Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Sunday 13 June 2021

Sunday Selections #537



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. Towards the middle of last week our Bureau of Meteorology forecast some extreme weather for much of South-eastern Australia.  Snow, buckets of rain, damaging winds, record cold temperatures.  Some of the forecast was truthful, and some communities have a lot of cleaning up to do.  A couple of people have died in flood waters.

Not here.  No snow, and a teensy smidge of rain.  It was breezy but not dangerously windy.  Chilly but not frigid.  It was grey though. 

Early morning skies looked like this.



 

On the first day that some sunshine was making valiant efforts to break through we headed down to the lake.  I go there often for solace and heart balm (and a roo fix).  As is always true there was a lot to delight us.

There were black swans.


The lake was serene and lovely - and even on a mostly grey day there were reflections...







We got our kangaroo fix.


This isn't a good photo - but I did love that very pink tongue.

I love our magpies too, and this dapper male is a beauty.


A small and noisy flock of sulphur crested white cockatoos were feasting on berries.  These are for you David.





 


On our way home we stopped in at a small suburban shopping centre to see if the locals had rugged up 'their' statue.  They had.
 

 
She has her scarf - but her feet are still bare.
 
There was other public art too.
 


I thought that this bumper ornament on a tradies ute was unusual - but was pleased to see it just the same.


 I hope that even on your grey days (literal or metaphorical) you find beauty and fun.
 
 



 

170 comments:

  1. Such a pleasure to see you ❤️

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  2. Superb images EC, I love Kangaroos, peaceful.

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    1. Bob Bushell: The kangaroos are mostly very peaceful.

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  3. Pienso, que debe de ser por el cambio climático, porque por aquí tanto la lluvia, el viento y las calores son cada vez más extremos.
    Pero, me voy a quedar con lo bueno de tu entrada, con esas imágenes que como bien tu dices son un bálsamo para el corazón, y que transmiten paz y sosiego para los que nos tenemos que conformar con tan solo verlas. Por lo que se te agradece mucho que compartas tus relajantes paseos, aunque nos de sana envidia el no poder estar tan cercano a la Naturaleza, como lo estás tu.
    Gracias y buen fin de Semana.

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    1. Manuel: This lake is less than half an hours drive away - and we go there often. Definitely heart balm. I hope your weekend is safe, peaceful and delightful.

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  4. Great sky photos - I love early morning.

    :o)

    Cheers

    PM

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    1. Plastic Mancunian: I love the early morning too. It is not quite dawn here and I suspect we will have another grey day.

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  5. Looks like there are cockatwelve in one of those pictures.

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    1. Mike: It is not uncommon to see cockahundreds. We often have fifteen or more on our lawn.

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  6. That little pixie swallows a lot of bugs.
    Behind the swans is a fence submerged - is it supposed to be?

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    1. Alex J. Cavanaugh: It has blown her hair off too. That fence line marks the toddlers swimming pool in that portion of the lake. One summer (hot, fires/no rain) the entire fence was exposed. I am pleased to see it mostly submerged again.

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  7. Beautiful images and the animals looks amazing, hoping to see Australia kangaroo someday.

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    1. Steve: Thank you. I hope you can see them. Kangaroos are quite happy in my city and suburbs - which I love.

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  8. We're having a few very chilly days up here on the hill, too. I only ventured out once this week...to go to the supermarket. The rest of the time I've remained snuggled up, keeping warm with my two best buddies snuggled up with me.

    Take care and have a good week ahead, EC...cuddles to Jazz. :)

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    1. Lee: Himself's relatives in Brisbane agree with you. The entire family has been spending a LOT of time in bed.
      I hope you and your buddies have a warm week.

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    2. Temps up here on Tamborine Mountain are always a few degrees lower than those in Brisbane and the Gold Coast...the clear mountain air keeps us, not on our toes, but in bed!! :)

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    3. Lee: Your lower temperatures would be a big attraction for me. Brisbane and the Gold Coast are both often too hot and too humid for me.

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  9. So nice to see serene and lovely pictures of your environment, and the delight to see the kangaroos as well. I feel quite happily saturated. :-)

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  10. Beautiful collection of photos! I really love seeing the kangaroos and the white cockatoos in the wild. I hope you are having a good weekend, stay warm!

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    1. Martha: We love seeing the roos and the swans and the cockies too. It is still chilly but today we have sunshine. Which is nice to see.

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  11. Lots of variety there. The lake looks very peaceful and it seems the animals think so too. The fairy on the car grill had very scary eyes.

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    1. Andrew: You are right about that fairy. I thought that her (mostly) lack of hair contributed - but I am not sure.

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  12. I'm not sure if you know Sami at Sami's Colourful World, but every time she shows black swans, I go NUTS. I get my black swan fix, like you get your kangaroo fix. The problem is, we don't get black swans in the states, unless they are in zoos, so I am always in awe of any I see. You have totally made my day (or night, as the case may be). Of course, the Roos are really lovely, too. I can see why you have such a love of them.

    What a way to pay homage to a small statue. Now someone needs to knit her some booties!

    And those mosaics are wonderful, too. Great finds. And of course, some lovely photos, too. I enlarged the small roo and saw the pink tongue. Actually quite well done capturing that pose. Hope your week isn't too chilly, dear.

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    1. Bleubeard and Elizabeth: You would like that patch of the lake as much as we do. I think we saw seven or eight swans that day (and white ones are exotica here). We love them too - and note that they have serrated beaks and can bite hard. They have got used to visitors have picnics and can be quite aggressive in their demand for food.
      That statue got ugh boots at the height of winter last year - and a mask when covid was at its height here. Her community loves her.

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    2. You and some readers (well, swan buffs at least!) might like this.I've never known them to be aggressive;they even tolerated my camera when we lived in a rural area.
      https://theconversation.com/friday-essay-a-rare-bird-how-europeans-got-the-black-swan-so-wrong-161654

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    3. dinahmow: Thank you (muchly) for that article. I am unsurprised but still angry that our white, black swan was riddled with shot gun pellets. I have frequently come across not agressive black swans precisely, but certainly very demanding ones. They have become accustomed to feeding on the wrong foods and demand it. Fairly forcefully. And don't get it from us.

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    4. Yes. Not sure how to drive home the "don't feed wildlife" message. Aggression is hardly surprising when a food source is withdrawn, as I'm sure Jazz could tell you!
      And I, too, was incensed that the Tasmanian bird had been shot.

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    5. We have loads of white swans in a small lake near my home. I was surprised to read they were exotic where you live.

      I know black swans are exotic, but still seen in Europe, but they never made it to the states. The reason I love them is because I relate them to statistical anomalies. In case you are interested, here is a post I wrote on their significance in statistics: https://alteredbooklover.blogspot.com/2013/08/black-swans-help-launch-new-altered-book.html

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    6. dinahmow: I don't blame the swans for it at all. Sadly they seem to have a taste for white bread. Which I very rarely eat and certainly don't bring down to the lake for swans.

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    7. Bleubeard and Elizabeth: White swans are not native here, and I haven't seen them outside captivity. The black ones breed happily on our lake and each year lucky people see some young ones (and their very protective parents). And thank you so much for that post. 'Black Swan' as a term was totally new to me.

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  13. Such lovely calm, peaceful photos; the roos are enjoying their weekend, and I hope you are too, EC.

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    1. Alexia: It is a beautiful calm and peaceful spot. Our weekend is being pretty good - and I hope yours is too.

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  14. Thanks for sharing your Roo fix, and I love all the public art. hoe are you feeling?

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    1. e: I am endlessly grateful for our public art and love that it is everywhere. I am still tired, still nauseous but ok. How are you and Lukas?

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    2. Grateful to be well although Lukas has been a bit cranky. He is napping while I read. I hope the nausea passes, and you can get some rest.

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    3. e: Thank you. I hope Lukas wakes in a better mood. Sadly the nausea seems to be more or less constant at the moment. Another visit to the doctor next week hunting for a reason.

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  15. There is so much beauty and solace in nature, it's especially beautiful to see your love for roos when unspeakable things are happening to them. I'm glad you avoided the worst of the storms, stay warm and safe

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    1. Kim: Our own local government is about to start yet another roo cull. They haven't made their case but will go ahead anyway. Which grieves and infuriates me. To the max.
      I hope you are warm and that your power has stayed on now you have it restored.

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  16. Thanks for sharing your trip to the lake. It's good to see all the Kangaroos, the white sulfur Cockatoos, the Magpie and the black swan around the lake. It looks so peaceful. I love that little kangaroo licking his paw.

    I was enjoying listening to the singing birds on Friday while in the field at the farm while I was weeding my potatoes, it was so peaceful and enjoyable.

    I'm glad that you were spared the nasty weather. We've had some amazing weather this week and I took advantage of it to work in the garden. My house is a mess but who cares.
    Enjoy the new week.
    Hugs, Julia

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    1. Julia: We love it down there and go there often. We go if I am feeling sad, or overwhelmed and sometimes we just go. And have never regretted it. I am glad you could work in the garden - which always takes precedence over housework here too.

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  17. Those black swans are magnificent and that sculpture is so moving, her poor footsies tho :(

    What a lovely day at the lake, full of marvelous sights.

    XO
    WWW

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    1. Wisewebwoman: The swans are very, very beautiful aren't they?
      The artists who designed that statue produce some amazing (and often very moving work). This one is beautiful too and I love that her community makes their appreciation clear.

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  18. Love those graceful swans and cute roos!

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  19. Those would be balm for my heart, too. That little pink tongue is especially cute.

    My selections will be over here.

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    1. messymimi: That very pink tongue warmed my heart too. Have a wonderful vacation.

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  20. Those mosaics are wonderful. My grandchildren made several that they planted in the garden, and when we moved from the big house, brought with them.
    Thanks for the roos, again. They are always cheerful, like oversized house dogs.

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    1. Joanne Noragon: I really liked the mosaics too - and that they just 'popped' up in a small suburban shopping centre.

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  21. I wish you would have gotten a bit more of the rain, which could have eased off some of the flooding elsewhere. Of course, Jazz was just as happy to skip the wet part.
    Lovely photos of roos chillaxing. I always enjoy seeing them out in the wild like that!
    Will your trees soon be rugged up as well?

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    1. River Fairchild: Jazz was totally unimpressed with the weather. More rain wouldn't have helped though. The warm trees exhibition starts next month. I do hope it will go ahead this year - and will keep my eyes out.

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  22. Adoro las fotos de los canguros y los otros animales. Te mando un beso

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    1. J.P. Alexander: Thank you. We love the birds and animals at that park too.

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  23. No snow, too bad, might have been fun. At least no bad winds. We're about to enter summer officially but the weather still says winter. Heavy rains tonight. Still, the officials say we're in drought. But they always do. Like clockwork every single spring and summer. Is it true? Don't ask me. I don't measure rain or ground water or make predictions. I just live here. The lake sounds very peaceful, much like the river I visit, and sit beside.

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    1. Strayer: It has been weird weather here. And yes, I was looking forward to seeing snow - on the nearby hills if not here. Winter has a way to go yet.
      The lake is lovely, and I think I view it in much the same way as you do 'your' river.

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  24. I love your photos as always. The black swans are quite spectacular. And I'm glad you were spared the violent weather. Mother Nature hasn't been too friendly lately, has she?

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    1. Diane Henders: Mother Nature doesn't do kind. She does beautiful and spectacular though.

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  25. Our nature is wonderful EC, always great to see.
    The birds, swans, roos.
    We didn't have a lot of rain where I live but enough, the weather has been rather warm for winter here.

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    1. Margaret D: We would normally have had more frosts than we have achieved so far. Our winter has been patchy (and I would have liked more rain).

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  26. Delightful post, as always. Australia is known for all of the deadly critters--- But you also have so many delightful ones. I'd love to see the magpies, the roos, the occasional wombat, and the wonderful variety of parrots. Oh yes--- Zebra finches, too!

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    1. Bill: We do have some beautiful and amazing critters. Some I see regularly, and others much less often. There are a few deadly critters around (red-back spiders) but they are in the minority. I know they are in the garden but don't often see them.

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  27. What à beautiful place ! Could dépend holidays there ! Love the kangaroos they are so funny to observe !
    https://gattinawritercramps.blogspot.com/2021/06/sunday-selection.html

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    1. Gattina: It is a very, very beautiful place and one we visit often. I am heading over to see your Sunday Selections soon. And looking forward to them.

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  28. Love the magpie! and the tile art too. I hope the statue gets her boots and a beanie soon. You have so many kangaroos there!

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    1. River: I hope she gets her hat and boots soon too. Our weather (while not warm) has been less chilly than some years.

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  29. Hi EC - what lovely reminders of the wintery down-under from a very hot morning here (makes a wonderful change). The lake with its inhabitants gives you much solace and us as we can share with you. The sculpture is spectacular, while the inscription is something we should remember as we live:

    "Our hope for the future rests on a delicate balance: a sustainable relationship between humans and nature."

    Also the art ... stay safe and enjoy your beautiful city ... have a happy week - Hilary

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    1. Hilary Melton-Butcher: The artist's inscription is very, very moving isn't it? I do love that statue and am so pleased that she is obviously well loved by her community as well.
      Enjoy your weather - and I do not that the G7 insanities don't impact too much.

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    2. Hi EC - yes that art is brilliant, as too the description. I've just seen a programme on the restoration/ new build of Coventry Cathedral ... I was so impressed with the reasons in its design that I'll be writing it up. Just extraordinary.
      I'll wait and see what's done to Cornwall now they've left and are clearing up ... I presume ...
      The weather is staggering ... wonderful - though I must say I'm keeping clear of the yellow ball.
      With thoughts - Hilary

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    3. Hilary Melton-Butcher: I look forward to your post about the Coventry Cathedral. I can't get over the fuss/upheaval for such a short event. I hope the clean up is complete. And yes, enjoy your weather while treating the sun with caution. Have a wonderful week.

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  30. You made me grin when you described one of your photos as a grey day. If you want to see real grey days, just come to the UK in the Autumn, Winter or Spring, then you'd never call your grey days grey again! :D

    Lovely photos. I do like the wall art. I'd love to see more public art around the UK. We don't celebrate artists enough.

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    1. LL Cool Joe: By our standards they were grey mornings - and they didn't get any brighter. I will take your word for it that you do better (or grayer).
      We have lots of street art, and I do love to see it.

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  31. Your photos are pleasing to the eye, the roo's are always beautiful..xx

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    1. aussie aNNie: Thank you. I think the roos are beautiful too.

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  32. Like you, we had gray skies yesterday, but it was still too dang hot!(lol) Not even summer yet around here. Walking around the lake does seem like such a great and beautiful way to relax and clear the mind. Hope you're ding well, and as always, we enjoy peeking into your world every Sunday. Hugs and more hugs, RO

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    1. RO: I like grey days, but not hot grey days. I do hope you can find some cool relief. Hugs back to you. Always.

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  33. Well you got your 'roo fix and I got my cocky fix, so it must be a great day, Sue! The statue is quite lovely and the public art a joy to see. I really believe that installations such as this help to becalm a community and add beauty and tranquility to the neighbourhood. Good for Canberra!

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    1. David M. Gascoigne: There are lots of 'fixes' in this post. Roos (and the rest) for me, cockies for you, swans for Elizabeth and Bleubeard. I agree wholeheartedly about the public art. I am so grateful that we have a lot of it.

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  34. Dear EC
    Lots to enjoy in this post - nature, art, skyscapes. A joy!
    I like the way the statue has been adopted - she does need some footwear though!
    Have a week filled with beauty!
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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    1. Ellie Foster: Thank you. That statue did have footwear in the coldest part of winter last year. Hopefully her community will add them for her soon. I hope your week is beauty packed as well.

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  35. Lots of kangaroos and colourful art. Thank you!

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    1. Charlotte (MotherOwl): I think you would find lots to enjoy in my city.

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  36. Those black swans are amazing. I have seen white swans, but never black ones. Most unusual.

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    1. gigi-hawaii: Black swans are native to Australia, and we only see white ones in captivity. I really like the black beauties.

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  37. Such beautiful photos and so peaceful. I have to say the first one is my favorite this time, even though the pixie is hard to forget. Have a great week my friend and I hope the weather is to your liking each day.

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    1. Mason Canyon: Each morning when first I go out I look down the valley, at this time of year there is often low-lying cloud lying in it. I am glad I remembered the camera that morning. Have a wonderful week.

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  38. I love that bumper ornament lol! I forgot it's winter time over there! I'm glad you don't have to deal with snow. I always love seeing those kangaroos! :)

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    1. Rain: We do get snow here but it is a rarity. We often see it on the hills round us, but didn't even get that this time. Later in the season I hope. Our snow season opened this weekend, and they will have been glad of the dump they got.

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  39. You know, as an artist, I loved all that art you shared, especially the sculpture. Enjoy your cool days and grey, calm skies. Here it is 90plus, and the sun blisters the sky. Even the wild birds take siestas to escape into shade.

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    1. J C: The sun blisters the sky is the perfect description. And yes, I have often witnessed birds panting in the cooler respite in our veranda. Stay safe, stay cool.

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  40. Those gray, overcast, cloudy days are my favorites. The pictures are just wonderful.

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    1. Mary Kirkland: Thank you. I like grey days but will admit to thinking that they are wasted if they don't include any rain.

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  41. These photos are so stunning. I love them all. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Nasreen: Thank you. I am very, very glad you enjoyed them.

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  42. I love the roo pics. The sculpture is one of my favorites. My sister is a sculptor and I appreciate the work. As always all of your photos are terrific. You have such a great eye for creating a picture. Thanks for sharing with me.

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    1. Glenda Beall: Thank you. I really like that sculpture and like even more that her local community has adopted her. During the fires and Covid she was given a face mask (at a time when they were in short supply). In summer she wears a sun hat, and she gets a new scarf (and hopefully some footwear) every winter.

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  43. Bellissimi quei Pappagalli buianchi.
    Buon inizio settimana

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    1. Giancarlo: Thank you. I think our swans are lovely too, and I hope your week is wonderful.

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  44. Dear EC, you have a gift for finding the lovely, the lonely, and the lost I think. Lost to the sight of most of us. Lonely for a loving glance. Lovely in its conception. Thank you always for sharing the public art and nature's art also. Peace.

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    1. Dee: Thank you so much. My family always talked of 'small things for small minds'. Those little things are hugely important to me - and fill me with joy.

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  45. Ahora que aprieta el calor en córdoba me fijo en las imágenes tan refrescantes del agua. Ver esos animales en su medio es también una gozada.

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    1. VENTANA DE FOTO: I hope you can find some relief from the searing heat closer to home, but am glad you could find a little here. Thank you.

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  46. Beautiful morning, full of blackswans, cuckatoo, magpies, and kangaroos. Perfect weekend snapshots. Lovely!

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    1. Bhavana Varun: Welcome and thank you. This is a place we often go to - and never tire of.

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  47. Thank you so much for these beautiful photos. They are all indeed heart balm, so calming.

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    1. DeniseinVA: I am glad that you find them soothing too. I am endlessly grateful that this beautiful place is so accessible.

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  48. Our news here in the UK did show reports of the very bad weather, it did not look good!

    You've shared some lovely photographs.
    I always enjoy seeing Roos and that sculpture is lovely, the bumper ornament looks quite cute.

    Hope your week is going well.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Lowcarb team member ~Jan: It wasn't good. Some of the affected areas are still in clean up mode, though I hope that most have now had power restored.
      I am glad that you enjoy my roo fixation.
      I hope you and Eddie have a wonderful week.

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  49. I like the pink tongue and the partly pink scarf and everything else.

    Love,
    Janie

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  50. Grey days are great for beauty. The fallen leaves in your photos are just breathtaking! Suzie reminds me of Fritha from the Snow Goose. I hope your week is going well and the weather has cleared up.

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    1. Nilanjana Bose: I am sure that the Snow Goose fed into the design/creation of that beautiful sculpture. We are still having grey days but rain is promised again. Fingers crossed.

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  51. hola Hijo de elefante!
    Hermosas fotos, Bellos espacios donde encontrar paz
    Me gusto el canguro y su lengua rosada, un encanto!
    Las cacatúas y esos paisajes de frio pero apacibles
    dignos de ser disfrutados y contemplados.
    La estatua muy buenaaaaaa, entrañable y tambien los mosaicos.
    Que tengas una muy buena semana
    A cuidarse mucho y seguir agradeciendo cada dia con buena salud.
    abrazo grande

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  52. Replies
    1. The Blog Fodder: We love seeing the wildlife too. And are grateful that there is so much of it close to home.

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  53. So many natural wonders. That baby Roo is too cute.
    You got some great shots.
    Hope your day is pain free and filled with sparkle.
    Hugs

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    1. Sandra Cox: The world is packed with natural wonders. For which I am grateful. And huge thanks (and hugs) for your wonderful wishes.

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  54. I believe I could get used to living with a winter like yours, and have asked myself would I miss the snow? Or the ice and sleet and frozen tundra temps? Well, do I really need to answer that! The Kangaroos are such a delightful treat for me, and your world even in this winter setting is still very beautiful to me! Enjoy your week. (And trust me I'm not missing snow. hehehe!)

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    1. 21 Wits: I would have liked to have seen some snow - perhaps because it is a rare treat. I suspect that your winters would quickly get too much for me. I hope you find sunshine and warmth in a wonderful week.

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  55. I think as I've aged I'm able to see the beauty in many things. I grew up extremely pessimistic, so I'm enjoying seeing things in a more positive light.

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    1. prestfortime: You might be right and it is another benefit of age that I can now find it everywhere. I am still a pessimist, but beauty helps.

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  56. Breathtaking nature photos❤

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    1. Kinga K.: Thank you. Nature often does take my breath away.

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  57. Is fire still an issue anywhere or did the snow and rain take care of it?

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    1. Sandra Cox: We are going into winter now and I don't think that fire is still an issue. I hope not. I really hope not.

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  58. Sorry about the weather EC! So happy you weren't affected by it! What a great post! I love the lake! So beautiful! And, all the birds! What a treat! I love the kangaroo with the pink tongue! This post has my heart smiling! Thanks EC! Big Hugs!

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    1. Magic Love Crow: Huge thanks. I am glad to make your heart smile - and return your hugs. We finally had the promised rain last night. Which makes my heart smile.

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  59. We do have to look for the joys - the best bits of life. And you always find plenty.
    So sorry to hear people died in the floods. So sad

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    1. Jemi Fraser: I am a beauty addict and endlessly grateful that there is so much of it about. And yes, it is very sad that the floods claimed lives. As they always do.

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  60. The black swans seem to have a thick winter coat of weathers or maybe they are just like that. They look very elegant with the greys and blacks and then a bright salmon colour beak. Your "white" winter leafless tress are so different from our dense green jungle trees. Yes, we have to be on the same page with nature.

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    1. kestrel: I think that the black swans always have a fine feathered coat - but I will look more carefully in the spring. Nature is a gift isn't she?

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  61. I also love the bumper ornament. For a period of time there was a ute ute I saw locally which had a huge ET toy as mascot (if i remember correctly, it was on the back of the cab)
    I loved it so much I wished someone would make a book about truck mascots and the people who own them

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    1. kylie: Lovely to hear from you. How are you progressing? Really well I hope. And yes, that is a book I would happily read.

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    2. I'm really good,thank you 😊 I don't know what to say, I just sit in a wheelchair and wait for bones to grow.

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    3. kylie: I hope dem bones is growing fast and strong.

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  62. So many fabulous photos to enjoy! I especially love the roos!

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  63. All of them are amazing photos Dear E.C.! Spring season passed here without Rain but we have had very grey sky and Rain for 10 days. I saw baby kangoroo's Pink tongue, it is beautiful. White cockatoos are so popular pet here. Also black swans look great. Have a wonderful day. Greetings from Turkey.

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    1. bread&salt: Thank you. When I was growing up my mother had a 'pet' cockatoo. I am very glad to see them in the wild now. Even when they attach my garden.

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  64. Black swans, very cool.
    Hope today is filled with nature's wonders and a lack of nausea and pain.
    Hugs

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    1. Sandra Cox: Many thanks. It is early yet but the nausea is definitely here. The pain isn't too bad, and I am going to be grateful for that big mercy.

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  65. I just "found" you at River´s "Wednesday's Words on a Friday".
    First. Thank you. It was rather kicking the man out than an escape but I surely bawled my eyes out.

    Second, awww, that pink tongue... cute. And the magpie!!!! One once followed me "helping" finding something that rolled under the car (7-juice or such it was called). And all the rest.

    We should´ve been in Perth this February. Should...

    Third.... 1995. Rest area. "Where are you heading to?", I was asked.
    "Can-berra".
    OH, MY!!!
    "That´s CANBRA!!!!", the man yelled at me.

    Fourth. Frankfurt airport. We had no licence. The friendly guy, "OK, I´ll call Can-berra and ask for help".... Try not to either laugh or scream.

    24C, sunny and only 09:20 a.m. :-)
    Hope you don´t mind I´ll pop over more often.

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    1. Iris Flavia: I suspect kicking that man out WAS an escape. And one I am glad you made (despite the tears).
      You are very welcome to drop in. I tend to pronounce my city 'Canbra' but we answer to Can berra too. I adore magpies, and they are often interested in what we are doing. Nealy as interested as I am in what they are doing.
      It is a little after 6pm. 8C. And cloudy with a top of 12C tomorrow.

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  66. Yes, I remember "your city" being rather cool-ish!
    (That man did not go for Can berra at all, LOL)
    And I remember the museum and how organized it all was.
    Boy, it´s so long ago, bet it had changed a lot!
    I´ll post pics of back then tomorrow, OK?

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    1. Iris Flavia: I look forward to seeing your photos. Canberra is cool by Australian standards - for which I am grateful.

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  67. I can't imagine what it would be like to have cockatoos in the neighborhood. Definitely a blessing.
    Hope your day is pain-free and magical.
    Hugs

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    1. Sandra Cox: The cockatoos ARE a blessing. A noisy and often destructive blessing. Thank you.

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  68. Love the photos but it's the word--embiggen--that really caught my attention. I thought you made it up until I DuckDuck'd it. Merriam Webster declares it legit.

    Any more cool words in your vocabulary?

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    1. Jacqui Murray: Embiggen is a beauty isn't it? I stole it from another blogger years ago and use it often.

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  69. Had to flip through your lovely captures again. Not just for the Kangaroos but your not so chilly winter scenes are beautiful and of course where else can I see a Magpie! Here. Enjoy your weekend 👍❤️

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    1. 21 Wits: Thank you. We have magpies. Europe has magpies. North America has magpies. And they are all different. Very different. Bird naming conventions frequently strike me as lazy and as woefully inaccurate.

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  70. The lake does look beautiful - and it's so fun someone added a scarf to the statue! :) It's nice you didn't get any of the wild weather too! it has been a strange winter here, much colder than usual for Queensland!

    Hope you're having a nice weekend :)

    Away From The Blue

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    1. Mica: Our winter has been (mostly) milder than usual though today is wild and woolly. I love that the statue's community has taken her to their hearts and dress her for the seasons. She wears a mask when appropriate too.

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  71. Water soothes my soul, too. There's just something about it that draws a person and calms the mind.

    I'm sad to see in another reply of yours that a roo cull is considered. It's similar to our deer population here, I guess. What I keep thinking is, "they were here first, we've built on all their land, what can we bloody expect but to be overrun?" It's heartbreaking.

    Thank you for the beauty in photos, and I hope next week brings you some answers for your constant unwelcome companions - pain and nausea.

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    1. jenny_o: Water is an incredible benison isn't it? Moving or still.
      Sadly our local government often does roo culls which fills me with rage and grief. They were indeed here before us - and do much less damage than we do too.
      Fingers crossed that I can evict those unwelcome lodgers. Soon.

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  72. Being outdoors, in peace and silence (no loud music), just listening to nature, is one of the most healing experiences. sigh. I love your photos. I think I say this every time, practically. Thank you for taking the time and energy to share them.

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    1. neena maiya (guyana gyal): Thank you - which I can say often enough. Nature is solace and heart balm to me.

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  73. I like these photos. You have many different animals there. And always black swans fascinates me.

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    1. orvokki: Thank you. We love our black swans too.

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