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. Despite the slowly reducing restrictions here we are both firmly in the vulnerable category (himself has now has a lung spontaneously collapse three times) and are still mostly at home.
Sorry, but this is going to a bit same old, same old.
I featured corellas (again) this week. This morning (a grey and drizzly morning) they were shrieking for food early. As were other birds. I put out seed which went down very quickly. I hand fed the king parrots. And then I took out some apple.
I was very surprised to see a young (and whinging) corella shove his parent out of the way and daintily munch apple.
I have been revelling in the garden too. Each year we wonder whether the frost or the tree dahlia blooms will arrive first.
This year was a bit of a draw. We have had a mild frost and the leaves of the tree dahlia are a bit sad.
However there are blooms too.
And the ones in the back yard have done better and (so far) are frost free).
There are other garden joys too. Lots of them.
I saw something this week which made me think. It said word to this effect:
We are all in rough waters at the moment - but our boats are very different.
Sadly true. I hope all of your boats are seaworthy and equipped with life boats.
Stay safe, stay well.
I love how you think of, and interact with nature around you. Just being yourself could never be boring! Love You, S
ReplyDeleteCloudia: Thank you. The natural world provides me with solace and heartbalm. Every day.
DeleteOh my! I am first or almost so. I will never tire of seeing your birds, or your flowers either. And yes, we are in rough waters, and my boat is afloat and doing well. I truly hope yours is, too. Cheeky cockatoo! :-)
ReplyDeleteDJan: I am glad that your boat is high on the waters. I know that you are a confirmed extrovert and have been struggling.
DeleteWonderful pictures, you sure have an eye - and a heart - for birds and flowers.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte (MotherOwl): Thank you. I wander the garden every day (several times) and cannot tell you how much time we spend bird watching. A lot.
DeleteI like same old, same old... which brings us something new all the time regardless... I, too, like to see your flowers, which you have in abundance, and the birds, which are colourful and have a strong personality. And... last but definitely not least, I like to read your words...
ReplyDeleteWish you the very best, dear EC! :))
Caterina: Thank you for your very kind words. I do worry that I bore people with my obsessions.
DeleteIt's the same with my Magnolia tree and the frost. Once it blooms I'm constantly watching the weather.
ReplyDeleteMike: Jealous thoughts. I have given up on magnolia trees. The cockatoos have shredded (and killed) several and I refuse to allow them to kill any more.
DeleteI like the tree Dahlias. I have studied them to get a plant but never pursued it in seriousness. But they look well worth the effort.
ReplyDeleteThat must be quite a tasty apple. I love the birds. Our native birds are not so tame. With my burgeoning population of cats, that is a good thing.
Good analogy to boats. We are all on a different journey. And a journey we know will have twists and turns.
Ann Bennett: Tree dahlias are amazing. I cut them down to ground level each year when the frost hits hard. The next year they are back - and generally grow to over twelve feet in a season. Seeing them bloom is a treat. I am lusting after different coloured ones at the moment. And will probably succumb.
DeleteSadly while we are all in this together we are not equally well equipped. And, as usual, the most vulnerable will be hit hardest.
I love the Cockatoo, and the pictures of gardens filled up with flowers.
ReplyDeleteBob Bushell: Many thanks.
DeleteSo true about the boats, but your photos, positive spirit and good wishes help. I truly wish I could see your birds and garden in person. Wishing you a good week.
ReplyDeletee: I wish that you could see our birds and garden too. How I would love to have a blogger's open day. I am not sure that I have a positive spirit. I think it is closer to the mark to say that I choose to focus on things of beauty. Always.
DeleteI hope that you and Lukas have a wonderful week.
I would attend your bloggers open day, but I don't think I can leave Lola that long. She doesn't do well with others coming in to feed her.
DeleteRiver: I am sorry about that - but understand. Jazz doesn't cope well when we are away either. Not well at all.
DeleteGood morning, EC....my boat is very small, but so far is steady, with the hope the status quo remains.
ReplyDeleteIt's always fun watching the birds hungrily devour their food. Every afternoon here, my group give me much entertainment.
The flowers spread joy, too...as do you in sharing them!
Kaep taking good care, EC...have a happy and fulfilled week ahead...cuddles to Jazz. :)
Lee: I am glad your boat is steady. So many are not. You are so very right about the birds. They bring me/us endless joy.
DeleteI have just been working in the garden. I am totally windblown, and have come in for the day. Probably.
I hope you and the furry overlords continue to have a safe and happy trip.
Birds can be such bullies! Thing is, they don't know that's what they are being. Survival of the fittest. You always have such beautiful blooms. I enjoy seeing them. My boat is still afloat, but I am wearing my lifejacket ;)
ReplyDeleteKaren: I am pretty certain that some of our birds do know that they are bullies. And don't care. I am very glad that you have a lifejacket, and hope it doesn't become essential.
DeleteBeautiful flowers (and birds) to lift the heart and lighten the spirits; thank you as always. At last we are getting some rain - it's not heavy but it is supposed to last for several days. Manu and I managed to have a half-hour walk without getting too sodden, and it's not cold out there.
ReplyDeleteOur boat is staying afloat happily enough, with a bit of rough weather now and again, which is to be expected I suppose. I do feel very sorry for those who started their voyage in an already leaky boat...
Best wishes to you and your crew.
Alexia: We were promised rain, but received a little drizzle instead. I do hope we get more and am glad you are finally getting some (and equally glad that you and Manu got your walk).
DeleteI do worry about those whose boats have never been sea-worthy.
Quanti bei colori ci regala la natura.
ReplyDeleteBuona domenica.
Giancarlo: I am intensely, deeply grateful to Nature. I hope your Sunday and the week to come is wonderful.
DeleteFlowers and birds perfect!
ReplyDeleteMarie Smith: Thank you.
DeleteThe pecking order for apples was established. There are lots of flowers in your garden for this time of the year. It was very dull and depressing here Saturday. I like the phrasing 'We are all in this together, but we are not all in the same boat'.
ReplyDeleteAndrew: Firmly established. Our Saturday weather was not precisely pleasant either. We had drizzle and cold wind and a lot of cloud. Today we have wind (lots of it) and more sunshine. Your paraphrase is excellent - and sadly true.
DeleteI love taking a virtual walk through your garden and enjoy the many flowers and birds along the way! Thank you for a bit of fresh air each week. Continue to stay safe. Many in my country are running wild with no thought to shield anyone from their foolishness.
ReplyDeleteRiver Fairchild: Thank you. You do know that if you were here you would be put to work don't you? Though perhaps not today. I put in a hour or two, but even I was cold and windswept so I have stopped for the moment.
DeleteWe have some of the same idiots (but they are not urged on by our politicians). Huge hugs and I hope you can stay out of the way of the 'freedom seekers'.
Laurie: Thank you. I look at your drawings and paintings in awe and wonder. They always seem to express the beauty of nature exquisitely.
ReplyDeleteEC, I didn't even think of Covid. I was forming my thoughts around the god awful fires and drought you have survived these last two years, and to enter the "safe" season (as I think of it for you), with so many beautiful flowers. There is more than a little to be gained from staying home, staying safe.
ReplyDeleteJoanne Noragon: It has been a less than stellar year here. I am endlessly grateful for the flowers and for the birds. And yes, staying home makes a heap of sense. Some rain would be nice though.
DeleteYour garden and birds are lovely.
ReplyDeleteYes, our boats are different. It reminds me of what the great philosopher comedian Jonathan Winters once said (edited to keep it rated G), "Life is a crap sandwich. If you have enough bread, you don't have to taste the crap."
My selections will be right here.
messymimi: I look forward to your selections. Sadly I think that many of those with plenty of bread don't realise that others drown in the crap.
DeleteYou still have so many different plants blooming, with such a range of colours. Gardening means you never have to be bored. There's always something new growing or blooming or multiplying and there is always work to be done. I do hope you get the rain you need.
ReplyDeleteThat quote is sadly true. There is some comfort in knowing we're all facing the same virus, but our circumstances do vary so widely. Sometimes it's not even a function of money, although that underlies a lot of the discrepancy; sometimes it depends on where we live, what we live in (apt. or house), and what work we do (or did in the Before times). But always true that life is very uneven for folks during this time as much as any other.
There, I've just managed to blow up rather than distill the wisdom - should have left well enough alone.
Have a good week, EC.
jenny_o: My monkey mind doesn't often get bored. The garden does keep me busy though. I was out in it early, but the wind has driven me in.
DeleteSadly most people with money will do better than those without, but money is not in itself a vaccine. And yes, you are right a lot of other factors come into play.
I do wish that our boats were more alike though, and that all of them came with life rafts.
Hugs.
I'm guessing that youngster won't be a whinger much longer now that he knows how to shove others aside. I did smile when the cockatoo did the same to him though.
ReplyDeleteIs that rain I see under the pergola? Yay! Love the flowers.
River: The young corellas still whinge (and loudly) about seed. They don't seem to have worked out how to eat that themselves. The apple was a different matter, and I was thrilled to see him/her eat it alone. And yes, I smiled when the cockie bounced him.
DeleteIt was rain. Blissful rain. Other days have had rain forecast - but it hasn't happened.
My boat is also steady, but I'm glad I know how to swim, just incase something unforeseen happens.
ReplyDeleteRiver: I am glad. On both counts.
DeleteYour garden pics are always a delight, being so very different from mine. And, after a week of rain and the coldest weather in almost 100 years, today's sunshine was my delight.Now, to get the laundry in...
ReplyDeletedinahmow: I would love to wander through your garden. We are now at the time of the year when washing has to go out very early to have any chance of drying outside. I much prefer it line dried (and hate a house festooned with wet washing) so I continue to make the attempt.
Deleteyr photos are so sharp and clear. I don't know the difference between corella and cockatoo so I googled!! Wish I had all those lovely and colourful flowers in my garden too. Enjoyed your photos very much. Agree that we are all in different boats, I pray for those in leaky boats and hope that all goes well for them soon.
ReplyDeletekestrel: Thank you. The corella wears blue eyeshadow (better than most people) and the cockatoo has a golden crest (which they raise in curiosity/alarm and each time they land).
DeleteMy heart goes out to those on rickety rafts and leaky boats. The world over.
Love the bird--- and I love the amazing flowers. Well done, EC, well done!
ReplyDeleteBill: Thank you. Staying at home isn't all bad by any means.
DeleteHi EC - that boat analogy is so true isn't it ... we look at things differently, act differently ... but so many are really struggling with only thoughts for today for water, food ... we are relatively blessed. Birds and animals are fascinating how they adapt ... love the little story line, as too the wondrous flowers - delightful autumn to relax in ... stay safe - Hilary
ReplyDeleteHilary Melton-Butcher: I really liked the analogy. We are indeed all in this together but, as usual, equality is NOT part of the equation.
DeleteI am revelling in autumn and I hope your spring is bringing you joy. Bountiful joy.
It is ... we seem to be in the late Spring/early Summer season ... the winds need to go ... but always something ... it is beautiful though with the longer days. Glad you're enjoying yours ...
DeleteHilary Melton-Butcher: I hear you on the winds. Ours have been going through rather than around us. There is still rather a lot of beauty about. For which I am grateful.
DeleteDear EC
ReplyDeleteFlora and fauna are a great combination. The Tree dahlia is spectacular too. The garden is a great source of comfort.
Best wishes ans keep safe.
Ellie
Ellie Foster: You are so very right about the solace the garden brings (as well as more than a little work).
DeleteYou stay safe too - and continue to enjoy your Spring.
Parrot is lovely. Saw two black cockatoos in the tree next door yesterday, unusual.
ReplyDeleteThe flowers are pretty.
Margaret D: Black cockatoos are a rare sighting here. I am always blown away by how much bigger than the sulphur crested vandals they are. And love to see them.
DeleteYes we are all going through the same pandemic, but our situations are all so different. I feel for the people living in high rise flats in some of the poorer parts of our country, and those with not enough money to get by. I'm very fortunate, and I remind my older daughter of this all the time.
ReplyDeleteLovely photos of the garden, that must be bringing you joy.
LL Cool Joe: Our boats are very, very different aren't they? I am endlessly grateful for the garden and for my safety.
DeleteHi Sue: I am always so happy when I can see evidence of your dedication to cockatoos and parrots of every ilk. They are truly emblematic of Australia and transport me back every time I see them. So far our boat has been very seaworthy and we have't had to use the lifeboats. We can only hope that will continue.
ReplyDeleteDavid M. Gascoigne: Of course I am dedicated to the birds. They bring me joy and wonder every day (including the vandal birds). I am glad that your ship is seaworthy - long may it remain so.
DeleteWhat's that flower? It is beautiful - the 10th from below!
ReplyDeleteDamyanti: It is isn't it? It is a variety of Cape Daisy and I love those twisted petals. I have several and am planning more. There is a yellow one I lust after.
DeleteSuch gorgeous flowers and the colors are so vivid. Lovely garden and always enjoy the birds. I agree with you about the seaworthy boats. Take care my friend.
ReplyDeleteMason Canyon: Thank you. You take care too please.
DeleteI know it isn't, but all those lovely flowers make it look like summer not autumn. I hope you don't get too much frost too soon. I hope your boat stays afloat too Sue.
ReplyDeleteJo: I am longing for a good hard frost so that I can indulge my inner child and freeze soap bubbles again. Next month. Perhaps. In the meantime I am enjoying the garden and the birds.
DeleteYour flowers are always so lovely. I adore the tree dahlia. I am fortunate to be in a fairly safe boat in fairly safe waters. Stay safe and well!
ReplyDeletemshatch: We have a line of tree dahlias against the back fence. Most of them are now well over twelve feet tall and more blooms are coming out each day. They turn to the light so the neighbours see the blooms better than we do though. I hope they enjoy them.
DeleteI enjoyed the drama of the birds and the apple. Lol. Love those flowers in your area.
ReplyDeletegigi-hawaii: That drama is repeated often. We went to the markets yesterday specifically to pick up some more apples and to ensure our front row seats.
DeleteThis is not same old, same old. I love the bird and flower photos and I admire how artistically you give each one some originality. Beauty is never old. Sorry to hear about himself. May you both stay healthy.
ReplyDeleteMyrna R.: Himself has definitely had some health challenges. I had no idea that lungs could rupture spontaneously. Sadly he has now emphatically proved me wrong. Fingers and toes crossed it doesn't happen again. We are safe, we are well and I hope your family is too.
DeleteYour flower pictures are always so pretty. I don't see many flowers are here so I like seeing your posts. The birds are so pretty.
ReplyDeleteMary Kirkland: Thank you. I am very, very grateful to both the garden and the birds.
Delete'Equipped with lifeboats,' is a lovely thought.
ReplyDeleteMom and dad birds need to teach the little ones not to cut in line:)
I can't tell you how much I enjoy strolling through your garden.
Stay safe. Be healthy.
Sandra Cox: I suspect the corella's parent was very, very glad to see some signs of independence emerging. I would dearly love to wander through your garden too and also enjoy the snapshots you share.
DeleteWe are safe. We are well. Now follow your own excellent advice.
I never tire of seeing your photographs and you've got some stunning ones here, thank you.
ReplyDeleteI was so sorry to read that himself has had a lung spontaneously collapse three times … sending healing wishes and hoping that you both stay well and safe.
All the best Jan
Lowcarb team member ~Jan: Thank you. It has (fortunately) been a while since his last lung collapse and we hope they are a thing of the past. And thank you for your kind words about my photos.
DeleteI hope you and Eddie are also safe and well.
You still have so many beautiful flowers in your yard. I enjoy seeing those naughty birds even though they are a bit selfish. It's good of you to feed them apples and seeds.
ReplyDeleteIt makes a great pastime.
Hugs, Julia
Julia: Thank you. Feeding the birds is a privilege and a joy. Apples (which have to be green) are a constant on our shopping list, and we buy the seed from a produce store in 20 kilo bags.
DeleteWhat beautiful photos! I'd never heard of a tree dahlia until now.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking of you last night while I was reading a book by a new-to-me Australian author, Marianne Delacourt. It was fun to interpret the slang and get a feel for the rhythm and quality of life in Perth!
This is a scary time for those in vulnerable health - sending strong and healthy thoughts your way.
Diane Henders: Tree dahlias are wonderful. The plants grow up to 12 feet (and sometimes more) and are lavishly supplied with flowers (until the frost gets them). I cut them back to ground level then and wait for another year. Set and forget plants - which are among my favourites.
DeleteMarianne Delacourt is new to me and Captain Google indicates I should check her out. Many thanks.
We are vulnerable but not fragile.
Buon inizio settimana.
ReplyDeleteGiancarlo: Thank you. It will have some busy bits with a dentist appointment and a blood test but should be fine. I hope your week is lovely.
DeleteGreetings, it's always enjoyable popping in and seeing your lovely blossoms and surroundings so very peaceful. I had a bit of frost hurt a few things too, still trying to save one tomato plant. Your gorgeous birds in the opening are just a joy to see, thanks for sharing them. Enjoy your week ahead. Stay safe.
ReplyDelete21 Wits: We have just had the one frost so far, but more will come. I hope your tomato survives the frost and that your week is filled with colour and joy.
DeleteAh, to be able to observe cockatoos and corellas in nature! That must be such a treat.
ReplyDeleteBea: It is. Even when they are incontinent (always) noisy (often) and/or destructive (sadly quite often) we are very glad and feel privileged to see them.
DeletePoder disfrutar de flores tan bonitas y coloridas, seguro que ayudan mucho, a sobrellevar mejor este obligado confinamiento.
ReplyDeleteGracias por compartir, las flores de tu jardín.
Un abrazo.
Manuel: You are right. The garden is a big help at the moment. It is getting plenty of care too.
DeleteStay safe, stay well.
Beautiful pictures as always, love tge flowers, sooo pretty! Abd the bird is so cute☺ Stay safe and healthy everyone ☺
ReplyDeleteNatalia: Thank you. You stay safe too please.
DeleteDearest Sue...well if this is "same old, same old", then please never stop posting more of the same. These are really stunning, and I will never ever stop tiring of seeing them!! :))
ReplyDeleteOh your poor hubby...please do wish him well for me, and of course, take good care of your precious self too...
Sending much love & hugs xxxxxxx
Ygraine: Thank you. Himself is fine. His collapsed lungs are I hope firmly things of the past. Just the same the tendency does put him firmly in the vulnerable category. And thank you.
DeleteI do hope that you too are safe, well and happy.
Great shots! That corella must be a teenager! LOL.
ReplyDeleteLady Fi: I suspect you are right. A particularly bratty teenager at that.
DeleteI don't think I've ever seen a tree dahlia before.
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful. Peace to you and hubby - peace and wholeness
and fresh wings,
Jennifer
Jennifer Richardson: Tree dahlias are spectacular. And easy to grow.
DeleteLook after yourself - and let your creativity continue to soar.
Love your bird tales and the flowers are inspiring. You might enjoy "H is for Hawk" by Helen MacDonald which I am currently reading. A memoir of a falconer training a groshawk.
ReplyDeleteXO
WWW
Wisewebwoman: I did enjoy H is for Hawk. It is probably time I revisited it too.
DeleteWOW! I'll type WOW again and say I think I'll put my boat in the water and float it to you so I can come enjoy all your lovely flowers and birds. Do you have room for a tent in your yard? lol
ReplyDeleteP.S. I'll wear a mask and eat an apple.
DeleteMildred Ratched: There is certainly room for a tent in the yard - though it is getting chilly. You may have to fight the birds for the apple though. The cockatoos eat them. The long-beaked corellas eat them. The currawongs eat them. The king parents eat them. The wattle birds eat them... You would be at the back of that queue.
DeleteMildred Ratched: Thank you. There are rather a lot of gardens around the world I would happily camp in. I would even work for my keep...
DeleteThe tree dahlia is just so pretty. I'm glad it escaped the frost!
ReplyDeletekylie: I am glad too. Mind you I suspect that frost will take them down soon now.
DeleteThat seems strange to have a lung collapse, without apparent reason. It's almost like he has a tear somewhere that's not been seen and hasn't healed. I love those 2nd and 3rd flower photos. What are those? The two flower photos after the red bush, one flower white, the other purple. Those are unique!
ReplyDeleteStrayer: Three collapses, both lungs. Apparently it does happen and he was unlucky to have the repeats. I really, really like those daisies too. They are a Cape Daisy variation. I will probably try and get some more later. I have seen them online but they are (at the moment) very expensive.
DeleteWe can never get too many pics of your lovely birds and flowers. I so enjoy them.
ReplyDeleteStay safe. Be healthy.
Sandra Cox: Thank you. I do worry that I am stuck in a rut. A rut which I enjoy and others may not. I am safe and healthy and hope you are too.
DeleteAside from the blasted heat, your area is an amazing place to live. I love to see the photos you share. Thank you, Sue.
ReplyDeleteThe Happy Whisk: Thank you. The blasted heat has finally backed off, and I am revelling in crisp nights and cool days. Other people may not be as happy.
Delete