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 fires still burn and a State of Emergency has been declared for my city. I am probably safe unless there is a dramatic wind change but we are on constant watch for ember attack. In a direct line I think the nearest fires are about ten to fifteen kilometres (six to nine miles) away.
The following photos were taken from my veranda and my driveway over a couple of days.
Sadly this fire (which is raging out of control) was started accidentally by a Defence Force helicopter. Its landing lights were hot enough to ignite the tinder dry grass and once started it was off and running. That said, I don't blame them and have been very, very grateful to hear (and sometimes see though the smoke) the waterbombers going back and forth, back and forth...
The colour in those plumes of smoke is flames and reflected flames rather than sun.
My anxiety levels are high so I have been looking for distractions. And finding them.
The birds continue to give me joy.
Pretty as the rainbow lorikeets are (and they are very pretty) they are shameful bullies. This one was defending apple we had put out against all comers. It was so busy shooing other birds off it barely got a mouthful itself.
I headed into town one day last week to do my shift (a very very busy and challenging shift) with Lifeline.
It was smokey and nasty when I headed off.
When I got into town my mood was lightened by some delightful installations celebrating Chinese New Year.
The first featured the rat... Musical rats no less.
And the second trees and lanterns.
I am still hoping for a week with no climatic extremes. World wide.
It is such tragedy that the fire began so quickly and unstoppable. The photos say it all.
ReplyDeleteYour birds are amazing, they would cheer me up as well.
I knew it was the year of the rat, but not how they could be portrayed! Such art.
Susan Kane: Those rats were an unexpected find and a treat. Yay the birds (and we are getting your corellas too). Sadly the fires are a continuing tragedy. I shudder to think what the toll will be when our fire season is over for the year.
DeleteYou remain in our thoughts and prayers, EC. Please be safe and don't hesitate to evacuate before you need to!
ReplyDeleteYour birds are gorgeous! Even the bully.
Crossing fingers for rain.
Wally Jones: Thank you. I am pretty certain that the bully-boy lorikeets know just how lovely they are.
DeleteGiant musical rats! Now that's something to be cheerful about.
ReplyDeleteSandi: I thought so too. I did get some weird looks as I moved around the installation photographing them - but tough.
DeleteHi EC - I'm glad that the fires haven't reached into your part of suburbia, but as Susan says your photos are showing us what is going on. Town centre installations look to be fun - so I'm glad they cheered you up - as too us. Take care and all the best for you and Australia as a whole - Hilary
ReplyDeleteHilary Melton-Butcher: Thank you. The fire in question (still burning out of control) has been downgraded from emergency to watch and act today. And I will be watching. This has been a shocking season and has a few months to run.
DeleteThese are wonderful photographs. Thank you for posting them!
ReplyDeleteElizabeth Varadan, Author: Thank you. I hope your writing is going well.
DeleteWow what a way to celebrate the year of the rat. Nothing happens here - apart form a few people posting a red rat on their website, but then the number of Chinese in Denmark is not big - I don't know any at all.
ReplyDeleteYour fire photos scary! I'd be anxious as well with such a view. I hope the rain promised for next Sunday will fall in great abundance.
Your metal owl is just wonderful!
Charlotte (MotherOwl): I really didn't expect the installations in town and they made me smile broadly. The rain predicted for today has been reduced to virtually nothing. A thunderstorm has replaced the rain in the prediction which I hope won't happen. Dry lightening has triggered more than one fire.
DeleteIsn't the owl lovely? Himself's sister gave it to us as a hostess gift.
Love the red rats. Hate that Australia continues to burn.
ReplyDeleteSue in Italia/In the Land Of Cancer: Yes. On both counts.
DeleteThat you can see the flames is just a little too close for comfort. I hope you stay safe and they get it under control very soon.
ReplyDeleteAlex J. Cavanaugh: Definitely too close for comfort. We are safe for the moment and definitely hoping (Australia wide) that the fires can be brought under control.
DeleteI hope you will continue to be safe where you are. My heart breaks for all of those who've been displaced or lost their lives because of this.
ReplyDeletee: Thank you. There are a lot of broken hearts this season.
DeleteGreat photos as always. I like the paper rat sculptures.
ReplyDeleteJamie Ghione: I did too.
DeleteWe had a wild storm here 11 days ago, and a couple more a couple of weeks prior to then, thankfully....topping up everyone's water tanks. I'm sure I could hear the ground yelling out its thanks as the rain fell.
ReplyDeleteNorth Queensland and north-western outback areas received a drenching during this past week...the first of the monsoon's annual visit. Other areas missed out on its generosity.
It is predicted we are to receive rain down this way in South-East Queensland from Tuesday or Wednesday forward for a couple or more days. I hope areas west of here get a drenching, too.
If I could shove rain down your way, EC, I would in a heartbeat.
Take good care, EC....I hope the coming week, and those thereafter bring you rain, peace of mind, and smoke-free air. May all this madness soon be over. Cuddles to Jazz.
Lee: I would accept any rain you could send down this way in a heart beat too. Some areas have had rain, but we don't have anything meaningful predicted. Jazz has been hating this weather. A permanent furcoat in these temperatures is not a lot of fun.
DeleteWe had rain and thunderstorms on Friday night and within minutes our roads were temporarily rivers, the rain continued into Saturday morning but was much lessened. I wish you could get the same deluge over your gardens and fires.
DeleteRiver: I saw your rain, and a brother in your part of the world assured me it would come to us too. So far we have had less than ten drops, most of which evaporated as soon as it hit the ground.
Deletehow ominous those clouds and fires are, I hope you get more rains and pray for the fire fighters and people and animals suffering, so much destruction so quickly, sad. I am sure folks are depressed at the situation and it makes your lifeline all the more needed.
ReplyDeleteLinda Starr: A number of the events across the world are triggering anxiety and yes, Lifeline is in high demand at the moment. The fires have been truly devastating for man and beast. The birds/insects/animals have suffered most though.
DeleteDas Feuer ist schlimm ich hoffe für euch auf Regen.Die
ReplyDeleteBilder von den Vögeln sind klasse.
Noke
Noke: Thank you. Rain would be very, very welcome.
DeleteWishing a long, slow rain for your area. I can't imagine how you feel.
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I have just finished watching the Santos cycling event and they rode through some of the previous scorched areas. I couldn't really tell where exactly the guys were when the scenery changed, but I told Mark that it sure looked like it flashed through. How scary, and how sad for the poor animals.
I hope you have a better week coming up, and I pray the fires will die out soon.
Terri: A long, slow gentle rain would be bliss. And is needed by so much of Australia at the moment. In some many areas the fires were quick, ferocious and devastating.
DeleteThese photos of the fires say it all. It must be incredibly frightening to be able to see the flames so clearly, and very sad to think of all of the wildlife and vegetation which have been destroyed. I get so angry when I hear some idiotic climate-change denier talking rubbish about what is happening to our poor planet. *#!*@!
ReplyDeleteYour birds are beautiful, as always, and I too would feel my mood lightening looking at the rats and the trees. May your skies clear soon, EC, and then be covered in rain clouds...
Alexia: Grief and rage have both been with me for months now.
DeleteRain clouds would be wonderful. Sadly the predicted rain is minimal.
These fires are catastrophic, Sue, and you are constantly in my thoughts. The maps I see are not sufficiently detailed for me to pinpoint all the fire locations, but when I visited Canberra in 1998 I stayed in Hall, NSW and that doesn't seem too far away from the flames. Stay safe and keep us posted.
ReplyDeleteDavid M. Gascoigne: Hall is safe for the moment. the current fires are on the southside of the city. While not under control the status has been downgraded from Emergency to Watch and Act. And I am watching.
DeleteYour pictures of the fire are so important to continue taking and publishing, sad as they make you. It is so important the world sees them and recognizes global change is underway. Peace.
ReplyDeleteJoanne Noragon: Sadly the ones who need to be convinced (politicians and media barons) have their eyes firmly shut and their fingers in their ears and are saying 'nothing to see, move along, business as usual'. Hiss and spit.
DeleteThose fires are much too close . . . I do hope they can be contained very soon. And extinguished before too much longer. I know that may be only wishful thinking, but I wish it nonetheless.
ReplyDeleteThe distractions you found for yourself are wonderful. The rat figures in such beautiful colours are full of cheer. Thank you for sharing them.
Stay safe.
jenny_o: You are not alone in that wishful thinking. The authorities tell us that these fires are likely to burn for months. I so hope they are WRONG.
DeleteAren't those rats charming? I have never seen (or imagined) anything like them.
When the rains come, it will be wonderful. I live in a wet climate. But we do have drought and it becomes eerie when it lasts too long. I can't imagine having fire for so long and close by.
ReplyDeleteThe birds are cool.
Ann Bennett: We live in a dry continent. Droughts and fires are part of our history. THIS drought and THESE fires take it to a whole new level. A level which demands action.
DeleteNice decorations to lighten the mood. The owl is cool but the fires look frightening. I would hate to see hills blazing away like that.
ReplyDeleteAndrew: I did hate it. Our driveway was a good vantage point and several of the neighbours gathered there each night. We all hated it, and all of our anxiety levels were high.
DeleteI LOVE the musical rats and all those lanterns, also love the rainbows from your window and even love that bully bird lorikeet, although I hope there were other apples for the other birds.
ReplyDeleteNow is the time to make sure everything important is packed and ready to skedaddle with. Papers and ID etc, not to mention favourite photos and mementoes. Then if you have to go you just grab a handle and run. If it turns out you don't need to then just unpack again later after the sighs of relief.
River: Need you ask? Of course there were apples for the other birds. Which the lorikeet also guarded until we showed 'him' off and gave some other birds a chance.
DeleteWe are ready to go, and hope it never comes to that.
I heard there had been some rain Sue, I was hoping it would help, but obviously not. This is a most terrible ecological disaster and such a shame the way it started. I bet those guys feel guilty even if it wasn't really their fault. Do please be careful about your breathing, it must be very bad for you. I just desperately hope you get some worthwhile rain soon.
ReplyDeleteJo: Some areas did get rain. Some areas flooded. We have no rain and very, very little forecast. You are right about the appalling ecological disaster too. I do feel for the people in the Defence chopper. They were trying to help.
DeleteMy goodness you keep safe.
ReplyDeleteLove the parrots and your owl.
The Chinese New Year, colourful.
Margaret-whiteangel: Thank you.
DeleteThe photo of the sun is both beautiful and horrific. I imagine the helicopter crew is heartsick over making matters worse when they were trying to help. Certainly not their fault.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're finding spots of joy in your world still. The birds are gorgeous and I love the musical rats!
River Fairchild: I am sure they are heartsick. And definitely not to blame.
DeleteI am a beauty addict and sometimes (quite often) that addiction is solace.
Oh! Those rats! A 9 year old in my class showed me how to fold an origami crane and I thought I was the bee's knees!Not sure I could do a giant rat...
ReplyDeleteAnd the fire images are scary.Very scary, but thank you for showing us.Stay safe.
dinahmow: Many years ago I played with origami. I was even (I think) reasonably. Those rats would have been beyond me.
DeleteThe fires were and are scary. That one is still out of control and growing. I will stay safe.
The photos from your verandas are truly scary. I hope you'll be safe. Wishing you rain. I would share too, if I could. We have a rainy winter here, in Vancouver.
ReplyDeleteLove the musical rats!
Olga Godim: It is definitely not a view I want to see on a regular basis. We 'may' get some rain towards the end of next week, but I will not be holding my breath. I will be hoping. So much.
Deleteart goes out to you and the Australian people who are experiencing the on going fires and smoke. Those images say it all and too close for comfort. Love the birds and the colourful Chinese New Year exhibits . Have a good week.
ReplyDeleteMargaret Birding For Pleasure: Thank you. The ongoing calamaties are mind boggling and heart rending. I am so very grateful for the beauty which co-exists with the tragedies my country is experiencing.
Deletesome thunder rolling around here.. so hope it brings more rain and goes to the areas that need it most. I'm sure Lifeline will be very busy for months to come as people's experience of the fires start to sink in. Look after yourself. Those rats made me smile :)
ReplyDeleteAnna: We have a thunderstorm predicted - but with minimal rain. Dry lightening terrifies me. Rain when it does finally arrive will be blissful. The rats made me smile too. You are right about Lifeline too. We will be busy for months to come.
DeleteI send you hugs and calm thoughts.... On a much smaller scale, we had a 40 foot tall maple blow over into the street in front of our house last night--- narrowly missing my pickup truck, and blocking the road for a couple of hours. The county sent a crew out to open the road, but I expect it will take a few days till they clean things up. I'm glad it didn't fall on our house. Minor stuff compared to the hellish fires there. Don't let it make you nutz. ♥
ReplyDeleteBill: Thank you. I am glad that the maple missed your truck. I am already nutz, so travelling a little further down that path will probably make no difference.
DeleteDearest Sue...I am sending you comforting hugs...and my most earnest prayers for your safety. God, it must be so frightening.🙁 Just looking at those pictures makes me feel anxious for you. Oh please, please keep safe, my friend. xxxxxxx
ReplyDeleteYgraine: We have had a better few days. The fires are not out (and are still out of control) but they are no longer threatening my city. The animals are a different story and I still ache and grieve for them.
DeleteOh EC those images, such a juxtapositioning of emotions. I hope steady, drenching rains arrive soon, with no lightening. May many birds keep visiting you and bringing you joy
ReplyDeleteKim: Steady, drenching rains sounds blissful - and an almost impossible dream. I continue to hope for it though. So very much.
DeleteOh dear - six to nine miles is too close for comfort. I'm still doing a rain dance for you guys.
ReplyDelete:o)
Cheers
PM
Plastic Mancunian: Keep on dancing. Please.
DeleteI pray the fire comes no closer, EC. The poor animals in its path...
ReplyDeleteMarie Smith: The fires are further away from us at the moment, but yes, those poor birds and animals...
DeleteDear EC
ReplyDeleteOur thoughts are with you all and we continue to hope for rain. It is so important to find joy however you can, particularly at times like these. Lovely birds, both real and metal! I liked the Year of the Rat displays too.
Best wishes
Ellie
Ellie Foster: Thank you. I am a beauty addict and fortunately there is a lot of it about.
DeleteThe skies are dreadful, horrible. But, beautiful chinese new of rats.
ReplyDeleteBob Bushell: The skies have been horrid - and strangely beautiful too. The musical rats were a treat weren't they?
DeleteThe distractions you've shared are so lovely and bright, but I still can't help but worry about you and so many others, and I'm praying for it all to end. Sending some hugs your way. RO
ReplyDeleteRO" Thank you. Hugs received and reciprocated.
DeleteOh my goodness. Those skies! That smoke! I am glad you have distractions from rainbows and birds. I am praying for rain for Australia. Fires be gone! Hugs.
ReplyDelete~Jess
DMS ~Jess: Some parts of Australia have had rain. Some parts have had floods. Some gentle soaking rain here would be lovely - and I am filled with hope.
DeletePiękne zdjęcia :)
ReplyDeleteErra Mood: Welcome and thank you.
DeleteThe lanterns are beautiful. Those fires are simply awful, though. I keep hoping to hear the good news that they have been contained.
ReplyDeleteI finally did one!
From the Treetops
The Ornery Old Lady: I really enjoyed your Sunday Selections - thank you for joining us again. I am hoping (so much) that all the fires besetting the nation can be controlled.
DeleteAs always, I am grateful for your photos. I also thank you for the work you do at Lifeline. I am a retired social worker and appreciate how difficult and draining your work is.
ReplyDeleteIt must be so stressful to be close to those fires. I pray for rain. Stay safe.
Myrna R.: Thank you. Lifeline can be draining, but if they can live it, I can listen.
DeleteThose are terrifying shots from your veranda. I am praying for some more rain and dropping temperatures for your area. Thank you for your exceptionally important volunteer work.
ReplyDeleteDJan: Our veranda and drive way gave us a really good? vantage spot to view the fires. Rain would be lovely. The temperatures are lower for much of this week which is a win - and the State of Emergency has been lifted for the moment too.
DeleteI like the rainbows on your carpet. Never happened over here in my home. Lol. Hope the fires do end soon. Love the bird photos.
ReplyDeletegigi-hawaii: Hawaii gets so many beautiful rainbows in the sky perhaps you don't need the artificial versions. We hope for an end to the fires as well - and thank you.
DeleteThe Chinese New Year decorations are really pretty, what a nice thing to see in the midst of your anxious chaos...those photos you post are beautifully sad. I do love your new owl though! That's so cool! And the birds are so pretty! Stay safe!!
ReplyDeleteRain: Those decorations are a lovely surprise. Anxious chaos is a great description. We are safe for the moment - and thank you.
DeletePraying you remain safe and the fires are out soon. Love the photos of the Chinese art.
ReplyDeleteMason Canyon: Fingers and toes crossed on the fire front. Wasn't the city centre's celebration of the Chinese New Year lovely?
DeleteIt seems flames show no signs of subsiding. Cannot imagine how you feel.
ReplyDeleteHope you find more distractions to attenuate the level of anxiety you are feeling right now.
Hugs
Caterina: There are out of control fires in so many areas of Australia at the moment. It is a little better than it was but still dangerous.
DeleteI am easily distractable and will find things to brighten my days - but thank you.
There is a horrible beauty in the fire photos. People talk about "saving the planet" but the planet will be fine, it just might be fine in a way that is not fine for us. Maybe we will initiate the changes for something more sensible to replace us, or of course, maybe something worse.
ReplyDeleteAndrew R. Scott: You are right about the horrible beauty. I am finding it hard at the moment to imagine anything which could replace us AND be worse for the planet. I expect you are right and that some forms of life will continue. But which forms...
DeleteThe fires are awful. How can climate change deniers live with themselves? I guess they don't care.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Janie Junebug: The climate deniers are thinking with their pocketbooks. Hiss and spit.
DeleteSomeone at work told me that climate change was invented by Al Gore to keep the people of Africa living in the dirt. I have no idea what that meant, but I make sure I don't sit by that person.
DeleteJanie Junebug: Hiss and spit. I would have troubles refraining from sticking a fork into that individual. A long and sharp fork.
DeleteThe situation with the fires is heartbreaking. I wish there was something we could do.
ReplyDeleteRick Watson: Thank you. I wish that our Government was prepared to do things which didn't involve coal, fracking, logging and land clearance. And yes, it is heartbreaking.
DeleteHorrible horrible horrible. It reminds me so much of the our fires - the images are interchangeable, really. The smoke is terrible - I imagine your air quality is beyond bad and probably getting worse. Hoping and wishing that this nightmare will be soon over. I love the birds, what a beautiful distraction. Those rats for Chinese New Year are awesome - your city definitely has a great sense for art.
ReplyDeleteCarola Bartz: Yesterday and today our air quality is better than it has been. A change of wind direction has led to the State of Emergency being lifted. The fires still burn so that could change quickly. I am endlessly grateful for our birds and for the art in the city.
Deletemuch too close for comfort that smoke and flames are.
ReplyDeleteCindi Summerlin: Yes. And closer still for too much of our flora and fauna.
DeleteI love the rats. I'm really liking all the rat related things this year so far. That fire looks bad. Love the birds, they are so pretty.
ReplyDeleteMary Kirkland: I thought you would like the rats. The fire is bad. And continuing.
DeleteSe parti col sorriso puoi arrivare ovunque.
ReplyDeleteBuon lunedì e buon inizio settimana
Giancarlo: Wise advice - and a smile uses less muscles than a frown. Have a great week.
DeleteLove the rats:)
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry you are having to deal with those deadly fires. How frightening and devastating. Thinking of you always and wishing you buckets of rain.
Hugs
Sandra: Thank you. Buckets of rain would be very, very welcome. The water bombers are out in force today and the smoke indicates the fires are spreading.
DeleteHow are you and your family? You have had way too much to cope with of late.
I'm relieved you weren't harmed in the fire! Conditions must have been dire if hot tail lights could spark an utter wildfire like that. Hoping you remain safe, EC, from the other side of the globe.
ReplyDeleteJohn Wiswell: Conditions HAVE been dire this summer. Record breaking heat, a long standing drought and chaotic winds are a dreadful combination. I am safe for the moment though authorities warn that hazardous smoke levels will follow a wind change this afternoon.
DeleteYour pictures show the gamut from sad things to joyful. You are in my heart.
ReplyDeletemessymimi: Thank you.
DeleteSo scary about the fires!Praying for this to end. The birds are very cute ☺
ReplyDeletenatalia20041989: It is very scary - and the birds are lovely.
DeleteI feel so frightened when I see those pics of the advancing fire, I can't imagine how it feels when it is such a nearby reality, very very stressful for all. And lights from a helicopter igniting the ground? good lord.
ReplyDeleteLove the birds and the exhibition, as you say focus on what give you some joy in the midst of this terror.
XO
WWW
Wisewebwoman: It is frightening. Not least because I remember clearly the firestorm which tore through my city in 2003. Lives were lost, as were nearly 500 homes.
DeleteI am working at focussing on the things which delight me - and it helps.
I do hope your weather eases up too.
sad face for all those fires
ReplyDeleteAuthor R. Mac Wheeler: Lovely to see you feeling up to commenting again. Sad (and angry) face here too.
DeleteWhat horrific pictures, and the air, how awful it must be. I can't imagine facing such a threat. We have the occasional hurricane, but fire. I just can't imagine. Stay safe!
ReplyDeleteThe pink rat - too funny. Happy New Year!
Yolanda Renee: The air has been foul for a long time now. The fires have been burning for a long time. None of us can quite bring ourselves to say Happy New Year yet, but I do hope that yours is.
DeleteI am hoping for the same. The lorikeets are beautiful. I'm glad you are finding spots of beauty in the terrible devastation surrounding you.
ReplyDeleteCarol Kilgore: I NEED beauty and distraction and am so very grateful for both.
DeletePretty birds and sky ♥
ReplyDeleteKinga K.: Thank you. I find the sky beautiful - in a horrifying kind of way.
DeleteI think it is wise (but not always easy) to focus on the positive … and I positively like your bird photographs and the musical rats are just wonderful :)
ReplyDeleteBoth Eddie and I send our good wishes, and hope that you and yours remain safe.
All the best Jan
Lowcarb team member ~Jan: Thank you and Eddie. So far so good - and you are right, focussing on the positive sometimes takes some effort.
DeleteI love the musical rats! But I'm so sorry to hear how close the flames are - "probably safe" is not a comfortable way to live. No wonder you're feeling anxious, especially since (as I noticed in one of your earlier comments) you've lived through this before. Sending rainy thoughts as hard as I can...
ReplyDeleteDiane Henders: Weren't those musical rats great? And so cleverly made too.
DeleteWe are still probably safe, and still watching carefully. And yes, I am still a bit anxious though less so. Rainy thoughts are more than welcome.
Oh Sue. So sad that the fires are still burning and so close. Wrapping you in prayers for peace and protection. And solution all around! Cheers to you for finding beauty and letting it speak it's comfort over you. You are such a bright light.
ReplyDelete- Jennifer
Jennifer Richardson: Many thanks. We have showers predicted for later this week. I hope they eventuate and long for them to turn into gentle soaking rain. Beauty and nature are a solace for me - and I need (and appreciate) them both.
DeleteWho'd have thought landing lights would have started that horrendous fire.
ReplyDeleteLoved the pics from the Lunar New Year Festival. So happy and upbeat.
Thinking of you always,
Hugs
Sandra Cox: It just shows how hot and dry the countryside already was. Scary though - and yes, I loved the lunar New Year displays too. Hugs to you and your family.
DeleteLove those birds! The fire not so much. Fire scares me big time. I'm praying for you all.
ReplyDeleteT. Powell Coltrin: Thank you. Fire scares me too. I also love the birds.
DeleteI can only imagine the great pains of anxiety you must be experiencing on an everyday scale. I do pray for all human life, the glorious land and your beloved dear animals. It's truly horrifying the levels it as risen. Your finding other distractions seems are perfect places to begin and it also serves well for us too.
ReplyDelete21 Wits: This has been a horrendous fire season. It started early and shows no signs of stopping. The huge losses of our flora and fauna breakes my heart. I am so grateful for the distractions I have found.
DeleteI am so sorry to hear of the fires still going. How awful for you all over there. Your photos are amazing. I'm glad you were able to see those beautiful distractions for the lunar festival, and your metal owl is a lovely addition. I will keep you all in my heart until I hear these awful fires have been put out.
ReplyDeleteDeniseinVA: Thank you. Authorities have said that the fires nearest us are likely to burn for months. I so hope they are wrong.
DeleteThe fire photos are scary and awful. Hope they are brought under control soonest. And here's hoping the year of the rat will bring all of us positive changes.
ReplyDeleteNilanjana Bose: Sadly the fires continue to burn out of control and new ones ignite. Tonight our air quality is hazardous. Again. I am hoping fervently for positive rats.
DeleteTerrifying shots! And a wonderful installation.
ReplyDeleteLady Fi: The installations were a wonderful antidote.
DeleteI hope and pray those fires are under control soon. The amount of devastation they've caused is mind-boggling. Reading about them in the newspapers, seeing them on the news is heart-wrenching. I can only imagine how stressful it must be to see them from your own veranda. My heart goes out to you and all of Australia. Scary times. Here's to the Year of the Rat! May it bring more positive things into our lives.
ReplyDeleteSusan: I read somewhere yesterday that there are more than sixty fires burning in the state nearest to me. More than half of them are out of control. Including the one featured in these photos. Rain is forecast and I am hoping fervently that it arrives and that it helps.
DeletePraying the fires would stop soon! Was really hoping all the rain that came your way would put an end to them.
ReplyDeletelikeschocolate: Welcome and thank you. Unfortunately we have had virtually no rain for months. Indeed for most of the last couple of years. Rain IS forecast for the coming weekend and my fingers and toes are tightly crossed.
DeleteThose Chinese New year decorations are glorious!
ReplyDeleteSo sad that those fires are still going - hoping you stay safe and that the fires get under control soon!
Jemi Fraser: Thank you. And yes, I agree with you on all counts.
DeleteI think about you often. I would be extremely stressed out having fires that close!
ReplyDeleteThe Chinese New Year Decorations are gorgeous. The red!
mshatch: Thank you. I am stressed about the fire and devastation and have been for months.
DeleteLike you, I loved those Chinese New Year decorations. They brightened the day and my mood.
That is a fairly diverse set of photos you have there!
ReplyDeleteJ Cosmo Newbery: It is. Some good, some less so.
DeleteChinese New Year belongs to everyone. Always new designs and images to amaze us.
ReplyDeletenothoughtsnoprayersnonothing: I think, I believe, I hope that beauty belongs to us all.
DeleteHey Sue, those photos had me tearing up. We've certainly been through the grinder. Thankfully it's started raining heavily in Queensland. How about you? Good ole Mother Nature. We'll go straight from drought to floods, nothing in between. But it's lovely to see everything greening up.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the lighter photos. They put the smile back on my dial. :-)
Denise Covey: I have been weeping too. No rain here yet (though some is predicted) and we can STILL see flames from our veranda. I do hope that we too get some rain, enough to kill the out of control fires.
DeleteBeyond the fires, this was a delightful post. I hope you have rain and more rain by now. xo
ReplyDeleteJ C: Lovely to see you in the blogosphere again. Sadly while some part of Oz have had rain (and some too much) we are still waiting. And the fires still burn.
DeleteI am too sorry for words about your fires.
ReplyDeleteYour beautiful birds would bring me joy too. Generally speaking, the further from the equator one gets, the less colorful almost everything becomes. The most common bird at my feeders right now is the junco, which is a small bird with a brown body and a black or gray hood. As disappointing as such things are, I know that if I moved someplace where the birds were spectacularly beautiful, I would always miss what I have here in Oregon.
Snowbrush: I am also struggling to find words to express the way I feel about the fires. Some parts of Australia have had rain. Some parts have had floods. We are still waiting and the fire nearest home continues to burn out of control. It has started others (also out of control).
DeleteA blogger I follow posted a photo of a junco very recently. They are subtler than some of our charmers but have a beauty all of their own.
People here buy bird books so they can learn about such birds as there are, but people also travel to the tropics to see colorful birds. I have no idea if other people travel FROM the tropics in order to see sparrows.
DeleteCalifornia has similar weather to what Australia is having, by which I mean fires and floods at the same time.
Snowbrush: We are a long way from the tropics (the equator is nearly 2,500 miles away). A blog I follow posts photos of the various sparrows she sees in Utah and I delight in them.
DeleteAnd yes, I know that we share some weather extremes with California. Sadly a Californian firefighter who was helping with the fires nearest my home said he had never seen anything like the fires which have hit us so hard this year.
162 comments that is the most I ever seen , but I do like this post the fire pictures are the best I've seen and the birds and the Chinese lanterns . The fires are scary hope you have had some of the rain we got some.
ReplyDeleteMerle..............
Merlesworld: It is a HEAP of comments (but half of them are mine). I am very grateful to all those who did comment.
DeleteSadly no rain yet. We are hoping, hoping, hoping.
I had to laugh at the bully lorikeet and the birds ignoring the metal owl.
ReplyDeleteBirds are so delightful, pretty...and hilarious.
neena maiya (guyana gyal): Birds fill me with joy on a daily basis.
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