I usually run with a theme. Sadly my theme is often same old, same old. I plead guilty again.
Starting with early morning skyscapes.
A couple of weeks ago I showed you some flowers I received in recognition that I am my city's longest standing volunteer at Lifeline. Most of them have died, but one bloom continues to delight me.
We had a grey week last week. It at least drizzled most days though we got precious little rain. On the only day where we had any sunshine Batty and Odie were soaking up the precious rays on the kitchen floor. As an aside, my father always said that if you wanted to find the most comfortable spot in the house, follow the animals round and see where they settle.
I am going to finish up in the garden. I showed you some of our garden ornaments recently. Bleubeard and Elizabeth asked aabout the quirky birds which I told her were also candle holders. The wings fold back so the candle can be installed. On summer evenings it is nice to sit outside by candle light. We are in early winter here, but much of the garden is convinced it is spring. There are more spring bulbs emerging from the ground every where I look.
Hopefully next year we will again get a display like this one.
I hope your week to come is bright and beautiful.
How wonderful that you were appreciated for all the volunteer work you do. The flower (a mum is it?) is beautiful! Your same old, same olds are always very welcome and a delight. That's a cute photo of Batty and Odie too. Your Dad's saying, very wise and it made me smile as I often would see our old dog in the sunlight. I like how your bird sculptures do double duty. Sometimes when we get some warmer weather before spring even starts, the plants and flowers get very confused and start appearing early. Wishing your three dahlias beat the next frost next time and sending my good growing vibes in your direction. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteDeniseinVA: Spring is months away and given that it is minus 2 as I type it isn't warm weather that has confused the garden. And me. The last remaining flower is indeed a crysanthemum - and a beauty.
DeleteThat's wonderful that the bulbs are still blooming. The longer the better. Love the idea of the birds being a candle holder too1
ReplyDeletemail4rosey: It isn't that the bulbs are still blooming but that they have made a premature appearance. I will welcome them when they arrive and hope that the frosts to come don't wipe them out.
DeleteThe flower you got in recognition of your volunteering, is superb! Hope your dahlias make it next time. Your candle holders in the garden look interesting. I would replace candle light with solar lights, if possible.
ReplyDeleteDUTA: Thank you. We have some solar lights in the garden and the candles are an additional (and rare) treat.
DeletePoor tree dahlias. Too bad it's such a race against time each year.
ReplyDeleteAhhh... to be a cat and follow the pockets of sun around on a lazy day. Sign me up!
Your photos are always welcome no matter the subject. We all enjoy them.
Sending hugs to you. Hope you have a peaceful week ahead!
River Fairchild: The tree dahlias triumphed for the last few years and it was probably time that the frost had its day. I am hoping for harder frosts yet. It is very almost bubble freezing time. While the cats would tell you that they are hard done by, they don't lead a bad life. The white interloper is currently sitting on our deck in below freezing temperatures. Hugs to you - and sharing your wish for peaceful weeks.
DeleteWhoooohoooo! Pat on the back for me! I checked first before posting! This time "Anonymous" remains locked in the closet!
ReplyDeleteOur pets certainly do find the best spots. I'm only allowed a very small section of "our" bed. I'm always confined, with Shama taking over the rest, leaving little room for me. And I have a king size mattress!!!!
Great to see Batty and Odie...give them cuddles for me. I hope you have a good week ahead, EC...keep warm...take care :)
Lee: Well done. I am intensely frustrated at the hoops blogger is making us jump through at the moments. Batty and Odie are excellent at finding comfortable spots. I hope that you and Shama have a great week.
DeleteThe morning skies are so beautiful. What a great view to have.
ReplyDeleteroentare: We are very lucky and have unobstructed views to the East and the West.
DeleteI love that first morning skyscape photo. The colors are perfect.
ReplyDeleteIt's been grey here too with rain everyday but not great amount. It's been too cold to plant the tender crops.
It's been so cold that the corn I planted on May 13th has not done well and will need to be replanted. It's such a disappointment. This week, we've been planting between raindrops. Today the sun peeked out a little, late this afternoon and we have been planting vegetables all day.
I think I would move right next to Odie and Batty for a place in the sun. How amazing that your spring bulbs are already coming up.
I hope that you have a great week.
Hugs, Julia
Hugs, Julia
Julia: That moody sky that morning blew me away. I am sorry that you lost your corn, and hope your other vegies do well. When we reach double figure temperatures I may do a bit in the garden. Long overdue weeding is calling my name.
DeleteI am so happy you have cats again. They make a home complete.
ReplyDeleteJoanne Noragon: I agree. A house needs a cat (or two) to be a home. Pestiferous as they can be.
DeleteLukas loves to find sun spots on the floor. Your cats are adorable!
ReplyDeletee: Thank you. They are good at finding those patches of sun aren't they?
DeleteLoa's favourite sunspot is the living room windowsill, I doubt very much that I could fit on there with her. Or even without her! Batty and Odie are looking well. Can the tree dahlias be moved at all? To a spot where the frost is least? A north or west wall? I also have bulbs popping up, even bluebells and I thought I had pulled all of them out because they got trampled by people taking shortcuts. Yet there they are, just a few.
ReplyDeleteRiver: The tree dahlias are in several spots in the garden and none of them are safe from our frosts. It was minus three when I first got up this morning.
DeleteWho is Loa you ask? That's Lola, my fourth typo of the day.
ReplyDeleteRiver: I am glad someone else suffers from typos and knew who you meant.
Deleteand my comment disappeared, must have forgotten to click 'publish' :(
ReplyDeleteTake two: Lola's favourite sunspot is the living room windowsill, I doubt very much that I could fit on there with her. Or even without her. Batty and Odie are looking well. I have bulbs coming up too, bluebells which I had thought were all pulled out but there they are, just a few.
River: For some reason most of your comments went to spam today. Odie's favourite spot is on top of the printer when the heater is on because it is directly underneath a heater duct.
DeleteI've never grown tree dahlias but a friend has quite successfully. We of course don't get your extreme cold or frosts.
ReplyDeleteAndrew: They are pretty much set and forget plants but it is a race between them and the frost each year. This year the frost won. And a week or two before that frost several of them were downed by a wind storm.
DeleteI love your skyscapes as usual, and Odie and Batty made me smile! How nice to seem them looking happy and healthy.
ReplyDeleteThe garden ornaments are very cool - what a clever way to enjoy candles outdoors!
Diane Henders: Thank you. I was in a hurry this morning and didn't photograph the dawn - for a change. I am glad you enjoy them. Odie and Batty are doing much better. I really like the quirky birds and the candle holder aspect is an additional bonus.
DeleteI like the shadow trees on the hill. Especially the lone tree.
ReplyDeleteMike: I like that lone tree too - and have lots of photos of it.
DeleteLovely to see your selection of photos, love the morning sky.
ReplyDeleteThat flower is a perfect one and a good colour, it is lasting very well..your cats look content there too EC.
Margaret D: Thank you. I am surprised at just how well that bloom is lasting. The cats would tell you that they are treated badly - but they lie.
DeleteA couple of my trees have their spring blossoms sprouting - and it's still cold. I love the minimalistic silhouette shot EC, it's very effective.
ReplyDeleteKim: I often photograph that tree - it is thrown into high relief by early morning light. I have noticed some blossom trees in bud too. Mind you, our liquid amber trees have not yet finished changing colour, let alone lost their leaves.
DeleteHi EC - lovely to catch the late Autumn with you ... frost can be pretty, but a killer of plants too - the cats definitely have the right idea at this time of your year. Thank goodness we have some warmth without a freezing cold east wind ... our roses and plants are blooming too - cheers and enjoy the week ahead. I love the candle - great idea - Congratulations on your Lifeline length of help - admirable ... cheers for now - Hilary
ReplyDeleteHilary Melton-Butcher: Frost is often beautiful, but yes, it is definitely a plant killer. I feel sorry for the interloper cats who are out door animals. Minus three or four must be hard on their paws despite their fur coats. We have had some chilly winds too. I hope yours settle.
DeleteMy younger brother was allergic to cats and from an early age I decided that I wouldn't like them. As I get older I realise that I was a cat-person all along and admire their independence and their love of comfort! Lovely weather here just now, bright and sunny and temperatures in the 20s. Just right for me (and cats too).
ReplyDeleteJohn "By Stargoose And Hanglands": I grew up with cats, dogs, guinea pigs, birds, fish and more. And like them all. When I took up with himself he believed he didn't like cats. These days he indulges their independent comfort loving selves for than I do.
DeleteWords of wisdom from your Dad. Follow the animals and they’ll take you to the best spot. Whether they’re always willing to share is another matter entirely!
ReplyDeleteDavid M. Gascoigne: Sharing is a very different matter indeed. The current cats do not share well - with each other or us.
DeleteI like a good sky picture.
ReplyDelete:o)
Cheers
PM
Plastic Mancunian: So do I. Rather a lot.
DeleteAbsolutely stunning EC.the darkness on the leaves are beautful.
ReplyDeleteBob Bushell: Thank you. We live in a beautiful world.
DeleteBeautiful blog
ReplyDeleteRajani Rehana: Thank you.
DeleteI was late getting here but still need to convey my gratitude for your wonderful post, filled with love and light and even a few kitties sitting in the sunlight. Sending you virtual hugs, dear friend.
ReplyDeleteDJan: You are not late - and always welcome. Thank you. Hugs received and reciprocated.
DeleteLovely views. I think cats, dogs, they know all the sweet spots. The last one with the flowers and blue sky looks quite like spring.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely day.
lissa: Thank you. The final photo was taken in early winter a few years back. While chilly we often have bright blue skies at this time of year - when we don't have fog.
DeleteThose candle holders are really cute. I don't do candles on account of my cats. Knock the candle over and the house goes up in flames. Plus I'm terrible at forgetting one is lit and unattended.
ReplyDeleteStrayer: I quite understand why you don't do candles. Years back I forgot a candle and went to school. I burnt the desk it was on and was lucky that was the only damage.
DeleteAnother set of scenes to savor!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing beautiful things as seen through your eyes, EC. We appreciate it.
Wally Jones: There is a lot of beauty about - and as a beauty addict I am grateful. Not least for the wonders you share on your blog.
DeleteSorry about the hard frost.
ReplyDeleteCats do look happy in their sunshine.
Alex J. Cavanaugh: I quite like hard frosts. This year the first one came a little too early for me and the tree dahlias. The cats were very happy indeed - until there was a territorial dispute.
DeleteCongratulations on being recognized as the longest volunteer there. That's really awesome. I love the pictures.
ReplyDeleteMary Kirkland: Thank you. I hope to continue volunteering for many years to come.
DeleteYour moring sky shots are lovely, i get precious few morning pictures except stopped at traffic lights on my way in to work, and those are through the car windows.
ReplyDeleteThe long-lived flower is a delightful surprise, i'm sure, every time you look at it and see how long it has lasted.
James Herriot called cats, connoisseurs of comfort.
Those candle holders are unique, i like them.
I'm sorry your tree dahlias didn't make it and hope they do next year.
messymimi: James Herriot was right. Their comfort not ours. I am thrilled at that long lived bloom and am still enjoying it. While you may not photograph the dawn I imagine you see (and enjoy) most of them. Your life is very, very busy.
DeleteYour father was right, indeed!
ReplyDeleteWell done with the work with Lifeline, EC. You have helped many people over the years! It must be satisfying to have done good in the world like that!
Have a great week.
Marie Smith: Thank you. We were brought up to believe that we had an obligation to contribute to the community. I am so glad I found Lifeline, and get more from it than I give.
DeleteSitting in the garden by candlelight sounds wonderful to me! Even in summer our evenings can be rather cool (which is great for sleeping, so I'm not complaining) and we don't really sit outside much after dark. Sometimes though, I'm outside after dark to watch the moon or the stars. Always a treat.
ReplyDeleteCarola Bartz: Our summer evenings are often HOT, and winter ones decidedly chilly. The intermediate seasons can be lovely outside.
DeleteThat bloom is beautiful, and I like that vase too!
ReplyDeleteI truly congratulate you, on the work that you do!
Lon Anderson: The bouquet of flowers was an unexpected and lovely gesture. More than two weeks later I am still enjoying them.
DeleteI never tire of seeing your early morning skyscapes, they are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThat bloom is beautiful, it has lasted so well.
May the new week ahead be a good one for you.
All the best Jan
Lowcarb team member ~Jan: Thank you. I never tire of the sky, but worry that other people may be over my obsession with it. I hope you and Eddie have a great week too.
DeleteYour father was a wise one concerning the animals. If we let them they will share their wisdom with us. Your posts are the furthest thing from same old same old. It is always fresh and new to see the same old face of a good friend and this is that! Love you. Aloha!
ReplyDeleteCloudia: Thank you so much. My father added - 'and then kick them out and take over that comfortable spot' but of course he didn't.
DeleteDear EC
ReplyDeleteAs Elizabeth Murray (or Marina Schinz - depending where you look on the internet!) have said, "Gardening is an exercise in optimism. Sometimes it is the triumph of hope over experience". The other thing I like about gardening is that 'there's always next year'. Your photos always provide much interest and joy.
Have a happy, peaceful and healthy week
Best wishes
Ellie
Ellie Foster: We have been lucky with the tree dahlias for a few years now. This year the frost triumphed but as you say there is always next year. I hope your week is all of the things you wished for me.
DeleteAlways interesting to see life in Australia. Love that candle holder in that bird. How cool.
ReplyDeletegigi-hawaii: I like the birds and the candle holder is a bonus. Thank you.
DeleteLovely sky photos. Sorry to hear about the frost.
ReplyDeleteHena Tayeb: There will be other years for the tree dahlias. I hope. Skyscapes fascinate me and I look forward to dawn each day. No colour this morning though.
DeleteLas flores alegran mucho la vista, con sus vistosos colores. Lo mejor para verlas, es pasear, por esos bellos jardines.
ReplyDeleteQue tengas una feliz semana. Un abrazo
VENTANA DE FOTO: Thank you. We have another grey day here today, but I will do a bit in the garden later. It brings me comfort and joy all year round.
Deletethecontemplativecat here. What a unique candle holder for outdoors! I love that. Your gardens are always delightful.
ReplyDeleteSusan Kane: If you could see our gardens at the moment. They are a weed fest, but I am slowly starting work on them. The candle holders are fun aren't they?
DeleteThank you for using my colour. The flower looks for all the world like a giant clover and your garden sure looks like spring. I'm sorry about the dahlias, racing the frost sounds like risky business.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte (MotherOwl): Thank you for your visit. I hope it didn't hurt your poor back too much. Racing the frost is definitely risky. We were unlucky this year, but there will be other years.
DeleteThe sky and your skyscapes never feel old to me, always amazing and timeless. Hope all is going well with your week.
ReplyDeleteNilanjana Bose: They heal me too. I am endlessly grateful for the wonder and beauty on display. And waiting anxiously for today's dawn.
DeleteIt seems I have missed TWO weeks on Sunday. I am SO sorry. And to think you even took time to show how the quirky bird was also a candle holder. It took me a minute to orient the second photo of the bird, but now I see where the candle sits. It is a beautiful bird and I am delighted you have two of them and they are both candle holders. Thanks for thinking of me, even when I didn't show up to appreciate what you did for me. I call that over and above.
ReplyDeleteBatty and Odie look happy and content at least.
Bleubeard and Elizabeth: I am glad that you like my quirky birds and that I was able to show you that they are candle holders. There is NO compulsion to visit. None. You have a life.
DeleteActually, I had a squirrel that chewed the line that held my internet, which kept me offline last Sunday.
DeleteBleubeard and Elizabeth: I learned about that. Pesky squirrel - though I suspect it didn't survive.
DeleteThe idea of sitting outdoors in candle light and with sculptures is very nice but we always have plagues of mosquitos!
ReplyDeleteThe brothers are adorable.
Have a good week :)
kylie: Citronella candles are good for that. You have a great week too.
DeleteYou KNOW I love those candle-holding birds. And that last pic of the pink flowers in the sky...so beautiful. Have a wonderful day...and beyond!
ReplyDeleteJ C: Thank you. I really hope that the tree dahlias flower next year. They lost the annual race this time.
DeleteGood morning, you've made my day wide with excitement, as I too have garden business to attend to too. Your kitties in that capture is beautiful they are sweet too. So many things we have around us to love and enjoy. Take care and enjoy your weekend and week coming.
ReplyDelete21 Wits: I still have garden work ahead but did some (too much?) yesterday. Aren't we lucky that the world is packed with beauty and wonder - including our furry companions.
Delete