A thundery finish

Soon after these shots were taken at dusk earlier this week, we had a VERY loud thunderstorm but precious little rain.  The sky was so fiery, it was as if a bushfire had got out of control - thankfully that wasn't the case!

Linking to Skywatch Friday at http://skyley.blogspot.com.au/

Eagle eyes?

Help requested!

These photos leave much to be desired in many respects, however, I was trying out my new camera and tripod in some local wetlands and suddenly saw what appeared to be an eagle. Am wondering whether one of our many bird watchers might be able to assist in identifying it and perhaps even explain what the eagle might have been doing?

(I have this impression that eagles build their aeries on high, not on the ground).

Wedge-tailed eagles are fairly common here in South Australia - could this be one?

This next shot gives an idea of the bird's wingspan.

(I'll aim to get better shots, given the opportunity, in future, but meantime hope someone has the patience and interest to help out with an ID!)

Joining in with Outdoor Wednesday at http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com.au/

Bottoms up!

Observed in nearby wetlands and just couldn't resist that first shot

(oh no - is there a trace of paparazzi in me?!)

Contributing to http://ourworldtuesdaymeme.blogspot.com.au/

Blue and Green

I wonder how that old adage "Blue and green should never be seen" ever came to be adopted in the fashion world!  These colours are the very essence of nature.

Contributing to Nick's  http://www.floralfridayfoto.blogspot.com.au/ 

Wishing all a wonderful week.

Country life

Contributing to http://scenicsunday.blogspot.com.au/

Happy weekend all!

Out and About . . .

Following a refreshing 15 degree drop in temperature from Tuesday's 37oC, yesterday was the perfect opportunity to venture out once more with camera in hand!

Joining Nick's Floral Friday Foto meme.

Do visit http://www.floralfridayfoto.blogspot.com.au/ for more floral images.

Chill out

Tomorrow the temperature here in Adelaide, South Australia, is expected to reach around 37 degrees C, so I thought this image of friends' pool and surroundings might help this lover of cooler climates to "chill out" ! (Hope you find it a relaxing scene too).

(It's now Tuesday and several regions of our State have been graded with "catastrophic potential" for bushfires due to the high, dry, northerly winds. Praying for all the residents in those areas as well as our brave Country Fire Servicemen & women and the Emergency Services teams and volunteers - may they all be spared facing any catastrophy.)

Contributing to http://ourworldtuesdaymeme.blogspot.com.au/

An abundance of roses

These shots were taken somewhat in haste during a small group garden tour and, as I'm still learning about my new camera, they are not as sharp as I would hope for. However, they are still gorgeous blooms which I hope you, too, will enjoy!

Contributing to Nick's Floral Friday Foto

Visit http://www.floralfridayfoto.blogspot.com.au/ for some stunning captures

Not a bushfire

This shot of a "fiery" sunset was taken back in June (Australia's first month of Winter), but today it reminds me that we are now only weeks away from our official Bushfire Season. Residents in the Port Lincoln region on South Australia's Eyre Peninsula have just this week experienced a devastating loss of homes to such an event. Thoughts and prayers are with those coming to terms with their loss and wondering how to once again rebuild their homes and lives.

Joining Skywatch Friday - visit http://skyley.blogspot.com.au/ to view more sky scenes from around the world.

Just Roses

Was in "P plate" mode (still learning about the settings on my new camera) when this was taken and, although it is not as sharp as I would have liked, just the shape of these buds made me decide to post the image anyway!

Reculver

Reculver is a village and coastal resort about 3 miles east of Herne Bay in south-east England, in the City of Canterbury district of Kent.

These twin towers are pretty much all that remains of the 12th Century Roman Saxon shore fort and Monastery there, the bulk of the site having been claimed by the sea.  It was the first of several forts built to protect the south-east coast of England.

 Approx. 2000 years ago a sea channel (the Wantsum) up to 3 miles wide cut off the isle of Thanet from the mainland and the Roman Fort of Reculver, set on a promontory at the north end of the channel where it joined the Thames Estuary.

Today the Wantsum has silted up and become dry land, but the towers continue to guide ships at sea.

(For additional background on Reculver, visit the English Heritage website)

Contributing to http://ourworldtuesdaymeme.blogspot.com.au/

Orange Roses

Joining in with Mandarin Orange Monday

visit http://www.lorikart.com/search/label/Mandarin%20Orange%20Monday

to view other participants' images

(Thank you Lorik for hosting)

Remembering

In the shadows of yesterday and the brightness of today, may we never forget the ultimate, unselfish sacrifice of those who died protecting the promise of our tomorrow.

Offerings within

Taken inside a fascinating gift shop in the country

Joining James' http://www.weekendreflection.blogspot.com.au/

Storm approaching

One of the ovals on which I take Jessie for a run - on that day a thunderstorm was brewing so just snapped this with the camera feature on my smartphone.

Joining Skywatch Friday at http://skyley.blogspot.com.au/

Looe in Cornwall, England

These quaint scenes were captured in the charming seaside town of Looe in Cornwall, England.  The name of this establishment certainly stirs one's imagination!

( especially when one reads that its origins date back to 1430 AD !!)

These invitations to partake of some local meals were very tempting, but we kept on walking, exploring and near the ocean's shoreline chose the produce of a local bakery (as  you do!)

Participating in http://ourworldtuesdaymeme.blogspot.com.au/

A rose

Sharing with  http://flowersfromtoday.blogspot.com.au/

and http://mellowyellowmonday.blogspot.com.au/

with thanks to the hosts.

Pink Camelia

Camelia floating in a birdbath

Joining James' http://www.weekendreflection.blogspot.com.au/

and Nick's http://floralfridayfoto.blogspot.com.au/

With grateful thanks to both hosts. Happy weekend all!

At sea or on land....

Whether captured at sea or on land, sunsets never fail to impress me.

Here we have contrasts in location, colours and atmosphere (as in mood)

Joining others at Skywatch Friday

- visit http://skyley.blogspot.com.au/ for more images