I finally finished my indoor chores so we could work in the garden.
Summer was thrilled.
She patiently waited most of the day.
We replaced some marigolds with other colorful flowers so my husband can see them out the kitchen window. The slugs had decimated some of the marigolds.
We also transplanted more lettuce we started from seed.
Beets were replanted in a barrel after the birds ate the new sprouts. This time we covered the barrel with wire to give the seeds a fair chance.
Summer fetched the supplies whether we needed them or not.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

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Golden lab is bringing a plastic pot to me for planting seeds.

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Golden lab is running to bring me the packet of beet seeds.

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Golden lab is sitting and supervising the flower planting.

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Golden lab is standing with a purple garden glove in her mouth.

A little bit more Summer Monday morning adventure.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

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Golden lab is sitting in the driver's seat of a car waiting to drive back home.

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Golden lab is running all over the beach.

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Golden lab is playing on the trail to the beach.

Summer is so good about getting me outside for a walk. She know it helps me to stay healthy in my old age. Her sacrifice is commendable.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

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Golden lab is retrieving a stick at the beach with the Pacific Ocean behind her.

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Golden lab is bringing me a stick while running on a sandy beach.

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Golden lab loves this long. She hops up and waits for me to catch up. She is standing in the early morning sunshine.

So many good things about this Monday morning.
I woke up to Summer's smile. The best way to start the day.
The sun peeking around the window shades is her inspiration to get a move on. So we are all inspired whether we want to be or not.
At 6 am we were motoring towards the trail.
Clear and nippy but no wind so it's a perfect morning.
Good Monday morning Mastodon.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

Good morning. The blooms are popping. #Photography #Today #Chicago #Spring #Summer #Bloomscrolling

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A cluster of vibrant pink and white Dianthus flowers (pinks) in full bloom against a background of dark soil and green leaves. The petals are deeply fringed or serrated at the edges, featuring a brilliant magenta-pink center with striking white speckles and a distinct white border along the tips. Several open blossoms face forward, showcasing their detailed, star-like patterns, while a few smaller, lighter pink buds and fading flowers are visible on the periphery.

More Summer adventure from this morning. I can tell how much she appreciates getting a lift to the beach. This will satisfy her for today so we won't see her out on the road hitchhiking.
It was an especially serene morning on the trail.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

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

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Golden lab is standing on the sandy trail to the beach. She is casting a long shadow because it is very early in the morning.

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Golden lab is standing on a huge driftwood log. A side view of her.

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Golden lab is lying on the beach with the word Joy written in the sand next to her.

In case anyone was worried about Summer getting her adventure today.
Worry no more.
We got up at daybreak and scurried down the hill to the beach.
Summer was a happy dog.
Good morning, Mastodon.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

Good morning. Sunshine and the colors of Spring shifting to Summer are calling to us all. #Photography #Today #Chicago #Spring #Summer

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A close-up photograph captures bright yellow clusters of golden garlic flowers (Allium moly) in sharp focus in the foreground, with a tiny insect resting on one of the petals. The star-shaped yellow blossoms rise on green stems against a beautifully blurred garden backdrop. Directly behind the yellow flowers, a dense expanse of vibrant red sweet William blooms creates a rich contrast of color. Further back, a soft, out-of-focus pink peony adds a delicate touch to the lush green foliage, enhancing the strong depth of field.

It's after lunch and time for outside chores. I was sitting on the grass crawling under a mower which has to be cleaned every time it's used.
Summer wants actual garden productivity to happen so she brings me her plastic pot and a pair of gloves. Finally she gives up and leans on my back until we move on to a project she likes better.
We did get things done.
As soon as the neighbors go inside we will mow her front acre. We are waiting so we don't inconvenience anyone with our dust and noise.
Summer's love of gardening makes me happy.
I never knew there were flower loving dogs.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

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Golden lab is standing in the green grass next to my denim cover leg.

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Golden lab is bringing me a black plastic pot just in case we need to plant something.

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Golden lab is bringing me my well used dirty purple garden gloves.

Summer wears many hats.
She is totally in charge of good vibes.
All day long.
On a more serious note she keeps an eagle eye on her pal. If she thinks anything is amis she will bark. Sometimes it doesn't mean trouble but she barked the one time he fell and when he wakes up in the night and needs help.
We are a great team.
These photos of her watching over my husband in his recliner mean that she was concerned but not concerned enough to bark.
Because we are dealing with random dizzy spells we weren't able to get out to the trail today.
Tomorrow might be better.
Summer is a good dog.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

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Golden lab is sitting on a step watching a man in a recliner. You can see his sock clad feet.

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Golden lab is standing on a landing watching a man in a recliner. You can see his sock clad feet.

Good morning. Thankful for another sunny one. #Photography #Today #Chicago #Summer #Spring

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A cluster of large, fully bloomed white clematis flowers climbs across a metal chain-link fence in bright, direct sunlight. The blossoms feature wide, overlapping white petals with a delicate, slightly textured sheen that catches the sun. At the center of each flower is a prominent, bushy cluster of pale yellow or cream-colored stamens.

Summer is tuckered out.
The grandkids came out to load the truck with all of the weeds I've pulled and stacked up these past two weeks. The bed of the truck was piled high. They drove it all off to the greenwaste recycle station.
Summer was supervising the entire process while jumping in and out of the truck bed.
I think she will sleep well tonight.
Maybe the rest of the day today too.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

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Golden lab is resting on her blue and white blanket and blue pillow with a toy lamb under her head.

The fog was thick.
The drizzle was wet.
The air was cold.
The quiet was eerie.
No bird or animal sounds probably because the fog was so dense.
Summer said it was a beautiful day for an adventure.
That's Summer for you.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

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Golden lab found a pretty big driftwood log to stand on at the beach.

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

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

Summer takes her job of bring love and happiness to her friends very seriously.
She gets so excited about telling people she cares and that she is here to brings smiles to everyone.
She is so used to writing in the sand she pesters me until we make it happen.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

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Golden lab is sitting on a sandy beach next to the word Happy written in the sand.

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Golden lab is helping me write the word Happy in the sand.

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Golden lab is lying on the sand next to the word Happy.

She never caught her tail.
Not for lack of trying though.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

very disappointed #loveisland #viral #summer #trending #loveislandusa https://www.tiktok.com/@khacyncheer/video/7645103904442567967?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon

Good morning. Seasonal shifts are easier to take with sunshine. #Photography #Today #Chicago #Summer #Spring

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A close-up photograph features several large, starburst-shaped purple allium flower heads growing on tall, sturdy green stems. Each architectural flower head is an umbel made up of dozens of small, lavender-purple flowers with narrow, pointed petals that radiate outward like tiny stars or fireworks.

I tooted a very short video of Summer early today.
Her tail is wagging like crazy.
It is pretty much always wagging with enthusiasm. Just like that.
I told her that we should figure out a way to harness all of that energy to power the house.
All of the sudden Summer was nowhere to be found.
I finally found her hiding under the footstool again.
I told her that I was just kidding.
I'm not sure if she believes me.
I said I would never. Really.
She crawled out to give me a kiss.
We're good again.
Whew!
#Summer

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Golden lab is lying on the floor under a footstool.

Some Summer having fun in the sun photos from our walk this morning.
She runs and runs.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

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Golden lab is running in a marsh field in the early morning sunlight. She has a stick in her mouth.

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Golden lab is running in a marsh field in the early morning sunlight. She has a stick in her mouth.

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Golden lab is running in a marsh field in the early morning sunlight.

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Golden lab is running in a marsh field in the early morning sunlight. She has a stick in her mouth.

I love this photo of Summer from this morning's adventure.
Her smile melts my heart.
Every time.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

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Golden lab is retrieving a stick. She is walking in a green marsh field.

We had to keep our adventure short and sweet today.
Instead of spending an hour hiking to the beach we went to the marsh on the shore of Humboldt Bay and chased sticks until we couldn't chase any more.
Most of the shoreline was in the fog.
The sun followed us though.
We felt special.
Good morning, Mastodon.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

Good morning. Summer beckons when the sun shines. #Photography #Today #Chicago #Summer

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A cluster of vibrant, bright yellow fringed tulips captures the focus of this close-up photograph. The petals feature distinctively jagged, needle-like edges that give them a delicate, feathery appearance. Bathed in bright, natural sunlight, the translucent petals glow warmly, casting soft shadows within the blooms and highlighting their fine textures.

This morning was busy getting my husband to check in at the hospital for a series of tests.
Summer doesn't like it when he isn't home so she is hiding and not eating breakfast. It's ok though because she will eat when he gets here later.
After he finished the first test he called.
He keeps me laughing for sure.
The first test was an ultrasound of his kidneys so he informed me that he got the put slimy stuff on your skin test. He suspects they think he is pregnant.
Summer and I told him to behave until we can go pick him up to come home.
He will keep them laughing too.
Good morning, Mastodon.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

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Golden lab is lying on the floor peeking around a corner. You can see half of her face.

Good morning. Not sure what to do with several days of sunshine in a row. Feels unusual. #Photography #Today #Spring #Summer #Chicago

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A close-up shot of a bleeding heart plant stem heavily laden with a row of pink and white heart-shaped flowers, hanging in a downward arc against a background of lush green foliage in bright sunlight.

Good morning. Spring feels like it might be willing to give way to summer. Some sunshine helps. #Photography #Today #Spring #Summer #Chicago

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A close-up photograph captures two vibrant purple iris flowers in full bloom, illuminated by bright, natural sunlight.

Off the hook. #grickledoodle #frogs #goose #terrorize #summer #cartoon #art #drawing #funny #humor

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A cartoon illustration of a group of rambunctious frogs riding around on an excited white goose. Caption reads "The frogs were emboldened by the goose, and the goose was just happy to have friends. Together they terrorized the pond that summer."

Summer is the center of our universe.
She brings the joy every day.
This morning wasn't going to be an adventure morning so Summer settled in for an at home relax, refuel and revitalize day.
Some housework, baking and a smidge of gardening.
Summer started out with cuddles for her pal but jumped on to my lap for a long warm doggie massage.
She does love a good massage.
Our holiday weekend started out rocky but we turned it around. Sometimes it feels like a miracle to see things that are going sideways can come right back to being manageable.
Thankful for that.
Summer's calm and constant presence is a multiplyier of good outcomes for her pal.
I am absolutely positive.
Good morning, Mastodon.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

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Golden lab is lying across the lap of an older grandma while sharing a recliner covered by a striped blanket.

I think it's a hint.
Somebody want to play fetch on the stairs.
Maybe?
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

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Golden lab is lying at the top of the carpeted stairway. She has deposited her stuffed toy chicken and orange ball on the step. She looking to the side watching her pal walk by.

This picture turned out funny and I don't know why. I decided I like it anyway.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

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Golden lab is running down the blurry sand dune.

Summer want to be friends.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

We are trying to get down the hill as early as we can. This morning was cold and misty.
Summer's joy is beautiful to watch.
We hiked to the beach and ran into the same dog owners we encountered yesterday. They gave us the right of way because we were there first. I don't think they want to leash their dog so they keep their distance instead. I leashed Summer when we were in sight of them anyway.
It all worked out.
Tomorrow we might give ourselves more of a headstart.
For some reason I had a panic attack just as we got in the car. I don't understand why but will listen to my mind and body and chill today.
Maybe some baking would be fun.
Here's to sharing some Summer joy with our friends.
Good morning Mastodon.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

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Golden lab is standing on the beach with the Pacific Ocean behind her.

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Golden lab is running on the trail to the beach.

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Golden lab found the perfect stick on the beach and is bringing it to me.

Happy dog Summer talked me into a quick beach run. We thought that we out earlied everyone but ran into another dog family with the same idea. Since we were on the beach first they decided to go on to the next access point. Very nice dog mom.
It was misty and cold but we played and played.
When our hour was up we jogged back to the car to motor home and cook breakfast.
A perfect start to our day.
I actually managed to get five hours of sleep last night so things are going much better. Summer and her pal slept almost all night.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

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Golden lab is running on a sandy beach with a stick in her mouth. The Pacific Ocean surf id behind her.

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Golden lab was flying up and down the sand dunes on the trail to the beach. Her ears are flapping.

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Golden lab is lying next to a heart drawn in the sand on the beach. Somehow her footprints got in the middle of the heart.

Managed to get some sleep last night.
We were up for an hour at 2 am but all cuddled up again and slept in until 7.
Much needed rest for all.
I headed to town as soon as breakfast was settled to get to the garden store.
I wanted some soil amendments and rose food.
Flowers always make their way into my basket as I have no self control in these places.
Picked up donuts for my husband who will always choose greasy raised donuts over my baked treats.
As soon as I got home Summer gathered up the garden supplies so we could plant beets in an old oak barrel and start spinach seeds in some recycled plastic pots.
She is the happiest dog when she gets to help in the garden.
Good morning, Mastodon.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

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Golden lab is running to me with a packet of seeds for planting. She is on the grass with a storage building and metal sunflower behind her.

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Golden lab is running to me with a plastic pot for planting. She is on the grass with a storage building behind her

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Golden lab is running to me with a plastic pot for planting. She is on the grass with a storage building behind her.

This is a very manecured place. It's part golf course to keep the Tesla and Corvette drivers busy and off of the highways during the day, but if you walk out far enough, you can still find some rustic rather untouched wilderness, my kinda stuff.

I did end up walking out of the woods and finding Mallard lake right in front of me and beyond it, part of the golf course itself, but it was a pleasant surprise to walk out of the woods after half a mile of walking and "BEHOLD... LAKE".

Oh yeah and happy first post on the new instance. Holla back y'all, my ego needs it.

#photography #wildlifephotography #naturephotography #landscapephotography #canon #mirrorless #bofipho #r8 #cameras #northcarolina #nc #winstonsalem #highpoint #greensboro #tanglewood #trees #flowers #plants #blueways #greenways #summer #forestphotography #forest #thewoods

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Some of the gardens around the Arboretum. Most of the flowers have come and gone... gotta be faster about these things, still mighty green tho.

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Another garden area, like this one a lot.

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Playing with reflections never gets old, Mallard Lake and the golf course beyond it.

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A spiderweb illuminated by a ray of sunlight

Summer got a head start on her nap.
#Summer

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The head of a golden lab who is sleeping with her blue and white blanket and blue pillow on a sofa.

Long night for us last night. summer and I have been up with her pal since 2 am.
We are doing better.
She loves when anyone will scritch the top of her head but most especially when my husband does.
Grandkids are on their way out for a couple of hours this afternoon.
I might get a nap.
Take good care today Mastodon friends.
#Summer

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Golden lab is lying on the floor with her brown stuffed bear. She is enjoying some scritches.

It's so hard to be Summer.
She has to keep an eye on, not one but two, humans who don't always stay in the same spot.
I dare say it's a little easier to keep track of my husband.
Because, it's the end of the day, and she doesn't want to put out any extra effort she stays perfectly still and just moves her eyes back and forth.
Multitasking while keeping her bear close too.
A dog of many talents.
She hasn't lost any of us yet.
It's so hard to be Summer.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

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Golden lab is lying on the floor with her stuffed brown bear toy. She is next to a dark gray bean bag.

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Golden lab is lying on the floor with her stuffed brown bear toy. She is next to a dark gray bean bag.

More Summer morning adventure.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

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

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Golden lab is running on a sandy beach with a stick in her mouth. A large driftwood stump is behind her on the sand.

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Golden lab is charging up and down the sand dunes on the trail to the beach.

Summer does love a good adventure.
She patiently waits for me when I slow down slogging through the deep soft sand.
Climbing the dunes is slow for me too. Almost like skiing downhill but backwards sometimes I have to zigzag to get some traction.
We always, always throw sticks, breathe deep and have a boat load of fun.
Summer is a happy but tired dog.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

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Golden lab is standing on the beach.

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Golden lab is running on a sandy beach.

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

Summer and her pal slept in this morning. I tiptoed around getting ready for our walk.
They needed the extra sleep but I was anxious to get down the hill early.
It all worked out.
We walked in the drizzly cold and were happy about it.
We chatted about all the chores we need to tackle today including writing 75 more postcards for Iowa.
Summer says we have to get humans to vote.
I said yes.
Good morning, Mastodon.
#Summer