Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Sunday 22 May 2022

Sunday Selections #582

 

 
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 sorry to say that for this week I am reverting to same old, same old.

I continue to delight in the early morning sky.  Dawn has not been breaking this week, but slipping in quietly.


They have not been dramatic starts to the day, but I think they are lovely.

The garden and I continue to be confused.  Our temperatures suggest that winter is just around the corner and we have had our first frost.  Just the same as well as autumnal fireworks we have patches of summer still hanging in, and rather lot of spring too.  Our wattles are in bud!!!  The buds are tightly furled but definitely there.  And Wattle Day (which I think would make a fine substitute for Australia Day) is not until September the first.


The two photographs above were taken very early.  I loved the way the colours popped in the emerging light and couldn't help thinking about Elton John's Candle in the Wind.


I really like the gold fish plant and have several of them in hanging pots.


The tree dahlias are hanging in and making a valiant display.  However our first frost burnt off some of the leaves and I suspect I will have to cut them down to ground level soon.



The peruvian lilies (alstoemeria) should not be flowering now.  No-one told them that.


Nor should this daisy (one of my favourites) be flowering now.


I love the yellow rose but notice that our wet summer and autumn means the dreaded 'black spot' is thriving.



This Japanese Iris was given to me by a neighbour.  He died several years ago, but I remember him fondly.



The frost affected tree dahlia - which I could not make sit where I wanted it in this post.

Confused or not, I hope your week is packed with beauty and joy.  As I prepare this post it is Election Day here in Australia.  I am hoping (fervently) for a change in government. 

121 comments:

  1. The weather has been so odd everywhere it seems, but how lovely to have autumn color as a backdrop for summer blooms!
    My opinion for politics is something worse usually comes along to replace the bad...it feels like the world in general is as confused as the weather.
    Hugs to you and hoping you have a sane-ish and not painful week ahead. Scritches to Captain Chain Yanker (when he is in an obliging mood, of course!)

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    1. River Fairchild. The autumnal colour is a joy isn't it? We have had a change of Government and I am hopeful.
      Captain ChainYanker is yanking hard this morning but I will give him a scritch from you later. Perhaps when he is asleep.

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  2. I missed your wonderful photos and am glad to be back with time to follow blogs again. You have such lovely flowers in your part of the world.

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    1. The Blog Fodder: I am really, really glad that you can come back to follow blogs again. And thank you.

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  3. That is an interesting looking daisy.

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    1. Mike: I have several of them, in different colours.

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  4. Your photos are beautiful as always. I have never heard of a goldfish plant before, but now I want one___badly!
    Summer came early here so we went straight from blossoms on the trees to summer flowers. Thankfully I always have shorts, tee shirts and flip flops available so early summer does not mean a complete wardrobe turnover!

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    1. Anne in the kitchen: The goldfish plant is great isn't it? I do hope you can find it. Ours lives outside very happily.
      I do hope your summer doesn't get toooo hot.

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    2. Me too, me too, I want a goldfish plant! :-)

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    3. neena maiya (guyana gyal): I hope you can find one.

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  5. It's raining here...again...nothing strange about that! I'm going to spend the day with my head buried in cryptic crosswords, and other like distractions...stop the world, I want to get off!

    Take care, EC...enjoy the week ahead...cuddles to Jazz. :)



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    1. Lee: No rain here. It is chilly. I hope your distractions are wonderful and that you and the furry overlords have a great week.

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  6. Your pictures are wonderful. I love that purple daisy and the adorable goldfish plant. You got your change of government! Congratulations!

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    1. DJan: Thank you. On the change of government front I now have some hope.

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  7. Your garden might be confused but it valiantly giving you some awesome colors. Even the light pink sky is pretty.
    I've been very busy weeding and mulching with old hay between my shed and my son's shed. Hopefully it will keep the pesky perennial weeds at bay. The weather has been all over the place here too but I shouldn't complain as it's been pretty tame as compare to other areas.

    I hope your wish for a change of government will happen with good results.
    Wishing you good days for the new week.
    Hugs, Julia

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    1. Julia: Garden work is never done. Never ever. I am battling perennial weeds here too, but the rest of the garden is giving me some incentive.
      Have a wonderful and productive week.

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  8. Isn't it lovely to have flowers to remember our friends and loved ones by.
    Toes-crossed your government changes and in a good way;)
    Wishing you spectacular and calming sunrises, birds in your hand, and floral scent in the air.
    Hugs

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    1. Sandra Cox: I have a few plants in the garden which are forever associated with people I have lost. The tree dahlias are another. They are very special to me.

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  9. Hi EC - looks like you got your wish. Beauty is always to be found in the garden, and we know they'll come again next year ... here we're having upside down weather - but at least have had some much needed rain. Happy days ahead ... cheers Hilary

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    1. Hilary Melton-Butcher: It is still not clear whether the Australian Labor Party can form a majority in its own right, but the previous government is gone. Action on climate change can now be stepped up (among other positive things). And I will continue to find comfort, solace and beauty in the garden.

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    2. I gather - it's not quite there ... but a change is happening. I meant to comment on the goldfish plant - that I'd not come across before ... and an epiphytic plant too, which makes it more interesting. Cheers Hilary

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    3. Hilary Melton-Butcher: Our new Prime Minister will be sworn in today, despite the final results not being known. It is wonderful to have some hope (finally) for action on climate change and integrity. And recognition for our First Peoples. And rather a lot of other issues. The goldfish plant is a beauty - and I can totally see the fish in its blooms.

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  10. And we got it didn’t we EC…..that change we wanted/needed has now arrived! And here in Melbourne we had the most beautiful clear sunny blue skied day to make it happen.
    My garden is bereft of colour right now so I’m lapping up all you have to offer

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    1. Cathy: We did. I am very grateful. It is sunny here, but we haven't yet reached double digit temperatures.

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  11. Glad you can enjoy a well-deserved receipt for "ScoMo" two weeks before pentecost. ;-)
    As for "Albo", may he keep his word, last not least re more rights for Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders.
    Especially nice to learn that independent women won in some conservative machos' strongholds.
    There are lying quite a few challenges ahead.

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    1. Sean Jeating: I really, really hope that our new government can and does keep its promises. And the increased rights for our aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders is one of many issues they need to tackle. Quickly. It won't be easy, but I strongly suspect the flock of independent women will keep the government's noses firmly on the task. Which is wonderful.

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  12. Your garden is looking rather spring like, with the exception of the trees. I often wonder about plants that bloom or whatever in the wrong season. Do they still have the wherewithal to do so again at the correct time?

    It seems more people than expected voted correctly at this election.

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    1. Andrew: Often the things that bloom out of season don't bloom again. And sometimes they never bloom again. Fingers crossed.
      And a big hooray for the election outcome, not least the number of independents who will make compromise essential.

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  13. Dear EC
    Always a joy to share skies and plants with you. Have a good week.
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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    1. Ellie Foster: Thank you - you have a great week too.

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  14. Your garden flowers always are spectacular.

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    1. Joanne Noragon: Spam claimed your comment, but I have rescued you. The garden is good to me, but goodness a LOT of weeding is required.

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  15. Your tree lilies are looking beautiful, as always, and I love the 'Elton John leaves' - such a strong colour in the early light.
    You are obviously happy with the election result! ScoMo will not be missed in the corridors of power - I wonder if he will stand again in the future..?
    I hope you have a pleasant week :)

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    1. Alexia: Perhaps because of the rain, the tree dahlias have flowered really, really well this year. Their time is just about over, but I am grateful for the display. I am glad to see the back of Smirko, though no government will face an easy time now, but at least climate action will no longer be put on the back burner.

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  16. It's always pleasant to see pictures of your garden.
    You did have your change in government!!

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    1. Caterina: We did. It is still too early to say whether the ALP can govern in their own right, but the previous government is gone.

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  17. You are surrounded by beauty befitting your own my dear friend

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    1. Cloudia: What a lovely thing to say. Thank you.

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  18. Funny how plants make up their own minds about when to flower, perhaps they're doing a practise run. My jades are having an autumn flush with pink stars opening all over them. I'll get out there with the camera later. I love the goldfish plant.

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    1. River: The goldfish plant is a star. I have never had any luck with jade and have given up trying to grow them. I am happy that you have them though.

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  19. All the buds and blooms make it look like summer there. I think the planet is confused, especially with the coloured leaves as well. A pretty combination however.

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    1. Marie Smith: You are right. This is a pretty combination, albeit worrying.

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  20. Confused or not, it's beautiful. A simple dawn slipping in quietly is just as lovely in its own way as a splashier one.

    While i do not get involved in the politics of other countries, as i do not know enough from the insider point of view to do so, i may say i hope you have a large voter turnout and an excellent outcome.

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    1. messymimi: Thank you. I do love our dawns, gentle or showy.
      Voting is compulsory here, so the turn out is good. I am pleased with the outcome too.

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  21. Nice selection EC. Frost does finish so many plants till the next season. Always the autumn leaves are a pleasing colour and most of those trees are not native to our land.

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    1. Margaret D: You are right. Most of the deciduous trees are not natives. I love them though.

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  22. Celebrating in Queanbeyan. Hoorah for the change.
    Sue

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    1. Anonymous Sue: I am very pleased to have seen the last of Prime Minister Smirko.

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  23. Winter is coming for you--- Summer for us. I love your flowers, especially that daisy!

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    1. Bill: Thank you. I am particularly fond of that daisy and have planted them in several areas.

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  24. My comment failed to publish the first time. Trying again.

    Your flowers may be confused, but your photos are fabulous. I have never heard of a gold fish plant, but it reminds me a bit of a kalanchoe by the leaves. It is beautiful. Do you overwinter it inside?

    I am not as concerned that our country has compulsive voting, but I would like a compulsive day off for voting. As it is, many states are now making it even more difficult to vote. Some states no longer allow voting on Sunday, the one day many people have off from work. Some no longer allow drop off voting boxes, which became popular during the pandemic. Some require seniors 65 + to register to vote, even though they have voted in the previous election. And finally, some no longer allow mail in voting that counts if your signature doesn't exactly match what's on file. It's a known fact NOBODY signs their name the exact same way every time.

    I'm delighted you like your election results. I am worried ours WILL change, which I hope won't happen.

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    1. Bleubeard and Elizabeth: Thank you (again) for persevering despite comment difficulties. The gold fish plant stays out summer and winter - but our winters while cool on Australian standards are wimpy on a world scale.
      Not only do we have compulsory voting, you can pre poll or vote by mail if getting to a polling booth is going to be a challenge. This year, particularly for people diagnosed with covid recently voting by phone was also an option. When all is said and done if voting is compulsory it is mandatory to also make it possible for everyone.

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  25. Strike out "same old, same old", Sue, and substitute "more wonderful, more wonderful", because that's exactly what it is. I am rejoicing in the change of government in Australia. I am not well-equipped to comment on the intricacies of Australian politics, but I do know that ScoMo engendered in me the kind of revulsion usually reserved for a past US president and his slimy, sycophantic cohorts. I hope that Morrison winds up with a job as the janitor in a defunct coal mine, which is what I hope they will soon become.

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    1. David M. Gascoigne: Thank you. I am also delighted to see the back of Smirko, though the likely incoming leader of the Liberals is even more frightening. And hopefully unelectable. Without doubt when/if ScoMo leaves politics altogether he will find a cushy job in the mining industry somewhere. Hopefully a very short-lived cushy job.

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  26. Between your skies and garden, you are so lucky to have such beauty...

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    1. e: I am. And well aware of that luck. How are you and Lukas?

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  27. Skip skip skip! What a good weekend! And your second photograph today is mesmerising EC, I absolutely love it.

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    1. Kim: Some will not be skipping at the election outcome, but I most definitely am. I loved that soft sky this morning and I am glad that you enjoyed the photo.

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  28. So pretty flowers even out of season. Sneaking dawns are not the worst. I hope your new government will turn out better.

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    1. Charlotte (MotherOwl): Thank you. I watch for the dawn almost every day and appreciate the sneakers... I have hopes for our new government, not least a much more positive approach to climate change.

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  29. Those are such interesting photos, the first two, with the orange coming through the dark. Love them. Looks like winter is coming on, colored leaves on the ground, frosts. We had frost warnings a couple days ago, which isn't quite right for late May, but we did have a 70 degree day yesterday and it might be above that today maybe, possibly, hopefully.

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    1. Strayer: Our winter is just around the corner now. I do hope you get some summer this year. Enjoy your vacation.

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  30. I remember observing the same mismatched blooming of confused plants in Arizona four or five years ago, Sue. Our natural world is going through a big dislocation. On Thursday afternoon it was 88º F. (31.1º C.), and it snowed on Friday morning into Saturday at our place. It got down to 30º F (1.1ºC) Friday and Saturday night with frost. It's crazy!

    Regardless, I enjoyed all your beautiful photos.

    Does it make you crazy when a photo won't go where you want it to in your post? It makes me nuts! Have a great week!

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    1. Fundy Blue: The natural world is indeed going through a huge dislocation. Which worries me. And yes, I was intensely irritated when I couldn't put that photo where I wanted it - despite several attempts.

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  31. I love your bright leaves against the darkened background - what beautiful photos! And it's nice to see the tree dahlias still haven't succumbed.

    Wishing you luck with your election!

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    1. Diane Henders: Thank you. The tree dahlias are just about done now, but I am grateful for their brave display. Our election results are in (though there is still some more counting to be completed). For the first time in some years I have some hope...

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  32. Your same old same old is our delight for the eyes 😊love these any time.

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    1. DeniseinVA: Thank you. I do worry when I continually post more of the same.

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    2. Please don't worry Sue, your photos are always very welcome :)

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    3. DeniseinVA: Thank you so much.

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  33. The flowers are so pretty. I don't see near enough pictures around here.

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    1. Mary Kirkland: Thank you. New blooms opened today. Yay.

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  34. That purple daisy's amazing! Love it.

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    1. J Cosmo Newbery: It takes 'daisydom' to a whole new level doesn't it?

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  35. Felicidades, amiga, porque el cambio se ha producido según vi en las noticias, creo que dijeron que había ganado el Partido Laborista.
    Las flores que nos muestras son todas preciosas a pesar de que algunas de ellas estén sufriendo ya las inclemencias del venidero invierno. Aquí, en Andalucía, el Sur de Europa, sucede todo lo contrario con las temperaturas veraniegas, que se están adelantado este año, por lo que ya estamos alcanzando los 35/40ª C. y las plantas y árboles se están volviendo locos y muchas de ellas han florecido antes de tiempo, y otros, como los naranjos y limoneros este año van a tener dos floraciones.
    Un abrazo, y que disfrutes de una bonita semana.

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    1. Manuel: Thank you. Yes, we did indeed get a change in government, and I am hopeful. Your temperatures sound dreadful to me and I do hope that you and the gardens survive them. Have a safe and wonderful week.

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  36. What would we do without flowers?

    Yet I know men who say they are silly things. :-o Big shock.

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    1. neena maiya (guyana gyal): I refused to even contemplate life without flowers. In my gardens and in other people's too.

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  37. Well, you got your wish: A change in government. The news from Australia reached Hawaii. As for the flowers, they are gorgeous. Hard to believe Winter is fast approaching.

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    1. gigi-hawaii: I did indeed get my wish. And am grateful. Winter is definitely approaching and soon daily frosts will be the norm.

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  38. I really like that goldfish plant too, EC - its unique shape and vibrant color.
    Take good care, friend.

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    1. Rawknrobyn: The goldfish plant speaks to a lot of us doesn't it? Hugs.

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  39. My favorites are the goldfish flower and that daisy is spectacular. Such richness in your garden, even in your autumn. And those tree dahlias are stunning, never heard of them before.
    XO
    WWW

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    1. Wisewebwoman: I am very fond of both the goldfish plant and that daisy. Tree dahlias are not fashionable at the moment, which I think is a pity. Ours are well over ten feet tall and have been a delight. That said, next week some time (or perhaps earlier) I am going to have to cut them back to ground level. Amazingly they will again reach ten to twelve feet in height next growing season. And I am considering buying some more in different colours.

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  40. The Japanese Iris and the blooming Daisy are just so beautiful! Nicely captured :D It's such a pleasure stopping by your blog always :)

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    1. Damyanti Biswas: That is a truly lovely thing to say. Thank you.

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  41. Your wattles are gorgeous. Wishing you a day filled with beauty and joy. Hugs

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    1. Sandra Cox: The wattles will be gorgeous, though they are quite a long way off flowering yet. You have a wonderful day too dear friend.

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    2. Whoops. The non-wattles:) are very pretty.
      Hope your day is filled with bird song and joy. Hugs,

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    3. Sandra Cox: Thank you. You too.

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  42. The purple flower is amazingly different.

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    1. Susan Kane: That is a very special daisy indeed.

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  43. The colours are amazing.
    Whatever the time of year, a garden can offer so much.

    In ours the other day three ducks came waddling in from a nearby lake, it certainly put a smile on our face :)

    All the best Jan

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    1. Lowcarb team member ~Jan: Ducks ALWAYS put a smile on my face too.

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  44. I think flowers bloom without our permission to give us a lovely surprise in the mornings! Gold fish plant is new to me. We have pink bird flowers that look so real like minature birds. Your Gold autumn leaves look like fire sparks in the dark morning. Read all about the shift to Labour government and how your new PM is already networking abroad with your Foreign Minister. That was quick!

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    1. kestrel: I do hope that our flowers also bloom at a more 'normal' time. I would love to see your pink bird flowers.
      Our new Prime Minister has hit the ground running and I am hopeful. Very hopeful.

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  45. I have a goldfish plant! I don't dare put it outdoors, though. We've some cool weather.
    I saw you blog title and realized I haven't visited in awhile.
    (ツ) from Cottage Country Ontario , ON, Canada!

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    1. Jenn Jilks: Our winters are much milder than our summers (if that makes sense). Our goldfish plant is happy outside - which is just as well. I am not good with indoor plants.

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  46. Oh my gosh such beauty! I’ve missed visiting you so much but I couldn’t come back to blogging until I could see, I have vision restored in my one eye and I’m catching up with blogland, it was too hard trying to look after my blog with no sight. Sorry I disappeared, Take care my friend, 👍❤️

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    1. Anonymous (Laurie): I am thrilled to see you back in the blogosphere and even more thrilled to learn that you have some vision back. I do hope you will blog again (and yes, that is a hint).

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  47. I love the composition, colours, and softness of that second sunrise photo, and all the colours of your garden blooms. How do you manage to cut back the tree dahlia when it needs it? I believe you said it was quite tall. And it is lovely that you have the iris to remember your neighbour by, every year.

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    1. jenny_o: Thank you. I really liked that soft muted dawn too. I use long handled loppers to chop the tree dahlias down, and then cut them up. Some of them I need to get a saw too because I am not strong enough to lop them. And yes, I love remember friends gone through garden gifts they have given me.

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    1. Rajani Rehana: I will - and don't appreciate the reminder.

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  49. Lovely photos so stunning as always and gorgeous colours♥

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    1. aussie aNNie: Thank you. Autumn is a glorious time of year here.

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  50. Beautiful photo's. LOVE the purple daisy, haven't ever seen anything like that. I'm not an early riser, so it's nice to see your early morning photo's. Thanks for you visit.

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    1. Sandy: Thank you. These days I am a very early riser. I was greeted with fog this morning. Quite a lot of it.

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  51. I hope you’re doing well my friend. Sending love your way. Regine
    www.rsrue.blogspot.com

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    1. Regine: Thank you for identifying who you are after blogger rudely made you anonymous. I am fine, and hope that you are too.

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  52. Dear E.C.! All flowers are beautiful. I think there are many different plants there. Golden-fish plant is so new for us. Thanks for the information. Have a wonderful Sunday. Greetings.

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    1. bread&salt: Thank you. I do love the garden, despite the work it needs. You have a wonderful weekend too.

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  53. Nice post thank you Rell

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