Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wednesday 1 March 2017

I am back.

Thank you all so much for your supportive comments on my last post.  I really appreciated them all.

My break whizzed past.  It was busy and full of grief, laughter, confusion, beauty and ugliness.  A bit like life really.  I am still wobbly physically and emotionally but have pulled up my big girl panties.

Two bloggers I knew, followed and cherished died last month.  Jacqueline from Cranky Bar, and Arija from garden delights.  I will miss them both, and am so grateful that our paths crossed in cyber space.  They enriched my world.  Closer to home my eldest brother's mother-in-law also died.  She, Jacqueline and Arija are now free of pain.  All those they touched and those they loved are glad that their pain is over, but we feel the pain of their loss.  Pain shared across the world.

While I was away from the blogosphere I continued to volunteer on the crisis line and donate to the Early Morning Centre which provides support for the homeless.  Negative impacts from world-wide confusion, anxt and ugliness have been and continue to be felt.

I have been reading (of course), gardening (of course) and doing a little long over-due decluttering.  And some cleaning.  Himself's sister is coming to stay with us later this month.  She is coming to see Enlighten 2017 and the Balloon Spectacular.   I understand she also wants to see the National Botanic Gardens, the Arboretum, an exhibition at the National Gallery, visit some friends (she went to University here), have a kangaroo fix and go on a lake cruise.  Which sounds like a busy five or six days to me, but I am told her itinerary is sketchy and will fill up later... Photos from at least some of these excursions will follow.

Sadly it seems that my smaller portion is going to sign up (if he can) for yet more abdominal surgery.  The hernia repair has broken down, and there are more too.  One huge one, and several smaller ones.  Not life threatening, but unpleasant and uncomfortable.  I suspect I would have called it a day by now, but he has not, and it is his body.  So he is agitating for a return to the specialist.  Sigh.

The weather has been challenging.  Hot, and sometimes very hot.  Not unexpected for summer even if neither my body nor I like it.  We have had some record breaking heat and last week one morning there was snow less than sixty miles away.  We didn't get the snow, but had a cool night (with single digit temperatures) before racketing up to another 35C/95F day.  At the moment there are  BIG temperature swings.  And some rain would be more than welcome.

You will be shocked and surprised to learn I have turned to nature for solace, healing and delight.




There are no fairies in the bottom of my garden, but there are naked ladies...


The birds continue to give us joy.  I can't tell you how much time we 'waste' each day watching them.

It was nice to know that sometimes light as a feather isn't light enough.  This corella came in to land on a very slender branch...



And overbalanced.



We laughed.  Just the same, corellas are beautiful birds.  And rock blue eyeshadow.


The King Parrots are back too.  They are very low in the avian pecking order and most birds can bully them off the feeders.  They have found a way round that problem though.






Nothing challenges them when they are standing on our hands or our arms.  They make it very clear when they want feeding too.

In other news I am off to the dentist shortly.  Wish me luck.







170 comments:

  1. Welcome back!
    So sorry for your losses. The blessing is knowing them when you did.
    Sorry there will be another surgery in the future. Tell them to do it right this time.
    Enjoy those five days of chaos.

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    1. Alex J. Cavanaugh: Thank you. I am very grateful that Jacqeline and Arija came into my world. Very, very grateful.
      I am still hoping that the surgeon refuses to do another operation. He never does well and the path is always rocky...

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  2. Welcome back.You've been missed. Sorry for the deaths :-( and another surgery but you are a tough cookie. I really honestly believe that you are.

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    1. The Happy Whisk: Tough? Me? I am renowned in the family for being weak. Which I believed for a long time.

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    2. Well, Cookie. I don't agree with that. You are an amazing creature.

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    3. The Happy Whisk: Thank you. I can do what is needed, and I am glad that I (finally) realised that.

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    4. I agree with Cookie, you are not weak.

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    5. oops. I meant 'Tough Cookie' as in strong and sweet.

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    6. River: Lololololol.

      Elephant's Child: That's a HUGE thing to know. Go you, rah!

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    7. The Happy Whisk: Even slow learners can finally get it right.

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  3. Welcome back!! So glad that you've returned to blogging. You've been missed. So sorry for your losses. You're right about their pain being gone but the pain of loss remaining with those they touched. Beautiful photos as always.

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    1. Mason Canyon: Thank you. It is nice to be back. I have missed you all.

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  4. Welcome back EC, sorry about your losses. But, you have a number of pictures, excellent.

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    1. Bob Bushell: Thank you. I have missed your birds.

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  5. I'm so sorry that you had to say good-bye to your friends and your brother's MIL. So happy that they are beyond pain and that they had a positive influence in the world.
    I don't blame you for finding solace in nature when you have such stupendous 'nature' to turn to! Beautiful! Thoughts and prayers with your other half. Hopefully this will sort things for good!
    Again, so glad you're back!

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    1. Diane Tolley: Nature is a precious gift isn't it? Always. In good times and in bad.

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  6. Wow...Sorry for those losses and your partner's hernia repair fiasco. That visit sounds like a whirlwind. Love your photos and the hands-on parrot feeding. Hugs!

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    1. e: The hernia fiasco is the side effect of more serious surgery. Also botched. A whirlwind visit sums it up well. I am exhausted thinking about it - and will probably try and convince the sister and her brother to do some expeditions on their own. Not the balloons though. That is a must for me.

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  7. Yes, I was just stunned that you have all those nature pictures for us. Not. That first sky is breathtaking.
    We are having record temps here, too. Yes, it's winter and heat temps are broken fairly on a daily basis. My garden is green with bulbs. I realized I forgot aconite, and will remedy that in the fall.
    Best wishes to SP.

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    1. Joanne Noragon: Global weather weirding sums it up doesn't it? A garden green with bulbs fills me excitement. And I have, as usual, ordered rather a lot more to put in.

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  8. I have pictures of a hawk and you have exotic looking parrots. I am envious. Welcome back EC. I hope it gets cooler soon.

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    1. Marie Smith: You have pictures of a hawk? Colour me jealous. I will be over later to look and marvel.

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  9. bird time is not 'wasted' and you know it. How happy was it to have those funnyface parrots on your arms - hello birdie. just a joy.
    Corellas a
    have been flocking over my little acre. Hundreds of them squawking riotously and chewing up the roadside and paddocks.
    Going to the dentist is a good thing. Pre-emptive.
    love from the bush

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    1. Annie ODyne: Not wasted at all. We marvel at them. And yes, there were a LOT of smiles at the king parrots. We are so very privileged.

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  10. Good to see you back in the saddle.
    Nice dress, by the way.I don't look half that sassy when I'm hanging out in the garden with beasts!

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    1. dinahmow: That dress is light, cool and comfortable. And over twenty years old. I often wear it over trousers in the garden.

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  11. You have been missed. My favorite of your birds is still the corella. Of all the color and personality birds, corellas make me happy.
    Best of health and healing to your to your smaller portion.

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    1. Susan Kane: Our favourites change, but we do have a very soft spot for the corellas. Noisy, destructive, incontinent and so very welcome.
      The smaller portion's surgery (if it happens) is a way off yet. First the specialist, then because it isn't life threatening, then the waiting list.

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  12. wow great photos. Welcome again. It is sad to lose friends but show must go..

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    1. Gosia k: It is sad and you are right. Life does go on. As you know.

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  13. Oh hon I missed the post where you said you were going and I'm stupidly slow of brain when it comes to remembering to damn well check too, so I do apologise. X

    Losing friends is heartbreaking stuff and blogger ones are no different to any other kind. I'm so sorry for your losses, especially with family involved too. I'm sad to hear of more surgery for the smaller portion as well, but if it brings relief then hopefully it will be worth it. He's a real terminator isn't he?! And I'm glad for that.

    The balloons will lift you a little and all the birds . . . no wasted time at all dearie, they're beautiful, as are you. I hope you keep all your teeth. Hugs and love Xxx

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    1. All Consuming: No apologies necessary. You have a heap on your plate. The balloons will be as always a joy. Hugs.
      Surgery is a way off yet. First step getting in to see the specialist. Not easy.

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  14. I missed you I missed you... Boyy Golly did I ever miss you!!! Photos are great. Hope the surgery isn't too hard. I so missed you...

    Our winter did not happen. Above normal temperatures. Yet, maybe spring will be nice! Gosh, I am glad you are back!

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    1. Ginger Dawn Harman: What a lovely thing to say. I hope our winter (such as it is) DOES happen. Summer most definitely did.

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    2. I am just happy to see you back and so grateful. I just read an article about gratitude and grief. It seems a bit hard but so is loss. Yet, I know you are a strong woman and nothing will drag you down. Again, so happy to have your positive spirit.

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    3. Ginger Dawn Harman: Cruelty drags me down - but my memory is shot. Sometimes a good thing.

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  15. And you were missed Child. I have tried (and failed) to charm the birds out of the trees. You are a special one.

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    1. donna baker: We are lucky. Very lucky. At the moment the king parrots who eat from our hands are coming every second day. Twice. And we are more than happy to answer the call.

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  16. welcome back!
    I did a quick google and apparently acupuncture (my new fave) can really help with hernias so that might help avoid the surgeon or ease recovery.

    You always notice the beautiful skies!

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    1. kylie: Thank you. I am a addict of the skies. And lucky with it. Acupuncture for hernias? I will have to investigate. Though I expect he would reject it. Sigh.

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    2. know I probably drive people batty with my alternate suggestions but my philosophy is to make sure they know about options. Good options, bad options, weird ones and standard ones. What people do with the information is up to them but I can never say I wish i said something

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    3. oops, used my daughters log in.

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    4. Caitlin Tai/kylie: Thank you for clearing up that confusion. And options are always a gift.

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  17. Welcome back =) Sorry for your loss. I lost a fellow blogger who was a great inspiration for me a year ago. I hope they'e in a blessed place now.

    Bird watching is a delight. One of my favorites among swedish birds, a nuthatch, stopped by my home today. Not as colorful as king parrots (which sells for large sums at my local pet shop btw) but beautiful in it's own right =)

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    1. CrimsonAnna: Sadly I am not surprised that the King Parrots are for sale. I wish they weren't. And would love to see your nuthatch - flying free.

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  18. Welcome back, EC. You were missed. I wish The Smaller Portion all the best for his upcoming surgery.

    It sounds like your break from the world of blogging was filled with various emotions. Tears and laughter; sadness and joy never are far apart from each other, are they?

    Take good care. Cuddles to Jazz. :)

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    1. Lee: Jazz in is psychotic mode at the moment. I am not game to hug him, but will pass on your best wishes.
      Life is often a mixture isn't it?

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  19. Welcome back! I have missed your blog, your gorgeous photos and your birds. I birdwatch in my yard but just see hum drum regular old birds. However, now that spring is popping out they are singing magnificent tunes.

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    1. Anna in the kitchen: Very few of our birds sing magnificent tunes. Or even tunefully. Quite a lot of them are shriekers and screamers. A trade off for the beauty?

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  20. I've used nature to get me through the valleys my whole life.

    Welcome back...and thanks for that sky shot. You know I hate skyscapes.

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    1. Author R. Mac Wheeler: Nature helps doesn't she? Big time.

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  21. As everyone else has commented, we missed you greatly!
    You had (and have) lots to deal with, and certainly deserved a blogbreak. I wish you strength; as The Happy Whisk says, you are tough - but I bet that sometimes you wish you didn't need to be.
    I also wish you beautiful skies (the first shot is terrific!), and comfortable temperatures, and lovely flowers, and gorgeous birds, and great balloon weather, and successful surgery for the SP, if it comes to that, and... well, you get the idea!

    Arohanui

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    1. Alexia: Thank you so much. I took my family's assessment of me as weak for the truth for a very long time. These days I know that if necessary I can step up to the plate. And yes, I have sometimes wished it wasn't.

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  22. I am happy you are back. I was and still am struggling with yet another loss in our blog world. Jacqueline at Cranky Bar was a very loving strong woman and I will miss her. I did not know your friend but the loss of a blogger family member is not that different than a loss in our own families. I am glad you are back with your beautiful photos.TAKE CARE and HUGS B

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    1. Buttons Thoughts: Some of the people we meet in the blogosphere become very dear to us don't they? I do mourn Jacq and Arija, their blogs and their emails but am grateful for the privilege of knowing them. Hugs gratefully accepted and returned.

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  23. have a kangaroo fix - that made me laugh, as did the clever parrots. So good to have you - and your pics - back :)

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    1. mshatch: It is not uncommon when I am feeling a bit down for me to demand a kangaroo fix. And on the bus on the way to the dentist a little while ago I saw two or three soaking up the sun. Lovely.

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  24. I started to read all the comments but they kept coming and coming, so I skipped to the end so I can add my own! Yes, of course I was shocked that you turned to nature for solace. And these losses just keep coming, don't they? I am sending you my very best virtual hugs, especially just for you. :-)

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    1. DJan: Lots of losses, too many losses. A reminder to tell people how precious and valued they are. Hugs gratefully received and returned.

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  25. Happy to see you back. So sorry for your loss and the rough times you've been though. Spring is ahead. Here's to the better times coming.

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    1. Martin Kloess: Thank you. Our autumn officially starts today. And I hope reality follows suit. I am so over summer (but then I was before it began).

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  26. Welcome home!! Let nature heal you; it should be easy with those beautiful skies & birds!!

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    1. fishducky: Nature is the very best healer. Addictive, but the side effects are manageable.

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  27. It's great to see you back, though my heart is heavy for you and for us - having lost so many gems recently. Jacqueline had and still has a place in my heart. Oy, I'm sorry too that Himself continues to need surgeries. Still, you continue, and you continue to see and share beauty. That's a beautiful thing, as are you.

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    1. Rawknrobyn: I do hope our Jacq knew how valued she was. And is. A reminder that we need to say the good things as well as the bad. Which you do - for which I thank you.

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  28. A prompt and pleasing return. Everyone here is saying it has been a cool summer, yet the weather bureau says January was 1 degree above average. We are getting some heat now though. You must have tough skin. My arms always end up scratched if I feed birds like that.

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    1. Andrew: A cool summer? Nope. A patchy and inconsisent summer. Some stinking hot days followed by cooler ones. And then a return to the sauna. I saw your temperatures today. And Adelaide's. And shuddered. My arms are scratched, but have been to some extent toughened up by Jazz. I heal quite quickly on the whole.

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  29. Welcome back.
    Sorry for the loss - not a nice feeling...but life goes on :)
    My, you will be extra busy when friends arrive.

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    1. Margaret-whiteangel: We will be busy. Perhaps a little too busy. Time will tell.

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  30. I swear the King Parrot in the first picture is smiling.

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    1. Birdie: That is what we said when we saw the photo. And it was only fair - we were smiling too.

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  31. I'm so glad you're back, EC. It wasn't the same around Blogland without you.

    Your pictures are amazing. The twin trees, as always, are my favourite. I love that the parrots will eat from your hands. What an experience that must be!

    Condolences on the losses in your life, and a wish for extra strength for whatever is in store for the smaller portion. He's braver than I'd be, after what he has endured already as described by you here.

    I hope your cooler temperatures have arrived.

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    1. jenny_o: Thank you so much. We are getting some cooler days and nights, interspersed with hot ones. Slowly...
      The smaller portion is braver than I am too. I really, really wouldn't be going down the surgery path. And it isn't certain he is. The specialist indicated last time that he had done all he could.

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  32. Welcome back1 :)
    Watching the birds is never a waste of time. I'm so pleased to see the king parrots on your arms and getting fed. Had a giggle at the corella. The sunsets are glorious, more surgery-not so glorious, I wish there could be a long term or permanent solution.
    Good luck with the dentist.

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    1. River: On the dentist front I got out pretty lightly. She wants to do a clean but nothing else. Yay.
      Sigh on the surgery front and you are so right about the birds. Never, ever a waste.

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  33. Welcome back, I missed you! Sorry about all your sad losses and husbands medical problems, but you are so right about Nature - always there with heaping helpings of peace and serenity, cute birds and oh-so-clever parrots!

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    1. Molly Bon: Bird brained is not used properly is it? I am so impressed at how clever so many of the birds are. And at their perseverance and fortitude. And sometimes at their sneakiness. And the sky is a daily blessing.

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  34. Good to see you back! Terrific photos, as always.

    I was so saddened by the news that Arija has passed away...

    I am not blogging much these days, so many other things to attend to, and unfortunately the MS is raging.

    Ewwww. the dentist, good luck...I have to take "happy pills" before I go there.

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    1. Karen: Losing Arija, so soon after losing Jacqueline was a real shock. Her daughter said she has gone to her next big adventure - and I hope she loves it.
      I hear you on the MS front. Mine is going great guns too. Sigh. I hope the beast settles down for both of us.
      And I loathe and detest the dentist. And am afraid. No work needed fortunately - except for a cleaning. Which I also loather.

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  35. Yay!! I missed you! the photos are splendid! I LOVE THE BIRDS!! And the flowers and the sky... I like the shirt that you are wearing too... nice design... HUGS

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    1. Nicky HW: Thank you. I am a big fan of birds, the sky, the garden. And I am fond of that top/dress. Old but gold.

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  36. I am so happy to see your name on my dashboard and to also see your beautiful pictures, especially of the birds.

    When I clicked on the link to your friend's blogs, I thought it was so nice that a family member wrote their last post. I am sure that is what these women would have liked.

    We are having a very mild winter and lately it has seemed more like spring. I feel for you with the heat. As much as I dislike the greyness of winter, my body can more easily take the worst of the cold than the horrible heat and humidity of late summer.

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    1. Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe: You are right. Both Arija and Jacqueline loved and were proud of their daughters and it is so right that they wrote the last posts for them.
      It is so much easier to get warm than cool isn't it? And stay that way.

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  37. Hi EC - good to see you back ... while I'm sorry for the losses - but as you say they are all at peace now and free of pain. The hernia hassles do not sound pleasant - but I hope they can be resolved as soon as can be ... while your dentist trip I hope helped!

    Glad you've got nature around you and can spend time healing in it and re calibrating. You'll enjoy those few days out and about with your SIL ... all the best as you settle back in here - cheers Hilary

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    1. Hilary Melton-Butcher: Thank you. The dentist trip was fine(ish). And hooray for nature.

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  38. Dear EC
    So pleased you are back, even though you have had difficult times over the past month (and it sounds as if more difficult times are yet to come.) We're here for support (even if we are thousands of miles away, we are with you in spirit).
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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    1. Ellie Foster: Thank you so much. How is your garden going? Signs of Spring?

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  39. My favorite words in this post: solace, healing and delight. So glad you had all three, my friend.

    And I am delighted, as always, with your beautiful photos. Big smile here this a.m.

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  40. So pleased to see you back in the blogosphere and still taking pictures! Hang in there, if your family says you're weak, they obviously don't understand you. You are strong, unbreakable and have great resilience. Hang in there.

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    1. Carolyn McBride: Family myths can be strong. Very strong. And yes, I am still hanging.

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  41. I'm glad to see you're back. Glad to see your front, too! You've been busy, but thanks for coming back and sharing your life and photos with us. I missed that and I know many others did, as well.

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    1. Jono: I missed so many people in the blogosphere while I was away, and am humbled by the support I receive. There will be many, many photos to come.

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  42. Welcome back! Sounds like a busy month ahead - with surgeries and visits. Your shots are stunning. I find Nature gives us much solace when we most need it.

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  43. Oh how wonderful to be with you again! Thanks for sharing the challenges too. That's what friends do, and look at how many of us care for you Dear!

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    1. Cloudia: Thank you, oh sister across the seas.

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  44. Yes, welcome back. Love the photo's, Clouds, one of my favorite things!

    Sorry for your losses, and surgery, never a good thing, until well healed!

    Heat, such a drain on the system, and mother earth.

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    1. Yolanda Renee: Thank you. I do hope that the February writing challenge was its usual amazing success.

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  45. Good to hear from you again. So glad the break was what you had hoped for, at least for the most part. How lucky you are to have King Parrots warming up to you. Love all of your pictures and warm sounds wonderful to me. We have had a warmer than normal winter, but it is still too cold for me. And I get so tired up putting on layers ... it takes me 10 minutes to get out the door for Izzi's potty breaks and by then she is crossing her legs. Spring is not too far off though, I am told, and the birds are all migrating early so life is still full of interesting things. Welcome home, EC ... I have missed you.

    Andrea @ From The Sol

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    1. Andrea Priebe: I am with Izzi and prefer the cold. And haven't worn a coat in more than twenty years except when I was in Antarctica. The King Parrots are a joy.

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  46. Welcome back to the Blog. I am glad to see you again. Loved the pictures! I do not know how you put up with all that heat. We do get heat in the summer, here, but not as hot as you get there, and not for as long a period of time. Looking forward to your posts and pictures. Keep well.

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    1. Sienna Smythe: I put up with the heat reluctantly and grumpily. Reciting 'this too will pass'. And it will.

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  47. Welcome back! We've missed you.
    I'm so sorry for your losses and trust your loved ones are enjoying their next cycle of life.
    Good luck to your other with his surgery.
    Look at you and the birds! What a delight. That's got to make the top five of life's special moments.
    Hugs

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    1. Sandra Cox: Thank you. When the parrots deign to land on our hands both of us have HUGE smiles. And yes, definitely one of life's special moments.

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  48. Nothing makes you treasure life quite like seeing someone you care for leave it, eh? Such a tumultuous time, but I'm glad you're looking at the beautiful side of things. (As in, the beauty of nature.) Wishing you much peace and calm through the coming storms.

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    1. Crystal Collier: I do mourn the losses, but am so grateful for the richness they gave me. And thank you. Peace is always welcome.

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  49. Welcome back! We all missed you. Hugs to you as you work through the loss of people special in your life.
    I am green with envy at your ability to be a human bird feeder! Such gorgeous creatures. It's painful to watch a less than graceful bird too. I'm sure he took a bow afterwards and said "I meant to do that" much like a cat would. ;)

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    1. River Fairchild: Oh course the corella meant to do that. And yes, being a human bird feeder has rather more charm than being a human human feeder. Or a cat feeder quite often. The birds are infinitely less fussy than people or cats. They prefer green apple but will eat red. And don't say that they are being poisoned if I give them second best.

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  50. Welcome back, sweet Sue. I've missed you.

    I'm sorry to hear about your losses. Isn't it amazing how much we can come to care about people we never have, and never will, meet face-to-face? I never expected the blogosphere to open my heart to so many new people, but it's a blessing.

    They say time heals all wounds, but I think the beauty of Mother Nature speeds the process, so I'm glad you're surrounded by so much natural beauty. It's sooooo cool that you caught that series of pictures of that poor bird who tried to sit on a too-small limb. (HE may not agree...)

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    1. Susan: The corella noticed when we laughed. And if looks could kill this post would not have been written.

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  51. So glad you're back. My condolences for your losses. But I sense you are wise and accept the dance of life and death.
    I am always so impressed with your activity level. It leads you to give so generously to your volunteer work and to us.
    The pictures are spectacular. Made me realize how much I missed you. Believe that your photos bring joy. Thank you so much.

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    1. Myrna R.: Thank you. I hope in the coming weeks to have lots of beauty and quirky joys to share. Lots and lots.

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  52. We have sorely missed you but I can't see that you have had time to miss us. You have been busy. So very sorry for the sadness and loss during your absence. Your return to nature for healing is a good place to have gone. Welcome back:-)

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    1. Granny Annie: I have missed you but you are right, I have been busy. Sometimes productively so.

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  53. Welcome back. Sorry for your troubles and losses. The weather here, in Vancouver, Canada, is also strange - the coldest winter in over 20 years. We had snow on the ground for a month - an unheard-of phenomenon here.
    And photos are stunning, as usual, especially the parrots. Who is holding them if you're taking pictures?

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    1. Olga Godim: Not all the photos are of me. There are a couple of my partner and the king parrots and he took the ones of me.
      Snow? I am a tad jealous.

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  54. So glad you're back. I'm back, too. My month away has been interesting, but not marred by the loss like yours has been. Very sorry.

    My tomatoes seeds have sprouted in the greenhouse (still in the 50s a night here) and I'm starting to turn the soil in the garden. I think we both turn to nature when healing's needed. Where else is so beautiful and consoling?

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    1. cleemckenzie: Hooray for tomatoes. Home grown tomatoes are a joy, and we are still enjoying ours. You are so right about nature's power.

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  55. I missed you and like the rest of your sizeable fan club, welcome you back. Sounds like you will be busy entertaining your sister in law. Love your birds and sunsets

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    1. Sue in Italia/In the Land of Cancer: Thank you. We will be busy, (too busy?) but I hope to greet old friends in the blogosphere too.

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  56. Life is a roller coaster and can knock you for six. Nature is a great healer. So sorry you have had a tough time of it.

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    1. Denise inVA: Thank you. You know that roller coaster only too well.

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  57. Hello and welcome back from your break. So sad when we lose our friends, even if they are friends who we have never actually had the pleasure of meeting in person. I love your bird photos, especially that clumsy corella. Oh well, we can't always be dainty and athletic! Strange weather everywhere I think. Yesterday was rainy and 15C, pretty warm for March 1, and then the wind howled all night and this morning there is snow on the ground and it's -8C!!! I blame Mr Trump.

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    1. Shammickite: But Mr Trump will be able to fix it... Bigly.
      The blogosphere has given me some wonderful friends. And friends they are, even if we never meet.

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  58. So nice to see you back - but I am very sorry to hear about the loss of friends and family.

    I love all of your photo's.
    Birds are just so good to look at and watch, and how nice to be able to spend time each day watching them.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Lowcarb team member ~ Jan: Thank you. Birds are a joy, and we make time to watch and admire them. Lots of time.

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  59. Love the no fairies but Naked Ladies. Ha ha.

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    1. Sandra Cox: I do love my Naked Ladies. I have white ones in the back yard...

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  60. So glad you are feeling up to coming back to us. You have had some sad events to deal with. Nature does heal doesn't it? And I can, if I close my eyes, feel those little feet clinging to my arms and hands and feel the life surging through them....they are so sweet.

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    1. only slightly confused: Nature is my panacea for rather a lot of things. And I smile just thinking about the King Parrots.

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  61. Too bad on the SP's further surgeries. Love those king parrots. Hey, we can all see that branch won't support your king sized weight, parot! Find yourself a bigger one. Hope you have a decent dental visit. I'm waiting months to get a hole filled in one tooth because the filling fell out and there are so few dentists willing to work the lower pay at low cost clinics, serving mostly poor, that the wait is almost six months to get one tiny hole filled.

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    1. Strayer: Corellas are often bully boys. And he appeared surprised that the branch (spitefully) refused to hold him.
      Our low pay dentists have huge waiting lists too. Fortunately I was lucky this time. No major work.

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  62. From woman we come and to woman we go. That's what I think, at least. We're born from woman and we go back to Mother Nature. Beautiful post. I am sorry for your losses.

    Greetings from London.

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    1. A Cuban in London: I like the idea of going back to nature. If I get my druthers I will feed a tree when I die.

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  63. It is really wonderful to have you back. I have really missed you.

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    1. CountryMum: Thank you. I have missed all my friends in the blogosphere too.

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  64. Hi Sue,

    It seems a welcome return to you is in order. I'm so far out of the blogging loop. So much so that my loops have looped, or something like that.

    Sorry to read of your losses. All the best to the smaller portion and to you, a thoroughly decent lady.

    Thank you for all you do.

    Be well, my friend.

    Gary

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    1. klahanie: Dear Gary. Thank you. I hope your world settles to an even beat soon. You are valued and missed.

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  65. Welcome back. I know losing friends and family is a part of life , but it's a hard part.
    Being from the US, I felt a little twinge of pain when you mention the world situation. I feel bad about all the confusion the new president here is causing. Believe me when I say, there are a LOT of people her who don't see eye to eye with him.
    Take care of yourself and I hope you have fun on your excursions.
    R

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    1. Rick Watson: I know that many of your countrymen and women are uncomfortable with your current President. As I am with some of the decisions my own Government takes.
      And thank you. Lots.

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  66. It's so good to have you back EC. It's inspiring that you know when you need space and you take it.

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    1. Kim: Thank you. I wish I could claim credit here, but I am very slow to cut myself some slack. Even when I know I need it.

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  67. Wellcome back here, nice to "see" you. I love your photos, but it was not nice to read the misfortune things you have. I hope all my best to you.
    Kisses.

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  68. Glad you are back .
    Merle..............,

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    1. Merlesworld: Thank you. I hope you are having fun with the twins. I am sure you are having fun.

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  69. Very glad that you are back, I confess to having been sporadic lately so I am just now catching up. I heard of Jacqueline's death on Facebook, where we were friends. I shall miss her so....

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    1. Optimistic Existentialist: Lots of us will miss Jacq. Lots and lots of us.

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  70. So glad to see you back! I wrote and it is gone. So will write shorter and try again. Sorry about surgery for anyone for any reason. Monday's chemo was worst one yet so will just say glad you are back! for now.

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    1. Bookie: I am sorry that chemo is still being cruel to you. Hugs.

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  71. Hey it's good to see you back blogging and commenting. You have been missed. I'm sorry about the blogging friends that have died, I didn't know either of them, but I know how close you can become to people online.

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    1. LL Cool Joe: Thank you. I am amazed at how close we can (and do) become to people in the blogging community. Amazed and grateful.

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  72. Good and healing wishes to the smaller portion. I hope this surgery does the trick and things improve drastically soon.

    It's good to have you back, EC. I hope this month treats you better.

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    1. John Wiswell: Thank you. He has a visit to the doctor tomorrow and then (perhaps) a visit to the specialist. Then waiting...

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  73. I missed you, your posts, and all of the pictures you share while you were gone. I am glad you are back. Love the pictures of the sky and birds. I look to nature for solace and comfort too.

    Hope the smaller portion's surgery finally solves the problem.

    Welcome back! :)
    ~Jess

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    1. DMS ~ Jess: Thank you. I missed all my friends in the blogosphere too. Lots. Himself took some further steps towards surgery today. Sigh.

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  74. They come and sit on your hands and arms? Oh my, I'm so jealous. I want that, too. (Not me sitting on your hands and arms but THEM sitting on MINE)

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    1. Carola Bartz: It isn't all of them, and it isn't every day but yes, they sit on our hands and arms to feed. And our smiles could light the world on those days.

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  75. My dear friend....I am so delighted to see you back and refreshed, and not at all surprised that nature was your solace. Nature seems to sneak up on us and just lay a hand on our shoulder when we need it most. I could use a little myself but winter has asserted itself and I am trapped inside still recovering from a nasty virus. My shoulder still ebbs and flows and is healing....so no blogging yet.

    I will continue to keep up as I can but I am so happy to see you return....you were missed here.

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    1. Donna@LivingFromHappiness: It is lovely to see you here. I am glad that your shoulder is healing and hope that the ebb becomes a flow. Soon.

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  76. Very sorry to read of the loss of your blogger friends. Nature does provide a wonderful respite from sorrow.

    Your volunteer work sounds fulfilling and vital. We all need to extend a kind hand during these globally upsetting times.

    The king parrots look delightful. I may have mentioned in a previous comment sometime back that we have 'wild' parrots here in San Francisco. They are fairly small & bright green. In large groups, their chatter is quite an cacophony of SOUND.

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    1. Bea: Thank you. Nature is a gift - that we need to look after.
      My volunteer work is hugely important to me. You are so right about the need for it too sadly.
      I have read a book about your parrots - and ours are very noisy in big groups too. Indeed few of our birds are precisely musical.

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