Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Sunday, 4 November 2018

Sunday Selections #404

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?  The visit of my blog friend.


I am an introvert.  And shy with it.  Himself is an introvert, and also shy.  Jazz is antisocial.  Meeting up with someone new was a source of anxiety.  Misplaced anxiety.

Dinahmow is just as her blog and emails portray her.  We ALL enjoyed her visit and even Jazz the antisocial presented his belly for a rub shortly before she left.

So what did we do?  We talked a lot.  We laughed a lot. 
We watched birds.  I do wish they had let her hand feed them.  And speaking of hand feeding, we have been able to hand-feed a crimson rosella over the last few days.  Photos will follow when it is a little more relaxed.




 

We wandered around the garden.  And the neighbourhood though I forgot my camera.  Some of these blooms are from while she was here, and some burst into bloom after she left.



This white banksia rose covers the pergola over our back deck.











We went down to the lake.




We went to the markets (and fell in love with black garlic).  And then to the glassworks which are next door.







All these came from an exhibition at the Glassworks by Jane Cowie called a profusion of blooms.  We watched glassblowers at work too.

We went other places too, but even by my standards this is a photo-heavy post, so I will finish showing you some of the places we saw in a later post.

One more to finish with.  A gift she gave me - which made himself smirk and say 'you have been spotted'.  The coaster sits beside me and makes me smile.  Lots.



We had a delightful time.  She is welcome to return - which we don't often say.

132 comments:

  1. That's awesome you got to spend time with a blogger buddy.

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  2. So beautiful there. I love spring. Beautiful art glass too. Donna@gather

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    1. Donna@gather: Spring is fast disappearing here, being pushed out by her ugly sister Summer. I love glass too.

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  3. I never hand fed birds during my recent visit to Australia, but I did have several species of parrots and cockatoos feeding within arm’s length. I think if I had worked at it they would have fed from the hand.

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    1. David Gascoigne: Most of the birds who visit us are comfortable with us, but very few will eat from our hands. Which is fine. It is a privilege when they will though.

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  4. It sounds like fun was had by all, including the introverts and Jazz. As always, your photos of springtime bring a smile to my face. And of course the birds. :-)

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  5. It amazes me that you can just go and photograph these animals. They're wallabys, right? Not kangaroos?

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    1. Sandi: They are kangaroos. Eastern grey kangaroos. We are lucky, and can often see them here in the bush capital.

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  6. I have met two blogging friends. I was SO nervous! But both were lovely and I would love to see them again.

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    1. Birdie: Snap. I have met four now, and was nervous each time. And they were all great to meet. We have never had a blogger stay with us before though. Uncharted waters.

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  7. Aww,shucks!

    It was a lovely visit. I'm glad you got better photos of the glass exhibition as mine were photo-bombed.
    Ooh! The irises beside the drive are out-wow!
    So many wows....
    Thank you.

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    1. dinahmow: It really was a lovely visit. And yes, the iris are out, the roses are coming out, the asian orchid I tempted you with last year is blooming... And it is getting hotter. Sigh.

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  8. Beautiful, gorgeous photos all. It must have been wonderful to visit with a virtual friend in person. What a stamp of approval Jazz gave her!
    That coaster absolutely rocks!

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    1. River Fairchild: It was great, and that coaster makes me smile each time I look at it. I am amazed that Jazz warmed to her relatively quickly. When himself's sister stayed with us it took a month before the cats left the wardrobe while she was up. This visitor? Less than four days.

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  9. oh my word, how wonderful to hand feed a bird, are the yellow flowers with the banksia buds or a different flower? you live a charmed natural life, kudos to you for appreciating all that surrounds you and sharing it with us.

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    1. Linda Starr: I misled you a little. We have two banksia roses, one white and one yellow. So that photo is the yellow banksia rose with a guelder rose (snowball tree) poking through.

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  10. oh my gosh what a beautiful place to visit, with good company too!

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  11. Risky but it paid off and I am pleased for you. The banksia rose looks like it has gone crazy. Black garlic. I must look that up.

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    1. Andrew: We knew it was a risk but it certainly paid off. For all of us. The banksia roses are thriving. Which makes me happy.

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  12. It sounds ans looks like you had a very enjoyable time with your visitor. A nice interlude for you all. :)

    I hope you have a great week ahead, EC...cuddles to Jazz and a tummy rub...for Jazz, that is! :)

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    1. Lee: We did have a great time. I hope your week is great and that the heat isn't moving in on you too rapidly. Jazz and tummy rubs are a bit like Russian Roulette. I will let himself give Jazz one on your behalf.
      I hope Remy and Sharma enjoy the week too.

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  13. A good time was had by all, great catching up, and our birds are the best in the world or so I think.
    Merle..........

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    1. Merlesworld: It was lovely. I do like our birds, but wouldn't claim best in the world status. I would love to see rather a lot of other countries birds - including hummingbirds and rather a lot of owls.

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  14. Oh my, it is so beautiful there. Gorgeous flowers, and those birds!!! Awesome photos.

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    1. mxtodis123: Thank you. I do love our birds - and the garden.

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  15. The Crimson Rosella is my favourite, beautiful EC.

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    1. Bob Bushell: We love them too. Hopefully I will be able to photograph the hand feeder soon.

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  16. How lovely to met a blogging friend. Glad it went so well.

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    1. CountryMum: I have followed her blog for years, and have been corresponding with her for a while. It didn't feel like a 'new' meeting at all.

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  17. You always have great pictures but these are particularly spectacular!!! They're moving. And I'm glad you had a nice visit with your friend. You know it's a win if the cat comes out (same standard over here). ;)

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    1. mail4rosey: It was a big win. Jazz can be a very difficult cat. And thank you.

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  18. I LOVE that yellow flower with the purple center!!

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    1. fishducky: Isn't it a beauty? It is spreading too.

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  19. How nice to have had a blogger-visitor-friend in your midst.

    I never tire of your flower, bird and 'roo pictures. So nice.

    I once was in Alsace-Lorraine (in the Lorraine part somewhere) and was treated with a glassblower fashioning creations in his storefront window. It was pretty magical to watch.

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    1. Bea: My father's workplace had a resident glass-blower for a while. I never tired of watching him, and marvelled at those at the Glassworks too. There are classes as well. If I coped with heat better and my hands were steadier I would sign up.

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  20. It sounds - and looks - as if you had a great time. The birds and the flowers are gorgeous, as always. I love glass creations and have several pieces.
    An excellent coaster!

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    1. Alexia: I am fascinated by glass and we have a number of pieces here. It is always a treat to watch glass being blown too. The coaster is brilliant isn't it?

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  21. What a fun visit, and so many beautiful things to show her!

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    1. messymimi: I think the trip we took which I will show you next week was her favourite. A long day, a tiring day, but a lovely one.

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  22. yay for blogger get togethers!

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    1. kylie: Big yay. And big yay for pulling up my big girl pants.

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  23. Love the bearded raven and that creamy rose too. I see you have a yellow (buff) banksia as well as the white one, I prefer the yellow, but couldn't get mine to grow as someone :( kept moving the pot to try and keep it in the sun all day long.
    I've heard of black garlic but never seen any.
    I'm glad you all had a wonderful time, even Jazz.

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    1. River: That creamy rose is Brindabella Pearl (I think). It has a lovely scent too. We do love our yellow banksia (which I keep typing as banskia) and it screens the neighbour well.

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  24. Ooooh that sunset! And ya gotta love kangaroos. Of course that's easy for me to say since we don't have any. A nice post, EC. You seem in a good place.

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    1. Bill: We do love kangaroobies. It is not uncommon for me to DEMAND a kangaroo fix. Which makes a bad day better.

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  25. Dear EC
    Lovely photos - irises, osteospermum and roses - you are spoiling us! The glass flowers are lovely too. I'm glad the visit went well and that you all enjoyed yourselves.
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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    1. Ellie Foster: Thank you. We really did have a lovely time and there are (many) more photos to come.

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  26. Glad you had fun with your internet friend. I have met up with two, both had the same disease as I had: one in LA and one in Portland and it was fun to connect. I loved the Gullah especially among plenty of beauty.

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    1. Sue in Italia/In the Land of Cancer: The connections we make here in the blogosphere can be wonderful can't they?

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  27. Sounds like a lovely time was had by all. The glassworks looks like a magical place, thank you for sharing, as always. I look forward to further photos from your visit.

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    1. Carolyn McBride: The Glassworks IS magical. There is always something new and almost always artists to watch at their work. Which I find fascinating.

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  28. Wonderful photos and I love the saying. Some people can bring us out of our shell. Sounds like a great visit.

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    1. Mason Canyon: It was a great visit, and some people do indeed have the gift/talent of inspiring a feeling of safety.

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  29. Nice coaster. I like it. The skyline sunset photo with flowers in foreground is spectacular.

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    1. Strayer: I suspect I would have bought that coaster if I had seen it, and appreciate it mightily.

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  30. How lovely to have an internet friend come and stay for a while. And she was just as nice in real life as she is on the internet, that's marvellous. I love the spring flowers that are blooming in your posts, while here in S Ontario the leaves are falling and cold winter is on the way. And the glass..... gorgeous.

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    1. Shammickite: We are lurching into summer fast now. A summer that the weather boffins promise will be hot and dry. I am going to be watching images from your side of the world in envy all too soon. And yes, it was a truly lovely visit.

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  31. Beautiful photos, as always! It sounds like a great visit all round! The coaster is perfect!

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    1. Marie Smith: The coaster is indeed perfect for my all too predictable self.

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  32. So glad you had so much fun and laughter. I think it's always so wonderful to meet other bloggers and to enjoy the friendship. As always, I so adore your postcard perfect pictures. the book meme is so lovely too! Hugs...RO

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    1. RO: I have thoroughly enjoyed all the blog meets I have had, which I need to remember when a meeting is suggested.

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  33. It is always a treat to meet fellow bloggers! And between Dinahmow's photos and yours my eyes got a much needed splash of color in my brown and gray world which is about to turn white. Thank you for the respite. It is always a bright spot even though I may not always tell you!

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    1. Jono: Thank you. I am glad to provide colour, and will be grateful for your cooling images all too soon.

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  34. I love that you got to meet a blogger friend. How fun! It sounds like you had a wonderful visit. Sounds like a visit I would love! Feeding birds- and hand feeding when they let allow it- is one of my favorite ways to spend my time. Beautiful blooms too- and look at all those kangaroos. The glasswork loos fascinating.

    Thanks for sharing. So glad you had such a great visit!
    ~Jess

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    1. DMS ~Jess: Thank you. It was a treat to share things which I enjoy and know that they gave her pleasure too.

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  35. Lovely shots ... I'm already for spring

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    1. Author R. Mac Wheeler: I am happy with Spring but so not ready for her big (and ugly) sister.

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  36. Beautiful birds, blooms and bloggers. What a wonderful combination to make my Sunday better.

    Thank you for sharing!

    Hope your new week is filled with joyous things.

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    1. Wally Jones: Thank you. And I hope your delightful wish is true for you too.

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  37. What a wondrous visit. I'm so glad it was enjoyed by all.
    As always, the birds and garden are breathtaking. Don't you love Irises:) One of the reasons I'm so attached to them is because when we lived in IN there was an Iris farm nearby. The high school art teacher took Ms. M's class there. I have a couple of her Iris art pieces from when she was in high school hanging on the wall.

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    1. Sandra Cox: I do love irises, and am blown away by the colours they come in. I would love to see those iris art pieces...

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  38. How nice that you got to meet and spend time with a fellow blogger friend. It sounds and looks like you had a great time.

    I loved seeing all of your pictures. The birds, the blooms and the glass … and I nearly forgot the kangaroos.

    Such a lovely post.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Lowcarb team member~Jan: It was lovely. And when we met at the airport we felt like old friends immediately.

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  39. Delightful, as usual. Your visitor surely loved the visit. Flowers are exquisite. Our mid-land USA is about to get hit with a cold rainy spell. My last week's trip to the writers colony was productive. The 5-hour drive home not so much. But we gained an hour when DST changed back to CST. Good week to you.

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    1. Patricia A. Laster: We could do with your rain. Badly. There is a fire still burning very close to us. The firefighters have finally got it under control but a windy day could change that in a heart beat. I am glad your retreat was productive.

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  40. Loved all of these and I loved the fact that you visited with a blogging friend. That sounded very special.

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  41. Colorful birds, flowers and fantastic kangaroos, oh, my! This was another delight in photos.

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    1. Rasma Raisters: Thank you. I hope you enjoy the next post about her visit as much as we did.

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  42. Oh goodness, this was delightful, almost like following around as well. (But from the comfort of home!) The first and third bird are most beautiful, you have such lovely exotic birds there. Visiting with a blogging friend too is very special.

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    1. Karen S.: I really like the second bird too. Our bearded ravens are lovely birds (intelligent and family minded) and we feel privileged when they visit. You have some birds I would love to see too. And yes, the blogmeet was very special indeed.

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  43. Lovely pictures, all. I'm so glad you had a good visit!

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    1. jenny_o: We did. And there are more photos of our fun to come.

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  44. So glad you had a good time. The pictures are great as usual. Thanks so much!

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    1. Myrna R.: Thank you. I am glad that you enjoyed our fun.

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  45. How wonderful you had such a good time.
    Photos are a delight to see. Enjoyed.

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    1. Margaret-whiteangel: It was a treat. And a reminder that I need to be braver and extend my social horizons.

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  46. I read Dinamow’s and your post. What a lovely visit that must have been. I envy her in meeting you in your beautiful place in this world.

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    1. Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe: What a lovely thing to say. I am so very grateful for the friends I have found in the blogosphere, most of whom I will never meet in the flesh. And you are most definitely included in that list.

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  47. Everything worked out! I am sure your friend felt very welcomed. And those are gorgeous flowers.
    Great pictures, as usual.
    : )

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    1. Caterina: I hope (and believe) that she did feel welcome. She was.

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  48. Wow! Sounds like a wonderful visit for both of you!

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  49. I am so glad things went so well for both of you!😊
    And thank you so much for the stunning photos...such a pleasure to see, especially those amazing colourful birds. I have never seen any like those before. Wow!!

    Have a fabulous week! 😊😊

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    1. Ygraine: We felt like old friends as soon as we met at the airport. And friends (old or new) are precious.
      I am glad you love our birds. We do too.

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  50. The story of you two uniting and chatting made me so happy! And the banksia is absolutely beautiful. You take such sharper photos than I do.

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    1. John Wiswell: I am glad. And aren't digital cameras wonderful. Take a kazillion photos and delete most of them.

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  51. That sunrise(?) photo looks just like a painting. So lovely.

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    1. Sandra Cox: Thank you. It was sunset, and I loved the way it made the iris glow.

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  52. The birds and flowers are so pretty.

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  53. What a good time you had. I'm happy for you.

    Love,
    Janie

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  54. That glasswork takes my breath away.
    I'm glad you had such a worthy visitor.

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    1. Rawknrobyn: We have never gone to the Glassworks without finding something to marvel at. And yes, our guest was special. I hope your days are improving.

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  55. Beautiful shots of the glasswork, the flowers and the birds! Amazing that you can hand-feed a rosella.

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    1. Lady Fi: We are very, very lucky. There are three species of our native birds we can hand feed now. And many more who grace our feeders.

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  56. That's amazing you got to meet a fellow blogger. I've never done that, but I expect to at some point. Lovely post. And the coaster gift was perfect.

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    1. Lynn: I hope you can. I have now had four blog meets and they have all been lovely.

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  57. Hi EC - taken me awhile to get here and even now I need to come back ... but can quite see what a great get together it has been - and how she'd be welcome back. Lovely how cats just know a cat lover when they see one - good for Jazz. Isn't that coaster just delightful ... I can imagine more smirks from himself!! But a delightful post - albeit I need to look more ... cheers Hilary

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    1. Hilary Melton-Butcher: Jazz doesn't usually come out for anyone except us. It took over a month before himself's sister saw him. And yes, it was a wonderful meet.

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  58. What a marvelous visit! I like to think that the people we've come to care about through blogging are exactly as they present themselves, which means if we love their online persona, we're gonna love them in person, too. I'm thrilled your visit went so well.

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    1. Susan: It was definitely marvellous. And it didn't feel like a 'new' meeting at all.

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  59. Love the pictures!!!! So very, very pretty.
    So glad you had such a wonderful visit - and that coaster is just awesome!

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    1. Jemi Fraser: We did have a wonderful visit - and there are (many) more photos to come. The coaster is brilliant. And both my partner and I smile when we see it.

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  60. What a great time you had with your blog friend EC! So special! The pictures are amazing!! Truly breath taking! Love the glass pieces! WOW!! I will never get tired of your birds! If I was there, I would be standing outside the entire time, trying to feed them all! LOL! The coaster is brilliant! LOL! Big Hugs!

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    1. Magic Love Crow: We do spend a LOT of time watching the birds, feeding the birds, attempting to feed the birds. And the coaster is wonderful. Huge hugs to you my friend.

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  61. Fantastic flowers.

    And did I mention Bad Cat reminds me of my Fat Cat?

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    1. Blue Grumpster: Thank you. And yes, Bad Cat does look like yours. And Jazz also says that his belly is an optical distortion.

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  62. The glassware is just beautiful. I'm glad you've had such a good time with your guest.

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    1. Kim: The glassworks are always full of beautiful work. I have never visited when I haven't fallen deep in lust.

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  63. i was SO excited to learn that Dinahmow visited you! Like you, i was thrilled to learn through a prior meet up in New York, that she is indeed just who she seems to be online! A delightful houseguest, friend, and companion - she even helped care for my ancient, sick, and very large dog while she stayed with me... cannot ask for a better friend and guest!

    The photos are amazing - moreso knowing that the two of you spent time together comparing notes, thoughts and ideas as you went about your adventures!

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    1. daisyfae: She definitely falls into the what you see is what you get category doesn't she? And I am not surprised she was happy to help care for your ancient and unwell dog. I am hoping that she will be back for the balloon festival early next year.

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  64. Lovely, I envy her your company and the beauty of all that surrounds you too. Gary rang me up on the phone yesterday! It was hilarious and lovely though had it been planned I'd have been overly nervous and freaked out I know. It's nice to connect in other ways eh? Glad you had such a fab time x

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    1. Starshine Twinkletoes: I am glad that Gary rang you - and hope he is doing ok. And some year YOU will get to this side of the world.

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