Sunday, 2 July 2017

Sunday Selections #334

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.  I am a creature of habit.  I like routine, and I do the same things every year.


It is winter.  And we have (finally) had some chilly mornings.  My inner child is alive and well so of course I have been outside just after first light trying to freeze soap bubble.




It was chilly.  Minus 5.4 C (22.2 F).  And still.




So I started blowing bubbles...



Those bubbles that survive the landing start to lose their lovely iridescence and turn white.
















The bubbles can last for well over ten minutes before popping, and leave a shell behind when they do.






For the best results it probably needed to be a bit colder.  I had fun trying though.  Jazz and the smaller portion didn't join me.  Wimps.

PS:  This morning is colder.  In a few hours when it is light I will be outside trying again.  The wimps will again be inside.

136 comments:

  1. It is winter. It's funny. Even though I know that you live on the other side of the world where your winter is our summer and your spring is our autumn, that sentence caught me by surprise. :-) Beautiful photos as usual.

    Greetings from London.

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    1. A Cuban in London: It is decidedly winter this morning. I have just spent over an hour blowing more bubbles and am smiling broadly. I hope your summer is lovely - and feel free to keep it.

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  2. Bubbles! Yay! Not a happening thing up here in Capricornia unless I go to the toy shop and buy a bubble wand. :-)

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    1. dinahmow: You get things (and can grow things) I can't. I would be reluctant to give up bubbles though.

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  3. Gorgeous photos. It's like Cuban says, it's summer here. Hopefully we'll see some more good weather on the way.

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    1. Treey Stynes: Thank you. I hope you get just the weather you want. I am revelling in our winter.

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  4. Thought the pink skies would be my favourite, but you had me all the way through. Just thinking how very much I enjoy knowing you my dear

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    1. Cloudia: What a lovely thing to say. Thank you.

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  5. I did not realise it gets quite that cold in your fair town, but you want it even colder for better frozen bubble making! Your neighbours must have interesting thoughts about a middle aged woman out in the early cold morning blowing bubbles.

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    1. Andrew: Middle-aged? You are a shameless flatterer. There were some weird looks when I was out again this morning. Tough. I had a lovely time.

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  6. What a great idea - those bubbles. Too bad it rarely gets cold enough here in SF. Thank you for this.

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    1. Martin Kloess: It doesn't get cold enough here often. But today was even better and when my hands thaw there are many, many photos to go through. And some of the bubbles are still there more than an hour later.

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  7. you are truly an expert at frost photos, love them all.

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    1. Linda Starr: Thank you. Hopefully there are better shots on my camera now.

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  8. Great photos, EC. I saw on the weather forecast last night that minus 8 was expected for Canberra this morning. Now that is chilly! :)

    There's a nice nip in the air up here, too, but not as low as that. Stick around for a while, winter; summer will be here all too soon...I say!

    Have yourself a great week and cuddles to Jazz. :)

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    1. Lee: I don't know that we got down to minus 8, but we are not yet in positive numbers. It was lovely. Really lovely. Jazz would like it warmer, and is cosy inside.

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  9. You are getting extremely good at these ice bubbles, EC! It does look really cold there, but also really beautiful. I love the shot of the bubbles floating amongst the camellias! And the 'broken bubbles'.

    I am always amused when people say they are amazed that it's winter where we are. I'm never taken by surprise when I hear that it's summer in the northern hemisphere at the moment!

    Enjoy your cool days. We had a very wet day yesterday, but the sun is shining now - off for a walk very soon :)

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    1. Alexia: I have never had any difficulties with the opposite season thing either. Perhaps because we grew up knowing it? Today was even colder. More than an hour later there are still bubbles dotted around the garden. Natually photos galore.
      Enjoy your walk.

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  10. When I heard that Canberra would have -12 this morning I fully expected to find frozen bubbles here and you didn't disappoint!
    They look great

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    1. kylie: Not quite minus 12. Chilly though. And bubbles I blew well over an hour ago are still in place. So perhaps next weeks Sunday Selections will be a repeat.

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  11. Replies
    1. Joanne Noragon: Still a work in progress. Over two hundred photos this morning.

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    2. Not much wonder your fingers are frozen, EC!!

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  12. Serenity and frozen bubbles, what more could you ask for? :)

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    1. Sandi: Not a lot - or at least not without being greedy.

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  13. Great job. I always forget to do it with the grandchildren. They would love it too!

    The frosty photos are beautiful.

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    1. Marie Smith: I wish I had known about it when I was a young thing - and am grateful to have learnt.

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  14. What fun! I am definitely going to try that, but will have to wait 6 months or so before it will work properly! Meanwhile the grandies love running after bubbles, it's their favourite occupation!
    I had no idea it got that cold in ACT, I always think of it as hot all the time.... probably the way that some Australians think of Canada as cold all the time.

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    1. Shammickite: As well as being boring my city is known for being a cold hole. I would debate the boring, and revelled in the cold this morning. Bubbles are a wonderful thing, and I suspect your grandies would love frozen ones too.
      And yes, I am often surprised to hear just how hot some parts of Canada get.

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  15. That must have been lots of fun. Never thought about it.
    : )

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    1. Caterina: I only learnt it was possible a couple of years ago - and have had a heap of fun each year since.

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  16. Still can't believe bubbles do that. I need to stock up on them this summer to wow the grand babies this winter.

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    1. donna baker: I use dishwashing liquid and a hand-made bubble pipe (twisted wire). And I suspect your grand babies would have lots of fun. It was colder this morning and some of the bubbles lasted well over an hour before breaking.

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  17. I remember these from yesteryear, maybe just last year, when you did it. I enjoyed it then and I'm enjoying it now. And we have a whole winter to play! :-)

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    1. DJan: It is a heap of fun. My inner child had a ball this morning (while passers-by scratched their heads).

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  18. Looks like you had fun! Hugs and may your fun continue!

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    1. e: I did, and more fun this morning. I hope your renovations are drawing to a close. Hugs.

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    2. Hardly, unfortunately...

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  19. I love the look of frost tipped everything, but I'm glad I don't have those kinds of temperatures. I'm getting wimpier as I get older, because that's too cold for me.
    The bubbles are beautiful.

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    1. River: The dread disease has some advantages. I do get cold, but it takes a long time at temperatures lower than most people tolerate. So this morning (when it was even colder) I had a wonderful time when sensible people were snuggled up in bed.

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  20. Love the bubble pix, especially the frozen shells!!

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  21. A little colder?!?! How much colder? We only got down to -3.9. That is cold enough for me. Have fun with your bubbles.

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    1. CountryMum: We got down to -7.9. And I got some stunning results. And had fun with it.

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  22. Ohhh, I love your bubbles! Sure wish it was winter here, 35 degrees today...*sigh*

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    1. Karen: 35? Shudder. I hope you can get some relief.

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  23. I see all sorts of interesting shapes and creatures in those bubbles. Thanks for sharing the magic.

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    1. Rawknrobyn: Magic it is. I am glad you enjoyed it too.

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  24. The bubbles are back! I'm surprised that Jazz doesn't at least brave the cold long enough to attack frozen bubbles... :)

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    1. River Fairchild: Not Jazz. He waits until I come in and attacks me. I bleed much more satisfactorily.

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  25. How fun, EC! I wish it got cold enough here to do that. The "skins" look like upside-down jellyfish. :)
    Bundle up!
    Marty K.

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    1. Marty K.: It isn't always (or even often) cold enough here, but I love it when it is. And you are right about the skins. Except today when it was colder the shells were different. I will post about that later.

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  26. What an interesting experiment: freezing soap bubbles. I never thought of that. I wonder if it could be used in a mystery story somehow. But then, I'm a writer. I think that about everything. :)

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    1. Olga Godim: Of course it could be used. Poisoned bubbles? Some sort of drug which is activated only when the skin warms up. Outside the bubble blower is safe...

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  27. I'm glad you got to play! These are wonderful pictures of your experiments. Looking forward to more pictures. And I must remember this in the dead of next winter! I meant to try last winter and my memory failed me.

    Savour every chilly day ... I don't really have to say that, because I know you do. Hope your week is full of good things, EC.

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    1. jenny_o: Playing is good for me. Many hours later, I am still smiling. And the bubbles this morning lasted well over an hour before breaking. I woke himself up to share the fun. He didn't go outside, but did marvel.

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  28. Love to try this with the grandkids. Not so keen on the cold bit though!

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    1. J Cosmo Newbery: Not only is cold needed, early is also a requirement. By the time the sun is high in the sky the temperatures aren't chilly enough. When I said first light, I really meant it. It was worth it (for me) though.

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  29. Great pictures. We are heading into our cold season now.

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    1. Love Affair with Food: We are in mid-winter, and I am very, very happy.

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  30. Dear EC
    Thank you for sharing the ethereal beauty of both the bubbles and your wintry morning. I think I would probably be a wimp too!
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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    1. Ellie Foster: Thank you. To coin a phrase 'Most people I know think that I'm crazy...'

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  31. EC I can no believe you have frosty mornings there. Your landscape is fantastic

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    1. Gosia k: We do indeed get frosty mornings. Lots of them.

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  32. I love these, E.C! Really beautiful. I'm glad you're enjoying the cold!

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    1. Paper Chipmunk (aka Ellen): I am loving the cold. And cold it is. We aren't expected to get to double digit temperatures today. Jazz is not happy. And I will email you later.

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  33. That is so cool and the pictures are great. I will have to try that when winter comes. I was surprised to see that there were flowers still growing with the frost.

    I

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    1. Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe: The jonquils are early this year, but are happily blooming through the frost. Which is hopeful and lovely. I hope you can freeze bubbles when winter reaches you again.

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  34. The frozen shell is wild.
    I love a chilly morning...

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    1. Alex J. Cavanaugh: A chilly morning is lovely. Invigorating.

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  35. I'll have to try and remember to do frozen bubbles in a few months. Those are very fun!

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    1. Jono: Would you like me to remind you? They are LOTS of fun.

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  36. Oh my gosh, EC, those pictures are magical.
    I'd love to be right there with ya.

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    1. Sandra Cox: I would happily share the fun. Very happily.

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  37. I've never tried to freeze bubbles. Sounds like fun. Great photos. Have fun.

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    1. Mason Canyon: When I first read about it I knew I had to try it. And I am so glad I did. It has now become a winter tradition with me.

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  38. You and I probably agree on so many things. But - I'd be with the wimps while you blow bubbles. You love the cold. I don't. Though I love those photos and would probably go out for a few minutes just to enjoy a few of those beautiful bubbles, my inner child prefers the heat. I guess what's important is that our inner kids play. Enjoy!

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    1. Myrna R.: You are right - our inner children do need to play. And perhaps you could have joined himself. Yesterday morning when it was much colder the bubbles lasted for well over an hour. I came inside and woke up himself - and enjoyed looking at them - from inside in the warmth.

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  39. I'm so jealous of you on the other side of the world. It's so hot and California is bloody on fire. We could use some frost.

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    1. Robert Bennett: I am so sorry. Oz burns every summer and I know just how awful it is. I hope your state gets relief. And rain.

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  40. Very cool though I am glad it is summer here

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    1. Sue in Italia/In the Land of Cancer: I am glad you are enjoying your summer. And hope it stays with you for a while.

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  41. SOOOOOO very COOL!!! Oh how I love:)
    Really inspired....thank you!
    It's hot enough to fry an egg outside my door right now so this is a tall glass of cool for me:)
    I appreciate the beauty of this share
    (and of you....always you:))
    -Jennifer

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    1. Jennifer Richardson: I have been and read your latest post, and loved the breath of fresh and scented air you gave us. And I do hope your eggs stop frying. Hugs.

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  42. Blowing bubbles, how old are you, ha ha ha. I would do it.

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    1. Bob Bushell: I hope I never grow too old for bubbles. And balloons. And rainbows.

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    2. Yes, I would do it too EC.

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  43. I love LOVE the bubble shells.

    I hate feeling cold though. I wonder if this would work in a freezer in the tropics? Cos I'm such a child too. :-D

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    1. neena maiay (guyana gyal): Himself's uncle who lives in a much warmer part of Oz wondered the same thing. I suspect it would work in the freezer, but also suspect you would be uncomfortable in the attempt.

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  44. I think those bubbles are fun. That's interesting that they leave behind a shell.

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    1. mail4rosey: The shell disappears as the sun gets higher, but I found it fascinating.

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  45. Now thats cold icy bubbles.
    Merle..........

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    1. Merlesworld: Oh it was. Definitely icy. And fun.

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  46. It's so dang hot here, that 22 degrees here for a couple of days would make me so happy. I've never seen that done with bubbles before and it looks totally amazing and beautiful. I want to try that once it gets cold in the winter. Brilliant idea! Hugs...RO

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    1. RO: I am not a fan of heat. Not at all. I hope you get some relief - and can try this later in the year. Hugs back to you.

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  47. fascinating but I would be inside with the wimps... I think you have called in winter!! Not far from freezing here this morning...

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    1. Anna: It is grey and chilly here today. Very grey and quite chilly. We won't reach double digit temperatures - until Wednesday I believe.

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  48. Here in Latvia we are having a very cool and rainy summer July. Your photos made me shiver. They are very nice and love your creativity with the bubbles.

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    1. Rasma Raisters: I would love some of your rain. And long for a cool summer. I know you would like some warmth and hope it comes your way. Soon. (I am sorry for making you shiver though.)

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  49. Such pretty frozen bubbles! Do you have a proportion of soap you put into the water? I've never tried it, but want to this winter up north.

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    1. John Wiswell: I use diswashing liquid. Undiluted. And it works well.

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  50. Hi EC - well if I'd realised you were blowing bubbles I'd have been here earlier ... I thought I was going to have to think of a short 'intelligent' piece of writing ... but I can relax and blow bubbles instead. Might try that in winter!

    Incredible they leave a shell ... fascinating to see ... so glad you have your play days and can share with us!! Cheers Hilary

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    1. Hilary Melton-Butcher: I am glad that you enjoyed the bubbles but feel so very sorry that you feared visiting. Words for Wednesday should be fun. If it isn't please don't feel obligated to play. (Playing should be fun too. Bubblecious fun.)

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  51. My God the woman's a genius! I love the bubble idea! Fantastic, an art installation in your own garden no less. Excellent x

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    1. All Consuming: I first came across the idea from someone in your hemisphere - but HAD to try it. And am so glad I did.

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  52. It's very much summer here; hot, sunny, and humid, which is just the sort of weather I love. The bubbles are indeed lovely and I have to try to remember when winter comes back to try that with my niece. She'll love it :)

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    1. mshatch: Sunny I can cope with. Hot and humid? Bleah. I hope you do remember to try freezing bubbles in the fullness of time. It really is fun.

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  53. I'll have to remember this when it's winter here. I've always blown bubbles in the spring and summer--yes--I have a bubble machine that fills our garden with them. I have a love for bubbles that hasn't gone away since I was four!

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    1. cleemckenzie: Another bubble fan! Why am I not surprised.

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  54. Are those first pictures your neighborhood? Sooo pretty.

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    1. Sandra Cox: Those photos are taken from our front garden looking down the street to the valley below.

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  55. The life of the bubbles is amazing. Ten minutes? And then they leave a sort of shell? Nifty.

    Your winters do get quite cold. Well, for a wimpy Californian they do!

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    1. Bea: I thought ten minutes was impressive. But last weekend I blew bubbles which lasted (literally) for hours. It was a tad colder, and just what was needed.

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  56. Dear Sue, here am I, living in the northern clime all my life--in wintry Minnesota for 38 years and in a chilly Missouri for a little longer. But . . . I have never, ever, never thought of blowing bubbles outside. How wonderful. Perfectly wonderful to do. As soon as cold return to Missouri I'll follow your lead. Thank you so much. Peace be to you. Dee

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    1. DeeL I do hope you can. It is just soooooo much fun.

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  57. What a great idea, I have never thought of doing this before. You've sown a seed :) Great pics EC!

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    1. Denise inVA: I hope that seed grows into a mighty tree...

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  58. Wow! That's so cool :)
    22.2F is COLD!

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    1. Carol Kilgore: For this particular treat it needs to be cold to be cool. Which suits me just fine.

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  59. Beautiful shots! Love that you try to freeze a soap bubble!

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  60. What a delightful series of photographs. I had no idea that soap bubbles freeze in the cold. Thoroughly enjoyed your early morning adventures.

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    1. Kalpanaa M: Until a couple of years ago I had no idea either. Having found out I HAD to try it. Repeatedly.

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  61. In all my 60+ years I’ve never blown soap bubbles when it’s cold! I’ve done it lots of times during the summer when my son was small and now with my grandchildren. How amazing, I must try that! I loved all your photos, and am blown away by how pretty everything looks.

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    1. Barbara Fisher: I was a slow learner on this front too. And a big fan of early mornings - frosty or not.

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  62. I just looked closer at your beautiful pink flowering bushes, please refresh me on what they are, and saw the bubbles. Wondrous.

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    1. Sandra Cox: The pink flowering bushes are camellias. That line in on the edge of our neighbours property. Ours will flower later (if the cockatoos leave us any buds).

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  63. Interesting .. I would never have thought that you could blow frozen bubbles in Australia. Even if you have winter, I always have believed that it's a warm winter ... not freeze. But it seems you really have a lot of cold.
    The bubbles looks very lovely.
    Hugs

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    1. orvokki: Lots of Australia doesn't get frost. Or rarely gets frost. In my city we get quite a lot of it, and I was glad to take advantage of the chilly morning.

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  64. Looks like fun! I want to try that next winter here. If it doesn't just rain all winter, that is. That seems plenty cold!

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    1. Strayer: It is fun. Quite a lot of fun. And that morning was 'nearly' chilly enough. A later morning was much better.

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  65. Bubbles are fun to play with even when they burst all over your face. Just don't get trapped inside one, its a curse trying to escape!

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    1. Spacer Guy: Speaking from experience? The frozen bubbles are stronger than the warmer version, but not strong enough to hold me. I have finally found something I am stronger than....

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