When I got up this morning my mood was still blue verging on black. So I took myself into the garden both to look for splashes of colour and to escape myself.
The colour I certainly found.
I also weeded. Two big bags full. There are probably only another twenty two bags of weeds to go. Some time in the next little while we have 20 Sumo lilies, the same number of assorted dahlias and ten calla lilies to squeeze into the garden. Somewhere.
Then I came back inside. Almost as soon as I was in, the king parrots arrived. I knelt on a chair in the lounge to take a photo. Jazz ran up my back to see what I was doing and attempted to sit on my shoulder. He slipped off. So, using his claws like crampons he climbed up my back again. I shrieked. The smaller portion removed Jazz. When I turned around (blood seeping through my t-shirt) it was to see Jazz in himself's arms being petted and soothed after his mishap. While I can see the funny side I haven't forgiven either of them. Yet.
The colour I certainly found.
I also weeded. Two big bags full. There are probably only another twenty two bags of weeds to go. Some time in the next little while we have 20 Sumo lilies, the same number of assorted dahlias and ten calla lilies to squeeze into the garden. Somewhere.
Then I came back inside. Almost as soon as I was in, the king parrots arrived. I knelt on a chair in the lounge to take a photo. Jazz ran up my back to see what I was doing and attempted to sit on my shoulder. He slipped off. So, using his claws like crampons he climbed up my back again. I shrieked. The smaller portion removed Jazz. When I turned around (blood seeping through my t-shirt) it was to see Jazz in himself's arms being petted and soothed after his mishap. While I can see the funny side I haven't forgiven either of them. Yet.
Bloody(clawed) cats! Yes, they all do it;one must just recall the happy smoodges as well.And the trophy presentations...
ReplyDeleteBeautiful birds, and gorgeous flowers. Scratches are just part of being owned by a cat ...
ReplyDeleteyes YES!
ReplyDeleteAloha from Honolulu
Comfort Spiral
> < } } ( ° >
Your pictures are simply stunning. I love birds, and you certainly have some fabulous ones there. Sorry to hear that Jazz decided to use you as a pincushion.
ReplyDeleteI am hoping that the blues will leave you soon, but in the meantime going for walks and taking pictures like these are making ME feel much better! :-)
Looking at this beauty of flowers and birds should help the blues! I hope....oh blood, hope you survived the claws
ReplyDeleteBeautiful colours, love the birdies. Poor Jazz....mommy didn't want to be his birdie perch.
ReplyDeleteLovely splashes of colour, and great sights to lift the spirits! Ouchy on the cat scratches.
ReplyDeleteThe colors you have there, in your garden and with the birds, are just awesome. I hope your mood lightens soon. Life is so short.
ReplyDeletea perfect reminder that i still have time to plant more Iris before spring!
ReplyDeleteYour garden is a picture of health and beauty, hope you get over you blues really soon :-).
ReplyDeletedinahmow: Yes, they all do it, but Jazz more than most. His favourite trick is to hook his claws in my butt and take his hind legs off the ground.
ReplyDeleteAlexia: Re the birds and flowers, thanks. Re the cat - yes you are right.
Cloudia: Thanks.
DJan: Thanks. Your own walks and photos are more than spectacular.
Kim @ Stuff: The garden is a big help. Ditto the birds. And the cats as well.
mybabyjohn/Delores: She certainly didn't want to be his birdy perch. That is what the back of the chair is for.
Karen: Thanks.
Strayer: I'm getting there I think. Thanks for stopping by.
daisyfae: Lots more iris, some lilies, ... And the list goes on.
Windsmoke: Many, many weeds but much joy as well.
I mean really, poor Jazz suffering such indignity! You might've dripped some blood on that poor cat. And having to listen to you shriek...! And now how was he supposed to get a good view of the birds? Poor thing.
ReplyDeleteFabulous flower and bird pics.
Paper Chipmunk: You are in collusion with the smaller portion. That is pretty much what he said. And why he joined Jazz on the to be forgiven list.
ReplyDeleteGrrr.....
ReplyDeleteHope you're feeling better today!
ReplyDeleteThese shots are so exquisite - they certainly lifted my spirits!
Paper Chipmunk: And double grrrrr.
ReplyDeleteladyfi: From a photographer of your calibre that is high praise. Thank you.
Note to self: remember to trim kitty's nails today!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos, EC. With such a riot of color, I hope the blue-black mood is somewhat dissipated?
Have a great weekend.
oh those birds! lovely! cockatoos and parrots... grand!
ReplyDeleteloved the gallahs. They were always my favorites when I was in Australia.
ReplyDeleteCan't find your email(read:too lazy to look in my lists), but thought this might interest you. It caught my eye since I am so over the bloody hype of "official" book prizes.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2011/oct/28/different-reading-world-book-night
and I'm cc to Ampersand Duck
Two Tigers: Repeating my answer to ladyfi. Compliments from photographers of your calibre are something to be treasured. Thank you. Have a great (albeit busy) weekend yourself.
ReplyDeleteSherri: The birds, and the riot of colour they bring are a joy.
Bev Sykes: Welcome. Galahs are enchanting, and it is not uncommon for us to get twenty or more at a time.
dinahmow: Loved it. A great idea. I don't play twitter, but still think it is a wonderful idea.
i have always wanted to visit Australia... and after looking at all your photos and reading your words... well, i know now that somehow, someway i have to got to get there!
ReplyDeleteSherri: When you do, if you get to Canberra I would love to see you.
ReplyDeleteAnd here I am in oposite season in the U.S., your photos take me way back, back to springtime. It is a lot of work! I have a few hundred big white Mount Hood daffodils in a basket in the shed, dug up while thinning the patch in spring here, and your post reminded me they have to get dug in, soon!
ReplyDeleteThe cat attacks sound spooky to me. I just woke up from an hours nap, with my dove cuddled soundly on my neck. She doesnt scratch, but, O! The indignity when she keeps landing on my head. If my hands are busy, she just sits there till I wipe her off...I often fear a neighbor will see this through the window, wind their finger in circles by their ear and make whistling sounds at me, while singing "Craaa -zeee!". Love your flowers and birds - what a yard!!!
Spectrumwoman: It is a heap of work preparing for spring (particularly if you go crazy and order 1000 new bulbs). Worth it though. By the time things start to bloom most of the pain from planting them is gone.
ReplyDeleteThat cat is spooky. Has psycho fits. And speaking of crazy - do you know anyone who is 'normal'? And do you choose to spend time with them if you do?
It's been a fabulous season for Iris', everywhere I look there in magnificent bloom and yours are gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThose birdies are delightful and, yep, I feel your pain with slipping and sliding moggies on shoulders.
Jayne; You are right. It has been a fabulous year for iris. All sorts. We have the bearded, the Dutch and the Japanese iris and for the first year I can remember they have all done well. And yes, shoulders are not designed as slippery dips nor backs for mountain climbing practise.
ReplyDeleteGardens can be such therapeutic places (even if having to weed them!), I'm glad you have created such a beautiful one that you can escape to when necessary. I especially love the Foxglove - I must find out if it will grow here in town, because I'd really love to have some.
ReplyDeleteOf course, sudden and acute physical pain can provide a distraction from the other kinds, so I don't understand why you're not giving Jazz his props for just trying to help you out! ;-) You're right, he is the devil! I loved Paper Chipmunk's comment. LOL Sounds like you need to wear the kind of padding that's used by trainers who train military and police dogs to attack, only you need to pad your back and your butt! Naughty Jazz, I'd wait another day or two before forgiving him and his deeply misguided human ally. ;-)
The king parrots are exquisite, as always! (I can actually understand Jazz wishing for a better view of them!)
How the HECK did I miss this entry? I adore iris. THey simply make my heart smile. I'll miss my garden, but that's all from my house. So I'll look at yours instead.
ReplyDeleteAnd, hey. I wouldn't have forgiven them in a couple of hours EITHER. It's Saturday, though, so probably you do now...
(And I cannot thank you enough for your kindnesses on my blog.)
I'm going to guess that all this loveliness helped to lighten your mood. There's something about flowers that always manages to lift my spirits. I can't explain it, but I'm glad it does.
ReplyDeleteI brought flowers home for my wife yesterday. Just because. I was at the grocery store and I thought a little shot of happiness would be just what she needed. Nature works in incredible ways, doesn't she?
Laloofah: I regret to say that Jazz would really like a close encounter with the King parrots. Jewel lusts after the cockatoos. Welcome back.
ReplyDeleteJeanetteLS: Look at my garden whenever you like. It is an obsession and there are many, many photos. The cat and the smaller portion are now largely forgiven. And your blog, and your prose, is a joy an education and a delight.
Carmi: Unbirthday presents are the best kind. I am sure your wife loved her flowers. What sort did you buy? The garden is a place of beauty and peace. Also of hard work and frustration. A bit like life really.
oh beautiful flowers and birds - the pleasure ... and isn't iris scent so seductive?
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear the cat-up-back thing. Take an emery board to The Claws?
Ann O'Dyne: Flowers, birds, well behaved cats a book or three make heaven for me. And yes, iris scent is special.
ReplyDelete