Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Sunday 20 December 2020

Sunday Selections #512

 



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.  I am still struggling, but there are most definitely some bright lights this week.  Christmas is looming here, and my kangaroo fix this week brought some extra cheer with it.

The suburb in which we visit the roos 'does' Christmas with red bows on their street trees (and occasionally houses).  I think it is a totally charming way to express community spirit.







Our Governor General also lives in this suburb and we were told that he has decorated his front gates with the red bows and some of the trees in his garden.  I am not on his visiting list for some reason so this socially distanced shot of his home and grounds (photographed in Autumn) will have to suffice.
 
 
 
You didn't think you were going to get away with not seeing my roo fix did you?  My fix which was made even better by seeing this crimson rosella happily munching on grass seeds.








Continuing the Christmas theme, for many years now I have made Christmas cakes in various sizes as gifts for family and friends.

I also give them to the paid staff at Lifeline in appreciation of the incredible work (for minimal wages) that they do.  However it has become more complicated in recent years.  Some of the staff receive tiny cakes, some don't like fruitcake or cannot eat it.  They get shortbread instead.  And for the last few years a staff member with significant dietary issues gets gluten free, dairy free, refined sugar free brownies.  The other bag is filled with donations to the Early Morning Centre a much needed service supporting those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

I took them in when I did a shift last week.  A shift which forcibly reminded me that Christmas isn't the happiest time of year for far too many people.  I wept with our callers.  I wept for our callers.  And fully expect to do so again this week.



This time of year is packed with celebrations for a number of religions and cultures.  Whatever and however you celebrate (or don't) I hope that you find health and happiness.  And a generous sprinkling of love and laughter.

And a sad postscript.  Jo Wake slipped away from the world on Wednesday of last week.  I am richer for having known her (virtually) and diminished by her death.  Her husband Matt is in care - and my thoughts go out to him, and to everyone who knew her.

120 comments:

  1. Now I wonder what's with your Governor General for not having you as a visitor! I would LOVE to have you visit me. Thanks for the heartwarming post and pictures of the red bowed trees. You are generous and work hard to treat the staff at Lifeline. May you have a wonderful season next week, Sue., however you celebrate. Thank you for your continued visits to and commesnt on my blog. Best wishes. Jo

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    1. Jo: The Governor Generals list of approved visitors is unlikely to include me often. I may visit him on the next 'open day', and admire his trees - and his roos.
      Stay well, stay safe, and try and get a little downtime please.

      Delete
  2. Hi EC - brilliant post in many ways ... love the red bows celebrating the season. You'd have to be more formal if you were on the Governor General's visiting list - so for us it's great you're flexible!

    Amazing number of cakes and goodies you so thoughtfully make for your friends and carers-for others ... generously giving.
    The roos are just delightful to see, the crimson rosella - incredible looking bird ... thanks for all the photos ... lovely to have the updates.

    And yes - your shout-out to the passing of Jo Wake ... is so true ... she always offered us all lots ... food, care of animals, friends to visit ...

    Take care and stay safe and yes, you offer a comforting ear to those in need via LifeLine ... thank you so much for that. All the best - Hilary

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    1. Hilary Melton-Butcher: I really like the festive red bows. Not only do they decorate the main streets they are also a feature in the smaller streets as well (including the one in which I grew up). I will miss Jo, but am glad to have known her.
      You stay safe too please. Always. And thank you for your post this morning, which is still making me think.

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  3. Your photos are lovely, I still like kangaroos, they are such exotic animals. And the parrot is wonderful. You really have a green Christmas in the middle of summer. Or you might call this time as winter, or whatever.
    There is no snow in southern Finland now, but we hope to have some for Christmas.
    Please, keep well.
    Hugs

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    1. orvokki: I hope you do get a white Christmas. Our cards and decorations often include snow, despite the fact that it would be a snowy day in hell before we got any at Christmas time.

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  4. Red bows are more festive than yellow ribbons, for sure. Love your photos. Yes, Christmas is sad for too many people. Death comes when it comes and pays no never mind to those left behind.
    Have a wonderful Christmas and thank you for your thoughtfulness to those you work with at LifeLine

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    1. The Blog Fodder: The bereaved, the lonely, those with divided families, those in poverty... There are so many reasons for people to find the Festive season difficult. The phone lines are running hot and I hope that we do help some people at least.
      I hope that you and the people dear to you have a wonderful Christmas too.

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  5. Love the simplicity of the red bows. Much nicer than the garish, blow uo Santas and reindeer and snowmen that proliferate here! They only serve to bring out my inner Grinch! Your kangaroos remind me of the deer in Oregon!
    I agree that comfort and joy is a long way off for many people at christmas and the media does nothing to alleviate lonliness. Bless you for helping so many!

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    1. molly: I really, really like the red bows and applaud whoever thought up the initiative - all of the bows are the same as well which suggests a lot of organisation. We didn't see a street in the suburb that was 'bow less' either.
      And yes, advertising and media coverage reinforces loneliness for far too many.

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  6. I love the idea of the red bows things looks so festive, Enjoyed your photos of the birds and kangaroos. Happy Holidays to you and yours!

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    1. RasmaSandra: Aren't the bows lovely? Happy holidays to you too.

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  7. I love the red ribbons on the trees, pretty. The Crimson Rosella is beautiful, love them. And ther Roos', precious.

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    1. Bob Bushell: We really like the bows too - and the rosella and the roos brighten any day in which we see them.

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  8. Wonderful post. I like the trees with red bows, great idea! I like the rosella, and I'm once again amazed over just how exotic your flora and fauna look to me. And the roos! I am slovly turning into a roo.addict :) thank you for the fix.
    Condolences on your loss of a good (virtual) friend.

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    1. Charlotte (MotherOwl): Thank you. We are most definitely kangaroo addicts (and lucky that we can find a fix so easily).
      I am certain that your flora and fauna would be exotic to me too. I am endlessly grateful for the people I have found in the blogosphere. Of course I mourn when we lose someone - which is right and proper.

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  9. I love your cheery photos of big red bows, and that colorful Crimson Rosella and those roos.

    You must hear some sad stories and you are right, Christmas can be a very sad time for so many and especially this year. There is so much suffering in the world.

    Like you I alway make up some packages for the homeless and the poor. We have a large wooden bin where we can drop off grocery at our church for the needy and our church women group fill boxes with new mittens, gloves, hats and scarves, socks and this week it toiletries. All these gifts are much needed and appreciated. Also we baked Christmas cookies and sweet and prepared some boxes of assorted sweets as a fund raiser while practicing safety and social distancing. We are in a Yellow Zone.

    Happy Hollidays to you and thanks for your positive comments on my blog. I appreciate you and all the comments. I'm saddened by the passing of your blogger friend Jo.
    Stay safe and as well as you can.
    Hugs, Julia

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    1. Julia: Seeing so much of the suburb filled with those bows was a treat.
      We do hear some very sad stories and I am in awe at the resilience of so many of our callers. Their strength blows me away.
      Thank you so much for what you do to lighten people's burden - and I love that your assistance also includes treats.

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  10. Good for you on doing the lifeline gig.

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    1. Mike: I have been volunteering with Lifeline for a long time now - and get an immense amount from it.

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  11. This time of the year holds many different emotions, all of which surge to the surface, vying for top position.

    Our heartfelt thoughts, and actions where and when possible shared with others help lighten the loads we bear. It's never always sparkling baubles and tinsel for everyone...and we must never forget that.

    I wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas, EC...take good care...thank you for your friendship. Special cuddles to Jazz. :)

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    1. Lee: You are right. Some lives are totally lacking in sparkling baubles, tinsel and bells.
      I hope that you and your furry overlords have a wonderful week - to be followed by a wonderful year.

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  12. The bows look very cheery. And, oh, what a pretty bird you spotted!

    How thoughtful of you to make Xmas goodies for the folk at Lifeline. This time of year brings up sadness for many, myself included. I'm glad that folk have somewhere to turn to for support.

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    1. Bea: Aren't the rosellas lovely? They visit us here too and are very welcome. I am sorry to hear that you are among the people who feel sadness at this time of year and hope you have support and comfort.

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  13. You are such a good friend to so many, EC. I think of you and your (to me) upside down climate often. When we have snowstorms, you have drought and fires. And vice versa. I love to see your roos whenever you show them, and I really like all the red bows, too. And thank you for all you do at LifeLine. I cry just thinking about those you serve.

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    1. DJan: Believe me I also cry with and for our callers. On the flip side I have often laughed with them too.
      I hope you and Smart Guy have a healthy happy festive season. Take care.

      Delete
  14. I like the symmetry of the bows on the trees and on the house, rather than random as is seen here. You could take photos of Yarralumla bows when you are at the GG's Christmas Eve drinks.
    The roos seem very interested in you, or your camera lens.
    I just had a look at Jo's blog. Very sad and the content of her blog has gone, but from what I can see she seemed to be a decent and caring person.

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    1. Andrew: Somehow my invitation to the GG's festive drinks seems to have been lost in the mail. Which is a shame. I would love to photograph both his bows and the roos that live in his garden.
      Jo was lovely. Vital, caring, interested, witty, creative...

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  15. These red bows on trees is such a great idea. I would have loved to place one on my tree in Nashville, but it is gone after thunder hit it. Your roos are so lovely and seem to enjoy your visit.

    Christmas is difficult for many people here because of the virus. Many will not celebrate with family or friends. It will be my first Christmas in the US that I will be alone because when I arrived in 1961 I was invited by friends in Montana. But with so many without jobs or even food I do not complain. Hopefully next year will be better.
    I used to also bake a lot at this time and give goodies to family and friends, but in Nashville I know no one and again, because of the virus, sharing of food is not encouraged.
    Take care and enjoy the season with your family and friends.

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    1. Vagabonde: The red bows are lovely aren't they - and look even better when there are streets ful of them.
      Christmas is always difficult for some, and this year will be more so.
      I am sorry that you will be alone this Christmas and do hope that next year is better. For the world.

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  16. I'm sorry to hear about Jo and glad that you mentioned her passing. Too often someone disappears from social media and we never know why.
    Always love the roos and the crimson rosella is fabulous! He looks as if he's aware of your adoration.
    Thank you for spending the time to listen to others and their heartbreaking troubles. It's gut-wrenching and yet you keep putting yourself out there. I'm sure you've helped many who have no one else to talk to and no connections in this world. We all need somebody.
    The community coming together to display red bows is awesome! I hope the gesture expresses a cordiality amongst the neighbors as well.
    Stay well. Stay safe. Stay loved.

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    1. River Fairchild: I am grateful that I did know what happened to Jo (though sad about the reason). I am familiar with the worry when people disappear.
      My mantra on the crisis line is 'If they can live it, I can listen'. You are right it is gut-wrenching and how much worse for the people who are forced to live it.
      I suspect that the community in Yarralumla is cohesive - or they wouldn't have come together to decorate. I hope so anyway.

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  17. Yes, the holidays are hard on a lot of people. It can be an especially lonely time, what with expectations being so high, and everyone on TV is in love or has children hanging around all the time. I love the red bows. That might be a tradition I can start in my neighborhood next year.

    Love,
    Janie

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    1. Janie Junebug: I would love to see the red bow tradition spread. I do hope you can start it up in your neighbourhood.
      And yes, expectations OFTEN fall short of reality at Christmas - and indeed any of the family holidays.

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  18. Kudos to those ribbon hangers. Those are actual bows!

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  19. Those bows are beautiful! And I am glad you found out about your friend, tho saddened for you that she is gone.

    XO
    WWW

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    1. Wisewebwoman: Aren't the bows great? And yes, I am glad to find out about Jo, but so very sorry that she is gone.

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  20. I'm sure everyone at Lifeline and the other recipients all appreciate the little gifts you give, not only at Christmas but your time all year too.

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    1. River: I hope so - but I don't do either of them for thanks.

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  21. The roos are wonderful, so pleased you could photograph them along with the parrots. Love the bows on the trees, they have been done well.
    My goodness you certainly have a heart of gold to make the cakes to give away with all those different needs. Remember the time we all ate Christmas cake and didn't really know about dietary needs? It seems some people certainly get upset at Christmas time being alone not being able to see family. Sad it is, but that's life.

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    1. Margaret D: I will admit to getting a bit irritated at people jumping at food restrictions without a medical reason. The bows look great though.

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  22. ah kangaroos! never seen so close... are they docile?

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    1. Kim Young: Kangaroos can hurt people but very rarely do. Mostly they simply hop away. The roos at this spot are so relaxed around people that they often ignore us.

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  23. There's one thing I know-- If YOU ever feel down, the list of comments on your Sunday posts shows that you have a multitude of friends. And even Kangaroos are docile around my friend, EC.

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    1. Bill: I am so very grateful for the friends I have found here in the blogosphere. And yes, the roos have never raised an aggressive foot in my direction - which I am also very grateful for.

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  24. So sad for that loss, and know that's it's painful for so many. Speaking of that, I'm always so appreciative that you understand and offer to help those who are homeless, about to be homeless, or suffering from domestic violence. So many people forget about all the hurt and loneliness they feel during the holidays. Thank you so much for caring. Very cool that people take the time to put red bows as decorations around the neighborhood. Quite festive and fun! Hugs, RO

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    1. RO: I really liked that a whole suburb took the time to hang red bows - beautifully tied red bows.
      Christmas is one of our busiest times on the crisis line and this year will be no exception. Is already no exception.
      Hugs and thanks to you to dear RO.

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  25. Yes, so very sad for your loss of a friend😢 my heart goes out to you and to her poor husband. Losses cut us even more deeply when they occur at this time of year...and a heart as kind as yours is bound to be touched profoundly. I am reaching out to you across the miles with all my heart and soul. Oh if only comfort could be bottled and sent through the post...❤❤❤
    How I wish we had some of your customs here...a red bow would certainly cheer and lift the mood of everyone. We are surrounded by grim faces and snappy people...not that I can really understand it, as that only makes things feel much worse!
    You do have such beautiful birds, and the roos always make me smile...such beautiful and noble animals 😊😊

    Please take good care of yourself, my dear friend, and I hope with ok my heart that you feel a lot better soon. You are always in my thoughts...and in my heart.

    All my love and hugs ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

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    1. Ygraine: Other areas of my city are also decorated, but it is a much more random approach. Something about the consistency of the red bows really speaks to me. A reminder that we are all in this together despite the differences in our boats?
      You take care of YOURSELF my friend. You need to - and are valued (probably more than you realise). As always you have a home in my heart.

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  26. I"ve never known anyone who makes fruitcake. I've never tasted fruitcake since it has such a reputation here, the brunt of many jokes. I'd like to try it for that reason alone I think. Those packages of goodies look so cheery and full of love and spirit. The tree ribbons are beautiful and festive. Like the Crimson Rosella!

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    1. Strayer: I 'think' that Christmas cake may be the subject of bad jokes in your country alone. Some people here don't like it (and there is no reason they should) but it isn't the subject of jokes. A good Christmas cake can be delicious - and I hope mine fall into that category.
      Wasn't that crimson rosella a treat? He was perfectly happy much seeds beside the road and paid very little attention to me.

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  27. Hi EC,

    I still can't get used to the idea of having a warm Christmas. I would prefer it.

    :o)

    Cheers

    PM

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    1. Plastic Mancunian: Warm is one thing. Christmas here is frequently hot. Bloody hot. You are welcome to it.
      Take care.

      Delete
  28. Dear EC
    That's a lovely idea to decorate the trees and houses. We all need our spirits lifting, especially this year. Roo and rosella photos help too!
    Somehow, if people are struggling, Christmas seems to make things worse. Huge respect to you and all the other volunteers for the vital work you do and that you can all keep going back and doing it.
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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    1. Ellie Foster: I think that part of the reason that Christmas makes everything feel worse is it exacerbates the aloneness of grief.
      I am very glad and very proud to be a part of a BIG team of volunteers hoping to keep people safe and lift their spirits.

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  29. Rosellas, roos and red bows. Now if that's not a joyous expression of the holiday season I don't know what is. All the very best, Sue. We will raise a glass to you. Love, Davud

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    1. David M. Gascoigne: Thank you. I would very gladly clink glasses with you and with Miriam.

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  30. Love the red bows, such a fun way to celebrate. I admire all that you do and the many lives you touch by your kindness, including mine. So sad about Jo. I hope you and yours have a safe, healthy and happy holiday. Take care my friend.

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    1. Mason Canyon: Thank you. Jo is at peace and her pain and worry have now gone - which doesn't stop me missing her on-line presence.
      I hope that you and your family have healthy and JOYOUS holidays. Take care.

      Delete
  31. I love those red bows on trees and homes. Really looks so sweet and cheerful. Love that colorful bird and those kangaroos, too. You have such a wonderful world over there.

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    1. gigi-hawaii: We all live in a beautiful world don't we? For which I am very grateful.

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  32. The red bows are really beautiful along with the red bird. I do have a fondness for birds. Wishing you a healthy and happy holiday.

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    1. Truedessa: I echo your wishes - for you, and for the world. I have a huge fondness for birds too, and do love the rosellas.

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  33. I love the Roos and the neighborhood with red bows. Thank you for raising awareness about the depression some people experience during the holidays. And it is so generous and kind of you to bake for the caregivers.
    I hope you have a wonderful holiday season and that you feel well, pain free and at peace.

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    1. Myrna R.: My baking is an expression of gratitude for the incredible work that the staff do all year round. They work for the community, they work for the volunteers - and I appreciate it.
      Thank you so much for your generous wishes - which I reciprocate.

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  34. I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend. It's been a hard year for so many people and people with depression, this time of year is hard for a lot of them. Thankfully my antidepression medicine is helping right now. I hope you are able to have a Merry Christmas.

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    1. Mary Kirkland: You know just how hard this year has been from first hand experience. I am really glad that your medication helps. Look after yourself. I wish you peace, comfort and as much joy as you can find.

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  35. Que esta Navidad la Salud este presente y cada deseo se haga posible, cada sueño sea realidad, y resplandezcas la esperanza, y prosperidad.

    ¡Feliz Navidad 2020!

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    1. Jose Ramon: Thank you for those very, very kind wishes. I hope that you find similar joy.

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  36. I am sorry for your loss. I wish you peace and less pain in year year ahead.

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    1. e: Loss is a part of life. I do love and appreciate your wishes though. I hope that you and Lukas have a truly wonderful year to come.

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  37. The first thing I looked for was to see if the bows matched! What a feat of organnisation!

    Try to let the cares of the world wash past you just for a little bit, carrying it on one's shoulders for too long gets heavy.

    I wish you a lovely season of fruit salad, lazy roos, beautiful skies and all things lovely

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    1. kylie: The organisers did a truly amazing job didn't they. It is a old suburb and most of the trees are large - even smaller ones rocked their bows though.
      I am already planning my fruit salad. And will no doubt live on it for days. That park will be crowded so I will leave the roos in peace. I hope that your festive season is full to the brim and beyong with health and happiness.

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  38. So much beauty and so much sadness in the world at this time of year. My heart aches for your callers, too. Bless you for the work you do.

    More Christmas photos over here.

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    1. messymimi: Thank you. I have seen and thoroughly enjoyed your Christmas Selection.

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  39. Your photos never fail to make me happy!

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    1. And please care for yourself as well!

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    2. Cloudia: I am very pleased to here that my snapshots please you - and hope that you will look after yourself and Pixie. The second is a given, but the first deserves attention too.

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  40. The red bows are lovely - somehow they make everything look better, for a while at least (as do the roos!)
    Many of us do not find this time of year easy, so bless you for the work you do, Sue - and for your thoughtful treats for the workers. May your week be a peaceful and rewarding one. Hugs from New Zealand xo

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    1. Alexia: If last year is anything to go by the ribbons and bows will remain in place well into January - and will continue to make me smile.
      I hope that you and yours are blessed with health and happiness and I am very, very glad to share a cyber hug (or two) with you.

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  41. I think the world is in such upheaval at the moment that even those who normally love the season are distressed, and it is so much worse for those who struggle for whatever reason. Thank goodness for people like you who are willing to donate time with those on the edge.

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    1. Anne in the kitchen: You are so right. Christmas is always busy on the crisis lines and this year shows signs of being a record breaker. Which is heart rending.

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  42. I've been too ill to get out much lately, and so haven't seen decorations of any kind. The red bows around your place are all delightful. Thanks for sharing some of them with my eyes!

    If you do ever storm the Governor's place, be sure to take pictures!

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    1. John Wiswell: You have been sick? Again? I am so sorry to hear that and hope that you are in recovery mode. If ever I do storm that citadel I will take photos - which may be a mistake. I am sure the police would happily use them as evidence.

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  43. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your family.
    Take care and be safe.

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    1. Margaret D: Thank you. And the same to you and yours.

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    1. Kinga K.: I am glad that you liked them. Very glad.

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  45. Your posting of the red ribbons on the trees made me suddenly realize that the family down our hilly road have not put out their usual decorations. I hope they are all okay and maybe they have time yet to put them up. Always love seeing kangaroos on your posts.

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    1. Granny Annie: I hope your neighbours are ok. Can you check?
      And thank you. We love the roos too.

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  46. Esos lazos en los árboles es una forma muy bonita y original de decoración navideña. Y ojalá que ese espíritu navideño durara todo el año, porque hay muchas personas que lo están pasando realmente mal.
    Feliz Navidad para ti y para todos tus seres queridos, y también os deseo un próspero y venturoso 2021.
    Un fuerte abrazo.

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    1. Manuel: Thank you so much. I really like the bows too - and hope that the community spirit lasts - and spreads. You are right, many people the world over are struggling at the moment.
      I hope that your Christmas and New Year (and all those to come) are healthy and happy.

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  47. I'm so sorry for your loss, and sorry that so many people are struggling at this time of year.

    Your photos are lovely, though. It always seems so odd to me to see "exotic" birds like your crimson rosella just wandering around in the grass like our "ordinary" birds do here. :-)

    Wishing you peace and comfort, and enjoyment of whatever traditions are yours.

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    1. Diane Henders: I am pretty certain that some of your ordinary birds would have me beside myself with excitement.
      All the best to you and yours - and here's hoping that 2021 is a much better year for the world.

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  48. Those Crimson Rosella are extraordinary.. So beautiful.

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    1. Madge: Welcome and thank you. The crimson rosellas are regular visitors at home (and we can hand feed them) and they are always welcome.

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  49. Laurie: There is indeed hope and beauty still - and you certainly contribute to the beauty. Thank you. And you take care too please.

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  50. Son Fechas de alegría y tristeza. De alegría, porque tradicionalmente se reune la familia en torno a una mesa y de tristeza, porque se recuerda a los seres queridos que ahora no están.

    Este año, se va a celebrar de manera diferente, pero siempre estará en nosotros el espíritu de la Navidad.

    Te deseo todo lo mejor en estas entrañables fiestas.

    Feliz Navidad.

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    1. VENTANA DE FOTO: I hope that you can find and celebrate the spirit of Christmas in these different and difficult times.

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  51. It is wonderful how the whole community decorates for Christmas..
    With numerous dietary restraint giving food as gift has become tricky. But it is extremely nice of your to customize your treats accordingly.
    Sorry for your loss.

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    1. Hena Tayeb: I really, really liked the way this community comes together. I hope that it spreads.

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  52. Yes for many this isn't the most wonderful time of the year, especially this year.

    I love the way you give back. You deserve a wonderful Christmas.

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    1. LL Cool Joe: Growing up we were taught that we had an obligation to contribute to the community - a lesson I am happy to follow still.

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  53. So true. Lots of folk out there dread the thought of Christmas for many a reason.

    Love this post. Love it when people speak their mind.

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    1. Blue Grumpster: Christmas heavily emphasizes the difference between the haves and the have nots (and I am not just talking in economic terms). The numbers of people who are unhappy at this time of year is big and growing.
      I hope you can find some happiness in the season.

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  54. The rosella is a beautiful bird and I'm having a roo fix just like you! :) I love the red bows in that neighbourhood! Merry Christmas to you! :)

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    1. Rain: I am very happy to share my roo fix.
      Merry Christmas to you and all of your family (regardless of the number of legs).

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  55. I enjoyed the news and photos, but am sorry for your loss.

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    1. Snowbrush: Thank you. Blogging friends become very dear to us don't they?
      All the best to you, to Peggy and to the resident felines.

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  56. I always enjoy your photos. The birds are a delight and the roos are favorites of mine. My mother made fruit cakes every year for Christmas. She didn't leave the recipe, so none of us know how she made them. You are a generous and caring person. I know the staff is appreciative. Yes, every year at Christmas time, I think about those loved ones I have lost. I miss their faces and their voices and their love. I try to concentrate on the good things in my life and be grateful.

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    1. Glenda Beall: My mother didn't share recipes. I don't know where the one I make originally came from, but I have been making them for so long that it is now MY recipe.
      I too try and concentrate on things which bring me joy. A very Happy Christmas to you.

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  57. Ribbons, rosellas and roos - so nice to see. How I wish there was a magic wand that could make Christmas happy for everyone

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    1. Kim: That is a wish that I share. So much. I hope your Christmas WAS happy.

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  58. I am so sorry about your loss. Plenty, plenty hugs. My deepest sympathies to all who loved Jo.

    You, my dear Child, are an incredible human being. You remind me constantly of the true spirit of humanity. I've been grumpy recently, but coming here, your words remind me that the essence of happiness is giving with a loving heart. xxx

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  59. neena maiya (guyana gyal): Thank you. While I miss Jo, there were and are plenty of others who knew her better and whose loss is deeper.
    I have been doing grump really well too. Kindness and beauty are the best antidotes I have found.

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  60. Gosh, I would love a roo fix like that! Or such pretty birds! Well, I guess I need to stick to our native wildlife here that ruthlessly diminishes my garden.
    Christmas seems to be such a family-oriented season that I often worry about people who don't have anybody or who just went through a terrible loss and simply can't join in the cheer. This year maybe more than ever.

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    1. Carola Bartz: Roo fixes are wonderful, and sometimes an essential. Mind you, I would love to see your garden destroying wildlife as well. Any of the family holidays are difficult for many, and as you say, this year more than ever. Hugs.

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  61. I love the red bows! I love seeing all the animals! You are a baking machine! So thoughtful of you EC! Thank you for your caring loving soul! Big Hugs and I hope the holidays went well!

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    1. Magic Love Crow: Aren't the bows lovely. I haven't been back to see after Christmas but hope that they kept them up for the New Year. Huge hugs to you too dear friend - with hopes for a much healthier year.

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