Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Sunday 2 September 2018

Sunday Selections #395

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. This week?  Same old, same old.







The sulphur-crested cockatoosvandals have been in my line of fire again.  Largely foiled by us wrapping one section of the garden in chicken wire they moved their operations.





Sigh.
The garden is big, and some things survive despite them.  And they have not (yet) discovered the back gardens.









I am loving the crocus.
And indeed everything the vandals leave me.






In a few hours when himself gets up we are taking a short drive interstate in the hopes of seeing a kite festival.  With luck the kites will take to the skies and next week's Sunday Selections will be a change of focus.

154 comments:

  1. Hi EC - love the crocii ... they always enchant me ... Spring with you is lovely. I thought your first two photos were of camels walking across the dark dunes - funny what the eyes can see sometimes! Lovely and enjoy that kite festival ... cheers Hilary

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    1. Hilary Melton-Butcher: I had to go back and check and yes, I can see your camels. Thank you. I am really, really hoping the kites take to the air this year.

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  2. I'm so glad to see that the vandals have left some incredibly beautiful flowers for me to enjoy, too. I hope they don't ever discover the back yard. Enjoy your trip and stay safe. :-)

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    1. DJan: I am pleased beyond measure that the vandals are leaving the back yard alone. And shortly will go on cockatoo patrol in the front yard.

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  3. Some dramatic skies there.
    Sorry the birds eat your flowers.

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    1. Alex J. Cavanaugh: If they ate them I would mind a little less. It is the ripping and tearing apart which gets my goat.

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  4. Beautiful skies, and the flowers, so precious. I can't wait seeing the balloons, but, I will.

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    1. Bob Bushell: I really, really hope the kites fly. It is very still at the moment so perhaps not...

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  5. I so love those skies, EC. Just stunning.

    I'm glad the vandals are at least temporarily stymied. Crossing my fingers that it lasts. All those blossoms are so perfect -- so many different colours and shapes. Such beauty in every one.

    Have a wonderful time at the kite festival! Looking forward to whatever you capture and share.

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    1. jenny_o: I hope that the cockatoos get bored and move on. Keeping watch and running the cockatoo patrol is tiring. And they are sooooo quick.
      If the kites take to the air there will be many, many photos.

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  6. What gorgeous photos of the sky. Love pictures of cloudy days. It's a shame the vandals have been eating your flowers. I love the crocus as well. Georgeous.

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    1. mxtodis123: I am a cloud watcher from way back. I wish these dramatic clouds had included rain, but loved them anyway.

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  7. Let's hope they don't find the back garden.

    A storm is coming...

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    1. Caterina: I really, really hope they don't find the back gardens. The King Parrots have, but the cockatoos have not.
      Sadly, no storm in those majestic clouds.

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  8. Don't look now, but there is a convocation of cockatoos in your neighbourhood, all planning and distributing detailed directions to the most succulent gardens in the vicinity. I fear that yours is high on the list, especially the back yard. I have it from credible people who know about such things that they really get ticked off at home owners who try to thwart them. The revenge of the cockatoo may be at hand. Sulphur-crested mayhem is about to begin!

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    1. David Gascoigne: How I wish you were wrong. We had over forty of them in the front yard late yesterday afternoon and I empied the water pistol several times. They laughed at me.

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    2. Here’s the thing. They used to bathe before coming over to your place. Now they think that a nice shower is part of the service.

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    3. David Gascoigne: In my drought affected city you are probably right. AGAIN.

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  9. Dear EC
    Your crocuses are beautiful, as are the skies in their ever changing variety. I'm glad you still have some Spring flowers to enjoy.
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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    1. Ellie Foster: With luck we will save some more of the daffodils, the jonqils, the tulips and the iris too.
      I hope your weekend treats you well.

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  10. Love the colors of those flowers.

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  11. What does Jazz think of the birds? Does he bother to keep any of them at bay?

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    1. Birdie: Jazz doesn't give a rat's fundament about the cockatoos. He can walk through them as they feed on the lawn without a second glance. Unless they disturb him by taking off.

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    2. The very least he could do is make an attempt at keeping them away from your flowers.

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    3. Birdie: Jazz thinks the very least he can do is look beautiful. Which requires no effort.

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  12. The sky photos are really dramatic and beautiful. I also like the flower centered in the chicken wire mesh.

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    1. Strayer: The rotten cockatoos beheaded rather a lot of other daffodils very near that bloom.

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    2. Strayer: You are much politer than I was.

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  13. Same old, same old is still beautiful!!

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    1. fishducky: Thank you. I thought so, and hoped others would too.

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  14. Replies
    1. Joanne Noragon: We think so, and hope we have saved some more.

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  15. I wonder why the vandals haven’t discovered the back garden yet? (I whispered that question in case they were listening).
    I hope the kites are flying!

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    1. River Fairchild: Thank you for whispering. They are frighteningly smart as one of my brother discovered. He heard a noise in his sunroom and went in to discover that a cockatoo had opened the sliding door, marched in, and was peeling the lid on the bird seed container open. Needless to say the cockatoo hadn't shut the door, and the seed container lid had to be replaced.

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  16. Clear blue skies here, but as I drove along Main Western Road and looked down to the valley below...to the west...nothing could be seen but a thick, vast layer of dust.

    Beautiful blossoms, EC....I hope you enjoy the Kite Festival...and that the coming week treats you kindly. Cuddles to Jazz. :)

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    1. Lee: I heard about the dust storms. Awful things. I hope the rotten cockatoos leave more things blooming. Cuddles to your pair too.

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  17. Looking forward to your kite photos.

    Sorry about the vandals

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    1. Sue in Italia/In the Land of Cancer: I do hope the kites can fly. The big ones haven't for the last few years (too much wind one year, not enough the next).

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  18. Lots of blooming in your garden. Haha at short drive interstate. A kite festival sounds good. I would like to see one.

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    1. Andrew: The inner child in me is really, really looking forward to the kite festival.

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  19. Spring is popping up in spite of the vandals, EC. And it looks pretty. Enjoy your excursion!

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    1. Marie Smith: Thank you. I hope that while we are away the birds don't play. Or that if they do they play nicely.

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  20. Those sky pics are stunning. A pity they didn't deliver what they seemed to be promising! I have just got back from walking Manu, a pleasant outing during which we got thoroughly soaked by the *#&* rain!

    I have never tried to grow crocuses (from a Greek word, so not crocii - sorry to be pedantic) but they are so beautiful I am determined to try for next year.

    I hope the kites fly and shall look forward to next week's photos of them :)

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    1. Alexia: We had a little rain a couple of days ago. No dramatic skies to go with it, but the moisture was very, very welcome. I suspect that Manu minded the rain less than you did.
      Crocuses are easy to grow. A set and forget plant. I hope they multiply (and will probably plant more next year).
      Fingers crossed on the kites.

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  21. The flowers are perfection. Look up perfection in the dictionary, and you should see those flowers.

    Love,
    Janie

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  22. Same old, same old is fine, provided it doesn't include those vandals. But you know my opinion of them!Two rain gauges, one mail box and about $500 worth of garden...reload!

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    1. dinahmow: I have just come inside from firing on the beasts. And have noticed spring star flowers in bloom. I hope to save LOTS of them.

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  23. What the vandals leave you is quite beautiful.

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    1. messymimi: What they destroyed was also beautiful.

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  24. I think those skies are quite beautiful.
    Lovely to see your flowers, Crocuses are lovely.

    Hope your visit to the kite festival goes well.

    Enjoy the rest of the weekend,

    All the best Jan

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    1. Lowcarb team member ~Jan: Thank you. The kite festival didn't have nearly enough wind - but was fun anyway.
      I hope your weekend is family filled.

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  25. Those winged hooligans! The flowers that survived are beautiful.
    Enjoy the festival.

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    1. Sandra Cox: They wreak some damage all year round, but ramp it up in Spring. We will have to give some thought to protection next year.

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  26. Very moody skies, I like the one with sunbeams pouring through. What is that fluffy feathery white stuff in one of the pictures? I'm glad the birds haven't discovered the back gardens.

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    1. River: The fluffy feathery stuff is just that. Cockatoo (or perhaps corella down) which caught on the cherry tree.
      I am thrilled that they haven't discovered the back yard and hope that David Gascoigne is wrong and they don't flock there.

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  27. EC, these are some remarkable images--- the sky, the flowers... Thanks for a lovely post.

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  28. Your sky photos always blow me away. So in love with nature. Have the loveliest trip!

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    1. Nilanjana Bose: Megathanks. I do adore skyscapes. And nature in all her beautiful complexity.

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  29. I hope you didnt freeze out there with the kites!

    looking forward to the photos

    xo

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    1. kylie: I actually got quite warm sitting in the sun waiting for the wind. Some photos will follow but it was a less than stellar event.

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  30. Lovely crocus. I’m guessing they look scrumptious to the birds too.
    R

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    1. Rick Watson: I suspect they would be, but the crocus are in the back garden and (so far) safe.

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  31. Honestly all your sky captures are wonderful to me, and each has its own remarkable new beauty. Sorry about those garden vandals, I've had a few this year too, especially with the groundhog and his family of not sure how many yet. A funny thing is the amount of frogs (really isn't that much water around) that are gathering and joining, and following me around (and driving my dogs bonkers) Enjoy your day!

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    1. Karen S.: Frogs? Colour me a tad jealous. It is ages since I have seen or heard them. And thank you.

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  32. Wonderful photos as always. September came too soon. Now I am wondering is I will see any signs of autumn in Florida or if the only signs will be a change in the weather.

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    1. Rasma Raisters: One of the things I like about my area is that it does have four distinct seasons (even if I don't like one of them). I am looking forward to hearing whether Florida does autumn.

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  33. You shed a fresh new light on the "same ole."
    Love these gems.
    Take care, EC.

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    1. Rawknrobyn: From you, same ole takes on a whole new meaning.

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  34. Sky pictures are awesome. We had such a storm yesterday, so very dark and interesting looking sky, but I couldn't stop to get pictures...was madly trying to get my poncho on, then we had floods. Yikes.

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    1. Sandy: I hope you are safe from the floods. And wish that these clouds brought rain. They were dramatic and lovely but dry.

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  35. I loved all these photos and looking forward to the kite festival photos!

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    1. Nas: Thank you. I hope the kite festival doesn't disappoint you as much as it did us. It was still fun, but...

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  36. Kites! How amazing that will be.

    Ornery vandals.

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    1. Susan Kane: Ornery vandals indeed. I had gunned several of them down (several times) before seven this morning.

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  37. Even though we love our birds, it does hurt when they ruin our gardens. Big sigh in agreement. I feel like this about the deer. I love them, but do they really have to treat my garden as their personal salad buffet?
    Oh, I hope to see some kites next Sunday!!!

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    1. Carola Bartz: I mind the birds less when they eat the garden plants. It is the ripping and tearing for fun that really does my head in. My aim with the pump action water pistol is getting better all the time.

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  38. What a fabulous selection of clouds. Can't wait to hear about the Kite festival.

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    1. Kalpanaa M; Thank you. I hope you won't be disappointed with the kites.

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  39. I adore the first flowers of spring. Ours here in Maine are mostly gone by except for mums and asters. Summer is slipping away...*sigh*

    Looking forward to the kites!

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    1. mshatch: We had a warm (and dry) winter. I am dreading our summer. You are welcome to keep it.

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  40. Oh how stunning....those cloud formations are so amazing!
    I love those spring flowers too. Yes, makes me a little sad, though, to think summer here is all but over. The shadows are lengthening and there is a distinct chill in the air!:/
    The kite festival sounds great...I do hope it goes well...:))

    A Hug.

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    1. Ygraine: I do hope I never, ever tire of clouds. I hope your winter is gentle to you (and that our summer is to us).

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  41. Love all the cloud and sky photos. So beautiful.

    Sorry those vandals are getting into so much of your garden. Hope they never discover the back garden. You are staying positive and focusing on what they leave you- which isn't always easy to do. Hope they are dong tearing things apart! Also fingers crossed that you were able to see the kites.
    ~Jess

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    1. DMS ~Jess: Very shortly (it is just after 6.30) I will head out on cockie patrol. They haven't finished yet. Drat them.

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  42. Your crocus are beautiful.
    Good thinking on the chicken wire.
    Hope you enjoyed the festival.
    Hugs

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    1. Sandra Cox: The chicken wire looks ugly, but is helping ward the marauders off. However our gardens are big, and the chicken wire supply insufficient.

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  43. Love the closeups of the crocus. What is the white, poofy thing on the tree? I also like the dark clouds. Wish for the same in the central U.S. Cheers.

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    1. Patricia A. Laster: The white poofy thing is down from one of the vandals. They are destructive, but beautiful.

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  44. Sehr schöne Blüten und die Bilder vom Himmel und Wolken sind klasse.

    Noke

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  45. E.C, your 'same old, same old' never gets boring. Love all the photos. Hope you're having fun watching the kites. Can't wait to see your photos.

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    1. Mason Canyon: I am glad to hear that the things are marvel at don't bore others. Very glad.

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  46. Your sky photos are so amazing! I love them! I am so sorry about your gardens, but I'm happy you still have some beautiful flowers to enjoy! It must be so hard on you and your hubby!! Kite festival? Cool!!! Exciting!
    EC, thank you for always loving my art! Truly appreciate it! Big Hugs!

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  47. Spring looks lovely. And oh, those wondrous skies!

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    1. Lady Fi: Thank you. Skyscapes are a source of endless joy.

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  48. Everything has two sides. Loving the birds to visit, but certainly wishing they'd mind their manners better! The ones you have left and have photographed here, do look gorgeous! So does that sky. :)

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    1. mail4rosey: Cockatoos are known for their destructive ways. For most of the year they aren't too bad here. Spring is another question.

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  49. My high school colors way back in the day were gold and purple, a combination that was nearly impossible to find back then, but I love them all the same in their glory. Such magnificent flowers! Hugs...RO

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    1. RO: I cannot for the life of me remember what my high school colours were. Blue and maroon perhaps? The crocus continue to give me joy each day. Hugs received and reciprocated.

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  50. What a lovely sight are your garden flowers EC, I can try to be all logical and stuff instead looking at your garden gives me much joy. Enjoy the kites.

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    1. Spacer Guy: Thank you. Logic, shmogic, take joy anywhere you can.

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  51. Are you heading into spring? We're heading into fall and it's been a dry summer. So the flowers and such have suffered. I love your pictures as usual, but I especially love the cloud pictures.

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    1. T. Powell Coltrin: We are indeed heading into spring. Fast. We had our driest winter in 24 years and the boffins are saying that spring and summer will be dry too.

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  52. Those first 3 sky pictures are just stunning. Some of the best I've seen.

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    1. Sandra Cox: They were amazing mornings and I watched in awe.

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  53. Your pictures are actually lovely works of art. I could just hang out with you all day, seeing the world through your eyes. Hugs...RO

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    1. RO: I am a beauty addict and look for it (and find it) everywhere. That said, I do lead a dull life. Hugs.

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  54. Your so-called "same old, same old" is absolutely beautiful. Beautiful skyscapes and flowers? What's not to love? (Yeah, I know... skyscape isn't a word, but it SHOULD be!)

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    1. Susan: Skyscape is most definitely a word. One I use.

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  55. LOVE that sky! Wow. And it's early spring for you. Sigh. We're coming off a long, hot summer. Spring and fall are my favorites. Let's hope the chicken wire keeps on keeping your 'vandals' out :)

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    1. Carol Kilgore: The vandals are discouraged by the wire, but still work on their path of destruction. Summer is my least favorite season. I hope you get some relief from yours soon.

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  56. Sigh... what lovely photos! Thanks for sharing. I can't wait to have a "yard/garden" again.

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    1. Lisa: Welcome and thank you. I hope you can have a yard and a garden again (sooner than expected).

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  57. Beautiful garden! I don't know how anyone can be anything other than inspired while gazing at such wonders.

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    1. Crystal Collier: I do love the garden, but inspired is not always the first thought that leaps to mind. Overwhelmed and daunted are regulars too.

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  58. Gardens never cease to delight me. Thanks for taking me on a tour to see all these beautiful flowers and a chance to see that sky.

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    1. cleemckenzie: Thank you. The gardens and the sky are ongoing obsessions here.

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  59. And how are the little vandals today?

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    1. Sandra Cox: Wreaking havoc. Digging up bulbs and tearing them apart.

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  60. I'm grateful those flowers were left behind. They're so beautiful as are the pictures of the sky. Thank you for sharing them. I'm looking forward to pictures of the kites!!

    Elsie

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    1. Elsie Amata: Thank you. I really, really hope the vandals DON'T discover the back yard.

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  61. The "vandals" edit cracked me up. Glad you've got some flowers behaving, EC!

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    1. John Wiswell: Between drought and the sulphur crested vandals I am grateful for any flower which blooms.

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  62. Make sure you take lots of pics of the kites and post them. Clouds, flowers and birds are my top three favorite photo subjects. I still haven't gotten out to take some pictures of some local birds. It's hard for me to stand up for more than a few minutes. The pain is excruciating...oh well, it could be worse, right?

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    1. Mildred Ratched. I did take photos. Many photos. And will post them on Sunday.

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  63. I use supported Chicken wire to protect the vegetable garden patches . Mainly to deter the pussycats.

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    1. Vest: Next year we might have to create structures we can pop over the piece of the garden the vandals are attacking.

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  64. Dear EC, your gardens--back and front and sides--must be immense. How do you find time to do all that maintenance: weeding, mulching, deadheading, separating, etc., etc. I'm astounded. Peace.

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    1. Dee: The short answer is that it is never, ever finished. Much like the housework. One is a labour of love, the other less so.

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  65. Dee had a great question. How do you keep up?
    Hugs

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    1. Sandra Cox: I don't keep up. I make valiant efforts and fail.

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  66. Such beautiful photos,, vandals,, I hope they stay way,,youlre moving into spring and we are starting Autumn, take care my far away friend, I hope the days are good to you,

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    1. laurie: We have reduced but not eliminated their destructive raids. I hope your Autumn treats you kindly.

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  67. Naughty cockatoos ;) Lovely moody skies and beautiful flowers. Enjoyed this week's Sunday Selections and am now looking forward to your next one :)

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    1. Denise inVA: Naughty is politer than the things I have been calling them. And thank you.

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  68. Oh dear, I lost my comment but it was my fault this time. I'm especially rapt to see more crocus flowers and was wondering whether they'd grow here, which I guess they would, hmmm. And I commented on the pesky cockies, the beautiful clouds and the fact that I thoroughly enjoy visiting your site

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    1. Kim: Thank you. I am pretty sure you could grow crocus, and they are such delightful blooms. Early colour when winter has (mostly) left the building. I am still on cockie patrol and shortly will head out with the trust water pistol.

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  69. The sky never seems the same or old to me; I love every hint and whisper. Your sky shots always speak to me,
    And crocus:) The first harbinger. Glad they left the crocuses alone. Scallywags:)
    Happy Springing to you,
    Jennifer

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    1. Jennifer Richardson: I too adore the sky. And marvel at it.
      We are fortunate that the sulphur-crested vandals have not discovered the back yard. Colour is one of the first things they attack.
      I hope your autumn brings mellow peace and beauty.

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    1. e: Thank you. Despite the depreciations of the vandals (which continues) there is a lot to enjoy.

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    1. Tanza Erlambang -Every Day Issues: Thank you. We like them too.

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