Hitting a Purple Patch


This year has been one out of the box..we lost our darling old pup..we are losing the other..we have spent months going from vet office to busting  a gut outside in preparation for our Daughters wedding..throw in a nose operation the septic throwing a fit  things breaking down breaking up or just breaking bad! as we rounded the finish line to the wedding hubby on his way to work at 4.30 hit and killed a joey that came out in front of my new car..poor Joey died instantly Hubby was fine..car ..well it’s been written off..the day after that our daughter called to say her sweet inside kitty Sherriff had gotten out and not come home..thankfully he did after a couple of restless nights.

The few markets i could attend have been pretty dismal..the weather so bad we cancelled several..it has certainly put a dent in my enthusiasm to say the least..investment versus reward..in the negative. I will be seeing how the markets go over the next few months but i think if it is a case of me basically not even covering my costs at the minimum then i am done, i will just keep going long enough to cover the contract of my eft machine as really financially it is costing me.

The time i have spent out taking pictures this year is minimal..i feel like with all that has happened i have lost a year..no canola trips ,mountain trips, nothing i enjoy.

Apart from a brief trip overseas and our daughters wedding the whole year has been pretty horrid.

I will not even go to the sadness that has befallen so many of my dear friends..sadness that weighs heavily in my heart.

So that is a brief explanation for my lack of blogging..even as i type this i have done no Christmas cards..have all manner of paperwork for market that i really am over ,need to get prints replaced and have let Doc out three times for a peemail.

I have the vet AGAIN this afternoon…so i leave you all with these pictures.

But like purple in these images has now all but gone from the landscape..so shall my Purple Patch..

Fields of color

Fields of color

 

Grounds view

Grounds view

The bend

The bend

Purple

Purple

Alone

Alone

Like a dancer

Like a dancer

Tanked

Tanked

 

Tracts of Purple

Tracts of Purple

On the crest

On the crest

Silvery Gum

Silvery Gum

What a view

What a view

Shed

Shed

Hugged by Purple

Hugged by Purple

98 thoughts on “Hitting a Purple Patch

  1. The photos are totally stunning. It hurts my heart that you have had such a bad year. You must focus on the good times, like the wedding, and the beauty as you look at all the nature outside your window. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We wish you a blessed Christmas and a 2017 that will make up for all the sorrows of 2016. XOCK, Mom Janet, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Angel Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo

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    • Janet my friend..for some reason my message on your post would not go through..i wanted to tell you we all were so very sad about Fiona..the kitties here and i have felt each bloggers pain at their losses..the wedding was beautiful and worth all the toil..we will do our best for Doc and are making sure each day we do as much as we can together..a trip to the reservoir with him and these gorgeous surprise fields was wonderful..we send you and Lily Olivia,Mau,Misty May,Giulietta,Astrid,Lisbeth,Calista Jo and most especially Angel Fiona all of our love..I hope we all have a brighter 2017..and a joyful peace filled Christmas…all my love Bev xxxx

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    • Ellen thankyou for the lovely compliment and prayers..indeed the sad news keeps coming in blogworld..as much as i have not been on seeing on fb what losses have happened it broke my heart..my we all have a better year next year…Love Bev xx

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  2. Our year here too has been sad with a few happy times to get us through. Like you I have not taken many photos and yes my heart breaks for all of those who have lost their fur-kids the last while…too many all at once…and I do remember how hard it is to lose our fur babies…it hurts badly.

    We keep going and so are you:) I loved hearing from you with this post…it has been a long time since I was on WP reading to catch up! God Bless and sending you heart felt hugs:)

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    • Aww thankyou my sweet..yes what a year we all seem to have had…the losses have been so many that it makes your head spin..i will venture out to shoot when things settle..i miss it..but i can’t wrangle a sick pup and a camera 😉 we just keep going indeed..guess we are all stronger than we think my sweet…sending my hugs and love..Bev xx

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  3. The photos are so beautiful, Bev! And a big hug back from the cats and crew here at Salmon Brook Farms.

    I am sorry you are losing another pup. That is heart-breaking. It’s been a rough year for many of us on many fronts, and I am happy to see it is almost over. We are in winter in my hemisphere now, appropriate for the end of a trying year. Time to rest, recuperate and rejuvenate. I am looking forward to 2017, and all the goodness yet to come. Wishing you all the best in the coming year, my friend.

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    • Lavinia thankyou for the lovely compliment 🙂 and hugs!! Yes the year has not quite finished with us here..i know many are having a tough year in many ways also..as summer is nearly here maybe those rays will bring some joy to us all..i wish you and your family all the best also for a 2017 of kindness …xxc

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  4. that are wonderful photos Bev. Maybe this year is a purple one …and maybe our tears are like this purple rain of Prince, who… you know. Everyday I hope that this haunted year will be exhausted and it will lose it’s evil power… fingers are crossed for you and Doc…

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    • Thankyou Katty…i hope Easy and Forrest are kicking back watching Prince..i with you wish this year would start to bring some end to the sadness..thankyou for the crossed fingers..Doc and i appreciate xxxxx

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  5. It’s been a difficult year for sure, but it is drawing to a close. It has also been a sad year for many, Sorry to hear about Hubby and the car. I am always very wary during the 80 klm drive to Port Augusta, after that I start to relax a bit more. Weather here has not been much better, rain and thunderstorms – repeat again tomorrow. Lovely photographs as usual but tell me the purple – is that Salvation Jane?

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    • Hello my friend! Yes the year has been rotten to so many..at 4.30am poor hubby had no chance..councils dont clear roadside and the feed is there..he thinks he clipped Mum then joey was right behind..split the battery and the damage alone from that leaking into the engine has made it a write off..he was so upset for the roo but luckily he was fine..i hate driving hours i cannot see well ahead and to the side..we see the weather is still weird in SA..here summer is making an appearance..nights are cool still..yes it’s Salvation Jane..good old Pattersons curse..easier to explain to overseas folk that its thistle 😊 a rotten thing but enmasse after all the rain..very pretty 😉

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  6. So sorry to read about your difficult and hard year. Wishing you all the best and good luck for the next year.
    Thanking you for posting such beautiful photographs!

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  7. Hi Bev, I am so glad to see you posting. I even sent you an email trying to find out if you were ok.

    More beautiful photos.

    Sorry life has been treating you so unkind, but glad you had your daughter’s wedding to cheer things up.

    Also sorry to hear your lovely products have not been selling well. Maybe a rethink on the price you charge might help. You might also try contacting organisations that deal with flora and fauna, as they might be interested in using your products.

    Sending Doc heaps of positive healing thoughts and sending you all hugs. Sue, Polly & Honey

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    • Sue thankyou..i must have missed my emails as i have been mainly on my phone and though i can get them they often go awol!
      It has been a busy and challenging year but the wedding was well worth the hard yards..i think maybe hubby and i have still not really had time to grieve Forrest with Doc getting unwell so soon after..i did look at comparitive works st markets and i am actually underselling myself..have spoken to many people re flora and fauna and i guess they just do not want anymore..i will revisit it after we get through the latest health battle with wee Doc…i also have been saving heaps of stamps so expect a heavy Christmas card..albeit most likely late 😕 love to you and Polly and Honey and thankyou for your always kind words. Hugs Bev xxxx

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      • Hi Bev, I know whatever time Doc has left he will get so much love. Expect Doc is grieving like you are. Give him an extra hug from me and my girls and we send heaps of hugs to you and your hubby as well.

        Don’t send me a Christmas card. I must admit I have cut back a lot this year due to the cost of postage and I have not sent one to you. If you could send the stamps direct to the charity that would be fab. Their address is RGT Stamp Appeal, Park House, Park Terrace, Worcester Park, KT4 7JZ. ENGLAND

        You take care. Sue, Polly & Honey

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        • Sue i will do that for you indeed..yes postage is crazy! And they lose stuff all the time..service worse prices up..so will send the stamps to the addy you gave me 🙂 i will pass on your hugs..yes Doc is still grieving but his poor body has many issues..but he is well loved and when he is no longer a happy biy we will do right by him..Love to you and the girls Bev xxx

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  8. You may have lost your drive, push, and enthusiasm under the weight of the sadness lately, but you have not lost your photography mojo. The purple collection is stunning. Happiness comes and goes. It doesn’t last forever. The good news is – neither does sadness. Hang in there. Hugs, healing, and brightness to all of you, Doc included. xo

    Love and licks,
    Cupcake

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    • Cupcake thankyou for your lovely compliment..you are right my head and heart are in another place and it makes clarity …well less clear 🙂 it will pass like the purple that has now almost gone..i will give Doc a hug from you and send him your healing thoughts..he is in need of it at the moment so thankyou! Love and Hugs to you and your Mum ..Fozziemum xxx

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  9. These are stunning. Your year reminds me of a year and a half ago when we lost Cissy, then one month later Bonnie two weeks later Esther the goat. Heart wrenching. I hope this year brings you joy. This year we have a grandbaby and hubby finally agrees to adopt a pawsister for Fred. We are in search of Wilma

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    • I remember too well your year of losses…and find hope in the year of bounty with life that followed..a pawsister is wonderful..i hope you find your Wilma soon…thankyou for the lovely compliment ..the purple has all but faded now..and i hope that we all have a bright 2017..
      Loves Fozziemum xx

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  10. Well Bev I think you have just been overpowered with a very tough year indeed but you know the more of life that I life, the more I see there are the highest highs as well as the lowest lows…..but usually we return to the middle and you will too. Loss takes your breath away but hopefully only temporarily and I think your considerable talents with photography will again “have their time”…….I know that I had to close down my online card shop because it not only was gobbling up too much of my time but I made just enough to pay for my supplies! Your work is so stunning – you give it some time and you will find your love of looking through the lens is SO worth it…..scale back if you have to…..but do it for YOURSELF even if you stop selling your work. Anyway, my heart is with you and Doc just as I know your heart has been with me over Sam. We will both return to that “middle” I’m sure – “all things in their own time” …………………… Sending you warm hugs and thanks along with Christmas wishes for you, Phil and the gang.

    Love, Pam

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    • Pam you are indeed right..my heart has been preoccupied..and yes i get the gobbling of time for hardly any reward..the reward was always the sharing..seems scaling back may be the way to go..i think being either on the property working or stalking the vets has taken away that luxury of time..the highs are wonderful but as is the universe the lows must come..we have all had one of those years..the bounty of joy will come back..i kind of like the middle myself..gives you just enough calm and just enough bumpy to help you see clearly..i know you understand the losses..and all i can think is how blessed we are that through our fur kids this blogging community formed..and as sad as we all feel for each other i feel more for those whose loss is alone with no support..our fur kids gave us this..what a wonderful gift..Doc is being given every chance at the moment but like Sammy his body is rebelling..for now he snoozes..warm and comfy…
      Sending all our love to you and David and let us all have a Christmas our precious ones would enjoy..
      Love Bev xx

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  11. Bev I am sorry that the year has been so difficult for you and filled with things that have challenged you in every way. It has been a difficult year for so many. We have had and still have some challenges that are making us feel overwhelmed. I am just threatening 2016 to get its last month together and tell it to not let the door hit it on the butt on the way out. I just have to believe that 2017 will come in with a new breath of fresh air! Lovely pictures… the purple… Ra ra ta da beautiful!!!

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    • Haha hello ra ra ta da gal 🙂 i hate that you too have been ‘blessed’ with the year of the joyless..ugh..2016 can swallow it’s own calendar and choke on it..just sayin..2017 must be kinder..or i will get rid of it by Jan 3rd..thankyou for the lovely compliment my sweets xxxx

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  12. Yes. The sooner 2016 hits the dirt, the better. I was hoping for a good one, and it turned out to be pretty dismal over here as well. Your pain is on the way out….2017 will be a bright spot for everyone! No one deserves it more than you do my friend. Wishing you warm holidays across the miles.

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    • Thankyou my sweet yes it has been one of those cruddy years for so many..each time i think we have turned a corner it reaches out with it’s nasty claws and has another go..ugh..i hope we all have a 2017 that brings more joy less tears and a bit of peace..and our love and best wishes for the dare i say festive (lol) season to you and hubby..no much to ask of 2016 to cut some slack at this time xxxx

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  13. Deerest Aunty Bev yur year has been so-o ruff an wee been purrayin an sendin you strength to carry on….
    Mee iss sendin you a song to help you thru yur ‘Purpull’ times:

    Wee luv you Aunty!!!
    ***paw kissesss*** Siddhartha Henry an ((((hugs)))) LadyMum

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  14. Bev
    I’m sorry Doc is no better; as always I ask St Francis to send his blessings to him.

    I hope the wedding was beyond beautiful and maybe a wee fozziemum is in store for the future. ♥♥ 🙂

    This year has sucked like the worse kind of vacuum for many; people and furs alike; we can all hope ’17 brings happiness and health to and for all.

    As always your photos are absolutely stunning; and I hope the markets pick back up; it will
    perk your spirits back up as well. Grounds view; Like a Dancer and Hugged get my top vote; is this lavender or lilac or a flower native to Australia ??

    Tell Phil I’m sorry, I’m glad he’s fine physically but that sort of thing weighs on you I know,
    and hope the auto is repaired or replaced

    We miss you over here; sending hugs and loves two all ~~~~~~ ♥♥♥♥♥

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    • Hi Laura yes this year has had crud stamped across it for so many..breaks my heart and spirit a touch..can only hope we all do have more joy next year..Doc says thankyou..he is battling hard as only a terrier can..so St Francis blessings are truly appreciated..market will pick up..if not..then i am taking pictures for me..which is still win win 🙂 the purple flowers are valled Patterson’s curse or thin thistle to best descibe them..like scotch thistle but finer and a curse to landholders properties as weeds..but they are so stunning enmasse…they have nearly all but gone now but when i took Doc to the reservoir for a swim i was so excited as i approached this sea of vivid purple…with granite lined hikls it was breathtaking..seems we will be getting the car replaced through our insurance so an updated model..it upset him so that the joey died but at 4.30am no way to see..Mum came out first and joey right behind..he clipped mum but no way to see where she went..sad all round..the wedding was beautiful and though i took only a few pics will hopefully have the pros pics to share soon…perfect weather and perfect day…miss you to buts also and hope the gang are all happy and burd free love Bev xxxxx 👎💖💖

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    • Sweeties i agree..it has to be better for so many..and yes Patterson’s curse gave me a beautiful vista..a motto for this year maybe that even a pest can have some redeeming feature 🙂 loves Fozziemum xx

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    • Monika thankyoj for the lovely compliment..a trip to take Doc for a swim and this was such a pretty sight (albeit a weed) as it has not been there before..but the unprecedented rains have all sorts of things popping up that never have..i guess even the land is suffering a cruddy 2016! And yes Au Revoir..Adios..Chow to this year..to be polite 🙂 hope your 2017 is a brighter one and that your girl stays seizure free! Xx

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  15. Salvation Jane is a much more interesting name than purple thistle. 🙂 Thank you for adding a ray of smiles with your beautiful pictures to this dismal year. In a million years I never would have guessed this kind of community would happen when I first started blogging – I am so grateful for it, too. Love from the Land of Trump *sigh*. Amy

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    • It sure does sound better..it’s a rotter really but looks so pretty..i guess it makes you see beauty in what is really a bad situation..this year has been a rotter to so many indeed..but friends here are family..you are never alone..hope 2017 is kinder to us all…Love Bev xx

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  16. I have missed your beautiful photos, Bev. That is just another thing to make this year worse….you have not been able to pursue your passion, which you are so very, very talented at.
    I fear what this year still has to dole out….your Doc….our Sheba. Maybe they can kick this year to the curb by surviving it. That is my fervent hope. Hang in there, and know that there is always light at the end of the tunnel. I think I’ve mentioned 1999 to you. We survived it, though seemingly I have never forgotten that awful year.

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    • Jan thankyou…yes those years we think we will not make it..we do..somehow..i too fear what the remainder has to offer..Docs up 2 more meds now and i am ragged with trying to get him sorted..but it’s love..at 14 he deserves my support even at 24/7 levels..as you with Sheba totally get..i hope next year we can ALL find that time to do what makes us happy..love Bev xxx

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  17. You never needs to apologize to us for being away, as long as you come back! We miss you tons, and I am so sorry abouts this year…I’ve been thinkin’ abouts you tons, and sendin’ good thoughts. Just think, next year HAS to be better, and you will be so much stronger on the other side. Sendin’ lots of {{{hugs}}} and slobbery kisses!!!!!
    Butts, WOWS! those photos are just amazin’!!!! I just want to lay down in the blanket of purple….sigh
    Thanks gurlfriend!
    Kisses,
    Ruby ♥

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    • Awww Ruby sweetie thankyou! Yes lot’s of peeps will be glad to send this year out to pasture! Those slobbery kisses are perfect for this old gal..and thankyou feel free to TRY and lay in those purple fields but ouch ! Loves always Fozziemum xxx😚

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  18. Crikey Bev ….. that’s Paterson’s curse isn’t it?? A curse alright. Just like your year. It’s nearly over and Mum and I for two are hoping that 2017 is a great year for you. It’s good to see you back blogging. Everyone’s missed you and your wonderful photos.

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    • Aww Charlie ol mate thankyou! Yes Pattersons curse apt for the year..yet so pretty..i may be sporadic blogging with my nurse on call duties but it is nice to be here..and yes 2016…pffffy 😊 xxx Bev

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  19. You know how we feel about your pictures – they are stunning and beautiful just like you. This year will end 12/31/2016. We leave behind the sadness, the misery, the downs and we begin a new year fresh. Love you my friend – keep your chin up. XOXO – Bacon’s MOM

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      • We had a house fire in January – two cats had bad smoke inhalation – insurance still not sorted! Had to give in and pay for our new kitchen after six months as who can live without entertaining 😀 Lost our dear ginger cat Edgar at 16 but he’d had a good life, like Sammy who he shared a birthday with.
        Big hugs xxx

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        • Oh Annie i am so sorry…what a year you have had..we are thinking of just hiding in a bunker until it is over! 6 months sans entertaining..unheard of 🙂 Edgar is in very fine company bless him..with so many sweet ones..i know Forrest will be so happy for ginger company from Sammy and Edgar..he loved Dinnermintz so..huge hugs and love Bev xxx

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  20. Bev,,.i am so sorry about the Joey…and thankful it did not suffer.
    Poor. Hubby poor car . You please give Doc a belly rub and kiss behind the ears. I truly understand how you feel. April 2013 -April 2014 were bad times here I lost both my parents and my son in law was seriously ill. Thankfully my SIL recovered and regain all mobility. You would never know he had been so sick if you saw him know
    Hugs Cecilia

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    • Cecilia thankyou..we all have years where our patience and strength is tried to the limit..guess for us this was it..i think your years were horrid…too much indeed..but we somehow are still here…i remember your SIL and those horrid times…here is to a 2017 of kindness..Doc says thankyou…today he is in a great place…bless his cottons Love and hugs Bev xx

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  21. Purple, yes – beautiful, but blue like we all are right now, mixed with the red of pain and agony of what so many have had happen this year. It’s been bad.
    Kind of apt that they are thistles, so unloved normally but stunning here. Like a Dancer is my favourite one.
    Kiss Doc for me.

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    • Thankyou sweets yes universal blues and red…so many people having the year of crud! But at least even these weeds can have some beauty to share..thankyou i love Like A Dancer too…that gentle bend…i will kiss the old pup for you..hugs Bev xx

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  22. Ugh, it has indeed been a brutal year. We’re so sorry it’s been especially bad for you guys, Bev. Life has a way of turning on a dime, so let’s hope and pray that the new year comes quickly, and brings you all manner of good things. Much love and big hugs to you, dear friend.

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    • Thankyou dear friends..it has been hard on so many..we battle with Doc now so hoping that this year remains a little nicer! Like these purple fields that now have vanished i know my purple funk will 🙂 i do keep telling the universe that it can bring it’s A game…yikes..much to you all from all of us down here in the land of Oz 🙂 xxx

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  23. Stunning, what beautiful flowers.
    I have just found you following the link from Easy’s Blog…Blogsville at its best, your generous gift of flowers to a friend has helped me to come over and make a new friend….to wish you a better 2017
    Loves and licky kisses
    Princess Leah xxx

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    • Aww thankyou Princess Leah how lovely to meet you…Easy and his pawrents have been some of the nicest of blogville friends..we feel for them so much and this platform is the best community in the world…Easy’s folks rang us when we lost our Forrest in April..it touched us deeply…i am sure 2017 will bring us all better brighter days..and we look forward to following a new blogville friend…my furries would love a new friend too ! Their bloggie is at http://ourpawpad.wordpress.com..
      They have more fun than i mostly ! 😊 and thankyou..these pretty flowers are a curse on the landscape but make a stunning show…Loves and Hugs Fozziemum and gang xxx

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    • Skyler and of course your lovely Mama..that’s ok..i must check my spam ham folder…things go missing 🙂 Thankyou for the lovely compliment..it was a brief show of pretty and is all but gone now..yes the year like for so many has been a stinker..we hope all blog folk have a much brighter 2017..and hope your new year is full of joy and love..Love and big hugs Bev and fur babes xx

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  24. Sorry I’m late with this comment, but life has gotten in the way of doing things for me too. I truly hope that 2016 will leave and not give any of us more sadness than it already has. Every time one of our sweet furry friends goes to the bridge, I feel the pain of losing my Callie all over again as though they are my own as well.

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    • Never need to apologise for life being real and busy..i with you hope this year tucks it’s tail between it’s legs and slinks off! With you every loss is a reminder of Forrest…it hurts..with love comes pain..it really stinks my sweets xx

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  25. How beautiful and I didn’t see a single snake! The pic with the road looks like it is begging me to run it! Sorry 2016 has been so horrid for you. Unfortunately it has been that way for too many. Cheers to a better 2017!

    Your Pals,

    Murphy & Stanley’s Mom

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    • Indeed not a Joe Blake as we call them in sight..i was careful though lol..i know i could just take that road forever…ahhhh i agree 2016 has stunk all over and i hope we all have a much brighter 2017! Big hugs to you Carol and Murphy and Stanley of course 😚😚

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  26. The purple is so pretty..but isn’t that Patterson’s Curse? I feel for you with your pup dying (mine is not far off either) and the chain of disasters. Disasters seem so much worse on a farm somehow – you have to do everything yourself, plus there’s usually not much money.

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    • Please no apologies my sweet friend..you will always have a friend in us and Forrest will be by your side as i know he must miss his kitty family here…much love always and rest well sweet one 💕💕💕💕

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  27. The purple is beautiful. My godparents were from Austrailia. My husband goes there for business a lot (his company makes most of the world’s beverage cans) but I’ve not visited with him as I’m caring for an elderly parent. Just know today, in the loss of your Doc, that one little family up in the US is thinking of you.

    The Johnsons in Chicagoland with Abby T. Lab

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  28. Bev; I don’t know if you will see this comment; if you do, I send hugs and loves ~~~~ Godspeed your journey to heaven Doc; you were and always will be an amazing pup and we are honored to be able to call you our friend…..run free in fields of green grass, smell crisp clean air, slumber under the stars, soak up the sun, know that you were and always will be loved and never forgotten. We know you gave it your best, we know you gave it your all ~~~~~~~ we are truly sorry ~~~~~~ ♥♥♥♥♥♥
    =^,,^=
    daisy, tuna, mackerull, dude, sauce and boomer

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  29. Charlee: “We know this is an old post but we wanted to come and thank you for visiting us and for your kind words after Dennis went to the Rainbow Bridge. It meant a lot to us.”
    Chaplin: “And to Mama and Dada too.”
    Both: “And Dennis told us to tell you, ‘ok bye’.”

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  30. Oh, sweet Bev I am so sorry to hear of all that has been going on with you. Thank you for visiting and leaving the nice comment about Pooh. Sending you lots of love and hugs and hope that all is getting better for you.<3

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All your words are special so thankyou for leaving them