Hello
Christmas trees divide the masses - some say 'too soon', and then there are Christmas tragics like the Red Cardinals, who love to have the tree in full display for, Oh, around six weeks. At least.
This is the beauty of a faux tree.
After consultation with Little Aussie, the tree once again includes a display of woodland and other animals around the base, and on the lower branches.
He also wanted 'snow', so we are going with a white garland.
As ever, there are quite a few little red Cardinals on there too...
Adjacent to the tree I placed some snowy white orchids, a thank you from my friend M, who had a rather special birthday party recently..
And speaking of snow, there was a dump of about ten inches at my daugher's house in Ottawa, only four weeks after we were there enjoying the Fall...
Little Aussie wants to go visit.....
Our youngest grandson, formerly known as the Little Bebe, is now seven, and has original ideas on ergonomics...
The youthful Jacaranda has increased its percentage of blooms this year, the third year of flowering. We long for it to get to the stage of spreading its wings in one big purple embrace. Might be a while yet..
Now for some serious news.
This is the view from our deck, the one which is usually verdant and green. That is smoke, and it surrounds us from every direction.
Trees and plants are dying, as we face the earliest bush-fire season ever.
It is not officially the beginning of Summer until December 1st.
The Winter was mostly mild, just a few cold snaps, and very little rain all year.
Australia has been suffering dozens of fires, with some loss of life and homes, for several weeks, with no end in sight.
This is the map today:
We get the odd day of lower temps and cooling winds, then whoosh, up go the temperatures and the hot winds fan the flames. There is no prospect of rain any time soon.
I have watched smoke on the next hill again today. We are not in immediate danger but there are acreage housing areas surrounding us, all tinder dry. We all pray for rain, and that no idle spark sets off fires in our valley.
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| Google image |
Our thoughts go out to the brave firefighters, facing incredible walls of flame.
The loss of wildlife including our beloved koalas is catastrophic.
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| Google image |
On what must have been a difficult day for them,
Happy Anniversary to Her Majesty the Queen and Prince Philip.
Seventy-two years together! Well done, Ma'am and Sir..
Also a special salute to Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, here with husband Prince Charles in New Zealand.
That is a very smart navy jumpsuit - and I for one, am very impressed.
Why not follow the fashion?
Well played, Camilla.
XXXX
I've been following the news on the fires in Australia. Heartbreaking. I hope everyone you know is safe. Our real/fake tree dilemma persists. Our cairn terrier was not tree-mature for the last two years but he might be ready. If so, we'll get one in December. I love your tree. So cheerful. Boys are masters at finding uniquely comfortable positions, aren't they. My son was practicing trombone while flat in his bed. Very unusual playing technique! Enjoy the lead up to the holidays! Xx
ReplyDeleteI think everyone we know is safe right now, and hope that will continue. That is sweet re the cairn terrier, I can imagine a puppy around a Christmas tree - lol. I love that your boy played trombone - including lying down. Our boys played French Horn and Sousaphone, and joined marching bands. I loved those years, and used to do piano accompaniment for the Horn music lessons and exams. xx
DeleteI hear from friends in California about the fires. I just wonder when governments are going to wake up to the fact that they need to take action so that Nature simply doesn't take things in her own hands. Your grandson sure has a good sense of balance! :) Oh, talking of the royals, I went down the farmers market a couple of weeks ago here and there were Prince Charles and Camilla on an unpublicised visit. Camilla caught my eye and seemed to feel I expected to shake her hand so we did shake hands and smiled. Charles seemed delighted to have a chance to have fairly long conversations with some of the more interesting stallholders without many people pressing around, in fact many of them were his own security officers! Of course that was the one day when I had accidentally left my phone behind so couldn't get any photos! :)
ReplyDeleteThere is much discussion in Australia about the need for fire breaks, pre-planning for the hot Summers and fires. Legislation has been outlawing it in many areas, but it needs a re-think. Wow, I love that you saw C&C at the markets, and totally impressed you received a handshake. (My best claim there is the Duke of Kent, a handshake on a visit the Kents made to Brisbane many years ago). I can imagine Charles being involved with the market stallholders, he is so keen on good farming practice, etc. He will be a good King, has left the youthful mistakes behind.
DeleteI watched the fires raging on the news today, whenever will it stop. I also saw some very sad footage of koala bears being too slow to escape the fires and getting badly burnt or killed - it is heartbreaking. Here we have had so much rain I think that we are all beginning to grow webbed feet.
ReplyDeleteChristmas trees are no longer my top priority, trying to get food and presents organised seems to take all of my energy. Just a small tree will have to suffice - I could do with some of your enthusiasm.
So sad, the fires go on and on, until the land is burnt out. Those poor koalas, already swindling to low numbers and about 300 died in the fires. We would love some of your rain! I am sure the year will come when I revert to a small tree too. And I have a few of those here in my vast storage under the stairs (just like Harry Potter :)
DeleteI saw the woman on TV who took off her shirt to rescue the koala, good for her! God bless those fire fighters, such hard dangerous work. I love your Christmas tree, put it up whenever YOU want to, I believe! Of course you must have red cardinals on it!
ReplyDeleteWasn't that brave of that lady? She was interviewed on TV the next day, and she seemed so nice, just did what her heart said. I hope the koala survives. Hi from my Red Cardinals!
DeleteWe had big bush fires around here, they are horrible and so scary. Also, I like your tribute to the monarchs. I have the new season of The Crown, Can't wait.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
So sorry you have bush fires too. Frightening! Oh, The Crown, I would love to see the new season too. Will have to get Netflix :)
DeleteA beautiful Christmas tree, Trish! Good job. Little Aussie wants to experience a white Christmas and should visit his aunt when he can, and I'd love to have a hot summer Christmas! One day I hope to also, whether it's in the Caribbean or Australia, both on my travel bucket list. Luckily I also enjoy Christmas at home.
ReplyDeleteThank you Debbie, I still love the tree, and try to vary the colours each year. A hot Summer Christmas would be a nice change for you. Come and see us one year :)
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ReplyDeleteYes I see you too have the dreadful smoke. It hurts my eyes. Definitely pray for rain. I too notice the absence of carols around the shops etc and a change of visual emphasis too. All glitter and elves, no angels, stars, shepherds. I found a small Nativity scene tucked in a corner of the mall near a pillar, not pride of place as formerly. So sad to ignore the reason for the season.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful snowy tree Trish and woodland critters perfect! The fires have been horrific and losses tragic. Both human and wildlife....yes definitely praying for rain to ease the burden of all our amazing firefighters!
ReplyDeleteYour Jacaranda is certainly teasing you.
Happy Christmas preparations and here's to the smoke lifting xx
Thank you Michelle. I will speak to the jacaranda about the teasing - talking to plants is supposed to be a good idea. Our firefighters are indeed amazing, and I was pleased to see the Canadians arrive with their special fire-fighting aircraft. Nationals helping one another is key to fighting so many fires. Here's to a smoke-free Christmas! xx
DeleteHi Trish i agree i like to have the house decorated for around 6 weeks too,i figuare that it takes a lot of effort to get it out so we can enjoy it all for longer.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it fantastic 72 years for the Queen and Prince Phillip.
Those fires are horrible and so destructive,hope they get rain soon.
Hope your day is a good one my friend xx
I can imagine you have beautiful decorations Sheryl, and many of them made by your clever hands. The weather has cooled a little for us, although more hot days to come. Fingers crossed no more fires! xx
DeleteHappy to catch up with you. I'm saddened to read about and see the fires in your area. Those of us in California know well the dangers and how fast things can happen. Stay safe my friend. Enjoy your tree - all 6 weeks of it (grin).
ReplyDeleteHi Darla, you of all people know about the power of the bush fire. Let us hope we are spared in our area. We are enjoying our tree, had visitors last night who were all smiles when they saw it. Worth the effort :)
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ReplyDeleteYour tree is so pretty, Patricia. The snowy white garland really adds something. I love the woodland theme you have every year. Your daughter's area looks like a winter wonderland. That's a sweet picture of your grandson. I'm sorry to hear that Australia is suffering with fires. It's so scary, and California also has them during the Summer months. Those Google images sure show us how frightening they are.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy this wonderful Christmas season, Patricia, and speaking of the Royals, I just bought some English Breakfast tea that was really good. They had different pictures on the front of each one, but I chose Prince Harry and Meghan. : )
~Sheri
Hi Sheri, the best we can do for a Winter wonderland is those white garlands! The fires died down for a week, but this weekend, hotter than ever and more fires, loss of homes etc. It is similar to what happens in California, and firefighters have come over the ocean to help us. What fun to have Royal English Breakfast tea! I haven't seen that one here. Happy Christmas Sheri.
DeleteHi PAtricia...
ReplyDeleteI always think I commented...and then i see I didnt!!!
Terrible blogging buddy...
Love the pic of your grandson...hahaha!!
I hope to post soon...been having some serious medical issues, and find Instagram a much easier format to stay in touch...
Enjoy your weekend!!
Cheers!
Linda :o)
Dear Linda, I am so sorry to hear you are unwell, and hope your medicals can be resolved - and soon! I am hopeless at Insta, but enjoy your cheery words and pictures every day. I keep planning to post, but don't get around to it. I have been doing some watercolour painting, very addictive, and takes up a lot of time :)
DeleteHappy weekend to you too. Cheers from hot Australia!
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