I don't think I can recall a Christmas day like the one we've just experienced. Almost everyone I know had some story to tell of the damage caused by the torrential rain, lightning and massive hailstones. It was nature at her best, or worst and she celebrated most of the day with high drama causing everyone to remain indoors. It was only after many hours of listening to the noise and watching intermittent flashes through the windows that we could finally go outside at around 8.30pm to see the glorious pink and orange sunset spread across a pale blue sky. All finally quiet, until later when the rain began again, but this time softer. The day before I'd visited Steve Middleton and his lovely wife Deb. We sat in the morning sun talking and admiring their garden, which I sincerely hope has survived the storm. Yesterday, my back still sore, I ventured out only to make some small food purchases. My local shopping center filled with people taking advantage of the Boxing Day sales. In the afternoon I noticed that the storm had all but destroyed my vegetable patch ~ most disappointing, for I was looking forward to being able to make several batches of delicious Borscht. However, I was happy that the half a dozen Rainbow Lorikeets that have taken up residence in the garden were happily feeding & playing together and making such a racket. It was difficult to see them as the colors of their feathers camouflaged them amidst the scarlet red gum flowers, emerald leaves & gumnuts, but even so I managed to take a photo of one of them during his antics. As I look at this image I wonder why we in Australia are still decorating with holly and ivy and red Father Christmas suits, when our colors for Christmas are certainly ones more associated with the Eucalyptus ficifolia, which blooms in Summer. You may need to click on the image above to see the Lorikeet who is sitting just left of center.
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