tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17857955754545023782024-03-06T12:01:18.191-08:00garden delightsThe Earth is my mother, the World my home, where e're I go delights await me.Arijahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03720793296992474762noreply@blogger.comBlogger1102125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1785795575454502378.post-37323002967442770042017-02-13T15:10:00.002-08:002017-02-13T15:10:38.666-08:00last post.<br />
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Arija Pilskalns Schwerdtfeger passed on to her next big adventure earlier this month, but in her last days requested that a farewell be posted here, on her behalf.</div>
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As per her instructions she was privately cremated.<br />
We will be holding a family ceremony in the spring, to commemorate her life and scatter her remains among her beloved roses.</div>
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Arijahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03720793296992474762noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1785795575454502378.post-14045356962575664662016-10-24T04:31:00.002-07:002016-10-25T22:09:30.763-07:00OUR WORLD - Spring is here . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Spring is here and time for daisy chains</div>
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the paddocks and hills are covered in gold,</div>
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well actually, a South African imported weed</div>
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but so very pretty</div>
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and joy of joys, our dams are all overflowing </div>
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for the first time in twenty years</div>
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To all of you who have wondered, no, I'm not dead yet . . .</div>
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Linking with <a href="http://ourworldtuesdaymeme.blogspot.com.au/">OUR WORLD</a><br />
and <a href="http://myworldthrumycameralens.blogspot.com.au/">WEDNESDAY AROUND THE WORLD</a></div>
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Arijahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03720793296992474762noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1785795575454502378.post-11956761352861976302016-06-06T01:32:00.001-07:002016-06-06T06:28:11.864-07:00Memories of Mothers Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A gift from DD, these monstrously large chrysanthemums</div>
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deep, deep red and smelling like chrysanthemums of old</div>
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look into their hearts and you get sharp crab claws</div>
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and delicate trumpets for angels to blow</div>
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I do so enjoy the scent and look of Oriental lilies</div>
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click on each or any for more detail.</div>
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Linking with<a href="http://www.shinethedivinecreativityisaspiritualpractice.com/"> I Hear Macro</a></div>
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<a href="http://anenglishgirlrambles2016.blogspot.com.au/">TODAY'S FLOWERS</a></div>
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and<a href="http://ourworldtuesdaymeme.blogspot.com.au/"> OUR WORLD</a></div>
Arijahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03720793296992474762noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1785795575454502378.post-49793630818747288262016-05-15T00:18:00.001-07:002016-05-15T00:18:44.811-07:00MONSTERA deliciosa - an unusual plant<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My Monstera <i>deliciosa,</i> when it was but a baby</div>
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now, both the wall and water tank are invisible</div>
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and I have to lift leaves aside to sidle past it</div>
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it is taking up two thirds of my shade house!</div>
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Ever since I first saw my first Monstera as a teenager, </div>
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I fell in love with it.</div>
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No idea why . . .</div>
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it was not long that I realised that it was Monstera <i>deliciosa,</i></div>
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with the round holes it it's leaves that drew me, not the non </div>
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fruiting cut leaf plant that was so in vogue </div>
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as an indoor ornamental</div>
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it is doing well in my protected shade house </div>
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and brings a touch of the Tropics into my difficult, dry garden</div>
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in the driest State in the driest Continent</div>
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and has been fruiting now for a number of years</div>
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here is a cluster of four emerging flower buds</div>
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and the pristine, virginal flower,</div>
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already protecting the fruit in it's heart</div>
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the fruit takes 2 years to ripen and only flowers</div>
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after fruiting</div>
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in common parlance, it is called the fruit salad plant</div>
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as the fruit has flavours composed of pineapple, banana</div>
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and a variety of other tropical fruits</div>
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on the ripe fruit, the outer, green layer drops off,</div>
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revealing the luscious, edible bits inside.</div>
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a bit like eating corn on the cob except for the intense</div>
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sweetness and tropical flavour . . . yum</div>
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it took at least a decade of waiting for it to fruit,</div>
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this year I had 14 pieces of fruit and in 2 years time,</div>
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if I am still around, there are 17 buds and flowers</div>
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promising a glut of deliciousness.</div>
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If I stick around until I am 90, I'll be able to open a market stall!</div>
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Linking with </div>
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<a href="http://floralfridayfoto.blogspot.com.au/">FLORAL FRIDAY FOTOS</a></div>
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<a href="http://anenglishgirlrambles2016.blogspot.com.au/">TODAY'S FLOWERS</a>,<a href="http://www.shinethedivinecreativityisaspiritualpractice.com/"> I Heart Macro</a></div>
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and <a href="http://ourworldtuesdaymeme.blogspot.com.au/">OUR WORLD</a></div>
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Arijahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03720793296992474762noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1785795575454502378.post-68812685666775878422016-05-08T07:00:00.000-07:002016-05-08T17:48:58.595-07:00Mothers Day - the bravest woman I know<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A bunch of flowers I thought I had bought for myself</div>
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taking up half of my room</div>
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when in reality, they are for my beloved mammi</div>
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a little and immensely courageous woman</div>
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in a faded photo on her wedding day in 1918</div>
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Serious and sombre, with no idea what life had in store.</div>
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My father, with a distinguished cross for </div>
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years of surgery on the Russian front</div>
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after being conscripted out of Medical School.</div>
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Naturally, after the war he had no right to practice</div>
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without a degree.</div>
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They made their living in the twenties and thirties</div>
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in whichever way they could.</div>
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Father, tuning and restoring pianos, as share farmers </div>
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and running a store in a small town.</div>
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This venture did not really prosper</div>
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since mother was too open handed to the poorest of the poor.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkOIqciJU-27h_byUGZ2ru1Ktg_8ZrNdQkCE2FPie8xxEQI846XpffpVLsagiM-eyCkWYVyJc5SrpUpdt9kWj1wFNqtbokR-QlMuDGQBzFiRIPbDNmrOVMSJo12yWeJInnRd_kxNX7Yew/s1600/a2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkOIqciJU-27h_byUGZ2ru1Ktg_8ZrNdQkCE2FPie8xxEQI846XpffpVLsagiM-eyCkWYVyJc5SrpUpdt9kWj1wFNqtbokR-QlMuDGQBzFiRIPbDNmrOVMSJo12yWeJInnRd_kxNX7Yew/s400/a2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Later, father joined the police force and became a detective.</div>
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Mother meanwhile, had born him 5 children,</div>
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losing her firstborn doughtier to dysentery at the age of two.</div>
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<br /></div>
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When the Germans handed Latvia to Russia in the secret </div>
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Ribbentrop plot, my father was arrested and deported to Siberia</div>
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and mother became our sole support.</div>
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<br /></div>
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My elder brother was fighting for our country and badly </div>
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wounded in Lithuania, loosing a lung and a number of ribs</div>
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but, within weeks, was sent back to the front.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Mother, having studied languages at university,</div>
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worked shifts at the international exchange </div>
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at the post office.</div>
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Not easy juggling a job and three children</div>
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between 4 and 12</div>
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and finding sufficient food for her hungry, growing chicks.</div>
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<br /></div>
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In 1944, with the advancing Russian front on the horizon,</div>
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she packed up her chicks and what we could carry </div>
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and her trusty, hand cranked sewing machine,</div>
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and, after a 2 hour warning, we were on the last train</div>
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from certain death under the Russians</div>
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to a Germany besieged and bombed from all sides.</div>
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<br /></div>
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While the war lasted, we were all separated and put to work,</div>
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happily in the same village. I was 7 and was shunted </div>
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from one place to another and had to help wherever I was.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Mother worked as maid to a publisher in his summer house, </div>
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a water mill, with running water under the kitchen. </div>
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Mother had mountains of dishes to do and got </div>
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very bad rheumatism and the hardest thing in my life I </div>
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had to do, was to pick a large bunch of nettles </div>
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and beat her naked back with them.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The surface pain took her mind off the unbearable pain inside.</div>
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Finally, she was carted off to hospital </div>
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in the nearest town.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I felt totally bereft.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Not knowing whether papa or my elder brother </div>
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were dead or alive was hard for us all, but mostly mother</div>
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for there was a time when she felt with certainty </div>
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that my brother at the front, had been killed.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Fear for all her children was ever present,</div>
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not just before the end of the war from the Gestapo</div>
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and the bombing</div>
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but after it as well, with soldiers of various armies</div>
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coming through and two young daughters to keep safe.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Then came the famine, we were in one of the </div>
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French zones</div>
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and the French really hated the Germans</div>
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and confiscated any food they could find </div>
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and sent it back to France.</div>
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There was little enough for the local population</div>
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and much less for us who had no contacts on the land.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Mother traded all her silver and linen we had brought </div>
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with us, except for her children's christening silver,</div>
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for food. Even so, she got thinner and thinner,</div>
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like a horse ready for the glue factory.</div>
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Every bit of nourishment she fed to her children</div>
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until survival surpassed fear from being sent back </div>
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to Latvia to a certain death</div>
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and we finally registered as displaced persons or DP's.</div>
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Shunted from camp to camp for two years</div>
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until we found a country which would take us.</div>
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Only Australia was prepared to take a parent over 45</div>
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and a child of school age, but at a price.</div>
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My younger brother, 19, and my 16 year old</div>
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sister had to come first and sponsor mother and me.</div>
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<br /></div>
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So we came to Australia, where people of working age,</div>
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had to work under contract for two years,</div>
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wherever they were sent by the government.</div>
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<br /></div>
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My sister was working as nurses' aid in a NSW</div>
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country town, my brother as dessert cook </div>
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at an army barracks and I went to school and</div>
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had to learn English from scratch.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Not being able to speak English, when travelling on </div>
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public transport, other passengers would sidle away</div>
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from us, as though we had the plague if we spoke.</div>
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<br /></div>
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At first we lived in a boarding house, three in one room </div>
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with use of tiny kitchenette and bathroom</div>
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while my brother slept under the front steps </div>
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with just a trellis separating him from trawling </div>
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perverts looking for young boys.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Mother, my sister and I all worked in a 'sweat shop'</div>
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while they both sewed garments, I was finishing them </div>
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after school and on Saturday mornings.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Every penny was scraped together until, </div>
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with another family we had enough for a deposit on a house.</div>
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<br /></div>
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A few years later, we sold our half and had a </div>
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deposit for our own house.</div>
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Oh the joy!</div>
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Mother planted apple trees, a birch and a fir tree </div>
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in memory of our homeland.</div>
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A grape vine shielding the porch,</div>
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berry bushes, roses and vegetables.</div>
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Just to get our hands into our own bit of soil!</div>
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<br /></div>
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My mother was a wonderful woman, respected and beloved</div>
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by all who knew her and I miss her </div>
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every day although she left us more than a quarter</div>
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of a century ago.</div>
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<br /></div>
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There is so much more to mother's story</div>
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but that would take a whole book.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq36tznVpmpKL4TTbAHwcy33WVWmOz7VDLfaV85WJ3OjtaQXBdUI2CZmHzvXFOkcsavl8kGaMNGaJcKfDpYGkg6KVrk_CRivtwTJwIVyLVrLXTuxsRw67mHogZiSGba0ocnddjdaAggvA/s1600/a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq36tznVpmpKL4TTbAHwcy33WVWmOz7VDLfaV85WJ3OjtaQXBdUI2CZmHzvXFOkcsavl8kGaMNGaJcKfDpYGkg6KVrk_CRivtwTJwIVyLVrLXTuxsRw67mHogZiSGba0ocnddjdaAggvA/s400/a1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My DD gave me this almost black chrysanthemum</div>
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that actually smells like one too.</div>
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It seems the modern ones have the scent engineered out of them.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How boring the world becomes </div>
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when you do all this genetic modifying.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Linking with <a href="http://anenglishgirlrambles2016.blogspot.com.au/">TODAY'S FLOWERS</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ourworldtuesdaymeme.blogspot.com.au/">OUR WORLD</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and <a href="http://www.shinethedivinecreativityisaspiritualpractice.com/">I Heart Macro 130</a></div>
Arijahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03720793296992474762noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1785795575454502378.post-69069537862127344472016-04-17T22:44:00.003-07:002016-04-22T20:22:37.660-07:00More wonders of the World - a little patch of God's garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Memories of New Zealand last December</div>
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<br /></div>
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A fast raining little river flanked by lupins</div>
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who could help stopping to admire?</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD8RbZQYBjx0xGiD9D8vApF_PW7WfeMCnn3QWFev5gsEEMXqz4WhAqse57spGPycoq5s7jg9F0uP0bH0BFmjpx-AUK7yXPqOuZNM7iz1mU9TQ6qLGl0fLgsFGCq2i_CPMNNH0w1All3vw/s1600/a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD8RbZQYBjx0xGiD9D8vApF_PW7WfeMCnn3QWFev5gsEEMXqz4WhAqse57spGPycoq5s7jg9F0uP0bH0BFmjpx-AUK7yXPqOuZNM7iz1mU9TQ6qLGl0fLgsFGCq2i_CPMNNH0w1All3vw/s400/a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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couldn't stop on the bridge</div>
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so had to walk back from the road verge </div>
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up the hill a bit</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_AfWA67R-wBmsLbPXvWQWb1Z9Mxg5aoJ8r4XrZ4VP-zjmB6I2dpYMixASu9d6gddGXPXnfDAqSjGrvm1xIBLh2e8KTI9L9nJApxcB1w2EMz29z9_i2g7jXXtaDCp1EIUSsguYrOQeN6I/s1600/a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_AfWA67R-wBmsLbPXvWQWb1Z9Mxg5aoJ8r4XrZ4VP-zjmB6I2dpYMixASu9d6gddGXPXnfDAqSjGrvm1xIBLh2e8KTI9L9nJApxcB1w2EMz29z9_i2g7jXXtaDCp1EIUSsguYrOQeN6I/s400/a1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but it was so very worth while</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of be engulfed by the massed perfume</div>
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and multiplicity of colours</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
as a bonus they were flanked by elder bushes in full bloom</div>
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which are prolific in this beautiful country</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
an elderflower infusion sponged on hives </div>
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and many other rashes </div>
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shrinks them away within a few days,</div>
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even allergic reactions to antibiotics </div>
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that manifest in large welts</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpD-TeyImfIDfOwbIdkQ8ntXyrv6Ke1amb7GpXOPCJXcclskwzjOAKZDCYPjwikrWTv0M6iyOde3t6PU6Xct9PjN5oCM-VnOHr2phDjmiGzNEMvREONUtDt5VhM4J6_71g29pO7n93T8I/s1600/a2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpD-TeyImfIDfOwbIdkQ8ntXyrv6Ke1amb7GpXOPCJXcclskwzjOAKZDCYPjwikrWTv0M6iyOde3t6PU6Xct9PjN5oCM-VnOHr2phDjmiGzNEMvREONUtDt5VhM4J6_71g29pO7n93T8I/s400/a2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
these lupins have covered acres of land down the hillside</div>
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some call them invasive weeds</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but what is a weed but a flower out of it's desired place</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
only people wanting to</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
force their own will on a landscape</div>
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think in therms of flower and weeds</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sometimes, just sometimes, God steps in</div>
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and creates a flower bed of this magnitude</div>
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that leaves one speechless with awe at the beauty</div>
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<br /></div>
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I will never forget the wonder of the scent</div>
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almost visibly hanging in the sun-warmed air</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it was so hard to drag ourselves away . . .</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBA2jDRie_cN5V8EOzH8FE2Kq4E-lisnQAtM7dfbhXlkq0JEUYmDJPlT7HYYJ9G2LT5cGEZ_ddDwpt4VeKaD1EobXkirra-EviBwbXCHQrIEJURA8_WqT1wGn_wFweGjJkzh9oVuyQ0ro/s1600/a3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="373" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBA2jDRie_cN5V8EOzH8FE2Kq4E-lisnQAtM7dfbhXlkq0JEUYmDJPlT7HYYJ9G2LT5cGEZ_ddDwpt4VeKaD1EobXkirra-EviBwbXCHQrIEJURA8_WqT1wGn_wFweGjJkzh9oVuyQ0ro/s400/a3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Linking with</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.shinethedivinecreativityisaspiritualpractice.com/">I Heart Macro</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ourworldtuesdaymeme.blogspot.com.au/">OUR WORLD</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://anenglishgirlrambles2016.blogspot.com.au/">TODAYS FLOWERS</a><br />
<a href="http://floralfridayfoto.blogspot.com.au/">FLORAL FRIDAY FOTOS</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Arijahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03720793296992474762noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1785795575454502378.post-40474596069304728572016-04-14T18:55:00.001-07:002016-04-14T18:55:47.226-07:00SkyWatch -- Hope and disappointment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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To all my dear friends and followers</div>
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I am so very grateful for you all who call in</div>
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especially when you leave a comment</div>
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<br /></div>
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I am getting older, not as old as I still hope to become</div>
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but some things are no longer as easy as they were.</div>
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Although I immensely enjoy all your posts,</div>
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I get so tired in the evenings, I cannot find the</div>
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words to leave a fitting comment.</div>
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I wish it were not so . . .</div>
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<br /></div>
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Here is something else I quite desperately wish for</div>
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although I kno, in many parts of the world </div>
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they are getting much too mush rain</div>
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here it has been bone dry</div>
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for so long, I hardly remember what rain</div>
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or rich, moist soil feel like</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHk3S8rieeoDy1h8rFsbOTkseOdIHYcsD3pjk6gbIWCg60RRFu4naQSKUsBbxQckw0vfsaGQMixJGVZ_5_q_WxlOMvjm5i1Fg3sTfivhyphenhyphenD2csJzcCbVUUHdmcoH5XzQQ4FKA-L03eE0w/s1600/a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHk3S8rieeoDy1h8rFsbOTkseOdIHYcsD3pjk6gbIWCg60RRFu4naQSKUsBbxQckw0vfsaGQMixJGVZ_5_q_WxlOMvjm5i1Fg3sTfivhyphenhyphenD2csJzcCbVUUHdmcoH5XzQQ4FKA-L03eE0w/s400/a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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we have not had sufficient rainfall since 1995</div>
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and it looks like another dry autumn.</div>
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In a good year, my windows are covered in huge rain moths at night</div>
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this year I have only seen one!!!</div>
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<br /></div>
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Small wonder I look longingly at these cloud</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7U2iGQRTPFp0lxGZ2aRPPR9zFbJLLeMMpyF0ogvwS1W_zhmdPLT_Mtt_aJ5Fq6t6-OTTgilIL2PtSocSbEMNrXAqBJo0X351HLn-GAQQ5do47z4Fo7GHsLvAbDEYGzH8XI0ccMfZT4M/s1600/a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7U2iGQRTPFp0lxGZ2aRPPR9zFbJLLeMMpyF0ogvwS1W_zhmdPLT_Mtt_aJ5Fq6t6-OTTgilIL2PtSocSbEMNrXAqBJo0X351HLn-GAQQ5do47z4Fo7GHsLvAbDEYGzH8XI0ccMfZT4M/s400/a1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
and all I have been getting is this</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMN_vgrjOmMwQorl7L_LElCHKP_C3i3ZNzmaPLseZiZU9ESZTbwH65Cl7bBPah24wLtHTzyDWYjPt5OLqxucmK2tllpvJIGnyaSFNUgmiNwWy1gJpTVrc2oRQ3orJv2G1zdAorVM0MXY/s1600/a2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMN_vgrjOmMwQorl7L_LElCHKP_C3i3ZNzmaPLseZiZU9ESZTbwH65Cl7bBPah24wLtHTzyDWYjPt5OLqxucmK2tllpvJIGnyaSFNUgmiNwWy1gJpTVrc2oRQ3orJv2G1zdAorVM0MXY/s400/a2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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don't take that the wrong way,</div>
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I'm not complaining,</div>
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I'll take beauty in whatever guise she comes in</div>
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and these amazingly tender sunset tones</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in the Eastern sky are always a balm for my thirsty soul</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaf7qWpavF21gdR-PKtP4-RykECa1J8vAdzZwiIQrNMUlXu_2dArieQsPnqcH2nEGdQMksJII525E4XD_W_yEGO0HI71u2KsYlSWnS3MJXppi_3EsJAPW79X3O4E2kfu-vs-P1B8LLzWc/s1600/a3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaf7qWpavF21gdR-PKtP4-RykECa1J8vAdzZwiIQrNMUlXu_2dArieQsPnqcH2nEGdQMksJII525E4XD_W_yEGO0HI71u2KsYlSWnS3MJXppi_3EsJAPW79X3O4E2kfu-vs-P1B8LLzWc/s400/a3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Linking with <a href="http://skyley.blogspot.com.au/">SkyWatch</a></div>
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<br /></div>
Arijahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03720793296992474762noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1785795575454502378.post-89581320308480448052016-04-10T19:36:00.001-07:002016-04-10T19:36:20.978-07:00 Some small wonders of Autumn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Valotta lilies,<i> Cyrtanthus elatus</i></div>
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have put on their lipstick</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBVL5GvtmJFW3n6ebnIeYgwzThR5ckfYC_XUe1ecA3iE-zFFVOzCsVVUZAH-kvr8kQAv1xxuN3Kn_IIe19NHwPnqgXs11_3OiRA1RLlkr-HUgpqKE8UKoy7weXt_1rGf37ZSNAcIAUqOk/s1600/a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBVL5GvtmJFW3n6ebnIeYgwzThR5ckfYC_XUe1ecA3iE-zFFVOzCsVVUZAH-kvr8kQAv1xxuN3Kn_IIe19NHwPnqgXs11_3OiRA1RLlkr-HUgpqKE8UKoy7weXt_1rGf37ZSNAcIAUqOk/s400/a.jpg" width="396" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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shy Naked Ladies unfolding their beauty</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWsl5QWCLHljKE5POwCd9-9CFw8nSYxLCyzc1OsX5U-Mmed8KuxqwjY8wHCQjgKYrGViSpK4a4o3tIeUKA5zNmcNrJjCkOAu0Gxsho2hAGpmcUw_7Eiux9ntJ4LaEJO5WL2ycgaarLDe0/s1600/a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWsl5QWCLHljKE5POwCd9-9CFw8nSYxLCyzc1OsX5U-Mmed8KuxqwjY8wHCQjgKYrGViSpK4a4o3tIeUKA5zNmcNrJjCkOAu0Gxsho2hAGpmcUw_7Eiux9ntJ4LaEJO5WL2ycgaarLDe0/s400/a1.jpg" width="355" /></a></div>
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to burst into bloom and still</div>
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demurely draped in shadow play</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_kZyA1gGUqndJ-RLgdO006BLdE4CYdPJ1GWDbc8AoVlT-yhtfVifhVK608LC17UVtjo_klmGboEY9mmI9FKqcwNnUbSVnG6LKXVHmZpTrwk7DhmylPEUooWqTGPvOXDQSzYun4W6jrRo/s1600/a2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_kZyA1gGUqndJ-RLgdO006BLdE4CYdPJ1GWDbc8AoVlT-yhtfVifhVK608LC17UVtjo_klmGboEY9mmI9FKqcwNnUbSVnG6LKXVHmZpTrwk7DhmylPEUooWqTGPvOXDQSzYun4W6jrRo/s400/a2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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and when we look into their hearts,</div>
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they show us their very soul</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRxb16AaSt_5hk6u7qkFN_Lmy-iGutEh_6NBVb0JK29QSMhVYrs8pzDKhiNC1RjcPjBjrbb6fPhjcoOfEWZmskr7GKd9I0aW00ZdqhcN3KIvt1TwxSwwen3ivnSE5NdwOdE_a4FY8Z6Xc/s1600/a3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRxb16AaSt_5hk6u7qkFN_Lmy-iGutEh_6NBVb0JK29QSMhVYrs8pzDKhiNC1RjcPjBjrbb6fPhjcoOfEWZmskr7GKd9I0aW00ZdqhcN3KIvt1TwxSwwen3ivnSE5NdwOdE_a4FY8Z6Xc/s400/a3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Linking with</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://anenglishgirlrambles2016.blogspot.com.au/">TODAY'S FLOWERS</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.shinethedivinecreativityisaspiritualpractice.com/">I Heart Macro</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and <a href="http://ourworldtuesdaymeme.blogspot.com.au/">OUR WORLD</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Arijahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03720793296992474762noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1785795575454502378.post-42263178767994420212016-04-03T06:13:00.000-07:002016-04-04T17:55:43.855-07:00Autumn crocus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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It has been a very long, dry summer</div>
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a few weeks ago we had our first rain event </div>
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and hoped the long dry was over</div>
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<br /></div>
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no such thing, we had almost 2" in one go</div>
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and not a drop more</div>
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<br /></div>
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it confused nature even more,</div>
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spring bulbs are popping up</div>
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plum trees are in full blossom </div>
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and</div>
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my autumn crocuses, <i>Colchicum</i> burst into bloom</div>
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which only lasted for a few days </div>
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as the heat came back . . .</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5G4lKWCHu-t9Vx5f8rkhIf5Or9SlUEBn4Oy6gJt1X1p2Bow2y0KQRGWckSN2lyxmb1bnNLy83eLJzu4GW0MZbpyGkaqq-sDXzpipgK_E4DBdt1GdQlXmt_kTHwl-ZntpIpx6aYylfAdk/s1600/a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5G4lKWCHu-t9Vx5f8rkhIf5Or9SlUEBn4Oy6gJt1X1p2Bow2y0KQRGWckSN2lyxmb1bnNLy83eLJzu4GW0MZbpyGkaqq-sDXzpipgK_E4DBdt1GdQlXmt_kTHwl-ZntpIpx6aYylfAdk/s400/a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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at least they were brilliant for those</div>
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precious few days</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjas3kA6sxl4rmKBPJVorEHSe9K1wWzBp_5fERwOqxbFbH7l9y8WS9z9MVkLwMdLOcEFslqYOwDLlXGVzYnhGRjY2cF1M8pDsCgg8VF868vRNmcSf-ge8CvavjqkdqMlN7ipm2sdb2My60/s1600/a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjas3kA6sxl4rmKBPJVorEHSe9K1wWzBp_5fERwOqxbFbH7l9y8WS9z9MVkLwMdLOcEFslqYOwDLlXGVzYnhGRjY2cF1M8pDsCgg8VF868vRNmcSf-ge8CvavjqkdqMlN7ipm2sdb2My60/s400/a1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
please click on the photos to see more detail<br />
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZhoaLqk8kcDvd1YGXfq_9J8cv7-N4G7P8sqh1E7PnoLY_2DnFe6ptpJ9Eb-n9o3FbeDVoLxZawJqdtwwO0saafVfExNy085rKeG-8Qh9GZz0ePlkNjuWnV8mS_9Iq6lRCUQT4s1BJ0U/s1600/a2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZhoaLqk8kcDvd1YGXfq_9J8cv7-N4G7P8sqh1E7PnoLY_2DnFe6ptpJ9Eb-n9o3FbeDVoLxZawJqdtwwO0saafVfExNy085rKeG-8Qh9GZz0ePlkNjuWnV8mS_9Iq6lRCUQT4s1BJ0U/s400/a2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Linking with </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://anenglishgirlrambles2016.blogspot.com.au/">TODAYS FLOWERS</a>,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.shinethedivinecreativityisaspiritualpractice.com/"> I Heart Macro</a><br />
and <a href="http://ourworldtuesdaymeme.blogspot.com.au/">OUR WORLD</a><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Arijahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03720793296992474762noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1785795575454502378.post-15732740742589567482016-03-27T05:58:00.002-07:002016-03-28T12:09:26.277-07:00OUR WORLD - Happy Easter !<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Wishing a Happy Easter to one and all</div>
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who celebrate this Christian feast</div>
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and all those who celebrate Spring and the</div>
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renewal of life in general.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHovc5HfNgj0UDu5DOG9Jbe7FIvf5ndHMQ92BX38koPB-kOOKgGhzlbWZH4y1PKxFyvDbkWVYbyZTsq1nON0Xx9XixdQ-vGDos7pa-ddAkgrZtWVpUuirqQNgITKJeKLdMrkNhE5hkD0/s1600/a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHovc5HfNgj0UDu5DOG9Jbe7FIvf5ndHMQ92BX38koPB-kOOKgGhzlbWZH4y1PKxFyvDbkWVYbyZTsq1nON0Xx9XixdQ-vGDos7pa-ddAkgrZtWVpUuirqQNgITKJeKLdMrkNhE5hkD0/s400/a.jpg" width="361" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
For the first time in my life</div>
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I was on my own on this day,</div>
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not lonely, just at peace and happy to be alive.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I pray for peace on this beautiful planet </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in these troubled times . . .</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Linking with <a href="http://ourworldtuesdaymeme.blogspot.com.au/">OUR WORLD</a><br />
<br /></div>
Arijahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03720793296992474762noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1785795575454502378.post-70745702365668927202016-03-14T17:36:00.002-07:002016-03-14T17:36:48.784-07:00OUR WORLD - A special wedding in the family<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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Seldom do I put up such a personal post</div>
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but it was such a happy occasion </div>
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that I could not just keep it for myself.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGABlJEIOeCflbme-g9CcrM6NIt0yGdPQYyUCljBbAwM9e22No8E533iUtrLEV8chGrQzjZZAk3bzQhj_PiFULCcnAQJ6eXg_62m0T3qJjmdIUkcSk1icMKhgMu4emvJFRq7XYTRP8iZs/s1600/a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGABlJEIOeCflbme-g9CcrM6NIt0yGdPQYyUCljBbAwM9e22No8E533iUtrLEV8chGrQzjZZAk3bzQhj_PiFULCcnAQJ6eXg_62m0T3qJjmdIUkcSk1icMKhgMu4emvJFRq7XYTRP8iZs/s400/a.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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my very special grandson (left) and his best fried </div>
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awaiting the bride</div>
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under a splendid Eucalypt on a hill in a vineyard</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKXiX1gVO4sum4ugDZfIi6nNa8hK0J1eZOYLsJLme7BurD9UplEHvVwRDoV1HFPVx6tUPd0wlLCUKTqYIbDlQZ95CkFx3UESJEMOkJ3MrnJZLbGAsU_ufNpdaTNwi_wgsUKtz_7Rl89o4/s1600/a2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKXiX1gVO4sum4ugDZfIi6nNa8hK0J1eZOYLsJLme7BurD9UplEHvVwRDoV1HFPVx6tUPd0wlLCUKTqYIbDlQZ95CkFx3UESJEMOkJ3MrnJZLbGAsU_ufNpdaTNwi_wgsUKtz_7Rl89o4/s400/a2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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his beautiful bride arrives</div>
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looking like a princess from a fairy tale</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1L4wO6htzrEuTppyNwMEBdQBhq48Don-8UFK9hnZGGMH9qatI0wYZfWg6gM0aOnrw-j2TU3DKFoLCxoWfsID1p4dr_EmZ7zfQO9wOx7CIqZo01Peo5epIc3wlSruW6m6nzQNqtbCdlW0/s1600/IMG_3344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1L4wO6htzrEuTppyNwMEBdQBhq48Don-8UFK9hnZGGMH9qatI0wYZfWg6gM0aOnrw-j2TU3DKFoLCxoWfsID1p4dr_EmZ7zfQO9wOx7CIqZo01Peo5epIc3wlSruW6m6nzQNqtbCdlW0/s400/IMG_3344.jpg" width="355" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the happy couple cutting the cake</div>
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as their wedding present, his baby sister and partner</div>
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both chefs,</div>
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did the catering for some 140 guests</div>
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and a great time was had by all!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Linking with <a href="http://ourworldtuesdaymeme.blogspot.com.au/">OUR WORLD</a></div>
Arijahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03720793296992474762noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1785795575454502378.post-89682677618436796562016-02-21T17:01:00.001-08:002016-02-21T17:01:37.692-08:00OUR WORLD - more from my NZ trip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A rare sandstone outcrop</div>
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a high-rise for many birds</div>
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and home to ancient petroglyphs</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj-VnJB12uwnuoh_8Tysf84Sh5EnBt42CtPMlYMODJ7o-LEN3pZEVLIyzsMCG5qz2iDvR9UlVKoMqRg5MyWaOejeFH82q-_1CJiacUVDPqx7PQfHN-naS5E6qpYngpyi7WxsEGvzpDGMU/s1600/a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj-VnJB12uwnuoh_8Tysf84Sh5EnBt42CtPMlYMODJ7o-LEN3pZEVLIyzsMCG5qz2iDvR9UlVKoMqRg5MyWaOejeFH82q-_1CJiacUVDPqx7PQfHN-naS5E6qpYngpyi7WxsEGvzpDGMU/s400/a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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there is such a lot of wisdom in this sign</div>
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if you read the fine print</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPi3pas1hp4aCkAHv9QsN7xREXsEKplyqJumKZi38iDs4lZLrTvG52JWY90_I2tkJJDbPY5x1j-X9kyO-wsHompaLPlbOZRnswiIFIFICG6-OCvl5hzM-HDpmZFfP1LHPW8zvhzvs5k-g/s1600/a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPi3pas1hp4aCkAHv9QsN7xREXsEKplyqJumKZi38iDs4lZLrTvG52JWY90_I2tkJJDbPY5x1j-X9kyO-wsHompaLPlbOZRnswiIFIFICG6-OCvl5hzM-HDpmZFfP1LHPW8zvhzvs5k-g/s400/a1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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unfortunately, as in many places.</div>
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sacred sites and ancient petroglyphs</div>
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have given way to graffiti</div>
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and senseless destruction</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFG303JvIZBXaF4vIWYqjsLXrBS_ZOPW1BZ8JfKUwvwXdm9hk500fRlHpoLHojUgL8mvQn3Q3bXNCxjWOrpjvdpIPMw-aSWHx5X815DgYGiyQDV4HVSPvjSZywNocroWHr0qHcwFDT5wc/s1600/a2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFG303JvIZBXaF4vIWYqjsLXrBS_ZOPW1BZ8JfKUwvwXdm9hk500fRlHpoLHojUgL8mvQn3Q3bXNCxjWOrpjvdpIPMw-aSWHx5X815DgYGiyQDV4HVSPvjSZywNocroWHr0qHcwFDT5wc/s400/a2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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happily, at least now, it is securely fenced off</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuyvuqKpG4qnXsooRlnWiVF1dO-_8_u-tGB11DnKMMQBWybHqtS7yQtVZFP5tWnzUauexwkMEEtpS6mrFnf-LELD6Jvsjf7CcvY5hUaDKBXd8cQGHt-kbI-XNLt1hPRtfsB1-Nt84YDkM/s1600/a3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuyvuqKpG4qnXsooRlnWiVF1dO-_8_u-tGB11DnKMMQBWybHqtS7yQtVZFP5tWnzUauexwkMEEtpS6mrFnf-LELD6Jvsjf7CcvY5hUaDKBXd8cQGHt-kbI-XNLt1hPRtfsB1-Nt84YDkM/s400/a3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Linkung with<a href="http://ourworldtuesdaymeme.blogspot.com.au/"> OUR WORLD</a></div>
<br />Arijahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03720793296992474762noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1785795575454502378.post-89241082642964130522016-02-18T02:38:00.001-08:002016-02-18T02:38:14.251-08:00SkyWatch - The Land of the Long White Cloud<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Summer clouds in New Zealand</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZyfp702Nnez2vpSDnedX3IWezF5NpvLGkUI02i93y_k14vO969-3KumxKruzFnBsyl_a90VmmS7iKxtBTCqrxhPWTaElBgNGv44sT3PAfS35aHi1V7TniM2225LhibFx9JLNIFb7UMO4/s1600/a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZyfp702Nnez2vpSDnedX3IWezF5NpvLGkUI02i93y_k14vO969-3KumxKruzFnBsyl_a90VmmS7iKxtBTCqrxhPWTaElBgNGv44sT3PAfS35aHi1V7TniM2225LhibFx9JLNIFb7UMO4/s400/a1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'd love to go back to the Land of the Long White Cloud</div>
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where so much goes on in the sky</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Linking with <a href="http://skyley.blogspot.com.au/">SkyWatch</a></div>
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<br /></div>
Arijahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03720793296992474762noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1785795575454502378.post-54209708292807394472016-02-11T05:20:00.002-08:002016-02-11T05:20:55.877-08:00SkyWatch - watching the day fade<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After a long day's drive across New Zealand's</div>
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South Island,</div>
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we found this splendid hotel in Wanaka</div>
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with views across the lake and the snow-capped mountains</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJcs4AmDAHOZCabw-LAIBndWamQilHt73SzRzcxHZFBFDRsBBYoAZaOzxpSqnnGSmTtsWqmziS7qD7c69AxC3JjnCQjqQAXmO3_lYVxmZGtiB4LchLlVU458qslAjAbb8fEhqyyg-X21Y/s1600/a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJcs4AmDAHOZCabw-LAIBndWamQilHt73SzRzcxHZFBFDRsBBYoAZaOzxpSqnnGSmTtsWqmziS7qD7c69AxC3JjnCQjqQAXmO3_lYVxmZGtiB4LchLlVU458qslAjAbb8fEhqyyg-X21Y/s400/a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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with the statutory G&T in hand</div>
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we watched the last rays of the sun </div>
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catching the mountain tops</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQRwTrbKcuePdTTf1IjVUyiUqdAaSIDPNmXvf5Y6PqGGKfr3PURASDZTxMttfnj4XXkn5Mvd16OrXqTnf98w8w3Mx6ycTDIZxnhnhIKj-vpvy1k4i6tkk09GoH7Qq-fhyphenhyphenttv4x6JN8RDY/s1600/a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQRwTrbKcuePdTTf1IjVUyiUqdAaSIDPNmXvf5Y6PqGGKfr3PURASDZTxMttfnj4XXkn5Mvd16OrXqTnf98w8w3Mx6ycTDIZxnhnhIKj-vpvy1k4i6tkk09GoH7Qq-fhyphenhyphenttv4x6JN8RDY/s400/a1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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darn it, it's hard to take photos with my phone</div>
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while hanging on to my gin with the other hand</div>
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and leaning over the balcony </div>
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trying to photograph around the corner</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD9qSlV_ufx1WKf_NjEh3CshMbULgrGJlfgs4lwQAf9Q9jcETckpQgVMH3ERJa4lc3UAPWiNAwnCoO5mXA3a-HTMtjsVB12-vS_U4mwcUq7LJUB0mQ7rb09Gt7d0_5-DzJW_HzH4vFNU0/s1600/a2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD9qSlV_ufx1WKf_NjEh3CshMbULgrGJlfgs4lwQAf9Q9jcETckpQgVMH3ERJa4lc3UAPWiNAwnCoO5mXA3a-HTMtjsVB12-vS_U4mwcUq7LJUB0mQ7rb09Gt7d0_5-DzJW_HzH4vFNU0/s400/a2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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happily I stayed safe after all and</div>
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was able to enjoy the pink clouds</div>
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reflecte in the lake</div>
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and my G&T</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXS1JoTDSEo8o7vYFcK22XxZNpkfZfZnnVvERMpLsxdW9_Hp6tZnFnePBie477bxpqRyT8L8cI0e5V-qDg3cPQjNLI-SvdFrcjVhAi7oQ5dDK-SqNCFdWX3RbC1NquvsbgOGo4xNnP-yo/s1600/a3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXS1JoTDSEo8o7vYFcK22XxZNpkfZfZnnVvERMpLsxdW9_Hp6tZnFnePBie477bxpqRyT8L8cI0e5V-qDg3cPQjNLI-SvdFrcjVhAi7oQ5dDK-SqNCFdWX3RbC1NquvsbgOGo4xNnP-yo/s400/a3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Linking with <a href="http://skyley.blogspot.com.au/">SkyWatch</a></div>
Arijahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03720793296992474762noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1785795575454502378.post-12230106192136235552016-01-18T13:30:00.000-08:002016-01-19T14:15:00.085-08:00OUR WORLD - Along the New Zealand coast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Heading further down the coast,</div>
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green grass and these twin oyster bays</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAXJBDNFtBEQU5fTqlBQWdxAFmvTbfLfuz8tobyTilH5gmnFuMcwkrIj34PnzWxvr1rACrQTsm2PQ5YPOR64tNNOZkLzz4e5eCoL1ZG98AIRS4TbhAlDPDFNBmbVJNNvK4OVWUxEChUvE/s1600/a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAXJBDNFtBEQU5fTqlBQWdxAFmvTbfLfuz8tobyTilH5gmnFuMcwkrIj34PnzWxvr1rACrQTsm2PQ5YPOR64tNNOZkLzz4e5eCoL1ZG98AIRS4TbhAlDPDFNBmbVJNNvK4OVWUxEChUvE/s400/a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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a quaint house in Warrington</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjSs-5D27s8sx8RVzlN3Ocw6WbG3y4HDp74eacgkAzDCuvhuPZnR856OiivftsvGzKV_B4ps4CDvuA4yj3NRKiER5NPbaq4p31I6F9K9ON1TVojkKzEct8vK-QZVjKmS71Ni3ReY86zhU/s1600/a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjSs-5D27s8sx8RVzlN3Ocw6WbG3y4HDp74eacgkAzDCuvhuPZnR856OiivftsvGzKV_B4ps4CDvuA4yj3NRKiER5NPbaq4p31I6F9K9ON1TVojkKzEct8vK-QZVjKmS71Ni3ReY86zhU/s400/a1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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and a couple of shots of the splendid railway</div>
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station in Dunedin</div>
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<br /></div>
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Linking with <a href="http://ourworldtuesdaymeme.blogspot.com.au/">OUR WORLD</a></div>
Arijahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03720793296992474762noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1785795575454502378.post-63421788844862095272016-01-11T18:05:00.000-08:002016-01-14T01:42:47.887-08:00OUR WORLD & Good Fences - More wonderful New Zealand<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Driving on, we found this wonderful place </div>
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recently returned to the Maori people</div>
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who have put immense pride and toil</div>
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into, not only this magnificent hand carved </div>
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entrance arch</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoLepjYKTOe8x9mLDiWUSFHvWPPQHsp-vsZ9_DDupb3O22caym7qAJuoxUbBO1VzvDjWBp0ipE85Kx-JG-iVaxbEVuW4vUOVIuezD0UDRKeJUqvAeli20x1QqzszrIEeU_0cSiGOzDNTw/s1600/a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoLepjYKTOe8x9mLDiWUSFHvWPPQHsp-vsZ9_DDupb3O22caym7qAJuoxUbBO1VzvDjWBp0ipE85Kx-JG-iVaxbEVuW4vUOVIuezD0UDRKeJUqvAeli20x1QqzszrIEeU_0cSiGOzDNTw/s400/a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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but also into the kilometres of walking trails</div>
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over hills and dales and along the sea side</div>
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as you walk the trails, the sacredness of this</div>
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place oozed up throughout he soles of your feet</div>
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blood red flowers to remind one of the blood</div>
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shed here over the centuries</div>
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even the service area has a long log for the volunteers</div>
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to celebrate around the bonfire </div>
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occasional shaved lawns giving a broad view</div>
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and a lovely place to picnic and listen to the </div>
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native birds singing in the large shade giving trees</div>
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last, but certainly not least, this massive tract of land </div>
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is surrounded by a seven foot high paling fence</div>
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forcing one to enter by the gate, that has a </div>
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magical protective force. </div>
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Walking through the entrance arch, there is a feeling of awe </div>
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as you enter this sacred place.</div>
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I saw a number of cars turn back and go away</div>
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obviously not able to appreciate this place.</div>
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I hope you enjoyed this glimpse into the way we travel.</div>
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We tend to avoid the large crowds and car parks </div>
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of the usual tourist attractions</div>
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and follow up the gentle places of this world.</div>
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Linking with</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ourworldtuesdaymeme.blogspot.com.au/">OUR WORLD</a> and <a href="http://run-a-roundranch.blogspot.co.za/2016/01/good-fences-94.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+TheRunaroundRanchReport+(The+Run*A*Round+Ranch+Report)">Good Fences</a></div>
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Arijahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03720793296992474762noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1785795575454502378.post-11548232769318276422016-01-06T19:47:00.002-08:002016-01-06T19:47:24.258-08:00SkyWatch - Clouds over New Zealand<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Still from the Land of the Long White Cloud</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-K6zfVVVb2LesyRU67XwnzUQ3hEtXNswVdejKNx0KrBWnjXhBFnZ8YUpNNoS7yufUdo1ahjQNDd_1WvAN-oz02OlBaj4sBA1oE_ydwd3eP1HORP8cUk4GZqkjL04OGjrDls8ZbdcPCwU/s1600/a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-K6zfVVVb2LesyRU67XwnzUQ3hEtXNswVdejKNx0KrBWnjXhBFnZ8YUpNNoS7yufUdo1ahjQNDd_1WvAN-oz02OlBaj4sBA1oE_ydwd3eP1HORP8cUk4GZqkjL04OGjrDls8ZbdcPCwU/s400/a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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beautiful clouds and beaches everywhere.</div>
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Wishing I could of back again right away . . .</div>
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hope is a great thing</div>
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Linking with <a href="http://skyley.blogspot.com.au/">SkyWatch</a></div>
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Arijahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03720793296992474762noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1785795575454502378.post-43796142532915868732016-01-05T01:52:00.000-08:002016-01-05T01:52:13.269-08:00OUR WORLD - Hitting New Zealand's West Coast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After feasting our senses on these and more beauties</div>
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we head south and west to the South Pacific Ocean</div>
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a great spot to stretch our legs and enjoy the colours</div>
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of the open ocean</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPalIlguR7_Yf9UqXWTlyrwc10xI9oSHRo7oTE2xKFeMhyphenhyphenE8CXEms5J351628wNWX2JY2Ce4QP0qyrAAByomdigikXdm8z5BAXDWUPJ3HvT00le968_AENj73pJNtws1K7pRtFbCbiA5w/s1600/a2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPalIlguR7_Yf9UqXWTlyrwc10xI9oSHRo7oTE2xKFeMhyphenhyphenE8CXEms5J351628wNWX2JY2Ce4QP0qyrAAByomdigikXdm8z5BAXDWUPJ3HvT00le968_AENj73pJNtws1K7pRtFbCbiA5w/s400/a2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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a magnificent beach and so very crowded</div>
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not just one or two pieces of driftwood to use as foreground!</div>
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Having filled our lungs with the sweet, pure air,</div>
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time to move onward.</div>
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Linking with <a href="http://ourworldtuesdaymeme.blogspot.com.au/">OUR WORLD</a></div>
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Arijahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03720793296992474762noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1785795575454502378.post-24314146765069952292015-12-29T01:56:00.000-08:002015-12-29T02:00:46.018-08:00Wild Bird Wednesday - Coastal birds, New Zealand<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Staying on the water's edge at Akaroa, on the South Island</div>
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of New Zealand,</div>
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we had some visitors to help clean up our scrambled eggs</div>
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don't know which gull this is, I just know it is different </div>
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to our silver gulls in Australia</div>
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sadly, the next morning we had to leave but at least the </div>
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coastal scenery was beautiful</div>
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and all those specks at the water's edge are, surprisingly,</div>
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Canada Geese!</div>
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Introduced to the country in 1905 as game birds.</div>
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Sorry my iPhone could not do them justice.</div>
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Linking with <a href="http://paying-ready-attention-gallery.blogspot.com.au/">Wild Bird Wednesday</a></div>
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Arijahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03720793296992474762noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1785795575454502378.post-3111476232800220842015-12-28T03:33:00.000-08:002015-12-28T20:15:42.739-08:00OUR WORLD and Nature Notes - Some little wonders in New Zealand<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We arrived late and by the time we were out of the airport,</div>
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it was close to midnight.</div>
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Happily, <a href="http://prophet-of-bloom.blogspot.com.au/">Darling Daughter</a> had booked us the most </div>
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comfortable king-sized beds at the nearest hotel</div>
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After a blissful night, this bumble bee was busy at the</div>
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entrance as we waited for transport back to the airport</div>
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to pick up our car.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLBjdbcDR8ChcBT-lWxhEmGLI3Li2UdsvN5G9PaSqFdD0vtNTNhy55d-yQ2ASjrr2qB_tswVmSMoS8YabHePGboYAIYerwgqJXhbVqqjEoU8T7WP3-b3yG6JrLi-n6G0zX-PR91L3AaQc/s1600/a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLBjdbcDR8ChcBT-lWxhEmGLI3Li2UdsvN5G9PaSqFdD0vtNTNhy55d-yQ2ASjrr2qB_tswVmSMoS8YabHePGboYAIYerwgqJXhbVqqjEoU8T7WP3-b3yG6JrLi-n6G0zX-PR91L3AaQc/s400/a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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After a few hours of slow driving through flat, rather boring</div>
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country, we came upon this marvellous Japanese restaurant</div>
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at Ashburton. A find indeed, with authentic beyond delicious </div>
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Japanese food. We were a bit late for lunch but they </div>
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very kindly kept the Restaurant open for us </div>
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so we could fully enjoy our meal.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJuFkwCr6mw4HV5ZPYn_3uZJ7dcpQnfPgpagMhqaA0rfaqJnmjDv69KBEGnpThzOToZoCOSWEFyJ5aW9PjBmTx57EAZTpXVGihn0kKMlbW5cpiF7ayNx2X23VKiCC0fOsM7jU7y0JiQg/s1600/a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJuFkwCr6mw4HV5ZPYn_3uZJ7dcpQnfPgpagMhqaA0rfaqJnmjDv69KBEGnpThzOToZoCOSWEFyJ5aW9PjBmTx57EAZTpXVGihn0kKMlbW5cpiF7ayNx2X23VKiCC0fOsM7jU7y0JiQg/s400/a1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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it was so delicious I did not even think of taking a photo</div>
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until we were halfway through our meal.</div>
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I stil salivate just thinking about it.</div>
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DD, who organised the whole trip, is a seasoned traveller</div>
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and knows when to stop an stretch one's legs to ward </div>
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off fatigue</div>
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we stopped by a railway line, under some beautiful oaks</div>
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and although it was not such a great spot for stretching one's</div>
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legs, there was much to discover and appreciate in the grass</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsTEVqJUUdBgU69bA07Y-0l5CQWWwK0glQ4fPuOJvTUCxWJxchVDaOL0muBF_bGBP6g0hyphenhyphenjbpQZXZHABmqIe4v49Vfx2cGYqvT1Chp02IDRaf9LlagyurFVKg90SepfMgEpL02Ey5KUAY/s1600/a3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsTEVqJUUdBgU69bA07Y-0l5CQWWwK0glQ4fPuOJvTUCxWJxchVDaOL0muBF_bGBP6g0hyphenhyphenjbpQZXZHABmqIe4v49Vfx2cGYqvT1Chp02IDRaf9LlagyurFVKg90SepfMgEpL02Ey5KUAY/s400/a3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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tiny lawn daisies</div>
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red clover</div>
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a sea of baby oaks</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1W4TM_ETxKIjfVua2T_GV07KRVqvB6IQafJu829j7pE6xvxMx_OIFruee8-yKLMTuSzyZPC0aVzy8rZW-L-o0TYV88UBUP-p0exqZ0RSCa_BSkbAJiw0LsP4LGfy3nNuiliAPEWOaZpA/s1600/a7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1W4TM_ETxKIjfVua2T_GV07KRVqvB6IQafJu829j7pE6xvxMx_OIFruee8-yKLMTuSzyZPC0aVzy8rZW-L-o0TYV88UBUP-p0exqZ0RSCa_BSkbAJiw0LsP4LGfy3nNuiliAPEWOaZpA/s400/a7.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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some roadside weeds glowing like miniature suns</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhztb1KyAcV-Tg_ECe-sdgV2OvKVnTD5GOGI0XdJoR_A4GyITGctD7W8ZEeW4ku34kkqogyeNza619aMF_LcqPy83q5mGAx6h_6BvpOCqzXQIzr3WMtFx3K9FIXJ3FVCMOqkvcXOUUN-pU/s1600/a8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhztb1KyAcV-Tg_ECe-sdgV2OvKVnTD5GOGI0XdJoR_A4GyITGctD7W8ZEeW4ku34kkqogyeNza619aMF_LcqPy83q5mGAx6h_6BvpOCqzXQIzr3WMtFx3K9FIXJ3FVCMOqkvcXOUUN-pU/s400/a8.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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and this interesting flower which neither of us was </div>
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acquainted with and much much more<br />
(this plant has now been identified by<a href="http://sweetpeapath.blogspot.com.au/"> Sweetpea</a><br />
in my comments. Thank you Christ.))</div>
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a short stop, but so refreshing for the soul.</div>
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Linking with <a href="http://ourworldtuesdaymeme.blogspot.com.au/">OUR WORLD</a><br />
<br />
and <a href="http://ramblingwoods.com/">Nature Notes</a><br />
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Arijahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03720793296992474762noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1785795575454502378.post-54095702780746216552015-12-22T15:05:00.001-08:002015-12-22T15:05:05.665-08:00Wild Bird Wednesday - Chaffinch in NZ<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Birding with only an older iPhone is not ideal</div>
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but even so, I was happy to nab this cute little chap.</div>
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The Chaffinch is an introduced bird in New Zealand </div>
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but, unlike the house sparrow, is such a nice songster </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWMwuolMqO_j8myIAiUwp6k8UjpI4FJRN_AoYlQJj_UanmtiTX8-9wcf01og0ESkKzRsKB9KEQQ6SvUooEtz1rJNU0BfTLhB1jZCFSyAGRp-PTaLxaMb5BLJZtjB_siw2Ka1AVHYVoFL4/s1600/a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWMwuolMqO_j8myIAiUwp6k8UjpI4FJRN_AoYlQJj_UanmtiTX8-9wcf01og0ESkKzRsKB9KEQQ6SvUooEtz1rJNU0BfTLhB1jZCFSyAGRp-PTaLxaMb5BLJZtjB_siw2Ka1AVHYVoFL4/s400/a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A few other birds from my trip may follow.</div>
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Linking with </div>
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<a href="http://paying-ready-attention-gallery.blogspot.com.au/">Wild Bird Wednesday</a></div>
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Arijahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03720793296992474762noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1785795575454502378.post-13678563227600664192015-12-21T02:01:00.002-08:002015-12-21T04:43:49.121-08:00OUR WORLD - Paeonies in New Zealand<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hallo my friends, it has been a long time between </div>
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drinks but it seems that I am finally back</div>
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Been home bound for health reasons but can travel again</div>
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and have just ( by grace and favour of</div>
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my <a href="http://prophet-of-bloom.blogspot.com.au/">Darling Daughter)</a></div>
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spent a week in New Zealand</div>
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ticking, for now anyway, fields of</div>
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<b>PAEONIES</b></div>
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off my bucket list.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheX6NZ3PBLBcs6otnbuqszxr0jCrgk7w1AW_ezRq3MQD0C9XDS0EefigZqAPIgJoxvtAZWA5nnkD9ZAhP_6_ewtIMY5hyQrJljblAnl3Q-Qy9zsQnOWz9qs3T092wcASXXAx4YHym-dYc/s1600/a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheX6NZ3PBLBcs6otnbuqszxr0jCrgk7w1AW_ezRq3MQD0C9XDS0EefigZqAPIgJoxvtAZWA5nnkD9ZAhP_6_ewtIMY5hyQrJljblAnl3Q-Qy9zsQnOWz9qs3T092wcASXXAx4YHym-dYc/s400/a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It was the last opportunity before the end of the season</div>
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and the growers were apologetic about the fading blooms</div>
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but for me, it was like heaven on a stick</div>
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sheer magic!!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf0uv-suh1lVyHQ2TfHoGdg8kfO9Og1nACpFqnqQ9O7T9CHpP76r-p8whvfc6CjGoUnhkE4Ipy8YeoHEd1LHOnqeCmQKQNUtzb0q3fCGb2-CkU-NlvjVUCMP8AgDcXfq8pIx8KBjO0FDY/s1600/a2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf0uv-suh1lVyHQ2TfHoGdg8kfO9Og1nACpFqnqQ9O7T9CHpP76r-p8whvfc6CjGoUnhkE4Ipy8YeoHEd1LHOnqeCmQKQNUtzb0q3fCGb2-CkU-NlvjVUCMP8AgDcXfq8pIx8KBjO0FDY/s400/a2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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whether mottled pink</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicpeWtYayZCzmXsyacN5e3l1bdwJRXccv4b8gfXOD1W2KDOtUIlC-2Qbq5ON11NowjFIfAhmbHdmHb343szPZzQGdqDA3smtz3Ezmab1FqGNi3Vcsepme9GZRD9Ae75Ic9h8oUY__9-0U/s1600/a3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicpeWtYayZCzmXsyacN5e3l1bdwJRXccv4b8gfXOD1W2KDOtUIlC-2Qbq5ON11NowjFIfAhmbHdmHb343szPZzQGdqDA3smtz3Ezmab1FqGNi3Vcsepme9GZRD9Ae75Ic9h8oUY__9-0U/s400/a3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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rising like a double waterlily</div>
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in bud or fading</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAWVTRGI3Ca882cwjX13GSAtLC3aJx9baRW8RwPgopi145PSVgxhwkrDhYID06dj8X1OS8-vPb2qhk3t6YVuBht5wfwpwFM_fWmqTuVnKz_4zMWCBAgMOFKUPXK_h_BWj21UdOPQZ-MxM/s1600/a5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAWVTRGI3Ca882cwjX13GSAtLC3aJx9baRW8RwPgopi145PSVgxhwkrDhYID06dj8X1OS8-vPb2qhk3t6YVuBht5wfwpwFM_fWmqTuVnKz_4zMWCBAgMOFKUPXK_h_BWj21UdOPQZ-MxM/s400/a5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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just mind-blowing beauty</div>
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and looking beyond, quietly grazing sheep . . .</div>
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I took almost 500 pictures, so be warned</div>
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there will be more.</div>
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Linking with <a href="http://ourworldtuesdaymeme.blogspot.com.au/">OUR WORLD</a></div>
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Arijahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03720793296992474762noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1785795575454502378.post-40162472467646183232015-10-10T18:03:00.001-07:002015-10-10T18:03:58.614-07:00TODAY'S FLOWERS -- another odd year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Spring had barely come</div>
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with all it's blossomy glory</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVI4rHGuPZ06emd1H6BNPK2ltPJRmu_MwWaFJqv6AuR2Iiqg0mUoyECN8eEJ-pMzg1kiw2uplLZJtKhKbJ7PQhbk5fcv2_LmKmMqYEW1YrhMgRPseg5gsQUFLIIjh9XYN8VZDAdh4Y7-E/s1600/a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVI4rHGuPZ06emd1H6BNPK2ltPJRmu_MwWaFJqv6AuR2Iiqg0mUoyECN8eEJ-pMzg1kiw2uplLZJtKhKbJ7PQhbk5fcv2_LmKmMqYEW1YrhMgRPseg5gsQUFLIIjh9XYN8VZDAdh4Y7-E/s320/a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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outside my garden fence</div>
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my favourite ornamental blossom tree, Malus <i>floribunda.</i></div>
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At duk, I stand engulfed by it's scent and blossoms</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj12HQUAHPvD_GLa1ORcm65t6SeioG1ipG39djWY7zqF5GqidzPPzKYtgPEKJ-mMxbizijnL8sV2BLYTYQcN6FJbvkN0nWc4R5WNEGeE5FUfiD5ckBvL83dKrKpo96ns60XWlSx6IvUcQA/s1600/a3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_Lq6NEUe07VoyMAv1ZFEc4tWOniQs0aX5jZa5h_-ybWggzs89SKCAGpycO2y-ksFW3TKTssGwcR9bQ2otdRvl-9D2oRkH-FTbnHd0SfEtWOO_ftjKBgQ8bjUIe8NP_H4r9XJvdLH7W4/s1600/a4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_Lq6NEUe07VoyMAv1ZFEc4tWOniQs0aX5jZa5h_-ybWggzs89SKCAGpycO2y-ksFW3TKTssGwcR9bQ2otdRvl-9D2oRkH-FTbnHd0SfEtWOO_ftjKBgQ8bjUIe8NP_H4r9XJvdLH7W4/s400/a4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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wisteria coming into bloom,</div>
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again the heady scent was almost too much at times</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBc64wvpJBjHny1DdjoYD3nEbFofCHhRUsSU97W6hBL3M7ObSvfc4vLZizTakkB2adyhaYlG6YbEkr2Y8X3iB1VaDOZR83CPiNt_e0iTJ0hjNiL9lDjkVit9U4_0BJKR-lwAsH3F_8_mA/s1600/a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBc64wvpJBjHny1DdjoYD3nEbFofCHhRUsSU97W6hBL3M7ObSvfc4vLZizTakkB2adyhaYlG6YbEkr2Y8X3iB1VaDOZR83CPiNt_e0iTJ0hjNiL9lDjkVit9U4_0BJKR-lwAsH3F_8_mA/s400/a.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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all this delicate wonder was destroyed by two hot, hot days</div>
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as summer struck us in the face in mid spring,</div>
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complete with a bushfire close by</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9pcHqyCIpkbs_FX8a3Qk29fZ8VicJ_z07gGlRS1KFkrNsPSjImfDXNHHNPcrTj7asU2ca2eMelBoxixSmlOd-rNtPW89Ot6msHqEIE03vnyNLXWDYH506wQc8txUQVr81Rl6_Bvgxyh8/s1600/a7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9pcHqyCIpkbs_FX8a3Qk29fZ8VicJ_z07gGlRS1KFkrNsPSjImfDXNHHNPcrTj7asU2ca2eMelBoxixSmlOd-rNtPW89Ot6msHqEIE03vnyNLXWDYH506wQc8txUQVr81Rl6_Bvgxyh8/s400/a7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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as a consolation prize,</div>
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this splendid, huge bloom opened among the faded </div>
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splendour of the wisteria.</div>
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No complaints, the consolation prize was a real beauty!</div>
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Linking with </div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.anenglishgirlrambles.blogspot.com.au/">TODAY'S FLOWERS</a> </div>
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<br /></div>
Arijahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03720793296992474762noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1785795575454502378.post-18383981509446425992015-09-19T20:30:00.000-07:002015-09-19T20:30:08.531-07:00TODAY'S FLOWERS & I Heart Macro - Spring has sprung<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Often last winter I did not expect to see another spring</div>
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yet here it is, in all it's glory</div>
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even without the ability to care for my garden,</div>
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it gives me joy after joy</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQjQC5XAw7rP-62UXwhIEM1YP30D9ZeUkewSQ0X8VxOC67axUKvzB1D5uum9vjzrrHsoLUDPx6Fr1Buv4utXiGPYGcP_6veNSswuo96RMmztXFEhRshigdNX8Pg695mbzVUtTqbSwZFE/s1600/a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQjQC5XAw7rP-62UXwhIEM1YP30D9ZeUkewSQ0X8VxOC67axUKvzB1D5uum9vjzrrHsoLUDPx6Fr1Buv4utXiGPYGcP_6veNSswuo96RMmztXFEhRshigdNX8Pg695mbzVUtTqbSwZFE/s400/a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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anemones have been more glorious than ever</div>
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all winter long I had things flowering</div>
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to feed any bee brave enough</div>
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to venture out</div>
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I had so much blossom from white to deep pink</div>
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that I could shake the trees over visiting children</div>
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hand have them dancing around in veritable </div>
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snowfalls of petals</div>
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tulips have gone crazy and multiplied like rabbits</div>
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even Kookie was astonished</div>
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at this fringed variety</div>
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only my daffodils turned their backs on me</div>
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but glowed like stars in a midnight sky</div>
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to light up an overgrown patch of garden.</div>
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Please forgive me for only sporadic visiting.</div>
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I find it hard to sit at the computer</div>
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and enjoy so very much when YOU pop by.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Linking with </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://flowersfromtoday.blogspot.com.au/">TODAY'S FLOWERS</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and<a href="http://www.shinethedivinecreativityisaspiritualpractice.com/"> I Heart Macro</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Arijahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03720793296992474762noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1785795575454502378.post-33506929994339462542015-09-16T19:29:00.000-07:002015-09-16T19:29:19.436-07:00Skywatch - Sunrise and moonset<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Spring is here, as well as a few clouds</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJQHpPtCnbdfzkPTa1s2iAnZDuJ7I07BtU9Nmb2AeqhGzxSZAtgkqkLHodytPPrDuzB8l4gL58S5EHK2-2s5kHDztL2Wwh46t1Hinm0ExZEnOZvx4KkptwOba4ygSiC0QuEwaOTuXcG0/s1600/a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJQHpPtCnbdfzkPTa1s2iAnZDuJ7I07BtU9Nmb2AeqhGzxSZAtgkqkLHodytPPrDuzB8l4gL58S5EHK2-2s5kHDztL2Wwh46t1Hinm0ExZEnOZvx4KkptwOba4ygSiC0QuEwaOTuXcG0/s400/a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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sunrise on one side of my garden </div>
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and simultaneous moonset on the other</div>
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a great time to be outdoors</div>
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Enjoy your spring or autumn,</div>
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whatever season you have</div>
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you'll never see the same again,</div>
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every day has it's very own wonders.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Linking with<a href="http://skyley.blogspot.com.au/"> SkyWatch</a></div>
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Arijahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03720793296992474762noreply@blogger.com17