Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Sunday 16 February 2014

Sunday Selections #159

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.

This week I am not really going with a theme, but putting up a few relatively recent photos which pleased me.

The garden has suffered badly this summer.  Not only has it been hot it has also been very, very dry.  We had less than 10 per cent of our usual rainfall in January.  However, yesterday we got some beautiful gently soaking rain.  By eleven we had more rain recorded than for all of the preceding month.  Bliss.  I am hoping that some of the things which have been crispified will drink deep and recover.

So just one garden photo - one of the begonias which reside on the front veranda.




OK, I lied.  Three of the begonias which decorate the veranda.

And some hot sunsets.


And a couple from a day made murky by smoke from bushfires.  Bushfires quite a distance away which still 'perfumed' the air and tainted the sky.



94 comments:

  1. So glad about the rain. Oh my, those begonias...... and the sunsets though the fires must be an ever present worry.

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    1. Gillie: The rain was blissful. We got a tiny bit more this morning too. You are right about the fires. It is some years since we have been under threat ourselves, but they are a worry every year. Someone loses their home or their life. Usually both humans and animals lose.

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  2. Wow, EC. I simply love the begonia pictures, especially the first one, and the sunsets, even if they're hot. We have had a fairly dry winter so far, but it seems to be catching up. I hope you can get a bit more rain. It seems it's all going to the UK. :-(

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    1. DJan: That begonia is a delight every year. As are the sunsets. And the rain when and if we get any.

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  3. I love that pretty ruffled two-toned begonia in the first picture. It reminds me of those frilly dresses that Shirley Temple used to wear, with lots of net petticoats under it. I've never had luck begonias - although I did get some to grow in hanging baskets (ones with tough, dark leaves with pointed tips and clusters of small pale-pink flowers). Yours look beautiful.

    And what stunning sunsets, even though it's a fire that is partly responsible for that beautiful palette of colours. I do envy you the sun - we haven't seen any sun for 2½ months and I've quite forgotten what it looks like.

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    1. Marie: It does look a little Shirley Templish - but I prefer the look on flowers to people.
      Our front veranda seems to be the perfect microclimate for begonias - so there are a LOT. Probably twenty or more.

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    2. Twenty or more? How marvellous! Could you perhaps take a photo showing the whole veranda?

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    3. River: On the next sunny day I will do that for you. Not all of them are in flower yet, but I love their leaves too.

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  4. I was laughing out loud as I'd scrolled to the--wait for it--third begonia. They are beautiful, I'm glad the rains came, hopefully not for just a minute.

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    1. Joanne Noragon: Begonias are such a rewarding plant. I love their foliage AND the flowers. And the rain was wonderful. Most of yesterday was damp. More needed, but a really good start.

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  5. Glad you got rain. Lovin' the sky shots.

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    1. dinahmow: I am glad that you enjoy them. I watch the skies every day. And probably should take more shots...

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  7. Unbelievably, the smoke from the Victorian bushfires reached the Gold Coast on Friday...the sky was full of haze which was purported to be from the southern fires. Quite amazing.

    We need rain, too...it's going to be very hot for the next few days...storms, including some hail have been predicted over the next few days, too. I'd just like to see a few days of soft, steady, soaking rain...nothing destructive.

    I hope all is well with you, EC...take care and take it easy. :)

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    1. Lee: It is incredible how far the smoke travells isn't it? Yesterday was almost perfect rain. Gentle and steady. And more would be welcome.

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  8. Skies are fantastic, and the flowers also.

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    1. Bob Bushell: Thank you. Birds next week I think...

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  9. The first two sunsets take my breath away with their stupendous color and beauty.

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    1. Practical Parsimony: I spend a lot of time watching the skies - and often do mad woman with camera dances as well.

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  10. So pretty. Makes me long for spring. Soon...32 days to be exact!

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    1. Birdie: Our autumn starts on the first of March (which is silly but nevermind). And I can't wait. Winter will be nice too.

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  11. I can safely drool over the beautiful photos of your sunsets without having to suffer through the heat they bring. :) Of course, I'll get mine back in about 3 months - soggy heat and hot rain. The begonias are beautiful.

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    1. River Fairchild: I don't envy you soggy heat and hot rain. Would you like cooling photos then? I have been loving the ones you have been sending me. They have helped. Really helped.

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  12. Oh I hope the bush fires are over and the soaking rain has guaranteed a respite from the hot dry summer ... as hot as you have been, we have been cold. The 8th coldest winter since they started recording ... and it isn't over yet. The weather is speaking of the abuse our Mother Earth has endured at our hands and we need to take heed, because it will only get worse if we don't. Your flowers are magnificent in spite of the heat ... guessing a green thumb had something to do with it. So glad you are back in full swing ... hope all is well with you and the SP. You two are long over due for some quiet enjoyable times ...

    Andrea @ From The Sol

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    1. Andrea: I agree that the world-wide extremes are almost certainly a result of our actions/inactions. And some weather moderation would be more than welcome.

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  13. It has been a long hot summer, I'm looking forward to winter and I don't say that too often.
    Merle..........

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    1. Merlesworld: I am really, really looking forward to winter. But I say that every year.

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  14. Hi Sue,

    Such extremes. You have had to put up with a long, hot and dry summer. We, in parts of Britain are now needing canoes to get along the roads. Thankfully, it is not flooded where I live. Yet, I wish I could send you some of our rain to ease your crispified flowers.

    Lovely photos and gorgeous sunset.

    Gary :)

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    1. klahanie: Hi Gary. You would have liked some of our heat, and we would have liked your rain. And we both would have been happy to share.
      I hope you get a bit of sunshine soon.

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  15. I hope you get your rain EG, and definitely for those bush fires. Your photos are gorgeous, love the flowers and the sunsets. Happy Sunday to you :)

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    1. DeniseinVA: Quite a lot of rain has fallen over the last few days. To the point where some areas have flooded. Which I think is MUCH better, though it can also be destructive, than the fires.

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  16. Your begonias have held up well, they're gorgeous. Incredible sunsets.

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    1. Karen: We seem to have found a spot that the begonias love. So they will stay there. And I will add to them.l

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  17. I LOVE the begonias. I was never able to grow them very well, my mum had the begonia touch, she had an angel wing begonia that climbed over half her back porch, grown from a three inch piece taken from my poor specimen.
    Wasn't the rain fabulous! Except for the traffic hold-ups...

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    1. River: My angel wing begonia isn't that large. Yet. I hope it keeps growing. I love the begonias and am very grateful that we discovered somewhere they are happy.

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  18. Those begonias are a sheer delight. I've never had much luck with them unfortunately. I second River's comment...a photo of all of them en masse.
    Sunsets are always so photogenic aren't they and clouds/smoke seem to make them even more so.
    RAIN!! How fortunate you are. In our neck of the woods nary a drop for over 3 months now and another very hot week on it's way for us. We are having a day's respite today (only 28ºC) and then hot, hot, hot yet again. I am so over this summer and they are saying next year in Perth it could be even hotter and drier. Doesn't bear thinking about.

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    1. Mimsie: I do hope you get some rain. Soon. And I hope that the weather boffins are exaggerating. Hotter and drier summers would be DREADFUL.

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  19. Amazing how nature produces flowers of such beauty and disasters that produce amazing sunsets.

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    1. Andrew: Both of those things never cease to amaze me. When Canberra had its disastrous fires some years ago the sky was something to behold. And marvel at. And cringe.

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  20. What a blessing rain can be when you really need it. I love begonias. They don't need much water but can easily die with too much.

    Your pictures are gorgeous, EC.

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    1. Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe: The begonias on our veranda don't get much water - and very little here is in any danger of overwatering. Though we have got MORE rain today. Which I love. Everything looks and smells cleaner and fresher.

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  21. Oh, how I envy you for not being where I am!

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    1. Snowbrush: Cold and grey days? I hope your health is improving even if the weather isn't.

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  22. Somehow the weather you have reminds me of your weather conditions here even though we have "winter" - or so we thought. Anyway, we are supposed to have more rain tonight and perhaps on Tuesday.
    Your begonias look lovely - I don't have any, but I love to look at them.

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    1. Carola Bartz: We are in no doubts that we are in summer. And I hope you get a little winter soon. I know you have been in drought, and hope that the rain is helping.
      I do love begonias, and love to look at ours -and other people's too.

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  23. Begonias, hot sunsets, beautiful skylines, what more can we ask?

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    1. Grannie Annie: In my case, rain. Which we got. Woo Hoo.

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  24. I hope the crispified blooming things drink deeply, too. Beautiful begonias and the sunset - just gorgeous.

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    1. Lynn: We got more rain yesterday. Bliss. So I am full of hope.

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  25. As much as I love the snow (and I truly do), I'm so thankful for your February posts each year. After weeks of such glaring and stark black and white landscapes, looking at your blooms soothes me. And knowing you were looking at these beauties, with their joyful colors and lovely smells, reminds me that the wheel turns, and our Spiring will be here soon. Thanks, EC. xo

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    1. Austan: How LOVELY to see you out and about in the blogosphere again. I have been loving looking at snow and ice images, and am very happy that the seasons will turn myself.

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  26. I once lived in a place where it rained twice a year, I will never take it for granted again. I've realized my soul needs lots of rain just as much as the earth does. To have rain after not having it in so long makes the world feel right and ripe again. Your photos are gorg as always.

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    1. Raquel Somatra: Rain makes everything look and smell better too. Love it. Living somewhere with rain only twice a year would make me feel bereft I think.

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  27. Ah, some lovely heat and color to warm up my very cold Minnesota morning! Thanks!

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    1. Lathleen Cassen Mickelson: It seems only fair. I have been revelling in the snow and ice images of others...

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  28. {Sigh) Beautiful flowers and spectacular views. Luckily we've just a dry weekend, the first one in aeons. Otherwise I would have topped myself off after seeing your pictures! :-)

    Greetings from London.

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    1. A Cuban in London: And we have had a wet weekend - which made my heart and soul sing.

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  29. Begonias and sunsets. You spoil me. Love them *smiles broadly

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    1. All Consuming: Broad smiles from here too. And we got some of your rain too. Which was WONDERFUL.

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  30. Sunset shots are amazing. Like God airbrushed the sky...

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    1. Alex J. Cavanaugh: Sunsets (or sunrises) are always a gift. Even for my unbelieving self.

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  31. I am sorry you are wilting, but those shots are gorgeous. I'll trade you, come to MN! :)

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  32. Those begonias are so pretty.
    And, always love your sky shots, EC :)

    We've had a fair share of smoke tinged skies for the past week. The small amount of rain we had yesterday damped the smoke down, thankfully.
    Glad you (and the garden) received a good dose of rain in your part of the world.

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    1. Vicki: We had some wonderful rain. And you should see the sunset it created last night. I will put up the photos later this week sometime.
      I hope that you too get some 'real' rain. Our drought hasn't been broken, but a good start has been made.

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  33. My begonias always end up dropping off. Am I doing it wrong or is that the nature of the beast.

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    1. lotta joy: If they are tuberous begonias it is in the nature of the beast, and they will come back next year. Scary when you aren't expecting it/ or certain though.

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  34. I'm so glad to hear you got some rain. I remember when we finally got rain after a long drought when I was a little girl, and we were all outside dancing around in it. I imagine you wanted to dance for joy when you finally got a little respite, too.

    Those sunset pics are gorgeous. Such colors! I love the first begonia, too, with its double-ruffled look.

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    1. Susan: Oh yes, dances were indeed the order of the day. Broken toe or not. We need more, but what we received was wonderful. And I am truly thankful.
      The strawberries and cream begonia is a star isn't it? The smaller portion likes the flame red ones best but I am not so sure.

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  35. Oh thanks for sharing these treasures!
    ALOHA from Honolulu
    Comfort Spiral

    =^..^= <3

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  36. So relieved to see you got some rain Soosie and loving your skies Hugs xo

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    1. farawayinthesunshine: The rain was so very welcome. It makes my heart sing. Some more would be nice too.

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  37. I could stare at the sunset photos all day. So gorgeous. Glad you got some much-needed rain. What crazy extremes we are having all over the world when it comes to weather.

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    1. Julie Flanders: Thank you. Dusk and dawn are often very beautiful here. A daily treat. The rain was a delight. Greedy me would like some more too.

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  38. Love the photographs. Glad to hear you're finally getting some rain. It's been a weird weather year all around it seems.

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    1. Jeff Hargett: Thank you. Global weirding is alive and well it seems.

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  39. I hope we can all get some sort of balance back soon, and you will get your rain and will will get a bit of sun - or at least a break in rainfall.
    The first begonia is especially pretty.

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    1. Relatively Retiring: Some weather moderation (world wide) would be more than welcome wouldn't it? I hope that you get some sun - soon.

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  40. It's been cold and ice and gray here
    so it warms my toes just thinking about bushfires (which are horrible, don't get me wrong) and flowers languishing in hot sun.
    Grateful for your gentle rain and much of it.
    Prayers that will have calmed the bushfires and nourished your lovelies.
    Thanks for sharing your world where you are,
    Jennifer

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    1. Jennifer Richardson: Thank you. I hope that the fires have been extinguished. And that the country side is too wet for more.

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  41. Those sunsets are amazing!

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  42. Dear EC, here in the States there's been no mention of the drought in Australia on the NBC news I watch. We've learned about Britain and the rains and flooding, but not about you. California is experiencing drought also and fires. I really don't see how anyone can deny the facts that are emerging about global warming--all these extremes of nature repeated year after year. Peace.

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    1. Dee: Quite a lot of Australia is often in drought. And we have had floods in some places too. As I have responded to others, some weather moderation would be very welcome. Though I would like some more rain first. We are not out of drought yet.
      The weather does seem to have been extreme world wide doesn't it? Scary stuff.

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  43. All of those are beautiful. And I agree w/the above comments that the extreme weather all around is indeed scary stuff. Another snow day for us in the mid-west (US). It's so bad, the kids are home from school.

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    1. mail4rosey: Scary stuff, scary times. And I am a firm believer that we have had a lot to do with it. And may have left it too late to fix it.

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  44. Our earth is tilting the weather on its side. What will happen next.

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  45. Hope the garden got sufficiently decrispified...

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    1. Ms. CrankyPants: A start was made, but more soggifying is required.

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