Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Sunday 4 June 2017

Sunday Selections #330

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 was right.  Frost and wind did take out the tree dahlias last week.  However, it also brought us frost flowers.


I mourned the deaths (and rejoiced that we saw the blooms first) and marvelled at the frosty beauty.



Several frosts later they look even sadder and today I hope to cut them down.

Then to chilly beauty which replaced them.









If you look closely at the photo above there is a violet bloom almost hidden under the strappy ice sabres.





I do realise that this beauty isn't for every one.  I am perhaps a sick puppy, but I am looking forward to it getting colder yet.  Frozen bubbles are looming in my consciousness again...

Friday was a difficult day and I finished it in tears and slept abominably.  Some days I am not very bright and despite having less than four hours sleep on Saturday morning I did the washing and then worked myself into the ground in the garden.   Sanity finally prevailed and we made a calming excursion to the lake in the afternoon.





The obligatory kangaroos were there too.



We are so lucky having this beautiful and restorative place close to home.

136 comments:

  1. wow I do not think you have had frost at your place. It is surprise for me.

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    1. Gosia k: We will have frosts for the next few months. And may, just may, get a dusting of snow.

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  2. Closer to Antartica than I thought. Didn't know winters were so cold there. Ours was fairly mild and having just past I crave no cold. Spring has lingered too so I'm happy. When it gets too hot, I'll be fussing. It does hurt to see the garden freeze. Oh well.

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    1. donna baker: I live in a city renowned for being chilly (and boring). And love it. The sweaty season is not for me either.

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  3. Well, I can't share frostiness, but I'm pretty sure we're in single digits (celsius) this morning.
    Lovely cloud reflection!

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    1. dinahmow: I hope your day warms. We only had minimal frost this morning. For which Jazz is grateful. It is hard on a cat's paws.

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  4. You caught some wonderful photos of the lake, such beautiful reflections. I'm glad you live nearby. I love frost on plants almost as much as a heavy dew. It is a shame to lose a plant to winter.

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    1. Ann Bennett: Frost can be beautiful can't it? Frost on spiderwebs is always a joy...

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  5. I feel sad you had such a bad day. Getting out into all that beauty is a big stress reliever. I feel at such peace when I am surrounded by nature. Your photos are stunning EC. Frosty photos are another kind of beauty that I enjoy very much. Sending a big hug and hope your weekend and forthcoming week is a happy one.

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    1. DeniseinVA: Thank you. Nature is a wonderful solace, comfort and healer isn't she? Not to mention joy.

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  6. I think your frosty shots are lovely!!

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  7. A beautiful scene EC. Those plants, fantastic.

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  8. Replies
    1. Susan Kane: Mother nature is a supreme artist.

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  9. I hope you're feeling better now, EC...and that your spirits have lifted. Lately, rarely a day goes by I don't shed tears...mine are over the madness we are being engulfed by throughout the world here, there and everywhere. The folly, the inhumanity, the lunacy of humans....

    And another horrific event has occurred - breaking news flooding our TV screens at the moment - again - this time in London...unconfirmed reports of the nature of this event yet unknown...not confirmed as yet....however...time will tell.... When will it ever end?

    Will I ever stop shaking my head...will the tears every stop flowing?

    I'm loving the cooler weather. Of course, our temps here on the mountain aren't as chilly as yours...the lowest we've had so far has probably been around 4C, give or take...up to 18C during the day...but I love it, and if it gets chillier, all the better as far as I'm concerned!

    I hope the week ahead treats you kindly and all is well. Cuddles to Jazz.

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    1. Lee: Sadly there are now two events being investigated in London. When will it ever end indeed.
      The cooler weather is blissful. We are hoving around 2 degrees at the moment, and it is bright, sunny and I think beautiful. Shortly I am going back out into the garden.

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    2. Three now, EC....and on and on it goes...

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    3. Lee: So far I have only heard of two. And am going into the garden very shortly. I cannot deal with sadness and ugliness I cannot change.

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    4. I heard shortly after I posted the above that the third stabbings at Vauxhall weren't connected to the other two.

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  10. Goodness, that is not a light frost. I haven't seen such a frost for years. Amazing photos, and I like the cloud reflection photos too.

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    1. Andrew: I expect we will get 'bigger and better' frosts over the next few weeks. We still often get crunchy starts to the day.

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  11. Hugs to you. I'm glad your sanity returned and you got a restorative kangaroo fix. :) The frost photos are beautiful! So delicate. Bring on the frozen bubbles!

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    1. River Fairchild: Not cold enough yet for frozen bubbles, but inching towards the day. And when I say not cold enough, I was outside gardening in t-shirt and sandals till a little while ago.

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  12. Replies
    1. Author R. Mac Wheeler: Our lake is man-made, but I think it is very beautiful.

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  13. I love your frosty shots, and I would certainly rather have a frost and a beautiful crisp day than a dreary grey one. Some years we get very few frosts but this year we have had some very early ones - the first one was on the 2nd of May! - which resulted in all of the town's deciduous trees producing marvellous autumn colours, the like of which I have never seen before in 33 years of living here.

    I am sorry you had such a bad day. How lovely the lake is, and I'm glad the excursion helped. As for the state of the world - I have no words.

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    1. Alexia: My city gets lots of frosts but they are almost always followed by bright blue blissful days. As far as I am concerned a grey day is wasted if it isn't raining.
      The world? Sigh and shudder. And sigh, shudder and growl at the politicians who use other people's tragedies to further their cause.

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  14. Such wonder-filled glimpses of your world,Thank you for sharing . Aren't we lucky? Enjoy the day...

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    1. Martin Kloess: There is magic and beauty everywhere. Which is just as well because we need it.

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  15. Hugs and I do understand the not sleeping and the chores...I have weeks like that. There is a different beauty to these photos---changing light, changing temperature, changing colors, all reminders of the immense power of nature.

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    1. e: Sadly far too many of us understand the not sleeping and the grinding ourselves down with chores. I am so very grateful for the beauty which surrounds me. Hugs.

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  16. Frosty shots? Beautiful... but I prefer warmer shots since our winter is soooo long.summer is just around the corner... as far as the calendar is concerned. By July/August we will be complaining it is too hot... :)

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    1. Caterina: I much prefer our winter to our summer, but it is short and mild by your standards. Enjoy your weekend.

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  17. I can relate to the poor sleeping. I am a terrible sleeper and if I've had a bad day, it can be worse for sleep. I wish you hours of sweet dreams, EC.

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    1. Marie Smith: Thank you. I have just come inside after a blissful few hours in the garden. It was cool but sunny and I got a lot done, and was watched and seranaded by birds. Now for a cup of tea. Another cup of tea.

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  18. Beautiful! Those shots of the frost are amazing; you can see the individual crystals and shards. I've never seen anything like it in real life. Now I'm wondering if that's because I don't get up early enough or if we just don't have the right conditions for them to form. Whatever the reason, I am glad you posted these.

    Don't those kangaroos have sturdy hind legs? They are so powerful.

    I hope you have a better week coming up, EC. A poor sleep makes the next day difficult, and too many in a row make life difficult in general. Hugs to you.

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    1. jenny_o: It was early, but not obscenely so. It isn't light till seven here at the moment. I am fascinated with the delicacy of frost - and glad you enjoyed them.
      Kangaroos are incredibly muscular.
      Hugs gratefully received and returned.

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  19. Lovely reflections and the roo too. Gosh, never up too early these mornings.

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    1. Margaret-whiteangel: Thank you. I am an early riser, which has some benefits. I do love reflections though - whatever the time of day.

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  20. Hi EC - I too hope you're feeling easier now - but I'm glad you were able to have a calming afternoon ... washing and gardening take energy ... need to do, a relief to be done - yet thankfully you can recover for a while.

    So glad you're looking forward to the frostier times - these are delightful photos ... I have to say I'm looking forward to summer days ... but have a recuperative winter ... take care and cheers Hilary

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    1. Hilary Melton-Butcher: I hope your summer is blissful. Washing and gardening do indeed take energy, but it is good to have them done. Or the washing at least. The gardening is never finished.

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  21. The kangaroo in the final close up looks different, he must have his winter coat on.
    I LOVE the frosted leaves, they're so pretty.
    This year the frosty air seems to be playing havoc with my asthma, which isn't fun, but I'm coping okay.

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    1. River: I am sorry to hear that the frosty air is encouraging your asthma. Not fair. I hope you can continue to manage it.
      The roos do have their winter coats on, which is just as well. The temperatures have firmly dipped into the minuses and most days we don't reach double figures until lunchtime.

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  22. I see by the above comments I'm going to have to watch the news tonight.

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  23. Lovely photographs of the frost on the foliage. But I'm glad to see you had a bit of sense to stop all the work before you were totally exhausted and went to that beautifully and saw the kangaroos I hope you were restored in health.

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    1. Margaret Adamson: Going down to the lake ALWAYS helps. Not cures, but definitely helps.

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  24. so glad the garden and the lakeside helped to restore you so you could take more lovely photos..
    As a child I had to walk through such frosts to feed farm animals and I'm now happy to live on the coast where a frost is a very rare thing...
    I too avoid the news details when they are so awful.. so nerve wracking when family or friends are travelling..
    Hope you have a lovely week

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    1. Anna: It feels like cowardice. It probably is cowardice but if I can neither change things nor help I cannot watch.
      I am a big fan of frosts. In one of the places we lived we regularly saw it considerable distances up trees. Chilly, but beautiful.

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  25. I am so glad you can see the beauty in the frosty blossoms.

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    1. Sue in Italia/In the Land of Cancer: I am a beauty addict. Fortunately there is a lot of it about.

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  26. Chilly beauty = exquisite! She takes away with one hand and gives with the other. And given that temps are shooting up and up at my end, just looking at those frost blossoms is soothing.

    Sorry to hear you were feeling frazzled. Glad that you could get out in all that beauty and restore yourself to calm. Stay well. Peace to you and yours.

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    1. Nilanjana Bose: I am so glad that others can also see the beauty in the frost flowers.
      A busy day ahead, but there will be intervals of calm. Thank you.

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  27. love your frosty leaves, would make a nice grouping of photos to hang on a wall

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    1. Linda Starr: Thank you. There is no room on any of our walls, but I am enjoying the cool images outside.

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  28. You help us see beauty in so many ways. Hope you're feeling better my friend. Love the photos.

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    1. Mason Canyon: Thank you. We live in a very beautiful world don't we?

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  29. Dear EC
    The cold brings its own beauty, seen to great effect in your photos. I'm sorry to hear you weren't so well and hope that you are feeling better. A calming space is so important, isn't it?
    Best wishes for the week ahead
    Ellie

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    1. Ellie Foster: I do like the cooler weather. So much.
      My heart goes out to your country reeling after the lastest atrocity. Hugs.

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  30. Do care for yourself, dear Sister <3 So wonderful to be with you in those gentle nature photos of yours

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    1. Cloudia: Nature is a wonderful healer isn't she? And thank you too.

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  31. As always, your pictures are beyond lovely. I really enjoyed your frost flowers! I hated to hear of your low feelings, but believe me, I understand. I could feel yours like I was in your hip pocket. Try as we may, the darkness does invade us no matter what we do...but...it passes for most part! Your day sounds productive despite the dark air for a while!

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    1. Bookie: And a huge thank you to you as well. It was a productive day, and the serenity at the lake helped restore my mind as almost nothing else does.

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  32. love love love your frosty photos. however, please keep the cold in the southern hemisphere for just a little longer than last time! We are finally getting warmer days here!

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    1. Cindi Summerlin: I would be very, very happy to hang onto the cold. The sweaty season will be back long before I am ready.

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  33. Your "other side of the world" post reminds me that it's not turning summer everywhere. Love the frost pictures especially.

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    1. DJan: We have definitely, finally, left summer behind. I hope she is gentle on you - and stays there a long, long time.

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  34. I was so confused by the frost for a moment until I realized where you lived again. I'm kind of jealous...it's getting hot here.

    On a side note, I can't think of anytime I've seen a 'Roo in leaves and under a tree. Almost all of the pictures I can think of seem to be in the outback.

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    1. Robert Bennett: Kangaroos thrive in a lot of places other than the outback. Many of our suburbs have them often, and they are quite common on some beaches. And recline under trees and relax beautifully.

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  35. You are lucky to have that place so close. And yes, garden work can take a lot of time and effort, but it's worth it. Frost can be pretty, as can out and out ice. I remember going out after an ice storm to get pictures when I lived up north. I don't miss the cold at all though, no sirree, not one bit. :) Wishing you a restful/happy day! :)

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    1. mail4rosey: If we ever got an ice storm I am pretty certain that mad woman with camera dances would happen. Extensive dances.

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  36. I can appreciate the beauty you highlight in your frosty photos. Unlike you though, I don't thrive in the cold and would probably overlook the beauty to focus on my discomfort.
    Sorry you had a hard day Friday. I'm glad you find comfort in nature's beauty. Take care.

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    1. Myrna R.: I hope that your summer is blissful. And suspect that more people like the warmer months than revel in chilly temperatures. Both have beauties, but my preference is definitely for cool.

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  37. The frost pictures are so pretty!

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    1. Birdie: Aren't they lovely? It is still dark here, but I suspect there are more of them this morning. In an hour or two I will check.

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  38. Oh what good way to look at the frost! It has a beauty of its own. So sorry for the sadness but you found beauty in a beautiful park.

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    1. Kim Standard: I did indeed find beauty. And serenity.

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  39. I'm glad that the natural beauty is restorative for you. xx

    The frosty leaves look like you could make them go 'crunch!' just be giving them a squeeze. :P

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    1. Bea: I suspect that if I had squeezed the leaves they would have cracked at least. And can remember frosts where the grass broke as we walked over it.

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  40. Lovely photos, I did see the violet bloom. The kangaroo is precious. What happens to the birds in winter, do they migrate somewhere else?

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    1. Truedessa: A lot of our birds will stay here all year round. Some migrate to the hills during breeding season.

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  41. We are beginning summer
    and you, winter!
    How cold does it get there?
    Love the Roos! xx

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    1. My Inner Chick: On a global standard we don't get very cold. Our nights will not go below about 20F and our days will mostly nudge 50F.

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  42. I loved reading through all the comments.

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  43. Wonderful photos of beautiful autumn. I didn't know that you also have frost.
    We had quite cold spring and so it seems continue also in the beginning of summer. It was some hot days here, but not any more...

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    1. orvokki: Not all of Australia gets frosts but we most definitely do. And will do for the next few months. At least. I think it is beautiful though.

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  44. The plants and surrounding environment look doubly fascinating with that frosted and melted look. I finished my Fanfiction for last wed word prompts, I think Voyager is the only starship to ever land on a snowy surface which you must experience from time to time in Australia with frost etc right?

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    1. Spacer Guy: I read and thoroughly enjoyed your piece. Parts of Oz do get snow, including here (though it is very rare here). I do love the frost and agree it looks fascinating.

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  45. I think the frosty plants are lovely and I'm glad you have some place calming nearby. I have a great place almost in my back yard which I will take pics of one of these days. It's a sand pit which doesn't sound very nice but it's been abandoned for quite some time and nature has taken over nicely.

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    1. mshatch: I am really looking forward to seeing photos of the sand pit which nature has reclaimed.

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  46. Those are beautiful frost photos. Looks like you're getting a lot of hard frost by now. I'd like it if we got some hard sun by now. I do that to myself sometimes, don't get enough sleep and then everything is hard to bear.

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    1. Strayer: Sometimes we are our own worst enemy aren't we? I hope you do get some sun.

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  47. Good morning, and a most happy week for you. Lovely photos, I am one too that enjoys the frosty photos, (maybe that's the frozen tundra of a Minnesota girl) but there is a beauty that not all can capture, but you did!

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    1. Karen S.: Thank you. It is a fragile and ephemeral beauty, but I do love it.

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  48. The frozen shots....so beautiful.
    Please start taking better care of yourself.
    Hugs

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    1. Sandra Cox: Thank you. I will try and do better.

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  49. There is so much beauty around us. I believe it was Andy Warhol who said, and I paraphrase, There's beauty in everything. All we have to do is see it. As usual, I loved your images.

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    1. cleemckenzie: I agree. There is beauty everywhere. For which I am very, very grateful.

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  50. I love the frost photos - so beautiful. And I can see the violet, although I might have missed it otherwise.

    I don't like to think of you in tears - I'm so glad you had that calming excursion to the lake. Hugs!

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    1. Lynn: The violets are thriving despite the frost and every day there are more of them in bloom. Lots of jonquils too.
      I will be fine. Really.

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  51. Your pictures of frost are breathtaking.
    One day I am going to have to visit your part of the world, it's just so beautiful. Guess it's time to start looking for some ship to come in.

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    1. Anne in the kitchen: I suspect I would be blown away by the beauty in your part of the world too. We all need our ships to come in.

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  52. The series of photographs showing the frost are beautiful.

    Your lake photographs are gorgeous and I am pleased you are able to go to this local spot, and see the beauty there.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Lowcarb team member ~Jan: Thank you. This morning there is no frost, but low cloud and misty rain. Which has its own beauty.

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  53. Yes, a place for relaxation and rejuvenation is what we all need from time to time.

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    1. CountryMum: Yes. A place where we can just be. No doing.

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  54. I could also go for some frozen bubbles! Alas, you'll have to settle for busy marsupials for a while.

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    1. John Wiswell: I am hoping to get my frozen bubbles in the next week or so. And feel a bit sorry for the roos. The fur on their tails is fairly thin, and they must get cold.

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  55. Ooo - so gorgeous! I love the frosted leaves.

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    1. Lady Fi: This particular beauty is one you see much more often than I do.

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  56. WOW! I enjoyed seeing all the beauty of the leaves and plants with the snow upon them. No words to express the beauty of it:)

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    1. Weekend-Windup: Thank you so much. It is frost rather than snow, but I agree. It is very, very beautiful.

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  57. The frosted leaves are very beautiful. Have you a macro lens, because the look of the frost on a macro setting takes your breath away.

    Glad you had some relaxing time by the lake.

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    1. LL Cool Joe: No macro lens. Yet. My fascination with minutae means that I am going to have to get one.

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  58. 'Strappy Ice Sabers'. Great description, EC.

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    1. Sandra Cox: This, from a real writer means a lot. Thank you.

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  59. Just love your photos. Just now I'm happy the frozen world is down under. I like it in tiny doses, but I'm basically a flip-flop girl. Seeing it is much better than bundling up :)

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    1. Carol Kilgore: I am the opposite, but isn't it wonderful that we have the blogosphere to watch for our preferred seasons. And to enjoy images, without feeling reality when that suits.

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  60. Frost does have its own charm, and i'm glad you were able to have a restorative time Saturday. Tear days are so hard.

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    1. messymini: Thank you. I view tears as toxins which need to be expelled, and some days there are a LOT of them. The lake is heart balm though.

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  61. I didn't know you had frost in your winter. Kangaroos are fab but a bit scary I bet.

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    1. Anna of Mutton Style and Years: Definitely frosts. Hard frosts. And sometimes snow. I really like kangaroos and don't find them scary. I give them space though, and wouldn't dream of trying to pat them.

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  62. So wonderfully cooling to see your frost - it's been an unforgiving heat here and I'm tired from swelter.
    Good to see some crisp and cool.
    And so much love to you in your sleeping and living and being. You are dear to me beyond words.
    -Jennifer

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    1. Jennifer Richardson: Swelter? Already? I am so very sorry. And will happily post more cool images here. And thank you for the love. So much.

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  63. I'm sorry that Friday was such a day of heartache and exhaustion for you EC. Thank you for sharing the beauty of the lake and the frosts despite feeling low. I hope nature brings some extra joys your way this week.

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  64. Your frosty picture
    S made me shiver involuntarily :)

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    1. Rick Watson: Sorry about that shiver. We have had virtually no frost for a week or so. It will be back. And I love it.

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  65. Those frost pictures are beautiful. Love seeing the intricate designs of the frost.

    Glad you are looking forward to the season upon you. :)
    ~Jess

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    1. DMS ~ Jess: I think they are beautiful too. And the frost was back (and beautiful) this morning.

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