Vignette – lots of blessed things
So many things to catch you up on, so little allocated blog time! Where to begin?
Have I mentioned that it has RAINED this week?
I have tried REALLY hard not to complain about the weather – it’s been pretty hot here these past few weeks and CRACKLING dry, with no decent rainfall recorded for about three months. It’s hard on the cattle, especially the Mama’s with their new babies. We have done lots of molasses runs (out go-to dry weather activity) while some others nearby have battled fires.
So the 17mm which fell during a neighbour’s birthday party on the weekend was appreciated and immediately celebrated properly. I won’t show you my wine glass, but instead this ADORABLE baby who made everyone smile and feel clucky that afternoon.
You are welcome.
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We farewelled Ruby (as anticipated here).
I was asked by one of her sons to take photos of the crowds outside the church (which I won’t show here – am very aware of being intrusive into the community grieving the loss of their long-time friend and integral part of the social fabric out here.) There were MANY cars lined up along the dirt roads leading to the tiny country church (we counted about 110) and many fabulous stories told.
I snuck into the church after most had left, to take some shots of this small building which held such a special place in Ruby’s heart (she was a regular here).
Simple, almost bare and yet filled with plenty of atmosphere – the kind of place you CAN feel close to God.
As you know, I am not particularly religious and get a bit jaded about some activities and accompanying grandeur sometimes associated with organised religion. But this place, I can feel Him here.
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It was Halloween here yesterday.
My kids ADORE Halloween and our Swiss neighbour provided some new ghoulish wigs (which Violet took to with gusto) while Dash got stuck into creating a Transformers ensemble from boxes. I did a bad undercoat before Mr Incredible completed the paint-job for him.
He actually folded himself right down into the box and the fighting arm and horns (he was some sort of bull-inspired Transformer) fit over the hole where his head pokes out. Very tricky.
Our neighbours (aunt and uncle) were tremendous and hilariously dressed, and we all scared the pants off each other… the two-way radio banter in the lead-up would have done Alfred Hitchcock proud.
However it was THIS sight that REALLY gave me a proper shiver, earlier in the day…
Wild pigs scare me silly… and those adults were almost as tall as calves and VERY heavy. Apparently there is a bit of a plague of pigs further west – they do a lot of damage and can be quite fierce and attacky. And I cannot run. The stuff of my nightmares really…
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And finally, this little fella is hanging around the houseyard at the moment. I yearn to take a great kookaburra shot, but they are a bit sneaky. Or I am not sneaky enough. Or I need a bigger lens. Let’s go with the latter!
Wishing you and yours a great day. And rain if you need it. And power and help cleaning up if you live anywhere near where Hurricane Sandy has been naughty.
🙂
BB
9 Comments
Kate
Oh, yes. You need a longer lens for that bird. Happy Halloween ~
Kate´s last blog post ..After the storm
Fleur McDonald
All those photos are beautiful, but the ones at the top gave me goosebumps. xx
Fleur McDonald´s last blog post ..Are you a re-reader?
debby
Oh what an adorable baby!!!!!!!!! I love the little church. Do you eat wild pigs? I’m a fan of pork chops. Unfortunately, we are eating what my husband shot…which means, I’m cooking up a mess of squirrel. Shhh! Don’t tell Miss Violet.
debby´s last blog post ..No time to blog
Andrew
I’ve not see a country church like that. Although modest, it looks comfortable and welcoming. Pity you did not have a gun handy to get rid of the pigs. They are a terrible environmental pest. I am sure you would run if you came face to face with one.
Andrew´s last blog post ..The Saturday Morning Maid
jeanie
I didn’t know that Ruby had passed away. Yay for the rain, but the howling wind is keeping me awake over here.
jeanie´s last blog post ..Boo
roger
Enjoyed the photos, pig shot very well done, am waiting to see Incrediable with that fish. rain will be apreciated by all , I know
pencil writer
Life is never dull . . . for sure. I’ve missed following my bloggy friends this year. I must be slowing down–ability-wise–and not coping so well with the intense uptick in activity level! Your pictures are wonderful–not surprising! We had snow for three days! One day had 3″ on top of car! Then it got warm again. The wild pigs are vicious wherever they roam! Please do stay clear of them or have loaded rifle in hand and aim well!
Margie from New York
Kookaburra sits in the old gum tree… accept in your version it’s the pool gate. 🙂
Oh can Mr. I. get out and shoot those pigs? Or do they have to be in season like here in NY? Deer, bear, turkey season here in NY, I don’t think we have wild pigs here in NY that is. Down south it’s a different story.
LeeNJ
Sandy-smitten here! We just got our power restored after nine days! Boy are we enjoying it! Thanks for the shout out.