Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Sunday 12 June 2016

Sunday Selections #280

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.  Last weekend the eastern side of my very dry continent got rain.  Lots and lots and lots of rain.  Some places received too much and flooding, damage and deaths occurred.  


Here we got lots too.  But not too much.  Some minor damage, though sadly one person died when his car was washed away.

The garden and I loved it.












The next day we headed down to the dam to see if they had released any water down the spillways.  And they had.









We loved the rain.  The cats loathed it.  This is Jewel, claiming a box as her own. 


119 comments:

  1. Such a unique view of the rain on the flowers. Beautiful. Glad you got rain, though with some tragic consequences.

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    1. Marie Smith: The rain was gorgeous. Sadly as well as lives lost in the next state some homes will have to be demolished too. Nature is often not kind. Amazing, but not kind.

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  2. Blooming flowers, love them. And your little Jewel, hiding in a box.

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    1. Bob Bushell: We love our blooms too. And Jewel. Who is usually nearly as camera shy as I am.

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  3. Sad when much needed rain results in deaths.
    The dam shots are cool. Dare I say dam cool?

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    1. Alex J. Cavanaugh: Dam cool works for me. It is cool here at the moment too. Winter is here.

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  4. Nicely composed picture. The order is great.
    Thank you

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  5. Magnificent wetness!Beautiful at home and powerful over the spillway.

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    1. Joanne Noragon: And noisy with it. The water was thundering over the spillway.

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  6. Jewel looks a bit sad. Would that we had that sort of rain fall here! -love the yellow hibiscus, (it is isn't it?) and all of your pics.

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    1. Bea: Jewel, unlike me, is a summer loving cat. She also loves her boxes. Any boxes. The yellow flower is an abutilon. And one of the few things here which blooms all year round.

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    2. I thought hibiscus too, but now remember hibiscus petals turn outward.

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    3. River: Much as I love my hibiscus it won't bloom for a while. And is leafless at the moment.

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  7. Great shots--as always!!

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  8. Isn't it lovely to see the raindrops on everything after a drought? I laughed at the picture of Jewel in the box, typical cat. :-)

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    1. DJan: I love the smell of the air after a rainstorm. And yes, to the drops of water bejewelling everything (except Jewel who hates to be wet).

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  9. Ahhh...the rain is good. We didn't get any this past week...once it ceased late last Saturday afternoon, that was it for us. It's sad that people lost their lives.

    However in some instances many also still fail to heed the warnings not to try to enter flooded ways. And when I see images on the news bulletins of those people recklessly disregarding warnings, believing they're invincible, it really angers me. (I guess I get angered by a lot of the images/stories I see/hear on news bulletins)!!

    I hope the week ahead brings you everything you wish for, EC. Cuddles to Jewel and Jazz. :)

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    1. Lee: I suspect our death fell into that category. Fording a river without understanding the power.
      I loved the rain - and would welcome more. The cats disagree.
      A good week to you and the furry overlords too.

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  10. Sorry to hear about the floods and that death. I love the smell of plants and flowers after the rain. Your wonderful photos reminded me of that.

    Greetings from London.

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    1. A Cuban in London: Thank you. I too love the scent of rain. And that bright freshly washed look.

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  11. Love the jewel-like look of raindrops in photos. You captured them well. Rain never seems to come in proper amounts. Too much or too little. Where was Jazz for the boxfest? I suppose on top of the fridge. :)

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    1. River Fairchild: Jazz was lying in wait for me. I paid in blood for not stopping the rain.

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  12. Sorry to read that one died because of it :-(

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    1. The Happy Whisk: Yes. I believe he took a risk, which didn't end well. And while I loved the rain I am sorry for his family.

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    2. Hey Elephant's Child -- Came by to wish you a good strong week ahead. Happy Winter :-)

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  13. Lovely raindrops on the flowers and foliage! My abutilon is flowering too - I would love to have your yellow one in my garden. We had some rain and soem deaths too down on the west coast of the other island - very sad.

    I think my cat is the only one I've ever met who has no interest in getting into boxes!

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    1. Alexia: What colour is your abutilon? We had several, but only this one remains now. The rain and the deaths have been happening too often haven't they?
      Jazz is wary about boxes. He will only get into them if they are on their sides. Jewel loves them all.

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    2. It's orange - which seems to me to be the default colour around these parts, although I have seen some pretty red ones.

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    3. Alexia: I have had both an orange and a red one. At a bus stop nearby there is a white one I have my eye on.

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  14. Hello Jewel! She has the sweetest face!
    I love that first shot of water through the spillway. And raindrops on everything is always one of my favourite things to see.

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    1. River: Jewel is a sweetie. Mostly. Though when Jazz attacks her she swivels round, takes his ear in her mouth and bites down. Hard. Shrieking 'he is hurting me' until someone (me) comes to her rescue.
      And yes to raindrops. So very beautiful.

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  15. Rain and overflooded areas are quite dangerous, at least until we get more amphibious vehicles. . .nice closeups of the rain quenching the thirst of the plants.

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    1. D.G. Hudson: Rain and floods can be dangerous indeed. And also life-giving. And more often (fortunately) the latter.

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  16. Our life blood...
    Here? Cold, feisty wind and a lapis sky.Not the forecast showers.

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    1. dinahmow: We had a fairly solid frost this morning. It lingered in shaded areas till nearly eleven. The cats were not happy. No rain forecast till late in the week. And I will believe it when I see it.

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  17. Lovely photos of flowers and cat. My felines do not know what to make of our early and late rains here, more than normal and wrong times of the day...Wishing you a great week...

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    1. e: Our cats are not happy with changeable weather either. Creatures of habit. And a great week to you too.

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  18. I feel ashamed to admit that I wasn't aware of the rain, flooding and deaths in the southern states. Your garden will thrive from the rain, and you from the garden.

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    1. carol in cairns: Sydney and Tasmania were hit hard. We were, with the exception of that one family, lucky and just received welcome life giving rain. And yes, the garden and I are still smiling.

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  19. Hi EC - I saw quite a lot of the storm damage ... I'm glad the rain you had was good for you and the garden. The torrents and strength of river water and the ocean waters are quite terrifying at times - solace for us at others ...

    Enjoy the garden as it absorbs all that delightful rain ... cheers Hilary

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    1. Hilary Melton-Butcher: Nature is fairly even-handed about whether she is dishing out life or destruction. And yes, water is an incredibly powerful thing. For creation and for destruction.

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  20. Loved the leaf picture, and the cat. I used to be like her. It's taken me years of living in rainless lands to actually appreciate the wonders and the powers of rainfall.

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    1. Nilanjana Bose: I hear you. We lived in some very arid areas with no town water. And went long periods where we had to buy water. So we value it. And never, ever regret rainfall. Despite the complaints of the cats.

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  21. The plants always look so much better with natural water drops on them.
    Dam looks effective...no floods then.

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    1. Margaret-whiteangel: That is a fairly small dam, and no, no floods our way. For which I am grateful.

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  22. Very sad for the lose of life agter the much needed rains. I love all the shotof raindropson your flowers and Jewel has found a safe place for her.

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    1. Margaret Adamson: Jewel is a comfort loving cat. She always finds a spot where her comfort levels are high.
      And yes. The loss of life was very sad, despite the equally welcome rain.

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  23. I would have loved to see the dam, I dont think I have ever seen a dam with spillway open

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    1. kylie: We make a point of going to check the spillways after heavy rain. It is am amazing sight - and sound.

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  24. I remember hearing there was a forecast of big rains for you, and it seemed they happened. Dearest, always in front of the word rains when an Australian is writing needs to be inserted the phrase, 'much needed', with the occasional exception.

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    1. Andrew: How right you are. Must needed is a given when rain falls. Often.

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  25. Sue,
    your life is overflowing w/ adventure & black panthers. Thank you for sharing w/ us! xxxx

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    1. My Inner Chick: Thank you. The black panthers rule the roost here. Hugs.

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  26. Your garden is wonderful and rain is a good thing ... to bad it can't come in normal soft drizzling rain showers so it can do the most good. Sorry about the deaths ... we are experiencing that kind of flooding here in the states as well BUT ... there are still those who would tell you that there is no such thing as climate change. It's a ruse that the democrats made up to get money to spend on it. I surely don't want to get started on that so I will just say, sorry I have been so quiet. Most things I am doing now are not fun to talk about but they are keeping me very occupied to the point of being too tired to sit down and read and write on my blog :( Hopefully things will get better and I will have more time to enjoy your wonderful posts. My cats don't mind the rain as long as they are inside and it is outside, but Izzi, who has to go out for various reasons, loathes the rain as well. Cute kitty in a box ... always a favorite place around here too :) Be well EC ...

    Andrea @ From the Sol

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    1. Andrea Priebe: I am sorry that life is getting in the way for you. And it doesn't sound as if it is pleasurable. I hope calm returns to you quickly.
      Climate change is a big issue here too. Including with segments of our government.

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  27. My you and Jewel be snug, dry and safe always, dear!

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    1. Cloudia: Thank you. I am happy with the rain. And today's frost. Jewel and Jazz have gone out, and I expect them back in v shortly. To hunker down in the warm.

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  28. So very sorry to hear about the loss of lives! I know how Jewel feels and around here, all boxes (bags) and such belong strictly to kitty, if she so desires! Your garden theme here goes well with my post today, that I finally posted (Sunday) for River's Wednesday words on Friday! Enjoy your new week, and stay safe and happy!

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    1. Karen S.: Jewel is a big lover of boxes and bags. Jazz? Not so much. Boxes occasionally. IF they are lying on their sides. I saw your words post - and loved it.

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  29. It's sad that which helps beauty grow, can cause death and destruction too. Love the photo of Jewel in the box.

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    1. Mason Canyon: Nature is like that. And needs to be treated with respect. Jewel is usually camera phobic, so it was a rare treat to be able to capture her loving her box.

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  30. the dam shot reminds me how often I could have sound accompaniment with my photos

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    1. Author R. Mac Wheeler: I never remember videos either. A sign of my age I think. They simply weren't around when my brain was forming its pathways...

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  31. Either too much rain or not enough. We could use some rain here right now. Love the flowers.

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    1. Sue in Italia/In the Land of Cancer: Some weather moderation would be nice wouldn't it? On the Goldilocks principle...

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  32. Lovely to see all that water, even if Jewel didn't think so. Her box seems to be a perfect fit.

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    1. cleemckenzie: If she fits, she sits. And sometimes when she doesn't.

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  33. Perfect pictures and a kitty perfect kitty too.
    Your side of the world always seems better than mine.

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    1. Sonya Ann: Nah. There is wonder everywhere. For which I am very grateful.

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  34. So sorry about the deaths caused by flooding. Nature doesn't know how to be gentle sometimes. Glad you got some much needed rain but, oh those poor cats.

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    1. Myrna R.: Nature demands respect doesn't she? The cats appreciate your concern for them. Jewel at least would be happiest in perpetual drought-ridden summer. I am so glad that she cannot always get what she wants.

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  35. Jewel has a long suffering look on her face.

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    1. Birdie: Jewel really doesn't like having her photo taken. She usually scurries away as soon as I pick up the camera. Only the love of the box kept her there - so yes she was suffering. I am so cruel.

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  36. Our cats love boxes, too, and we usually keep one or two on the floor for them to enjoy. One prefers box lids (shorter, easier to see over the edge). Your garden photos are beautiful. I'm glad you got rain although it's always sad when lives are lost. Have a good week, EC.

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    1. jenny_o: Boxes, bags, small enclosed spaces are heart-balm for Jewel. Jazz? No. He has been trapped in places when he has been seduced by curiosity so exercises some caution. And prefers to hog chairs. And the bed.

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  37. Never ceases to amaze me how beautiful and brutal
    can live side by side so easily together.
    And then there are sweet kitties to set us to grinning:)
    Love and lift to you, friend,
    Jennifer

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    1. Jennifer Richardson: Beautiful and brutal are extremely tolerant of each other. And sometimes meld to create a new reality. Hugs.

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  38. The power of water! Glad you got some rain in your parched area. We've had a few downpours this pst week also and, like you and your garden, we (and our garden) loved it! Great pics!

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    1. Molly Bon: After a drought it is hard to greet rain with anything but gratitude isn't it?

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  39. The waterway looks so peacfull, and Jewel looks like queen of the box.
    Lisa

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    1. Lisa: That waterway IS peaceful, until the spillways are opened. And of course Jewel is the queen of the box. And anywhere else she settles.

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  40. Love the images. Especially of Jewel.

    Photos of rain are always good to see.
    Sadly, it did takes its toll in some areas, and my heart goes out to those who were affected.

    I love to see a dam at spill over capacity - there is so much powerful energy as the water tumbles down.
    Have a lovely week xx

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    1. Vicki: My heart aches for people who felt nature's rough hand too. So much.
      And I am always awed by the power of water.
      A lovely week to you too.

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  41. Such lovely photos. Looks like miracles happening!

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    1. Nas: Rain creates lots of miracles doesn't it?

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  42. Ha! A cat in the box! What is it about boxes cats love?

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    1. mshatch: The big cats love them too. Our Jazz doesn't, but he is a very 'different' cat.

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  43. As they say, "When it rains, it pours". After a drought, the rain washes the dust away and the scent in the air seems so clean. However, too much at one time, can cause havoc.

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    1. Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe: I do love that freshly washed shine and scent. We got more rain in two days than we had in the preceding two months (combined). And here the havoc was minimal and the benefits huge.

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  44. Water always fascinates me. It takes on so many forms and can do many things for and to the planet. Life cannot exist without it, but it can also destroy. I see the cat trap is working.

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    1. Jono: Such a powerful element. Life giver, life taker. And often beautiful with it. That cat trap never fails. Or not on that cat.

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  45. Your endearing kitty warms my heart, and I love the translucent flower petals.

    Be well, EC.

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    1. Rawknrobyn: Jewel thanks you. She is often overlooked being less pushy than the other resident moggy.

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  46. Wish (sometimes) I could say "drifting through life." Mine's more like hurrying-to-do-as-much-as-I-can through (what's left) of my life. I do so admire your photography, thus your "life."

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    1. Patricia A. Laster: Drifting through life is a brilliant blog name isn't it? River's header photo illustrates it perfectly too.
      I muddle through life mostly. And thank you for your kind words about my photos.

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  47. That Jewel is such a cutie pie.
    Do you think the ground gets so dry it can't absorb it and it just runs off? Very sorry to hear about the death and wishing you a happy medium with your weather.
    The pictures are gorgeous!

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    1. Sandra Cox: Sometimes the ground does get exactly that dry - particularly if the rain is torrential. It was gentle here, but there was a lot of it.
      Jewel n Jazz have braved the frost and gone out. And are back inside soaking up heat.

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    2. That's frustrating. Ya need the rain and it
      runs away......
      They are such brave kitties:)
      Regarding that darling picture, if you've got a cat size box, you have a happy cat:)

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    3. Sandra Cox: For Jewel that is truth. And any size box is perfect.

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  48. I do love the rain and so does my garden. I especially like it when it is much needed because I do enjoy nice weather too. :) Love the photos. Rain on flowers and petals is so pretty.

    Your cat is a cutie.
    ~Jess

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    1. DMS ~ Jess: Rain is something I always welcome. I have lived through some hard and ugly droughts. And Jewel thanks you.

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  49. It looks like your garden loved the rain, too! I adore how vegetation brightens and responds to storms. They have a much better attitude about it than us mammals.

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    1. John Wiswell: The birds and the garden are much better at adapting than we are. The so-called superior species shown up. Again.

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  50. Great pics as always. We too could use more rain. They keep promising but so far we have had very little. Both my cat Sid and I love the pic of Jewel. Sid sends her a sincere meow.

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    1. Rasma Raisters: Hi Sid! Jewel is shy and anti-social - but very pretty with it.
      I hope you get some rain. Our weather boffins promise more than is delivered too. Often.

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  51. I love seeing the rain on the flowers. Great shots!!

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  52. The raindrops on the flowers - so beautiful! And lovely Jewel in a box - especially lovely.

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  53. There's nothing as pretty as raindrops on flowers. Lovely shots!

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    1. Lady Fi: Ice is also spectacular - which you see much more often than I do.

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  54. Last year a visiting relative decided to park on our front Lawn? Grass? WEEDS.
    Result fractured water pipe near the water meter.
    After repairing same, I dug around the area and buried a green painted 17inch Tyre around said pipe with only the top showing the hole was filled wih manure and other organic substance and with the interior of the submerged tyre containing a reservoir of fresh water the plants namely Petunias which I planted on Oct 12 last year are still continuing to bloom after weekly deheading. Is this unusual?

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    1. Vest: With enough food, water and attention (your dead heading) they sound like very happy petunias. Here the frost would take them out. Enjoy them while you can.

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  55. The little flower that loves the lea,
    may well my simple emblem be;
    It drinks heavn's dew as blithe the rose,
    that in the King's own garden grows.

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    1. Vest: I am a fan of the little things. In the garden and in life. Love the poem. Where does it come from? Yours?

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  56. Beautiful
    http://inthebothv.blogspot.ae/?m=1

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    1. Shilpa Chandraekheran: Welcome and thank you.

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