Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Sunday 12 January 2020

Sunday Selections #463




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 received a treat in the mail.  The lovely Sandra Cox despite the sadness and worry in her own life sent me a book.  One of her books.  Flower Power spoke to my garden obsessed self.  For a slim volume it contains a lot to absorb.  Planting by colour, planting for sun/shade, the meaning of flowers, plants which are dangerous to animals, planting tips, aromatherapy, floroscopes...  I can see me dipping into this gem often.  Thank you Sandra.

Her very generous gift encouraged me to focus on the garden this week in Sunday Selections.















It is still very dry.  Fires still burn.  Dangerously so.  Homes and lives continue to be lost.  I weep and my heart aches.  Just the same, this fire related image made me smile.  I have showed you 'A Delicate Moment' by Suzie Bleach and Andy Townsend before.



The air quality is my city is still hazardous.  Masks are in short supply.  I think it says a lot about how her community values her that the statue was given a mask, and also that no-one has nicked it.  The sculptors' home town was hit hard (and repeatedly) by recent fires so I suspect they would appreciate the image too.


139 comments:

  1. Thanks for the lovely pictures of beautiful flowers. My heart ache for you and your country. So much devastation and lost of your exotic animals and birds, homes, and so much much more. It's it difficult to watch from a safe distance. I have seen videos of poor helpless animals being rescued from burning flames.So sad... I have a niece who lives in Australia. My husband and I are praying an end to this devastation.
    Hugs, Julia

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    1. Julia: Thank you so much. I hope your niece is safe. And yes, my heart aches too.

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  2. Flowers are lovely and hopeful. Beauty and humor give us something to hang on to during times of uncertainty. The Power of Flowers is a good title.

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    1. nothoughtsnoprayersnonothing: Sandra's books often have excellent titles. You are right. Humour and beauty are indeed lifeboats - and I am hanging on tightly.

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  3. I hope all the devastation ends sooner than soonest and your country recovers quickly! It's all such a terrible tragedy.
    The mask on the statue gave me a smile though, and the shot of the moth? butterfly? was stunning!
    Stay safe and hugs to you.

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    1. River Fairchild: Our fire season has months to run yet, which terrifies me.
      I did like the mask and the (I think) orchard butterfly was a small and very welcome distraction.
      We are safe for the moment. Smoky but safe. Many, many thanks (and hiss and spit at our ISPs which refuse to play together nicely).

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  4. What a lovely symbolic gesture on the statue and that butterfly is exquisite. It must be hard to keep from despair as way over here I am despairing for you.

    XO
    WWW

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    1. Wisewebwoman: I do despair. And grieve. And fume. We have fires each and every year, but this destruction is unprecedented.

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  5. The mask on the statue is poignant indeed. It is at once humorous and heart-stopping. Some of the images I have seen of wildlife incinerated by these fires are so disturbing I cannot watch any more. I don't remember a tragedy that has touched me more than this so I am hard-pressed to comprehend how Australians are dealing with it. Here it has rained non-stop since early this morning. If only I could send it to Australia.

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    1. David M. Gascoigne: I cannot watch anymore either. I am filled with grief and with rage. And overwhelmed by both. Some places HAVE received a little rain. Not enough, but some. I wish (so very much) that we could have your rain (and that besetting much of the UK too).

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  6. Wonderful, thought and prayer provoking photos from your beautiful corner of the Earth. In my short, rainy days, you're never far from my mind.

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  7. The beauty of flowers brighten one's day...lightens the heart...and we sure do need much to lighten the loads at present.

    I hope you have a good week, EC...take care...cuddles to Jazz. :)

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    1. Lee: We do indeed need all the lightness we can get.
      I hope you and your furry overlords have a great week.

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  8. Dear EC
    The devastation is heart-rending. I am hoping that you will get a useful amount of rain soon, but sadly, whenever it comes, it will be too late for many.
    Despite this, nature continues to inspire and thank you for sharing your lovely plants and insects.
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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    1. Ellie Foster: Thank you. I turn to nature for solace often and am heartbroken at the damage the fires have done.

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  9. Beautiful flowers. I feel for you.

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  10. Those are so beautiful, and the damage from the fires so heartbreaking. What a contrast is life!

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    1. messymimi: The contrast is stark at the moment isn't it? So very stark.

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  11. I hope the mask can stay on the statue for a long long time, a reminder for people when they consider their vote at the next election. The butterfly photo is wonderful and I don't remember seeing one like that before. More smoke forecast here for the week but I think you have had it much worse.

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    1. Andrew: I believe the statue of 'Pig-iron Bob' down by the lake also has a mask. I wonder what the coalition supporters think of that. I think the butterfly is an orchard butterfly - not welcomed by fruit growers, but definitely a treat for me. The smoke here has been setting off fire alarms. On one day the fire brigade was called out to over 300 alarms. It is awful, and we are still luckier than many.

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  12. The face mask made me chuckle. And its the only thing about the fires that has done that.

    That white cactus made me gasp! Is it a regular performer? I don't recall it. And the lilies...well, given my recent losses I'll just have a wee sulk...

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    1. dinahmow: The face mask made us smile too. And yes, I agree with you about the dearth of smiles.
      That white cactus lives on the end of the front veranda. It is a vicious spikey beast and we get a couple of blooms each year. This year we are expecting another three - and I am watching intently for them (the blooms only last a day).

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  13. BTW...I think your flutterby is an Orchard Swallowtail.

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    1. dinahmow: Thank you. I thought it was, but it is yet another area where I am iggerant.

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  14. It must be hard to carry on with life when there is so much to worry about and grieve over. The fires in your homeland have had me on edge for weeks and I live on the other side of the planet. I wish there was something to say besides "I'm sorry".

    That is such a magnificent butterfly. I expect he was happy to find refuge in your garden of beauty.

    Stay safe, dear EC.

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    1. jenny_o: It is hard. And I ache, I grieve and I fume. The garden gives me distraction. And temporary solace. Huge thanks for your love and concern.

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  15. Such lovely lilies, and the white cactus! Stunning.
    The mask on the beautiful sculpture did make me smile, but it also made me feel like crying. Will the poor souls affected by these fires ever recover - indeed, will Australia ever recover from such devastation?
    Arohanui

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    1. Alexia: We will (I hope) recover when the rains come again. However, we will recover to a diminished landscape I fear. It is very, very likely that some species are gone (or their numbers so diminished that extinction is inevitable). When the rain comes there will be growth, but it is likely to be different growth. We will be changed. And my heart aches and the tears continue to fall.

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  16. Laurie: Thank you. Hearts are breaking the world over and I hope (fervently) that our current government shifts from its coal loving, coal supporting ways. And if they don't I hope they are thrown out.

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  17. Lovely flowers, as ever, and some could not escape the smoke smudge.

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    1. Joanne Noragon: All of our garden is smoke smudged - and we are still lucky. Watching carefully but lucky so far.

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  18. So sorry about the fires. I know what it like not to have good quilty air.
    Coffee is on

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  19. Your garden is so beautiful. I just got some pollen masks, so I can go out among people maybe (still have cold or flu or something).

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    1. Strayer: I am sorry to hear that your cold/flu is still with you. They make a person truly miserable don't they? And thank you - the garden is an obsession of mine and is fed with blood, sweat and tears (and money).

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  20. Love the mask on the statue and beautiful capture of the flutterby too. I'm envious of your bloom lined garden path and would love to create a similarly packed garden over on the roses side of the front here, but it's not allowed. The "maintenance" men must be allowed free access with their chainsaws and heavy boots.

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    1. River: We recently had workmen in the garden and they did a LOT of damage with those heavy boots. They were using a chainsaw too, and the branches smashed things which had escaped their boots.

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  21. Hi EC so sorry about your terrible fires and the air quality. Yes, the mask on the statue made me do a double take! I used to have those white cactus flowers. It's called Queen of the Night (I think!) and these blooms only last one night. We have a huge collection of these cacti on the farm road. Thanks for always visiting my blog. I'm trying to be more regular. Time is premium! All the best for 2020. Jo

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    1. Jo: Queen of the Night sounds about right. I have never known what it is called - but it does come out overnight and lasts only a day. In your busy life I am not surprised time is at a premium.
      The fires break my heart.

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  22. The mask is cute. We see the fires on the news every day here. So many of us have donated money and prayers to help. Parents of students who are firefighters have gone to help as best they can. It's amazing how people pull together. It's a nice beacon of light in the middle of a sorrowful situation. Your flowers are pretty.

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    1. mail4rosey: Thank you - and everyone who helps (in whatever way they choose/are able). It is a heartwarming thing in a heartbreaking situation.

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  23. How nice to get a book in the mail - the best gift of all.
    I wish someone powerful up there would redistribute the weather just a little to help us all. While Australia suffers from terrible fires, people in Israel drown in the floods caused by rain. Can you believe it? A flooded car. A flooded elevator, where a young couple died a few days ago. Why doesn't anyone know how to shuffle the rain around the globe? We should, right? We send rackets to Jupiter after all.
    Lovely sculpture, Sue. And the mask is a nice touch, says how much you all care.

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    1. Olga Godim: Books are ALWAYS welcome here. Some global weather moderation would be nice wouldn't it.
      That statue has obviously been adopted/claimed by the local community. In winter she had a scarf and some ugh boots and now when our air quality is so poor she has a mask. Which I hope she doesn't need for much longer.

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    2. How did they put boots on a statue? Isn't she attached to her base?

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    3. Olga Godim: She is attached at the base. The enterprising people who rugged her up for winter but the boots apart and stitched them on to her.

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  24. Gorgeous captures of the flowers... I do hope things get better there soon.

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    1. Bill: Thank you - on both counts. The wind and the smoke are increasing again at the moment. Hopefully the fires are not.

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  25. Hi EC - Sandra's book looks to have a wealth of information. Desperate times still for Australia ... we keep up - and certainly I feel for you all. Love the idea of the mask ... just awful it's needed for anyone. Beautiful plants despite the air quality ... take care and have an easier week - cheers Hilary

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    1. Hilary Melton-Butcher: Sandra's book is packed with information, some of which I knew, and some I didn't. The masks are in high demand here at the moment. And yes, the necessity is awful. Thank you - and I hope your week is good (and that your birthday was lovely).

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  26. That is a very beautiful garden. And putting a mask on the woman's face was quite appropriate.

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    1. gigi-hawaii: Thank you. My city has virtually no industry and is usually known for its clean air. Not now.

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  27. That was nice of Sandra.
    Very profound someone gave the statue a mask.

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    1. Alex J. Cavanaugh: It was very nice of Sandra who is supremely generous. Sadly the mask for the statue was (and is) entirely appropriate.

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  28. Those flowers are beautiful. I need to get a copy of her book. I need to plant some more flowers for our bees. That situation with the wildfires is frightening.

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    1. Rick Watson: I am very pleased that ours is a bee friendly garden (and was even more pleased to see a 'wild' swarm nearby. The fires (which continue) are terrifying.

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  29. Sandra’s book sounds lovely. Your garden photos are beautiful. Praying the fires stop soon.

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    1. Mason Canyon: Sandra's book IS lovely. We all hope that the fires stop soon. Very soon.

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  30. I suspect your garden thrives so beautifully not only because of the care and love you give it but because it receives love from all the people who see your photos. I look forward to seeing them and so much admire the work you must put in to it.
    I continue to grieve the fire's devastation. My heart is with Australia.

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    1. Myrna R.: Thank you. And yes, there is a lot of grief about.

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  31. I am always amazed at the delicate flowers that emerge from cactus. And my heart goes out to you and all who are suffering from these awful fires. And oh, the animals. :-(

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    1. DJan: Oh, the animals. And the birds and the insects and the reptiles and the flora...

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  32. The statue says it all.

    We see the reports from Australia but I cannot imagine what it is like. Take care!

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    1. Marie Smith: It is truly awful. We are probably safe here and it is still awful. And heartrending/breaking.

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  33. The flowers are beautiful. I love butterflies but I don't see a lot of them around here. The fires are just awful.

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    1. Marie Kirkland: I have seen less butterflies over the last few years too. You are so very right about the fires. Awful. And Awe full.

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  34. Wow that first photo of the flower has perhaps the best lighting you've ever captured! And you're a queen of capturing lighting. Did you do anything unusual for it?

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    1. John Wiswell: Thank you. I saw that lily just after first light - and it was just about glowing. So I maximised that glow taking the photo through the aperture priority setting.

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  35. So sad to hear. I hope the worst is over.

    That was very nice of Sandra Cox to send you a book!

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    1. Sandi: It was indeed very nice. We hope that the worst is over too, but fear there is more to come.

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  36. Your lovely flowers are a nice respite from the grey, brown woods and my yard here in January. Would you send me in an email the best place you know to donate for animal rescue and other organizations that are credible and will use the money for the purpose we send it? So sorry about the fires. I heard an interview with aboriginal man today on PBS. So sad that the powers that be don't listen to those who were there first and could help. Isn't it always that way?

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    1. Glenda Beall: Thank you. I have to go out shortly and will send you an email when I return. Sadly our powers that be are focussed on retaining power rather than taking necessary and perhaps unpopular action.

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  37. I love Sandra's gift to you- it does sound perfect and I am glad it inspired you to show us some of your beautiful garden. Hoping for rain and the end of the fires. I am so sad when they talk about it on the news- such devastation. I hope the air quality gets better soon!!!!

    Sending hugs and wishes for a Happy New Year!
    ~Jess

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    1. DMS ~Jess: It was the perfect gift and I am very grateful to Sandra. Our air quality is a daily reminder of the suffering going on not very far away. I do hope that the fires can be controlled soon. Yesterday would be good.

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  38. The final three images are powerful and troubling

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  39. Let's hope the air becomes clearer for all of those areas so everyone can breathe fresh again once again. Ok down here, just one day, lucky us :)
    Your photos are lovely as are those flowers, beautiful.

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    1. Margaret-whiteangel: We had a good day today. For most of the day our air quality was unhealthy rather than hazardous.
      And the garden and I thank you.

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  40. Your fires are now affecting other continents, what a horrible situation in which to be. I hope you are still safe and able to breathe. Your flowers are gorgeous and the book sounds right up your street.

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    1. e: Sadly we are told that the smoke will likely circle the globe and come back to us. I am uncomfortable but no more than that. I am sure that the air quality causes much more significant problems for many. Sandra's generous gift was indeed right up my street. I hope you and Lukas are well. Hugs.

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  41. my deepest prayers with you and other friends who live there dear EC!!!

    i found this post touching !
    this is inspirational how your beautiful soul finds peace in positivism my friend ,our faith is our guard indeed!
    how sweet of your friend Sandra to sent you such lovely book :)
    wishing you cool rainy days ahead E C ,may Lord shower his grace soon,amen!

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    1. baili: Thank you. I am not a believer but DO find immense solace in beauty and in nature. Cool and rainy days would be very welcome and I do hope that your wishes/prayers come true.

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  42. Beautiful flowers! Have a lovely week☺

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    1. natalia20041989: Thank you. It is early here but I have already been outside enjoying (and photographing) the garden.

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  43. Love your pictures. So sorry for all the fires your country is experiencing.

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    1. Natalie Aguirre: Thank you. The fires continue to burn, and we continue to grieve.

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  44. Bellissima la farfalla.
    Buon inizio settimana.

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    1. Giancarlo: It is a beauty isn't it (though orchard owners might disagree). I hope your week is lovely.

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  45. What a lovely surprise to see an honorable mention first thing in the morning:) Someday, I would love to walk through your beautiful garden with you.
    I am so sorry you and others, two and four-legged alike, are dealing with these fires and hope rain soon appears on the horizon.
    Hugs

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    1. Sandra Cox: A totally deserved honourable mention. I was trying to post a review on Amazon.au but can't find this book. Yet.
      You would be more than welcome to wander with me, but would be put to work.
      We have at least a little rain forecast for this week. If it arrives it will be very, very welcome.

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  46. What a kind gesture of Sandra...I'm sure that little beook will become a constant and very useful companion to you! :))
    Oh Sue, such a beautiful garden you have...and I am continuing to hope and pray that it and all of you, remain safe from those dreadful fires...and that your air quality recovers soon.
    Oh please PLEASE let it rain there ASAP!!!

    Sending you much love, hugs...and hope xxxxxxx

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    1. Ygraine: Sandra's book is beside me at the moment. I will dip into it often I am sure.
      Sadly the fires still rage, though some of their ferocity is gone (for the moment). I do hope that this nightmare ends soon.

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  47. I heard that rain is coming today, and that must be a more than welcome forecast. The fires are the first story on our news every night, and it is so horrible to see. Our hearts break for you all.

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    1. Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe: Fingers and toes crossed. Some areas have had a little welcome rain. We have some predicted for later in this week. Our weather bureau tells us that they are not expected to be 'fire dowsing' but we can hope. We do hope.

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  48. I'm doing a rain dance (actually it looks rather like my "normal" dance whcih may explain why it rains so much in Manchester). Let's hope you get some soon.

    :o)

    Cheers

    PM

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    1. Plastic Mancunian: Keep dancing. Please keep dancing.

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  49. The world has so much diverse beauty in it and all it takes is a mistake, freak of nature or tragic event to change everything. Hopefully time will see Australians healing from the shock of it all.

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    1. Spacer Guy: Thank you. If we get rain we will recover to some extent, but we have lost a lot. An immense amount.

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  50. We have been following the fire coverage here continents away and it is heart breaking.

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    1. Hena Tayeb: It is indeed heart breaking. I continue to weep and to grieve.

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  51. So much devastation - hoping and hoping for rain to help. So much heartbreak

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  52. I keep up with the fires through the news. Sending wishes for a nice long rain. I know everyone is heartbroken. The loss is not even measurable.

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    1. Anne in the kitchen: Thank you. The losses, particularly in our wildlife, are beyond my comprehension.

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  53. Just love the flowers and that awesome butterfly. I hope those fires are a thing of past soon and rains begin to fall.

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    1. RasmaSandra: Isn't the butterfly a thing of beauty? The fires still burn, but not as hot. I share your hope for rain.

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  54. I've been thinking about you and and all the animals (my heart breaks)and can only wish it would rain and rain hard. Your garden always makes me happy, so pretty.

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    1. mshatch: My heart breaks too. There have been some lovely stories, but way too much death and destruction. A little rain is forecast and my fingers and toes are tightly crossed.

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  55. Thank you for sharing these wonderful photos. I continue to hope and pray that those fires will be extinguished, and that rains will come soon.

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    1. DeniseinVA: Thank you. I hope for the same things. So very much. As do we all.

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  56. We've been hearing about the fires. I'm so sorry. Please stay safe.

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  57. Elephant's Child, I just saw your comment over on Comfort Spiral, "There is nothing mundane about glory" and wanted to say WOO! That was like breathing in sunshine.

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    1. Sandi: Thank you. Glory should be celebrated where-ever it is found.

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  58. We have heard a lot about the fires and the smoke that is everywhere. I hope your cooler weather continues and the the fireys can start winning the battle. The sculpture with the mask says so much.

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    1. Shammickite: The weather is all over the shop. Hot and cool alternate. Some places have had a tiny smidge of rain but not enough. Not nearly enough.
      We share your pain too. The loss of all those innocents is yet another ugly tragedy in the early days of this year.

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  59. Here's hoping for cooler weather and rain! Your flower shots are lovely.

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    1. Lady Fi: Thank you. It is past time that the firies and the wildlife got a break.

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  60. It still saddens me to hear of so many losses, but I'm happy to hear that many people have been rallying around to help with money or their services. Kindness is always good. Super Sandra is one of the kindest people ever, and to receive such a treasured book is fabulous! I know you'll get lots of use from it. Hugs and more hugs, RO

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    1. RO: The support that people the world over have been providing is wonderful. I mourn the necessity but am very, very grateful. And yes, Sandra is indeed one of the kindest most generous people about. Hugs gratefully received and reciprocated.

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  61. Oh...how wonderful that people left the mask on that sculpture. So sad to hear about the continuing devastation. Your flowers are so pretty though! When is your rainy season? Is it like this every year? (sorry for my ignorance, I avoid the news as much as possible, too empathetic!)

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    1. Rain: We get most of our rain in winter. The winter just gone (and the two which preceded it) we got very little. I do love that her local community gave the sculpture a mask. And yes, I understand avoiding the news. I am also an empath and find it very, very difficult.

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  62. That was so lovely of Sandra - and I so enjoyed seeing your flower photographs.

    I think the whole world has been affected by the terrible scenes of Australia that we see in our news reports. I know both celebrities and us ordinary folk are donating time/money to help in any way we can.

    I just cannot imagine what you all must be feeling, but obviously you go about each day as best you can.

    At the moment here in the UK many areas are experiencing the very wet and windy conditions that Storm Brendon is bringing. Oh, how I wish I could harness the wet and send it your way.

    My thoughts and prayers for you, and all in Australia.
    My good wishes.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Lowcarb team member ~Jan: Thank you. Sadly there are far too many things going on in the world to make our hearts ache. Here in Australia we are very, very grateful for the thoughts and support.
      And yes, I wish you could harness Storm Brendon too.

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  63. First and foremost, you remain in our thoughts and prayers, as do all those affected by the fires. Be safe!

    Your wonderful images are not of a "garden", but rather a botanical extravaganza! I almost swooned from color overdose.

    Thank you, EC, with all that's happening around you to take the time to share the beauty of your fantastic blooms!

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    1. Wally Jones: Thank you. The fires are still in the forefront of all of our minds, but I posted some garden shots as a distraction. Today we are promised rain (and threatened with flash floods). It never rains but...

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  64. Dear EC, that statue is a moment of stillness amidst the flame and fury of your fires there in Victoria and New South Wales. All of you there remain in my thoughts and heart. Peace.

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    1. Dee: Thank you. Over the last few days there has been a little (sometimes very little) rain. I am endlessly grateful and hope for more.

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  65. The statue made me grin, the fires not so much. I hope it continues to rain. Here in the UK we have flooding and high winds that are causing deaths. We are living in scary times, and all we can do is focus on the positives like your beautiful garden.

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    1. LL Cool Joe: The statue is the only thing which has made me smile about the fires. Some places have had rain, and others not. And I don't think that anyone has had enough. I have seen the reports of your high winds and flooding. Scary times indeed - the world over.

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  66. Your flowers are beautiful, and it's nice to see that people haven't lost their sense of humour despite the dire times. I think of you every time I see a report on the Australian fires. Stay safe...

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    1. Diane Henders: Thank you. For some of us (definitely me), our sense of humour is as integral as our skeleton. For the moment I am safe. Grieving and angry but safe.

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