Sunday Selections was originally brought to us by Kim, of Frogpondsrock, as an ongoing meme where participants could post previously unused photos languishing in their files.
The meme is now continued by River at Drifting through life. The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent. Post some photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to River. Clicking on any of the photos will make them embiggen.
Like River I usually run with a theme. This month is festival month in my city. We started the month with Enlighten (and there is still another post to come on it) and then moved into the Balloon Spectacular.
To see dozens of them in the air, as we do with the Balloon Spectacular, makes me smile until my face hurts My youngest brother shares this passion and we headed off last weekend before dawn to watch them inflate and take to the skies.
The skinny one stayed in bed. HIs loss. He and I have tried twice this week to see them (and the festival finishes this morning) but erratic weather prevented them flying both days. Essentially I got him up somewhere between five and seven hours before his normal rising time - to no purpose. Not a happy chappy. Better luck next year is his cry.
Of course I took a kazillion photos. I will share some today, and some in a later post.
Each year there are feature balloons, and this year (the 30th anniversary of the Balloon Spectacular) there were several.
Here are some of them.
Just in case anyone is feeling too sorry for the smaller portion: After we were told the balloons wouldn't be flying yesterday we took a detour down to the lake on the way home. The kangaroo and the glorious dawn were at least some consolation (for us both).
The meme is now continued by River at Drifting through life. The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent. Post some photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to River. Clicking on any of the photos will make them embiggen.
Like River I usually run with a theme. This month is festival month in my city. We started the month with Enlighten (and there is still another post to come on it) and then moved into the Balloon Spectacular.
To see dozens of them in the air, as we do with the Balloon Spectacular, makes me smile until my face hurts My youngest brother shares this passion and we headed off last weekend before dawn to watch them inflate and take to the skies.
The skinny one stayed in bed. HIs loss. He and I have tried twice this week to see them (and the festival finishes this morning) but erratic weather prevented them flying both days. Essentially I got him up somewhere between five and seven hours before his normal rising time - to no purpose. Not a happy chappy. Better luck next year is his cry.
Of course I took a kazillion photos. I will share some today, and some in a later post.
Each year there are feature balloons, and this year (the 30th anniversary of the Balloon Spectacular) there were several.
Here are some of them.
Just in case anyone is feeling too sorry for the smaller portion: After we were told the balloons wouldn't be flying yesterday we took a detour down to the lake on the way home. The kangaroo and the glorious dawn were at least some consolation (for us both).
I think the kangaroo was disappointed.
ReplyDeleteReally like the whale balloon.
Sounds like you are better off just going it alone.
Alex J. Cavanaugh: Perhaps the roo wanted to see the balloons too. If the public transport was operational at that hour I suspect I would be at the launch site every morning. Just in case.
DeleteThe third one is my favourite, funny ha ha. And the whale with off-spring travel off. Great day was had been.
ReplyDeleteBob Bushell: It was wonderful. I was still smiling several hours later. And smile again as I go through the photos.
DeleteSeriously, these pictures. I love seeing them.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
The Happy Whisk: Thank you. And many more to come. Many, many more.
DeleteGroovy.
DeleteBalloon pics are nice but I just love the kangaroo one! Beautiful face, expressive...but its huge! I look at those mitts and think about being punched!
ReplyDeleteBookie: He was very big. Those mitts aren't the problem, but his even bigger hind feet could be. Except that kangaroos very, very rarely attack people. Their own species is another question.
DeleteLots of fun. Were any people trying to pet the kangaroos? I grew up near a nature preserve with buffalo. Buffalo are very ornery and wild and if you get close they charge you. We used to watch people try to pet them then run for their lives. It was too funny way back then. I still get a kick out of your reading list. I've not read one on it, though I saw the movie Salmon Fishing In The Yemen.
ReplyDeletedonna baker: If anyone tries to pat the roos they simply hop away. They are wild, and have no fences so they move as they see fit. What was the movie to Salmon Fishing like? I loved the book.
DeleteThank you.Many , many thank yous.
ReplyDeletedinahmow: More to come. Much more. And next year with luck you will be here for the magic.
DeleteI love all the balloons. I'm amazed at how creative some people are with their designs. Truly delightful to see them. I wish we had something similar here in Adelaide.
ReplyDeleteI've put together a quick Sunday Selection: I planned on sleeping in and not even turning the computer on today, but got woken early rather rudely by cats fighting close to my window. Not Angel thank goodness, he was inside.
River: Balloons are a joy to watch, and like you I am amazed at the designs. I have a couple more 'feature' balloons from this year yet to show.
DeleteWhat great balloons! And I laughed at the picture of the roo looking so forlorn. :-)
ReplyDeleteDJan: It really was a wonderful, wonderful morning.
DeleteBallooning around here has gotten too outrageously expensive,
ReplyDeleteBut I appreciate you sharing this
Martin Kloess: Ballooning isn't cheap here either. However, watching is free and it has become an annual tradition for a lot of people to come and watch them take to the skies. And a magical early start to the day.
DeleteThere are some weird balloons among the colour in the skies. I like the one in the last balloon photo. Old man 'roo looks very confident to me and is perhaps boss of the mob.
ReplyDeleteAndrew: You are right. On both counts. There were some truly weird balloons and I don't think there is any question that Old Man 'Roo heads that mob. His harem is extensive too.
DeleteI loved the kangaroo photo. It has an expression that seems to be saying: why are you taking a photo of me? :-)
ReplyDeleteGreetings from London.
A Cuban in London: He didn't look as pleased to see us as we were to see him. And just stood beside the road (less than ten feet away) giving us the eye.
DeleteThere certainly were some magnificent balloons on display...well worth rising early for.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely week, EC....cuddles to the two Js. :)
Lee: I am an early riser anyway, so it was just a bonus for me. A big bonus.
DeleteI hope you and your furry overlords have a great week.
Glorious and Exciting!!!!
ReplyDeleteWe have people sell vegetables in town and occasionally we have someone that sells soap too every Thursday. Yeah, its not as exciting as your corner of the world.
Sonya Ann: I suspect that there is more to your town than you are letting on. My city is renowned for being boring. I don't agree, but it is. It also has far too many politicians.
DeleteMy favorite is the humpback and baby balloon. Like the roo too.
ReplyDeleteSue in Italia/In the Land of Cancer: The whale (known as Baby Blue) was an unexpected treat. In my next ballooning post I will show you her smile as well.
DeleteI'm so glad you got there! These are great. I really like the whales, and Mr Staunch the Roo.
ReplyDeleteI see 'H is for Hawk', which I read last year, on your book list. What did you think?
Happy Sunday to you!
Alexia: I really liked the whales too. A lot. I did like H for Hawke and found it educational and fascinating (and ultimately v sad). I also thought it need tighter editing.
DeleteThank you for putting me onto The Bone Clocks. I really enjoyed it and will read more of his work.
Oh, I'm very pleased you enjoyed it, EC - I didn't notice it on your list. You might like 'Black Swan Green', which is different from all of his other work but one of my favourites.
DeleteI agree with you about H for Hawk - she seemed to me to be a very damaged person, and I found the whole book depressing and extremely sad. (AND as you say, in need of a good editor, which is what I've felt about a number of books I've read recently!)
Alexia: So many books, so little time. And yes, I have thought quite a few of the books I have read recently needed tighter editing. Including some by 'famous' authors. I am glad to have read H for Hawke just the same.
DeleteCheck the front cover and see if you got hold of an "unedited proof" that might explain the need for more editing.
DeleteRiver: Nope, final versions.
DeleteI am like you and am a sucker for hot air balloons. I don't have a favorites one pictured, I just like all of them.
ReplyDeleteOnce, years ago, balloons were supposed to land on a golf course about 2 blocks from my house (as the crow flies) . The balloon pilots encountered some rather odd wind patterns and we had downed balloons all over the neighborhood, including one in my side yard. It was cool but scary since there are trees all over the place. I guess we/they were lucky we have underground utilities so they didn't have to dodge power lines.
Anne in the kitchen: How amazing that would be to have a balloon in your yard... This week one of the balloons became becalmed a couple of feet above the lake and had to be towed to land by the water police. It didn't touch the water but there must have been some anxious moments.
DeleteThat is a muscular looking kangaroo.
ReplyDeleteStrayer: No question about it. He is in his prime and very powerful looking beast.
DeleteThe balloons look colourful as the always do.
ReplyDeleteGood photo of the Roo.
Sunset - how nice.
Margaret-whiteangel: I do love the balloons. That was a dawn - and a lovely one.
Deletewhat phun. I of course loved that twilight shot :)
ReplyDeleteAuthor R. Mac Wheeler: Much phun. And dawn rather than twilight.
DeleteThat kangaroo would make a great balloon!
ReplyDeleteRelatively Retiring: I am a bit surprised that no-one has done it (as far as I know). I would like to see an echidna balloon too.
DeleteIt is always nice to be rewarded for hopping out of bed on any day, whether that be the peace and quiet, the sunrise or hot air balloons. So nice to have your brother to share this passion with.
ReplyDeletecarol: He is the youngest of my brothers (though older than me) and we have a lot in common. Our sense of humour for one.
DeleteA lot of parents were probably hoping to see the Barney balloon pop. LOL What an exciting thing it would be to see a kangaroo up close and personal.
ReplyDeleteGranny Annie: A popping balloon would be very, very loud. We see the kangaroos often, and always smile.
DeleteThat kangaroo is adorable. And the balloons are very creative. We have a balloon rally once a year here where I live, but not nearly as extensive. A couple of times one of the balloons has been brought to the community college to take the president for a ride.
ReplyDeleteSandra Cox: The publicity for our Balloon Spectacular claims that it is one of the biggest in the world. Which I take with a healthy pinch of salt. Love seeing it though. And why is it that the president of the community college gets the treat? He/she could probably pay for themselves.
DeleteLOL. Very good point. Isn't that the way it goes?
DeleteYou just live in the most fun place, what a hoot those cartoon balloons are
ReplyDeleteLinda Starr: I really like my boring city. And if/when we move will go to another city also renowned for being a backwater.
DeleteI do love the look on that kangaroo's face. :)
ReplyDeleteThe first balloon made me smile. There's something humorous (to me) about seeing the bird feet from that angle. Can't explain it though.
River Fairchild: I liked that perspective too. And watched in glee as it lurched upright.
DeleteYes we bloggers can be challenging spouses. But these balloon photos were worth it in my eyes. I enjoy how you wrapped it up with a curious critter and a sunset back home. Lovely my friend
ReplyDeleteCloudia: I wish himself could have shared the joy and wonder. Next year.
DeleteI have to say, I think my favorite would be the whale and her baby. It amazes me what they can do with the balloons given their enormous size. I, like you, would have been up at the crack of dawn as many days as it would take to see them. What a wonderful festival. Cute Kangaroo, too ... she seems content to pose for you :) Fun stuff, EC ...
ReplyDeleteAndrea @ Fromn The Sol
Andrea Priebe: There were dozens and dozens of roos in the park, getting their breakfast. They were not bothered by us in the least. An early jogger made some of them hop (slowly) at least ten feet.
DeleteI really liked the whale too. And her name. She is Baby Blue.
Absolutely fantastic photo!! I've only ever seen the boring ballon shapes balloons - never any interesting ones like the whale and the heads! The roo is amazing... I always think they look like human body builders - except that humans look so SILLY! And the Roos do not...
ReplyDeleteNicky HW: I don't mind what shapes balloons come in. They ALL make me smile. You are right about the body builder roo. I suspect he is very, very strong with it.
DeleteInteresting blog!
ReplyDeleteBWBandy: Welcome and thank you. I will be over to visit you shortly.
DeleteWhat awesome balloons! The kangaroo is pretty cute, too. Nice of him (her?) to pause so you could take a pic :)
ReplyDeletemshatch: The balloons were awesome. All of them. That roo is definitely male, and wasn't moving. He stood less than ten feet away and watched.
DeleteWow, these are the coolest! Nice sunset, too. Have a blessed Sunday!
ReplyDeleteTerri @ Coloring Outside the Lines: They were wonderful. Dawn, rather than sunset, but a joy. It is Monday here now, and I hope your Sunday is great.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWhat delightful pictures! There was a solitary but ever so cheerful balloon in the sky on my way to the hospital the morning my daughter was born. Twelve years later she got to ride on one! Such sweet memories you've conjured up - thanks:-)
Deletediedre Knight: What lovely memories to have triggered. I am so glad. Did your daughter like her balloon ride? I do hope so.
DeleteI can visualize that kangaroo holding a tablet and coordinating the whole balloon event from the ground. If you want a job done right - get skippy to do it for you!
ReplyDeleteSpacerguy: I like it. I too can see that particular roo in an organiser role...
Delete"Spectacular" is the right word for the balloon show - amazing designs. I like the huge chicken and the whale mama and calf. I'm glad you got to go again and had company to enjoy it with you.
ReplyDeleteLove the kangaroo photo, too! He was keeping a careful eye on you, it seems.
jenny_o: Old man roo was indeed watching. He had quite a harem (dozens of does) so he obviously felt he had to be careful. The chicken is an owl, which will probably be more evident in my next post.
DeleteDo you ever see baby kangaroos (Joey's?)going in and out of their mother's pouches?
ReplyDeleteBirdie: We do. I have photos of them in their mama's pouch, sometimes with a head poking out, sometimes with feet... We also see them head first in the pouch (feet on the ground) having a drink. Quite a lot of them are pouch potatoes and continue to return when they are (it seems) too big for the pouch.
DeleteI had a hearty and necessary laugh at the first image. "We have conquered the behemoth!"
ReplyDeleteJohn Wiswell: The behemoth bounced back though - as they do.
DeleteWhat a wonderful assortment....people have such wonderful imaginations. Particularly loved the mother and baby whales and that magnificent kangaroo. Must be great to see the dawn at a place like that. Me...never up in time to see it and can feel for the SP as I know he's not an early riser.
ReplyDeleteMimsie: The whales were great weren't they? No, the SP doesn't like early mornings. At all. I asked if he wanted to try again the next day (the last day) and he firmly said no. Which was sad because they did fly. Next year perhaps.
DeleteThat must have been an amazing sight. So many different styles to enjoy, let alone to hear and see them being inflated. Loved the handsome kangaroo and the stunning dawn. Worth the early rise.
ReplyDeleteDeniseinVA: Oh it was amazing. Watching them inflate to the happy hum of the spectators...
DeleteI thought it was worth getting up early. The jury is still out for himself.
Such fun are the balloons!
ReplyDeleteCountryMum: Oh they are. Each and every year.
DeleteHi EC - those balloons are just a delight to see; but you also get a trip round the park, or just an idle time watching those enormous rubber giants ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteHilary Melton-Butcher: There was much walking, and much marvelling. And many smiles.
DeleteFotografias espectaculares.
ReplyDeleteUm abraço e boa semana.
http://andarilharar.blogspot.pt/
Francisco Manuel Carrjola Oliveira: Welcome and thank you. I hope you also have a wonderful week.
DeleteFabulous! It made me wonder, though. Those balloons can't be inexpensive to make: Do the feature balloons change each year?
ReplyDeleteMarty Damon: The feature balloons do indeed change each year. The black smiley face is a constant, but the other 'designer balloons' are different each year.
DeleteWhat a great group of photos. I have been looking forward to these Sunday selections! Thank you for sharing. My favorite is the kangaroo!
ReplyDeleteGinger Dawn Harman: We love the roos too. We often see them and smile every time. There is another balloon post to come. Next week? Probably.
DeleteI love the Aussie spirited festivities, and that kangaroo looks so sweet and innocent. I'm inclined to approach him for a handshake.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely week, EC.
Rawknrobyn: I couldn't recommend shaking his hands. He would probably hope away, but he is much, much taller than you. And powerful.
DeleteAnd a lovely week to you too.
The roo looked to be imitating one of them. I liked the black smiley face! Such fun and so colorful!
ReplyDeleteYolanda Renee: I can't think of a more colourful start to the day. The black smiley face comes back year after year - and is always welcome.
DeleteRunning late to see the balloons but they are all so beautiful. I especially liked the whale. I always think 'happy' when I see the balloons.
ReplyDeleteMason Canyon: You are never too late. Happy? I suspect I am closer to ecstatic.
DeleteI have to go far away to see balloons. There is nothing but forest here and no place to land except water. Although, it's ice for 6 or 7 months. Hmmm.
ReplyDeleteJono: Forests and ice sound pretty special too. Perhaps not always welcoming, but special.
DeletePure delight!
ReplyDeleteladyfi: Most definitely.
DeleteOkay,
ReplyDeleteevery single time you add a kangaroo to your gallery, you cause me to SMILE :) especially, that one! xx
My Inner Chick: He is beautiful isn't he? You would have enjoyed our little detour. There were dozens and dozens of kangaroos enjoying the start to the day.
DeleteIf I did not have such a fear of heights, I would fly in one of those someday :)
ReplyDeleteOptimistic Existentialist: The brother who I saw the balloons with is also afraid of heights. He started his balloon trip standing well back from the edge of the basket. Very rapidly his sharp pointy elbows came into play to get him a better view on the edge...
DeleteI agree with My Inner Chick. The kangaroos are right up there with the bird pictures.
ReplyDeleteHave a great Tuesday.
Sandra Cox: Wednesday has landed. I am very, very glad that you like the kangaroos and the birds. I sometimes worry that others will get bored with my obsessions.
DeleteThis gives a whole new concept to "Look to the Sky" "The sky is falling!"
ReplyDeleteFantastic.
Susan Kane: Poor Henny Penny would have been beside herself. I loved it.
DeleteOoh - that last photo of the lake is so lovely! I adore hot air balloons, too - I'm so glad you had some company to go with you.
ReplyDeleteLynn: There is something about sunrise (or sunset) over water isn't there? The reflections? The peace?
DeleteIs one of the hot air balloons Barney? it looks like Barney. :D
ReplyDeleteLL Cool Joe: Someone else made that connection. It could be, but Barney is not someone I know.
Delete