Friday, December 31, 2010

HAPPY NEW YEAR [be careful what you wish for!!]


As I type this post, the time is closing in on 2010, so I will take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe, healthy, happy and prosperous 2011, with many hours to create beautiful things, AND to share them with friends.

Many of you know that very often in my part of the world we lament the lack of rain.  Of course, many of you know too that at the moment my district is experiencing the highest flood levels on record.   We are in no danger of course, but all of the people in our little township have had to be evacuated and spend time away from their homes.  I feel for them this New Year's Eve and hope they are home again soon.  A number of times we have been told about the river heights, ie where the water rises, etc., and a number of times I've remarked that I'd really like to see that!!  Well, take it from me - be careful what you wish for.  The photograph above is still not the end of the story.  It has risen since this series of photos was taken.  I decided to try the Stitch Photo part of my program, and this panoramic view of the rising water is the result of some fun playing on the computer.  My little camera also has a Stitch Assist function which I've used to capture consecutive frames.  It's an interesting exercise.

I also have a few shots of a little drama that unfolded as a result of the flooding.  Our neighbour realized he had cattle stranded and could possibly lose them.  He managed to secure the services of a helicopter in the hope of a rescue.  I'll post these few small photos, and you can work it out for yourselves.  The chopper was on the job just after 5.00am this morning. 


  








Bear with me if I post another flood photo.  I have to tell you, I am not going to see this again in my lifetime I'm sure, so it is big news in our life at the moment.  Thank you to my friends for showing such concern not only for us, but for our extended community.  Australians really are good to know in a fight.

Take care all.  I have not set myself a challenge as such this year, except to do some bigger projects, and try to be a more organized person, not dallying so much with my thoughts.  I have enjoyed the Blogger experience, not just for sharing my world, but to be part of so many other wonderful artists' creativity.  

See you all next year...................LOL.........

16 comments:

fabriquefantastique said...

Great post.....somehow, seeing those images, from a blog where you feel you almost know someone, makes the plight seem more immediate. More emotion than the best TV coverage
best wishes for 2011

Frances Leate said...

I see images like these on the News but it is so much more real to see it on you blog. We are about to suffer some of the consequences as supplies can't get through by road or rail. Happy New Year!

CJ STITCHING AND BLOOMS said...

Hello Linda, Unbelievable photos. I was amazed how the helicopter manage to save the cattle. I hope everyone is safe. Thanks for sharing again. Hugs Judy

Radka said...

Hi Linda, I hope you are right and you will not see this again in your lifetime. I am glad that you are safe, which is hard to believe watching all the pictures. Best wishes and Happy New Year!!!

Jensters said...

Hey Linda some interesting photos to watch through your lens....i pray that everyone's homes will be fine and not a bad start to a new year for them xx hugs Jen xx

DIAN said...

Hi Linda, fabulous pics. Isn't this a wonderful age we live in. We have the internet to talk to one another and the pictures to prove you are ok!!!
To be able to call for a helicopter to guide the stock to safety - so good.

Have a wonderful 2011: I look forward to continuing the journey together.

embracingitall said...

Hi Linda, thanks for sharing your flood photo's. Living in the country sure has its ups and downs doesn't it. Floods are both amazing and pretty devistating. Hope you don't have too much repair work ahead of you. Wishing you a prosperous New Year and all of those around you. Jacinta

Linda said...

Thank you all for the interest in this drama. We are most certainly amongst the lucky ones here, and for sure this New Year's Day will be one we shall remember forever.

Iceni UK said...

Happy New year Linda, thank you for the amazing photo's. We have been watching the TV pictures and my prayers go out to those who have had to leave their homes.

Your photo's bring it home that nature still has the upper hand and from time to time lets us know it.
Take care.

Anonymous said...

Linda, your photos are amazing! I have wondered how you have been getting by with the terrible flooding in your area. Honestly, I have tears in my eyes looking at this and thinking of the devastation that is taking place.

I can only hope & pray for your safety as well as your family & neighbours. If there is anything I could do to help you, no matter how big or small please just ask. Of course being on the other side of the world makes helping difficult but there may be something you can think of for you or your community.

Please keep safe.

Cheers,
Linda A

Dianne said...

I had been wondering about your situation there and pleased to know you haven't been flooded out. My heart goes out to those people in Queensland who have lost so much in this devastating event. Nature certainly does have the upper hand, and we can never forget that. To think we have been so long in drought!!! Hope the new year will be kind to you and we can continue to enjoy these lovely friendships we make through the internet. Regards Dianne.

Roseann said...

Happy New Year Dear Linda. Browsed through your amazing photos. Glad you are all okay and hope your neighbours fare well too.

I have been watching our news to see how things are in your country. So much devastation there and all over the world right know.

Keep safe my friend. Hugs, Rosie

Anney said...

Oh my dear Linda,we here in UK have seen some distressing news footage about the floods and i'm still wondering how you are now,despite your long e-mail I do worry.
What a nightmare for Queensland..we cannot imagine how aweful it must be for all concerned..and we moaned about a bit of snow..how ashamed I feel! Love to you my friend..love the avatar picture by the way! Anney and Lani xxxxx

D'S THREADS DOWN SOUTH said...

Linda they had the flooding in your country tonight on our news, I hope you any your family are safe and dry.

Sharne Gregory said...

Hope that you are able to stay safe and dry. What an awful start to the New Year.

Stitching Lady said...

This flooding is really dreadful - we see it often in the television. It is awful for those poor people whose possesions are detroyed and for farmers and their crop. Snow is melting actually in in our Middle-European region. Flooding will not get as devastating but serious enough for some communities.
The best for you for the new year!