Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Sunday 11 March 2018

Sunday Selections #370

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 returning to Enlighten this week.  We did go back again and enjoyed ourselves.  And on our final visit there were balloons - a teaser for the Balloon Spectacular which started yesterday.  Tomorrow morning will be heading off well before sparrow fart in the hopes of seeing them take to the skies.


As is often the case, a LOT of photos follow.  


 This was one of the illuminations on our National Gallery - and comes from one of Sid Nolan's Ned Kelly series.

Then on to the National Portrait Gallery.  As an aside the Portrait Gallery which opened some ten years ago will be shut for six months next year for repairs.  What has happened to our construction industry?




Next stop Questacon.




Not only are the buildings in the Parliamentary Triangle illuminated for this festival, many of them stay open for much longer than usual.  We headed up to Old Parliament House (which the powers that be have renamed the Museum of Democracy).  I wasn't as impressed with the illuminations here, but on our second visit we wandered inside and I loved the political cartoons on display.







The top one will probably mean nothing to non-Australian viewers.  Barnaby Joyce was our Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the Nationals Party until some less than stellar behaviour forced him to resign recently.  He won't go quietly though.

The others are true the world over, though you will probably need to embigggen to read the captions.

Then onto the National Library.



And some more random fun from our wanders (including another look at the jellyfish).





The line behind the crinolined ladies is the queue for the Night Noodle Markets.  Sigh.  I really don't like queues.







It really is a delightful festival, and a lovely prelude to the Balloon Spectacular which is my favourite festival of all.

156 comments:

  1. Quite the variety of lights and decorations. Cool you got to see balloons.

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    1. Alex J. Cavanaugh: Tomorrow morning I hope to see lots and lots and lots of balloons.

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  2. Oh, what fun. And such beautiful photos.

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    1. Jamie Ghione: It really is a fun festival. Light, colour, vibrancy...

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  3. The balloons are back! Yea! I can't wait to see your photos of the entries.
    Love the illuminated buildings and the cartoons are a hoot... and, unfortunately, all too true.

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    1. Rover Fairchild: I am already very excited at the thought of the balloon spectacular. If they take to the skies it will be worth the 4am start.
      The cartoons were good weren't they?

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  4. Great photos, EC. You have great adventures. There’s so much to see in you area!

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    1. Marie Smith: There really is a lot to see in and around my city. And festival month is a joy.

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  5. Barnaby! With egg on face. Brilliant!
    Oh, and bloons. Of course. (insert big, grinning smiley)

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    1. dinahmow: There were lots and lots of brilliant cartoons. Another exhibit I suspect you would have enjoyed.
      And of course balloons demand a big grinning smiley.

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  6. These are amazing! I particularly enjoyed the political cartoons. Aren't they the truth?

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  7. Love your pictures, all of them. And yes, the cartoons were smile worthy. I always enjoy your excursions. :-)

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    1. DJan: As I do yours. Mine are a lot less energetic though.

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    1. Joanne Noragon: There was. And there was even sparkling fairy floss...

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  9. That does look like a festival everyone in the area would enjoy.

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    1. messymimi: Perhaps not something for everyone, but certainly something for a lot of us.

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  10. I looked up Barnaby Joyce. Uh, oh. Someone got caught with his pants down.

    Love the trickle down economics. And the bootstraps.

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    1. Birdie: He really should have kept his mouth and his pants zipped. He won't though.
      Trickle down economics is spot on isn't it? And the bootstraps.

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  11. Love all the colors...speaking of which, has yours returned? I hope all is well now. Hugs.

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    1. e: Most of my colour is back. I hope you are doing better too. Much better. Hugs gratefully received and reciprocated.

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  12. I have no idea about Australian politics, I'm sorry to say, but I love the neon lights! Does that girl in photo #2 have a unicorn horn?

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    1. Sandi: There is no reason you should be aware of our politics. I think the last two cartoons apply pretty universally though.
      I hadn't noticed that horn before and you are right - it does look like a unicorn horn.

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    2. "There is no reason you should be aware of our politics."

      It's good to know about other places, even if they are faraway. :)

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    3. Sandi: What a wonderful attitude. And no arguments from me.

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  13. Another brilliant array of colour, EC. I look forward to next Sunday's display. The balloons will be a wonderful sight to see, no doubt.

    I see once again you must be a "Simpson's" fan, EC...by the use of the word "embiggen". This is the second time I've noticed your use of the word. I can't recall ever seeing it other than in a post of yours some time ago.

    I've never watched "The Simpsons", but I heard during this past week that the word "embiggen" was supposedly created in the show 22 years ago, and this past week the word has made its way into the Merriam-Webster Dictionary.

    Have a fun time tomorrow...and I hope similar continues throughout the rest of the week. Cuddles to Jazz...I hope you've warned him that he'll be in charge of hearth and home tomorrow! :)

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    1. Lee: Embiggen was a word that another blogger introduced me to some years ago. And it appears in every Sunday Selections.
      I am hoping that the weather is kind and that the balloons take to the skies tomorrow. Jazz is always in charge. Or so he tells me.

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    2. Silly me...so it does! :)

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    3. Lee: Not a problem. If I had a dollar for everything which I had missed I wouldn't need a Lotto win.

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  14. That has everything bright colours and humour.
    Merle..........

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    1. Merlesworld: And fun. It is such a clever idea.

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  15. Barnaby really is a total egg, isn't he? Glad he's not a New Zealander :0)

    Lovely colourful shots, EC. Thank you. Can't wait for the balloon pics - hope you get a beautiful calm, clear morning tomorrow!

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    1. Alexia: I think Barnaby is an oxygen thief. Fingers and toes crossed that tomorrow the balloons take to the skies. They did yesterday and today.

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  16. Nice pictures. We don’t have any exhibitions like that. You do and i’m glad that I have nice photos of them to have a look at. It’s so good what you do and we’re lucky to have you. If I get anything of interest to show you - I doubt I ever will - I will show you.

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    1. Terry: What a lovely thing to say. I often worry that I am boring people to sobs focussing on my obsessions.

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  17. Awesome lot of photos. The graphics and effects of Enlighten are spectacular!
    And I did have a chuckle at Barnaby.

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    1. CountryMum: I hadn't seen that cartoon of Barnaby before and chuckled myself. I may have to go into Old Parliament House more often.

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  18. Hi EC - love the pictures ... lots of interesting things to see - and yes the balloons - hope Jazz's prediction holds fair ... but I rather fancy the Questacon building. Good to see you back ... and if there are more cartoons inside - I'd be visiting ... they're fun - cheers Hilary

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    1. Hilary Melton-Butcher: Questacon is often one of the most interesting buildings when illuminated - and is a fascinating place at any time. The exhibits in Old Parliament House were fascinating, but the cartoons took our fancy most.

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  19. Always a fun event, I am certain. What is it with these men in power who manage to mess up their and everyone's lives?

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    1. Susan Kane: Power corrupts and absolute power corrups absolutely? So many of the men at the top suffer from 'entitlement'. They are entitled to everything good - and others should pay.
      Festivals like Enlighten are an excellent distraction.

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  20. You find and see the most interesting things, EC. What a wonderful place you live.

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    1. Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe: We are lucky - and don't always make the best use of all the city has to offer.

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  21. I think I am repeating myself, but I love the jellyfish. The cartoons are very biting, and quite true.

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    1. Andrew: I loved the jellyfish too - which is why it featured in both Enlighten posts. And yes on the cartoons. An emphatic yes.

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  22. So colourful and you have a Gypsy Caravan! :D
    I giggled at the political posts and at first I thought Ned Kelly had grown a tail, then I realised he is sitting on a horse.

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    1. River: The gypsy caravan had a bed and some sleepers and sleep walkers in it. You are right - it does look as if Ned has grown a tail.

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  23. I used to like going to outdoor festivities fetes and other unusual activities, but now a venture to the shopping centre or a visit to local rello's or sharing a ride in the car if my son goes visiting. other than that itis the PC or the Telly and waiting for God.
    The Gypsy Vardo reminds me of my youth when we sold our rabbit skins to an aged gypsy who lived in our village next door to the "SIX BELLS" Pub. his er 'caravan'never moved ,very un-gypsy like.

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    1. Vest: A gypsy who never moved? Almost unheard of.
      You have done a lot, and been to a lot of places. You are more than entitled to a rest now.

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  24. I loved all of the political cartoons and I loved that you picked them.

    I hate queues, they exhaust me so it's fortunate that noodles are something I can take or leave.

    Did you say you are going back to enlighten? enjoy!

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    1. kylie: It was the balloon festival early this morning. And it was WONDERFUL.

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  25. Heipsan,
    wonderful festival. The buildings in lights are lovely, I like photos nr 3 and 4.
    Hugs

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    1. orvokki: Questacon is a delightful building isn't it?

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  26. What a brilliant festival. The lights and colours are amazing.

    Looking forward to seeing lots of balloon pictures.

    Happy Sunday and good wishes for the new week too.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Lowcarb team member ~Jan: Thank you. There will indeed be lots of balloon photos. Lots and lots.

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  27. I hope you are enjoying the cooler temps. That, with the festivals - it's grand.

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    1. donna baker: The temperatures are a bit all over the place, but the nights are cooler. Which is lovely. And the festivals are pretty good too.

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  28. Oh WOW...these are absolutely stunning!
    Thank you so much for sharing...this must have been a truly amazing festival.😊😊

    Hugs xoxoxo

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    1. Ygraine: It is a lovely festival, and I am very glad you liked seeing part of it.

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  29. Some... less than stellar behavior? You hear that a lot these days... Wonder why.

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    1. Blue Grumpster: It does seem to be the new normal doesn't it? Sigh.

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  30. Egg on his face, eh? Has to be a lesser caliber ass than our beauty!

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    1. Cloudia: Only just. Perhaps because he doesn't have the power that your beauty can command.

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  31. So many wonderful photos (thanks). It's hard to select a favorite. It's fun seeing the festivals and events in your part of the world. Makes me want to visit even more.

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    1. Mason Canyon: I really like the way that the blogosphere allows us to see other places/cultures. And it does trigger the travel bug doesn't it?

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  32. Beautiful shots! I love the cartoons. As you said, the second two are universally understood. And the egg on face would be pretty common for political figures as well . . .

    I don't think I could navigate in one of those crinolined dresses!

    Hope you had a wonderful time at the Balloon Spectacular today - looking forward to your pictures.

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    1. jenny_o: After I put the post up himself and I were wondering whether the phrase 'egg on his face' is used now. We thought it may not be, and that the cartoonist and everyone who recognised it may be dating themselves.
      And the balloons were blissful. We are not long back and I have yet to go through the many, many photos.

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  33. I'm at my daughter's house and I showed her these pictures. We both loved them and wish we could go to fairs like you do.

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    1. Myrna R.: Thank you and your daughter so much.

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  34. I wish we had something like this here. It truly is enlightening - so beautiful. I like the play with the light and the color.
    Enjoy the balloons. Years ago we got up at the crack of dawn to see the balloons taking off. Beautiful - but we still missed the dawn patrol.

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    1. Carola Bartz: Quite a lot of our bigger cities have something similar. My city is relatively small which makes it manageable.
      And we did enjoy the balloons. Hugely.

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  35. Look at all of those wonderful colors <3

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  36. Trust you to find the most colorful places to shoot!

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  37. This whole event seems to be so much fun. So colourful and creative. I don't know why the pollies have to rename everything.... they do it here too. The Old Parliament Buildings should stay the Old Parliament Buildings, it can still be the home of the Museum.
    I like the egg! And the Jelly.

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    1. Shammickite: They may call it the Museum of Democracy but it is still much more widely known as 'Old Parliament House'. And I suspect will continue to be so. Good.

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  38. Great colors!)))

    Love and appreciation from Minnesota! xx

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    1. My Inner Chick: They are good aren't they? Hugs.

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  39. how lucky you are so much art in your town even at night, very uplifting

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  40. Very interesting. Like the Barnaby one :)

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    1. Margaret-whiteangel: I did too. I suspect he didn't.

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  41. Beautiful and bright, lovely. The jellyfish is my favorite. But the political cartoons are killer.

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    1. Strayer: There were lots of other excellent cartoons too, but those spoke loudly to me.

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  42. Beautiful colours of theatre outside and inside, I love them.

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    1. Bob Bushell: This festival has become an annual treat for us. One I hope to continue.

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  43. Loved the cartoons!! I didn't need to embiggen to read, and I didn't know exactly who Mr Joyce was, but that cartoon fits a slew of politicians right now, so I just mentally substituted the name with one I know :) it made perfect sense, like the others. The jellyfish balloon is awesome too.

    Have a most wonderful week.

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    1. Nilanjana Bose: I thought those cartoons had universal application. And sadly there are too many politicians for whom egg is the most appropriate make-up.

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  44. We'd need many chickens to lay many eggs for all the politicians who deserve that first political cartoon around here.
    My ears perked up at mention of the National Portrait Gallery.
    Have a cough-free week.
    Hugs

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    1. Sandra Cox: The National Portrait Gallery is a brilliant place. Lots and lots (and lots) of stunning work. And I haven't coughed much at all this morning. Woo hoo.

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    1. Author R. Mac Wheeler: Lots and lots of colour. Which pleases me mightily.

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  46. Dear EC, just as you said, balloon festivals are my favorite also. So I'm eager to see your photographs of them. All of these were impressive and must almost have seemed overwhelming when you actually stood before the buildings. Two of the cartoons did speak to exactly what's happening here in the States. So many have no "bootstraps" because they were born into poverty or because they have only minimum-wage jobs. And salaries are definitely not going up here as corporations profit. Peace.

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    1. Dee: The balloon festival was a joy. My face hurt as I watched because my smiles were so broad. There will be one (and probably two) posts featuring the magic.

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    1. Sue in Italia/In the Land of Cancer: It was. And I suspect the other exhibits that we didn't get to were also lovely.

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  48. Barnaby sounds like a typical politician. Actually, he resembles one in that "photo" too, only more handsome than our government officials.

    Have a great week, EC.

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    1. Rawknrobyn: Sadly Barnaby IS a typical politician. Intent on feathering his nest, and ensuring his re-election. At a huge cost to some of his constituents.

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  49. Truly, gorgeous pictures!! Loved them all! Such a fun festival!!
    I guess we all have a "politician" we can do without in our countries! LOL!
    Big Hugs and I hope you are well!

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    1. Magic Love Crow: At least one politician. And often more. I am getting better all the time andn hope you are well, happy and productive.

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    2. Good to hear! I'm doing excellent, thank you!

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    3. Magic Love Crow: I am glad to hear it.

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  50. I love the colours of these. And that second one gets my Top Pick!

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    1. The Happy Whisk: Thank you. I think you would enjoy this festival.

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  51. What a pictorial delight this was. I loved seeing the building illuminations and the cartoons. Where would we be without our politicians to poke fun at?

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    1. cleemckenzie: What would we be without our politicians? Somedays I think safer and richer.

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  52. What a wonderful event! I would love going to something like that.

    The guy with egg on his face - that just says it all and I don't even know Barnaby's story. :)

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    1. Lynn: Barnaby has a rather a lot of egg on his face - and keeps adding more. Sigh.

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  53. Inquiring minds need to know, "how in the world do you find such fascinating places?"(lol) The pics you find I promise I would never would have seen in my lifetime, but you bring it all to life so it almost seems as if I was there with you. Hugs and Happy Tuesday! Hope you're doing well.

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    1. RO: My boring city puts on a lot of wonderful events. We don't go to as many as we should, but try and get to some at least. And I am glad you enjoy them too. The balloon festival is next to appear here - and we LOVED it.

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  54. The Night Noodle Markets were booming weren't they?
    Hope the cough is still waving the white flag of surrender.
    Hugs

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    1. Sandra Cox: The Night Noodle Markets were indeed booming. It didn't smell appetising to us, and the queues put us off. Perhaps some year we will try their wares. Perhaps.

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  55. Well how cool is that? What neat displays, and like you, I very much dislike long lines and having to stand in them. Have a great day!

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    1. Terri: Isn't it fun? And we avoided the queues completely.

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  56. I hope getting up early for the balloons turned out to be a lovely and amazing show. I know sometimes the weather doesn't cooperate.

    Thanks for sharing your experience with us. We don't have anything like this near my house so I find the pictures fascinating. So much to see and admire. Still loving the jellyfish. :)

    Thanks for sharing!
    ~Jess

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    1. DMS ~Jess: The balloons were brilliant. We were very, very lucky. A plethora of photos will follow.

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  57. Oh my those balloons, and the golden glows, incredible captures. Such fun with pretty and humor mixed throughout. I hope you have a wonderful week and that all is well!

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    1. Karen S.: I have a busy week ahead, but not a bad one. And balloons to start it made it a good week.

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  58. Wonderful art in all shapes and forms!

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    1. Lady Fi: Too much art would be barely enough. I am so grateful that my city embraces it.

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  59. I love balloon festivals too. We used to go yearly when we lived in another state. :) The Jellyfish building is awesome!! And I agree, not a big fan of lines.

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    1. mail4rosey: The jellyfish looks a bit sad during the day - but was great at night. And hooray for balloons.

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  60. Stacy would love that crow. It looks like her work doesn't it?

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    1. Sandra Cox: That crow is a black cockatoo painted by residents at the Aboriginal Tent Embassy - and yes, it does look a little like Stacy's beautiful work.

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    2. Oh, thanks. I haven't heard of black cockatoos. Are they rare?

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    3. Sandra Cox: We have several different species of black cockatoos. They are less common than the white ones, but a welcome sight here - though we only see the yellow-tailed ones.

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  61. The colours are making my heart sing

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    1. John Gray: They did mine too. It is a riot of colour, of fun, of excitement.

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  62. What a fun festival! You have so much going on in your area! I love the balloons so much. They're so pretty lit up like that.

    Elsie

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    1. Elsie Amata: I am a balloon tragic and took over 200 photos of them on an outing last week. March is festival month here, and there are some beauties.

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  63. That Rubik's Cube effect on the one building is fun.
    Hope your day is filled with mild sunlight, sparkle and no coughs.

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    1. Sandra Cox: The illuminations on Questacon were great weren't they? Among the best this year.

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    1. Rasma Raisters: There were. And very welcome colour too.

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  65. So glad to see your pictures--they always make me happy. That jellyfish is spectacular!
    I hope you're feeling well.

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    1. Tara: Thank you. The jellyfish was a winner wasn't it? I didn't find the other ones spread about the city, but loved that one.

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  66. That is some festival!!
    I am glad you enjoyed yourself.
    : )

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  67. The buildings are such pretty colors. Yes I get the political cartoon as many have egg on their face lol. Such neat things as a jellyfish!

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    1. Kim Standard: Too many have egg on their faces. The world over.

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  68. Just peeking in for some light and love this fabulous Friday EC. Hope you're feeling well! Hugs and Happy Friday RO

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    1. RO: Thank you so much. It is just after dawn on Saturday and we have some very welcome gentle rain. I am smiling. The garden is smiling. And Jazz is unimpressed. Hugs received and reciprocated.

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  69. I love the political content this week, so funny that Barnaby is 100% recognisable in the cartoon

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    1. Kim: He is isn't he? The man is a walking charicature of himself.

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  70. I loved all of your photos, as usual. That looks like a marvelous festival. I hope the weather cooperates so you can see the balloons take to the sky.

    Those political cartoons are great. I especially like the one about trickle down economics. Bill Maher, one of our political pundits said this about the lunacy of that economic "policy": "We have this fantasy that our interests and the interests of the super rich are the same. Like somehow the rich will eventually get so full that they will explode. And the candy will rain down on the rest of us. Like there's some kind of pinata of benevolence. But here's the thing about a pinata: it doesn't open up on its own. You have to beat it with a stick."

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    1. Susan: We were lucky with the balloons. My brother who was going this morning was not.
      I LOVE Bill Maher's comment about trickle down lunacy. It is so very, very right.

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  71. All the photos look so amazing!

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