It’s incredibly hot — we’re still under an excessive heat warning. Short trips outside is it right now. Even getting in the pool doesn’t sound enticing, so I go out with the dogs and snap a few photos of the things I appreciate — then come back inside where the air is cool and it’s easy to breathe. The dogs are happy to come in after just a few moments too.
No matter how hot it is outside, the minute Merida’s feet hit the grass in the fenced in yard, she bristles up and barks. It’s like she’s scaring everything away that isn’t really there — and she’s proud of her bad self once she’s barked the perimeter.
Do you see the flowers in the distance?
When I took the photo below, I noticed red flowers in the tree line.
They’re bright and pretty so I scrolled in for a closer look and another photo.
Cardinal flowers!
It’s a wildflower, (I knew that), that hummingbirds love. It’s a great source of nectar — especially for the Ruby-throated hummingbirds (that I have and the Pesky neighbors don’t have). The scientific name is Lobelia Cardinalis. Ok… but tell me more…
Cardinal flowers contain a substance called lobeline that leads to heart rhythm disturbances, vomiting, abdominal pain and other issues in dogs. Good thing they’re growing on the other side of the fence. 🙂
Joe Pye Weed for butterflies!
This one is not poisonous to dogs. It has a history of medicinal use — including as a diuretic, and for joint stiffness and gout. It’s also used to treat reproductive issues and diabetes. Not that I’m going to be using it for any of those things — but it does smell good.
It sure is awesome to see something grow besides grass you have to cut!
No mowing here for awhile. At least until weekend or maybe next week. No neighbors to judge me for that… except maybe those Pesky Neighbors. 😉
Now you know: Females typically have more white blood cells and develop fewer infectious diseases.