The landscaped area close in to the house always seems to peak around mid-July. This was primarily a laurel hedge when we moved here, but after a lot of work I think this is much nicer. The pollinators seems to agree.

#gardening #flowers #summer #oregon

Alt...

A landscaped area filled with various small Japaenese maples and flowers, including tall Asian lilies, garden phlox, and penstemon plus two copper kinetic wind spinners in front of a single story building.

Approaching golden hour, Giant's chest, Sleeping Giant State Park, Hamden, Connecticut. August 30, 2024, 6:03 PM.

#hiking #photography #outdoors #landscapephotography #nature #Connecticut #summer #forest # #mountains #summertime

Alt...

A soft blue evening sky with lines of fair weather clouds and some haze along and near the horizon. The sun is a bright golden yellow blob starting to descend towards that horizon. From a fissured gray rock outcrop atop a mountain, we are looking out at a scene of mostly forest with a couple of clusters of buildings. A few tufts of tall grass grow through a few of the fissures in the rock. A forest of cedar and hardwoods rings the edge of the outcrop, but does not block the views. The flank of a nearby peak facing us has impressive rock cliffs. Beyond that is a narrow valley and several long, flattish-topped wooded ridges running along the horizon. A rounded knob to our left has a cluster of larger buildings on top.

Travellers

#nature #snail #naturephotography #park #summer #photography #photo

Alt...

Photo of a snails

Alt...

Photo of a snail

Ox-eye daisies are invasive here and I generally mow them- I let one patch reach full flower just for fun, and many pollinators do love them (I'll chop/pull before they seed). Here it is visited by a Leafcutter Bee- always fun to see these little folk.
#bees #NativeBees #garden #BloomScrolling #florespondence #pollinators #insects #inverts #flowers #weeds #nature #GetOutside #summer

Alt...

Same alt all pics A cute small bee gathers pollen from a daisy flower head. The bee is black with thin white stripes on its abdomen and fuzzy whitish hairs around its head, thorax and presumably the underside of its abdomen, which is coated in bright golden pollen. It has nearly transparent rather narrow wings, with dark veins. There are two shots showing the bee on the centre golden part of the daisy which is composed of many tiny yellow disk flowers, this part is surrounded by white ray flowers (this is what looks like petals, but they aren't, they are each flowers). We see the bee nearly straight from above in one shot fairly closely cropped; the other shot is a bit to the side so that we can see its pollen coated underside. This view has a wider shot showing the whole flower head, and a cropped view focussing on the bee. We can see the characteristic perkily raised butt of the leafcutter.

Alt...

Same alt all pics A cute small bee gathers pollen from a daisy flower head. The bee is black with thin white stripes on its abdomen and fuzzy whitish hairs around its head, thorax and presumably the underside of its abdomen, which is coated in bright golden pollen. It has nearly transparent rather narrow wings, with dark veins. There are two shots showing the bee on the centre golden part of the daisy which is composed of many tiny yellow disk flowers, this part is surrounded by white ray flowers (this is what looks like petals, but they aren't, they are each flowers). We see the bee nearly straight from above in one shot fairly closely cropped; the other shot is a bit to the side so that we can see its pollen coated underside. This view has a wider shot showing the whole flower head, and a cropped view focussing on the bee. We can see the characteristic perkily raised butt of the leafcutter.

Alt...

Same alt all pics A cute small bee gathers pollen from a daisy flower head. The bee is black with thin white stripes on its abdomen and fuzzy whitish hairs around its head, thorax and presumably the underside of its abdomen, which is coated in bright golden pollen. It has nearly transparent rather narrow wings, with dark veins. There are two shots showing the bee on the centre golden part of the daisy which is composed of many tiny yellow disk flowers, this part is surrounded by white ray flowers (this is what looks like petals, but they aren't, they are each flowers). We see the bee nearly straight from above in one shot fairly closely cropped; the other shot is a bit to the side so that we can see its pollen coated underside. This view has a wider shot showing the whole flower head, and a cropped view focussing on the bee. We can see the characteristic perkily raised butt of the leafcutter.

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

Alt...

A close-up shot of two bright yellow calla lilies blooming amidst lush green garden foliage. The taller lily stands upright in the center, while the second, slightly lower lily is positioned to the right, catching the sunlight on its curved petal. On the left, a large, broad green leaf covered in white speckled patterns frames the shot.

Summer's high ground perch got mowed today.
Mowing uphill is not my favorite.
I started with the uphill battle and saved the flat for last. Good thing because I was relieved to just walk back and forth for the last half hour.
Tomorrow I will mow along the road and be done for now.
My husband tried again to talk me into using the riding lawnmower but I get nervous on the slope. I've never been good at leaning this way and that to keep from tipping over. So I would rather push. If nothing else I got some good exercise.
Tomorrow morning the grandkids will take my car home to deliver to the body shop on Monday. I might be a couple of weeks without it.
It feels like a good time to get important repairs done.
#Summer

Alt...

Golden lab is sitting on grass on the top of a hill.

#Gardening #Summer #Iowa #Flowers

This afternoon, I temporarily removed the chicken-wire anti-rabbit fence. The weeds had grown as tall as the fence (24” / 50cm). Cleanup completed! I re-installed the fence after taking the photo.

Alt...

A garden full of large growing plants and mulch in the walkways. Also some buckets for watering, now that it hasn’t rained for 3 weeks. Flowers left to right: yellow marigolds, a clump with zinnias and orange marigolds, cream-colored marigolds (in the distance), and a large “bush” of orange-red Mexican Sunflowers (Tithonia).

Azorean Stone Shed at Dawn https://fineartamerica.com/featured/azorean-stone-shed-at-dawn-marco-sales.html

#landscape #sunset #blacknwhite #nature #sky #summer #sunrise #farm #beautiful #ayearforart

I took Summer out to inspect her property early this morning. She walks the line and looks for any sign of incursions.
Thankfully our MAGA neighbors are staying on their side of the fence. Summer has zero tolerance for intolerance so she keeps an eye on them.
She is a good girl.
Since we are staying home again this morning we thought that some spirited Frisbee chasing would wake us up.
My husband's health continues to improve, with no fever, but he is weak and needing the encouragement that Summer and I are enthusiastically dishing out.
We are on encouragement overdrive on this Saturday morning.
Good morning, Mastodon.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

Alt...

Golden lab is running on the grass with a faded red Frisbee in her mouth.

Alt...

Golden lab is running on the grass inundated with gopher mounds. She has a faded red Frisbee in her mouth.

An orange sunshade wheels about her head.
The sunshade shading sun is yet a sun
mimicked by colour, halo of the red
and mild attendant of the coloured bone…

—Iain Crichton Smith, “Girl with orange sunshade”
published in DEER ON THE HIGH HILLS (Carcanet, 2021)

https://www.carcanet.co.uk/9781800170940/deer-on-the-high-hills/

#Scottish #literature #poem #poetry #IainCrichtonSmith #summer

Alt...

Iain Crichton Smith Girl with orange sunshade An orange sunshade wheels about her head. The sunshade shading sun is yet a sun mimicked by colour, halo of the red and mild attendant of the coloured bone. Yet it is mimic as if the other sun should not attack her, being saved by this paper not passion which she learns to spin as if herself were Fortune, pert-faced miss. And this cool wheel about her ordered hair is like the art we nourish in our rooms on little water and a jar of air. It holds us steady from the searing flames. We mimic fire to shield us from the fire and shade our heads with bright and paper poems.

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

Alt...

A vibrant orange zinnia flower in full bloom, angled slightly to the right. The flower has layered, bright orange petals surrounding a textured yellow-orange center, illuminated by bright sunlight. The background features soft, out-of-focus green foliage with hints of other garden flowers, including a deep red celosia plume and smaller yellow buds, creating a warm, summery bokeh effect.

When it's the weekend and you decide to go out and touch some grass, but it's too hot to put anything more than the bare minimum effort in it.

#Caturday #CatsOfMastodon #cats #cat #floof #MastoCats #Catstodon #CatsOfFediverse #FediCats #HeatWave #Summer

Alt...

My tuxedo cat Tiffie lounging on a wooden table on the balcony, resting her head on a little plastic post with planted cat grass, to her side there's another potted plant on the right, and another of cat grass that has almost completely dried out on the left.

A surprise sunset after a grey evening.

July 10, 2026. Wolverine Lake, Michigan.

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

Alt...

Sunset photo of bright red clouds over a lake with trees in silhouette.

Mother Nature up to her usual thing this morning.

July 10, 2026. Wolverine Lake, Michigan.

#photography #sunrise #michigan #lake #summer #reflection #art #MastoArt

Alt...

Sunrise photo of a small island on a mirror-reflective lake with pink clouds streaming out from behind it on either side and a small crescent Moon visible at the top.

#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

Summer has been in the house more than usual the last few days.
My husband is feeling much better so I decided that we could take care of a few outside chores.
Not very much makes Summer happier than helping in the garden.
I changed into my garden duds and Summer brought the Crocs and gloves.
Between today and tomorrow I hope to get Summer's front acre mowed.
Wish me luck.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

Alt...

Golden lab is taking a break next to me while I clean up under the lawn mower. She is next to my garden stained levi clad leg and pink croc.

Alt...

Summer is bringing me my pink garden Crocs. There is a white car in the background.

Alt...

Summer is bringing me a dirty purple garden glove.

So happy to see my husband eat scrambled eggs and a piece of toast with no consequences. We celebrate every step forward and dismiss the rest as not worthy of our time and energy.
Done and done.
We can't sit on our laurels though.
Says Summer.
She led the way to the overgrown blueberry patch where we played I get one and you get one.
Summer picked the low hanging fruit.
I took everything else.
It looks to be a sunny warm day.
A good day for Summer to sit in the shade with her pal and watch grandma work.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

Alt...

Golden lab is plucking ripe blueberries off of a bush growing in a container.

Alt...

Golden lab is looking up at me as she takes a break from blueberry picking.

We all got some sleep last night. Only up and awake twice in the night.
Much needed rest.
Summer woke up thinking about her team.
She has been faithfully watching the Detroit Tigers play win or lose.
Winning is more fun.
It's just the truth.
She brought my hat to me just in case we could traipse down the hill for an adventure.
I told her we can't leave home today.
She says she understands.
That doesn't mean we can't enjoy a fabulous breakfast and some sweet cuddles.
I'll even share my hat so she can represent too.
Good morning, Mastodon.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

Alt...

Golden lab is trying on our navy blue with orange emblem Detroit Tigers hat. Her ears get in the way. She is resting on her blue and white blanket and blue pillow.

Alt...

Golden lab is holding our Detroit Tigers hat in her paws while she is resting on her blue and white blanket and blue pillow. She is looking to the side.

Alt...

Golden lab is lying on the sofa next to her pal. She is resting on her blue and white blanket and blue pillow.

Feeling the breeze. #grickledoodle #kermit #muppets #summer #boating #cartoon #art #drawing #funny #humor

Alt...

Grover steers a small motorboat while Kermit sits behind with his arms streaming backward as the wind carries them away. Caption reads "On the hottest days Grover would open it up and Kermit would just let the wind take his arms."

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

Alt...

A vibrant yellow sunflower in full bloom. A single large, textured green leaf curves upward on the left side of the stem. The background shows a clear blue sky

“Summer Sun” by Robert Louis Stevenson

Robert Louis Stevenson (1850–1894) was a Scottish novelist, poet, and travel writer whose adventurous imagination and recognisable style made him one of the most celebrated authors of the Victorian era. Still widely read, he is nowadays best known for classic works of literature such as Treasure Island (1883) and Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde (1886).

Robert Louis Stevenson

In this post, however, we’ll get acquainted with one of his poems: “Summer Sun” was first published in 1885, as part of his collection titled A Child’s Garden of Verses. In it, the poet personifies the Sun, presenting him as “the gardener of the World” — a kind presence that brings life, warmth, and gladness to all living things.

Below the poem you’ll find a vocabulary exercise and discussion points designed for English language learners. For more summer-related poetry posts, please click on the links at the bottom of the page.

Great is the sun, and wide he goes
Through empty heaven without repose;
And in the blue and glowing days
More thick than rain he showers his rays.
Though closer still the blinds we pull
To keep the shady parlour cool,
Yet he will find a chink or two
To slip his golden fingers through.
The dusty attic spider-clad,
He, through the keyhole, maketh glad;
And through the broken edge of tiles,
Into the laddered hay-loft smiles.
Meantime his golden face around
He bares to all the garden ground,
And sheds a warm and glittering look
Among the ivy's inmost nook.
Above the hills, along the blue,
Round the bright air with footing true,
To please the child, to paint the rose,
The gardener of the World, he goes.

VOCABULARY EXERCISE

Find the nouns in the poem with the following meaning:

• a sitting room, a drawing room
• a small, quiet space; a corner
• a period of resting and relaxation
• a small, narrow opening
• a window covering used to control light and privacy

Click here for the answer key.

DISCUSSION POINTS

• What kind of mood or feeling does the poem create? Is it energetic, calm, or something else? 
• In many cultures, the Sun is presented as a “he” — a masculine figure, while the Moon is often presented as a “she”. Why is that, do you think?
• This poem is set in summer. How might the poet describe the winter sun? 

MORE SUMMER-THEMED POEMS

“Rain in Summer” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

“Summer Moods” by John Clare

“In Summer” by Lord Alfred Douglas

NOTES

I’m a freelance language tutor (English, Latin, Classical Greek), researcher, and a literary scholar currently based in Belgrade, Serbia.  

If you wish to receive new content from my blog – as soon as it’s published – please enter your email address in the subscribe box below.

To support my work, you can send me a donation via PayPal. It would be greatly appreciated!

COVER PHOTO CREDIT

Dan Cook via Unsplash

Alt...

Soft-focus photograph of a sunset or sunrise with the sun glowing near the center of the frame. Tall grass or plant stems appear blurred in the foreground, silhouetted against a sky that shifts from warm orange and yellow near the horizon to cooler blue tones above, creating a serene and atmospheric effect.

Alt...

Black-and-white portrait of a man with medium-length hair parted in the middle and a mustache, wearing a dark suit jacket, white shirt, and tie. The plain background and soft lighting emphasize his face and upper body, giving the image a vintage, late 19th–early 20th century style.

The Fifth Seduction ebook is $2.99 at all online retailers. Two lovers, one secret, and a reality TV executive who finally can't cut around the truth--The Fifth Seduction begins where the cameras usually stop. A weekend in Malibu ignites an affair between two women showrunners, upending their lives. For readers who walk their own emotional and professional tightropes fueled by love and ambition. #love #ambition #showbiz #tv #romance #women #lesbian #book #books #bookstodon #mastoArt #mastodon #socialnetwork #television #writing #writingCommunity #readers #readingCommunity #reading #MyWork #work #malibu #affair #heart #scribesAndMakers #read #sale #retail #booksky #bookReview #summer #thefifthseduction #author #authors #ad #BookLover #realityTV #reality #publishing #womenInFilm #woman #bisexual #lovetriangle

Alt...

Julia Frank had a five-year crush on her producing partner, Mable La Croix. One weekend affair in Malibu upends their personal and professional lives in The Fifth Seduction.

Summer is very particular when it comes to all things food related.
Her preference is for me to prepare the meal and for her pal to say sweet comforting things to her while he holds a glass bowl full of her custom crafted entree.
She has always been this way.
Her pal is unavailable for meal duty today so she gets second string grandma.
It is clear that Summer is accommodating our current circumstances.
She has gone along with the program because somehow she understands.
She did bring her dessert to eat right next to his chair.
I'm not sure how we found the harmony that guides our lives. The three of us are in sync and it is a beautiful thing.
It really is.
I am thankful.
#Summer

Alt...

Golden lab is sitting on the high ground on her front acre. She is getting some fresh air after dinner. The top of a wood fence is behind her.

A scary but harmless cloud that rolled in this evening off the edge of a storm.

July 9, 2026. Wolverine Lake, Michigan.

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

Alt...

A long dark cloud looms low over a lake in summertime.

Last night was a struggle for my husband so we were awake all night. I wish I could do more to help.
We will be resting up today.
Summer is a patient loving companion.
A couple of old photos for #ThrowbackThursday today.
Good morning, Mastodon.
#Summer

Alt...

Puppy Summer is standing in the grass with her ears lifting in the wind.

Alt...

Summer is diving into blue water to retrieve a stick last year.

Alt...

Summer is wearing her frog hat while she rests on her blue and white blanket and blue pillow.

Alt...

Summer sits on a bench with her pal on a cold windy winter day. They are at the end of the trail.

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

Alt...

A round hydrangea flower head beginning to bloom. The small, clustered petals transition from a bright lime green in the center to a vibrant pink along the outer edges. The flower is nestled against large, textured, dark green leaves, captured in bright, natural sunlight that casts soft shadows.

#MothOfTheDay is

OAK EGGAR
Lasiocampa quercus

Name comes from its acorn-shaped cocoon. Larvae actually feed on heathers, brambles and hawthorns.

BONUS PICTURE - just for fun, 11 of the 14 Elephant Hawk-moths to pay a visit last night. Three were photo-shy and flew off.

#moths #moth #mothsandbutterflies #butterflies #MothsMatter #nature #wildlife #britishwildlife #lepidoptera #entomology #insect #cute #garden #yellow #summer #july #conservation #biodiversity #alttext #science #educate

Alt...

An overhead photograph of a large female Oak Eggar moth resting on a person's index finger. The finger points right, but the moth hangs off it vertically. The moth has a stout, robust body shape covered in a dense, fluffy mane of golden-brown or tawny-orange hair. The forewing is smooth and triangular, coloured in a gradient of warm ochre-brown. A distinct, slightly curved dark brown line runs horizontally about halfway down separating the darker base from a slightly lighter orange-brown upper section. Two prominent, bright white oval spot sits near the centre of each forewing. Two short, pale orange antennae curve upward from the head. The background features a blurred green garden and chicken wire.

Alt...

A side-profile of a female Oak Eggar moth resting on my index finger. It faces left. It is very large - about 5-6cm long and very chunky The moth has a robust body and its head and nape are covered in a dense, fluffy mane of golden-brown or tawny-orange hair. The forewing is smooth and triangular, coloured in a gradient of warm ochre-brown. A distinct, slightly curved dark brown line runs vertically down the outer third of the wing, separating the darker base from a slightly lighter orange-brown upper half. A prominent, bright white oval spot sits near the centre of the forewing. Two short, pale orange antennae curve upward from the head. The background features a blurred green garden and chicken wire.

Alt...

Overhead shot of an egg tray with 11 pink and olive coloured elephant hawkmoths in different positions. The hawkmoths are about 6cm long and fighter jet shaped. The egg box is green-grey.

The immensity of sunset.

July 8, 2026. Wolverine Lake, Michigan.

#photography #sunset #michigan #summer #art #cloud #clouds #airplane #MastoArt

Alt...

A tiny airplane in silhouette against yellow and orange clouds.

Easdale Sound, mist rolling in.

#Argyll #Scotland #Summer

Alt...

In the calm waters of Easdale Sound, two sailing yachts on moorings. The sun has set, leaving an eerie glow from the north west. To the left, the northern point of Easdale Island; to the right, the edge of Dùn Mòr on Seil.

Voilà..

https://solarphasing.bandcamp.com/track/gaia-pulse

#bandcamp #music #summer #sales #discography #art #culture #discovery #fedimusic #musodon

Alt...

Voilà.. 70% off about the full Solar Phasing discography #summer #sales

The last photos from the end of Summer's early morning adventure.
She says she had so much fun.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

Alt...

Golden lab is running on a sandy trail after playing on the beach. She still has energy. I'm not as energetic by this point. We have been adventuring for ninety minutes.

Alt...

Golden lab is running on the beach with another favorite stick.

Alt...

Break time for Summer. She drink a ton of water on our adventures. She has a black backpack full of Summer supplies that only comes out for her walks.

More Summer adventure. She was so sweet today. I love her to pieces.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

Alt...

Golden lab is jumping off a sand cliff with a stick in her mouth.

Alt...

Golden lab is standing on a sandy beach with the ocean in the background.

Alt...

Golden lab is running and running on the beach.

Lots of happy Summer photos for those who enjoy the company of happy dogs.
I confess that I am one of those people.
Summer's biggest fan.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

Alt...

Golden lab wearing a purple collar has commandeered the driver's seat of my very dirty car. Too many things to do and the car never seems to make it to the top of the list. She is ready to head to the beach.

Alt...

Golden lab is running on a sandy beach with lots of driftwood. She found a stick she likes and is bringing it to me. Summer loves sticks of all kinds.

Alt...

Summer sauntering down the beach with an epic long stick in her mouth.

Summer really needs her daily run so I've been getting up at daybreak to hit the trail. I figure her needs are just as important as ours. She benefits from this three mile, or so, adventure in so many ways. Her pal is feeling low energy right now so wearing her out early makes for a relaxed rest of the day.
We are hoping for enough sunshine to give our garden a boost. Summer says Flower Power! Might be overly optimistic.
The trail was quiet.
Summer is literally the picture of happiness.
I didn't let her drive again but she never gives up asking.
Who knows some day maybe?
Good morning, Mastodon.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

Bumblebee On Pink Hollyhock

Prints and more here: https://tanyacsmithfineart.com/featured/bumblebee-on-pink-hollyhock-tanya-c-smith.html

#photography #fotografia #nature #buyintoart #wallartforsale #mastoart #fedigiftshop #prints #bumblebee #summer #summertime

Alt...

Photograph of a bumblebee is collecting pollen from a delicate pink flower on a summers morning in an English garden.

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

Alt...

Close-up portrait of a vibrant field of pink coneflowers (Echinacea) with prominent orange-brown centers, with a shallow depth of field blurring the lush green background.

So many colors June sunset. Scoville Reservoir, Wolcott, Connecticut. June 27, 2021, 8:42 PM.

#hiking #photography #outdoors #landscapephotography #hikingadventures #nature #Connecticut #summer #June #forest #sunset #sunsets #sunsetphotography #trail #lake #summertime #wildflowers

Alt...

We are standing beside a large lake. The sun has recently set above the wooded far shore. The sky is a deep twilight blue streaked with clouds: orange and gold tinted along the horizon and bright pink above, mirrored on the lake below. We are standing beside a patch of tall lush green grass along the near shore. It is speckled with red violet wildflowers. There is a darker green bush beyond, right on the shoreline.

First Monarch I’ve seen this season. #Photography #MonarchButterfly #Summer #Chicago

Alt...

A close-up shot of a Monarch butterfly perched on a cluster of pink, unopened milkweed flower buds, illuminated by soft sunlight against a blurred green background.

A few more Summer morning adventure photos.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

Alt...

Golden lab is running on a sandy trail to the beach on a foggy morning.

Alt...

Golden lab is standing on the trail back to our car with Table Bluff in the distance. It is a foggy morning.

We were adventuring earlier than usual today.
Everyone was awake so we launched into the foggy drizzle with a skip in our step.
I thought we might have the trail to ourselves but we encountered a federal wildlife employee who wanted to verify that Summer was truly under voice control. If I had seen him first she would have been on leash. She didn't even give him a bark and when I asked her to sit she sat right on my feet and stayed until I gave her the ok to get up. Inspection passed we carried on our way. Summer was a really good girl. I think he was concerned that she might run in front of his truck on the narrow trail.
We hurried along and finished our walk in record time.
Well record time for us.
Good morning, Mastodon.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

Alt...

Golden lab is running on a sandy beach with tons of driftwood.

Alt...

Golden lab is lying on the beach with the words In Harmony written in the sand. She is in harmony with the universe. So she says.

Alt...

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

#MothOfTheDay is another of the 'Thorn' leaf mimics. Initially on a wire, I thought it was a leaf, until close inspection revealed:

LUNAR THORN
Selenia lunularia

Named after the white lunar markings on its wings.

#moths #moth #mothsandbutterflies #butterflies #MothsMatter #nature #wildlife #britishwildlife #lepidoptera #entomology #insect #cute #garden #yellow #summer #july #conservation #biodiversity #alttext #science #educate

Alt...

A side-profile photograph of a Lunar Thorn moth resting on a light tan table with its wings held vertically upright over its back, like two autumnal leaves. The wings have deeply jagged, scalloped outer edges. The wing colour is a gradient of warm ochre-orange at the base near the head, transitioning into a broad pinkish-purple band near the outer margin, and ending in a dark orange-brown trim. A bold, dark brown curved line intersects the centre of the wings, bordered by a tiny, distinct white crescent mark - the lunar shape. The thick body is a uniform sandy-brown, with dark brown legs extending to the surface.

Alt...

A top-down photograph of the same Lunar Thorn moth resting flat across a thick, black wire. It looks like an autumnal crinkled leaf. The wings are highly irregular in shape with deeply jagged, scalloped outer edges. The ground colour of the wings is a bright ochre-orange, marked symmetrically with a bold, wavy, dark brown band across the centre. Inside this dark band are two small, white crescent-shaped marks. The lowermost tips of the wings show a distinct patch of light pinkish-purple. The background consists of a blurred, mottled green and grey paving slab.

Morning light.

#sunrise #lightstruck #GoneToCarolinaInMyMind #summer #ocean #clouds #nature #NaturePhotography #SolaceInNature

Alt...

Rays of morning son break through clearing storm clouds over a wooden pier and calm, dark blue ocean (2019).

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

Alt...

A vibrant, multi-layered bright pink zinnia flower in full bloom, surrounded by lush green leaves in soft sunlight.

Ib. Theo #fyp #couple #swimmingpool #summer #trending #viral

I finally decided to retreat to my bean bag with a book for the rest of the day.
Everything I've attempted except Summer's early morning walk has been a resounding fail.
I knew it was bad when I offered to bake a berry pie and my husband suggested that I put it off a day.
Hopefully the universe cuts me a break on the morrow.
He and Summer are spending their afternoon doing some advanced bonding.
This off day is only affecting me thank goodness.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

Alt...

Golden lab and her pal are snuggling on this cold gray afternoon. The sitting gray haired man is wearing a green jacket. Summer is putting her head up to lean in to a snuggle. She is lying on her blue and white blanket and blue pillow.

sunrise walk this morning

#summer #sunrise #portugal #landscapephotograpy #nature #countryside #artistinportugal #jonathankeeton

Alt...

sun rising over gentle hills seen through trees in Portugal

#Mondog #monochromeMonday

Hot but not as oppressive as before. Still it's a long way to go before we can breathe cool air.
Have a good week ahead, everyone.

#dog #dogs #DogsOfMastodon #AdoptDontShop #rescuedog #photography #FujiFilm #summer #sky #clouds #hydrangea #flowers #monochrome

Alt...

A monochrome photo of a two-tone dog lying in his bed giving me his side eye. Pom daisy flowers (yellow in color) in a vase behind him.

Alt...

A monochrome photo of a two-tone dog lying in his yard stretched, looking up toward the sky

Alt...

budding hydrangea light green in color

Alt...

Thick white clouds in the blue sky

So many happy dog photos to toot this morning.
We had a perfect walk.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

Alt...

Golden lab is standing on the top of a sand dune.

Alt...

Golden lab is running on a sandy trail.

Alt...

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

More early morning Summer beach adventure.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

Alt...

Golden lab is running on a sandy trail.

Alt...

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

Alt...

Golden lab running across a sand dune.