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? Gratitude.
Thank you one and all for your comments and messages of support. They have meant an immense amount to me.
Himself has reverted to type and his recovery is not smooth or without complications. There has been a trip to Intensive Care, and he now has fluid on the lungs. Not much fluid I am assured. But still. He is not breathing easily and even the slightest exertion makes him breathless. Just the same there are some signs of improvement and fortunately no date for his return home has been set. He has been sent home too early from other hospital trips and I don't want him home until the only direction he is going is up.
In the midst of the chaos, the worry, the fatigue there has also been beauty. For which I am thankful. Very thankful.
At home.
And in the sky.
Gorgeous, one and all.
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? Gratitude.
Thank you one and all for your comments and messages of support. They have meant an immense amount to me.
Himself has reverted to type and his recovery is not smooth or without complications. There has been a trip to Intensive Care, and he now has fluid on the lungs. Not much fluid I am assured. But still. He is not breathing easily and even the slightest exertion makes him breathless. Just the same there are some signs of improvement and fortunately no date for his return home has been set. He has been sent home too early from other hospital trips and I don't want him home until the only direction he is going is up.
In the midst of the chaos, the worry, the fatigue there has also been beauty. For which I am thankful. Very thankful.
At home.
 |
| Eastern Rosella |
 |
| Cockatoo |
 |
| Corella |
 |
| young Currawong |
Gorgeous, one and all.
I especially love the rosella. Hoping your smaller half keeps improving and that the fluid clears soon so breathing will be easier.
ReplyDeleteSue in Italia/In the Land of Cancer: Thank you. I hope he does improve today.
DeleteGlad to hear he's on the mend. I'd feel the same way - don't send him home if there's a chance he'll nosedive.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos. You have some amazing sunsets and sunrises there.
Alex J. Cavanaugh: I wish the hospital authorities felt as we do. And yes, we do get some magical skies.
DeleteWhen I had surgery, I could have stayed in hospital for one more day if I wanted without extra cost. I wish I had done so. Eastern rosellas are so bright, aren't they. The cockatoo with feathers raised around its beak must mean it is colder weather now.
ReplyDeleteAndrew: On one of his returns home he lasted less than four days and was in hospital for nearly a month on the return visit. I hope he stays till he is much, much better.
DeleteThe fluffed up cocky was with us on a cold AND windy day.
I am so glad you were able to post today and share news of SO's operation. And thankful the birds have not deserted you at this time when you need them. Big Hugs EC, take care x
ReplyDeleteCarolHasANewBlog: Thank you. Weekend buses are woeful. I will be heading into the hospital in a couple of hours. And yay for the birds.
DeleteThose are beautiful pictures. Sending positive thoughts your way for a full recovery for your 'smaller half'.
ReplyDeleteDelores: Thank you. Positive wishes are always welcome.
DeleteLet's hope this time the hospital keeps the Skinny One in until the time is right and not a moment before. You, too, need a break...time to yourself to enable you to catch your own breath. Don't push yourself over the limit, EC...rest as much as you can while you have an opportunity, as scant as it may be.
ReplyDeleteI've a few currawongs here who class around my cabin as home....they join the kookas, maggies and butcher birds...it's like a giant aviary here...one without a roof and walls!! All day long I'm being serenaded by one of the other!
Have as good a week as you possible can, EC. I hope all keeps going in the right direction for the Small Portion. My best thoughts and wishes to you both...and cuddles to the two Js. :)
Lee: I have, as you know, a fondness for the birds. All of them. This currawong frequently sits in that tree looking in. Or on the table on the back deck.
DeleteThank you - and cuddles to your furry overlords too.
Hope the Smaller Portion heals soon!!
ReplyDeletefishducky: Fingers, toes and eyes crossed.
DeleteI'm so glad they aren't booting SP out too early this time! Enjoy the beauty surrounding you and let it soothe your frazzled nerves. You are always in my thoughts. Hugs to you.
ReplyDeleteRiver Fairchild: So far, so good. I got a message early this morning which suggests he is not doing as well as I hoped. I trust the hospital sees it too. Hugs received and reciprocated.
DeleteNothing but the best wishes winging to your SP. Let's get this all over, shall we!
ReplyDeleteJoanne Noragon: Oh yes. Let's put it on the done and dusted pile. I am already over it. So over it.
DeleteLike an onion, you have to peel away each layer to reveal another. Thus, the first layer of your beloveds journey back to health has been exposed. Then comes the healing, then the smiles, then ... well, you get my drift.
ReplyDeleteMay this be over asap - for all concerned. Hang in there, EC. Hugs from across the ditch.
Wendy: Today we are in an unhealthy layer. I hope it gets peeled back quickly. Healing and smiles would be very, very welcome. Hugs gratefully received - and returned.
DeleteThose skies are to die for and I love all the different bird shots
ReplyDeleteMargaret Adamson: The birds and the sky both give me solace.
DeleteThose birds make me in love, they are beautiful EC.
ReplyDeleteBob Bushell: I love them too. All of them.
DeleteThinking of you both at this time. Least SP is in the right place, and hopefully for however long is necessary.
ReplyDeleteThe birds are beautiful. What a joy for you to have such a variety visiting your garden. And I do so love your sunrises. Wonderful colours.
CountryMum: He is in the right place. I hope he stays there for a bit yet too.
DeleteAnd we love our birds and the sky too.
delighted to see you post EC! As always your pictures are great. Stay strong, you are in my thoughts.
ReplyDeletemohave rat: Staying as strong as I can. Thanks for your thoughts.
DeleteGlad you are back. To find beauty in this world, that's a gift, EC. Thank you for sharing your cockatoos. I love them. And your sky. It is beautiful. I hope soon all will be over for the SP, and he is done with his surgeries and well again.
ReplyDeleteStrayer: There is a lot of beauty about. For which I am very, very grateful. I do hope this is soon over. I am over it - and he must be more so.
DeleteGlad to hear that SP is getting better and staying in hospital until it's time for him to come home. Any fluid in the lungs is not good and hopefully that will be cleared up before they send him home. Sending you lots of love and thoughts of wellness all the way round.
ReplyDeleteDJan: Today was not a good day. I think there is more fluid, and he is very far from well. I do hope the hospital keeps him. Love and wellness are so very much appreciated.
Deleteyes, what everybody else said above goes from me too, and yes birds are all fascinating - those puffed up feathers become as warm as 2 doonas, and the currawong yodel is a joy.
ReplyDeleteHospital politics cause them to push out patients too soon and all you have to do is say "Keep him till he is robust" so I wish you the strength to reject any outside decision which makes you fraught. also wishing you peace and calm.
Ann ODyne: Today I am tempted to simply not go in to collect him if they stick to their scheduled date of discharge. With no keys and no money he wouldn't get far. From which you might guess he is not good - and they are not altering his discharge date.
DeleteOh, dear. I guess we were all hoping for a better than expected outcome. Sending love.
ReplyDeleteBirdie: He doesn't like to do things (any thing) the easy way. Sigh.
DeleteIt is comforting to know that in so much uncertainty, there is so much beauty.
ReplyDeleteSusan Kane: There is indeed beauty. And uncertainty. And more than a little worry. Beauty is a balm though.
DeleteLove how vibrant the color of the first is. So majestic, they all are. And the sky is so stunning.
ReplyDeleteLux G: The Eastern Rosellas are incredibly bright. And beautiful. Always welcome. As is the sky.
DeleteYou're a strong, beautiful soul to still find such beauties. Keep faith.
ReplyDeleteRawknrobyn: Faith a bit wobbly tonight. I will find it again tomorrow.
DeleteBeautiful photos. I love the exotic birds you have in your area. But I like to see them from afar, up close they make me sneeze. . . Hope the family member who is sick gets better soon.
ReplyDeleteD.G. Hudson: I am not certain that you would get close enough to these stunners for you to sneeze - but am happy to share them in cyber space.
DeleteI hope he improves too. Rather a lot.
Had been hoping for an update on 'himself' and sorry to know things, as usual, are not going as smoothly as you would hope. At least this time I feel he is in a hospital where all may go somewhat better and they will keep him in until they feel he is well on the road to recovery. Please do give him our best wishes. Hope you are doing OK yourself.
ReplyDeleteAll things beautiful can help keep us on an even keel and you have certainly shared beauty with us today. I have never seen a currawong and what a fine looking bird it is.
Thanks so much for taking time out of your busy life to share an update and the lovely things as well. Hugs.
Mimsie: Today is a bad day, and I am down. He is very far from well again. Some day he will have a smooth recovery. Some day.
DeleteThat is not good for either of you. If only he had a stronger constitution that could stand up to the trauma of an operation without the complications. I can only hope, with you, that all will soon be well or at least much better than they are today. My positive thoughts we winging their way over the nullarbor to both of you. Keep strong and rest as much as you possibly can. What doesn't get done today will still be there tomorrow.
DeleteMimsie: Thank you. Fingers crossed that today is better - for both of us.
DeleteWishing you and SO a speedy recovery with no more complications and a hospital stay long enough for SO to be headed in the right direction.
ReplyDeleteYour photos are lovely.
Anne in the kitchen: Welcome and thank you. I really, really hope things turn around. Soon.
DeleteI hope they keep him in the hospital until he is well enough to go home. They sure don't like to keep people in hospital long enough anymore. I work in one and see this all the time. Mostly it is due to insurance. Funny how the insurance companies can dictate these things,
ReplyDeleteAs always your birds just amaze me! Plus add in the sunrise/sunset pictures to wow me some more!
Teresa: I am glad that you enjoy our birds. Sometimes I worry that I post them too often.
DeleteSad to know that hospitals the world over evict their patients too quickly. Money. Sigh.
The birds are so pretty and I love that second sunset photo.
ReplyDeleteI hope the hospital keeps him in until he is well on the way to recovery, perhaps they have learned a lesson by now about sending him home too soon? I'm pretty sure at least they won't let him go while there is fluid in the lungs. Fingers crossed eh?
I meant to email you yesterday, but I woke up grumpy and had one of my rare bad-tempered days.
River: I hope you are over your grumpy day. A bad night?
DeleteHe is really not well today so I hope you are right about them keeping him until the fluid is gone. He is not being given food yet either...
I like birds. Your collection is simply amazing.
ReplyDeletedumcho wangi: I am glad. I too love our birds. All of them.
DeleteYour twin trees seem a reassuring message from a wise and very caring place. My heart flies to you when I reflect on how I would feel under the weight you are carrying. Please take care! Say, the currawong is splendid. Chinese?
ReplyDeleteALOHA from Honolulu,
ComfortSpiral
=^..^=
Cloudia: The currawong is one of our own. They have a glorious call - and I have sent you an email with a link to it. I am bent - but not broken.
DeleteFingers crossed for Himself, so glad you've seen all the beauty around you, the first bird is particularly lively.
ReplyDeleteLinda Starr: We don't see the Eastern Rosellas every day, but welcome them anytime we do. Such a vibrant splash. And they do like apple.
DeleteBig hugs, EC!
ReplyDeleteCarol: Thank you. Lots.
DeleteThe birds are indeed balm for the soul. Thanks for sharing them, as always. And the beautiful skies too.
ReplyDeleteI hope with all my heart the @#$% hospital doesn't try to throw him out until he actually is recovering. It's all such a nightmare… you're in my thoughts. A lot.
Paper Chipmunk (aka Ellen): It is indeed a nightmare. Our version of Groundhog Day. Sigh. And rather a lot of expletives.
DeleteI never tire of the birds, or anything else you choose to photograph. Sending you gentle hugs and a dose of my giddy silliness for a wee lift. I hope things turn around for his Skinny Highness quickly, and that his poor wee body heals well. And that the hospital has the sense to keep him there until he actually is well enough to return home.
ReplyDeleteJacquelineand...: Giddy silliness is more than welcome. Thank you.
DeleteI send you good, positive thoughts that your other half will have a quick recovery. If I could send you the bluebird of happiness, I would. Take care of yourself also.
ReplyDeleteStarting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe: Thank you. I am hoping that he (and therefore I) have a much better day today.
DeleteIn the midst of darkness...
ReplyDeletethere is "YOU."
--you inspire me.
Hugs from MN. xxoo
My Inner Chick: Inspirational? Pot calling the kettle black my sweet. You change lives. I muddle along.
Deletei love your birds, and sunsets, and most especially the news that things are good for you and himself is improving, albit slowly, but slow is good. hugs.
ReplyDeleteThings Are Looking U.P: I would really like his improvement to be not so much quicker (though that would be nice) but consistently in the one direction. The birds and the skies help though. Also the cats (when they don't hinder).
DeleteWishing you and yours much improvement in the coming days. I'm glad that you have this beauty around you to keep that positive balance. Take care EC!
ReplyDeleteWhisper Mist: Thank you. I am v grateful for that beauty too.
DeleteAs I've been telling you through our emails, YOU are the one I worry about and you need to be in a state of mental, emotional, and physical strength right now as much as his skinniness. Actually, more so, since you have many weeks of being the caregiver ahead.
ReplyDeletelotta joy: I think, I hope, I can be as strong as I need to be. I had a meltdown when I got home yesterday, but it is a new day (nearly 5 am) and I am ready to go again.
DeleteSuch beautiful birds! I needed beauty. Here, another day of squeeze between chilly, damp ground and gray, leaden skies!
ReplyDeleteBookie: I am a beauty addict. I always need it. I always find it. Somewhere.
DeleteI never get tired of your skies! Doesn't hurt that lately ours have been murky grey, fading colorlessly to black. But even on colorful weeks, I love your shots, EC.
ReplyDeleteJohn Wiswell: I never tire of the sky either. In all of its moods. We have had grey days recently too - but the sunsets are often more dramatic (or moodily beautiful) on those days. And I am glad that you are not bored with my obsessions.
DeleteHow wonderful it is to come to your blog and see all your beautiful photos. What beautiful birds!
ReplyDeletetotallycaroline: They are. We are very, very lucky.
DeleteO dear, as you may know I’ve been away from the net for weeks and now I come back I find you have been in the wars, even if only through your other half.
ReplyDeleteHope all goes well for both of you. Best of luck.
Friko: Thank you. This has all the signs of being our very own Groundhog Day. Some day we will break the cycle.
DeleteI know how hard it is to care for an unwell one, especially when it is your him. Hims are harder:/ Hope. Sending bright hope on wings. May everything be wrapped in healing love and light,
ReplyDeleteJennifer
Jennifer Richardson: He is difficult, but I am not better. Healing love and light sounds wonderful. Thank you.
Deletethinking of you
ReplyDeletexo
kylie: Thank you so much.
DeleteGlad to hear there is some improvement...still keeping you close...and those beautiful pictures are incredible.
ReplyDeleteDonna@LivingFromHappiness: The beauty around me keeps me sane(ish).
DeleteGratitude is something I feel today also, EC, although for a different reason. My father entered hospital last weekend with a difficult pneumonia. He is elderly and has COPD, so pneumonia develops often and quickly, but this one was severe. He turned a corner yesterday, though. I hope your SP turns a corner for the better soon, too. The waiting and watching takes a toll on the ones who are on the sidelines. As another commenter said, do try your best to rest while he is in the care of others, although I know that is hard to do. And taking two buses there and home does not make things easier, does it ... I am thinking of both of you, and hoping things improve soon.
ReplyDeletejenny_o: I am glad your father turned a corner - and hope he doesn't look back. The skinny one is marginally better today. And I hope this is a trend he adopts.
DeleteAt the moment it is all about him. I rest when I can. And will have my very own nervous breakdown when this is over.
So sorry to read of the medical troubles. Thinking of you both.
ReplyDeletelibrarygirl: You and yours have had more than your share of medical mayhem too. Thank you.
DeleteI hope he improves every day - I've been thinking about you. Wish I could come by and bring you a casserole!
ReplyDeleteLovely birds and sky. I like that you put an apple out for them to eat. :)
Lynn: Green apples (and for some reason they MUCH prefer green) are a staple on our shopping list. I think we get as much from it as they do. More perhaps.
Deleteohhhh...ahhh
ReplyDeleteAuthor R. Mac Wheeler: Which is pretty much what we say.
DeleteOh my . . . I hope he'll have a complete recovery soon, for my heart truly goes out to him.
ReplyDeleteLon Anderson: Thank you. We hope so too.
DeleteDear EC:
ReplyDeleteI am in Seville, which is a very beautiful city, but your post reminds me that beauty comes in many guises, including sunsets and stunning birds. I hope that they continue to bring you some solace at least, in the midst of your worries.
Arohanui.
Alexia: Thank you for dropping in while you are away. I hope your trip is a treat from beginning to end. And yes, there is beauty everywhere. Which is wonderful.
DeleteMy heart is with you and your skinny one. I know it's so hard to be the caregiver. Take care of yourself as much as possible. I just read your previous post, didn't comment. Am glad your sister is safe. Thank you so much for still posting the beauty in your life here. Will be thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteMyrna R.: Thank you.
DeleteWhat lovely beauty midst all the worry. Sending Himself healing thoughts!
ReplyDeleteladyfi: Healing thoughts gratefully received. I hope they land. Still doing it tough, but tiny improvements are happening. Just not consistently.
DeleteI am sorry to hear about the fluid in his lungs and that the recovery is so far going the way you had expected. I hope being back at the hospital will put him back on the right track and his health will start to improve!
ReplyDeleteGlad you are able to find beauty in the trees and in the skies during this time. Gorgeous pictures.
Sending healing thoughts and wishes. :) Good luck to you too!
~Jess
DMS ~ Jess: Still in hospital, still having difficulties breathing but he is being taken seriously now. Fingers and toes crossed. Thank you for your healing thoughts and wishes.
DeleteSo glad that you have a little time to enjoy the beauty. My thoughts are with you both.
ReplyDeleteKaren: Thank you. It will be a few more days before he is home again.
DeleteStill sending you good thoughts (and something perverse is on its way in the mail.)
ReplyDeleteRiot Kitty: Something perverse? Oooh. I am looking forward to that.
Deleteshiny black fur- so inviting to the touch
ReplyDeletezannierose A-Z
http://shamanism.webs.com/apps/blog/entries/show/43207905-w-wren
Zannie Shaman: They are inviting to the touch. And satisifying. With a touch of danger.
DeleteI hope that you are visited by lots of birds and beautiful sunsets while you wait for your man to be well enough to return home. Sending love and birds to you both.
ReplyDeleteKim: Love and birds gratefully received. He is still in hospital. Today perhaps he will be released on parole. Perhaps.
DeleteBest wishes to your husband - if he's still at the hospital - and welcome home, if he is indeed, at home after the appropriate time.
ReplyDeleteThat blue bird, the young Currawong (I am soooo lazy to check my spelling!!) has a bit of a look on him... remind me not to get on the bad side of that fellow :)
Mark Koopmans: Still in hospital. He is (finally) getting better though. Today or perhaps tomorrow.
DeleteAnd the currawong does have an impressive beak. I have never seen them use it on people though. Other birds yes. And insects. And meat begged, or stolen...
I'm sorry I haven't stopped by earlier. I'm sending some positive best wishes good karma vibes your way! Pictures are again beautiful. I loved the Corella.
ReplyDeleteYou can find me here:
ClarabelleRant
Clarabelle Rant: Not a problem. You have been busy, and I have been visiting almost no-one. We love the corellas too.
DeleteWe nearly saw the sunset today but like the last few weeks just incessant rain plus. the grass has grown about six inches in the past three weeks.
ReplyDeleteI now have two days to myself, from 8-30 to 2-30 , things get done without interruption while rosemary is out on her day trips with other likened persons. unfortunately she rarely remembers her involvements during the day ' so I am none the wiser what prevails during these trips .
Vest: What happens on the day, stays on the day. It is good that you are getting a break, and I hope that Rosemary enjoys her outings - even if she can't tell you what she did. I am sure that someone would tell you if there was anything you need to know.
DeleteTaking care of the body is not always easy, and watching the beauty in nature does help. This week I had to take my husband to 3 doctors and tomorrow he has another procedure – it never ceases it seems. All the spring flowers and the new little birds bring relief. I hope your husband keeps improving.
ReplyDeleteVagabonde: The never-ending, Groundhog Dayishness is challenging isn't it? I hope your husband's procedure/visits go well - and that you find solace where you can.
Delete