Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Sunday 11 October 2015

Sunday Selections #245

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, and probably while the skinny one is on holidays I am going to run with a 'home and away' theme.  My photos from home, and the ones he shares with me from away.  Iran again this week, though he is heading to Russia sometime next week.


Starting with home.  And staying in the garden.


I adore this blossom tree, and wait for it every year.



One of many freesias.







Love these 'different daisies'.  I have planted a pink one too.





A different type of grevillea


Looking up the garden towards the back deck and door.



We had some rain (and hail) on Friday - and the cherry blossom is forming a confetti carpet.



And now to much more exotic photos.


The framework apparently is a representation of the tomb of a famous Persian person from antiquity and is carried in a procession each year in the town of Yazd.  The hotel he stayed at there can be found here.







The last three were taken at Persepolis.  The earliest remains found there apparently date back to 515BCE.





The last two were taken at Shiraz.  Beautiful aren't they?

Contact with him is still difficult and sporadic, but he seems to be having a wonderful time.


129 comments:

  1. Such beautiful photos, all of them. Your flowers are so colorful.

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    1. Mason Canyon: It is such a colourful time of year. Even the greens are rich and varied.

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  2. I love the perfume of freesias and always enjoyed putting them into a wedding bouquet when I was dabbling in floristry many years ago. And thank you for sharing some more exotic photos EC. Perhaps the roaming will sort itself out when he moves on to his next destination.

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    1. carol: I am a sucker for freesias too. I plant them close to paths so that the scent wafts up as I go past.
      I do hope that the roaming will be sorted for the rest of his trip. So far it has been totally wasted money.

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  3. Oh you feed us with your wonderful blooms! Yes, those are amazing images of that strange place. Safe travels to him!








    ALOHA
    ComfortSpiral

    (\__/)
    (='.'=)
    (")_(")

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    1. Cloudia: Thank you. The garden feeds my heart and soul - and I am very glad to hear it does yours as well.

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  4. As we wind down to Autumn, I so enjoy seeing your pictures of the beautiful flowers. And, as an ancient history fanatic, I thoroughly enjoyed the photos of ancient architecture.
    Mary

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    1. mxtodis123 ~ Mary: I came to love history late in life (it was badly taught when I was at school) and am fascinated by it. And a bit envious that himself is seeing these things with his very own eyes.

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  5. Your husband is on such an adventure! Wouldn't it be cool to be carried around in one of those things? For at least fifteen minutes anyway.
    Like your photos, especially the ones that show a large section of your yard at a time. Want to come work on mine?

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    1. Alex J. Cavanaugh: Another person who likes to see the big picture. Work on your yard? When mine is finished. Which will happen on the afternoon of the first day of forever.

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    2. Forever is an ongoing time frame and the first day is today....

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  6. Cherry blossom and shimmering mosaics...this armchair traveller is having a lovely time!

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    1. dinahmow: Some days armchair travel has a lot to recommend it. Some days it is not nearly enough.

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  7. Your pictures of the flowers are so lovely, but those Persian pictures at the end of your post remind me of a culture I've never really been exposed to. I saw some lovely things in Turkey, but I can now understand why S.P. has decided to take this trip to Iran. And I'm so glad he's well enough to do it! :-)

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    1. DJan: It is such a rich culture. He is revelling in it, and yes, it is absolutely wonderful that his health is allowing it. We didn't think this day would come.

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  8. What pretty flowers and exotic places! Wow!

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  9. What lovely flowers, per usual:) And that picture he took at night is breathtaking.

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  10. Certainly a diverse range of photos this week, EC. I love the colours of your flowers...and if I had to cast a vote, your selection would get my vote...(but don't tell the Skinny One!) :)

    Have yourself a wonderful week with your two furry mates. :)

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    1. Lee: Thank you. I might tell the skinny one if I think he is getting uppity.
      This week is going to be very, very busy. The cats won't like it much either - house guest.
      I hope you and your furry overlords have a better week.

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  11. Love both the Iranian photos and your flowers. I checked out his link to the Silk Road Hotel. Very cool. Never heard of the city of Yadz but you are expanding my horizons.

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    1. Sue in Italia/In the Land of Cancer: I loved wandering around that link (and hadn't heard of Yadz before he said that he wanted to go there).

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  12. What lovely photos, greetings to you.

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    1. Blogoratti: Thank you. I hope you are having a lovely weekend.

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  13. The hotel looks AMAZING!!

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    1. fishducky: It does doesn't it? Another thing I hadn't expected.

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  14. The flowers are excellent, and, the skinnyone has been sending you pictures, fantastic.

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    1. Bob Bushell: The photos from the skinny one are a real treat. I expect there are a kazillion more, but I am loving these.

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  15. Your garden photos are lovely, and the SP's ones make my feet itch, even though I haven't been home long! That blossom is spectacular.

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    1. Alexia: There isn't enough time in my life to see enough - or to read enough - or to garden enough. My obsessive self will keep trying though. On all fronts.

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  16. Your garden is looking good , I love daisies but have trouble with them.
    Merle......

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    1. Merlesworld: Daisies do well here, but there are other things I have huge difficulties with.

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  17. I love the brightly coloured flowers in your garden! And the pics from Iran are fascinating. I'd love to see those sights for myself, but not right now, far too difficult.

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    1. Shammickite: Thank you. I am obsessed with the garden and expend a lot of time and effort in it. And I too would like to see rather a lot of the Middle East. And probably won't.

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  18. Oh my - I wish I could travel like that. That must be very exciting to see in person.

    But I love being at home and looking at your lovely flowers right now, too. Breathtaking.

    And I'm going to friend Karin Slaughter's book signing Tuesday night here in Atlanta for the book Pretty Girls. I see you already read it. I haven't yet, but my coworker didn't like it. What do you think?

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    1. Lynn: He is having an amazing adventure. And loving it. I am enjoying being at home, so it is a win for both of us. Have fun at karin Slaughter's book signing. Pretty Girls wasn't one of my favourites of her work, but I did mostly enjoy it. She is certainly entitled to develop new characters and develop new themes.

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  19. Why would you ever leave your garden? :-) It's paradise in there.

    Greetings from London.

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    1. A Cuban in London: What a lovely thing to say. Believe me there are a lot of metaphorical snakes in that paradise. And a lot of work clamouring to be done.

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  20. Your husband's pictures are beautiful but if I had a choice I would much rather sit on your deck with your lovely garden.

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    1. Birdie: The deck is a good place to sit. Birds, bees and peace. Before it gets too hot I must spend more time out there with a cup of tea and a book.

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  21. Those last few are very interesting, and I like seeing ruins from ancient times. Like your flowers, too. Hubs and I used to visit a municipal rose garden near our home and sniff the roses. . .loved the old fashioned types which had gorgeous scents.

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    1. D.G Hudson: Roses have to have a scent as far as I am concerned. Those that don't are a travesty.
      The ruins are fascinating aren't they? I wonder how they were built. So much expertise involved...

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  22. G'day Sue,

    The enchantment of your garden captured so beautifully in your photos. The skinny one is having quite the adventure and those photos from him are fascinating.

    Take care, my kind friend.

    Gary

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    1. klahanie: How nice to see you here dear Gary. I hope you are starting to feel at least a tiny bit better.
      Both of us are enjoying our holiday at the moment, me at home and him away.

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  23. I'm LOVING your "home and away" series, EC.

    Your garden is inspirational for me - so good to see the colours and textures you grow... and show. Helps me plan for my next garden one day. :)

    The images SP sent are truly amazing! So glad that he's enjoying his travels.
    Love the "lion/eagle" statues and stone carvings at Persepolis. Must feel incredible - and humbling - standing among them. Imagine the ancient history held within the stone. So old.
    Looking forward to images from Russia.

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    1. Vicki: This garden would probably be better for a bit of planning. I fall in love/lust and squeeze things in. It does give me, the birds and the insects a lot of pleasure though. And, while I was weeding last week, two strangers driving past stopped to tell me how much they liked it - which I thought was lovely.
      I am really looking forward to hearing about himself's trip in detail and seeing rather a lot more photos. Russia should be good too. Very good.

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  24. I love your white grevillea, I don't think I've ever seen one before. I also like that house built into the cliff. I imagine getting groceries home would be a problem there. Is it perhaps a tomb?

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    1. River: The white grevillea is lovely isn't it? So different to most of them. I still want a yellow one though.
      I suppose the house could be a tomb. An important tomb. Next time I get the chance to correspond with him I will ask

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  25. Every photo delights the eyes. Thank you!

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  26. You have such beautiful flowers in your garden. No small wonder you enjoy it so ... it's your slice of paradise. Great pictures as always. Have a lovely week :)

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    1. Whisper Mist: It is a bit of a jungle, but I do love it. When I am not cursing it. Thank you - and a wonderful week to you as well.

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  27. It is really wonderful to look at the flowers and garden on the other side of the globe. They are so plentiful and beautiful.
    Wish you a really happu weekend
    (And once more: thanks)

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    1. orvokki: I am glad that the magnet arrived safely - and thank for you nice words about the garden.

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  28. The flowers are a delight. I'm off to see some tulips hopefully this week..

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    1. Margaret -whiteangel: Our tulips are almost done, I hope you have better luck.

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  29. HI Sue Now whatmore would one want than to sit with abook, sipping tea, lstening to the birds and bees in this wonderfulparadise you have created. I am not surprised thsepeople stopped to admire it.I use wish this week you wer not so busy with appointments and the 'guest' to be able to sit and relax in it. Itislovely thatSP has been able tosend you these wonderful .photos as a taster to when he arrives home with the full story. His hotel looks wonderful.

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    1. Margaret Adamson: I will, I hope get some quiet time next week as well. And some time to work in the garden. And to vedge out and do nothing. In between busy patches.

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  30. Thanks for these wonderful photos--I truly feel transported! I especially love the garden pictures--so lovely, so lively. Peace...

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    1. Linda: The garden is a solace isn't it? For so many of us.

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  31. All beautiful! I adore all the color in your garden. I love archaeology as well so enjoy SP's photos. I wouldn't want to live in such an arid region but visiting would be fascinating.

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    1. River Fairchild: The garden is a bit of a jungle - but a colourful scented jungle. Which is as I like it. The smaller portion's travels are always fascinating - to visit.

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  32. I saw some new daisies - well new to me anyway - at the garden centre. They were called lollipop daisies. I normally am not a big fan but those were such bright colours and so gorgeous. I took some pics at the garden centre which I will share on a future Sunday Selections. :)

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    1. Snoskred: I look forward to seeing them. I don't think I know lollipop daisies - or not under that name.

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  33. Hi EC - your early spring plants look wonderful .. love them. But your son is visiting some stunning places - so interesting to be able to see his photos and to see where he's travelling to in Iran ... cheers HIlary

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    1. Hilary Melton-Butcher: The smaller portion is indeed visiting some interesting places but he is my partner rather than my son. The name comes from me resenting my mother referring to him as my better half and saying that, since I am taller, he could only be my smaller portion.

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  34. You sure do nice work! It's nice to see Spring flowers there as the leaves fall off the trees here.

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    1. Jono: I am a fan of autumn too. I really enjoy getting two seasons at once through the marvels of the blogosphere.

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  35. Your yard is beautiful, EC. What kind of daisies are those "different" ones? They are unique. Your SP is touring some beautiful places. the art and architecture are also beautiful, so different than anything I've seen before.

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    1. Strayer: The different daisies are Cape daisies (osteospermum)- white spider to be specific. Beautiful things. The skinny one is seeing some amazing things isn't he?

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  36. I love that our seasons are at opposite ends. Just as we get our fall colors, you get your spring ones. It is a year of never ending color! I do love your "different" daisies. What is the name of them, I would love to find some to plant here.

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    1. Cindi Summerlin: With first Strayer and now you asking after them, will put up a link here . Special aren't they?

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  37. Beautiful, beautiful! Makes me a little envious since our flower season is just about to end.

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    1. Anne in the kitchen: I am looking forward to seeing photos of your autumn. And, when the sweaty season hits us with full force I am really looking forward to cooling down as I gaze at your winter.

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  38. You reminded me I need to get the camera out - fall is beautiful now, and this coming week I'm going to the beach.
    Lovely as usual EC!

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    1. Yolanda Renee: Spring and autumn are both spectacular aren't they? Enjoy your time at the beach.

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  39. Beautiful! Love your Sunday selections.

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  40. The reports of the exotic trip are fascinating.

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    1. Andrew R. Scott: Fascinating, and sometimes a little worrying. He has dropped out of contact completely.

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  41. I love your garden. I have now concocted a plan-you need to travel to my house and fix my garden in your off season. Yes, this will work. Oh and I will pay you in alcohol.

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    1. Sonya Ann: Despite not offering payment Alex J Cavanaugh put in an earlier plea. And the work here is NEVER done. Not certain how well I would work under the influence of booze either...

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  42. Replies
    1. Author R. Mac Wheeler: Aren't they? I hope they spread.

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  43. Incredible carvings and works of art.
    The flowers in the first half brought me a smile.
    Be well, EC.

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  44. Oh, those flowers. Honestly, I can almost smell them. You have such a beautiful garden. The flowers must know you love them. That's their fodder. And the exotic photos are grand. He's definitely having a good time. But, I bet he misses you.

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    1. Myna R.: Blood, sweat and tears fertilise the garden - among other things. He is having a wonderful time, and I suspect is too busy to miss me.

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  45. Both you and he did take some very lovely pictures! I'm glad he's feeling good still. Hurrah for good news. :)

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    1. mail4rosey: I am really, really looking forward to seeing more of his photos.

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  46. Awwww...I want to visit old Persia. It's one of those places I've always wanted to see.

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    1. Robert Bennett: This is his second trip there, ten years or so apart, and he is loving it. (In Russia now.)

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  47. Great shots from Persia - and beautiful spring flowers!

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    1. ladyfi: With luck he will let me share more of his travel photos when he returns.

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  48. the flowers were pretty
    and the rest amazing glimpses to consider!

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    1. Tammie Lee: Welcome - and thank you. I have also been loving the glimpses of his travels...

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  49. Someone said once " and so I say again, we have much to hope from the flowers" Such beautiful things really are quite fascinating.

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    1. Spacerguy: Much to hope for, much to learn - and even more to simply enjoy.

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  50. If I hadn't read your comment I would have thought your blossom tree was a peony. Doesn't it look a lot like one?

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    1. Sandra Cox: Peony's are something I have long had a brown thumb for. I am trying again this year, with my fingers crossed. If I can grow one which flowers as well as my blossom tree I will be very happy indeed.

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  51. That first blossom is stunning, as are the daisies. Your home is truly a sanctuary of beautiful plants.

    I found the bird/cat/dog/horse/camel? statue intriguing ... and the architecture beautiful, in both your partner's photos and hotel link. So different from everything I am used to seeing.

    But if I were to choose what to see in person, I'd pick a garden every time :)

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    1. jenny_o: The garden is an addiction and an obsession. Which (mostly) pays dividends. As well as the beauty there is a lot of work which is shrieking out to be done. Sometimes I can only see that work, so walking round with the camera shifts my focus.
      Your comment about 'picking gardens' has inspired me to ask himself to take some garden photos...

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    2. Wonderful - I hope he finds some!
      And, yes, gardens are a lot of work, too. Which an observer doesn't see/recall, generally speaking, unless the observer is the owner. I love perennials for this reason. Although they, too, require some work, they are somewhat less labour-intensive.

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    3. jenny_o: He will find some, I just hope he shares them.

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  52. What amazing images.....Springtime and another time.
    Thanks for sharing such different perspectives; it makes my life richer
    and your words are always joy:)
    -Jennifer

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    1. Jennifer Richardson: Thank you. From someone who makes words dance and sing, that is high praise.

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  53. Hi EC! Wow, I could practically smell those freesias. How I love them! All your photos were fantastic and blew me away. Hope you're not missing the skinny guy too much! :-)

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    1. Denise Covey: The lilac is out too. Freesias and lilacs have such evocative scents don't they?
      Yes, I miss him, but I am also revelling in the 'down time'.

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  54. The daisies are awesome! Plus that architecture!! Wow!

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    1. Tammy Theriault: The architecture is incredible. All built by hand. All designed without computers. It does my head in.

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  55. I could just live in your garden... Except during the heat of your summers; air conditioning, take me away!

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    1. Jacquelineand...: I am not a fan of our summers either. Essentially I turn into a troll and only come out at night. The garden suffers too.

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  56. So beautiful! And amazing that the pics came through so well from his trip.

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    1. Riot Kitty: The photos came out really well didn't they? And some of the one's from Moscow are incredible too.

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  57. Your garden flowers are such a wonderful sight for my spring starved eyes...love the ancient spots you visited...amazing1

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    1. Donna@LivingFromHappiness: Isn't it wonderful that the marvels of the internet give us two springs every year? The ancient monuments are being visited by my partner rather than me. And a part of me is jealous.

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  58. STUNNING>
    seeing HISTORY like this gives me chills.
    If walls could talk. xxxxx

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    1. My Inner Chick: Blessed blogger sent you to the spam folder. He was wrong. And yes, if only walls could talk...

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  59. Such beauty you do have in your lovely garden. Thank you so much for sharing. I often feel quite starved for such sights.
    I had that type of daisy but over the years as they seeded down they reverted to just 'normal' daisies although still many colours. I am thankful for them at least giving us some colour right now. Also the citrinus bottlebrush is flowering outside our kitchen window and its colour is superb. Otherwise....nothing but green everywhere.

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    1. Mimsie: Our colour and our green are being burnt off rapidly. Summer is rushing in. Sigh.
      That daisy is last years and I hope it retains its quirky loveliness. If it doesn't I will invest in more.

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  60. I love these pictures! The garden is so pretty and the trip - wow!

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    1. Madilyn Quinn: Thank you. The garden is somewhere I spend a lot of time and energy (and money). And his trip does look incredible.

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  61. The pictures of your flowers always make my heart sing, but I have mixed feelings about your husband's pictures. Not that they aren't gorgeous, too. They are. It's just that they remind me of all the other gorgeous places of antiquity in that part of the world that have been destroyed by terrorists. Such a loss to the world.

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    1. Susan: I know exactly what you mean. So much labour went into these incredible places and they can be (and are) destroyed in seconds. We can never, ever get them back either.

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  62. Stunningly beautiful picture all around! The flowers are SO gorgeous. I am in love with those different daisies- so unique! Thanks for sharing all of these with us. :)
    ~Jess

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    1. DMS ~ Jess: One of my sisters-in-law is the only person I have come across who doesn't like the 'spider' daisies. She says 'interesting' in very disparaging tones. Her loss.

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