Sunday, 8 October 2017

Sunday Selections #348

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 week I am returning (yet again) to the art and whimsy at Floriade.  We finally got back there this week (though not sadly to Nightfest which only runs for two weekends).  It was in absolutely glorious full bloom.  A very windy day (so I wimped out on the Ferris Wheel) but a delightful day.


Having taken a kazillion more photos I think there is one more Floriade post to come.  And other joy of spring posts too.

Some of these photos are of my favourite sculptures (again) and some are new.





My childfree self is ignorant here.  Can someone tell me who these characters are?  Their costumes looked very difficult to move around in.


I thought the scarecrow was a bit sad.  And was intrigued (but didn't go into) the IKEA tasting tent.  IKEA is relatively new to my city and seems to be doing well.


This giant wall was seeking (and getting) donations for more funds into cancer (specifically breast cancer) research.  Each of the attached ribbons represents a donation made by a visitor to Floriade.




Revisiting these charmers from different perspectives.  




This is Sky of Tents by Georgina Humphries.  The giant patchwork was apparently made entirely by hand and used more than 500 pieces.


 This is Milieu by Senden Blackwood.  And was apparently inspired by the following Plato quote 'Love is born into every human being; it calls back the halves of our original nature together; it tries to make one out of two and heal the wound of human nature'.

And to finish on a colourful note.






 'In Plain Sight' by Katy Mutton.  Sadly I don't think the public could cruise in it.  We would happily have gone.

Are you all Floriaded out yet or can you bear another post - focussing on the blooms?.  To be followed by a trip to Tulip Top Gardens and some joy (and sadness) from our garden.


142 comments:

  1. Can I bear photos of more flowers? Si, si! Downside: jealousy as we won't see spring flowers here for months and never will we see those charming roo sculptures.

    Though I have kids and grandkids, those characters are not familiar to me.

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    1. Sue in Italia/In the Land of Cancer: Thank you. In a few short months I will be getting solace from the heat in photos from your side of the world.

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  2. Fantastic! Your spring is barely beginning like our autumn here. Contrasting landscapes. :-)

    Greetings from London.

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    1. A Cuban in London: Our spring is being rapidly pushed out of the way by summer. I hope your autumn lingers.

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  3. That first photo is so bloody cheerful x

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    1. John Gray: It was. I started to smile as soon as I saw the dancing poppies. And wasn't alone.

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  4. Love the metal kangaroos!

    I have no idea who those characters are, but they look like Winter and Fall.

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    1. Sandi: Those roos were lovely. And if the characters were Winter and Autumn they are being defeated here.

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  5. The first two pictures are so beautiful!

    I have kids but I don’t know who the sculptures are.

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    1. Birdie: Thank you. Perhaps the characters were new and original?

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  6. I will happily see more photos. I look at these, imagine I am there, and feel relaxed and refreshed.

    Love,
    Janie

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    1. Janie Junebug: Thank you so much. We were relaxed and refreshed wandering through the gardens and admiring the art.

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  7. Gorgeous! I love these posts, EC. More please.

    The sky of tents is so cheerful!

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    1. Marie Smith: Thank you. The sky of tents was vivid and wonderful wasn't it?

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  8. I, too, am child-free (except for my two furry kids), so I am of no help in identifying those characters. They look a bit like me on a day of gardening and chicken-feeding!! :)

    I hope you have a great week, EC....cuddles to Jazz! :)

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    1. Lee: Since no-one seems to know who they are, perhaps they are original. Or just *poor* versions of who ever they are supposed to be.
      I hope you and your furry overlords (and Molly) have a great week too.

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  9. Such a happy place! The 'field' of flowers is gorgeous. I think I'd like a pergola with a sky of tents, that's so pretty. Yes, I could go for a ride on the lake too!

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    1. Sharon Quails: It is a happy place. For families, for couples, for individuals. And I am so glad that other people like the poppy field.

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  10. More blooms, please. They are like a meadow.

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    1. Joanne Noragon: More blooms coming up. Lots and lots and lots of them. From at least three different venues.

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  11. That scarecrow looks a little weird. They could have painted his face. That would have made it look more vibrant.

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    1. Jamie Ghione: I agree. It looks more than a little 'unfinished' didn't it?

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    2. It's an Ikea scarecrow: some assembly required :)

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    3. River: That is clever. Very clever.

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  12. As someone else mentioned, this is a happy post. Brightly coloured poppies (not just the 'remembrance red' ones) are welcome- they last such a short time.
    And the 'roos can't help but make you smile. ~ Cathy

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    1. Cathy: It was a happy day. For us and I would think the vast majority of visitors. The people working there didn't look unhappy either.

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  13. Can't miss that boat.
    The Sky of Tents is cool.
    Here, IKEA is furniture, so I wouldn't want to eat it.
    And no idea on the characters!

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    1. Alex J. Cavanaugh: IKEA is furniture and home wares here too. I believe they do have a restaurant though.

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  14. Somehow I am pleased to think that in some universe Kangaroos smell the flowers--- and give flowers to one another. What a delightful place.

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    1. Bill: I hope that the roos do smell and enjoy the flowers. I really hope it.

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    2. Angel used to smell flowers, I hope he still does, wherever he is.

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    3. I still miss Angel, too!!

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  15. Dear E
    I am loving the photos of your visit and of all the sculptures too. I'm looking forward to the next instalment...
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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    1. Ellie Foster: Thank you. There will be many, many more brightly coloured photos to come.

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  16. The poppies are wonderful - so bright and happy! They would make anyone smile. I really liked these shots of the roos, and the sky of tents is great.
    (I am smiling non-stop anyway because our new grandaughter was born yesterday, far away in Spain).

    Can I bear another Floriade post? Yes please!

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    1. Alexia: Wonderful news. Of course you are smiling - probably so broadly your face hurts. When are you going to visit the new arrival (and her parents)?

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    2. I'm heading over there in March. Can't wait!
      :)

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    3. Alexia: Those months won't be able to go fast enough for you.

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  17. Hey Sue,

    As usual, an awesome collection of photos. I have no idea who those characters are. IKEA? Ah yes, IKEA, the shop that provides you with the most baffling instructions.

    Thanks and have a peaceful remainder of your weekend.

    Gary

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    1. klahanie: Dear Gary, It is lovely to see you out and about in the blogosphere. I think that instructions are often written to confuse rather than instruct.
      I hope your life is settling down into a more pleasant path.

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  18. I have no idea who those in the costumes represent but they sure are cute.

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    1. Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe: I found them a tad on the creepy side. The costumes were so very well done.

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  19. the field of flowers and the kangaroos with the flowers so uplifting to see

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    1. Linda Starr: It really is a delightful festival. I think most of us NEED colour and whimsy in our lives.

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  20. I like the kangaroos with the flowers and that boat would definitely be fun to cruise around on. Thanks again for posting the photos.

    Have a lovely weekend!

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    1. Truedessa: I really liked the kangaroos and thought the smaller one with the flowers looked particularly expressive - almost yearning.
      I hope your weekend and week are both lovely.

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  21. I've visited early this week to take a peek at the new batch of images and the stories you weave around them. I'm still ridiculously fond of those roos, and the poppies are beautiful. Yes please to more about Floriade. Maybe it was just ingredients in the IKEA tent and you had to assemble them yourself

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    1. Kim: Chuckling at your IKEA comment. I share your fondness for the roos. They are so simple, almost stylised and so expressive.

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  22. Can I handle another Florida post? You bet! And I love the flower smelling wooden Roos. Very smart of you to avoid the ferris wheel in the wind. :-)

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    1. DJan: The Roos are huge - and made of metal. And imbued with charm. I wasn't tempted by the Ferris Wheel in the wind - but it had huge queues too. Another disincentive.

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  23. I can definitely bear another post. I love the kangaroos just as much as I did the first time I saw them, the Sky of Tents is a delight too, but I really like that colourful boat. And the two 'ragamuffins', which I thought at first were statues.

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    1. River: Oh good. When we went back I also loved the kangaroos just as much - and the Sky of Tents. I would have loved to have gone on that colourful boat.

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  24. More from Floriade? Bring it on!
    And the scarecrow is sad because he has something stuck in his nether regions.An Allen key, perhaps?

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    1. dinahmow: I would be v sad if I had an Allen key in my fundament too.

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  25. The kangaroo offering flowers is just wonderful, and the glass ball pretty special too. Masses of poppies to keep the beds blooming.

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  26. Always like your photos of Floriade. We could easily call into Canberra to see such a sunshine of flowers as such but we just never do.

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    1. Margaret-whiteangel: Some year... And, if you do come, go down the road to see Tulip Top too.

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  27. Hi EC - strange no-one knows who the characters are - they stand out ... but I've no idea either. Ikea has a large restaurant that is constantly full .. in all its stores and they do sell some Swedish food I think ...but more furniture et al ...

    Love the photos ... the Spring flowers - a delight, the tent awning - how fun ... and the kangaroos ... and ... and ... and ... and yes please tulips ... all delightful - cheers Hilary

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    1. Hilary Melton-Butcher: I am a bit surprised that the characters are anonymous. A small mystery. I am glad that you enjoyed the fun with me. And will post about tulips next week some time.

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  28. Such beautiful photos to view today as the heavy rain outside my window. Always love seeing photos from the trips you take. Looking forward to the next installment and many more after that.

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    1. Mason Canyon: What a lovely thing to say. Thank you. We had a little very welcome rain in the small hours, but could do with a lot more.

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  29. Beautiful flowers! The kangaroo/flowers sculptures are very cool.

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  30. Love those charmers, the color in those tents. Weird boat.

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    1. Author R. Mac Wheeler: Definitely a boat which is NOT built for speed. Or subtlety. I would happily cruise on it though.

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  31. So, seeing all of this just made a thought occur to me: do you celebrate Halloween out there? I know that Halloween is a distinctly fall-time holiday (as it's a harvest holiday) and it's pretty clearly spring time. haha

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    1. Robert Bennett: The stores celebrate Halloween (or try to) more than we do. And that is only in recent years. Growing up it was a complete non event.

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  32. I think I love the kangaroos with the flowers best...or maybe the large bubble...it's hard to pick a favourite.

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    1. Carolyn McBride: They are right up there in my favourites list too.

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  33. You take awesome photos, don't stop. I'm always drawn to your photos of metal sculpture and of course birds!

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    1. T Powell Coltrin: Thank you. I am very glad that you don't get tired of my obsessions.

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  34. Another post? Yes, please!! I loved the kangaroos & the bubble!!

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    1. fishducky: Later this week. Probably mostly spring blooms.

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  35. I can bear another post! Absolutely!
    Loved this one.
    Greetings.

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    1. Catarina: Oh good - and thank you. I hope your life is treating you kindly.

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  36. I'm definitely not floriaded out. More please.

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    1. Myrna R.: Thank you too. More will be posted later this week.

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  37. Gosh such fresh art! I love the crystal ball

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    1. Cloudia: I do too. And would love to see it at dawn or dusk.

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  38. Love your Floriade pics! I got my wish one year and we travelled to Canberra when Floriade was on; it didn't disappoint! I had a wonderful time.

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    1. Maria: Welcome and thank you. We go to Floriade at least once every year but have been disappointed in recent years. This year was lovely though. Did you also see the Tulip Top extravaganza while you were in the area?

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  39. Colourful. I love the giant Roos, fabulous EC.

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    1. Bob Bushell: I loved them too. How could I not?

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  40. What glorious colors! Love this post!

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    1. Nas: It was so incredibly colourful on our second visit. A treat for all the senses.

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  41. You are surrounded by so much beauty (and color!). Love the roos with flowers. :) I'd be afraid of tasting IKEA. I only know them by furniture. The reflecting ball is gorgeous!

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    1. River Fairchild: IKEA has a restaurant/cafe, but I have never tried its wares. And aren't the roos lovely?

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  42. I think I have read this post four times and not been able to figure out which bit I most wanted to comment on!
    Your perspective with the kangaroos really makes for an interesting photo, I wish I could think of things like that :)

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    1. kylie: I was fascinated by how different the expressions on the roos where when I looked at them individually. And somehow I think I felt more emotion looking separately and then joining them again. If that makes sense?

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  43. We've added this festival to our list - although it's a long shot that we'll be able to do it, your photos have convinced me that it's worth a try!

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    1. daisyfae: Your list must be as long as my pile of unread books. Good luck.

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  44. The bright, fun colors through this series are a pick-me-up.

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    1. Rawknrobyn: They are. And the explosion of colour in the blooms (next post) was a joy.

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  45. What a beautiful boat at the end and also a beautiful quote about love. I can feel it within myself, the warring selves and the healer too, trying to cojoin in peace. But my favorite of your photos are the flower holding creatures of some sort. I think they are sweet.

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    1. Strayer: They are stylised Kangaroos and I love them. They are indeed very sweet. I liked the quote about love too - probably more than I did the sculpture.

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  46. enjoying your Floriade pics. My husband gets awful hayfever so won't be visiting so I get to see them without the pollen. The poppies are terrific.

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    1. Anna: Your poor husband. Hayfever made my life a misery until I had a course of desensitising injections. Aren't the poppies lovely. I won't tell you just how many poppy photos I took...

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  47. I’m so happy you shared more of your pics. It looks like Californian Poppies in the first picture? I love them so much, but they just won’t grow in our heavy clay soil. I've tried many times but nothing ever comes of it.
    The giant wall is a brilliant idea and for such a good cause too.
    I’m not a bit Floriaded out and will be looking forward to your next post.

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    1. Barbara Fisher: I am not certain what variety of poppies they are - but love them. Fortunately poppies grow happily in our garden and even self seed.

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  48. Love the flower-carpet photos!! (and also the kangaroos smelling flowers, the globe sculpture with the flowers..) Can I tolerate more? Absolutely yes!!

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    1. Nilanjana Bose: There will be a LOT more flower photos to come.

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  49. What a wonderful day to be out and about. Lovely photos indeed and thanks for sharing.

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    1. Blogoratti: We enjoyed both of our visits to Floriade this year, and I am very happy to share.

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  50. beautiful photos, Sue.
    I don't know who the characters are either!

    xx from MN.

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    1. My Inner Chick: It seems that I am not as ignorant as I though. No-one seems to know who/what those characters are.

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  51. Nope, no idea who those characters are! Love the flowers in that first pic, and the iron roos with flowers :)

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  52. Such beautiful, vibrant colors. We are moving rapidly into fall and I am already missing the bright, warm summer!

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    1. Tara: I am not a fan of summer. Which is rapidly approaching here. I hope your autumn and winter are gentle.

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  53. Nope! Defitely not Floriaded out as I have thoroughly enjoyed your photos from there. I literally loved them all but the kangaroo sculpture of the mum and joey was definitely floating my boat today. Loved your perspective. That pretty blue sky made a super backdrop to these lovely animals. Thanks EC and wishing you a great week.

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    1. Denise inVA: I think most people loved that sculpture. It spoke to us on so many different levels. So simple, and yet...

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  54. I know I saw this post while on my trip but don't see a comment from me. Guess I didn't post one. Anyway, as always I love the photos of places I have never seen before and would never see at all without your help:-)

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    1. Granny Annie: I hope your trip was wonderful - and am happy to take you on my trips. And to go on yours (and other peoples too).

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  55. The sculpture by S. Blackwood and attendant Plato quote moved me.

    The sphere up toward the top of your post looked as if it were made of water (prolly due to the body of water directly behind it). Very cool images all around.

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    1. Bea: I loved the Plato quote. Wisdom from the ages. As true now as it was.
      The reflection of the lake in 'Horizon' did make it look fluid.

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  56. OMGosh, look at that crystal ball. It will come as no surprise that I love crystal balls;)

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    1. Sandra Cox: Some days a crystal ball would be an advantage. Other days? Not so much. I love that sculpture though, and hope our city retains it.

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  57. I'm a bit embarrassed to admit it, but I didn't know that poppies came in any colour but red . . . they are really beautiful, especially set against the water background.

    And I love those kangaroos, baby giving mama a bouquet and mama appreciating it. Sweet pair.

    I'm looking forward to as many more pictures as you want to post!

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    1. jenny_o: Poppies do come in a wide range of colours. We have some doubles in a lovely orangy-red, but I am happy to see them in any colour. Kanga and Roo are charming aren't they?

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  58. Okay, I couldn't stop myself from stopping in to see the visual delights you always offer up on your Sunday posts. I simply consider you one of my vacation spots. To answer your question about the kiddie characters. . .I haven't a clue. And I'm not kid free! Loved the kanga sculptures. They were delightful.

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    1. cleemckenzie: I can't tell you how happy it makes me to be included in your vacation spots. Those characters will have to remain a mystery.

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  59. The whole place is just a delight! And yes - I can definitely stand another post on blooms - or even ten more!

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    1. Lady Fi: Thank you. Probably not ten more, but certainly a couple.

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  60. Lovely photos as usual. Love the bubble. I have no idea about those characters. You are lucky to be headed into such a wonderful season. Kind of depressing here. The autumn rains have come, it is cool and most everything is still green with just touches of change and that makes it sad because you know all of that will change dramatically and before you know it winter will be here.

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    1. Rasma Raisters: We are in urgent need of rain. We had a little yesterday - which was the first in nearly two months.
      I hope Autumn (and winter) treat you gently.

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  61. Lovely photos, I like genguru sculptures. And the first photo with colorful flowers is lovely. Your weather looks wonderful - we have had rain already many day. Your IKEA looks quite different as ours.
    Have a nice week, my dear.
    Hugs

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    1. orvokki: I suspect our 'real' IKEA store is very similar to yours. This was a temporary pop-up.
      We are having lovely sunny days - but some of your rain would be very, very welcome.
      Have a wonderful week.

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  62. I am glad you revisited some, they are so cute and tall! Breast cancer wall was neat too. All those flags were so colorful. I have no idea about the characters either.

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    1. Kim: Some year you will get here. It really is a delightful festival.

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  63. What a fabulous selection of photographs.
    Can't help with the characters though - but they do look amazing in their costumes.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Lowcarb team member ~Jan: Thank you. It is a wonderful event, and it seems those characters will stay unknown.

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  64. I have no idea who those two represent, but they definitely are characters:)

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    1. Sandra Cox: Creepy characters. Both of them could haunt my dreams.

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  65. I love the kangaroo sculptures with the flowers - such nice photos, too! I would love to go to this and wish I could just fly over!

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    1. Lynn: I would love for you (and rather a lot of other bloggers) to be able to come with me.

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