Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Sunday 12 November 2017

Sunday Selections #353

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.  We have had some very welcome rain recently.  One night last week we had a shower just as the sun was setting.  Which produced a sort of rainbow.



The sunset was lovely too.


The garden and I welcomed the rain.  I am not sure that the birds did.




This poor galah looked miserable.  And just sat there hunched up in the rain.


It is probably anthromorphism (like my comment about the galah) but the bearded raven looked a tad peeved to me.

The garden has been thriving.









I am ashamed to say that I cannot remember what the purple flower is.  I planted it, and it is thriving, but its name escapes me.  If any of you know, please educate me (again).


And now to much more exciting images.



He is eating well.  And I think eating better than he does at home.


This was the hallway in a Youth Hostel he stayed in.  I think it looks really attractive.





 I think that one looks bizarre, and wil have to ask him what he knows about it.




Coming into Kirghistan.  Where he was very lucky.  He landed around 1am, used a machine in the airport to get some local currency and checked into a hotel.  When he woke again he discovered he didn't have his card, and is pretty sure he left in the machine (six or seven hours before he surfaced).  It wasn't at the airport, but when he went on line to cancel the card he discovered that no money had been spent on it after his withdrawal.



He was talking about climbing that hill (Suleyman Peak) for the view but I think he wimped out.


Yurt shops.
And a nearby three level yurt which surprised him, and me.

120 comments:

  1. Hi EC – that rainbow is a delight … as too your flowers – I’m afraid I can’t help you with the purple splendour…

    Wonderful descriptions for the galah and the bearded raven – most miffed and the first one … definitely ‘this is not fun!’ …

    Oh his trip – looks amazing – that carpeted hallway in a YMCA – incredible … food looks good too … But he was lucky not to lose any money from his card – lucky for him … and then those yurts – interesting … while Kirghistan – looks to be so interesting. Glad all is well in both your ends of the world … cheers Hilary.

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    1. Hilary Melton-Butcher: Doesn't that carpet look inviting. He was lucky. Very lucky.
      I love miffed as a phrase. I use it and am glad to see someone else do so.

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  2. That would be terrifying, to leave your card in a machine while traveling! Love the rug in the hostel. Beautiful colors and pattern.
    The birds looked miserable and peeved. I would be, too! Sodden is not a welcome state. :)

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    1. River Fairchild: The garden is happy being sodden. Other things? An emphatic not. And Jazz rushes out the backdoor, rushes in again and runs to the front door to see if it is also wet out there. When it is, he punishes me.

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    2. Well, naturally. Aren't you in charge of making sure at least one side of the yard is dry??? ;)

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    3. River Fairchild: Whose side are you on? Or are you channelling Jezebel again.

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  3. Dear EC
    I am enjoying the combination of images - the beautiful plants and birds at home and the exotic sights abroad (although your birds seem quite exotic to me - I get a bit excited if I see a bluetit or robin in my garden).
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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    1. Ellie Foster: Thank you. I would be excited to see a bluetit or a robin too.

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  4. Your photos are splendid! And what a pleasure to visit far places with Himself. Most enjoyable, Dear

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  5. Poor birds. Ha. Lucky flowers. The S One is having a grand time.

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    1. Joanne Noragon: The flowers received a little more bounty over night. And yes, he is having a fabulous time and I suspect will have very mixed feelings about coming home.

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  6. Oh, that sky in the first shot! Spectacular!

    I'm sure the birds do get peeved when the weather is bad. No creature likes to be uncomfortable.

    Himself was lucky indeed. Perhaps the late hour helped. Now the thing is to replace it - not a fun way to spend precious travel time.

    Wonderful pictures. I can't figure out how a three-storey yurt would work :)

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    1. jenny_o: That three storey thing is baffling me too. I don't think I have seen a rainbow in a sunset before. Just before yes...

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  7. All the photos are breathtaking. Yours and The Skinny One's:)
    I love Irises. One of my favorite flowers. Maybe because my daughter painted them in high school.
    Poor bedraggled galah:(
    May your day be filled with sparkle.

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    1. Sandra Cox: I have so many favourite flowers. It changes with the seasons - and what I can grow. The galahs are damp again today. And not happy.

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  8. Poor galah. It does look miserable unlike the glorious single rose bloom. The foreign photos are interesting. That hill seriously needs a funicular.

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    1. Andrew: That rose bloom has a delicious scent too. A funicular would be very welcome wouldn't it? I wouldn't even have contemplating clambering up it, despite knowing the view would be amazing.

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  9. Almost every day this past week we've had a couple of showers, which has been great. Suits me just fine...I love the rain...and the cooler weather.

    I hope you have a great week, EC...cuddles to Jazz. :)

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    1. Lee: We have had a bit of rain too. And more is predicted. Which I think is WONDERFUL. Jazz is with the birds.

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  10. I want that carpet!
    Enjoy the rest of the weekend, EC.

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    1. kylie: I could happily find a home for it too. I hope your weekend treats you kindly.

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  11. Thank you for yet another glorious tour!!

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  12. Gadzooks--- there's enough good stuff for 10 blog posts here!! Loved the beady-eyed raven. Beautiful flowers... so much!

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    1. Bill: Thank you. My obsessional nature couldn't stop at one photo as you do. And my lazy self couldn't post every day either.

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  13. Hi EC, I love the first picture, it is superb. And there was birds, my cup of tea. I also loved the carpet, rich colouring.

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    1. Bob Bushell: I thought/hoped you would like the birds.

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  14. I was as fascinated with your photos as with those by Himself. The birds faces tell a story. Your flowers are spectacular. That three story yurt is a first for me!

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    1. Marie Smith: The three story yurt is new to us all it seems. I did feel sorry for the birds. Later in the year they will revel in the rain but just now it didn't look as if they enjoyed it.

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  15. I am also surprised by the three level yurt, never seen such a thing. I love the carpet runner in that Youth Hostel. And all the statues.
    I have no idea what your purple flower is. I do love the two-toned iris and it's nice to see the cactus flowering. Mine sends up a couple of baby shoots now and again, but then they disappear, I'll give them more time and maybe more sun.
    The birds do look miserable and I wonder why they didn't bother to seek shelter.

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    1. River: We wondered why they didn't get out of the rain too. The raven was eating, so there was a reason but that poor galah was just sitting. And dripping.

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  16. Looks like he was eating good!
    And not every day you see a rooster-woman.

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    1. Alex J. Cavanaugh: The rooster woman is surprisingly dignified isn't she? He is noted for not eating at home, so it was lovely to see that full plate (and to learn that he scoffed the lot).

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  17. That first shot is amazing - how lucky to be looking at just the right moment! We have had more rain than anyone needs :( but the garden, the lawns and the weeds are having a fine old time!

    That meal looks delicious - what a great time he is having.

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    1. Alexia: Rainbows are often brief, but that one was perhaps the quickest I have seen. It is amazing how fast the weeds grow after a little rain isn't it? The 'other' plants like it too, but the weeds take off.
      He IS having an amazing time and I suspect already planning his next trip.

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  18. Rain up here, too! Doing the Gene Kelly impression.

    Can't tell from the photo what you flower might be; guessing one of the South African lily-types, but would need to see it.The mechanic needs his apprentice so I'll look later...

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    1. dinahmow: It is a tiny thing - probably three inches tall. It does look a bit lily like, but that isn't helping my faded brain.

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  19. Well done on capturing the rainbow, it's a great shot.
    So nice to see your lovely colourful flowers, but I don't know what the purple one is.

    We do need rain, but I guess no-one - not even birds like getting too wet!

    I've never seen a three story yurt! Until today!!!
    Great pictures from his journey.

    Enjoy the rest of the weekend.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Lowcarb team member ~Jan: Thank you. I am very frustrated at myself about the purple flower - and looking forward to learning more about multi-storey yurts.

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  20. That’s a youth hostel? Nicest youth hostel in the world, I think.

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    1. Birdie: It looks really impressive doesn't it? Despite his senior status he has stayed in lots of youth hostels and they have often looked amazing.

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  21. I really think that sunset is beautiful.

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    1. Jimmy: I thought so. It is cloudy again this afternoon and I will be watching the sky as the day draws to a close.

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  22. Thank you for sharing once again. I was trying to recollect the most beautiful birds that hop in and out of my yard at various times of the year. Nothing like the big and glorious birds you have but the cardinals and bluebirds are very pretty and the red tailed hawk that lives nearby and visits everyday is magnificent. I am lucky that I grow an amazing crop of chipmunks for his snacking.

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    1. Anne in the kitchen: I would LOVE to see the cardinals, the bluebirds, the red-tailed hawk AND the chipmunks.

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  23. The flowers look resplendent, even if the birds are a bit put out :) The trip photos look fantastic! but lucky that no money was lost, thank goodness for that.

    Have a pleasant week.

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    1. Nilanjana Bose: He was so lucky. And speaking to him today he tells me that as usual people are going out of their way to be helpful. Today it was locals ensuring that he didn't pay 'foreign fares' in a taxi.

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  24. So your partner is on his travels again. Love the photo from the plane. And who needs 5 star hotels when you can stay at hostels like that!

    I've just returned from the States and left my ipod, headphones, glasses and sunglasses on the plane. I won't see those again. I'm so cross with myself!

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    1. LL Cool Joe: The hostel is impressive isn't it? He has been getting some incredible service too. Six star service I think.
      I feel your pain at leaving your treasures behind. I have done that.

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  25. o jealous of the beautiful gardens. Here we have cold and drab, not my favorite time of year.

    The birds here love to take baths so maybe they aren't so miserable as they appear.

    I love your husband's travel shots of places I probably will never see otherwise.

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    1. Sue in Italia/In the Land of Cancer: I have seen birds revelling in baths too. Under the sprinkler, and in the rain. These birds were NOT revelling.

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  26. Ravens always look a little peeved, don't they?

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    1. Author R. Mac Wheeler: I am a big fan of the corvid family and mostly think they look majestic.

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  27. Yay! It's Sunday Selections! I'm floored by the beautiful post of the sunset, and have to admit that I never really thought that birds don't like getting wet, but it makes sense. There needs to be birdhouses wherever birds are so they don't have to worry about it. That teapot is so lovely, and the food looks yummy! Happy Sunday and Huge Hugs...RO

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    1. RO: Birds often do enjoy a bath - but not that day. And the galah ignored the dry sanctuary of the feeder and stayed in the rain. Nothin was going to ruin its enjoyment of a bad mood?
      It is Monday now, and I hope your Sunday is blissful.

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  28. I love your garden, such beautiful flowers. The rainbow is gorgeous. So glad no money had been taken from his account. Have a wonderful week my friend.

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    1. Mason Canyon: He was so very lucky. And thank you. I hope your week is all you could possibly hope for.

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  29. Glad you got some needed rain. You are right- the birds don't look happy. The flowers look gorgeous. Love the variety! The partial rainbow is so pretty.

    A 3 level Yurt is surprising to me too! So glad no money was spent on his credit card. Hope he is okay traveling without the credit card now. Wishing him safe travels!

    Have a lovely week.
    ~Jess

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    1. DMS ~Jess: He is fine. He made sure that he had a range of options open, and losing that card only closed one of them.

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  30. I used to put Birdie, my amazon, in the shower with me and he'd squawk when I'd spray him with the shower head. He did not like to bathe. My little Bubba, the love bird, loved bathing and would flap about and nearly burst out in song.

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    1. donna baker: I have seen birds revelling in showers. Not that day. I wonder why? Did Bubba also shower with you?

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  31. The bearded raven looks a tad peeved to me too and as for the poor galah he just looks bedraggled and sad. If you feel really sorry for them, you could take a ‘leaf’ out of my neighbour’s book and set up ‘dry spots’ for them – I kid you not! She takes large leaves from a Gunnera plant and uses them to protect any nests that are built in her garden. It’s so funny to see the mother birds sitting under their umbrellas, and they often come back long after the babies have left! Actually thinking about it, they could even be the young birds fully grown coming back to visit.
    I’m loving all the photos – both at home and away.

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    1. Barbara Fisher: Thank you. The birds had shelter and a dry spot only feet away and chose not to use it. I love that your friend sets up shelter and suspect they are the young birds visiting again.

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  32. Those birds need some raincoats and umbrellas! Very interesting other photos...

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    1. Molly Bon: Thank you. I am smiling at the thought of bird brollies...

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  33. 3 story yurt? That suprises me, but how cool! And how lucky that no one touched his card! Your flowers are beautiful. Have a great Sunday.

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    1. Terri @ Coloring Outside the Lines: I am really going to have to ask about the three story yurt when he gets back. It is blowing me away.

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  34. Bloody hell he's doing marvellously isn't he? I have to admire his get up and go spirit despite his health. Good man! And you have cheered me up with your bearded Raven and miserable Galah, gorgeous images as ever x

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    1. All Consuming: He is more stubborn than stains and loves his trips. And meets with nothing but kindness. I suspect he is already planning the next.
      Glad to cheer you - and hugs.

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  35. That is the most fabulous looking youth hostel I have ever seen!

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  36. When I think of our own youth hostels and then see that one, I know we are on our way to becoming a Third World country! Love the pretty birds and flowers. And I'm so glad that the credit card loss was not a disaster. I really enjoyed these pictures, even of the woefully sad birds. :-)

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    1. DJan: Thank you. The woefully sad birds were at least well fed, and I suspect dried rapidly. I am pretty certain (but haven't been in one) that our youth hostels could only compare unfavourably too. And probably cost more.

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  37. I love these pictures. I forgot if I asked you if you were on Instagram or not?

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    1. The Happy Whisk: Thank you. No Instagram either. Blogging is the extent of my excursion into social media.

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  38. The sky is lovely. Amused at the galah's look as well as the raven, good capture.

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  39. I love all of your pics....but that Raven! That's just such an awesome shot!!! I kind of want to try drawing that one.

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    1. Robert Bennett: Drawing is not one of my skills. If you do draw the raven I hope you will share it.

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  40. Very pretty sunsets! Oh those poor birds in the rain. The flowers are always beautiful. That was a strange statue lol

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    1. Kim: The birds could have come out of the rain - there was shelter for them less than ten feet away. But yes, they did look sad and sorry.

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  41. Great photos! Wow you hubby has quite the adventures! Your garden is splendid. I love galahs, had one as pet when I lived in Oz (a rescue).
    It's snowing here, none of our birds look too happy.

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    1. Karen: He is an adventurer while he travells. And his very introspective self revels in the people too. I remember that you had a rescue galah - they are full of character aren't they?

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  42. Had fun looking at your Sunday selection and was also very interested to see your hubby’s travel photos. That is quite an adventure he is on.

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    1. Denise inVA: All his trips abroad are adventures. He tends to spend time on the roads/paths/tracks less travelled.

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  43. Wonderful photos and I love those colorful flowers.

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  44. Two side of the world, one so very interesting, the other so lovely. I could never leave my home in spring, and despite all the rain, new life is happening that I always want to witness.

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    1. Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe: We rarely get enough rain. I marvel at the changes it makes, and like you, love spring. It passes so rapidly too.

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  45. I couldn't post a comment last week, unless you saw three comments, two virtually the same and another saying 'testing testing Mary had a little lamb'. And right now I feel as though it won't work again and I'm talking to myself, which I kind of hope is true or you'll be faced with a rambling comment instead of something nice and pithy.

    Anyways, that rainbow is stunning and reminds me of a strange phenomena my daughter and I saw in NZ. The Galah does look despondent, I always marvel at the incredible toughness of birds that can cope with extremes of weather that would have us scurrying for umbrellas, heaters and air conditioners.

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    1. Kim: No, no comments last week. I am sorry that Blogger is messing with your mind. If you are having troubles perhaps send your comment to me by email and I will publish it (and link to you). I am always amazed at the resilience of birds and animals...

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  46. You've both really captured some beautiful images here today. There's one of the bird, that seems as if he's got something on his mind and he's ready to say it!

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    1. cleemckenzie: Thank you. Both birds seemed to be talking to me. Quite loudly.

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  47. Yes the bearded raven looks as though he's about to bite...my head off.
    I've never seen a two level yurt, much less one that's three stories.
    Thanks for this adventure.
    Have a pleasant week, EC.

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    1. Rawknrobyn: I am pretty certain that the raven wouldn't bite your head off. Nibble on it a bit perhaps.
      A wonderful chicken-shit week to you too.

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  48. Don't you just love that rooster statue? Wouldn't he be great in the garden.
    YOU, have a wondrous day.

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    1. Sandra Cox: It is pretty special isn't it? And so dignified...

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  49. Ohhhhh! (reaction to first photo, top to bottom).

    Greetings from London.

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    1. A Cuban in London: Thank you. What a lovely thing to say.

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  50. Your garden is inspiring and lovely. I never tire of the flowers.

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    1. mshatch: Thank you. It is also a very messy garden. And in need of a LOT of work.

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  51. Gorgeous photos!! The birds made me laugh, especially the bearded Raven! Great photo!
    I'm glad no money was taken off the card! That must have been scary! Amazing rock statues!!! Love that rooster!
    Big Hugs!

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    1. Magic Love Crow: I would have been panicking, but he seems to have taken it in his stride. And is still having a wonderful time.
      I felt sorry for the birds but do love to watch them.

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  52. All your photos are beautiful, but that sunset rainbow blows me away.
    R

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    1. Rick Watson: Thank you. I don't remember ever seeing one before.

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  53. What a beautiful sunset!
    You have lots of flowers... so much colour! It must be spring over there! :)))
    Himself is taking good care of himself!

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    1. Caterina: We do have lots of flowers out at the moment. That will change as summer bites. Himself is taking better care of himself while he is away than he does at home.

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  54. I love your beautiful rainbow and flowers! And so exciting to see a three-storey yurt! Glad no money was withdrawn from the lost card!

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    1. Lady Fi: I had never heard of, or considered a three storey yurt. I am looking forward to learning more. And yes, he was very lucky. Almost unexpectedly so.

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  55. I bet he was kicking himself for leaving the card in the money machine, what a stroke of luck that nobody used it. His photos are fascinating, and are making me long to travel! However, I have to face reality and stay at home. The birds in the rain are looking really miserable. But even birds have to drink!

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  56. That was really good luck to lose his card but not have had it used, a big huge relief I would think, sounds like one of those travel nightmares. That dish he was about to eat looked so delicious! And quite the stylish youth hostel too! Your flowers are so beautiful, as they are every summer. When its warm and then there is a light rain, seems refreshing.

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  57. Love your photos, as always. So much color when it is so drab here. You brighten my days.
    Your purple seems to maybe be an orchid variety? Just guessing.
    I love the bearded raven! Looks as if it is trying very hard to do a Vulcan mind meld on you. Be careful! It is probably trying to brainwash you into preferring it over the Galah!

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    1. Cindi Summerlin: Thank you. I don't think it is an orchid, but it certainly has some similarities. The Bearded Raven's mind meld worked. I love both of them, but am more excited to see the Raven (because it is a rarer visitor).

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  58. I love all the home and away photographs Sue. Your flowers are blooming marvellous and I love that first shot of the rainbow. Have a lovely weekend.

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  59. Your posts are such a treat - I missed this one somehow. The last few days have gotten away from me.

    The rainbow is so lovely - amazing photo. And the birds - such personality! It must be so entertaining to have them around.

    And I adore seeing those travel pics - especially the sculptures. Just the time that went into creating them...

    I'm so glad his card wasn't compromised. He IS lucky.

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    1. Lynn: Thank yuo. Watching the birds fills/wastes a lot of time here. And will continue.
      He was lucky wasn't he?

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