Crikey, looks like summer's not quite done with Melbourne yet.

Golden swirl sunset, Mount Sanford, Hamden, Connecticut. June 14, 2017, 8:37 PM.

Quiet beaver pond in Todd Hollow, Plymouth, Connecticut. July 19, 2024, 1:54 PM.

These two are inseparable today.
It is good that they keep each other entertained.
I left them home together while I went to protest with my daughter over the lunch hour.
For whatever reason we get more engagement when there are two of us protesting. My daughter is convinced that if people see us standing up they might feel more comfortable speaking up for themselves.
Today proved her right. A person who saw us there last week brought a sign and joined in.
There were three of us!
Looking forward the the day I don't need to carry signs around in my car.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

Sunset sunbeams at Lost Ponds, Mattatuck State Forest, Plymouth, Connecticut. July 19, 2017, 7:32 PM.

Summer is relaxed this morning.
Her breakfast is cooking while she helps me figure out the grocery list.
We also donated to a fund that purchases from local farmers through our food bank with some of our grocery budget. We are substituting the cost of the non-essential items that might have been on our list with the donation.
I told her that after shopping,and protesting on highway 101 for an hour, I will be back home and that she can help me plant tomatoes and strawberries.
She finds gardening therapeutic.
Me too.
Today looks to be a no rain day here on the beautiful redwood coast.
Good morning, Mastodon.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

In case I forgot to mention Summer loves, loves my husband. The feelings are mutual.
We all spent a few minutes outside on this, not too cold, early evening.
Summer wanted to run around her acre to be sure all was well and secure.
She is never too busy to run back to check on her pal though.
I wanted to share this feel good expression of pure love between best of friends.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

Summer asked if I thought the tariffs might disrupt her food chain? If she was in the mood to eat of course. So, I took a quick look, and sure enough her kibble is imported.
I thought about how difficult it was to find kibble she would eat. Months of trial and error and a car load of rejected food.
I am resisting the urge to stockpile essentials, but this is different.
You can tell where my priorities lie.
I would have tooted earlier so I could say good morning but I was out finding kibble.
Summer feels loved and food secure now.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

I'd forgotten how not fun an MRI is.
The good part was the warm blanket.
At least there was a good part.
I managed to stay still, for the scan, so I was in and out in 45 minutes.
We should find out if my shoulder will need surgery by Wednesday.
When I got home Summer had everything under control. She takes great care of my husband.
They were cuddled up and relaxed.
I was thankful that someone here on Mastodon brought up MRI safe masks so I bought some from a Canadian supplier. It worked out perfectly.
#Summer

Early morning walk for Summer.
I wanted to hit the trail before the rain, and other dogs walkers arrived.
Not because we don't like other dogs, and their humans, but because Summer is so happy off leash.
We felt a few sprinkles but I managed to stay dry. Summer not so much. I can't remember the last time she was this dirty.
Showers for everyone this morning.
Summer has been rejecting her food the last few days. Today we walked the longest trail before breakfast, and got some serious exercise. It helped her to find her appetite again.
Today is starting out just right.
Good morning, Mastodon.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

Tove Jansson (1914-2001), Finnish artist and creator of the Moomins book series, on the remote island of Klovharun, her summer home for her and and her life partner graphic artist Tuulikki Pietilä for almost 30 years.

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

I bought some lobelia and viola starts at the local nursery. They were planted by a local grower.
Summer and I decided to go ahead and fill some of our excess flower pots with starts. Some will find their way to friends and some will brighten up our garden.
I wanted to see if Summer could fetch for me if I showed her an example of what to find. I only brought out one of my purple gloves and asked her to go back and get the other one. About two minutes later I had the second glove. She amazes me sometimes.
We do have fun together in the garden.
#Summer #Gardening