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. This week I am (mostly) focussing on the skies.
I am invariably up before dawn. Mostly our dawns are muted affairs decorated in soft pinks and greys. One day this week was very different.
Note the birds on the lamp post, waiting for feed to go out.
Red in the morning, shepherd's warning was an allusion to heat and wind rather than rain.
That vivid sky was bookended at the other end of the day too.
I amused myself taking pictures of the reflections too.
The fires continue. Wreaking havoc across too many states. Yes, we always do get fires in summer, but summer has only just begun. Yesterday there were over 100 fires burning in the state nearest to me. Many of them are out of control, and the three largest have joined together. The Eastern States are all suffering, as is much of the rest of the country.
A Sydney blogger put up this post.
How scary is that, that the flames are leaping so high that they are reflected on the ground - miles away?
Dust from our dust storms has been smeared across New Zealand's glaciers and the smoke from the fires in New South Wales (and possibly) Queensland can be seen in that country.
The ongoing forecast is very, very frightening. (The Bureau of Meteorology has said that my area at least can expect significant rain in February - or perhaps March). My heart goes out to everyone (regardless of species) who is in danger.
I am going to finish on a kinder note, with a kangaroo fix.
As you can see, they were totally unperturbed by picnickers.
Have a wonderful (and safe) week.
Sky reflecting in the glass is lovely.
ReplyDeleteSusan Kane: I thought so too.
DeleteThe sky shots are quite wonderful, but reports of the fires are devastating. I cannot adequately express how sad it makes me to contemplate the destruction that is occurring - and it is not yet summer. Humans at least have advance warning about the conditions and have a chance to evacuate. Wildlife on the other hand can suddenly be engulfed by a change in the wind, or errant sparks igniting their habitat. It is all too tragic for words.
ReplyDeleteDavid M. Gascoigne: I agree with you. I worry (a lot) about the birds and animals, and how they will survive when their homes/habitats/food sources are gone. And my heart aches for the people too.
DeleteI love how they are just roaming around next to the picnickers. Well, lounging, not roaming.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I have heard of fires like this in Australia. Has it happened before? What started them?
Sandi: The kangaroos in that park are quite used to people and mostly treat us with ignore.
DeleteWe have fires every year. This year they have started early and there have been some shockers. Drought striken growth feeds them. Some are started by lightening, some by flying embers, some by sparks from machinery and sadly some are deliberately lit.
The skies are spectacular, no doubt.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear about the fires. How devastating.
I never get tired of your kangaroo fix! I just see squirrels in my backyard or when I go to the park. :)) I can stand one meter from a squirrel... but I would need 1 km at least from kangoroo... :))
Caterina: I don't ever try and pat the kangaroos, but leave them a bit of space (a lot less than your kilometre though).
DeleteThe fires are truly dreadful. And still rage.
Hi EC - the fires seem to be really frightening and distinctly horrible ... just awful. Your photo in the neighbour's window looks like the curtains are on fire ... waiting to consume the window itself.
ReplyDeleteTake care and all the best for all of Australia, particularly humans and wild animals ... My thoughts - Hilary
Hilary Melton-Butcher: The fires certainly are frightening and horrible, and continue to menance too many. The forecast for early next week is for heat and wind. Which will suit the fires perfectly.
DeleteAnd thank you. I do hope there is an end to the fires soon (but am not holding my breath).
The shots of the sky are beautiful but it saddens me at all the fires that are destroying large parts of habitats for the birds and wildlife. Such beauty and such devastation.
ReplyDeleteWe do get wild fires in the West of Canada in the dry seasons and it seems that every year, it gets worst. I live in the Eastern part of Canada.
Hugs, Julia
Julia: It does indeed seem to get worse each and every year. Our fire season lasts longer too, so the opportunity for 'burn-offs' to reduce the risk is very, very short.
DeleteThe bushfires are horrendous. The past two mornings, upon waking, the smell of smoke was very heavy in the air here. It's much better this morning. The wind direction...what there is of it...changed through the night.
ReplyDeleteThe valley below to the west of here where I live is continually shrouded in smoke, and has been for ages now.
The heat over the past couple of days has been horrendous...distressing. If I make it through today...if the temperature is similar to yesterday and the previous day...I'll make it through anything.
I'm seriously considering moving into my refrigerator to take up residence in there...taking Remy and Shama with me.
Have a good week, EC...I hope cooler temps prevail. Take good care...cuddles to Jazz. :)
Lee: Horrendous is almost an understatement.
DeleteWe had a couple of blissfully cool (even chilly) days last week. They are gone. By Tuesday we will be nudging 100 in old money again.
I hope that you and the furry overlords can find respite.
Very sorry the fires are threatening so many. You do need rain and now.
ReplyDeleteAlex J. Cavanaugh: Much (most?) of the country desperately needs rain. Nothing meaningful is forecast.
DeleteAlways love the Roos! Fires are certainly frightening. I grew up in a fire prone region. The helpless feeling sucks and fortune can change in an instant. Stay safe, stay cool, and give cuddles to Jazz for me.
ReplyDeleteRiver Fairchild: Thank you. Jazz graciously accepted your cuddles before going back to sleep. Fires are terrifying and I have been through more than one. We are not particularly close to them this time, but the sky is thick with smoke.
DeleteGood reflection photos and kangaroos doing best what they do in the midday warmth.
ReplyDeleteAndrew: Roos relax well don't they? Very, very well.
DeleteLaurie: Thank you so much for valiantly commenting on a post which must be almost completely invisible to you. The dawn sky was a bright red orb with a yellow glow around it, hanging in a smoky sky. Kangaroos are decidedly odd looking - as so many of our native animals are.
ReplyDeleteI hope your day is filled with love and laughter.
Excellent nature photos ♥
ReplyDeleteKinga K.: Thank you.
DeleteIt is utterly horrifying to see the fires on our news bulletins every night. I can't imagine how people who live nearby can cope with the destruction, the fear, the pollution - yesterday they said that the air quality in Sydney is worse than Beijing's! The "lucky country" tag doesn't seem to fit any more.
ReplyDeleteAt this time of the year the dog and I go for our daily walk at about 5.30 am - it's too hot later, and I'm always awake then anyway. On several mornings I've seen the sun come up as a massive dark red orb, like something out of a Sci-Fi novel, so we are obviously getting some of the dust/smoke from the fires over here.
Thank heavens for the lovely calm shots of the 'roos! and the reflection shots work well.
Alexia: The smoke/dust haze this morning it really dramatic. And ugly.
DeleteThe 'lucky country' tag has only been selectively true for quite some time.
I do hope that you are not suffering too much in the fallout (and yes, early is MUCH better at this time of year).
I keep hearing about your fires on the news and pray that some moderating temperatures and precipitation will help with it all. The weather is simply wacky everywhere. Thanks for the 'roo fix. :-)
ReplyDeleteDJan: The weather is all over the place, and the winds continue to be strong and very challenging for the firies. Thank you - and fingers crossed.
DeleteYour dust inspired sunrises and sunsets are beautiful, but awful. I hope you get through the season relatively unscathed. How much dust are you breathing in?
ReplyDeleteJoanne Noragon: Beautiful and awful they are. We are breathing in quite a lot of dust/smoke/ash. Last time I changed Jazz's water the water I poured away was brown. Very brown.
DeleteThat's a spectacular sunrise photo! and the sunsets too. I love the bolder colours.
ReplyDeleteI'm really sad about all the fires though, I keep wishing for a cloudburst or three. Perhaps a not-quite-Biblical 40 days of rain, without the actual flooding. There won't be much of NSW left at this rate. So much heartbreak in such a short time and summer is just getting started.
River: It will take a downpour - and none are on the horizon. I share your sadness, and dread the coming months.
DeleteLove the sunsets.
ReplyDeleteJamie Ghione: Spectacular aren't they?
DeleteLovely pictures. I wish a lovely tropical storm would float south and put out the fires-- and water the crops. There are a few things I wish for us here in the USA, but mostly that we could get our dignity and goodness back. I want a kangaroo, or a wallaby for the back yard.
ReplyDeleteBill: I wish (fervently) that a lot of my country would get rain. Buckets of the stuff.
DeleteKangaroos and wallabies are charmers aren't they?
Dear EC
ReplyDeleteYour photos are beautiful. Nature can be a wonderful thing. However, it can also be completely brutal with fires and floods, but we are helping the climate to change so must take some responsibility.
I hope that both humans and animals survive the fires.
Best wishes
Ellie
Ellie Foster: I firmly believe that we are aiding and abbetting Nature in her extremes. And wish that our political leaders felt the same. And acted on it.
DeleteLove your photos of the sky.
ReplyDeleteDreadful the fires, not good at all in more ways than one...so the drought continues along with the fires..
Margaret-whiteangel: Thank you. There are still more than a hundred fires burning in New South Wales, many still uncontrolled. I do hope that the Bureau of Meteorology is being pessimistic in their rain forcast. Late January is the most optimistic report I have seen - which is too long to wait.
DeleteYour photos are fabulous. Please do not burn up. I hope you and the kangas and other creatures will be safe. Climate Change.
ReplyDeletee: Thank you. For the moment we are in no danger here. The air is smoky and unpleasant but the fires are elsewhere. And how I wish they were nowhere. I firmly believe Climate Change is a contributor (but our politicians don't want us to talk about it).
DeleteI love the picture and reflections of the sky. I take a lot of pictures of the sky.
ReplyDeleteYour reports about the fires there is frightening.
Does that happen every year or has it increased due to climate change?
Rick Watson: I have folder after folder of sky photos.
DeleteThe fires are an annual event, but this year they have started earlier and there is no end in site. Thousands and thousands of hectares have been razed. And yes, I do believe that climate change has a part to play.
The fires and the devastation they cause are horrible. I am so sorry that there is no rain due to help. I'll try and remember this when our own area is in a drought next July. (We always are) It's good that the smoke does bring one silver, or sunrise, lining. Dramatic skies made all the more picturesque by the smoke.
ReplyDeleteStill, I hope it all ends soon. Very lovely pictures. Thank you for sharing them.
Dragonquilica: Thank you. Drought is bad enough (and destructive enough) on its own. Fires just add to it.
DeleteThe skies are indeed dramatic (when you can see them through the smoke haze) but I would happily settle for a lot less drama.
Oh those fires in your country make the news here. They are terrifying and release more carbon than a zillion cars. Make it hard to breath or even see. We may have a bad summer next year. We're into December now with so little rain.
ReplyDeleteStrayer: We get most of our rain in winter. And didn't. I do hope that you don't go down this dreadful path too.
DeleteLove the kangaroos:-) Amazing you can see them in the wild while we have to see them in zoos.
ReplyDeleteGranny Annie: How lovely to see you in the blogosphere again. Sadly, because of the drought we are likely to see kangaroos in the suburbs again, looking for food. I love to see them, but hate the reason.
DeleteKangaroos are so much fun! Very pretty sunrise shots!
ReplyDeleteKathie J.: Kangaroos are fun. And thank you.
DeleteToo bad about the fires. I hope they disappear soon. Here in Hawaii, we sometimes have brush fires, but they are put out soon enough.
ReplyDeletegigi-hawaii: I wish. How I wish. I suspect the fires will burn for many weeks to come, and that new ones will join them.
DeleteI am so sorry to hear about the fires, EC. The US has that problem constantly in California too. I'm not sure there's anything more frightening.
ReplyDeleteSandra Cox: Thank you. Fires are indeed frightening - and destructive.
DeleteHere I've heard the saying "red sky in morning, sailor's warning, red sky at night, sailor's delight"; sad about all the fires, we really are at the mercy of mother nature. Lovely sunsets. California had fires all summer long, now they are having record snowfall.
ReplyDeleteLinda Starr: Sailors and Shepherds both needed to watch the weather didn't they? I knew about Californias fires, and hope that their weather moderates. Either extreme is frightening.
DeleteSo sad about the fires. Praying everyone (including the animals)stay safe. I adore your beautiful sky photos. Such vivid colors. Hope you have a wonderful week my friend.
ReplyDeleteMason Canyon: Many thanks. I hope your week is a joy.
DeleteAh I so enjoy seeing your kangaroo photos, always so laid back and carefree, showing just how perfect their world can be. Your opening photos are such a warm glow to my day. As always you please us with our visits. Enjoy your week ahead!
ReplyDelete21 Wits: Thank you. We visit the kangaroos to distract ourselves from things out of our control. And love them.
DeleteYour photos delight me so much. However, I am sad about the fires. I too wish the best to all that is in peril.
ReplyDeleteMyrna R.: Thank you. On both counts.
DeleteGetting up so early every morning ... you're a hero, or are your summer morning much later tahn mine?
ReplyDeleteThe photos are stunniong and the kangaroos wonderful. I'g like to go on a picknick with kangaroos ;)
Uglemor: Not a hero. My eyes roll back well before first light. Sunrise is shortly after 5 at the moment, but getting earlier. When is your summer sunrise?
DeleteI included the roos for you - and for me.
Shortly after 5 - you are a hero! Our earliest Sunrise is 4.25 and now, almost at its latest, the sun rises at 8.30. Now I'm always awake before sunrise ;)
DeleteThank you for roos.
And I hope for a lot of rain for you - and no wind, so that the fires can die down, its scary!
Uglemor: I am not certain what our earliest sunrise is, and will have to check. The chances are good that I will be awake.
DeleteWe are hoping for rain. Fervently hoping for rain, but are not expecting any. Not for months.
Wow,the sky is so beautiful on those photos!
ReplyDeletenatalia20041989: Thank you.
DeleteThe fires are so sad. The destruction it does is just awful. I love the sunrise pictures.
ReplyDeleteMary Kirkland. Thank you. You are right. The fires are heartbreaking.
DeleteThe sky shots are wonderful.
ReplyDeleteWe have been seeing reports on the TV and newspapers about the fires, they are so devastating... my heart goes out to all who are being affected.
All the best Jan
Lowcarb team member ~Jan: Thank you. We always have fires in summer, but they don't usually start this early, spread this easily, or continue for so long. It is both heartbreaking and frightening.
DeleteThey sky is lovely. I am sorry to hear about the fires. That kind of thing that is so much out of our hands, is very frightening and sad for those who are or will be victims.
ReplyDeletemail4rosey: Thank you. You are so very right.
DeleteBuon inizio settimana.
ReplyDeleteGiancarlo: Thank you. It is hot and smoky here. I hope your week is off to a MUCH better start.
DeleteMy heart aches for all who are suffering from fires and droughts.
ReplyDeleteYou have some wonderful pictures here, and i am glad to finally get over to see them!
messymimi: The drought is dreadful enough even without the fires. I do hope that it ends, and sooner than is predicted (several months away).
DeleteYes, the sunrise in Queensland is a red hot ball reflecting the fires all around us. During the day we can scarcely see the ocean. Everything is a haze. So it is only the beginning they tell us...super scary.
ReplyDeleteLove your photos as always. The kangaroos brought light relief until I started wondering how many had lost their lives in the fires. The koala population was already close to extinction. Hundreds more lost now.
Will miss your story for WEP, but totally understand. So much else is going on in December, we really shouldn't have a challenge, but so many would be disappointed if we did that.
You have the best Christmas and New Year possible!
Denise Covey: Super scary it is. We are some distance away from the fires, but our air is thick with smoke. It is quite difficult to see. I share your fear for our birds and animals. And my heart aches.
DeleteWEP will do just fine without me contributing, but I am looking forward to reading.
A wonderful Christmas and year(s) to come to you and yours too.
It's heartbreaking to read about the toll on animals; even the ones lucky enough to escape the flames are left without habitat or food sources. It's made me cry at times, it's just so sad and with no respite in sight.
ReplyDeleteI hope you are safe and continue to look for the beauty. That has become my mantra, too - thank you for that.
jenny_o: Tears here too. Tears and worry. We are for the moment safe here, albeit covered in a thick smoke haze.
DeleteAnd yes, I will continue to look for beauty. This morning on an outing as I marvelled at the extent of the smoke I did see some quirky fun (which I hope to feature later).
yes my heart goes out to the people in line of all the fires it must be so scary. All your photographs are wonderful and a delight to see.
ReplyDeleteMargaret Birding For Pleasure: Thank you. It is absolutely terrifying. We are out of the direct danger here, but our air quality is low. And my heart aches for the affected people, birds and animals. Too many of all of them.
DeleteThe fires are dreadful. I dont think I will ever completely recover from the heaviness it causes in my heart.
ReplyDeleteThe roos are adorable
kylie: Aren't they appalling. So widespread, so destructive, so unstoppable...
DeleteAnd yes, my heart is heavy too.
I am so sad about all those fires, and just imagine the fears and frustration of those who are being affected. I continue to keep them all in prayer. Thanks so much for the artful pictures, and the it's always fun to see the kangaroos. Hope you're feeling well! Hugs, RO
ReplyDeleteRO: Many thanks. We do always have fires. These have started early and show little sign of abating. Today is predicted to be yet another horror day.
DeleteOh Sue, it is absolutely heartbreaking to see those fires raging out of control...our news programmes feature them every day. I so feel for everyone affected by them, and all the poor animals and birds.😢 It is dreadful.
ReplyDeleteYour photos, as always, are so beautiful.😊😊 xxx
Ygraine: You are so very right. Heartbreaking is the word. As I type our skies are very, very smoky. Again, despite the fact that we are miles from the action. So far.
DeleteWe are spared fires here surrounded by water but out west, another story entirely and they seem to get worse and worse each year. I feel bad for all those affected.
ReplyDeletelove the roos though
Sue in Italia/In the Land Of Cancer: Sadly our ongoing drought have meant that rivers and dams have dried up. In Queensland the rainforests are burning. They are usually safe, but not this year...
DeleteI need to appreciate our rainy pouring days. Not getting rain and having to deal with fire is not good.
ReplyDeleteWindow/sky art is awesome. Beautiful!
Teresa
T. Powell Coltrin ~Teresa: Having lived through more than one drought I always welcome rain. This is a dry continent and most of us rarely see enough of it. And thank you.
DeleteLove those kangaroos! So sorry about all the fires. I am hoping and praying for rain for everyone there!
ReplyDeleteOn a happier note- those sky photos and reflections are just stunning. :)
Have a wonderful week!
~Jess
DMS ~Jess: Thank you. No rain yet, and the fires continue.
DeleteThose fires are terrifying - I hope nature changes her mind and delivers some rain sooner than that!
ReplyDeleteLove the pics - dawn & sunset are so impressive!
Jemi Fraser: I am a huge fan of dawn and dusk and was out taking photos again last night and this morning.
DeleteSadly the destruction continues.
The skies are colours I've never seen before and oh so smoky.
ReplyDeleteMerle.............
Merlesworld: I am sure it is still very smoky where you are. It is smoky here (and has been declared hazardous) but you are much closer. I do hope you get some relief soon.
DeletePictures of roos never cease to bring me joy.
ReplyDeleteI've read a bit about the fires in the paper. It's horrific.
xx from SF!
Bea: You will be unsurprised to hear that the roos bring us joy too. And yes, the fires are indeed horrific. Thank you.
DeleteThe sky shots are beautiful. And the fires are terrifying - I hope you get some rain soon. I'd offer to send some of ours to you, but we're not getting much this year, either. Driest November on record...
ReplyDeleteDiane Henders: We get most of our rain in winter. And didn't. We started the warmer season with crispy grass/trees and denuded water ways. We are predicted to get significant rain in February or March next year. It will be welcome, but I am very much afraid that for many areas it will be too late.
DeletePlease take care and please be safe!!!
ReplyDeleteLove the photos EC!!! I want to hug the kangaroos! LOL!
Big Hugs!
Magic Love Crow: Kangaroos brighten every day don't they? I leave them be though. Hugs to you too.
Deletei read your blog ..it is very much good ..
ReplyDeletei hope in futgure too i cn get some more like this ...happy holidays
SAROJ GHIMIRE: Thank you. I really, really love the photos on your latest post.
Delete