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, as I so often do, I am featuring skyscapes.
These first images were taken just after dawn.
A brooding and heavy sky, with dust coloured highlights.
These next images were taken later in the day (over the course of several days).
Rich, glowing sunsets?
Well not exactly. These were taken in the late afternoon. The smoke, dust and ash from fires has enveloped our city for the last ten days or so. When the wind gets up it blows the debris from the fires and the drought across the sky and obscures the sun.
It is expected to continue to do so for the next week (assuming that no new fires break out). The media has reported that our air quality has been worse than that experienced in China, and vulnerable people have been warned to stay indoors.
Since the fires started on the Eastern Coast of Australia 2.7 million hectares of bush have burned!!!! The damage is incalculable. And this is the start of our bushfire season, and my city is experiencing a tiny part of it. Other places have it much worse.
And, at the moment some of New South Wales and Western Australia is being hit. Hard. In the week to come record breaking high temperatures are predicted across the country.
Scary, scary times.
That is some heavy smoke and debris. Fire is a scary thing - one giant, unpredictable killer.
ReplyDeleteAlex J. Cavanaugh: The smoke is heavy again today. We are lucky and there are no fires close to us, but so many are not.
DeleteI am so worried about people in Oz. My dearest, best friend, tells me daily about the smoke. I hope the drought ends, the rain falls and brings healing.
ReplyDeleteGood morning, dear. How are you?
I love the first photo with the cat.
neena maiya (guyana gyal): Thank you. We all hope for the end of the drought and healing. Fervently. Jazz will be pleased to be admired. He is a beautiful (but vain) cat.
DeleteWorried *for* people in Oz, I mean. xx <3
ReplyDeleteneena maiya (guyana gyal): Not a problem, I knew what you meant. My own fingers are often too fast for my brain.
DeleteThe news on these dreadful fires does not seem to be getting better. I saw a picture just yesterday of the opera house in Sydney, enshrouded in particulate matter and barely visible. I also saw very distressing images of koalas burned in the trees where they were feeding. It is a disaster of mammoth dimensions and the whole world should stand in solidarity with Australia in mourning its loss and offering whatever assistance is possible in dealing with the aftermath of this conflagration.
ReplyDeleteDavid M. Gascoigne: It is heartbreaking, and there is no end in sight. Some reports estimate that over 20000 koalas have been lost, and many, many more species have also been hit hard.
DeleteWhat a dreadful, sad situation. I read the air quality is so hazardous that some people are wearing masks and school age children are kept at home some days. Can not imagine the high levels of anxiety and fear people are living with at this time.
ReplyDeleteCaterina: The anxiety is huge. And continuing.
DeleteI too love the cat profile, and commiserate over these awful fires. The whole world, it seems is trying to deal with extreme events everywhere. My heart goes out to those who are suffering, which is pretty much all of us. :-(
ReplyDeleteDJan: Scary times indeed - the world over.
DeleteWe see the fires on the news then don’t hear of them for weeks. Hard to believe they’re still burning. So sad! The poor fire fighters!
ReplyDeleteMarie Smith: They are indeed still burning - and joining together to become bigger blazes. The firefighters must be exhausted, and there is no end in sight.
DeleteBeautiful images, and the moon, wonderful.
ReplyDeleteBob Bushell: Thank you. That moon is the sun, shrouded in smoke.
DeleteJazz, lord of all he sees... ;)
ReplyDeleteThat smoke is awful. My heart goes out to the people and wildlife affected. So much destruction of habitat going on. I hope you get some rain soon!
Take care and try to avoid all the pollution.
River Fairchild: No significant rain is forecast here until February (or possibly March) next year. Some of Queensland did get some welcome rain, but they also continue to burn.
DeleteJust unimaginable.
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to you all.
Sandi: Thank you.
DeleteQueensland is being, and has been hit, too, EC. The fires are widespread. I've just come home from a brief trip out, and the valley to the west below of us here is still shrouded in thick smoke as it has been for the past few months. Already the humidity and heat is debilitating this morning...and it's only 8 am as I type.
ReplyDeleteI see Jazz is out for a stroll. Cuddles to him from me. I hope your week ahead treats you all kindly. :)
Lee: I am sorry. I know that Queensland has been hit hard, and continues to be affected. I didn't include your state in this post because I believe that your fires are (currently) under control. Still dreadful, still devastating.
DeleteI hadn't realised it was so bad in your city. All we hear about is Sydney. We seem to be doing ok so far this year, with much cooler days than we would normally have, but that is about to change.
ReplyDeleteAndrew: One day this week Parliament House disappeared under the smoke haze. We continue to be affected, despite the fires being some distance away. We too have had some cool days - and like you, that is about to change.
DeleteI always adore your photos but these carry a pang of concern obviously. You've been in my thoughts I hope you and your countrymen will be well. ALOHA
ReplyDeleteCloudia: Thank you.
DeleteThis is a huge disaster. It affects everyone, the wild life and every creature in it path. I pray that the wild fires will soon end and that you will get some good rain to put out the fires. Such devastation. Your photos are so goo and I love the cat on the roof.
ReplyDeleteStay safe.
Hugs, Julia
Julia: We are all hoping. So very much.
DeleteI meant your photos are so good.
ReplyDeleteJulia: Thank you. I also have dyslexic fingers, but knew exactly what you meant.
DeleteThe 'pink sun' photos are beautiful, but very scary. I hope that the fires are brought under control soon, and that your skies will be clear again. How can some people (looking at Scott Morrison!) deny what is happening?
ReplyDeleteStay cool...
Alexia: ScuMo is offering thoughts and prayers and telling us not to worry. He also tells us (under pressure) that climate change is part of it but that we are small players. Hiss and spit.
DeleteMy heart has also been aching for the tragedy which hit your country. I still envy your Prime Minister though.
The eruption was horrific, as were the deaths and injuries - so many deaths, and critical burns for the survivors. The rescuers did a fantastic job.
DeleteJacinda is one of a kind. We are lucky to have her.
Alexia: The rescuers did indeed do a fabulous job, and it can't have been easy on them either. I asked a colleague from my voluntary work who visited your country last week to kidnap Jacinda. She failed.
DeleteWhew!
DeleteLove the first photograph of Jazz.
ReplyDeleteYour sky photographs are amazing too … but the fires that are being experienced are just dreadful. We do see images on our news channels, and wish there was something more that could be done.
I just hope that rain will come to you soon.
Stay safe.
All the best Jan
Lowcarb team member ~Jan: Thank you. It is true that we get fires each summer. These have hit early and hard, and we all hope for rain. Soon.
DeleteHate to rub it in, but we had a storm last night and the first rain for ages washed the air clean again.
ReplyDeleteYesterday, the whole coastline and the ranges to the west were greyed-out with smoke from the southern fires.For people whose grasp of Australian distances is uncertain...I live about 1000 miles north of Sydney.
dinahmow: It is incredible isn't it? I have not seen the nearby (very nearby) Brindabellas in quite some time. As you know I envy your rain, but am so glad that Queensland at least has had some.
DeleteI listen to your fires on NPR, and read of them on the internet. Wordless awfulness. The first picture, though, is like the sun trying to shine through seashells.
ReplyDeleteJoanne Noragon: I really like your description of the sun's dawn struggles.
DeleteThose fires are terrifying! I hope you get rain soon!
ReplyDeleteLove the photos - some of the early morning ones could almost be images of the sea as well - beautiful.
Jemi Fraser: We hope for rain too. Fervently. Two of you have compared to dawn photos to shots from the seaside - which I hadn't seen and now do. Thank you.
DeleteSo beautiful your photos as always!
ReplyDeleteBut it is very sad to know about the fires.
I am sorry that the smoke, dust and ash from fires has darkened your city.
I hope the fires end very soon.
Sending hugs and Love!
sonia a. mascaro: Thank you. The fires are a tragedy, for people, for the wildlife and the land. I do hope we see an end to them soon.
DeleteHugs gratefully received - and reciprocated.
Sometimes it is all just too hard. My heart aches for all of you.
ReplyDeletemessymimi: Thank you. It is indeed too hard. Much too hard.
DeleteMy selections this week feature Christmas scenes.
DeleteAn attempt, perhaps, to lessen the sorrow for a moment, to believe that joy will come again.
messymimi: I loved your colourful Sunday Selections. Thank you.
DeleteHello Jazz! So nice to see you :)
ReplyDeleteIt's sad the smoke and fires are still there, but the smoke does make for interesting photos. I'd be one of those confined to the indoors with my asthma.
River: You would certainly be stuck indoors. Not only is there smoke, dust and ash in the air the lowest pollen count has been high and it is more often extreme.
DeleteThe third through fifth photos remind me of the sun on the ocean. And it is so good to see Jazz.
ReplyDeleteAlthough the rest of the photos are stunning, the conditions that created those skies are sad and haunting. I don't know what will eventually become of our beautiful world and the creatures in it - your country's terrible losses and danger are a warning that is not being heard.
Hugs, dear friend.
jenny_o: Thank you. Yes, the skies were beautiful, but the cost of that beauty is high. Too high.
DeleteHugs received and reciprocated.
Your skyscapes are truly beautiful but I was greatly saddened to hear about those devastating fires. Heartbreaking!
ReplyDeleteDeniseinVA: Heartbreaking they are. With no end in sight.
DeleteI think the wild fires are getting worse every year all around the globe. British Columbia has been having the same problem every summer for years now, and we're considered one of the areas of North America with plentiful rainfall, maybe even the most rainy on the continent. Scary is right.
ReplyDeleteOlga Godim: Tonight we learn that homes have been lost in a fire with flames up to 70 metres in height. I have no idea how the fire fighters cope. And grieve for the wildlife as well as the humans.
DeleteToday it is the 10th picture and the last picture that made my sox roll up and down! Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteBill: More than ten pictures. Again? I really must learn to be more restrained, but am glad you enjoyed them.
DeleteHi EC - it must be so worrying for so many - yet impossible to deal with ... I just feel for you all - and I sincerely hope relief comes soon. Everyone must be so tired and exhausted with worry, let alone the physical effort needed ... and the present and subsequent management of the hazards of fire.
ReplyDeleteAll the best to eastern Australia ... Hilary
Hilary Melton-Butcher: Thank you. It really has been a shocking start to the fire season, and this week is again predicted to be dreadful. Very high temperatures and winds are not at all helpful.
DeleteDo like that black cat.
ReplyDeletePhotos are lovely, the clouds are amazing and the smoke, well, it's awful. Let's hope it's all gone soon.
Margaret-whiteangel: Jazz is very pleased to be admired. The smoke (here) is reduced today, but we are expecting it to return. And the fires continue.
DeleteThat's so distressing. We hear about the fires and then we don't hear for ages. So we forget they're continuing. What a situation.
ReplyDeleteJo: They are definitely continuing. I am hoping that we get a break soon, but this week looks bad.
DeleteDear EC
ReplyDeleteI don't really know what to say. Such devastation. I wish we could send our rain over.
Your photos are stunning.
Best wishes
Ellie
Ellie Foster: Thank you. We would very much like your rain, across the whole country.
DeleteI like the early morning as the sun rises or is hidden by clouds. In summer I often walk at that time as it is still a bit cool.
ReplyDeleteThe beauty of a picture can betray what is really going on. The haziness of your sunset pictures .... who would know it was or could be deadly? I look from afar but realize some could be in great danger.
Makes my little worries seem very trivial.
nothoughtnoprayersnonothing: I am an early morning person too (particularly in summer). So many things (mostly tragic) put my own worries into perspective.
Deletehttps://nothoughtsnoprayersnonothing.blogspot.com/2019/12/sunday-selections-bonsai-tree.html
ReplyDeleteThis is my Non Sunday Selection. :)
nothoughtsnoprayersnonothing: I was visited (and thoroughly enjoyed) your non Sunday Selections. River will be chuffed too.
DeleteIt really is distressing to see these fires burning out if control. Heartbreaking, in fact.😢
ReplyDeleteI do so feel for everyone affected, both human and animal...
Your photos are absolutely stunning though, as they always are. A real pleasure to behold 😊😊
Sending you much love and hugs ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Ygraine: Many thanks. Sadly yes, there are many broken hearts around at the moment. And more danger to come.
DeleteLove and hugs gladly received and reciprocated.
Just a cat.
ReplyDeleteThat's how they thought of Blackie, a fluffy, whispering and purring kitty to feed and care for. Oh, how he needed them, so small and defenseless and loved. But each morning Blackie would climb to the roof of his keepers' humble dwelling and pull the sun into the sky. He'd arrange the clouds in the air with his tail like a painter at an easel. Then, joyously, contentedly, and at great peace, Blackie would return to his place by the fire, exhausted. He would sleep most of the day, waking only to eat and cuddle. He needed to build up his strength because when morning returned it would be his job to lift the sun.
Sandi: What a lovely story. Jazz approves - though he says he is more important than Blackie.
DeleteHehe :) I am sure he is!
DeleteYou take beautiful photos. That sun looks perfectly round. So sorry about the fires.
ReplyDeletegigi-hawaii: Thank you. The sun was quite high in the sky at the time and it did look like a perfect orb didn't it?
DeleteLove your photos, especially the first one. So sad about the fires and all the troubles they are causing.
ReplyDeleteMason Canyon: Thank you. The fires are tragic and frightening.
DeleteBeautiful pictures. Fires are always scary.
ReplyDeleteMary Kirkland: I agree. Fires are terrifying.
DeleteMy heart goes out to you and all of Australia as so much land, animals and other precious things are burned. Thank you for the lovely pictures. I thought I was looking at sunsets yet I was seeing side effects of tragedy.
ReplyDeleteMyrna R.: Beauty as a side effect of tragedy sums it up well. Sigh.
DeleteArmageddon, it is terrifying. I hope you;re not breathing too much of it. Very little international coverage. I am getting most info from Oz friends' links. The climate change deniers reign over media.
ReplyDeleteXO
WWW
Wisewebwoman: At the moment every breath includes reminders - and we are relatively lucky. The climate change deniers tell us that we have fires each year. True, we do. We don't usually have them so early, so widespread or so devastating.
DeleteDear EC, thank you for these beautiful photographs. So sad they show such devastating catastrophes. Time to take the environment issue and climate change seriously. Never too late to do the right thing, even if it is only to lessen the imminent threat to our survival and that of all living things.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas writing and photography. Looking forward to reading you in 2020. Take care. Black cat ourselves, ours was named Banana by our eldest daughter who ‘dumped’ him on us. Couldn’t live without him now.
Susan B: Thank you. I have had at least one black cat for almost all of my life. Jazz is the only cat at the moment, but is much loved. I like the name Banana too. I hope your Christmas and the year to come treat you well.
DeleteOh I love those "cotton ball" skies! The sun photo is just beautiful and I love the sun setting over the trees! It's a shame that such beauty comes from scary fires. Please be safe!
ReplyDeleteRain: Thank you. I am safe, though many are not.
DeleteBuon Inizio settimana.
ReplyDeleteGiancarlo: And to you.
Deletefirst thing popped into my head is - cat on a hot tin roof; so sorry about all the fires. I read that the earth is moving off of it's poles much faster each year than in previous years which I think may be the cause of such extreme weather patterns.
ReplyDeleteLinda Starr: Jazz is a comfort loving beast - if the roof was tin he would avoid it. Sadly I believe that climate change is responsible for much of the extreme weather the world is enduring.
DeleteEnjoyed the photos, but the smoke is awful for you all. I have experienced fires but not like you have been having in Oz. I am also worried for the animals, I gather koalas are in major trouble.
ReplyDeleteJo: The smoke, ash and dust are awful. I am also worried for the wildlife. There are reports that we have lost 2000 koalas, and I fear that many other birds and animals are also in grave danger, including some that while less cute are no less irreplaceable.
DeleteMust be terrible for people with breathing difficulties. We hear about the koala's plight because everyone thinks they are cut, but not so much about the less cute unfortunately. You have such unique wildlife in Australia it will be terrible to lose it. One hopes that if necessary, your zoos will have members of the lost critters.
DeleteJo: It is indeed terrible for people with breathing difficulties - across a wide area. I am very worried about a lot of our wildlife, even those who survive the fires will have had their habitat and food destroyed. There are groups working to help (including some I support) but it is a huge job.
DeleteStay safe! I thought these were sunrise and sunset photos. These wildfires are horrendous.
ReplyDeleteKathie J.: They are dreadful, and I worry, despite being safe here for the moment. Thank you.
DeleteI'm sorry about the fires. Sometimes it's smoky here and the ash falls like snow.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Janie Junebug: A few years back the ash that was falling was still smouldering and we had to be alert and stamp out mini fires. This time is is 'just' dirty and dusty.
DeleteI am so sorry that your beautiful country is turning to ash. I hope your damage remains minimal. How worrying for you!
ReplyDeletee: Thank you. It is worrying and the long range forecast offers no relief.
DeleteThe sky is spectacular, lobe thd photos!
ReplyDeletenatalia20041989: Thank you.
DeleteI thought your sunset pictures were lovely until I read that that the scene was of smoke and dust from the fires. That is just awful. My daughter lives in California where this happens more often than before . It is so frightening!
ReplyDeleteStarting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe: I am a beauty addict and look for it everywhere. The skies were lovely, but the cause of that loveliness is terrifying. It continues.
DeleteThat first pic touches my heart.
ReplyDeleteWishing you much rain.
Hugs
Sandra Cox: Jazz will be grateful. And thank you for the rain wishes.
DeleteAND...Thank you for stopping by to comment even when I was MIA.
ReplyDeleteIt meant a lot.
Sandra Cox: Of course I stopped by. I hope (fervently) you are getting good news. Hugs.
DeleteI love a good ky photo.
ReplyDelete:o)
Cheers
PM
Plastic Mancunian: I do too. Thank you.
DeleteIt's scary that something so beautiful looking is the result of a disaster. Very, very worrying.
ReplyDeleteLL Cool Joe: I agree. Several disasters, which are still unfolding.
DeleteWhen I saw the photos of your sun I immediately knew that you were getting the ashes and the smoke... This is what it looks like here when we have the wildfires, and the air quality is terrible. I feel for you. Those fire are horrendous and I'm not hopeful for any end to it anytime soon. Yes, this is very scary.
ReplyDeleteCarola Bartz: Sadly you are right. It isn't expected to end any time soon and today there are fears it will tear through a coal mine, which would keep the fires burning for weeks.
DeleteIt is indeed a scary time. There have been fires in so many places and they seem to rage out of control at times. Stay safe and lets hope for better days.
ReplyDeleteTruedessa: Too many of these fires ARE out of control and several have joined to form a Mega-fire. I am for the moment safe, which is more than can be said for many people and huge numbers of our wildlife. I am hoping for better times indeed.
DeleteYour photography is amazing. I love the skyscapes. When I see a beautiful sky or sunset I often think of you because you could capture it so well. I am not a good photographer. My husband took the photos in our family. So sorry about the fires. We had one near us a few years ago and I left home for a week. There is an old gospel song that says of the end of time, "It won't be water, but fire next time." I am beginning to think that is true. Stay well.
ReplyDeleteGlenda Council Beall: Many thanks. Digital cameras are a boon to happy snappers like me. I take lots of photos - and delete quite a number as well.
DeleteI am not even sure how far away I would have to go to escape the smoke. Quite some distance. It has been over a week now, and there is no end in sight.
Beautiful skies! But so very very terrible and heart-breaking to read about all the wildfires.
ReplyDeleteLady Fi: Thank you. It is all of those things.
DeleteI love skyscapes at any time!
ReplyDeleteI follow the news and stress about the bushfires, both natural and political, burning large parts of our planet to ash. It will take such a long time to recover the losses - it is heartbreaking. But I am still hopeful.
Nilanjana Bose: I try and be hopeful, but do often despair. And worry.
DeleteIt must be hard not to think about the fires, and the destruction, to life and land that is going on. I'm so sorry you are experiencing them there. California has had terrible fires in the past years but Oregon here has somehow been spared. (so far). We had a wet cool summer this last year, however, so that helped. The polluted air is horrible when combined with heat. The smoke shrouded sun photos are nice though, EC.
ReplyDeleteStrayer: The air is really thick and smoky here again today, so yes, the fires are in all of our minds. I hope Oregon continues to be spared fires.
DeleteJust stopped by to say hey.
ReplyDeleteWishing you rain.
Hugs
Sandra Cox: Thank you. I am really grateful that you take time to stop by considering how overloaded your plate is. Good luck.
DeleteThanks, EC. Much appreciated.
DeleteSandra Cox: Hugs.
DeleteHoping rains come to help with the fires and dry vegetation. The pictures are beautiful, but I am sorry that part of their beauty come from the debris in the air. Hope the air quality improves and no new fires start. Hugs!
ReplyDelete~Jess
DMS ~Jess: Thank you. Still smoky, still dry. Still hoping for rain.
DeleteIts so sad about the fires. In Australia too. Praying for rain.
ReplyDeleteLove Affair with Food: Welcome and thank you. We continue to watch the skies anxiously. Sadly there is no rain in sight.
DeleteThose fires are so scary, and the worst part is the fact that there's nothing to be done. Hang in there...
ReplyDelete(I did get a smile from your photo of the prowling cat, though.)
Diane Henders: Jazz thanks you. He believes that any roof (and anywhere) is improved by his presence. Today is one of exceptional fire danger. Sweltering temperatures and wind. Not quite dawn and I can already smell the smoke.
Delete*shudders*
DeleteDiane Henders: Most definitely. The smoke is thickening up again.
DeleteCute cat and nature photos ♥
ReplyDeleteKinga K.: Thank you.
DeleteWishing you much rain.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Sandra Cox: I wish. How I wish.
DeleteBuon venerdi.
ReplyDeleteGiancarlo: And to you.
DeleteYou always take such amazing pictures! Hope you are doing well, and sending some hugs from across the way. RO
ReplyDeleteRO: Thankyou. Hugs gratefully received and reciprocated.
DeleteOh wow, I thought those were amazing pictures, but noooooo!! Those are like you said, scary pictures. :( I am hoping all is well soon for you.
ReplyDeletemail4rosey: Beautiful but downright terrifying. A week later the smoke continues, the fires have spread and yet more people and wildlife have lost their lives and their homes.
Deletelovely skies!
ReplyDeleteTammy Lee: Welcome and thank you. They are beautiful skies, but terrifying too.
DeleteLe cose più belle della vita non si trovano sotto l’albero, ma nelle persone che ti stanno vicino nei momenti speciali.
ReplyDeleteBuon Natale!
Giancarlo: How true that is - and a very Merry Christmas to you and yours.
DeleteInstead of stone-walling at climate change talks, Australia should be alongside Tuvalu pleading with the rest of the world to treat this as the global emergency it is
ReplyDeleteKim: If only stone-walling was the worst of what we did. I am frequently very, very ashamed of our country.
DeleteMy heart goes out to everyone!!!
ReplyDeleteStunning images you captured EC! Is that your kitty EC? So cute!
Big Hugs!
Magic Love Crow: Thank you. That is indeed the Jazzman. And yes, my heart still aches for all those (human and otherwise) affected by the fires. Hugs to you too. Always.
Delete