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. Sorry, this has been a busy and sad week so it is more snippets from home.
Jazz does have cancer. Palliative care is our only option. We will keep him comfortable and happy for as long as we can and will then set him free with love and regret. We have transdermal painkillers for him which are administered by smearing them in his ears. They seem to work really well. As I prepare this post he is purring and eating a little. Both wonderful signs.
Now to the snippets. I am still surrounded by beauty, and very grateful for it.
Early mornings continue to delight me.
The birds also bring me joy.
The blotchy young crimson rosellas in the photos above is developing his/her adult plumage. Soon he/she will look like this, resplendent in blues and reds with no green feathers to be seen.
The rainbow lorikeets also continue to add colour to our often bare trees and wintry skies.
I hope you find colour and beauty in your week.
So much beauty to surround you here... and hopefully take the edge off of your sadness. I'm happy to hear that the painkiller salve is effective and not another obnoxious pill for Jazz and you to endure. Hugs with tears mingled in. I'm glad he's feeling somewhat comfortable and content. Much love your way, through this time and always.
ReplyDeleteRiver Fairchild: Many, many thanks. And yes, the beauty doesn't take the pain away but it helps.
DeleteBeautiful photos, as always - I love your colorful birds!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear about Jazz's cancer diagnosis. Our furry family members never live long enough. It's wonderful that the transdermal painkiller is working, though - I wish that had been available when my beloved old feline friends were dying of cancer. What a horrible disease, for humans and felines alike.
Diane Henders: We love our birds too. Cancer IS horrid. I am so grateful for the transdermal painkiller and not having to force yet another tablet down Jazz's very reluctant throat. And so happy that for the moment at least they make a big difference.
DeleteThank you for the wonderful bird photos. I am so sorry to hear about Jazz and hope that he will continue through another time period with little to no pain. My heart goes out to you and I surround you will love and care.
ReplyDeleteDJan: Thank you.
DeleteI love the Rainbow Lorikeet, anytime you put its beautiful EC.
ReplyDeleteBob Bushell: They are beautiful birds - and also bullies. They will take on other birds without a second thought.
DeleteOhhhh....I'm feeling so sad to learn this about Jazz...my tears fall as I type. Many special cuddles and love to him from me...and to you, EC. And special cat hugs from Remy and Shama, too. I understand how you must be feeling. Take good care...much love goes out to you.
ReplyDeleteLee: Thank you. Lots of tears have been (and will be) shed here.
DeleteNot sure why but our ‘supply’ of wild birds was lacking this year…..we have the same two visit us in Melbourne yet we saw hardly any before we came away. Thank you for sharing yours.
ReplyDeleteI found a few ‘things that make me smile’ to also share on my blog today.
I’m certainly not smiling at Jazz’s diagnosis- having been there before I know it’s a stressful time for you and him. Take time to love him and both of yourselves
Cathy: It is a stressful time for us, and hopefully much more stressful for us than it is for him. I will head over and check out your post shortly.
DeleteYour beautiful morning photos of pink skies and colorful birds eases the way for the sad news.
ReplyDeleteHow terrible for all of you to get this sad news. I lost three cats to cancer and I suspect, it's in the store bought food that we feed them, the ones that promises a shiny fur and purrfect health.
The wait for the inevitable is the worst and when it comes, it's worst again.
I'm glad that Jazz is being made comfortable with the transdermal pain killer and that he's eating and purring.
Wishing you strength and courage.
Hugs,
Julia
Julia: Thank you. It hurts doesn't it. I am very grateful for the beauty around me.
DeleteSo sorry to hear about the diagnosis for Jazz. I hope even now you can have some lovely days together.
ReplyDeleteThe rosellas and lorikeets brighten my day! Thank you!
Marie Smith: They brighten ours too.
DeleteThe pictures are a delight and calm the soul.
ReplyDeleteThe meds sound like what my Sweet Belle had when she had cancer. I wish Jazz days of sunshine and catnip, and you purrs of contentment to listen to for as long as possible.
Hugs
Sandra Cox: Thank you. Fingers and toes crossed.
DeleteI am so glad to hear the transdermal salve is working to relieve the pain for Jazz. And sad to hear he does have cancer.
ReplyDeleteThe birds are so beautiful, we have dozens of lorikeets here, twittering in the flowering gum trees but I can never see them. Most of the cockatoo flock has moved on now that I put out less seed, but the one who climbs up and down the tree still runs across the driveway to eat.
River: We are out of the lorikeet's range (according to the bird books) and only get a couple at a time. They are beautiful birds aren't they?
DeleteThe transdermal salve is wonderful.
I'm so sad to hear that Jazz has cancer - as others have said, it's good to hear that he is eating and purring, and is comfortable. Our animals are precious, and their lives seem very short. Hugs to him (if he accepts hugs!)
ReplyDeleteThe adult rosella is very handsome, and the lorikeets are beautiful too.
Alexia: He isn't eating much, but he is eating. Which is lovely. Precious indeed, as you know.
DeleteThat's bad news about Jazz. I'm so sorry, for him, for you. Love you both. Your birds are so colorful and cheery.
ReplyDeleteStrayer: He isn't young - but has mostly had a good life. Which I am hanging on to.
DeleteI am so sorry about Jazz. Thank you for nevertheless putting together another beautiful selection of photos.
ReplyDeleteJoanne Noragon: Thank you.
DeleteThe joys and sorrows intermingle in life. Lots of gentle scritches to your Jazz, i am glad you are making the most loving decision, although it isn't the easiest.
ReplyDeleteMy selections will be over here.
Deletemessymimi: It is the only decision we can make. Jazz's comfort is much more important than our feelings.
DeleteI'm so very sorry to hear the diagnosis, EC. This is the hard part of loving, but shows how much he means to you. I am glad that at least his pain medication will not be a struggle to give. Huge hugs, and may your habit of finding beauty help to ease your pain a little. Sending you love.
ReplyDeletejenny_o: Jazz is primarily himself's cat but has a firm hold in both of our hearts. And thank you.
DeleteIt appears I am echoing how others have quite eloquently expressed their love, concern, and sympathy for your beloved Jazz's diagnosis. Keeping him comfortable and eating, while holding on to him as long as possible, is the best of all possible plans. I know that took courage to share, and yet, you found such beauty in the birds and sunrises in and around your home. Bless you, dear Sue. And bless Jazz, too.
ReplyDeleteBleubeard and Elizabeth: Thank you.
DeleteDear EC
ReplyDeleteI echo all the comments about Jazz. He couldn't be anywhere better and he knows he is loved. The beauty around you does offer some small comfort and thank you for sharing it.
I am not a tactile person, but am sending virtual hugs to you.
Best wishes
Ellie
Ellie Foster: Thank you. Jazz certainly knows he is loved, despite being a difficult cat for all of his life.
DeleteBeen there--- It hurts to say goodbye when the time comes. Love the birds!!
ReplyDeleteBill: It hurts like hell - and we love the birds too.
DeleteDear EC - I feel for you both ... but it's wonderful to read that Jazz was purring happily, and eating a little - while that painkiller method is interesting to learn about ... but so good to know it eases his discomfort. My thoughts.
ReplyDeleteThe colours of the sunrise and your birds are just beautiful and it's good to know they bring solace to you both in these times ... take care - Hilary
Hilary Melton-Butcher: The transdermal painkillers work a treat - which much less distress for us all. And thank you too.
DeleteSo sorry to read about Jazz. The photos are lovely, the sky amazing colours and the parrots gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteMargaret D: Jazz is an elderly cat (15 or 16 now) but we were not ready to say goodbye. And thank you about the photos.
DeleteYou have given Jazz a great home and you will farewell him before he suffers. I like that.
ReplyDeletekylie: We owe it to him.
DeleteSorry to hear about Jazz, Sue, but the inevitable comes to all of us. My daughter, Caroline, had a dog name Nalla she rescued from the pound. She had been abused and would even cringe if you raised your hand to scratch your head. She slowly gained confidence in humans and the bond between Nalla and Caroline became as intense as any human relationship. Like all old dogs there came the time to say goodbye and Caroline was with her right to the end. She told me that they were happy together right up until the final breath. It seems to me that one could not do better than that, and I have no doubt that's how it will be between you and Jazz. Hugs - David
ReplyDeleteDavid M. Gascoigne: Thank you. Jazz was a rescue cat and has some behavioural quirks. He is predominantly my partner's cat but has carved a home in both of our hearts. I hope we can do as well by him as your daughter did for Nalia.
DeleteSo much beauty EC and your awareness of it all is such a gift to you and to us. I love those birds, the colours are magnificent and life affirming.
ReplyDeleteJazz is so fortunate to have you close by his side making his transition peaceful and loving.
XO
WWW
Wisewebwoman: Thank you. My beauty addiction serves me well.
DeleteI am so sorry to hear the news about Jazz.
ReplyDeleteThe birds are just so colorful that it brings a smile to my face.
Mary Kirkland: Thank you. The birds make us smile too.
DeleteDavid gave such a fine example so that I have nothing to add except of that my good thoughts are with you.
ReplyDeleteSean Jeating: Thank you. Many of us know this loss, which doesn't make it any easier.
DeleteLorikeets are crazy little birds. Our Wild Animal Park had a enclosure that housed those beauties. The prettiest most annoying creatures. It is like they are thinking "I'm beautiful and I know it." I took my 2nd gr. class there, and those suckers went crazy as they battled for whatever bird feed. Lorikeets could be used in a horror movie.
ReplyDeleteSusan Kane: They are certainly beautiful, and equally certainly demanding and insistent. It is a joy and a privilege to see them.
DeleteThe early morning shot reminds me of a landscape painting, the name of which eludes me. But lovely.
ReplyDeleteJ Cosmo Newbery: Thank you so much for that compliment.
DeleteOh the wonderful photos almost make up for the bad news. Hugs and purrs to you and Jazz. I never stop being amazed over the exotic beauty around you.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte (MotherOwl): I am endlessly grateful for the beauty around us - and more than happy to share. Jazz and I thank you.
DeleteLos colores del amanecer son preciosos. También me atrae los colores de esos pájaros de tus fotografías.
ReplyDeleteEspero que todo mejore con los medicamentos. La mediciana avanza día por día.
Te deseo todo lo mejor.
VENTANA DE FOTO: Thank you. Those colours brighten the greyest day - or mood.
DeleteI love all the colors...How is your cat?
ReplyDeletee: We love them too. We are taking each day as it comes with Jazz. And very glad that we can prevent him from feeling pain. I think his time left with us is fairly short.
DeleteOh, poor Jazz! I do hope he finds some comfort during the last few moments of his life. Love your colorful birds. The colors are spectacular! I prefer mornings, too.
ReplyDeletegigi-hawaii: Thank you. We are doing our very best to ensure that Jazz's last days are comfortable. I am delighting in the early morning and the birds. He is not.
DeleteColor and beauty indeed!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing all of this with us. Our day is better for it.
Wally Jones: Colour and beauty are always welcome aren't they? Very, very welcome.
DeleteOh EC, I'm so sorry about Jazz. Strength to you all in this time.
ReplyDeleteJohn Wiswell: Huge thanks.
DeleteSo sorry to hear about Jazz. That’s tough and glad you have your birds and early mornings to bring you joy. They are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteDeniseinVA: It is tough, despite knowing that the time had to come. And thank you.
DeleteYes, these are so beautiful, so blessed to be able to see them x
ReplyDelete
DeleteAnonymous: We are.
Google playing up, sorry about the anonymous, think the problem with googe hopefull sorted xx
ReplyDeletelostinimaginaryworlds: Thank you for identifying yourself. I cannot comment on your latest posts. Is that intentional?
DeleteI love your birds!
ReplyDeleteJenn Jilks: I have just rescued you from spam jail. We love our birds too. It is relatively early here and they are singing.
DeleteOh Sue, I am so sorry about Jazz. That is so sad - we hate seeing our beloved pets suffering. I'm sure that you will give him the best final weeks that you can and all the love that he needs. I'm thinking of you and little Jazz.
ReplyDeleteCarola Bartz: Thank you. At the moment he doesn't often know he is sick - which is as it should be.
DeleteLove the pictures, Sue! I am so sorry about Jazz. I wish you all the strength and love during this trying time.
ReplyDeleteDamyanti Biswas: Thank you.
DeleteSo sorry to hear about Jazz. Big hope you take comfort in those peach smoothie skies with their raspberry swirl. It's always such a joy to stop by your place. Thank you for being here, welcome mat out:)
ReplyDelete- Jennifer
SingingRiverSoulSpa: Thank you. The sky and the birds do give me comfort.
DeleteJust love those colorful birds,
ReplyDeleteRasmaSandra: Thank you. So do we.
DeleteI'm so sorry that your Jazz has cancer, Sue! I'm know you'll do everything you can to help him. Your birds are so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteFundy Blue: Thank you - on both counts.
Delete