Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Sunday 22 December 2019

Sunday Selections #460





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.


The weather here is still obscenely hot and dry.  The fires continue.   The fires have spread.  More states have been added to the long (and growing) list.  A pall of smoke hangs over my city and many others.  People and animals have lost their lives and their homes.  There is no rain in sight.

However I cannot (regretfully) change any of that.  Denial is not just a river in Egypt.

In the middle of the tragedies I have found splashes of beauty, colour, of quirky fun and hope -  which is where my focus is this week.

Again, this is not (despite its appearance), a photograph of sunset.  I took it some three hours before.  However, the skies were briefly clearer than they have been and it was beautiful despite the smoke.



The suburb closest to my kangaroo fix has big signs up telling us that 'Yarralumla does Christmas'.  It has done so in a simple and charming way by decorating most of the street trees.






 When we continued down to the lake, we smiled at the pelicans.  It was a stinking hot day and while we saw kangaroos they were relaxing under the trees and we didn't disturb them.




Driving into town I was tickled by this tradie's clever way of stashing his work boots.




A few days later his van was parked at the local shops and (with his permission) I took some more photos.


While we are a largely secular nation, there are Christmas decorations in all the shopping centres.






In this holiday period whatever, where-ever and however you celebrate (or don't) I hope your days and the year(s) to come are filled with love and laughter.

133 comments:

  1. How lovely to see the decorations in your part of the world. Those big red bows on the trees are super, that first shot is stunning. The pelicans have such pretty feather patterns, the boots are a hoot, everything is a delight. Thank you for the sentiments in your last paragraph. I wish the same for you :)

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    1. I have been reading about those awful fires and greatly saddened for all those who have been affected. Praying for rain for you, and bless all the firefighters and others who put themselves in harm's way.

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    2. DeniseinVA: At least part of one State has had some very welcome rain. Much of the eastern side of Australia hasn't. And won't if forecasts are to be believed for some time.
      Many (most?) of our firefighters are volunteers. I am endlessly grateful for the hard and dangerous job they have taken on.

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  2. Nice way of decorating town. I see why illuminated boughs would not be as nice.
    Pelicans are almost as good as kangaroos ;)
    Thanks for the nice photos ... and we're all hoping for rain for you.

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    1. Uglemor: Thank you. Our Bureau of Meteorology tells us that significant rain is months away. We hope they are lying to us.
      Pelicans are among our favourites and a trip to the lake with both roos and pelicans is a winner.

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  3. It's nice to see the big red bows on the trees. We see on the news how devastating those wild fires are in your country and the drought from the intense heat. There doesn't seem to be an end to it. I hope you get some much needed rain soon.
    Christmas decorations are in low key for us this year but our Christmas Spirit is high.

    It will be a green Christmas for us this year as all the snow melted. Wishing you a Merry Christmas if you celebrate, and a Happy New Year.

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    1. Julia: Rain would be more than welcome. For us all. The poor firefighters (most of whom are volunteers) are exhausted.

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  4. I always seems so odd to me to think about the weather differences between northern and southern hemispheres during holiday time. Cold, snowy scenes in December is embedded in my brain.
    The first shot is beautiful in a tragic way, and I love pelicans! They are comical to watch on a wharf, stealing fish from buckets instead of diving for them. Probably not as funny for the fishermen. ;)

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    1. River Fairchild: Growing up Christmas images often included snow - which given how hot is is here at the time is more than a little odd.
      This lake is largely unfished, but the pelicans are not averse to begging from picnickers. Not at all averse.

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  5. I love the decorations. It looks like we are getting a green Christmas too although we still have the white stuff, it is slowly disappearing.

    I haven't heard that expression in years, denial is not just a river in Egypt.

    Love the pelican picture too. A wonderful bird is the pelican, his beak can hold more than his belly can.

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    1. Jo: Thank you. I can't tell you how much I would like some of your slowly disappearing white stuff, both for the cool and the moisture.
      My father used to recite that pelican ditty to us. They can open their beaks incredibly wide.

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  6. I wish the same for you EC.

    The pelicans are priceless!

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    1. Marie Smith: Thank you. I am glad that others are as fond of pelicans as we are.

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  7. And all the very best to you, Sue. I wish for you a year devoid of inner turmoil, with dark places off limits. You have brightened my life in immeasurable ways and for that I am grateful. Hugs and kisses from Canada. David

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    1. David M. Gascoigne: Thank you so very much. I do hope that your latest bookmark(s) have arrived.
      I am endlessly grateful to the blogosphere, not least for the friends I have found across the world.

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    2. They were in my mailbox two days ago - one is now on a book at my side of the bed and another on a book at Miriam's side of the bed.

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    3. Davud M. Gascoigne: I am glad. I am passing on the messages to my clever friend who made them and she will be really chuffed to hear another set has arrived and is in use.

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  8. Have a wonderful Christmas everyone☺☺

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    1. natalie20041989: Thank you - and to you and yours.

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  9. Similar sentiments back to you and your loved ones, EC. I'll be spending the period very quietly, very privately...just me and my two furry best mates.

    Enjoy the week ahead...stay cool...relax and enjoy. Cuddles to Jazz. :)

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    1. Lee: We are having a quiet Christmas too. I have a shift for LL on Christmas Eve (which may not finish before the day breaks).
      I hope that you and the furry overlords have a cool day as well as a blissfully quiet one.

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  10. You've shared some lovely photographs here.
    I do like the bows around the trees, the pelicans and those stored boots! Amazing …

    Sending my good wishes across the miles to you and returning your sentiments from your last paragraph... I wish the same for you :)

    Take Care

    All the best Jan

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    1. Lowcarb team member ~Jan: Thank you, so very much.

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  11. Yarralumla is I guess a suburb as well as when he or she who represents Her Maj lives. It's a nice collection of Christmas photos. The storage of the boots is great but if here, I think they may get stolen. Kangaroos are very knowledgeable about what to do when it is hot, nothing.

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    1. Andrew: It is indeed a suburb and a very mixed bag. As well as the Governor General's residence and quite a number of embassies it is home to kangaroos, swans, pelicans, some very well off people and a not insignificant number of poorer people.
      I hadn't even considered that the boots could be stolen, but of course it would be easy.

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  12. Looking at the grass in those photos shows how hot and dry it is there. Here in the UK we are having flooding and non stop rain. If only we could do a swop for a few days.

    Happy Holidays to you.

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    1. LL Cool Joe: Quite a lot of Australia and Australians would swap in a heart beat. In lots of areas the grass is just about gone now and replaced with parched dirt.

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  13. Dear EC
    I agree with LL Cool Joe above - wishing we could send some rain your way. It is good to see there is still much to enjoy, despite such challenging situations.
    I hope you and yours also have a peaceful time.
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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    1. Ellie Foster: Thank you so much. Some world wide weather moderation would be nice. Very nice.

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  14. What a great collection of photos, by turn interesting, quirky and heart-warming. The red bows are perfect - festive but not tacky. AND pelicans! very cool.
    I hope that your forecasters are wrong, and that some showers, and milder temperatures, come your way soon.

    I hope too that you have a peaceful and enjoyable festive season.

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    1. Alexia: Many thanks. We have a cooler day today (but the media tells us it is going to be another difficult one for the firefighters).

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  15. I like the simplicity of a red ribbon around the trees. And the mall decorations seem to be in good taste. I have seen so many gaudy displays.
    But everyone is welcome and free to decorate as they wish. And some of my neighbors complain because our house is the only one without any. lol Well, there's always next year. Greeting of the season to you and may the new year bring peace.

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    1. nothoughtsnoprayersnonothing: The neighbours here would have similar complaints. And perhaps we will do better next year.

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  16. I would so enjoy driving down a street with ribbons tied round the trees.

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    1. Joanne Noragon: The first time we saw only one tree - and smiled. On our next visit the number of bows had expanded, and we grinned.

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  17. Bows on trees has my vote!

    The boot stash is very clever. -nice that he let you photograph them.

    I'm sorry to read of the on-going bushfires. They are devastating.

    Happy Solstice,
    Bea

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    1. Bea: Devastating they are.
      I did like the bows, and the boot stash. He was a bit perplexed that I wanted to photograph them, but happily agreed.

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  18. I hope that the rain gods (who have been busy here) are now on their way to Australia for a Christmas gift to all of you who are suffering. My heart goes out to all, and I am sending you all my very best wishes for it to end soon.

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  19. A lovely post, but I think the Yarralumla trees top it.Yes, definitely, Yarralumla's trees.
    Happy Christmas to all, especially those fire-fighters.

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    1. dinahmow: I thinkg the Yarralumla trees was a brilliant celebration of the season. And yes, I do hope that the firefighters have a deservedly lovely Christmas.

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  20. That's a smart tradie to find such a way to store his boots in transit. No dirt will be tracking into his truck.

    My heart is so heavy for everyone suffering from the fires and smoke, including the wild things. It's just horrific, and when will it end? The scale of destruction is overwhelming.

    Thank you for the spots of beauty that you shared with us. That is the only way to keep moving forward, it seems.

    May you and yours have a peaceful, rewarding holiday season, EC. I hope you have more cooler days and some unexpected rain.

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    1. jenny_o: Thank you. As you know I am a beauty addict and look for it even in the darkest times. Luckily I find it too - it doesn't change anything but makes it for me easier to bear.
      And yes, my heart is very, very heavy too. And an ember of rage burns with the fire as our coal loving and supporting Prime Minister said today that we are doing enough to combat climate change ('pulling our weight'). I believe him to be emphatically wrong and we and the world are paying a high price for that mistake.

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  21. I am so saddened by the awful fires and loss. I do hope some cooler weather will come your way. Sure wish I could send you mine because it is not wanted by me!

    Love the bows on the trees :)

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    1. mshatch: Even without the fires I would very, very gratefully accept your cooler weather - and any moisture you could send.
      The bows are great aren't they, and festooned street trees throughout the suburb.

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  22. It's so sad about the fires, i don't blame you for looking for whatever there is that is right and good and beautiful around you.

    This week i'm also posting lots of Christmas photos.

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    1. messymimi: Thank you. I am looking forward to seeing your Christmas cheer.

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  23. I love that first photo and the red Christmas tree with the piano player under it. The red ribbons are a nice touch, I remember similar one year when a whole street did red ribbons on their fences. The pelican looks puffed up with something important.

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    1. River: That piano player wandered up, played a little and wandered on again. Which was lovely. I have never seen the red ribbon idea before and loved it.

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  24. My heart goes out to you and all your country regarding the fires. As a Californian I'm all too familiar with those conditions, and I hate that there's nothing we can really do to stop it.

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    1. Rebecca M. Douglass: Thank you. The helplessness is terrifying.

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  25. Heart-wrenching and scary...Thank you for sharing these pockets of beauty and stay safe!

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    1. e: Thank you. For the moment at least we are safe here. Smoky, but safe.

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  26. Delightful decoration-- I heard today that your PM may perhaps be changing his mind about climate change. Now if we could just convince our bozo. Merry, happy, loving times to you.

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    1. Bill: I wish. How I wish. Sadly he was just using weasel words. And has since said that our climate change policies won't be changed and that we are doing enough. Which I disgree with. As do a lot of others.

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  27. Beautiful images, Season's greeting to you EC.

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  28. Hi EC - Just desperate times for you all ... but nature will take its course ... I feel for everyone - particularly all the firefighters, and those who've lost their homes, or families who have lost loved ones.

    I'm glad you're not affected and can still see the beauty around you ... we need positivity and empathy now. That boot idea is fun to see ... and the decorations around the trees - simple and very effective, while the pelicans are just beautiful ...

    Take care and with thoughts - Hilary

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    1. Hilary Melton-Butcher: Thank you. I worry (of course) and the fires continue to spread. I worry particularly for the wildlife which will get less support in the recovery period.

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  29. I like the bows on the trees, and pelicans are always my favorite!

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  30. That picture of the sunset was stunning. The way the clouds dressed the sky looked ethereal.

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    1. Rick Watson: Thank you. That not sunset was lovely wasn't it?

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  31. I am so saddened that so many people and animals have lost their homes or lives, and I just pray that all will be better soon. Thanks for the beautiful pictures and decorations. A friend of mine is planning an all white wedding and some of those decorations would work perfectly. I hope that you're able to stay cool and to relax a little this holiday season, and sending some hugs your way. RO

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    1. RO: Many thanks. At the moment there is no end in sight, but we are hoping. And hoping. Hugs gratefully received and reciprocated.

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  32. OMG I love those pelican photos. They are wonderful EC, perfect, like frame them perfect. Also the tradie boots. That is classic! Saw terrible news coverage again this morning on the fires, especially those ringing Sydney and you're right, when there's nothing you can do about them, its best to try to focus on positive things. I don't know how you don't think about them. Bless you and all of Australia.

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    1. Strayer: I do think of the fires. Of course. And get daily reminders as my city continues to be shrouded in smoke and the scent fills the air.

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  33. It's nice to celebrate the holidays by tying a red bow on each tree. Clever!

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    1. gigi-hawaii: We thought is was clever too - and pretty.

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  34. Love your photos as always. Wish I could send you some of our rain. Wishing you and your family a safe and Happy Holidays.

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    1. Mason Canyon: Thank you. I wish we could receive your rain too. Lots of it.

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  35. Both beautiful and fun pics.
    Here's wishing you a deluge.
    Hugs,

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    1. Sandra Cox: A deluge would probably wreak damage of its own, but I would happily swap our current disaster for that one.
      I hope you and yours are doing better. Huge hugs.

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  36. The pictures are beautiful as always. I love holiday decor and you found some good ones.

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    1. Mary Kirkland: Thank you. I really liked the Yarralumla decorations in particular. Simple and lovely.

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  37. I have never seen that boot trick before! That's a great idea, especially for ensuring no mud is tracked into your truck and that they dry off some before the next usage.

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    1. John Wiswell: I thought so too. Such a simple idea, and it would work like a charm.

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  38. I love the boots on the truck. Quirky things like that are great. It's pouring here. I wish I could send rain to your area.

    Love,
    Janie

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    1. Janie Junebug: We really like the boots too. When first we saw them we were a considerable distance from home so it was nice to see the truck at our local shops too (with an agreeable tradie who was happy for me to send photos). Some rain would be lovely. Sadly we are still told February before we can expect any of significance.

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  39. Oh the boot truck is hilarious!!! I'd be worried someone would swipe them from me! Your sky shot is just beautiful. So upsetting to hear about the fires, though the sky photo is just beautiful. Pelicans! I've never seen any! We are not religious, but we celebrate Christmas anyway for the fun of it and the joy of the season, I don't know how festive I'd feel without snow though! I hope you have some air conditioning! Happy holidays to you and yours!! xx

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    1. Rain: They would be easy to steal but the thought hadn't occurred to me. And I hope it doesn't occur to any thieves. Quirky fun is always welcome. I grew up here and am accustomed to Christmas being HOT (though not usually as hot as this year). I hope you continue to celebrate - fun and joy are always welcome.

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  40. Great photos as usual - thank you.
    Best wishes for Christmas to you and yours.

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  41. I love your photos, Susan and am so sorry that your beautiful country is having all these disaster out fires.

    I hope your holidays are peaceful and lovely and the new year gives us all some hope for a better future.

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    1. Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe: Thank you. Peaceful and lovely - and hope sound truly wonderful. I hope your Christmas and the New Year bring everything you could hope for - and more.

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  42. I haven't done one of these in about a month. I'm sorry!
    Coyote Spirit Urban Art
    The decorations at the mall are beautiful. I hope the destructive fires are brought under control. We had a fire a few years back in the Southern part of my state (Colorado). It devastated the town of Manitou Springs, which made me sad. I had nice memories of visiting there.

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    1. The Real Cie: You have been busy and I look forward to seeing your Sunday Selections.
      Sadly there are hundreds of fires burning across at least five states.

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  43. dana wyzard of WITLESS PROTECTION23 December 2019 at 16:32

    I put my computer in the closet when Beau died three years ago and disappeared from life. Bed ridden now, Joe researched a new cat that is being trained for bedridden, depressed people. They started out as Munchkins but have evolved into Service Cats much like dogs. Nothing can replace Beau, so I don't know how this will work. The doctor suggested that Joe buy TWO so I won't stress myself over them whenever I'm hospitalized. LOL So my precious man did just as she said, even though they each cost many, MANY, thousands of dollars. The physical rules are legs and tail no longer than four inches, and a body the size of a guinea pig so they can "root in" around the patient to lessen stress and fear. Not remembering anyone from my blogging days, I REMEMBERED YOU, dear woman. I hope I don't put my computer away, but it's gained so much weight. ps I cannot get my old name back and have forgotten everything about using a computer.

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    1. dana wyzard: Long time no see. I am sorry that you are bedbound and hope the tiny furrs help. I suspect that most animals can (and do) reduce stress and fear. They do for me.

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  44. Hi EC,

    I still struggle to imagine Christmas in the summer.

    :o)

    Cheers

    PM

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    1. Plastic Mancunian: I love at the cool images from your side of the world in envy. Sadly we have inherited many Northern Hemisphere Christmas traditions which don't sit comfortably with sweltering heat.

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  45. I love those boots, how creative and the bows on the trees - cheerful and heartwarming. My heart breaks for the fires and the death and damage, it is appalling and your PM and his coal lust not fit. But what can you do, truly.

    We have a 30cm forecast of snow for tomorrow. Today was clear and only a bare sprinkling so we are bracing ourselves even for small commutes to visit relatives.

    All the best dear EC and I just received your origami, how lovely is that? Thank you!

    XO
    WWW

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    1. Wisewebwoman: I am so pleased my friend's clever bookmark has arrived. 30cm of snow? Wow. I will admit to a little jealousy, despite the inconvenience it no doubt causes.
      Our Prime Minister is prone to offering thoughts and prayers. IF I prayed, my prayers would be very different to his.
      I do hope that the season and the year to come treats you kindly.
      Hugs.

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  46. Such wonderful holiday decorations. Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!

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    1. RasmaSandra: Thank you. I hope you have got Sid a treat and that you have a truly lovely Christmas.

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  47. This must be your Christmas Eve........may your day be merry and bright.

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    1. only slightly confused: It is indeed Christmas Eve. Busy and bright. I hope yours is better organised when it arrives, and wish you the very best of the season.

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  48. Love, laughter and good health, to you and your loved ones EC!!! I am so sorry about the fires! I've been watching about it on the news and think of you often! I love the red bows on the trees! Made me smile! The work boots made me laugh! LOL! Thanks for sharing all the beautiful decorations! Merry Christmas EC!!! Big Hugs!

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    1. Magic Love Crow: Many, many thanks. The fires are still dreadful, but there is beauty and hope...

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  49. Your photos are fantastic. I have to share your blog with others who enjoy them. So so sad about the fires. I can't imagine having Christmas when the weather is hot. Although I lived in the south where winter is very mild, we did have some cold weather. Love and laughter to you, EC, in the coming year.

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    1. Glenda Beall: Thank you - I hope your friends also enjoy my blog.
      The fires continue and another heat wave is expected to roll in next week.
      Love and laughter are more than welcome - all year.

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  50. I have been away from blogland for a while, not because the faithful laptop broke down, but because I have had 2 adults, three children and a dog living in my house for 5 weeks while my son's family were waiting to move into their "new" house. I have had lots of news from Australian friends and rellies regarding the fires.... so terrible. If I could come and help fight the fires, I would! Meanwhile, I wish you a happy Christmas season, I think it might already be C Day where you are. And lets hope for a happy healthy creative productive inspiring and PEACEFUL 2020!

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    1. Shammickite: You must have had a very, very busy five weeks. It is indeed already Christmas here (albeit early). Thank you for the wishes, which I return to you with a red bow on them.
      My very best gift (which sadly I won't receive) would be the cessation of the dreadful fires.

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  51. The best present would be rain and a stop to all these terrible fires!

    Wishing you love, laughter and a present or two.

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    1. Lady Fi: Many, many thanks. I hope that you and yours have a fabulous festive season.

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  52. Wishing you the happiest of holidays and much rain.

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    1. Sandra Cox: Many, many thanks. Here's to a healthy, happy 2020.

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  53. Feliz Navidad para ti, toda tu familia y amigos.
    Un saludo desde Salamanca.

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  54. I want to spend the season where you are--heat and fires notwithstanding--and I'm pretty sure that you have just as soon be here.

    If I were boots man, I would worry about my boots being stolen. Could it really be that people are more honest there?

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    1. Snowbrush: You are quite right. I would love to spend summer where you are. I do like living in somewhere which has four distinct seasons but would very much like summer to be abbreviated.
      The tradie obviously had no fear of his boots being stolen (though I did note that they were fairly new).

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  55. You had a really great selction of a photos ...i was just wondering if i could use any of them for my personal use!!

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    1. SAROJ GHIMIRE: What sort of use did you have in mind? I would prefer you didn't use them for anything commercial. Email me if you want to discuss it further.

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  56. I am just here to wish you a Merry Christmas. I hope you had a happy holiday. :)

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    1. mail4rosey: Thank you. A quiet day and a pleasant one. I hope yours was/is lovely too.

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  57. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

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  58. Belle fotografie, spero che il Natale sia stato un giorno fantastico per te.
    Buona serata.

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    1. Giancarlo: Thank you. Christmas Day was quiet and pleasant here. I hope yours was lovely.

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  59. Some very interesting images, and some very beautiful. I send you a greeting from Brazil! :) Um abraço.

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  60. The pic of the van made me smile.
    Lovely pictures.
    Hugs

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  61. So much smoke, so little rain. I'm wondering whether the tradie's boots are a bit aromatic after being worn in the heat and that's why he's found his ingenious spot for transporting them.

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    1. Kim: That is a reason I hadn't thought of - and yes, in the weather we have been having the aroma in those boots could well be toxic. Perhaps as toxic as the exhaust from his van.

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  62. I'm sorry to hear you're still under seige from the fires. I always associate the Christmas season with a slower-paced peaceful outdoor environment since everything is dormant here - my brain won't wrap around "Christmas" and "stinking hot" in the same sentence. :-) The decorations are pretty, though; and the pelicans gave me a giggle. They always make me think of the limerick by Dixon Lanier Merritt:
    "A wonderful bird is the pelican,
    His bill will hold more than his belican,
    He can take in his beak
    Enough food for a week
    But I'm damned if I see how the helican!"

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    1. Diane Henders: My father recited that limerick to us. Indeed for years I thought he had written it.
      Stinking hot continues to be the order of the day.

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  63. Replies
    1. Giancarlo: It has indeed been a sunny weekend. Very, very sunny. I hope yours is lovely.

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  64. WOW...such beautiful photos!:)
    I had to laugh when I saw the one of the van...hahah...priceless!! Lol

    Happy New Year!

    Lots of Love & Hugs xxxxxxx

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    1. Ygraine: We really enjoyed the tradies solution to boot placement as well - and we amazed to see it much closer to home a few days later.
      A very happy, healthy New Year to you too.

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