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. For the next few weeks I am reverting to the theme I was using this time last year - Home and Away.
Starting with home. While I haven't forgiven the cockatoos for their garden vandalism, there are still splashes of colour and joy. And rather a lot of work. Work done, and work to do.
And then to away. Travelling is himself's passion. Physically and emotionally I cannot travel as he does.
Itinerary? He books his ticket out, his ticket home and accommodation for his first and last night. After that where he goes and what he does are subject to change at any moment based on what looks interesting.
He started in Beijing. Looking at the weather forecast I worried. The warning 'Unhealthy Air Quality for Sensitive Groups' is current. As a person who has had a lung spontaneously collapse three times now (once while he was overseas) I think he qualifies. It didn't limit him and he wandered the streets and sent me photos of some very elaborate gardens in public parks.
Doesn't that air look thick?
Then he headed north to Datong to see the Hanging Monastery.
He loved it. He said there were a LOT of steps. He forgot going up, but counted them coming down, but got bored and stopped at 700. I gather his calves were complaining.
He is having a truly wonderful time and, for the moment at least, is in Pingyao, to see a city which retains its ancient charm.
Where he goes after that is a mystery (to me at least). The plan was to explore more of China before heading into the 'stans to travel part at least of the Silk Road. I think this area will probably have him returning for quite a while.
I am looking forward to following his travels from the comfort of home - and have included links for anyone else who wants to explore further.
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. For the next few weeks I am reverting to the theme I was using this time last year - Home and Away.
Starting with home. While I haven't forgiven the cockatoos for their garden vandalism, there are still splashes of colour and joy. And rather a lot of work. Work done, and work to do.
And then to away. Travelling is himself's passion. Physically and emotionally I cannot travel as he does.
Itinerary? He books his ticket out, his ticket home and accommodation for his first and last night. After that where he goes and what he does are subject to change at any moment based on what looks interesting.
He started in Beijing. Looking at the weather forecast I worried. The warning 'Unhealthy Air Quality for Sensitive Groups' is current. As a person who has had a lung spontaneously collapse three times now (once while he was overseas) I think he qualifies. It didn't limit him and he wandered the streets and sent me photos of some very elaborate gardens in public parks.
Then he headed north to Datong to see the Hanging Monastery.
He loved it. He said there were a LOT of steps. He forgot going up, but counted them coming down, but got bored and stopped at 700. I gather his calves were complaining.
He is having a truly wonderful time and, for the moment at least, is in Pingyao, to see a city which retains its ancient charm.
Where he goes after that is a mystery (to me at least). The plan was to explore more of China before heading into the 'stans to travel part at least of the Silk Road. I think this area will probably have him returning for quite a while.
I am looking forward to following his travels from the comfort of home - and have included links for anyone else who wants to explore further.
What beautiful photos and such a grand landscape, breathtaking. Thanks for sharing and greetings.
ReplyDeleteBlogoratti: Thank you.
DeleteThe pictures, yours and your partner's, are beautiful. It takes a lot of energy to do that kind of travelling...:)
ReplyDeleteGreetings.
Catarina: I don't know where he finds the energy - he isn't noted for it here. But find it he does, and has a ball.
DeleteNorth South East West
ReplyDeleteHome is best.
But the photos are all pretty.
Love,
Janie
Janie Junebug: I am a home body at heart. I am glad you enjoyed the photos.
DeleteI don't blame you for being concerned. Sorry you can't travel with him. The Hanging Monastery looks cool.
ReplyDeleteAlex J. Cavanaugh: Worrying is one of my skills. A fairly useless one. The Hanging Monastery looked amazing, and I am looking forward to seeing the photos he took on his camera (as opposed to the phone).
DeleteBorn a traveling' man; that's all I'll ever be...
ReplyDeleteI'll take the cotton roll clouds and a few dozen of those flags.
Joanne Noragon: There is a different flag iris out today. And I suspect some more yet to bloom. Not to mention the lilies...
DeleteAh, spring! Your iris pictures evoke wonderful smells in my memory banks, and your pictures from China are simply awe-inspiring. I can see why he is so taken with the Hanging Monastery. What a place! Thank you for sharing all this, and thank you for your sweet comment on my blog this morning. I'm doing okay, getting used to it. :-)
ReplyDeleteDJan: Hugs. That really was shocking news to get - take your time.
Deletethose orange flowers are amazing and a hanging monastery, an architectural marvel
ReplyDeleteLinda Starr: I really like the sparaxis and planted a lot this year. Splashes of colour everywhere. Isn't the hanging monastery incredible. Old and marvellous.
DeleteHimself's pictures are amazing, as are your gorgeous irises!!
ReplyDeletefishducky: Thank you - I will pass the message on about his photos.
DeleteAnother wonderful array of photos, EC. I'm not a traveller...never have been bitten by the bug. Himself is a true "happy wanderer"...and good for him for fulfilling his desires.
ReplyDeleteHave yourself a great week...and cuddles to your furry mate, Jazz. :)
Lee: The smaller portion has been savaged by the travelling bug, and I am glad that he is (probably) well enough to indulge. Jazz misses him, and makes me pay.
DeleteI hope your week and your furry overlords are both wonderful.
Superb images of the flowers, and then comes 'tiny one' beautiful he returns from travels of China.
ReplyDeleteBob Bushell: Thank you. I wonder where he will go next?
DeleteYour photos - beautiful blooms! I'm curious about that last wrinkled (?) Daisy. Very nice!
ReplyDeleteHimself's photos - Bejing, lovely but looks muggy or smoky. Liked the sculptures in the gardens.
Great photos from you both! Thanks!
Sharon Quails: I love that twisted daisy. I had one in deep purple, but it didn't survive the winter. I will replace it when I can.
DeleteI understand that the smog in Beijing is full of quite large particles. Bleah. He took some great photos though.
For the most part I am an armchair traveller. I get overwhelmed because the people I travel with want to see way too much in such a short amount of time. I prefer slow and laid back.
ReplyDeleteBirdie: Me too. He is happy to see fourteen countries/cities/sites in twelve days. I need time to absorb.
DeleteI'd be happier seeing fourteen countries in fourteen months.
DeleteRiver: I exaggerated a bit, but he is happy to move on MUCH faster than I would be.
DeleteI’m pretty much happy to go away for a weekend every so often. A true introvert am I.
DeleteBirdie: I am not even good at weekends away.
DeleteSuch beautiful colours coming form your garden.
ReplyDeleteAnd wow... that monastery! Amazing.
CountryMum: Thank you. I put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into the garden. Isn't the monastery and incredible sight?
DeletePretty flowers.
ReplyDeleteJamie Ghione: Thank you.
DeleteSuch a varied post, EC. I envy your spring garden. The last flower photo is a beautiful, though unusual flower from what I am accustomed to. Love it.
ReplyDeleteHimself is advenurous for sure. The flower displays are grand but that hanging monastery is more than I would undertake. Hanging indeed! Imagine the steps down! At least you'd be faced away from the height going up!
Marie Smith: Thank you. I think my garden is at its best in Spring. And yes, he is definitely adventurous while he is travelling. And determined.
DeleteThose photos are truly remarkable; I love the "Hanging Monastery!"
ReplyDeleteLon Anderson: The Hanging Monastery looks spectacular doesn't it? I am really looking forward to seeing more photos when he returns.
DeleteIt truly does, Elephant's Child, I too look forward to that!
DeleteLon Anderson: It will be a while though - he doesn't get home until the end of next month.
DeleteDear EC
ReplyDeleteYour irises are beautiful. I always admire them in other gardens but don't grow any in mine due to lack of space. It looks like Himself is having a wonderful time too.
(I agree about being at home - I'm a home-body as well.)
Best wishes
Ellie
Ellie Foster: We have a lot of irises. Indeed we have a lot of quite a number of things. I lust after more though.
DeleteHe is indeed having a lovely time - which is wonderful.
I am overwhelmed by these marvelous pictures... Especially the monastery-- which I have seen on a TV program. Love the flowers, love his trip shots. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteBill: I will keep my eye out for a program about the monastery. Thank you.
DeleteGoodness but I do love good flower photos, and yours are some of the best.
ReplyDeleteWow - he is adventurous. No wonder you don't travel with him all the time, that kind of uncertainty in foreign countries would make me anxious.
Mrs Shoes: His holiday, his rules - and it would make me anxious as well. Thank you for your kindess about the garden.
DeleteYou have some lovely and unusual iris. 700 steps? Not for me. I'll get a strong lad to piggy back me up. The Chinese gardens look rather quirky.
ReplyDeleteAndrew: I couldn't do it - and the seven hundred he counted didn't take him to the bottom. So more than 1400 steps. I think I would be bedbound on less than half of that.
DeleteI am envious of you both: you for your superb garden (those irises!!), and Himself for his travels. I am off to Europe again next March, and I can't wait.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely peaceful week!
Alexia: Thank you. I expect your excitement is growing all the time. And the urge to see your new grandbaby must be HUGE.
DeleteWho knew iris comes in so many colours? All your flowers are so lovely right now, the weather there must be just right for them.
ReplyDeleteThe Beijing photos are beautiful. I'd be worried too, with the smog over there and his previous lung trouble. Fingers crossed for great adventure and safe return.
River: There are dozens of different iris that I don't have. And long for. I am particularly pleased that the orchid is blooming and the first of the roses. And yes, I do worry about his breathing issues. A lot. Which is useless.
DeleteI love the pictures of your Iris, such beautiful colors, all the others are amazing as well.
ReplyDelete700 steps? I would have lost count long before that ha ha. Impressive pictures from there also.
Jimmy: I couldn't have managed a fraction of those steps. I am awed, and not at all surprised his body objected the next day.
DeleteGosh all those steps would get good muscles in the legs developed doing it all the time.
ReplyDeleteYour Iris's are really lovely so many of mine has disappeared over the years, haven't replaced them.
Margaret-whiteangel: Some of our iris have disappeared, but others have multiplied. Generously. I plan on doing a swap with other gardeners.
DeleteAnd I don't think he could manage those steps on a regular basis.
I am so much in love with your garden!
ReplyDeleteAs for himself's adventures... spectacular gardens, as well! I don't know that I'd be up for the climb he made, though. So many steps, but what an adventure. :)
River Fairchild: I know I wouldn't be up to those steps. At all.
DeleteI am not even always up to the garden.
Isn't it super expensive to travel to such places? I've always thought so, but I don't really know. That air does look bad but not nearly as bad as we endured here all summer from forest fires. So worth it I would say to go anyway. But those gardens and that monastery---fabulous. I know he will have an interesting time. Thanks for sharing the photos.
ReplyDeleteStrayer: He got a really good deal on the tickets and doesn't spend a lot on accommodation. It isn't precisely cheap but he uses an inheritance from his parents - much as I did to go to Antarctica. And he does have an amazing time.
DeleteDarn it I thought maybe there was some tricks or something to really cheap travel. That's good he can go, can tell he really loves it and immerses himself with the locals, at least seemed like last time and sends back some fabulous photos.
DeleteStrayer: He does. And the locals respond really well to him too.
DeleteYour garden is utterly gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteAnd my feet are starting to itch again...
dinahmow: Thank you. As you know the garden is always a work in progress.
DeleteWhere are your itches calling for you to go?
wow your flowers photos are amazing. China is an interesting country which I would like to see one day.
ReplyDeleteGosia k: This is his second visit to China and he is loving it.
DeleteNo I'M lazy that is just to many steps for me, hope he has a great time and stays safe.
ReplyDeleteMerle.................
Merlesworld: Too many steps for me too. He is having a lovely time and I shares your wishes for his safety.
DeleteHi EC – love the flowers … particularly the Banksia Rose – it’s a wonderful plant … and yes the air looks thick, but the gardens – amazing concoctions … that monastery – incredible … I’m not surprised his calves complained!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the links … and what a fascinating area of China – well two areas … I hope he sticks around and sends you more photos … thanks for sharing with us though – incredible places … no wonder he’s hooked and enjoying himself. Does he speak Chinese?
Cheers Hilary
Hilary Melton-Butcher: He doesn't speak Chinese, but he does speak interested - which has opened doors for him world wide.
DeleteLooks like he's seeing some fascinating things. I cannot comprehend how they built that monastery, especially with the limited tools they would have had at the time.
ReplyDeleteNick Wilford: I often think that about some of the older architectural marvels - like the Taj Mahal for example. Or Machu Pichu.
DeleteYou should do a picture book. They are all beautiful. I especially love the first one of the blue sky clouds.
ReplyDeleteRick Watson: Thank you. I hope I am never too old and jaded to marvel at clouds. And other beauty.
DeleteYour photos always calm and delight me. Perhaps it is the energy of the one who took them? Himself is quite a traveler! At this point I too prefer reading and seeing about it. Fondly,
ReplyDeleteCloudia: I am a beauty addict, and am fortunate enough to find it everywhere. Thank you.
DeleteBreathtaking photos, Sue.
ReplyDeleteI love how you see beauty in all things.
Where is the CAT? xx
My Inner Chick: There is a lot of beauty around. And it soothes me and makes my heart sing. When I was taking these photos I expect Jazz was ensconced in the wardrobe. He is missing himself. Badly.
Deletesuch pretty color
ReplyDeleteAuthor R. Mac Wheeler: Lots and lots and lots of colour.
DeleteHis travels look fascinating. i would be worried about the air quality too- especially with the history of 3 collapsed lungs.
ReplyDeleteThe garden looks beautiful- such glorious colors. I especially love the dew on petals you were able to capture. :)
~Jess
DMS ~Jess: His travels are often fascinating. Different places, different cultures. I do worry about the air quality (among other things) but it is his holiday and his decision.
DeleteDespite years of reading your blog, I'm still quite ignorant on the names of many flowers. That third photo is so striking with its warm orange coloration. What is that flower called? I kind of needed the sight today, as it's been gloomy and overcast and flowerless for days here.
ReplyDeleteJohn Wiswell: The third photo is a Sparaxis. I love the splash of colour and planted LOTS of them this year. I hope they multiply and return - and I am very happy to have been able to brighten your day.
DeleteI love your garden photos and it's fun to wander around the world through photos from himself. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteMason Canyon: It is fun to wander with him isn't it? And often more comfortable than he is.
DeleteThank you for a wonderful walk among such beautiful flowers and love those hedge sculptures.
ReplyDeleteRasma Raisters: Thank you. I am very happy to be able to share.
DeleteThose iris flowers brought back many memories of when we called them 'flags'.
ReplyDeleteWhat amazing photos of Himself's adventures!
Susan Kane: They were 'bearded iris' here more often than 'flags' but both names were heard. These photos come from his phone. I am looking forward to the many hundreds of photos on his camera which I will see when he returns.
DeleteThe green and white lily is my favourite. I remember a graduation day for one of my kids there was a large floral arrangement in a very disciplined green and white. It was amazingly elegant.
ReplyDeleteThe garden pictures are amazing, I hope your fella enjoys every minute.
kylie: I am very fond of that lily, and wait for it to bloom every year. Its name is Green Goddess and it is starting to spread. You are right about the elegance of green and white too.
DeleteSo far he is loving his trip, and I hope/expect that to continue.
I loved seeing both the home and away pictures, EC. Thank you for sharing himself's photos as well as yours. There is beauty in so many places on our planet.
ReplyDeletejenny_o: How right you are about the beauty of this planet. Some of it man-made, some of it not.
DeleteGreat series again EC, I am glad you have forgiven your garden vandals, and your flowers are gorgeous. The ribbons of clouds are really something and thank you for not only sharing all of yours, but also himself’s trip to China. What amazing sights he is seeing.
ReplyDeleteDenise inVA: The cockatoos are not yet forgiven, and the water pistol still lives on the veranda. I am pleased they left some of the garden alone though. He sees some truly incredible places doesn't he, and is generous enough to send me photos to keep me in the loop.
DeleteYour garden really is a joy as is that first cloud picture, it all looks beautiful.
ReplyDeleteIt’s wonderful how your other half just goes of travelling. I’ve often wished I had the courage to do that, but I do like a travelling companion – I have a way of getting lost, getting lost close to home is one thing but something else entirely when in another country.
The hanging monastery looks really interesting but I don’t think I could manage all those steps. Thanks for providing the links I will enjoy exploring from the comfort of my arm chair! Have a lovely week, Barbara
Barbara Fisher: Thank you. The garden is a joy, though rather a lot of blood, sweat and tears goes into it.
DeleteI couldn't travel as he does either. Interestingly his direction sense is truly woeful. He has never got significantly lost overseas, which amazing me given how often he goes in completely the wrong direction here.
That sounds like an amazing way to travel. I bet you see a lot you wouldn't have if you stuck to a plan.
ReplyDeleteMisha Gericke: He does see a lot. And doesn't do plans for anything. Much braver than I am.
DeleteOh how I've missed this.
ReplyDeleteIris! Your photos make my toes feel warm:)
Thank you for sights of bloomers:)
What a brave traveler your him is....I wish I had
that kind of pluck.
Thanks for sharing your days here - I'm richer for it.
-Jennifer
Jennifer Richardson: Welcome back and thank you. He is braver than I am too, but you underestimate your own courage. And yourself. Hugs.
DeleteI love the opportunities you give me to be an arm-chair traveler too.
ReplyDeleteGranny Annie: He is a generous soul isn't he?
DeleteThanks for sharing Himself's interesting photos. So jealous of your flowers. I returned home to find that frost has killed most of mine.
ReplyDeleteSue in Italia/In the Land of Cancer: Frost can be unforgiving can't it? So very unforgiving.
DeleteWow and wow. The most spectacular photos I've seen over the years are of China. Yet, like you, I'll enjoy them from the comforts of home. His lungs are holding well, taking 700 stairs (two ways). Looks like a wonderful journey.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the flowers too - especially the ones speckled in dew drops.
Take care and have a great week, EC.
Rawknrobyn: I think he surprised himself on the stairs. And did better than I could.
DeleteThank you and I hope your week is full of sweetness and joy.
Oh my goodness! I thought your flower pictures were beautiful and I was mentally smelling the irises, then up popped China. Those are breathtaking!
ReplyDeleteAnne in the kitchen: Isn't the hanging monastery an incredible looking place? And there will be more from China in next week's Sunday Selections too.
DeleteHimself is having a wonderful trip. Fascinating.
ReplyDeleteAndrew Maclaren-Scott: He is. Revelling in it.
DeleteBeijing has some of the most wondrous edifices with lots of the flowers looking contented.
ReplyDeleteSpacer Guy: The photos I have seen of Beijing really don't match my preconceptions. Always a plus.
DeleteWow, amazing, breath taking pictures! The air does look thick! You are right! I'm sorry you can't travel with him! I would be worrying too! Truly loved all the pictures! Thank you for sharing! Big Hugs!
ReplyDeleteMagic Love Crow: Thank you very much. I am worrying, but he seems to be having a wonderful time. So my worry is wasted energy.
DeleteLovely splashes of colour in your garden. And some gorgeous shots from China too!
ReplyDeleteLady Fi: Thank you.
DeleteThis is so incredible. China, Japan, and Asia in general are one of those places I just want to go and disappear into. I love these pictures.
ReplyDeleteRobert Bennett: I would love to see old China and old Japan myself. The modern and up-to-date don't excite me nearly as much.
DeleteThere are so many wonderful creations in our lives, and we sometimes never take notice until we see it through someone else's eyes, and I thank you for that! What amazing Garden artwork!!!!! I could look at these for hours! Happy Halloween! Hugs...RO
ReplyDeleteRO: Thank you. I am a beauty addict. A very happy Halloween to you - and I hope you got some of those amazing cakes you featured on today's post.
DeleteThose pictures!!! I love that he lost count at 700. I remember visiting places where there was a lot of climbing and walking. I didn't mind. The new scenery makes it every bit worth it and then some. :) Thanks for sharing the cool travels!
ReplyDeletemail4rosey: 1500 (or so) steps is too many for me (and usually for him). He is having an amazing time, and it is undoubtedly worth it.
DeleteMy lung collapsed 3 times 30 years ago! I have not had any problems since I had surgery to repair my lung way back then.
ReplyDeleteYour flowers are so gorgeous, no sign of cockatoo damage lol. China looks neat
Kim Standard: He took it in turns which lung would collapse but like you had surgery after his left lung had collapsed twice. Since then, no lung dramas though he is prone to chest infections. He is loving China. The cockatoo damage was severe, and I haven't shown it this post, but the rest of the garden brings me joy.
DeleteVery cool on the sharing of pictures. What is the name of that last flower?
ReplyDeleteThank you for your lovely comment earlier. True story, I had to ask Tim what the word meant. Very nice of you. And thanks for the Halloween wishes.
The Happy Whisk: You are an innovator - in the kitchen AND in your home improvements. Be proud. Be very proud. The last flower is a type of daisy. Quirky isn't it?
DeleteYour yard must be absolutely gorgeous. Sooooo many flowers! It's awesome that you still have the drive to take care of all that. I start out with good intentions, but the high heat of summer sends me fleeing indoors.
ReplyDeleteWow! I've never seen a garden quite as elaborate as those ones in China. Your hubby must be having a fantastic time. It's cool that he can share the experience with you through pictures. But 700+ steps? Yowza. Not sure I could handle that...
Susan: When our summer arrives I will turn into a troll and only come out at night (or very, very early). The garden will suffer for it.
DeleteHe is having a truly incredible time. I couldn't handle those steps either.
I love iris - my favorite home garden flower, I think. They are all lovely though.
ReplyDeleteAnd I always love to see himself's photos - keep 'em coming.
Lynn: Thank you. My favourite flower is a moveable feast, but I am enjoying the iris. And while himself sends me photos I will certainly keep them coming.
DeleteBrilliant works.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your visiting always.
I wish You all the best.
Greeting and hug.
From Japan, ruma ❃
ruma: Welcome and thank you. Your autumn posting is glorious.
DeleteWhat an incredible post. I was enthralled by your flowers and then transported by the traveller's images. Stunning, absolutely stunning.
ReplyDeleteKim: You always say the nicest things. I hope you are feeling much better and avoiding hospitals.
DeleteAnother wonderful Sunday post.
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy your selection of photographs, they are a joy to look at.
Isn't The Hanging Monastery amazing, thanks for including the links too!
All the best Jan
Lowcarb team member ~Jan: Thank you. The Hanging Monastery is incredible. I am really looking forward to seeing more photos and hearing more about it when the traveller returns.
Deletewhat a wonderful inspirational way to travel - with 2 dates as bookends and filling in the rest as it evolves. Those floral displays in China are gorgeous. You must have a wonderful relationship with himself, you can't do everything together and give each other trust and space to do your own thing. And that hanging monastery is incredible.
ReplyDeletecatmint: Isn't the hanging monastery amazing? I am really looking forward to seeind/hearing more about it when he returns.
DeleteOurs is a long standing relationship, and like all of them, has warts. It mostly works pretty well for us though - and trust and space are good foundations.