Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Sunday 1 November 2015

Sunday Selections #248

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.  I am continuing the 'home and away' theme this week.


Starting with home.  And, because I am consistent  boring, I am again going to feature the sky, the garden and some birds.


 










A galah.  


A long-billed corella, who looks as if he/she could give a ferocious nip.  They are strictly vegetarian though - with the exception that they do nip the pigeons wings and tails.

Himself is in Amsterdam at the moment.  He has seen Van Gogh's Starry Night and Edvard Munch's The Scream which fills me with envy.

However, before I share some of Amsterdam just a few more from Russia, all again taken at the Hermitage in St Peterburg.  These took over ten days to reach me due to my email issues, but I loved them.


 That is a candlestick!!!


 Loved the parquet flooring

Also flooring.

And now to Amsterdam.




The flower markets.  How I wish he could bring some of those bulbs home...



Another canal tour.  Beautiful isn't it?


An entrance to the Amsterdam Museum.


.These are at another entrance to the museum, described as a walkable piece of art.  I am not certain I would feel comfortable walking on it though.

He is having a ball.  Which is lovely.

159 comments:

  1. I've been to Amsterdam many times and it really is a lovely city, and I'm not keen on cities at all.

    I will never get bored with seeing your photos of birds, jealous maybe, but never bored.

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    1. LL Cool Joe: It looks like a lovely city. And thank you, re my birds. I do love them.

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  2. You should not speak negetively over yourself especially when it is not true. Your flowers are gorgeous and I love all the birds. It is lovely to see the Russian shots but I really loved Amsterdam. I have been there and it is a lovely city

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    1. Margaret Adamson: It seems that everyone loves Amsterdam. Mind you, I got an email this morning from him which said he is going to jaunt across to London for a few days. I really can't get over the 'closeness' of countries in Europe.

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  3. Beautiful photos of home & Amsterdam!!

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  4. Can you imagine lighting all of those candles?

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    1. Alex J. Cavanaugh: I suspect that if you owned that candlestick you would have a servant (or two) to light the candles for you. And to do rather a lot of other things as well.

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  5. As I was reading along, I was wondering if you were going to get some bulbs from Amsterdam EC? There must be some way to send some home, via customs and quarantine? Always great seeing how much variety you fit into your garden.

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    1. carol: I wonder... I asked him to bring back a Faberge egg before he left, but bulbs would be a suitable present too. And more realistic.

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  6. Lovely pics. Quite a variety between yours, Amsterdam and Russia, We should be planting bulbs now in the UK for spring but the autumn is too warm. We are getting 71 tomorrow, in November!

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    1. Anna of the Mutton Years: How interesting that you are haivng a warm autumn. He is zipping over to London for a few days and will appreciate it.

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  7. Not boring at all. Always love your collection of photos.

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  8. You are definitely consistent, never boring. And those pictures from Russia and Amsterdam are wonderful! I'm so glad he's have such a great time. :-)

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    1. DJan: Thank you. I am really, really looking forward to seeing (and hearing) more about his trip. I suspect the camera photos are better too.

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  9. 'Tis never a boring way to wake up to a Sunday morning!

    I should've given you a friend of mine's address to give to The Skinny One and they could've met, perhaps I've written about Andrei, my friend who was originally from Yakutsk, Eastern Siberia whom I met back in the early 90s. Andrei (who speaks fluent English) and his wife, Yulia now live in Moscow. Andrei is a keen and very good photographer and often sends me some of his photos.

    I'm so glad the Small Portion is having a wonderful trip...his pictures certainly do tell the story.

    Have yourself a good week, EC and cuddles to your two furry mates. :)

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    1. Lee: What a shame you didn't think of it. It would have been lovely for him to meet up with your friend Andrei. And I remember you writing about him.
      I intend to have a great week. I hope you and your furry friends do too.

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    2. It is a pity I didn't think to do that....Andrei would've gotten such a kick out of showing him around. Andrei and Yulia (Julia) are such a carefree, fun-loving couple; and they show such keen interest in life...in everything. They never fail to bring a smile to my face. Their joi de vivre is palpable, even from afar.

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    3. Lee: Next trip perhaps. I am pretty certain he will want to go back.

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  10. you live in a paradise, that being said the skinny one is having a wonderful tour, I would want to stay for months in each location but the cost would prevent it.

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    1. Linda Starr: I agree. I would prefer a much longer tour too. Time to get the feel for places. Says the home body.

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  11. I would love to visit the flower market!!
    I am reading a novel set in Australia and I am glad I have seen all your pictures to meet parrots and such birds from your side of the world that we don't have here.

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    1. Bookie: Which novel are you reading? Are you liking it? That flower market would overcome my aversion to shopping very, very quickly. But then, garden centres and book shops are already exempt from the dislike.

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  12. Wow, those pictures from Amsterdam brought back some lovely memories. We so enjoyed walking along the canals last year.
    I don't agree with one thing, though - you are not - and I repeat: NOT - boring!

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    1. Carola Bartz: Water views make everywhere look better don't they? I am glad that his photos brought back lovely memories for you.
      On the boring front: Thank you. I have been posting rather a lot of photos of the same subjects recently. In his absence I am getting out even less than usual.

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  13. Someday I may just show up there to have you show me the birds and flowers.

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  14. 1. You have all the good clouds!
    2. Little anenome faces are priceless.
    3. I do believe St. Petersburg a tad too opulent for me. I like Amsterdam.

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    1. Jpanne Noragon: In this drought stricken land any cloud which holds (and releases) rain is a good cloud. Drizzle at the moment. It can do better.
      I think that is the last anenome of the season. Sigh. But they will be back.
      I agree with you about the opulence of St Petersburg. I loved seeing it, but couldn't imagine living in it.

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  15. I love the Parrots, you are an angel. EC, they are beautiful.

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    1. Bob Bushell: They were back this morning too. I need to put another apple out for them. They have shredded the first.

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  16. Consistency is a virtue! I like that yellow iris, and the clouds. And the birds are just gorgeous. I spent a few days in Amsterdam in June, and really loved it, which I hadn't expected . It would be great to go back there some time.

    Have a wonderful peaceful Sunday, EC.

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    1. Alexia: The yellow iris is a new one. I planted it a while ago and didn't know if it would flower this season. I hope it breeds.
      Amsterdam sounds (and looks) like a lovely city. Do you think you will get back to it?

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    2. I'd like to think so, EC. I'm not going to Europe next year; I'm a Health Shuttle driver for St John's, and I've just been made team leader, which I think is going to take up a lot of my time. Travelling will have to be put on hold for a while! There are so many places I still haven't seen.

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    3. Alexia: I wondered what voluntary work you would take on. And am completely unsurprised that you are already being given more responsibility. Leave some time for you though.

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  17. Never mind the flower markets, even the flower stalls are really good in Amsterdam, just masses of colour. Cruising the canals of Amsterdam is a people watching and building viewing dream.

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    1. Andrew: Water, colour and people watching sound pretty good to me. Very good. Add flower stalls into the mix? Bliss.

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  18. Dear EC
    Not boring, ever! I love seeing your photos, whether from home or not. It looks like Himself is having an amazing time.
    Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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    1. Ellie Foster: Thank you. He is have an amazing time, but I am enjoying home as well. Win/win.
      I hope your weekend is lovely - and I loved your autumnal colours post.

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  19. I'm with everyone else - not boring, just awesome. :) Gardens and birds are endlessly fascinating to me. :)

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    1. Snoskred: I am so glad that my obsessions don't bore people to sobs. I am also endlessly fascinated by gardens, birds, the sky, books - and a few other things.

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  20. Beautiful photos again! I find the detail of wires in the first shot to be intriguing (I think they are wiresbut I don't see any poles holding them up) ... for some reason it is captivating. And I always like seeing your twin trees that remind me of the ones across the road from me when I was growing up. Familiar image without being the actual trees.

    And is it just me, or does the cockatoo with the yellow crest remind anyone else of the yellow and white iris just before it? :) Have your corollas managed to become white again yet?

    I hope you get your Faberge Egg, or something equally lovely :)

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    1. jenny_o: They are wires, and there are poles - but a far distance apart. The twin trees are in a near neighbour's yard, and I hope that they appreciate them as much as I do. They add to perfect accent to so many photos...
      You are right about the cocky/iris connection. The corellas are still filthy, and we are having drizzle today (not rain) so they will get worse before they get better.
      I am not expecting a Faberge Egg (which he knows) but time will tell whether he brings me home anything other than himself. I expect so. Earrings are a likely gift.

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  21. My hearty thanks to the SP. And how lovely to see Amsterdam! I have a soft spot for that city.

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    1. dinahmow: It seems that every one who has been there does. A city of charm.

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  22. Exquisite scenes. I especially like the flower gardens.
    Be well, EC.

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    1. Rawknrobyn: You know the way to my heart. Have a wonderful week.

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  23. What an awesome shot of the moon in daylight! Love it. Watching corellas nip at pigeon wings must be a sight!
    Those floors are incredible! Europe has such fascinating places.
    I saw the Mona Lisa in the Louvre and was really disappointed. It's so tiny compared to the pictures of it. :)

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    1. River Fairchild: I never get good moon pictures - so I was v. happy with that one. The corellas are classic bully boys and watching them is a sadistic joy. I have seen them hold a pigeon dangling by a wing tip, and then just let go.
      I have heard that the Mona Lisa was tiny. Which would be disconcerting.

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  24. I love your first sky photo and all those cheeky birds. the mesembryanthemums are lovely.
    That huge candlestick is amazing, I wouldn't want to be the one dusting it everyday though. I love the parquetry flooring and the walkable art at the museum is so colourful.
    The flower market with the bulb selection would be fabulous to shop at.
    I'd forgotten Amsterdam has canals.

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    1. River: As I said to Alex I suspect if you owned that candlestick you would have servants. Dusting would be their problem. I agree though, it looks as if dust would be attracted to every little cranny.

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  25. Oh EC birds and flowers can NEVER be boring! they are lovely. Oh Russia AND Amsterdam.... swoon.... how marvellous.... I have a lot of blog catching up to do! I hope you are well my dear. x

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    1. Rose ~ from Oz: How lovely to see you. How are things in your world. And are you still Rose from Oz. We do indeed have some catching up to do.

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  26. Beautiful birds and flowers! I am so glad that he is having a wonderful time. I can just imagine all of the stories that he will have for you when he gets home!

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    1. Teresa Hennes: He is the silent type, but yes, I hope he will have lots and lots to tell me. And that he will tell me.

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  27. I LOVE the pics! Your birds and flowers are always amazing. I visited with a friend the other day and pulled up your blog on my phone to show her some of your recent flora and avian pics, and she was as impressed as I always am. You can't imagine how exotic the birds look to us up here in California! As for today's batch, that corella is something else. What a face! But they are all a joy.

    As for his travels, the Amsterdam pics fill me with a sort of nostalgic wonder. It's the only place in mainland Europe where I've ever spent more than a few fleeting moments on a train, and it was slightly more than 20 years ago -- a fact I find almost hard to believe. Back when I was someone else... ! I hope he's having fun. And, yeah, I would be jealous too!

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    1. Paper Chipmunk (aka Elllen): How lovely to see that you have found time at the computer. I am so glad that you too enjoy my obsessions. The long-billed corellas are quite something aren't they? We have four or five of them visiting at the moment and I greet them with smiles every time.
      He is zipping off to London for a few days tomorrow. By bus, which will make for a long trip. He plans to catch up with his sister who is visiting her in-laws. Then back to Amsterdam and home by the middle of the following week.

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  28. I really love your Sunday Selections. I can watch your life.
    But most I love these cute parrots.
    Have happy Sunday. (we have still the morning here (9.06)

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    1. orvokki: Thank you. Early Monday morning here. Blissful rain.

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  29. One of the nicest things about waking up on Sunday morning is seeing your pictures. They are always interesting and lovely.

    The skinny one has been been on a long and interesting trip. I hope you are doing OK in his absence.

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    1. Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe: Thank you. He has been on a long trip, and is enjoying it. I am finding it harder than I anticipated, but am managing ok.

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  30. Lovely selection of Sunday photos.
    I also would love some bulbs.
    Canal is quiet nice.
    Entrance with patterns look great to museum.
    Love the candle holder.

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    1. Margaret-whiteangel: I am a sucker for water. I suspect it would be hard to get me away from the canals. The garden market would do it though.

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  31. I love the moon shot! Our moon was so huge the other day, it didn't even look real. A harvest moon.

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    1. Dawn@Lighten Up!: I have huge troubles with moon shots. I think this is the best I have ever achieved. Mostly they get deleted. Quickly.

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  32. I love skyscapes...and critters.

    Happy Sunday 2 ya (or...maybe Monday...by now)

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    1. Author R. Mac Wheeler: Monday here now. But only just afer 5am. So early Monday. A very happy Sunday to you. Now get back to work.

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  33. Beautiful clouds.

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  34. How I'd love to live in a water city, where all getting around would be with my raft. How that would make me smile. Love your Galah, has quite the expression in the one photo.

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    1. Strayer: Me too. There are a few cities where water still forms major thoroughfares about too. The galahs are cheeky charmers. The walk like bully boys - but are much calmer than many of our visitors.

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  35. I haven't been to Amsterdam yet, but your pictures make me feel as though I have. Lovely.

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    1. Renee Johnson: I haven't been either. I am yearning a bit.

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  36. Yes, keep posting all the pics you like of the sky and birds and flowers. They may seem boring to you, but they aren't to me! And your son must be having a wonderful time. What an opportunity!

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    1. mshatch: It isn't that I think they are boring. All of them are obsessions of mine. I worry that other people might get tired of them, and am pleased to see that I am wrong.
      It is my partner rather than my son who is away, and he is indeed having a lovely time.

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  37. Beautiful..all of them. I saw The Scream in the National Gallery (Washington DC) back in 1983. I never had heard of Edward Munsch until then but I loved the exhibit.

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    1. Sue in Italia/In the Land of Cancer: I cannot remember who first introduced me to The Scream, but it is an image which is firmly stuck in my head. I didn't realise that it ever travelled either. It would have been an incredible exhibition.

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  38. The travel pictures are making me wish I had a trip planned!
    Love all the funny Aussie birds, so colourful. And so different from the birds that visit me here in the N hemisphere.

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    1. Shammickite: Lots of our birds are colourful. Few are musical. The avian emblem for my city the gang-gang cockatoo has a call which has been compared to a rusty gate swinging in the wind. The description is close too. I never see them, but I do hear them.

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  39. You can never post too many bird pictures:)

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    1. Sandra Cox: Thank you. You may regret saying that.

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  40. Enjoyed seeing all your pictures. What a colorful flowers and birds. The entrance of the museum looks good. Each one have their unique features...

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    1. Weekend-Windup: Thank you. I am a fan of colour - as you can see.

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  41. What beautiful pictures! Those birds are stunning, just gorgeous.

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  42. Love that moon in a day lit sky amid the clouds. Very surreal.
    Curious to know what camera you have, EC. Your photos are very crisp, especially of the birds.

    Sigh. Would love to see famous artworks such as those.
    I wonder if in reality, Munch's, The Scream, exudes a palpable intensity and sadness that it portrays. Would be incredible to view it, as well as Starry Night, which has so much energy, even in print, that it must be dizzying to view in person.

    Imagine being surrounded by all those bulbs and not be able to buy any!

    I don't think I could walk on the "walkable art" carpet. I'd be skirting the edge and hugging the wall, simply out of respect for the artist. Even if it was meant to be walked on...

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    1. Vicki: I am so glad to hear that someone else would have trouble walking on that 'walkable art'. It just seems wrong.
      My camera is a (very old) Panasonic Lumix. The smaller portion has a more recent version, and it leaves mine in the shade. Mind you, I have been grateful to mine. I bought it to go to Antarctica, and it has rarely missed a beat. It is getting a bit tired now, but owes me nothing.

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  43. I love those bird photos. The Amsterdam pics brought back some memories; I was there in 2008 with my husband and daughter. I'd love to go back.

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    1. Kathllen Cassen Mickelson: Everyone who has been to Amsterdam says they would like to go back. Which is a pretty amazing recommendation.

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  44. Amsterdam is full of historic buildings and people. They must be so talented to create these. Now that I've seen it - I must visit someday.

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    1. Spacerguy: So many places, so little time. Which sadly can be used on so many things (books more usually here).

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  45. Oh you do have some gorgeous pictures here, as always!! I love the birds and the flowers too!

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  46. Oh, you have some awesome photos. I'm glad I found your blog. It is beautiful. I will visit often to view your lovely photos.

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    1. Brenda Kay Ledford: Welcome and thank you. I will be over to visit you shortly.

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  47. Replies
    1. DeniseinVA: The away part of the series is more dramatic though...

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  48. Yo, I never get tired of your skies! You have such a good eye for silhouettes against the color schemes of dawns and evenings.

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    1. John Wiswell: And aren't I lucky that the twin trees which appear in so many of my photos do the silhouette caper so well? And are clost.

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  49. Your pictures are never boring, EC :)

    LOVE the first one, nice catch with the moon there, and even though I have no clue about the birds (the bees, yes!) I still think it's great you have so many fantastic birds in your area!

    Oh, and Himself got a good day to go out on the canal :) Totally makes Amsterdam shine (when there is even a little blue in the sky!)

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    1. Mark Koopmans: I do love the kindness of the blogosphere. Thank you. Himself is in London today, meeting up with his sister. I hope they get a bit of blue sky there to9o.

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  50. Love, love, love! And I don't know which I love the most :)

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  51. I love your theme- nature! I always adore looking at your birds, flowers, and the sky. These are things I never tire of watching in my own life and your views are so different. :)

    Thanks for sharing Russia and Amsterdam with us too. I feel like a world traveler today.
    ~Jess

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    1. DMS ~ Jess: I enjoying the armchair travelling too. I am glad to hear that I haven't been boring as many people as I feared.

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  52. How utterly beautiful! Beyond words!

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    1. Susan Kane: I am so pleased. Did home or away tickle you more?

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  53. Hi Sue,

    More splendid, colourful photos. Thank you for that. St Petersburg is a magnificent city. And Amsterdam, my son loves Amsterdam and not necessarily for the historic aspects.

    Take care,

    Gary

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    1. klahanie: Dear Gary, It is always lovely to see you out and about in the blogosphere. St Petersburg does look incredible. I assume that your son loves Amsterdam because of the gardening connection...

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  54. A wonderful selection of photos. I love that walkable art!

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    1. ladyfi: The walkable art is gorgeous. I wonder how they keep it clean and undamaged?

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  55. Lots and lots of wonderful things always good.
    Merle.............

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    1. Merlesworld: The world is simply jam-packed with wonderful things. Which is a delight.

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  56. Oh dear frogs and polliwogs, you call this boring? PPPFFFFTTTTT! Nay, not so.

    I posted a couple of photos of Connelly for you and River to enjoy.

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    1. Jacquelineand...: Connelly is both majestic, and obviously pleased with himself. Which is true of many cats.
      I am not bored with life on the home front - but worry about other people's patience with my obsessions.

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  57. Not boring at all, my friend - home loving is what I call it. I've always been a home body, too. Although I'd like to be on that same trip that he is on - it looks just marvelous.

    Love that first photo with the clouds and the moon. And all of it - your glorious flowers and winged visitors.

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    1. Lynn: I am a home body too. Some travel is nice but home is where my heart is.

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  58. I love the nature pictures, you always post some of the best. You really should enter in a competition or two.

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    1. Sonya Ann: Thank you. You are a shameless flatterer. I follow the blogs of a couple of people who do enter those competitions - and my happy snaps don't compare.

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  59. Good morning! Never ever boring, I so enjoy reading about what you're up to, the places you go, and your delightful captures, and especially your birds! Enjoy your week.

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    1. Karen S.: Thank you. It is so nice to find so many people who share my obsessions.

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  60. That first picture with the moon is amazing.

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    1. Sandra Cox: I think it is the best moon photo I have ever taken. Most are epic fails.

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  61. As usual, stunning photos that make me smile and think of summer.
    The galah is funny and adorable. I've never heard of him before!

    xxxx

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    1. My Inner Chick: We get lots of galahs here. And it is also a term used to describe someone who is not 'lightening lennie' in the brains department. Which is unfair to the galahs.
      Hugs.

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  62. All absolutely wonderful. Love that mesembryanthemum and the parquetry flooring in particular.

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    1. Mimsie: That floor is incredible isn't it? And so hard wearing too.

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  63. your pics aren't boring at all. I'd like to go to Amsterdam and your ;pics looked quite fun and interesting. Very nice Sunday selection

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    1. Joanne: These aren't my photos of Amsterdam, but those of my partner. He headed off to London for a few days but will be going back. And hopefully sending me more photos.

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  64. I think you are an amazing blogger.... all those comments and you answer every single one, well done!

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    1. Shammickite: Thank you. If people can take the time to comment, it seems the least I can do to respond.

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  65. Not boring at all. I love these - simply beautiful, and just what I would snap if I could!

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    1. Yolanda Renee: Thank you. I hope your writing is going well. Very well.

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  66. Replies
    1. Andrew R. Scott: Oh he is. It is drawing to a close, but he has been having a wonderful time.

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  67. The candelabra is beautiful. I wonder how old it is.

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    1. Sandra Cox: My guess (and that is all it is) is that it is very old.

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  68. Hi EC - sorry never quite got here til now ... I do hope he got to see Van Gogh's skeleton with a cigarette .. but seeing Starry Starry Night and The Scream by Munsch .. must be amazing.

    The Hermitage looks quite extraordinary ... I'd love to go one day. As Andrew says .. he certainly is having a wonderful time. It's good having you at home to let us see some of his photos and travels ...

    I love seeing the birds and flowers around your part of the world ... they cheer me up ... and sometimes remind me of South Africa ... stunning photos all round - cheers Hilary

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    1. Hilary Melton-Butcher: You are never too late. He is back in Amsterdam now (nearly) and I hope he does see that Van Goph. A very different Van Goph.
      There are so many amazing things around the world. I am so very grateful that the blogosphere has shrunk it, so we can all marvel...

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    2. Hi EC - we do learn so much don't we about places, problems, etc - interesting facts and see the other side of the world and look at life through our blogging eyes ... I sure hope he does get to see the Skeleton! Cheers Hilary

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  69. Lovely indeed. Stunning pictures.

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  70. Such beautiful photos - both yours and his. I feel like I just took a little trip around the world! Thank you.

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    1. Susan F.: I do love the way the internet (and the blogosphere particularly) shrinks and makes accessible so much more of the world.

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  71. Not boring, ever! My favorite is one of the the bright pink flowers. Nature is pretty amazing.

    And now I want to go to Amsterdam, too.

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    1. Riot Kitty: Nature rocks doesn't she? I would like to see Amsterdam. And the Hermitage. If time travel can be perfected.

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  72. Marvelous photos! You have given us quite a treat with your own shots and Himselfs. Those birds are beauties.

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    1. DeniseinVA: His trip is drawing to a close now, but I expect there will be many more photos after his return next week.
      I do love our birds.

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  73. Ahh! More of your wonderful pictures and...more importantly... BIRDS! <3

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    1. Robert Bennett: Just for a change there will be more birds in the coming Sunday Selections.

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  74. Oh by the way, it is consistent not boring.

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    1. Sandra Cox: It could be both. But thank you, and eveyone else who indulges my obsessions.

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  75. You're NEVER boring, dear lady. I love your photos. The second one, showing trees silhouetted against that beautiful sky, would make an excellent oil painting.

    More pictures of the Hermitage! And just as breathtaking as the others you posted. I'll bet they don't even begin to do justice to how it must be to see it in person, though.

    I couldn't walk on that "walkable art," either.

    Happy weekend!

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    1. Susan: That tree features in a lot of my photos, at all times of day, all seasons, and in a variety of weather. I am sure that I love it more than the people whose yard it graces.
      You are right about the Hermitage. I am sure photos can't do it justice. He went back several days running - and hadn't see a fraction of the treasure within.
      No, not walkable at all.

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  76. You are not boring! I always leave your blog with a smile from the beauty I see here. That floor is amazingly beautiful. Looks like a rug in one pic

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    1. Kim @ Stuff could...: I am a beauty addict and am lucky enough to find it everywhere. And I am very, very glad to leave you smiling.

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  77. Boring? Oh yes, beautiful pictures of beautiful places, home or away are just soon boring! And those birds. . . ., even more boring. Not like my little brown jobs in the garden, now there’s boring.

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    1. Friko: I don't find them boring, but I do post pictures of them often. And worried that other people may not share my obsessions. I suspect that your little brown jobs have MUCH nicer voices than most of our birds.

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