Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Sunday 23 June 2019

Sunday Selections #434




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.

Huge thanks to Cie who gave me this wonderful Sunday Selections image.  
  
The meme was then continued by River at Drifting through life.  Sadly she has now stepped aside (though she will join us some weeks), and I have accepted the mantle. 

 
The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent.  Post some photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to me. Clicking on any of the photos will make them embiggen. 
 
I usually run with a theme. I have mentionedwhinged that life has been a tad busy of late.  These photos were taken on early morning walks/excursions.  They were all taken with my phone, a camera I rarely use.





It was a pretty morning (and pretty chilly too).

My new bus stop is beside community gardens.  I have never seen anyone in the gardens and the beds looks to be vacant at the moment (though they were full in summer).  The scarecrows are interesting though and I don't think I have seen 'canoodling' scarecrows before.



Two buses later I reached town.  Not only is my bus stop further away, the one in town has also been shifted.  So come wander through the streets with me.



The bearded raven was obviously in familiar territory as the crap stained seat it perched on testified.


This statue is 'Little Big Man' by Dean Bowen.






I do like the splashes of colour.


 I think the ACT Memorial (which was commissioned to honour people who have had an association with my city and territory who have served their country in war, confict, peace keeping and humanitarian missions) is an elegant addition.


I like the textured wall to the Commonwealth Bank too.


This nice bus driver was taking the bike for a ride (which stems from a family joke triggered when a work colleague's daughter told her how nice the farmers were always taking their cattle for a drive.) 



I liked this painting which filled the window of a shop under renovation too.  The art was sponsored by Transport Canberra (one good thing they are doing) and City Service and a Youth and Community Centre.

 The walls of the take-away fish and chip shop have charm as well.




As does this delightful colourful and textured planter.

I am still peeved at the changes to our bus system (and not alone) but I am also seeing parts of the city I didn't see often in the past.  A small positive.

122 comments:

  1. What a pain to be inconvenienced on bus travels, but seeing new things and enjoying them is a definite plus. You certainly have some wonderful street artists where you live.

    The canoodling scare crows are a riot, although, I can imagine some people aren’t very appreciative of it and will complain.

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    1. Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe: I really like the scarecrows in love and haven't heard a word about them (in either praise or criticism).
      Sadly this particular trip to town involves an additional four kilometres in walking (two on the way in and two on the way out). I NEED to find positives but will curse them in the heat of summer.

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    2. River: I think my face plant would be almost instantaneous.

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    3. Two km to and from the nearest usable bus stop?? The transit folks are lacking brains, or hearts, or perhaps both. Grr.

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    4. jenny_o: It is one kilometre to the nearest bus stop. I change buses and go into town and since they have moved the stops there too, it is a further one kilometre to my destination.

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  2. Well if he hadn't been for the changed bus route we wouldn't have seen all these great photos, so that's one positive at least.

    The town seems full of colour and life! That Raven looks a little scary.

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    1. LL Cool Joe: It is the only positive I can find. The changes make travel MUCH more difficult for a lot of people. I like the splashes of colour, and have a huge weakness for the raven. Beautiful, intelligent, family minded birds.

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  3. Schöne Bilder von der "Wanderung" durch die Stadt schön die Farbspritzer.

    Noke

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    1. Noke: Thank you. I like the splashes of colour too.

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  4. Wonderful photos and travelogue. Sorry about your travelling challenges, a pain but you made the lemonade out of the lemons. Love that bearded raven.

    XO
    WWW

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    1. Wisewebwoman: Thank you. I am sort of managing the bus system at the moment but have my doubts when summer rolls in again. Like you, I love the raven. I am not going to admit just how many photos of it I took.

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  5. I really enjoyed seeing the city, EC. Such great colour and art.

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    1. Marie Smith: I am grateful to the Chief Minister with a passion for public art each and every time I go anywhere. He brightens my world.

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  6. Surrealism pictures, and the Crow. Beautiful EC.

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  7. Those pictures of colorful scenes are delightful. I especially like the fish looking a bit discombobulated. :-)

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    1. DJan: I really like seeing otherwise dull retaining walls brightened up this way - and liked the fish too.

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  8. Fun, and talented street art.

    A good-humoured bus driver...nice to see. :)

    The good of nature and humans on display.

    Have your self a good week, EC...keep warm. And warm cuddles to Jazz. :)

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    1. Lee: Thank you. I hope you and your overlords have a great week too.

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  9. Oh my EC .....a 2km walk tacked onto the beginning and end of that journey would do me in. And knowing (or having read about your 'disability' I'm thinking about the inner (and outer)'strength you must have. The purpose of your journey obviously outweighs the inconveniences.
    What on earth were the bus company thinking of when they made such changes- is there a transport users group there like we have here who can make their voices heard?
    Loved the street art.....still clean and not defaced.

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    1. Cathy: Thank you. Each of the walks has a bus trip between it, but it is still a HUGE ask. The totally redesigned bus service penalises the young, the old, the infirm and anyone who has to carry things. The transport Minister assures us that it is a good thing and makes us more connected. She is a stranger to the truth, and not responding to my letter of criticism. Complaints have been legion and 'some' of the school buses she removed have been reinstated. Some of them. For the rest of us she insists we wait a year for a formal appraisal.
      These trips were to do my voluntary work (which I am reluctant to give up) and to undergo medical tests.

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  10. Oh gosh, bus travels. I am lucky that mine stops right near my home and allows me to transfer to any other bus that heads wherever I want go. Some of these trips can be quite long, but I'd rather a friendly bus ride than a frustrating subway ride. Your pictures are lovely. Wish my phone took such clear photos. Love your town. So colorful. Love, love love it.

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    1. mxtodis123: I used to have not one but several buses which stopped quite close to home. And miss them. Thank you for the compliment about the phone photos. I struggle with it and frequently include a finger or two in the image. I am fond of my city too, despite its reputation for being boring.

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  11. What a lovely collection of bright colours! It's a very bleak day here, so they are especially welcome. I love the painting of the white parrots and the waratahs; and the raven, looking ministerial as usual.
    I'm sorry to hear that your bus issues are ongoing. Fingers crossed that they improve before the hot weather returns.

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    1. Meant to say that I do feel that the painting on the fish and chip shop is a little... ironic?

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    2. Alexia: I do hope that no whales are harmed in the creation of the fish and chips. I really hope it.
      It was quite early both mornings so I welcomed the colour too.

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  12. So pleasant to walk with you enjoying the sights you show!

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  13. Lots of colorful pictures here. Love the murals.

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  14. There seems to be a lot of creative uses for art and that can only be to the benefit of the city. Murals seem to be used much more effectively in other parts of the world than they are here in North America.

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    1. David M. Gascoingne: Murals seem to be used here more and more, perhaps because they are less expensive to commission and install. I am a huge fan of public art, but it does attract criticism (often on the grounds of expense).

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  15. What a great variety of photos. The memorial is very nice. Oh dear, taking the cattle for a drive to we all know where. While you are personally affected by the bus route changes, and are some school children who had dedicated buses, has it all been for the greater good? That is a better bus service for most people?

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    1. Andrew: The memorial is a beauty isn't it? And yes, we do know where the nice farmer was taking is cattle.
      People who are close to the light rail system are probably pleased with the changes - except that they have also had bus routes removed. It doesn't seem to be a better system for anyone who is not on the direct routes which they now favour. The transport minister mentioned that children could ride their bikes through the city instead of catching buses, but I can't see the parents of many seven and eight year olds agreeing it is a good thing. Essentially if your mobility is challenged or you are carrying things the new system is a fail. And they do acknowledge that travel times (even without the additional walking) have often doubled.

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  16. Lovely collection.
    What a pain that the bus stop has moved. I believe they are going to do the same here.

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    1. Margaret-whiteangel: It is a pretty city. And the changes to the buses are painful.

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  17. It's sad that you have to venture further and walk longer distances with the new bus route but I'm glad you found a positive within it. I love all the brightly painted artwork on concrete you found! It would be nice if other cities followed the examples your area shows. Thanks for sharing the beauty with the rest of us. Love the bearded crow, too. He looks quite at home on the bench.

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    1. River Fairchild: The bearded raven was a bonus. He was obviously quite content on that bench and he and probably other birds had made it their own.

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  18. Thanks for showing us your city street art. All is so beautiful. I'm sorry for the inconvenience of the bus route changes but you seem to take it with a positive attitude. I don't like changes and as I get older, I like it less.

    I must admit that I never saw a bearded raven before. He looks quite debonaire on his perch.
    Have a good week.
    Hugs, julia

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    1. Julia: I really like bearded ravens and they quite often feature here. I don't like the changes at all but the government is strongly resistent to changing them. I need to find positives.

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  19. How long did it take to reach your destination and were you okay walking from stop to stop?

    I love all the art and the colors as well.

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    1. e: The walk was slow, tiring and painful. Since it was broken by bus trips I didn't time it. The day afterwards wasn't good either.
      The art however was a treat.

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  20. An extra 4km of walking is really a lot and I would find it impossible. I like your tenacity!
    The memorial IS elegant and the colourful murals are refreshing.
    I hope your appointments were positive.

    Enjoy the week!

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    1. kylie: Tenacity or stubbornness? Possibly a bit of both. The art was a delight though.

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    2. kylie: Thank you. I will be damned if the changes to the buses mean I give up my voluntary work.

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  21. Very colourful and interesting bits and bobs everywhere makes a place interesting.
    Merle..............

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    1. Merlesworld: I think so too. I am a big fan of quirky colour.

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  22. It was nice to go on a walk with you. My selections will be up soon.

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    1. messymimi: I am glad you enjoyed it, and look forward to your selections.

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  23. As I've noted, more than once or twice, your city has some stunning public art. And the "beardie" made my day!

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    1. dinahmow: I did think of you when he landed on the other end of the bench I was sitting on. Unlike those who visit us this beardie was not shy at all.

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  24. Hello, EC--- always a delight. Loved the raven, but all the pictures were fun. Hugs from the other side of the world.

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    1. Bill: Many thanks. Hugs gratefully received and reciprocated.

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  25. Hi EC - the changes in the buses are frustrating - however the advantages to us and I hope to you are seeing things you've never been that aware of before. Love the bearded raven - wonderful photo ... and the Little Big Man, while the planters, the textured bank wall - fascinating to see ... and the bicycle lift (or drive) ... fun ... and I see there's more to the ACT memorial than meets the eye ... but what a lovely way to commemorate all the Australian peoples associated with War. Beautiful photos ... loved seeing them - cheers Hilary

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    1. Hilary Melton-Butcher: I did know of most of these things, but they are in a part of town I don't usually visit. Just the bearded raven made the trip worth while.

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  26. The planter box is really lovely and so full!, I love the bright colours in the first few photos, my own city should take a look! Little Big Man made me smile.
    Laptop is behaving so far, only one turn-off so far today.

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    1. River: Laptop and our PC are in cahoots. It has also only shut down once today. Isn't that planter box great? Very different to the usual plantings.

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  27. Dear EC
    I enjoyed coming along on your walk. Lots of lovely art work and plants to brighten up the city.
    We are encouraged to use public transport but then they close routes or change them to make it much more difficult to do so! I'm not sure there's much joined up thinking going on there...
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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    1. Ellie Foster: I am certain there is no joined up thinking in these changes. The stated intent is too increase bus patronage. Which is not happening.
      I do like our public art though. Lots.

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  28. Wow! You always find the coolest stuff EC, and I would have such a blast hanging out with you to see it all! Hugs..RO

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    1. RO: I think my city (despite its boring reputation) is packed with wonders. You would be more than welcome to come wander with me.

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  29. Our city hasn't nearly the color yours does.

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    1. Alex J. Cavanaugh: I am sure it has beauty just the same.

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  30. I love park-art. We have some parks in Birmingham with interesting pieces. I need to go out there and do some pictures.
    R

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    1. Rick Watson: I look forward to seeing them when you are ready.

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  31. I love the pictures you took. I think your phone camera worked quite well.

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    1. Mary Kirkland: Thank you. Still a learning process.

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  32. Love the memorial: very tasteful.
    Every time our transportation people make changes to the bus routes, it is always for the worst. I don't know who plans those changes, but I'm guessing those people don't use buses. They all drive cars.

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    1. Olga Godim: That memorial is lovely isn't it? Simple and elegant. I doubt very much that the planners (or their children) use the bus system.

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  33. Delightful street art! I think your early morning skies are perfect as well. The wee moon is just perfect.

    Thanks for taking us on the journey!

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    1. Bea: Seeing the moon still up made me smile. It was a chilly start to the day (-4C) but very, very pretty.

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  34. How nice to have flowers blooming when its cold. Most of ours are all gone by mid-autumn, except for the hardy mums :)Hope your new commute isn't too hard

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    1. mshatch: There is less blooming in the cooler months, but there are (fortunately) still some. The new commute is too hard, but I am hoping (against hope) that some of the changes will be rolled back.

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  35. You have such wonderful art, flowers and birds in your corner of the world.
    Is that Jupiter in the first pic?

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    1. Sandra: That is a tiny, almost full, moon. Or more accurately just past full.
      I am always grateful for the art spread generously around my city.

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  36. So much beauty in the world, and you are out and about to find it. I hardly leave my house because it is so hot now. I have to wait for October to start going out for walks again with my buddy Franklin. Sometimes I try to walk with Penelope, but she's terrible on a leash. She starts out walking by my side and then wants to cross in front of me. She does better at the park, where the trails are in circles. Penelope likes circles. Maybe because they are a symbol of perfection and she is sure she is perfect. Adore your photos.

    Love,
    Janie

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    1. Janie Junebug: When the sweaty season returns here I will go out as little as possible. Of course Penelope is perfect - but she and you know that.

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    2. Must add that canoodling scarecrows are brilliant. Canoodling just about any two things is brilliant.

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    3. Janie Junebug: It was fun wasn't it - I don't think I have ever seen scarcrows interacting before.

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  37. You’d be a lot more peeved if you live round here where there is hardly any public transport at all.
    Nice all through town, I must try and do one myself, haven’t been properly out and about for weeks.

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    1. Friko: The capital city of a country SHOULD have adequate public transport. I have lived in country towns where it was less than stellar, and I adapted.
      I hope you can get out and about again soon.

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  38. I love that bearded raven. It has eyes similar to a grackle. I used to have a semi-feral cat whom I couldn't manage to keep inside. (Most of my cats have been strictly indoor cats.) She would get out around my feet and then transform into a murder machine. One time she brought back a male grackle. He was still alive and I tried to tend to him, but he was too badly injured and died.
    My post today isn't about this cat, but another of my cats who was particularly special and will remain in my heart forever.
    https://horrorharridans.blogspot.com/2019/06/lafayette-my-guide-and-friend.html

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    1. The Real Cie: I have been and read your post and it yanked on my heart strings. Beautiful photos of your beautiful friend too.

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  39. It is beyond shameful, getting into cruel territory, to have bus routes that do not serve the people who most need them. Two kilometres to the nearest stop is too far. (And as you stated, it's not two, it's four before the trip is done.) And if the stated aim is to increase ridership, it will be highly interesting to see if that happens, and if not, what excuses will be made. A year also seems like a bit of overkill to determine if the system is working. I'm sorry to keep banging on, but it beggars belief.

    I'm glad you got to see the bearded raven, and that you shared him with us. He is a handsome fellow. And I loved the delicate pink and blue skies in your first photos. It amazes me that so many flowers bloom throughout your winter - those are outdoors, aren't they? Thank you for sharing the beauty again this week.

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    1. jenny_o: As far as I can see the changed bus routes penalise those with mobility issues, those too young to drive, those who have to carry anything and indeed most of those who depend on them, rather than use them as a convenience. Numbers dropped when the free trial period was over and we were told it was because it was cold. Which it was - but my city IS cold in winter. I did really enjoy that delicate dawn (though it was -4C when I headed out. I love ravens and all of the blooms were indeed outside.

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  40. Lovely murals and flowers, but I'm not sure I've have challenged that black-feathered villain for the bus bench! It's fun to see your part of the world. :-)

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    1. Oops, that should have been "I'd have", not "I've have". I seem to be having issues with typing lately...

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    2. Diane Henders: I really like bearded ravens and was honoured when it landed on the bench with me. I did however sit on the end which wasn't covered in bird crap.
      It is always nice to come across someone else with dyslexic fingers.

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  41. Lots of beauty today. I've always been intrigued by blackbirds. I think since 4th grade, and our teacher rear THE RAVEN to us.

    And you know I love a twilight skyline.

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    1. Author R. Mac Wheeler: I adore the ravens. I have been seeing a lot of them later, and always marvel.
      That twilight skyline was just after dawn.

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  42. G'Day EC!

    While I'm sorry about your inconvenience, it certainly provided us with a fantastic morning wander around the city where we enjoyed art, color and even a bit of bird-watching!

    We hope your bus trips improve. Enjoy this new week!

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    1. Wally Jones: Thank you. I am a beauty addict and look for it (and find it) almost everywhere. The raven was a bonus.

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  43. You saw many interesting things on your walk and how fortunate we are you shared them with us. Thank you :)

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  44. Dear EC, one of the things that always amazes me when you go on these walks and show us your surroundings is how Australia--or at least the state in which you live--encourages creativity and artistry. So much color on the walls and so much lovely sculpture. We don't have that here in Missouri or really anywhere else I've lived in the United Stares: New Hampshire, Minnesota, Kansas, Ohio, Nebraska. Our surroundings seem so sterile next to yours! Peace.

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    1. Dee: I don't remember there being nearly as much art in the streets when I was growing up. A Chief Minister we had some years ago was a huge fan of public art and I think the current plethora of delightful art springs from his time in power. For which I thank him. Often.

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  45. Your phone takes great pictures …
    Loved seeing the murals and flowers and I do like the statue of 'Little Big Man'.

    Sorry about the transport issues, hopefully things may get changed... although 'the powers that be' are not always known for acting quickly!

    All the best Jan

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    1. Lowcarb team member: Little Big Man has been there for years now, and is definitely smile producing. As were the flowers and the murals.

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  46. Your photos are beautiful no matter what you take them with. Your city has such interesting things. It looks like every outing could be a new adventure.

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    1. Mason Canyon: Thank you. I like my city, and there is always something to capture my interest. We have not one but two visits to the Art Gallery planned for the coming weeks.

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  47. The bearded raven - what a character. Seems he should be the subject of a poem.

    Take good care, and sorry about the nuisance with bus changes. As always, you've created beauty of your inconveniences.

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    1. Rawknrobyn: A poem about a raven? You think? I would read it (of course).
      I am a beauty addict - and lucky there is so much about.

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  48. You are so lucky to be surrounded by so much urban street art! Every change is discomfiting, but also an opportunity. Great pics, as usual.

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    1. Nilanjana Bose: I am indeed lucky to have so much street art about. And know I am. Thank you.

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  49. I like the graceful arches over the ball. Elegant is a good word to describe it. Nice farmers taking the cattle for a drive, that cracks me up. We have only two bus routes in town and the town is so small, you could walk faster than get most anywhere by bus. The buses are mostly empty when I see them, which is not often. We do not have much public transport in rural Oregon.

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    1. Strayer: That phrase cracked us up too, and we have been using it (with variations) for years... nice man taking his mattress for a drive, nice man taking the garbage for a drive...
      My city is getting larger by the day and most of the places I need to get to are not in convenient walking distance. My voluntary work for example is a little over 20 kilometres away.

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  50. Those early morning shots are just fabulous!

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    1. Lady Fi: It was a really, really pretty morning. Brisk by our wimpy standards but lovely.

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  51. Wonderful photos and thank you for the tour. The wonderful artwork on the fish and chips shop certainly would make be want to stop by.

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    1. RasmaSandra: Thank you. I am a big fan of both colour and quirkiness.

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  52. I love all the public art scattered around the streets. We need more of that, cheerful and colourful.

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    1. Shammickite: I love it too, and always welcome a new piece. Including the ones I don't like. I really, really appreciate it being there.

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  53. The lighting in the first two shots is absolutely exquisite and the flowers are beautiful. I'm peeved about the bus changes on your behalf, I think the novelty of a change of scenery would quickly wear thin.

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    1. Kim: Thank you. I am a big, big fan of early morning light (and was out with my camera just after dawn). The bus changes were old with me before they started. I NEED to find the positives or I would spend too much time filled with pointless rage.

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  54. Glad you got a good takeaway from the bus schedule revisions that stink. Always awesome to find a positive. Your camera takes really good photos!! Mine does not!

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    1. mail4rosey: Thank you. I suspect that the problems I have with my phone camera are a screw loose in the operator issues.

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  55. Thanks for taking such great pictures on your travels EC! I truly love them all! That bearded raven is adorable! I love the art where you live! So full of life! Big Hugs!

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    1. Magic Love Crow: Isn't he or she a stunner? I was so grateful that he or she posed for me. Hugs received and reciprocated.

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  56. I like all the art in your town/city, and there is so much! It's wonderful.
    Why did they make the changes to the bus system? I always wonder about that, especially that most of the people who make these changes never use it.

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    1. Carola Bartz: The stated reason for the change was too make it more accessible and encourage more people to use it. Sadly the changes impact badly on those who NEED to travel by bus, particularly those with disabilities and the very old or very young.
      I too delight in our public art.

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