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. Clicking on any of the photos will make them embiggen.
Like River I usually run with a theme. This week? Lazy again. I am returning to my old obsessions; birds, the sky and the garden.
Then the sky - a sunset this time.
And a hoya which lives on our front veranda. We picked it up (very cheaply) at a market a few yearss ago because the seller said she was tired of waiting for it to bloom. She would be sorry she gave it up now. It has been flowering for a few years now, and we get more blooms each year.
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. Clicking on any of the photos will make them embiggen.
Like River I usually run with a theme. This week? Lazy again. I am returning to my old obsessions; birds, the sky and the garden.
Then the sky - a sunset this time.
And a hoya which lives on our front veranda. We picked it up (very cheaply) at a market a few yearss ago because the seller said she was tired of waiting for it to bloom. She would be sorry she gave it up now. It has been flowering for a few years now, and we get more blooms each year.
These beautiful birds are amazing. Loved your Sunday Selections as always EC. Beautiful flower and sky also. Happy New Year :)
ReplyDeleteDeniseinVA: Thank you. I do love our birds. And our sky. And the garden.
DeleteBeautiful! Birds, sunsets and Hoya. I am hoping that my hoya blooms someday. I have a verigated one. But I heard that they take awhile to start blooming. So I am practicing patiences with this plant. lol. We just noticed that our Christmas cactus (after a couple of years) has alot of buds today. YEAH! You can show me all the birds, flowers, sunset/rises you want. You live such a beautiful place. Full of color.
ReplyDeleteTeresa: Hoyas like to be pot bound as well. Ours is in a tiny pot. Yay for your Chrismas cactus - a bit late, but definitely better late than never.
DeleteI also love your beautiful birds. The sunset, too! All of it brings a smile to my face. :-)
ReplyDeleteDJan: I am always happy to give you smiles.
DeleteSo nice to see beautiful colours at this time of year.
ReplyDeleteDelores: In the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence mode I love to see the monochromatic elegance on your sight of the world.
DeleteA multitude of nice things, I love it EC.
ReplyDeleteBob Bushell: Thank you so much. I do too.
DeleteWhen I used to have lots of indoor plants, I had a variegated hoya carnosa. Beautiful flowers. At my new house, I won't have squirrels to wreck my bird feeders and hope to have some pretties of my own (but not nearly as impressive as your parrots and gulahs)
ReplyDeleteSue in Italia/In the Land of Cancer: I am certain that you will see some birds which have me oohing and ahhing in wonder (and a touch of jealousy).
DeleteWhat a beautiful sunset. Lovely blooms, too. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteTerri Buster: Thank you - and a wonderful weekend to you too.
DeleteAll lovely, but I really like the dynamism of No. 3 and those tucked in feet. An unusual view.
ReplyDeleteAndrew MacLaren-Scott: A dangerous view too, given their lack of continence.
DeleteIt has been poised like that for too long now. It's making me nervous...
DeleteAndrew Maclaren-Scott: The wonders of 'freeze-frame'. It has moved now, so you can let your nerves rest.
DeleteGorgeous. On all counts.
ReplyDeleteWendy: Thank you. Lots.
DeleteYou have such beautiful birds in Oz!!
ReplyDeletefishducky: There are beautiful birds the world over. Some of yours make me drool.
DeleteBeautiful birds, intriguing plant. Great shots :)
ReplyDeleteAuthor R. Mac Wheeler: Thank you. We are very lucky with the birds that visit. Very, very lucky.
Deleteoh you live in a paradise of course I think you probably created much of that paradise with all of your plantings but still it is a paradise, love the birds in the third photo down
ReplyDeleteLinda Starr: There are rather a lot of metaphorical snakes in this paradise. And bugs and weeds. Heaps of weeds. But lots of beauty too. I have a huge soft spot for corellas - from any angle.
DeleteYou're allowed to be lazy over the Christmas break, EC...that's why it's called a "break"! ;)
ReplyDeleteI hope you managed to get the pest exterminators in.....*cough* Sorry...I've got a tickle in my throat!
May 2105 treat you and The Skinny One well....with loads of kindness, and a bundle or two of prosperity thrown in for good measure. Happy New Year to your two furry mates from my two furry mates, as well. Take good care. :)
Lee: Pest extermination accomplished. And the house is much quieter as a result.
DeleteI hope that 2015 is as kind to you as you are to the furry tyrants.
A Sri Lankan born friend overheard someone talking about feeding banana skins to a hoya, and he was intrigued at what sort of creature this hoya was.
ReplyDeleteAndrew: A brilliant story. And now you have me wondering whether this hoya would benefit from a banana skin or two...
DeleteLOL I used to put banana skins into the soil at the base of my roses - of course they never stayed beneath the soil and were often seen 'peeping out' on the surface.
DeleteOne 8yr old grandaughter was heard remarking to her mother - did you know Grandma has a new way of growing bananas?
Yes I know us G/mas are really clever aren't we :)
Happy New Year to you and your skinny one
Cathy
Cathy: I love the cleverness of G/mas. I have planted banana skins at the base of my roses too. And might do so with the tired ones in the kitchen. Happy New Year to you and yours.
DeleteHow lovely ! Is the white bird a cockatoo by chance .. it's crest is a wee bit different which makes me not quite sure. Always a treat to stop in and view the beauty and splendor which surrounds you :) Happy New Year to you and yours !
ReplyDeleteWhisper Mist: Well spotted. These white birds are corellas. Their crests (and those of the pink and grey galahs) are smaller and without the plume of different colours which the cockatoos have. All of them put up their crests to express interest or alarm, and the cockatoos crest goes up each time they land as well.
DeleteAnd a very Happy New Year to you and yours as well.
A hoya! I haven't seen one of those for many years. My mother had one which wound around the tops of the window frames in the sunroom in her cottage; it flowered profusely every year.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful birds, and skies, EC. And I don't really think that the word 'lazy' is part of your make-up. You're allowed to take it easy now and then!
Alexia: Oh I am often decidedly lazy. And shortly am going out to do a little much needed weeding (which wouldn't be necessary if I had less lazy moments/days/weeks).
DeleteHoyas seem to be another of the plants which are not fashionable at the moment. And fashion in the garden is something which I manage no better than fashion in my clothing.
They look great. I especially like the sunsets!
ReplyDeleteOn another note, it was my Mum's birthday recently. I bought her a biography of Ivan Milat - the man who killed backpackers in outback Australia. She said she loved those kind of books, the more gory or disturbing the better. And then I read your post about that book Tiger Tiger and I thought "Well that's perfect..." I'll let you know what she thinks of it!
Michael D'Agostino: I will be interested to hear what she thinks of Tiger, Tiger. If she also reads novels she might like Heart Sick by Chelsea Cain.
DeleteWe must have a hoya from the same sprout. It has occupied the same place in a southwest window for years, and blooms profusely. If moved one inch it stops blooming.
ReplyDeleteJoanne Noragon: Fussy beast aren't they? I have begonias which operate like that. They flower profusely - until they are moved. Sigh.
DeleteSuch lovely things for the holidays....the white reminds me here of snow...When Christmas and then New Year's is over, I put out white tulips or other white silk flowers...white is snowy, restful from color, and wintery until we can jump into spring here!
ReplyDeleteBookie: Your winters fascinate me. I think the monochromatic season is very, very elegant. And makes Spring even more exciting.
DeleteI love to see the birds flying free as they should be. Sadly, where I live they are kept in cages and considered to be exotic.
ReplyDeleteditchingthedog: Birds are caged here too, but I much, much prefer them flying free.
DeleteYou are indeed wonderfully obsessed ... and rightly so. If I had those beautiful birds flying around in my yard, I would wear my camera down to a nub. And every sunset is a work of art ... no two alike, but every one a masterpiece. I have to say that the lady in the market would probably still be waiting for blooms on the Hoya ... truth is, it is your magic touch that brings the best out in your garden. So it is a pleasure to come observe your obsessions, EC ... any and every time :)
ReplyDeleteAndrea @ From The Sol
Andrea Priebe: You will give me a swollen head. The birds are a never-ending joy - and change so often. We spend a LOT of time watching them, and none of it is wasted time.
DeleteSadly, there are plants I cannot grow. At all. So guiltily I have stopped trying.
Ahhh, your sky shots are always a sight for sore eyes, EC.
ReplyDeleteAnd, I particularly like the third shot of the birds in flight - it's awesome. Great capture!
Wishing you and SP a good week to come...
Oh, and funnily enough, I fell in love with the Christmas book tree in your last post - and what do I find in a wonderful cottage cafe on the mountain this weekend? A book tree!!
I have taken photos and will post about this cute "book cafe" very soon...
Vicki: I really look forward to seeing your post about the 'book cafe'. Such a clever idea.
DeleteThe corellas in flight was a lucky capture - but I liked it.
Lovely birds, and that hoya is beautiful! I love seeing the things you grow down there :)
ReplyDeletemshatch: I love looking at gardens and birds the world over. The blogosphere is good to me. Very good.
DeleteWho's a pretty boy, then?
ReplyDeleteThe hoya takes me straight back to my grandmother's back verandah.
J Cosmo Newbery: Are you trying to date me? Or just telling me that your grandmother was a woman of taste and discernment?
DeleteLove the birds, especially the two corellas in flight and sunsets are always worth seeing. I have a hoya that has been in the same hanging basket for about 40 years and it flowers every year. It is truly pot bound but then I believe they enjoy that. Mine really needs pruning but as they flower on the old wood I'm reluctant to tidy it up. I think the hoya flowers are truly fascinating.
ReplyDeleteMimsie: I am certain our hoya is pot bound as well, and I won't be shifting it to a larger pot anytime soon. There are a few dead branches I will remove - and apart from that I will leave it to its own devices. There are more flowers yet to come, and I am delighting in them.
DeleteLove the hoya!! Sorry I gave mine away now. (just before I moved here I gave away so many potplants) Did you know they flower best when potbound? I like the fanned tail and spread wings on the corellas, and that cheeky galah. mmm, sunsets, finally the glare goes away.
ReplyDeleteRiver: There is a lot I don't know, so never feel bad about telling me things. And yes, the beauty when the sun (and glare) goes away is wonderful.
DeleteI really should read the other comments first. Of course you know that hoyas like to be potbound. Many people here bury their pot in the garden so the hoya can grow along their fence.
ReplyDeleteRiver: I like the idea of burying the pot in the ground and letting the hoya run - but it would be too cold. On the veranda this one is (mostly) safe from frost, but has been burnt back when we have had a particularly vicious one. In the ground I don't think it would survive the first winter. Which is a shame.
DeleteYour beautiful photos are always welcome! I never tire of either your sunset/sunrise shots or the awesome birds and plants in your garden. Thank you for continuing to share them with us. :)
ReplyDeleteRiver Fairchild: Thank you so much. I worry that I am boring people to sobs with photo after photo of my obsessions.
DeleteThe white bird is amazing,
ReplyDeleteAlex J. Cavanaugh: The corellas are cheeky charmers. Regular visitors, always welcome. It isn't quite dawn here yet, but they will be here at first light.
DeleteDear, Sue,
ReplyDeletethank you for reminding me about sun & flowers & heavenly birds in the midst of winter. xxxx
My Inner Chick: It is my pleasure. And as we swelter in the summer melt down I love knowing that somewhere in the world is crisp, clean - and not sweaty. Hugs.
DeleteSuch colorful, diverse photos. I love them all!
ReplyDeleteStephanie Faris: Thank you so much.
DeleteOh, wow - that third shot of birds in flight! How wonderful! And the pink and grey bird is beautiful.
ReplyDeletejenny_o: A better photographer than I am would agonise over the clipped wings - but I love the movement. The pink and grey birds are galahs - and many of our dawns are galah coloured. Which I love.
DeleteLiving where you do would be totally worth it for the birds alone. Such "oddities" to me. Their beauty is unbelievable.
ReplyDeletelotta joy: We get six or seven species of native birds visit each and every day. And sometimes more. Which is magical. And a big time user...
DeleteI have never seen that flower but how gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteRiot Kitty: Not fashionable at the moment. There are lots of different varieties, many of which has fascinating foliage as well.
DeleteThe hoya looks beautiful! The sunset pictures are stunning. I am always amazed at the millions of different ways light can create patterns during sunsets. :) Love the bird picts too! :)
ReplyDelete~Jess
DMS - Jess: Thank you. I am always amazed at the sky - so much beauty, changing by the minute. And am addicted to our birds.
DeleteWow - I love the birds, so exotic (to me) - and the hoya! What an amazing flower!
ReplyDeleteDawn@Lighten Up!: We love our birds too, though you get birds I envy as well.
DeleteThat's a softer sky than I usually get from your photos. It's a different warmth, and very welcome. I've missed visiting your Sunday Selections!
ReplyDeleteJohn Wiswell: Nice to see you out and about in the blogosphere again. I hope 2015 is much, much better on the health front for you.
DeleteThe second bird photo, I like it, the symmetry or something, of the branch, the white bird, the blue sky.
ReplyDeleteStrayer: That tree has suffered because of the birds - but makes a perfect perch for them to survey the scene. And a pretty good one to photograph them as well.
DeleteSuch gorgeous bird shots.
ReplyDeleteladyfi: They are beautiful birds. And welcome visitors.
DeleteLove the golah, mainly because It is so Australian. Thanks for visiting my blog and posting a comment.
ReplyDeleteFun60: I was very grateful to Andrew for sending me to your blog. LOVED those lights. The galahs visit us each day - and we love them too.
DeleteThat 3rd bird photo is awesome! And sky shots are some of my most favorite photos of all time. The sky is something I can always look at and never cease to be amazed by its simple beauty.
ReplyDeleteFun series, and the rules of the game are so easy. I might try and join one of these Sundays. =0)
2justByou: It is a fun meme, and the more the merrier. I am sure that River would be as pleased as I am if you do join us some Sunday. Or Sundays.
DeleteEach of these photos of yours gives me something; but the one with the 2 birds (1 in flight above) should be entered or submitted or otherwise shared on a bigger stage. Wondrous!
ReplyDeleteALOHA from Honolulu
ComfortSpiral
<3
Cloudia: Thank you - the jockeying for position never ceases to fill me with awe, with wonder, with gratitude.
DeleteBeautiful birdies as ever, and when I saw today's sunset, I thought of you, looking at yours over there and smiled. I know not the hoya flowers, they're cute, is it a big bush? (as the bishop said to the actress).
ReplyDeleteAll Consuming: Hoyas are mostly vines or creepers and ours grows up and over a trellis in a very small pot. I have seen them get large, but I have more often seen teeny ones.
DeleteI loved your sunset. And that you braved the cold to see it.
Love the birds! I'm down in the Royal National Park just now, lots of cockatoos, Lorrikeets, channel-billed cuckoos all screeching in unison/dischord. Such personalities... I have Hoyas that are over 30 years old and I'm thrilled every time they flower. And the skies - just gorgeous. Happy New Year, EC and SP, and lots of good health included.
ReplyDeleteCarol: Aren't the National Parks a treat. All of them. So few of our native birds are precisely musical, but a joy just the same.
DeleteI hope to keep this Hoya going for over thirty years, and may look at getting some more. Happy New Year to you and yours as well. And a good growing season...
Thank you for blooming so beautiful and sharing the blossoms:)
ReplyDeleteYour skies and birds and flowers, all wrapped in warmth, are such
a comfort to these thirsty eyes......much joy and love to you:)
-Jennifer
Jennifer Richardson: I love your poetic and expressive soul. And am very glad to bring comfort to your tired eyes.
DeleteI've missed your lovely posts. Glad to be back viewing the birds, sky and flowers that you so generously share.
ReplyDeleteI've been gone from blogging for a while. My muse was in a coma anyway, but then my son-in-law was injured, needed surgery and I went to help out my daughter take care of him and the kids. I now know the true meaning of exhaustion. Hope you had a happy holiday and may the New Year bring you tons of good health, happiness, joy, abundance, peace and all good things.
Myrna R.: Aaaargh. I hope your life returns to a more even keel. Soon. And please, take some time for yourself. Time to nurture and cherish yourself.
DeleteI hope your new year is full to the brim with love and laughter.
That third photo is just amazing - with the details and shadows of the wings. Are you a professional photographer? You could easily be one, if not.
ReplyDeleteHave a great New Year's, EC.
Rawknrobyn.: Not a professional photographer's bootlace. A happy snapper with a good point and shoot.
DeleteAnd a very, very happy New Year to you too.
Always enjoy your photos, they're beautiful. Wanted to wish you a very Happy New Year! May 2015 be a year of good health, happiness and prosperity for you.
ReplyDeleteMason Canyon: Thank you - and the same to you and yours. 2015 is warm (too warm) but quiet and peaceful so far.
DeleteThe sunset is so gorgeous and peaceful. And the blooms on the hoya look like sugar cookies!
ReplyDeleteLynn: They do look like sugar decorations don't they? And there are more coming out each day.
DeleteHappy New Year, my friend!
ReplyDeleteLynn: And a very, very Happy New Year to you as well.
DeleteBeautiful! Wishing you all the best for 2015!
ReplyDeleteRomance Reader: Thank you - and to you and yours.
DeleteDeleted first post because of a spelling mistake! love the smell of hoya; I had one many years ago and the smell is very nostalgic for me. Here in NZ they are an indoor plant only. And that third photo is a beauty.
ReplyDeletelynners: I don't think the hoya would survive in the garden but it is (mostly) happy on the veranda. Every so often a few leaves are burnt in a hard frost. And yes, they do have a distinctive smell.
DeleteLovely birds and flowers EC. Galahs are one of my faves. I had one as a pet when I lived in Oz (rescued bird). A dreamy sunset. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteKaren: Galahs are birds of immense charm aren't they? I am not as fond of the fledglings though, I don't think I have heard anything complain quite as consistently. The time we saw an adult rap one firmly on the head (which brought about blessed peace) we cheered.
Deleteit's always great to visit you EC, i never know what to expect. today's post was just what i needed, though after reading about your stunning cakes i've realised how hungry i am and will head straight to the fridge after posting this comment. wishing you a wonderful 2015 full of happiness and birdsong.
ReplyDeleteKim: I wonder whether your fridge is as full as ours at the moment? I am still revelling in fruit salad. Big, big bowls of fruit salad. I had my first piece of cake this morning too.
DeleteI hope that 2015 is filled with co-operative birds (and magic) for you.
We are all blessed by your obsessions of birds, sky and garden. Happy 2015!!
ReplyDeleteGrannie Annie: Happy (and healthy 2015 to you too). And thank you for your kind words about my obsessions.
Deleteour fridge is pretty empty after being scoured by hungry children and dogs, and our fruit is looking past its use by date, i'm glad your grub is faring better!
ReplyDeletekim: I have been topping up the fruit salad, and other salads too. The meat eaters would get slim pickings from the fridge at the moment though (but are away).
DeleteYou have no idea how lucky you are to be surrounded by such lush and colors. I would send you a picture of what I see outside my window right now, but I don't want to depress everyone, haha! (Hint: I live in Canada, and it's January)
ReplyDeleteHappinessSavouredHot: Welcome - and thank you. Just at the moment I would welcome some of your blessed cool - not only the grass but the weather is greener on the other side of the fence...
DeleteThe photographs of the sky, birds, and flowers are what I love best. You live in paradise! Hope you had a wonderful holiday.
ReplyDeleteRaquel Somatra: Thank you. More sky, birds and plants tomorrow.
DeleteHi Sue,
ReplyDeleteHere I am, dreadfully late in the proceedings, as per usual. My best excuse is that I desperately need a new computer. This one's slower than a parked car.
I always end up with a visual delight when I cast my eyes upon your wondrous photos. I love how you embrace the magic of the great outdoors.
A peaceful, positive 2015 to you and your loved ones, dear Sue.
Gary
klahanie: Dear Gary, you are never too late. And yes, a peaceful positive year sound magical. I hope you find it too.
DeleteIcing-flower!! That's what I used to call the last one, when I was a child. It looks as though it's made of icing-sugar. I always want to eat it.
ReplyDeleteGuyana-Gyal: You are right. And I can see the most expensive, exclusive wedding cake decorated with them...
Delete