Sunday, 22 December 2013

Sunday Selections #151

Sunday Selections was originally brought to us by Kim, of Frogpondsrock, as an ongoing meme where participants could post previously unused photos languishing in their files. 

The meme is now continued by River at Drifting through life.  The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent.  Post some photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to River.

Like River, I generally run with a theme.

It has been hot, hot and miserable this week.  Where possible I have skulked inside only coming out early, or late.  For a change (not) I am featuring a bird (a cockatoo) and a sunset.  And some Christmas stars.  Clicking will, as always, embiggen.






116 comments:

  1. Oh sorry to hear you've been wilting in the heat. That's something I really don't miss. I hope it cools down enough on Christmas Day so you can enjoy yourself.

    I love your selection today - the sunset in particular being very appropriate for it being the solstice. Needless to say, our sunset, not long after sunrise was somewhat different. Yours looks so exotic and beautifully warm.

    It's always a joy to see our pretty cockies. They might be loud, raucous and somewhat destructive, but one forgives them everything because they are so beautiful. I have a friend here who has a pet sulphur crested and while I'm no fan of caged birds, I love Sparky as he's so cheeky. They let him roam around the house though when you see the look on the cat's face, you know that not everyone in the family is entranced - Hello breakfast!

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    1. Marie: My mother had a cockatoo when I was a child. My father built him/her a huge aviary, which he chewed his way out of. He spent the rest of his days stumping around the garden, and sauntering along the roof flinging leaf litter onto the heads of passersby. He never learnt to fly, and reached the roof by climbing the fig tree.A bird of immense character and charm.

      Today will be hot again, and tomorrow but the forecast is then for a fewer cooler days (including Christmas) beforre the heat ramps up again.

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    2. You just have to love their ingenuity! My gran had a large property in the Adelaide foothills and she was something of an unofficial carer of wildlife. If people found a sick bird or animal they took it to gran who nursed them back to health and set them free.

      Of course a few had to stay as they would never have lasted in the wild, so we were used to seeing cockies at her place, along with a couple of eastern grey kangaroos, possums and one very cheeky magpie (called Maggie) who couldn't fly. But she was amazing. She learned to mimic the dog and would bark at the door to be let in. We always had to check through the screen door to see if it was really Spot or only Maggie trying to get inside. She barked at the postman as well. I was always a bit scared of her because she would nip my ankles during dinner to beg scraps from my plate. Gosh she was a funny bird.

      Glad to hear you'll have a cooler day for Christmas. There's nothing worse than trying to cook a feast in the heat and then find that no-one wants to eat anyway. Here it's unseasonably warm for Christmas. We had snow last week for a day and it was magical. Everything looked so pretty, pristine and light. But it melted the next day and it has stayed stubbornly over zero since, so the snow has fallen as rain instead. It's what people here call an "English winter". Apparently we're in for 5C and cloudy on Christmas Eve (they celebrate on the Eve rather than on Christmas Day here - apparently in Ye Olden Days, it was considered a huge no-no to party on a holy day!). So that's almost bikini weather in Sweden - ha, ha!

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    3. Marie: I have a very big soft spot for magpies. Clever birds. And their gurgling call is home to me.
      We have had cold Christmas meals for a long time now. Christmas Eve (tomorrow) will be hot and busy with cooking, cleaning, preparations, but then it will be all done.
      And I will be making a HUGE bowl of fruit salad - and living on it for a few days.
      I hope your English winter turns white (and beautiful) for you again.

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  2. As always love the sky shots and always your beautiful birds.

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    1. Delores: Thank you - I am glad that I don't bore you with my obsessions.

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  3. Wow, wow, wow and, did I mention, wow????? Those skies are brilliant and beautiful. And I just showed my mom the photos of your cockatoo. We can't IMAGINE getting those gorgeous birdies in our yards. Lucky you!

    Stay cool!

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    1. Cathy Oliffe-Webster: We love our cockatoos as well, though by no means everyone does. A few years ago a neighbour ran across our lawn bashing on a metal garbage lid. He scared the cockies off. For nearly ten minutes.

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  4. I hate hearing how hot it gets down South and feel guilty that we don't get as hot as you guys. I have a very real fear of bush fires. I do like that sunset ~ though I am sure it was still warm when you took it. I like skulking and emerging in the cool of early evening. Enjoy your Sunday EC :)

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    1. Carol in Cairns: It sounds perfectly reasonable to be afraid of bushfires. They are terrifying things. Cyclones I haven't experienced, but bushfires I have. And would rather never experience again.
      Enjoy your day too.

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  5. Hard to imagine it being hot, while I look outside at the snow! But then again, you get cold when we get warm. I love that second picture, and those beautiful sunsets. I hope you have a fine Solstice today: now your days will begin to shorten and you can look forward to some relief. Sending you lots of cyber hugs! :-)

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    1. DJan: Our solstice was yesterday - and I am really looking forward to the cooler weather (in a couple of months).
      Enjoy your snow - and cyber hugs right back to you. In quantity.

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  6. I wish we had cockatoo's in NZ. Well, I'm sure we do, but undoubtedly they are locked up in cages far too small for them ... which I positively abhor ... in any shape or form.

    I hope you get some respite from the heat.

    Gorgeous sunset :)

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    1. Wendy: I really don't like caged anything, and birds are among the saddest. I was really pleased when my mother's cockatoo escaped from his aviary (big though it was) and even more pleased that no-one recaged him.

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    2. How funny you said that, because my mother also had a cockatoo in a cage (far too small for it), which also escaped. And as far as I'm aware she never caught it. Thank goodness! It's disgusting.

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    3. Wendy: Agreed. And my mother's cockatoo lived a long and happy life in our garden. Much, much happier than in a cage, and we still saw him. A double win. He couldn't fly - taken from a nest too early I suspect (hiss and spit) but did well anyway.

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  7. And here it's cool.

    While visiting Oz, I saw a cockatoo or two hanging out on a lawn, oh my, I was so excited. I couldn't believe that something so exotic could act so every-day-ish, if you know what I mean.

    Australia has some of the most beautiful birds, even in the suburbs!

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    1. Guyana-Gyal: The cockies are very much every day ish here - which makes my heart sing. There are beautiful birds the world over, but some of ours spell home to me as nothing else can.

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  8. Very Happy Christmas to all you exotic, warm creatures!

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    1. Relatively Retiring: And to you and yours. I do envy your cool though.

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  9. The cocky's expression of curiosity tells me it is going to get into some destructive behaviour very soon. The second last photo, what a sky!

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    1. Andrew: The cocky didn't get into any mischief, well not here anyway. And the sky was incredible. Prompting mad woman with camera dances in the street. Again.

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  10. It's amazing to see cockatoos in their native habitat. Your sunsets are spectacular. I'm glad it's not fire.
    Keep cool and be happy :)

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    1. Pam:): I too am glad that the sky wasn't filled with flame. Spectacular, destructive and terrifying. And the cockies have claimed 'everywhere' as their native habitat. In the fields, in the suburbs, beside the roads...

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  11. I love your description of a "bird of immense character and charm". I've met a few cockies like that. Your fellow is very handsome!

    Our newspapers are talking about another heatwave in Sth Australia and Victoria; my daughter and her family have just moved back here from Adelaide and she wasn't sad at missing the 43 degrees predicted there for yesterday! We've had some warm weather too for the last few weeks, mostly around 26 or so, which I don't mind.

    I hope you have a cool and comfortable Christmas, EC.
    Arohanui.

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    1. Alexia: That cockatoo had character and charm by the bucketload. He could imitate the dog up the road and send it to a frenzy, and could whistle for my mother using my father's 'looky what I found' whistle. He loved strawberries and would carefully pick them off the ground, checking to make sure that it was completely ripe before he picked them.. And he laid unfertilised eggs from the gutters which fell past the windows. And having referred to him as he for some years, we never got our heads around his correct gender.

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  12. I've been dreaming about summer weather! We have been getting 0 degree weather and today was the first day we almost hit 60 degree! Woooooo---- heatwave!

    These photos are absolutely breathtaking. :) Stay cool!

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    1. Deb: I have been dreaming about snow and ice (never satisfied are we?) Stay safe and warm in your neck of the woods.

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  13. I wish I had a little of your warmth.
    Stay cool and dream of snow for Christmas, although why would you? You’ve got the sun which never shows her face round here.

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    1. Friko: I would love snow - for Christmas or indeed anytime. And you are welcome to some of our over enthusiastic sun. As I said to Deb (above) never satisfied...

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    1. J Cosmo Newbery: So did I. They were on the same night as the sunset and caused me much happiness.

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  15. I do ove those glorious skies! Hasn't the heat been a bore . . . at 44C my brain was gently dribbling out of my ears, I even had to make a Koolgardie safe for my sitting hen!

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    1. Arija: The skies have been a delight - the heat, quite the opposite. I hope your hen appreciated her Koolgardie safe. It must have cost you a lot in energy to construct it for her.

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  16. You always have beautiful photos! The greenery and blue, blue sky behind that cockatoo in the second pic really pop and your sunsets are spectacular. :)

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    1. River Fairchild: Thank you. Given the heat, melt is more appropriate than pop. Even the cockatoos have been (a bit) subdued.

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  17. It has been too hot, too hot but it tis summer.
    I love cockies but they are so noisy.
    great sky pictures
    Merle..................

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    1. Merlesworld: And we are past the shortest day (just) so I can feel that cooler weather is coming - in a few months.
      And yes, summer is indeed too hot. I know it will be, and it still comes as a shock each year.

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  18. Hola, que tengas un lindo fin de semana navideño, un placer descubrir tu bello blog, feliz Sábado, te invito de manera cordial a que visites el Blog de Boris Estebitan y leas un poema mío titulado “El guerrero Pegaso”, espero que te agrade, puse mucho de mí para escribirlo, saludos cordiales y un abrazo enorme.

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    1. Boris Estebitan: Welcome and thank you. I will come and visit you shortly - and am looking forward to reading your poem.

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  19. Your Cockatoo is so cute ... he looks like a little cartoon character. I get such a kick ou of him. He, at least, looks comfortable in the heat. I guess it is all a matter of what you are used to. Your sunset is beautiful with or without the heat. As for me, I am cold ... or I should say, it is cold out here. I never really get cold because I just keep adding layers to my clothing so the cold can't get to me. The downside of that plan is bending over to pick up Izzi's Frisbee ... oh the ground seems so far away when I am that bundled. You, on the other hand can only strip down so much and then you are stuck. I guess Ice packs would be a good thing or we have those chemical coolents that they sew into neck scarves or headbands that help. Fans and airconditioning are good, but heat can get you no matter what if you have to go outside ... So sorry ... I feel guilty now that I am wishing for the warm sun of Spring ... hmmmm. Is it that we can never be satisfied :) I think we had that conversation once. I don't know if you celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah but I hope you find some joy and peace in the Holidays. I hope this year brings you to a point of comfort in you stuggles with health and that hope and joy are your daily visitors. Be well, my friend ...

    Andrea @ From the Sol

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    1. Andrea: At least in the cold, putting on extra layers, having a hot drink, snuggling into bed, are all options. Even if one does look like the Michelin woman. When my skin is too hot, that is it.
      We will have quiet and low key celebrations.
      I hope your world is full of love and magic.

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  20. The cockatoo is pert, and the sunset outdid itself.

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    1. Joanne Noragon: Pert is a wonderful description of cockies. And yes, the sunset was a blazing beacon. Loved it.

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  21. Happy solstice to you & those beautiful birds!!

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  22. As I said so many times before, I envy you for your birds in the garden. However, I can't really complaint right now, I have so many feathered visitors at my feeders. It is such a joy to watch them. I wish I could tell more by the sound what bird it is. There is a bird around here that I only hear but don't see, and unfortunately I cannot tell what kind of bird it is. It sounds so lovely.

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    1. Carola Bartz: Identifying birds by their call comes with practice I find - mostly. And yes, watching their visits to the feeders is a daily delight. I spend rather a lot of time each and every day watching and listening to the birds.

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  23. such magic you show us!
    ALOHA to YOU
    from Honolulu
    Comfort Spiral
    =^..^= <3

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    1. Cloudia: Thank you - you also are a purveyor of magic.

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  24. Beautiful ... as always ... and as you are also.

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  25. Oh my, I'm scraping off ice from my wind shield, outside and inside of my car. You are experiencing heat. Quite the contrast. Nothing like a cockatoo to embiggen. Yes, make that cockatoo a bit larger. As usual, superb photos and a starry ending.

    Gary :)

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    1. klahanie: Oooh. Ice. A contrast indeed. I am thinking longingly of your temperatures. And the rain you are so often given.
      Have a wonderful weekend. And Happy Christmas to you, Penny and Tristan.

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  26. Lovely photos as always! I so enjoy them when they are embiggend! It's freezing rain here, which means everything will be covered with ice, road travel will be almost impossible and power lines will go down. But, I still prefer this weather to the heat! Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

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    1. Karen: I also prefer your weather to ours. And the roads here will be manic for the next couple of weeks for quite different reasons - still unsafe, but brought about by human error.
      Merry Christmas to you and yours - and a complete recovery from that pesky pneumonia which has been so reluctant to leave you.

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  27. I noticed that our heatwave made it way over to Canberra this time. South Australia seems to have cooled quite quickly and I think most capital cities will have a reasonably cool Christmas Day. At least our last 4 C/days have been around 40ºC and this year we are promised 30ºC which will be most acceptable (although I would prefer about 20ºC but that's just me). We are going to K's for the evening meal and it can be pretty warm up their way so glad the temp will be reasonable. K is home now and glad to be there. Christmas is to be at their home so if she should feel weary she can pop on to her bed for a rest if need be. I am hoping it won't be too much for her but B is terrific and we are all taking bits and pieces for an easy cold meal so all should be well.
    I still envy you having sulphur cresteds over there as they are really so special.
    Those sunsets are really WOW! We have too many trees in our backyard to get proper shots in the afternoon but I'll have to check it out if ever there are clouds in the sky again. I do get weary of constant blue skies.
    Liked those stars...so pretty.
    Thanks once again for a great Sunday Selections. You and River are so special in the things you share with us.

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    1. Mimsie: We are going to be marginally cooler than you for Christmas Day - 28 was the last I heard. Better than this week's weather, but like you I think 20 is plenty. And really I am happiest at about 15.
      I am glad that K is home, with lots of support. Have a wonderful Christmas celebration with her. And take it easy.
      How is your back?

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  28. Looooovely!
    O' my, to see a punk rock ( I mean, his hair) bird like this in the wild much be a kick)))
    Can you send some sun over to Duluth, MN, Please?
    Love to you, dear sweet S. Xxxx

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    1. My Inner Chick: A surprising number of our birds affect the punk rock crested look. And it is a delight.
      You are welcome to all the sun you can carry. Can I have some of your cool weather?
      Hugs..

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  29. I am rewriting this one! My fingers slipped and the comment made no sense at all. Hard to read with missing letters! lol.
    Beautiful birds as always....but that sunset! WOW! The way the rays come of the sun is gorgeous! Such rich colors!
    We could use some sun here. Wind chills have been down to -13 or so. Actually temps down to below 0 F. Today was around 20, with WChills around 16. Nicer, but now we are going to get between 4-8 inches of snow. We had about 4 inches yesterday. I can send some your way to cool you off. :) You can take as much coldness as you want to. Winter in Wisconsin...you never know what each day will bring! Not complaining, but it might be a long winter. I miss my plants, but I guess that is what makes them special. Hugs, Teresa

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    1. Teresa: It was a really, really special sunset.
      And you, like My Inner Chick, are more than welcome to some of our sun. It is nearly eight at night here - and it is still toooooo hot. sigh. I would love some of your snow. Really, really love it. And I am glad to hear that I am not the only one with dsylexic fingers on the keyboard.

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  30. It's been cool here for a couple of days, it should move over and you'll be cool for Christmas. Here we'll be having 34C on Christmas day, pooh! Still, that's better than 40C. I love the sunset photos, I can't get good ones where I am, I may have to venture further from home which means getting home again after dark. I love the bird and your Christmas stars, I didn't bother decorating this year, the tree and the ornaments are in the high cupboard and I need the tall ladder to get them down.

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    1. River: I have done very little decorating here too. The lights, cards (yours included) on display, and a potted plant. We are lucky and the glow of sunset (or dawn) frequently has me rushing outside.

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  31. The cockatoo of charm, what was his/her name? I like that he will have been viewed as an irascible male for so long and then you found out she was a grumpy mare instead hahaha. I really like them as birds go. I like all birds mind, but the personality of these just shines out. Budgies are the same, hubby had a budgie when he was a child and they were inseparable, they had their own language and he was such a character. The bird not hubby, that would happen later *falls about. Gorgeous skies, love them. Sending you cooling thoughts. x

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    1. All Consuming: The cockatoo was Hugo. Why my mother chose it I know not, but Hugo it was. And yes, some birds have a HEAP of personality. Or perhaps poisonality. Like some cats of my acquaintance.

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  32. Can I have your sun here in the UK please?

    Love your sunset shots, and that sky is amazing!

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    1. LL Cool Joe: You are welcome to our sun. Take as much of it as you like. Grumpy me is over it. It is just after six this morning and it is already warmer than I like.

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  33. Oh and I meant to say, I've joined in with Sunday Selections this week too.

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    1. LL Cool Joe: I saw you had joined in, and hope you will make it a habit. Great photos too.

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  34. I love the two sky/cloud photos the best! We've got plenty of "cold" here and I will share with you! Vern and I even got "flurried" on this morning! I love it!!

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    1. BECKY: Flurried on. Ooooh. Jealous thoughts. I am already wilting here.

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    2. EC, this comment of yours made me actually laugh out loud! Stopping by your blog is always one of the best things I do for myself! :)

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    3. BECKY: If I have made you laugh today, my work is done. And, as you know, I love visiting you too.

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  35. EC, thanks for stopping by and wishing us a Merry Christmas and my son a happy birthday.

    Be well, be happy :)

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    1. Bob Bushell: Thank you. It was a dramatic night.

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  37. Through my kitchen window I was watching my little butcher bird this morning feeding its young. The younger bird was as big as the parent bird...only difference was the colour. The baby's feather were still not the grey and black of the parent. They looked so cute together as they had their breakfast.

    I wish you and the Small Portion a wonderful, stress-free Christmas, EC. Enjoy whatever you're doing and relax while doing it. All the very best wishes from me and my two furry rascals. Hugs. :)

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    1. Lee: I do love the butcher birds. Enchanting little things. And so many birds have a strong sense of family don't they? Stronger and more supportive than we do, quite often.
      A wonderful stress free silly season to you and your furs too.

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  38. I love your selections today! Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays and a Very Happy New Year :)

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    1. DeniseinVA: And to you. I hope it is warm and filled with magic and love.

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  39. Suddenly it's 50 (41 degrees warmer than two weeks ago), and I thought that was warm. I can't imagine Christmas in a warm place, that's neat ;)

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    1. Riot Kitty: In quite a lot of Oz, Christmas will be over 100 degrees. We won't (I hope and trust) get that far, but it will be hot.

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  40. Cuckatoo.. is cool and love those dramatic clouds. Wonderful captures once again.

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    1. WildBlack: Thank you. From a photographer of your calibre that is nice to hear.

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  41. That sky is glorious! And the cockatoo seems like a wise soul. A hot Christmas there, sounds like.

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    1. Lynn: Cockatoos are intelligent - though you will notiice that another Australian blogger wondered what mischief was in the wind...

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  42. Splendid sky views and nice captures of the bird, looking beautiful..Merry Christmas EC..

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  43. Dreary and rainy here, but unsettlingly warm. We had the windows open the last two days. Everyone, especially the cats, enjoyed it, but one has to wonder WHY it's so warm in late December...

    Lovely, lovely pictures, as always. :)

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    1. Ms. CrankyPants: How is the cat stand-off going? Is there a truce yet? And, please send some of your rain...

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    2. Cat standoff is improving, thanks!! Squeaky the Cat is continuing to let everyone know she is the queen, but there is a LOT less unpleasantness.

      (Oh, and Squeaky and Capt. Nap are now on anti-anxiety meds; a blog post clearly is in order...)

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    3. Ms. CrankyPants: There is always a queen. One of ours used to lash out with a lightening fast foot, hook it into another cats ear, and then put her foot on the ground. The cat she caught had the choice of ripping their ear, or waiting until her ladyship decided to move. She was queen until her last breath. And a bit of a bitch with it.

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  44. Oh, I adore those sunrise pictures! Such radiance in contrast to our present rainy overcast. That I get your pretty pictures from the other side of the planet, and thereby from an opposite season, is one of the things I like best about your blog!

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    1. John Wiswell: You don't know how pleased I am that you do get something from my blog. Mind you, we are overcast today and I want it to rain. So much I want it to rain.

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  45. What beautiful shots! Hoping it cools off for you a bit.

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    1. ladyfi: Today is cooler. Yay. Tomorrow won't be too bad either, and then our temperatures are predicted to climb again.

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  46. El Blog de Boris Estebitan te desea una feliz Navidad, saludos cordiales, los mejores deseos para ti. Nice pics and Merry X-mas

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    1. Boris Estebitan: Thank you - and to you and yours.

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  47. Lovely paradise. The macaw seems dignified. As your temp. rises, ours drops. So glad you are having some summer. Merry Christmas!

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    1. Susan Kane: I would happily swap our temperatures. The cockatoos are dignified - except when they are supremely the opposite. Seeing them hanging upside down flapping their wings and washing their underarms in a rain storm is not dignified - but wonderful to see.

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  48. So nice to return here to your blog EC. Your photos always delight. That sunset! Wow. And, an indicator of hot days.
    Wish I could've sent you some of our chilly, misty mountain weather - the past few days have been cool and drizzly... much to hubby's disliking. He grizzled about not being able to take the road bike out on the (dangerously) slippery, mossy roads. And seeing as drivers lose their heads at this silly time of year, I'm glad he didn't take the risk.
    But, the heat is a'comin. It's warming up now.

    Love your big white cockie. Cheeky jaunty lad, or lass.
    I read that the only way to tell their sex is by their eyes - the females have red eyes. Typical! Haha!
    I had a host of nine of them lined up on our wooden fence last year, and was able to come very close to them as I handed them bread, so I had the chance to check out their eyes up close. It's true, the girls do have red eyes.

    All the very best for a peaceful Christmas and a healthy, happy New Year.
    Stay safe x

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    1. Vicki: I didn't know that female cockies had red eyes. I did know it about galahs. So I have learnt something - thank you.
      Stay safe and as cool as possible. More time with Jack, and less time working...

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  49. E C. You are a wonderful person, A very Happy Christmas to you.

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    1. Vest: Not so, but far otherwise. But thank you - and a happy Christmas to you and yours.

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  50. Lovely photos, as always, EC. Wishing you and SP a very good Christmas; don't try to do too much, just laze about and eat and drink cool things to beat the heat :)

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    1. jenny_o: A very low key day is planned. I have been cooking and preparing today, and tomorrow there is next to nothing which needs doing. Bliss.
      I hope that you and your family also have a wonderful day.

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  51. Aloha!

    Thanks for your kind comments and 50 States was a pleasure to do :)

    Merry Christmas to you and the family Down Under and long live your wonderful sunset pictures - I'm a firm believer in no sunset should ever be "wasted."

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    1. Mark Koopmans: Thank you so much. No sunset is ever wasted - or not in my world. Merry Christmas to you and yours.

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  52. Hey, Merry Christmas, Sue :)
    I bet the help lines run hot today!! I'm having a day alone, but my mind is good because simply - so very simply, I'm glad Daniel has gone off with his friend's family and is with them for the day. Some kind of yum cha tradition. Any tradition is good to be part of at Christmas :)

    Sincere best to you, Sue, & great being in touch this past year, cyber relations though it be. Weird, wonderful world!

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    1. wordsfallfrommyeyes: Merry Christmas to you too. I hope your day alone is blissful. Treat yourself.
      The phones will be running hot today - and tomorrow when I will be going in. A difficult time for many.
      Thank you so much for dropping in - and the best of wishes to you and Daniel.

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  53. Love the photos as always, belated Merry Chrissy to you xxxx

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    1. Jayne: Thank you. Christmas was blissfully quiet. Family celebrations later this week...

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  54. Nie tylko ptak jest piekny, ale niebo oświetlone słońcem również. Pozdrawiam.
    Not only the bird is beautiful, but the sky-lit sun as well. Yours.

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