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. River is taking a well-earned self care break, and will probably not post a Sunday Selections post (though she did last week). She will be missed, but I will keep the meme warm for her.
Clicking on any of the photos will make them embiggen.
Like River I usually run with a theme. This week? What a difference a day makes...
We had a wind and dust storm one day last week. Both the wind and the dust were 'impressive'. All of these photos were taken midafternoon.
Most of the birds were unsurprisingly conspicuous by their absence.
This rainbow lorikeet was the exception and appeared totally unphased by either the wind or the dust.
The next day was relatively calm and sunny so we headed down to the lake.
Less synchronised.
A totally 'laxed silver gull.
No swimming at the moment due to a blue-green algae outbreak.
There were trees and branches down - at the lake and across the entire city.
And of course, the obligatory roos, who were happily soaking up the sun.
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. River is taking a well-earned self care break, and will probably not post a Sunday Selections post (though she did last week). She will be missed, but I will keep the meme warm for her.
Clicking on any of the photos will make them embiggen.
Like River I usually run with a theme. This week? What a difference a day makes...
We had a wind and dust storm one day last week. Both the wind and the dust were 'impressive'. All of these photos were taken midafternoon.
Most of the birds were unsurprisingly conspicuous by their absence.
This rainbow lorikeet was the exception and appeared totally unphased by either the wind or the dust.
The next day was relatively calm and sunny so we headed down to the lake.
Synchronised swimming.
A totally 'laxed silver gull.
Amazing pictures, thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeletewww.ficklemillennial.blogspot.com
Gina Gao: My pleasure.
Deletegray skies here and lots of rain expected for over a week, but we don't have your beautiful birds to cheer us up, just a few small hints of spring with some buds swelling, soon.
ReplyDeleteLinda Starr: If we had more rain, then we wouldn't have had those brown skies. I hope Spring waltzes in early for you (and our Autumn does the same).
DeleteMy fav is the colorful lorikeet
ReplyDeleteSue in Italia/In the Land of Cancer: We like to see them too, though their character doesn't match their plumage. They are noisy bullies. Beautiful noisy bullies.
DeleteWow it's like you had two seasons in two days. Second day was beautiful.
ReplyDeleteAlex J. Cavanaugh: The temperature was about the same both days. It was an incredibly hot wind. The sky was very different.
DeleteDust storm....Yikes!!!
ReplyDeleteThat is one fearless lorikeet:)
Have a productive, pleasant day.
Sandra Cox: So much of the country is in drought that dust storms are becoming more common. I am heading into the garden shortly. For a change.
DeleteWow, a dust storm. I see them on television but never first hand. Must be pretty uncomfortable to live through. Gorgeous photos. I love that picture of the lake.
ReplyDeletemxtodis123: The cleanup is incredible. Despite having the doors and windows shut there is a layer of dust on everything. Somebodies precious topsoil.
DeleteI remember so well the first Rainbow Lorikeet I ever saw and my ecstatic reaction to it. It really is spectacular isn't it? You are so lucky to have so many parrots and cockatoos in close contact. They are very special.
ReplyDeleteDavid Gascoigne: They are well named little birds aren't they? And yes, we are very, very grateful for the birds that visit. All of them.
DeleteYou did find some neat things to photograph especially the rainbow bird! Always cute kangaroo s
ReplyDeleteKim@Stuffcould... Thank you. We love them too.
DeleteWow! Such a magical place!
ReplyDeleteCloudia: I love that patch of the lake and often use it as heart balm.
DeleteThose dust storms look terrible. And, as you said, someone's topsoil blown everywhere. You must need some industrial grade vacuum cleaners there. And I always appreciate a visit with a roo or two. :-)
ReplyDeleteDJan: Probably a LOT of farmers' top soil. And it is such a waste to have it vacuum it up. We appreciate our roo fixes too.
DeleteThe birds and roos are beautiful...not so much...not at all, the dust.
ReplyDeleteI hope the coming week is kind to us all...everywhere...take care, EC....cuddles to Jazz. :)
Lee: The dust and the wind were incredible - and hit Sydney the next day. Like you I hope the coming week is kinder - to us all.
DeleteSchön die Bilder vom See die Algen im See sind nicht gut für Badegäste.
ReplyDeleteNoke
Noke: Thank you. No, the algae in the lake isn't good at all.
DeleteThe rainbow lorikeet is beautiful. I'm not really into birds, but the colors!! You really captured the sun. What a great picture.
ReplyDeleteSandy: Those colours are incredible aren't they? Having the dust obscure the sun was incredible. And awful.
DeleteImpressive wind and dust I not like. I've only experienced one dust storm and I could not believe how it got into every crack and crevice.
ReplyDeleteAndrew: It did. On my toothbrush even. Bleah.
DeleteThe lorikeet sure was a bright spot against the dust storm!
ReplyDeleteAlways love seeing the Roos.
River Fairchild: I was surprised the lorikeet could fly in the wind. We were getting gusts of over 75kph. And yes, we love the roos too. They relax better than anything except cats.
DeleteI just think it's so cool that you can go to the lake and see kangaroos.
ReplyDeleteMary Kirkland: We can often see them closer to home as well, but not in spots where photography is easy. And we love them (except on the road).
DeleteThose birds and animals were probably grateful for the sun after that dust storm. I've never been un one. What do they sound like? I would imagine a dust storm can be frightening...Hope you are well.
ReplyDeletee: The dust was brought to us by very strong winds, which drowned out almost everything. We could hear branches snapping, things blowing up and down the street, and the wind howl. Teamed with compromised visibilty and breathing they aren't nice things at all. And the clean-up continues.
DeleteIt was still windy when we went to the lake, but much less so, and the blue skies were lovely.
The dust looks nasty - we were warned that it might head our way, but that didn't eventuate, thank goodness. The sky pics are certainly different from your normal ones!
ReplyDeleteI love the beautiful synchronised/less so swimmers, and the expressions on the kangaroos' faces. I notice your temperatures have been a little cooler recently, EC - hope it is more comfortable for you.
Alexia: The dust WAS nasty. I am glad you escaped it. The lake was (as is so often the case) a welcome antidote. And the birds and animals all looked content as well.
DeleteWe have been cooler (which is lovely) but the temperatures are climbing today and tomorrow.
Then probably dropping again, here in Adelaide we are expecting only 26C from Monday to Friday.
DeleteRiver: I hope so. We are expecting temperatures in the mid thirties or high twenties until Friday.
DeleteToday is our first day of less than 29-30 for about 2 weeks. It's only(!) about 27.
DeleteAlexia: I find it a bit sad when I welcome 27 as cool respite - but totally understand. 34 here today, and 35 tomorrow.
DeleteThe dust storm must have been hard on folks with breathing issues. And those with physical issues that make cleaning a bigger chore than usual. So sad to think the topsoil was wasted, as you mentioned.
ReplyDeleteThose kangaroos have incredible muscles, don't they? Do they drink the lake water? Is the algae an issue for them as it is for dogs?
Love the lorikeet's closeup and the synchronized swimmers! Such good shots!
jenny_o: The dust was indeed hard on a lot of people. And inescapable. Even inside with the doors and windows shut.
DeleteKangaroos, particularly the males, almost look muscle-bound. I don't know whether the algae affects them - I hope not. I really hope not.
There is always dust in the air here and, when the wind is NW , sand as well.And we're on the coast!
ReplyDeleteToo rainy at present for dust!
dinahmow: I hope your dust/sand isn't as thick as we experienced in the storm. I really hope so. Rain? Sigh.
DeleteHow nice the blue skies and warm sun followed. We've had heavy wind the last couple of days. I don't like battling it.
ReplyDeleteJoanne Noragon: The blue skies were very, very welcome. And no, I don't like battling the wind either. When I was taking photos of the dust storm my not insubstantial self was being blown off course. I hope your winds ease and warmth returns.
DeleteSome great photos as always. I liked the one of the downed tree branches.
ReplyDeleteJamie Ghione: Thank you. Those downed branches were big. I could walk underneath the arch.
DeleteWould that be the side edge of the dust storm that engulfed Sydney? I saw it on the news, looked just like the ones we used to get in Port Pirie when I was little. I'm always sad when trees get broken by them. Love the rainbow lorikeet, we still have a few around here, but most have moved on, the trees here have been picked clean except for the pines and the sulphur crested cockatoos get in those and the footpath underneath is littered with chewed cones.
ReplyDeleteRiver: We got the dust storm a day before it engulfed Sydney. Like you I am always sad when the trees are damaged, and there were a lot of downed trees and branches that day.
DeleteWe seem to get the rainbow lorikeets (and the cockies) all year now. The rainbow lorikeets used to be rare, but for the last few years their numbers have increased.
You have the algae outbreaks too? We have them routinely now, in reservoirs, each summer. Last summer, the algae in Detroit reservoir crept down stream into Salem's water supply and people had to use bottled water for quite some time. we've not had dust storms here, although seems like dust storms in August and September when the seed farmers send great clouds of dust everywhere from their fields. It's disgusting and hurts my eyes like sandpaper.
ReplyDeleteStrayer: The algae outbreaks here are getting more and more frequent. Drought conditions, high summer temperatures and high nutrient levels are all important factors in creating the conditions to cause algal blooms. We are certainly in drought and the summer was one of our hottest ever. Crop dusting can cause a LOT of discomfort can't it?
DeleteDust storms and algae, it sounds like things have been difficult. Your wildlife is lovely.
ReplyDeletemessymimi: The weather has been challenging that is for sure. And a big yes on the wildlife front. We love them.
DeleteI love the lorikeet photo. Such a colorful bird. I've never personally been in a dust storm but we had a snow storm a few days ago but today was a glorious sunny day and I even went for a short walk outside. You live in such a different environment than I do with extreme summer heat. I hope the weather is cooling down for you.
ReplyDeleteHugs, Julia
Julia: I have never been in a snowstorm, and only rarely been outside while it snows. I am glad you got sunshine and a walk. Our nights at least are markedly cooler which is lovely. We will have hot days for probably another month. Autumn will be very welcome.
DeleteAnd yes, the lorikeet is a beauty. A pushy beauty.
Good that the Lorikeets aren't negatively affected by the dust. Hopefully, all are surviving the heat fairly well, too.
ReplyDeleteI just looked up Quokka pics again. Seeing them makes me happy.
Bea: I was surprised to see the lorikeet out and about. It was on its own, but the birds who appeared the next day seemed fine.
DeleteQuokkas are cute aren't they?
I love all the shots of the critters - especially the pelicans!
ReplyDeleteLady Fi: Thank you. I have a fondness for pelicans and always smile to see them.
DeleteWe have occasional dust storms in Arizona. What a mess they make. Yes I don't fancy swimming in that lake at the moment. I've just returned from the States and the weather was pretty blah over there, a bit like here in the UK.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos as usual.
LL Cool Joe: The mess is incredible isn't it? And seeps into far too many places.
DeleteLove the lorikeet, the pelicans, and the roos. I'd really like a kangaroo for our back yard. It would either scare the neighbor's herd of cats, or they'd all be friends.
ReplyDeleteBill: I can see cats and kangas getting on. They often seem to share a similarly relaxed attitude to life.
DeleteHi EC - I bet those dust storms were uncomfortable for one and all. But as you say - it clears away and you have your delightful lake to visit - gorgeous photos of the experience. We're warmish down on the south coast ... but no wind means fog a few miles inland - I'm happy I'm by the sea! Cheers and have a good week - Hilary
ReplyDeleteHilary Melton-Butcher: It is too long since I have seen the sea, and I am glad you are happy there.
DeleteI remember once when they had one out west several states away and the dust was in the atmosphere here for a few days.
ReplyDeleteDust covered every flat surface.
The forecast here calls for up to seven inches of rain. That will make some rivers wider.
Rick Watson: Seven inches is about a quarter of our average annual rainfall. Sadly for the last few years we haven't come close to that average.
DeleteWe don't have dust storms here in Maine. We did have a snow storm this week but it wasn't too bad and luckily I had the day off :)
ReplyDeletemshatch: Very few parts of Oz get snowstorms. Dust is a different matter. And there are no days off for it.
DeleteWind and dust are the norm here in the Southwest U.S. I like the pictures of the peeking sun, also the Kangaroo. I like all the pictures actually.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a good week.
Myrna R: Thank you. I hope your week is good as well. Wind and dust as the norm is not something I would enjoy.
DeleteFunny thing we've had strong winds as well, and our wildlife has scattered to safety, but on a few mornings while out with my pups, it was a joy to finally hear some birds excited that the below zero tundra temps had disappeared as did the winds. Watching my rabbits hopping through the snow and reaching for tree branches to eat is quite the sight lately too. Pleased to know we've made it mostly through our winter hopefully. Spring has got to be getting prepared to return, right?
ReplyDeleteKaren S.: It sounds as if Spring is finally on the way for you - and I am sure she will be very welcome.
DeleteDon't ya love pelicans.
ReplyDeleteWe've had a lot of red tide in the Gulf :(
Author R. Mac Wheeler: I do love pelicans. And hope your red tide and our blue green algae can be controlled.
DeleteIt is amazing the way one day can make things totally different. I have never been in a dust storm- though we do get wind storms here. Interesting to see the pictures and how dark it is during a dust storm.
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous sunny day- love seeing all the birds and of course, the roos. Beautiful! Glad you were able to get out and about. Hope you have a lovely week. :)
~Jess
DMS ~Jess: The difference in the two days was incredible, in both sight and sound. I hope your week is productive and fun.
DeleteAs usual I love your photos. A day makes all the difference. We do not have dust storms here, but we do have a few days each summer where the air settles in the valley and the smog gets pretty bad. The visual result is similar.
ReplyDeleteI am looking out my window at my rather drab birds, but when I open the door I do hear beautiful songs!
Anne in the kitchen: We don't have to open the door to hear our birds 'songs'. And most of them are very far from musical. Pretty, but NOT musical.
DeleteWhat a difference a day make. Wonderful caption for wonderful photos. You have animals outside your door, that I have to go to the Zoo to see. And dust storms. Wile making for interesting photos they're not fun, I suppose. I've only ever experienced a sand storm in the Egyptian desert (loong ago, almost forgot, thanks for awakening my memories), also sand everywhere including the inside of my rolled up sleeping-bag.
ReplyDeleteUglemor: I imagine a sandstorm is even worse. Flying bits of sand can sting. And yes, the dust was/is everywhere just as I am sure the sand was.
DeleteWhen I opened the microwave yesterday is was inside. The worst was on my toothbrush though.
Except for one solitary one the birds all come in pairs. If nature says so, then that’s how it’s meant to be.
ReplyDeleteThe sandstorm took all the life out of your pictures, can’t be a pleasant experience.
Friko: I hadn't noticed the pairs, but you are right. With the exception of the Silver Gulls (of which there were dozens) the birds were indeed in pairs.
DeleteThe windstorm certainly muted the light. It was the wind which bothered me most though - until the next day when I realised how much dust had got inside.
Be well, Sue. If you ever want to vent, or talk, you have my email address.
ReplyDeleteDavid
David Gascoigne: Many thanks.
DeleteI can’t imagine a dust storm. It must be horrible to be outside in one. I am glad that your next day was so pretty.
ReplyDeleteStarting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe: Dust storms are dramatic, and cleaning up after them not a lot of fun. The next day was a bonus.
DeleteLove the photo of the sun. Awesome.
ReplyDeleteMason Canyon: Didn't it look bizarre shrouded in dust?
DeleteI had not seen this post. Sorry!
ReplyDeleteBirds and Roos!!!! My favourite!
I will miss you.
Hugs and "see" you in April.
Caterina: I am very fond of birds and roos too (in case you hadn't realised). Thank you.
DeleteGorgeous photographs Sue but love the colours of the Lorikeet. Sorry to hear you are not do in so well but it is a good idea to take a break and give your body and mind a rest
ReplyDeleteMargaret Adamson: Thank you. I am realising just how much I 'needed' a rest.
DeleteDear EC, I empathize sincerely with your next --Feb.18-- post. These past 8 months I have battled illness and panic --had to slow down too. You are a bright beacon that has helped. Take time to strengthen and I will look forward to your renewed company in April. All my best wishes.
ReplyDeleteGeo.: You have had more to cope with than I do. Thank you.
DeleteYou know I already look forward to Picture Sunday which always makes my day. This is the moment where I really wish we lived around the corner from each other so I could come over to visit, and offer a hand. I really, really hate to hear that you're in so much pain and suffering. I'm sending many healing hugs your way and of course, to steal a phrase from Sandra Cox, we're all keeping the light on. Hugs...RO
ReplyDeleteRO: Thank you. Healing hugs are always welcome, and the light is a welcome beacon.
DeleteAmazing photos, with and without clear weather.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you're having a rough time. Sending lots of healing thoughts your way. Take care, rest well and feel better soon. See you in April.
Nilanjana Bose: Thank you. With luck the restoration/repair will be quicker than I anticipate.
DeleteMy love to you, remarkable woman. Just dropping by to say this.
ReplyDeleteRawknrobyn: Thank you.
DeleteWonderful photos as always. Love the parrots and kangaroos. I hear you about that hot summer. I has been a cooling off period here in Florida but I know what is ahead. This year I am prepared. I have a beach chair with an umbrella to keep the sun off and that chair is going right in the spot where the refreshing waves can whip up around my feet.
ReplyDeleteRasma Raisters: I like your idea of an umbrella and waves...
DeleteFabulous selection of photographs …
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to read you are not doing so well at the moment. I think you are doing the right thing in taking a break. You will be missed but it is important to rest, recuperate and put yourself first.
My good wishes, my healing wishes.
All the best Jan
Lowcarb team member ~Jan: Thank you. Putting myself first feels selfish and indulgent but is necessary.
DeleteThat lorikeet picture is stunning! Sorry to visit a little late this week, EC.
ReplyDeleteJohn Wiswell: You are never too late, and always welcome.
DeleteThose mid-afternoon shots look crazily murky - I hope the clear skies that followed the storm are symbolic. Thinking of you EC and admiring your resolve to take a break when you need to
ReplyDeleteKim: They were very, very murky. To see, and to breathe. Thank you for your kind words and wishes.
DeleteDust storms? That's not good! I hope everybody, including animals are ok! Your pictures are amazing EC! I always enjoy these posts so much! As you know! :) I was laughing at your synchronised swimming! LOL! You're so cute! Big Hugs! I hope everything is well!
ReplyDeleteMagic Love Crow: Thank you. I am struggling a bit, and taking a blog break, but will be back in the fullness of time.
DeleteBig cyber hugs, dear friend, and I would give you a huge hug in person if I was there!
ReplyDeleteTake care of yourself, recharge those batteries whereever they need to be charged and see you around:)
Mark Koopmans. Many thanks.
DeleteI'm ever so sorry to hear of your woes, dear friend. I really do hope you recover quickly. :-)
ReplyDeleteGreetings from London.
A Cuban in London: Thank you. Very much.
DeleteWind I can live with, but dust storms? No, I don't think so. Oh, how I love the pelicans! The pelicans we have here are brown ones, it's interesting to see white ones. I love all of them.
ReplyDeleteI hope you will recover, I was so sorry to read your newest post. My thoughts go out to you and I truly hope you will feel much better soon. It's important to look after oneself and it's good that you've decided to take care of yourself. Please do.
Carola Bartz: Like many children and animals wind makes me a bit antsy. The dust adds a whole new level. And thank you. I have a way to go but think/hope I am improving.
DeleteHey Beautiful Soul, I will miss you!! Please take care of you! Big Hugs and Much Love!
ReplyDeleteMagic Love Crow: Huge thanks.
DeleteHi EC - I sure hope you're feeling easier ... take care and see you when you're ready. All the very best and hugs - Hilary
ReplyDeleteHilary Melton-Butcher: Thank you. One step forward, three steps back.
DeleteMe making blog rounds and waving hello. Sorry to hear things with you aren't as they should be. Leaving a comment here on your older blog post, because there's no ability to leave comments on your recent post where you indicate you'll be away. Hope whatever is bothering you get's taken care of. PLEASE take care of yourself and sing out when you return so I can once again blog with you.
ReplyDeleteSandy: Thank you. Waving back, and hoping that life is treating you kindly.
DeleteSue, this is Lou from pissykittyslitterbox.com. It’s been forever and just wanted to see how you were doing. Read your last post (comments closed), but was sad to hear you’re taking a break just as I’m coming back in. Been too long. Miss you! We need to catch up!
ReplyDeleteLou: It is lovely to see you re-entering the blogosphere. I will track you down when I return to blogging again.
DeleteI love to take pictures by the water. It is very calming to me.
ReplyDeletemail4rosey: And me.
DeleteI believe Gods creatures deserve love which is what all of us are really and we should be mindful of that fact.
ReplyDeleteSpacer Guy: I find it easier to love a whole lot of other creatures than me.
Deletejust swinging by to say hello. It has been a couple of years. Sorry. All good at sea this end. Everyday an adventure.
ReplyDeleteHope you're OK, EC?
Wendy aka quillfeather
Wendy aka quillfeather: I am not at all surprised that every day is an adventure and hope you are LOVING it. I am ok(ish)- as they say, 'worse things happen at sea'.
DeleteJust peeking in to say hello, and to say I hope you are feeling much better these days. In the words of Sandra Cox, "The light is still on", and you are very much missed. Hugs...RO
ReplyDeleteRO: Thank you. I am starting to surface I think, and miss you all.
DeleteThat rainbow lorikeet is really colourful.
ReplyDeleteHaddock: They are. And they are noisy bullies with it.
Deletehey EC, how are you darling, I just dropped by to say hi, I hope you are ok. Wishing you well. <3
ReplyDeleteBridgina Molloy: Thank you. I have pulled on my big girl panties and will be ok.
Delete