowers in full bloom against a soft-focused background of dark green leaves.

My husband asked me what to do?
I told him that he was right in the middle of a conundrum.
Yep.
He is.
Summer is sound asleep.
Disturbing her peaceful slumber isn't really an option.
He asks how long I think she will sleep?
I said probably until you move.
I was wrong.
He eased off the end of the sofa while sliding a pillow under her head.
Just like we used to do with the grandkids.
She kept sleeping.
Such a sweet friend she is.
We obviously love and cherish her.
I think she knows.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

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Golden lab is lying on her blue and white blanket and blue pillow with her head resting on her pal's left arm. She is sleeping.

Good morning. Summer cycles. Morning sunshine is heating up the day and turning last night’s and this morning’s rain into summer humidity before bringing more rain this afternoon. #Photography #Today #Chicago #Summer #bloomscrolling

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A close-up shot features bright orange marigold flowers glistening with fresh raindrops. Two large, fully bloomed marigolds with ruffled, densely layered petals dominate the foreground, their vibrant orange and yellow hues contrasting against their dark green, feathery foliage. Small water droplets cling to the surface of the petals.

After dinner recliner games in progress.
Summer's second wind after a good dinner means that she is ready to rumble.
She loves her pal so much.
You can tell.
These playful interludes clearly benefit his health directly and immediately.
Summer is the best medicine.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

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Golden lab is climbing up on to a recliner with her pal sitting in it. They are playing with a toy stuffed lion together.

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Golden lab is climbing up on to a recliner with her pal sitting in it. They are playing with a toy stuffed lion together.

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Golden lab is climbing up on to a recliner with her pal sitting in it. They are playing with a toy stuffed lion together.

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Golden lab is climbing up on to a recliner with her pal sitting in it. They are playing with a toy stuffed lion together.

And then I thought, “Maybe I shouldn’t be out here on my little metal paddleboat.”

June 10, 2026. Wolverine Lake, Michigan.

#photography #weather #cloud #clouds #storm #lightning #sunset #michigan #summer #art #MastoArt

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Photograph of lightning over a low roll cloud over pink and purple sunset light above a lake.

The sun is shining and the garden needs attention.
Summer and I watered, weeded and talked to our plants.
We also planted cucumbers in a barrel. This is a first for me but my grandson's girlfriend made a request. We will see how it goes. She is a lovely addition to our family and I'm privileged to get to know her better.
I wanted to see if Summer would retrieve the specific garden debris based on my ask. When I asked for the pot she brought a pot. When I asked for the bag she brought the empty soil bag.
I am a very proud dog mom.
Excited to show off our baby cucumber plants when family joins us for lunch on Saturday.
Wanting to make sure everyone has their favorite veggie in the garden.
Summer says her favorite is chicken.
I said hmmmm.
We agreed that she could settle for some tasty blueberries instead.
#Summer

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Golden lab is standing on an empty potting soil bag.

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Golden lab is retrieving an empty plastic garden soil bag.

The floor is lava. #photography #streetphotography #blackandwhite #bnw #monochrome #classicmono #summer #travel #urban #art #cat #cats #catpics #catsofbluesky #blueskycats #catloaf #catsky #whiskerswednesday #caturday #artyear #eck

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A plump tabby-and-white cat sits in a neat loaf position on top of a jagged rectangular piece of concrete block on a tiled sidewalk. The cat is looking upward and to its right with a soft expression. In the background, a sign on a window display is partially visible, hinting at a street and storefront setting. You may not understand the secrets of my pedestal, it's the will of my planet. Take a leave and become a cat.

Summer knows how to tip toe. She can be super quiet when she wants to.
We snuck downstairs at dawn.
Summer's pal continued his blissful slumber.
We ran outside where she reminded the deer that the fence around her personal acres is there for a reason. They moved on to less fiercely defended pastures. It only takes a look from her and they are gone.
It was sweet to have Summer's full attention. She is a cuddly dog in the morning who loves to be loved. She's not the only one that needs a hug. Maybe not the kisses though.
We took the garbage bin to the road, boiled eggs and potatoes for salad and folded laundry.
Today will be a beautiful sunny day.
Trying to take a selfie with Summer is a challenge. We tried. I need longer arms.
Good morning Mastodon.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

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Golden lab is going in for a hug on a grandma who is wearing a Detroit Tigers cap and glasses.

Island and storm cloud.

June 9, 2026. Wolverine Lake, Michigan.

#photography #weather #cloud #clouds #reflection #sunset #michigan #summer #art #MastoArt

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Photo of an island in shadows to the left and a bright storm cloud to the right, both reflected in a still lake.

We haven't been down to the beach in a few days.
Early this morning was our opportunity.
The weather was soggy.
Someone had blocked our regular trail with a pickup that shouldn't have been where it was so we decided to find a different way to get to the beach.
Definitely the road less traveled. Actually not even a road or a trail.
I was challenged by the piles of driftwood but managed to find a way around.
It was a quick trip but fun and wet.
Good morning, Mastodon.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

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Golden lab is running on a sandy trail with a huge mud puddle that was irresistible.

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Golden lab is standing on a sandy trail pointing her nose at the sky. There is a mud puddle behind her.

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Golden lab is sitting on the beach with a smiley face drawn in the sand.

It's ok.
I found her.
#Summer

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Golden lab is sitting behind her pal in a brown recliner. Peeking around his back to see me.

Summer was nowhere to be found.
Again.
Even when I call for her.
Nothing.
I wonder what she's up to?
#Summer

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An older man is sitting in his recliner. There seems to be something brown in his chair keeping him from sitting back.

A little love between friends after a long weekend.
We are taking it easy today.
Together.
#Summer

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An older man in glasses who needs a shave. He is playing with his Golden Labrador Retriever while sitting at the bottom of a staircase.

We woke up to a wind and drizzle day.
Summer was feeling a little anxious.
We decided to cuddle up for some hugs and belly rubs. Summer rarely barks so I'm not sure what was bothering her but after relaxing on my lap for a bit she was ready to tackle the day.
Once in a great while Summer is the one who needs some extra love.
We take turns.
Hopefully it's your turn today too.
Good morning, Mastodon.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

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Golden lab is sitting on a grandma's lap while she gets belly rubs and lots of love. We are in a recliner covered by a black and white blanket.

Too hot to even function. Wake me up when autumn gets here. #photography #streetphotography #blackandwhite #bnw #monochrome #classicmono #summer #travel #urban #art #cat #cats #catpics #catsofbluesky #blueskycats #tabby #catsky #whiskerswednesday #alphabetchallenge #weekwforwater #artyear #eck

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A tabby-and-white kitten rests on a rough concrete ledge outdoors, appearing exhausted. The kitten is lying down with one paw stretched out toward a crude makeshift water bowl made from the cut-off bottom of a clear plastic bottle. The bottle is wedged between the vertical metal bars of a fence just behind the ledge, and trees are slightly bokeh'd in the background. You may not understand what it feels to melt away, but it's the will of our planet. Give up your job and become a cat. 8a3358b5-281d-41c0-a3b8-723e54706b83

Summer needed a fun distraction.
Cardboard recycling is her favorite job.
She tells me that she thinks it might have been her calling but only after being assistant caregiver for her pal.
She has her priorities straight.
I won't drive it to the recycle until next week because we are staying home right now but the fun part was fun today.
Summer brings so much entertainment and enjoyment to our lives.
When she is in the back of the car I have to dodge doggie kisses because she's figured out that she is at just the right height for such shenanigans.
Got to watch out for that Summer dog.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

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Golden lab is sitting in the back cargo area of a car with her paw in an empty cardboard box.

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Golden lab jumping out of the back of a car to get more boxes.

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Golden lab is standing in the back of a car with a box in her mouth.

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Golden lab is working on flattening a cardboard box.

These early summer/early evenings really have a Thomas Hardy feel to them now.

#portugal #sunset #countryside #summer #landscapephotography #nature #artistinportugal #jonathankeeton #ribatejo

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an overgrown footpath leading down a hill in the countryside in Portugal at sunset

A #SilentSunday with swan.

#Photography #Landscape #Nature #Summer #Wetlands #Swan

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A water channel runs through wetlands, with reeds and grasses on the banks. There are trees in the distance, and a single swan swimming away from the viewer.

Summer did manage a mid afternoon nap. She is nurse, companion and director of cheerfulness in between naps.
She even shared a graham cracker with her pal.
#Summer

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Golden lab is lying on her soft blankets and blue pillow on a black sofa.

Fireflies!
#Summer
#ohio

All three of them. #grickledoodle #ducks #summer #friends #sitting #cartoon #art #drawing #funny #humor

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A cartoon illustration of three ducks sitting on lawn chairs enjoying drinks. Caption reads "They were all sitting ducks."

@nlowell @WarnerCrocker

Went to a horse show this morning, came home and made pizza dough, on the way to the beach for the day, then home to host my wife’s friends for pizza and a fire. Packing it all in. #summer

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Two tone horse.

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Horse and rider.

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My granddaughter in the saddle.

Summer was concerned that we have empty clay flower pots. Usually they are all full of flowers by June.
We managed to fill three more this morning.
I'm not sure where we went wrong because there are still eight pots left.
This might be a crises.
At least for Summer.
Plant shopping needs to happen tomorrow.
Summer is sad that the nursery doesn't let her participate.
She will have to trust my shopping skills this time.
She is so good at gathering up the planting supplies. The only thing she brought that we didn't use were the plastic six packs. I had to explain that we aren't planting seeds today.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

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Golden lab is helping me plant some daisies in clay pots to go by the front door. She has a red handled trowel next to her and her left paw in a black plastic pot.

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Golden lab is bringing me my purple garden gloves.

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Golden lab is bringing me a red handled garden trowel.

More Summer early morning beach adventure.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

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Golden lab is retrieving a stick on a sandy beach.

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Golden lab is sitting on the side of a sand dune waiting to see if I make it up the steep trail or if she will need to come save me.

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Golden lab running on the beach. She runs and runs.

Summer wanted to keep playing on the beach but I told her we have to save some of the fun for tomorrow.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

I don't know where Summer gets all this early morning energy.
She doesn't even need caffeine.
Grandma on the other hand does.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

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Golden lab is lying on the beach at the Pacific coast shoreline.

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Golden lab is running along the edge where the sand drops off towards the ocean.

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Golden lab is running on the sandy trail to the beach.

Summer was awake sooo early this morning.
I wanted her pal to sleep in so we were outside to see the sunrise.
We went to bed early last night so she said enough sleeping already.
I don't think she wants to miss anything good.
Good morning Mastodon.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

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Bright pink clouds over Summer's front acre at the crack of dawn.

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Golden lab is lying on the beach next to the words Early Bird Dog? With a line through the word Bird. She is really golden in the early sunshine.

#Summer is almost here! Rainy days could be a great time to relax with an interesting #book to read or an awesome #game to play. If you know of any, feel free to post the #links!
#readers #booklovers #gaming #bookboost #indiegames #gamingcommunity #games #books #kindle #wishlistwednesday #writerslift

https://www.amazon.com/Beginning-Troubles-M-Y-Hauger-ebook/dp/B0BZKKJBQN

Summer loves to chase sticks on the beach.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

More Summer morning adventure. The weather was really gray and overcast but no wind and not too cold. Perfect for walking.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

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Golden lab is running on a sandy trail.

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Golden lab is running on a sandy trail with a foggy bluff behind her.

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The sand on the beach has been beat up by the surf and is very uneven. Summer is standing where the sand is falling away.

I think it might have been the earthquakes that woke us up so early this morning but none of us realized it. If I knew we were having some good sized quakes I probably wouldn't have headed to the beach with Summer.
Lucky for us it worked out.
We set out very early.
On the way to the beach we saw three baby otters playing at the side of the road. When we parked a large buck stood up right in front of our car with velvet covered antlers. On the trail we were surprised by a large owl that we wouldn't have noticed except it lifted up about ten feet in front of us.
I told Summer it must be wildlife Wednesday.
Good morning Mastodon.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

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Golden lab is running down the side of a grassy sand dune.

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Golden lab is running back to check on me while we hike to the beach on a sandy trail.

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Golden lab is running on the beach with a stick in her mouth.

Good morning. Another bright morning raining sunshine as the blooms soak it up and reflect it back. #Photography #Today #Chicago #Summer #Spring #bloomscrolling

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A close-up photograph features two large, vibrant orange marigold blooms growing close together in a garden bed.

Good morning. Summer wants to come on strong, but Spring isn’t done with us yet. #Photography #Today #Chicago #Spring #Summer #Bloomscrolling

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A close-up of a vibrant pink and cream rose in full bloom, surrounded by lush green leaves and another rosebud in the background.