Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Sunday 11 August 2019

Sunday Selections #441




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 am going to be a bit more random (but only a bit) this week.


But first, a follow-up from last week's Sunday Selections.  Joanne Noragon asked why the water company had commissioned murals.  So I rang them.  'We did it to encourage local artists, and to discourage graffiti I was told'.
I suspect there is a little spin in the response.  When asked who the artists were I was told that they would ring me back - and I am still waiting for that call.  It does seem to discourage graffiti though.

Onto this week's pictures.
Some of you will remember this statue, recently installed at a nearby shopping centre.


You KNOW a statue has been welcomed into the community when the locals rug it up for winter.





I wonder whether she will get a hat and sunnies for the warmer months?

Then to some very different (relatively) early morning shots.









And finishing with an awww moment featuring our sulphur-crested vandals.



I hope your weeks are vandal free (and packed with awww moments).

138 comments:

  1. Marvelous shots today! Skies! Mountains! Beloved local art! Reflected light! Great bird pic! You getting good!

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  2. I love your skies greetings from Poland

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    1. Gosia: I love our skies too. Today is uniformly grey but when the clouds break I can see there is still snow on the hills.

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  3. Skies with such striking beauty is something that always fill us with awe.

    the statue is impressive, and she is clearly loved by all around her.

    Where are my corellas?

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    1. Susan Kane: Your corellas will return. Soon. They are here at the moment, but a little camera shy.
      I am a huge fan of skyscapes and love the variety.

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  4. Oh you did make me go "ahhh" with that last photo. The Portland knitters "warm up" the statues up there too. Not sure how that goes, because mostly we get rain, meaning soggy knits.

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    1. Strayer: We have had drizzle, wind and sleet over the last few days. That statue definitely needed her winter warmers.

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  5. We all need more "awwww" moments...they warm the he heart and soul. My two furry mates give me a few "awwww" moments. I loved that scene shown a few times on TV during the past week of somewhere in the US....all the traffic stopped to allow 45 ducks to cross the highway. That was a beautiful, heartwarming sight. :)

    I hope you have a wonderful week, EC...keep warm. Cuddles to Jazz. :)

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    1. Lee: Awww moments are an essential aren't they? Jazz gives me both aww moments and argh moments. I missed that clip and would have love to have seen the duck pedestrian crossing.
      I hope you and your furry overlords have a great week.

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  6. Beautiful photos!

    So glad they put boots on that statue. It must get cold there!;-)

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    1. Sandi: Thank you. I was particularly impressed with the boots too - they had to cut them apart to get them on her feet. It is chilly at the moment despite the fact that our winter is fairly wimpy on a world-wide scale.

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  7. A good selection of pictures. Liked them all... the awwww moment is really awww and cute.
    :)

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    1. Caterina: I thought the awwww moment was special. They did some mutual grooming too.

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  8. Beautiful statue holden a lovely bird. And 'awwwww' the picture, it is the last EC.

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    1. Bob Bushell: I am glad I am not the only one saying awwww at the cockatoos. Mind you they (or their family) have decapitated a lot of daffodils this morning so I am not fond of them today.

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  9. Love the mukluks on that goose girl!

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    1. dinahmow: They are great aren't they? And took some ingenuity to get them on her feet.

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  10. Love that statue, and it seems that she is indeed loved by others, getting all gussied up for the winter. Thanks for all the lovely sky shots, too. :-)

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    1. DJan: I really liked the way her community welcomes her.

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  11. Love the boots on the statue! I appreciate people who have a whimsical nature.
    Your sky shots are always awesome to look at and your little vandals are a pleasure - since I don't have to put up with their destructiveness. ;)

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    1. River Fairchild: Whimsy is always welcome here too. The vandals have beheaded rather a lot of flowering daffodils this morning. Later we will wrap the garden in wire again - which limits but doesn't stop their depreciations.

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  12. What a cool and obviously loved statue. Your sky shots and the last photo of the birds are all terrific. Wishing you a good week!

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    1. e: I really, really like the way the local community has 'adopted' the statue.

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  13. It's good to see that lovely statue again, and that she's keeping warm! And it's also very good to see your beautiful skies, particularly the rainy one, which is a great shot. As for sulphur-crested vandals - what else can one say but awww ?

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    1. Alexia: There was a little rain, and some sleet that day. I was waiting for my next bus when I took that shot. The vandals were trying to melt my heart and did. However this morning I discover they have beheaded rather a lot of flowering daffodils. My heart has hardened again.

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  14. Sweet sculpture of the girl and her swan and I love that the locals are taking care of her.

    Those birds are beautiful. Lovely shots of the skies.

    XO
    WWW

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    1. Wisewebwoman: It really warms my heart to see how they are looking after her. And the birds ARE beautiful, but also on my dislike list today (see my response to Alexia above).

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  15. Once again I am washed in bird envy. Not only are they beautiful birds, but the pose is adorable.
    Now all i need to see is some frozen bubbles and my envy will be complete.

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    1. Anne in the kitchen: Complete envy is yours. A few weeks ago I posted frozen bubbles. Mind you, I envy rather a lot of the birds on your side of the world. And am not fond of cockatoos today.

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  16. Thank you for stirring up the water company. I hope those artists get more business, that bit of recognition notwithstanding. I've never participated in any winter warming project, but am quite taken with warming of the girl and her swan.

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    1. Joanne Noragon: I will ring the water company again on Monday to find out the name of the artists. And to suggest that they give them credit at the site. I really, really enjoy that statue's warming.

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  17. What a precious thing to do, dress the statue.

    Those are certainly some awe-inspiring photos of the morning time, and beautiful vandals.

    My photos of "a fungus among us" (actually some toadstools) will be over here.

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    1. messymimi: Thank you. I am a fan of fungi and look forward to your Sunday Selections.

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  18. Great skies, per usual.

    I liked that you followed up Joanne's query with a phone call to the water co. I can see murals acting as a deterrent to would-be graffiti artists.

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    1. Bea: Very few of our public murals attract graffiti. I do wish I knew the artist(s) names though.

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  19. love the woman holding the goose (or swan?)

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  20. It's interesting to know more about the murals. I love the knits and boots on the goose lady! Beautiful skies, each one different; and I did say Awwwww at the birds :) Great selection of photos, as always, EC!

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    1. jenny_o: Thank you. Even vandals have someone who loves them.

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  21. I love that the statue even has boots now :) I can send a ginormous straw hat if you'd like to put it on her for the summer. I've saved the 'aww' sulphur cresteds for a bookmark :)

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    1. River: Thank you so much. We will revisit her when the weather gets warmer and see whether the locals have changed her attire. I may take you up on that kind offer.

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  22. Dear EC
    I love the winter ready statue - she really has been accepted and adopted into the community. Public art can be so divisive and it is great to see loved art work. Gorgeous skies and birds to delight us all.
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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    1. Ellie Foster: I am so happy that she is welcome in her community - and would love to see a statue at our own local shops. Thank you.

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  23. Hi EC - your statue is quite delightful ... and I'm so glad she's appreciated; the weather photos are gorgeous ... and I know you love this colder weather ... cheers Hilary

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    1. Hilary Melton-Butcher: Thank you. I am indeed revelling in the cooler weather. Quietly because I know that my love for it isn't shared widely.

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  24. The Ugg boots on the statue made me laugh.

    Aww the birds are too cute.

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    1. LL Cool Joe: They made me smile too - as did the vandal birds.

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  25. I think I could look at cockatoos forever and never tire of it, not even for a minute. And I think they are vandals (anthropogenic term) only because we have made so many attractive playthings for them. After all, what could be more fun that stripping the seal from around the windshield of a car!

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    1. David M. Gascoigne: I do never tire of the cockies. I wish that they didn't behead and shred the plants in the garden, but we continue to feed them. And feel privileged (very privileged) that a few of them will now eat from our hands.

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  26. Is that snow? Almost forgotten what it looks like.
    They might want the artists to remain anonymous. You can always check the murals closer to see if someone has signed a name.

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    1. Alex J. Cavanaugh: It is indeed snow, and is still there this morning. I did look for the artists names but couldn't see it. Anonymity doesn't sit very comfortably with the aim of giving local artists exposure though.

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  27. I smiled when I looked at the statue. And I could look at the sky forever.

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    1. Rick Watson: I never ever tire of the sky. And hope I never will.

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  28. So love that statue and how they decorated it.

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  29. I love the statue too...but I do feel a bit for her, as she seems somehow a little lonely standing there! I have the impulse to give her a hug!
    Oh those morning photos...absolutely breathtaking!!
    Thank you so much for sharing...😊😊

    Hope you are have had a brilliant Sunday!

    All my love and hugs ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

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    1. Ygraine: I suspect that the scarves and the boots are the local community hugging her - which is wonderful.
      Huge thanks. Monday morning here - I hope your weekend was blissful. Hugs.

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  30. Love the statue’s attire. That last photo is priceless, EC.

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    1. Marie Smith: That pair of cockatoos was very, very affectionate. Which made me smile.

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  31. The birds are adorable. I love the sky pictures you got.

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    1. Mary Kirkland: The cockatoos are regular visitors here, and we never tire of them. Despite the significant damage they do in the garden.

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  32. All of your photos are awww moments. Love them. Hope you and yours have a wonderful week too.

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    1. Mason Canyon: That is a truly lovely thing to say. Many thanks.

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  33. Replies
    1. Blue Grumpster: They were incredibly affectionate and I am so glad I had the camera at hand.

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  34. Love the statue and the rug up.
    And what a purrfect picture to end your post with.
    Hugs

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    1. Sandra Cox: It really does say how welcome she is in that shopping centre doesn't it? And to anyone who says birds and animals don't feel affection pfft it the nicest thing I can say.

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  35. Loved all your pictures, especially the ones of the sky. Stunning.

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    1. Natalie Aguirre: Thank you. I often post skyscapes and worry that I am boring people.

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  36. HI EC,

    Love the early morning shots. I like a good sky photo.

    :o)

    Cheers

    PM

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    1. Plastic Mancunian: Thank you. I have folders and folders of skyscapes.

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  37. Oh I love the decorations on that statue! So cute, and it'll keep them nice and cozy.

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    1. John Wiswell: We loved them too, and will revisit at the change of season.

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  38. I love the dressed up statue. And I think I'd welcome those rascal vandals. They're so cute.
    Thanks for always cheering my day with your pictures.

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    1. Myrna R.: We spent time yesterday wrapping some of the garden in chicken wire to discourage the cockatoos depreciations. If they ate what they plundered I wouldn't mind as much, but they behead and shred. And cover an amazing amount ground quickly.

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  39. I knew there would be a snow photo or two. The last photo is just so sweet.

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    1. Andrew: Of course there were snow photos. And there is still snow on the hills this morning, though there is also more sunshine than we have had for a few days.

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  40. Love the 2 birds and your beautiful skies and mountain shots. I prefer the statue as it was intended, not draped in other things.

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    1. Margaret Birding For Pleasure: Thank you. While the statue is more beautiful as she was designed and built, I love that the locals rug her up.

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  41. Those birds are so incredibly cute ☺

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  42. The pictures you take of the scenery is just breathtaking, and I always enjoy them so much. Beautiful birds hugging is just perfect! Hugs, RO

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    1. RO: Huge thanks. I really, really liked the display of affection between the rotten cockatoos. Who, after their public love-in, went on to destroy bits of the garden.

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  43. That last shot was an aww moment for me.

    (I miss the mountains

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    1. Author R. Mac Wheeler: There were some awwws here too. I love our mountains (though I suspect in many countries they would be classified as hills).

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  44. I'm definitely having a vandal-free week (the boys are back home!!!) and I will have a nice, awwww-good-to-see-you moment tomorrow when Mirjam comes into town.

    Hope your week is a fine one, too, EC :)

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    1. Mark Koopmans: I suspect you are missing your vandals. And am sure that seeing Mirjam again will be wonderful.

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  45. A great selection of photographs again.
    That is such a nice statue, pleased that the community seems to be looking after her.

    I have to say those birds in your last photographs are very cute.

    Hope your week is going well.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Lowcarb team member ~Jan: Thank you. The community seems to have taken that statue into their hearts. It has only been in place a few months.

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  46. Dear EC, once again, I find myself in such admiration for a people who take care of statues by "rugging" them with crocheted and knitted scarves. It's such a delight. Peace. (PS. Is it rugging or rigging? Both would apply.)

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    1. Dee: I suspect it is rugging, but either works. And I do love that the community welcomes her. The last statue (much loved) at these shops was stolen, but the replacement has obviously found a home in their hearts.

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  47. Awww to the bird shot! And wow to those superb sky shots!

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    1. Lady Fi: The affection is very real isn't it? And thank you.

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  48. The young lady was obviously looking a bit chilly.
    Is that snow on the distant hills?

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    1. Shammickite: It was indeed snow. Is snow. There is a little left (and the hills aren't all that distant).

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  49. Love all the photos. Your corner of the world is so beautiful.
    YOU have a great one.

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    1. Sandra Cox: As a beauty addict I thrive here. I hope your week is going well.

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  50. From the lovingly-attired statue, to the fantastic early morning skies, to the awwww-inspiring avian couple -- you have made our morning better!

    Thank you, EC! We hope your week is filled with peace and joy.

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    1. Wally Jones: Thank you - I hope your day and week continues to go well.

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  51. I have heard a similar response hear about graffiti. Being one who particularly loves to see all statues, I love the one of the lady with the goose, and the fact that they are dressed up for winter. Spectacular scenery you've shared and adore the photo of the naughty sulphur-crested vandals. I would love to see one in its natural habitat. Thanks for sharing your part of the world EC.

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    1. DeniseinVA: At the moment the sulphur-crested cockatoos natural habitat is tearing my garden apart. And doing so beautifully while looking beautiful.

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  52. that statue needs some 80's leg warmers.

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    1. Powdered Toast Man: Do you have a particular colour in mind?

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  53. Great post, love it! :)
    If you want that we follow each other let me know by leaving a comment on my last post and please click on links at the end. --> https://beautyshapes3.blogspot.com/2019/08/beach-black-outfit-zaful-rosegal.html

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  54. The pic of the vandals does my heart good.
    Hope you are healthy and having a day full of color and sparkle.
    Hugs

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    1. Sandra Cox: The vandals beheaded rather a lot of anenomes yesterday. While looking beautiful. Still wrestling nausea but admiring the frost and the sunrise shortly before I head out. Hugs to you too.

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    2. Those bad birds.
      I hate that you are still dealing with nausea.
      Have a great one.
      Hugs

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    3. Sandra Cox: Those beautiful bad birds. The nausea is not a lot of fun, but in the scale of things is very minor. On a much more positive note, a crimson rosella ate from the seed container I was holding this morning. I hope your day is bright and beautiful.

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  55. The vandals look super sweet in that photo.

    Interesting about the murals- I can see that strategy cutting down on graffiti.

    Beautiful early morning photos and the statue is sweet. :)
    ~Jess

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    1. DMS ~Jess: They do look sweet (and innocent) in that photo don't they.
      Quite a lot of my town is decorated in murals and the graffiti around them is usually minimal.

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  56. I adore the sulphur crested vandals. So sweet.
    Your photos of the landscape and the sunsets, etc. please me very much. The statue is lovely and surprising that it is decorated with the scarf, etc. Have a great week.

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    1. Glenda Beall: When I heard that the local community had rugged up the statue I knew they had taken her to their heart. I will check and see if she gets a hat for summer too.
      I hope your pain is manageable at the moment.

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  57. I love that they dressed up the statue for winter! Underdressed statues freeze me! In the same vein, I can't stand naked dollies. I have to dress them so I'm not cold! Ditto grandchildren!

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    1. Diane Stringam Tolley: I am (mostly) happy with naked statues. And dolls. I did really like that her community cared about her and rugged her up though.

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  58. Hi, stranger ... I received your comment and have no idea why you weren't able to see my post. Try again https://fromthesol.blogspot.com/2019/08/sun-and-moon.html. You won't see anything new ... mostly photos and graphic art that I have used before. Hopefully, I will get back into the swing again soon. Loved your pictures as always. Dave and I have been watching Aussie TV and loving it. I love the accent and it occurred to me that you probably have the same accent, Ha! Never thought about it before :) So hope to have time to catch up with what is happening in your life. Stay well ... see you again soon :)

    Andrea@From The Sol

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    1. Andrea @ From The Sol: I have revisited your post - and can see it now. And it was lovely. My Australian accent is there, but I am told it is very mild.

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  59. I like that statue and the humour of dressing it up with scarf and boots for the colder weather. That is art in itself...
    Your sky shots are impressive. Beautiful photography.
    Hugs, Julia

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    1. Julia: Many thanks. I am in love with your garden, and truly appreciative of the hours of work it has taken.

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  60. I love how the locals have dressed that statue... especially the boots. :)

    Your photos of the sky are gorgeous, as always, but I've gotta say, my favorite picture is of the cuddling birds. Truly an AWWWW shot. Have an awesome weekend, sweet lady.

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    1. Susan: Weren't those cockatoos lovely? I am still peeved at them on the garden vandalism front, but do feel privileged to be a witness to their affection.

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  61. LOVE your sky photo's. That girl is surely fond of the duck/swan? Wonder what the story is behind it.

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    1. Sandy: There are so fairy tales about young women and geese or swans... I wonder which one inspired the sculptors.

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  62. The vandals are pretty gorgeous, gotta give 'em that. :) That's cute about the statue. I wonder if they will take care of her seasonally, like you said. You'll have to let us know. :)

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    1. mail4rosey: We will make a point of checking to see whether her seasonal attire changes - which I suspect it will.

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  63. Goodness- I wouldn't know whether to think oh how nice or what the what about someone putting a scarf on the statue. Gorgeous morning shots. Have a great day!

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    1. Terri: My optomistic self took her scarf and boots to be a sign that her new(ish) community welcomes her. I do love the early morning and often take my camera out to savour it.

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  64. I do like the dressing of statues and we have a huge bunny that the neighborhood children dress up and create things for every season, Easter basket at Easter and etc. My favorite photo is your last one, what love it shares!

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    1. 21 Wits: I love the idea of a big bunny dressed for the season. And yes, that last photo was definitely an awwww moment for us.

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  65. Awww, I love what they did with the statue! That is so cute!
    Gorgeous morning photos EC!
    The last photo is priceless!!!
    Big Hugs!

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    1. Magic Love Crow: Thank you. I am trying to remember just how lovely the cockatoos can be as they continue their garden rampages. Their very, very destructive rampages.
      Big hugs to you too.

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  66. Awww! And I got a chuckle out of the toasty-warm statue, too. What fun! :-)

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    1. Diane Henders: Thank you - and thank you so much for trawling through old posts.

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    2. I hate to miss posts! I had houseguests last week so didn't have time to do my usual reading; but I'm all caught up now. :-)

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    3. Diane Henders: Thank you. I really appreciate the effort. And your kindness.

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