Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Sunday 18 March 2018

Sunday Selections #371

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.   And this week those of you who know me will not be shocked and surprised to learn that it is balloons.  We did go to the Balloon Spectacular last week, and were fortunate enough to see them inflate and (mostly) take to the air.  


Himself is a decidedly 'spring out of bed at the crack of noon' person so he wasn't happy to learn that I wanted to be out of the house before six.  After seeing the balloons he admitted (grudgingly) that it was worth it. 

And it was.  There are many, many photos so some today, and some later in the week.


 It was still dark when we arrived, but it was obvious that the balloons would at least be inflated, though a decision about whether they would fly hadn't been made.





When you see someone standing up inside a balloon you get some idea of just how big they can be.





Up, up and away.  And the crowd cheered each time another balloon took to the sky.


If you look closely at the balloon above you will notice there is no basket.  The pilot operated it from a seated position.  It didn't look comfortable.  









 And the balloons weren't the only flyers of the morning.

There were feature balloons (as usual) and they will appear in the next post.


 

127 comments:

  1. I'm like Himself in terms of waking up. But I'm grateful to you, and to Himself, for the early morn photos. Those are my favorite - beautifully dramatic.

    Have a lovely weekend, EC.

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    1. Rawknrobyn: Time was when I was a champion sleeper too. Those days are gone, but balloons are definitely an early morning bonus feature.

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  2. I always worry that when you see the balloons sideways, that the flames from the gas are going to set the whole balloon alight! Beautiful images! I look forward to seeing the next set!

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    1. LL Cool Joe: I suppose they could - and it might be one of the reasons that the balloons don't fly when it is gusty.

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  3. Replies
    1. Jamie Ghione: They were. Very, very colourful - and a lovely addition to the skyscape.

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  4. Nice photographs about balloons. They’re not an easy thing to show especially at night, so well done! It’s a subject that fascinates me. I’d like to go up in one see what it’s like to be shit scared. Great photographs.

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    1. Terry: I have been up in balloons and loved it. And my first trip up I went with a brother who is scared of heights. He started the trip standing well back from the edge - and very rapidly was using his sharp, pointy elbows to get to the side and a better vantage point. It is such a gentle mode of flight.

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  5. If only I could fly, beautiful balloons.

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    1. Bob Bushell: I would like to fly like a bird, but ballooning is wonderful.

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  6. They make my spirits soar, EC. Thank you for posting!

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    1. Marie Smith: I am so glad. I hope your spirits stay up.

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  7. Ahhh.... If you could see my face, split in goofy delight...
    Thank you.

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    1. dinahmow: As ours were watching. And with luck next year you will be here to see it for yourself. My brother missed out this year - too wet yesterday, too windy today.

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  8. That 4th one is surreal! And in answer to your question, yes, Mallards mate for life-- like the Canada Geese.

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    1. Bill: Thank you. Quite a number of birds do mate for life. And seem to manage it better than humans.

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  9. As usual, I simply LOVE the balloons and look forward to more. Thank you! :-)

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  10. Joy to the world...the balloons have come!

    A wonderful sight to behold!

    Have yourself a wonderful week, EC....and cuddles to you-know-who! :)

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    1. Lee: As an annual treat the balloons are right up there. And the furry fiend and I thank you for the wishes for the week.
      I hope that you and your overlords enjoy it too.

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  11. Isn't it wonderful seeing them inflate with the red glow in the half light of morning. The balloon after the one with the bearded bloke is nice. All in all, great photos.

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    1. Andrew: I really liked that balloon too. And it is a wonderful start to the day.

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  12. They just keep rolling up, one after another. Wonderful, wonderful set of pictures.

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    1. Joanne Noragon: Everywhere we looked there were more. Inflating and taking to the skies. It was a wonderful, wonderful morning.

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  13. Replies
    1. Sue in Italia/In the Land of Cancer: It was. I am so glad that I could share some of the beauty - and the joy.

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  14. Much excitement here if we see one so many would be wonderful.
    Merle...............

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    1. Merlesworld: To see over twenty of them in the air at once makes my heart sing.

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  15. The bird lying on its side while staring at you cracked me up. :D
    The "no basket" thing looked a bit scary... not that a basket gives any additional safety, but still...
    Such beautiful glows to them inflating while it's still dark is such a unique perspective!

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    1. River Fairchild: That was a lazy bird. It did (eventually) stand up, but never left the ground. I don't know why. It photobombed quite a lot of shots too.

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  16. How totally glorious - what a wonderful collection of balloons - and photos!
    I'm a morning person, unlike Himself; to me it's always the best time of day, and your morning was obviously a beautiful one.

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    1. Alexia: I am also a morning person. And love the early mornings. He doesn't but will make exceptions. In other years when we have gone to see the launch and it hasn't happened he has been a grumpy piece of work all day.

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  17. Hi EC - delightful photos ... and so good of you to get up and go so early ... gorgeous. I get up happily and do ... but rather not get out and about ... but sometimes needs must ... cheers and so look forward to the next range of photos - have a good few days - Hilary

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    1. Hilary Melton-Butcher: I am an early riser and beat the sun most days. I am not usually out and about though. The balloons were so worth it.

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  18. I used to enjoy watching the balloons filling up and finally going up into the chilly, early dawn sky. We always said we were going to go for a balloon ride "One of these days," but, we never did.

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    1. Sharon: Never say never. I have gone up three times now. I loved it. I doubt I could climb into the basket now, but would be very prepared to try.

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  19. Oh how very funny, I can imagine before six must have been quite the challenge but oh so worth it! These shots are incredible. Such might beauty in each balloon. I always enjoy seeing as many of these as possible. Enjoy your weekend.

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    1. Karen S.: He really wasn't happy to be woken at 5. Sulkpot Ben Nag Nag. I am very glad that he later said that he was happy to have gone.
      I hope your weekend is wonderful too.

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  20. Wonderful pictures!! I'm sure it was even better to see it in person, but the photos are welcome. And like Terry said, it's hard to get shots when it's dark. I'm really looking forward to the rest of your pictures, too.

    Have a lovely week, EC. Hope the weather continues to be more moderate.

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    1. jenny_o: Digital cameras are wonderful. I took well over two hundred photos and some of them were truly woeful and my delete finger got busy. It is an amazing spectacle and there were hundreds of happy observers, some still in their pyjamas.

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  21. Lovely collection, and they certainly are colourful.
    I'm not a early morning person at all..

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    1. Margaret-whiteangel: They were truly lovely. I am an early bird - but himself is decidedly an owl.

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  22. So beautiful! We used to have a balloon fest near here, and could watch. Every once in so often, someone will use the field across the street for a launch, and it is always special.

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    1. messymimi: They are incredible things aren't they? I hope I am never too jaded to marvel at them.

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  23. I think going up in hot air balloon would be fun. Just think of all the cool things you could see.
    Coffee is on

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    1. peppylady (Dora): It is a heap of fun. Quiet, gentle and with incredible views.

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  24. I am so pleased you enjoyed them once again! Just once we went to the balloon festival at Cowra except the weather was bad and we didn't see a single balloon

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    1. kylie: Some years we have had to make repeated trips before the balloons took to the air. Luckily the launch site is quite close to home. This year and last year my balloon loving brother missed out though. We were lucky.

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  25. Wauu.. what a wonderful balloons. I love these color-lights.
    I have been in Switzerland once on the balloon, but because there was not much wind, we did not risen high and the trip was short. But it was very nice and interesting.
    Have a nice weekend.

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    1. orvokki: Ballooning in Switzerland would be an amazing experience. Even if you didn't get very high up the views would be incredible - and I am glad you enjoyed it. I hope your weekend is magical.

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  26. something to rise early for that's for sure; so bright and cheerful

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    1. Linda Starr: I am almost always an early riser, but not usually quite so generously rewarded.

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  27. I love seeing a mass of balloons in flight, but I am a sucker for when they are firing them up and they look like lanterns while they fill with heated air. Pre dawn is the best time for watching that!

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    1. Anne in the kitchen: I am a sucker for the whole enchilada.

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  28. Wow, looks amazing! I wish I could fly off like that!

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    1. Nas: I would happily take a balloon trip again. And again and again.

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  29. They're so beautiful. I did notice the free swinging legs on that one with no basket. I like the black one with the big eyes and the one with the tree silhouettes.

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    1. River: I really liked the one with the tree silhouettes too. And the one with the eyes is a hummingbird. More pictures of that one to come.

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  30. I love seeing the baskets, but since I have a fear of heights that's as far as my admiration goes. No way would I get up in one. So when I saw that one pilot in a seat...my heart lurched. Seatbelt/harness/whatever...nopenopenope! Great photos, as always. I feel like I was there!

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    1. Carolyn McBride: My 'scared of heights' brother went up in a balloon for a significant birthday - and loved it. But I do understand. And the view from the ground as they inflate and take to the air is very special.

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  31. I may have a vertigo problem in one of those really beautiful balloons. BTW do they supply Parachutes for this tomfoolery, recently there have been a spate of balloon problems. Great photography.

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    1. Vest: No parachutes provided. 'Enter at own risk'. Just the same, being in a car has frightened me more (and more often) than balloons.

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  32. This was a great reason for waking up early. What a beautiful and awesome scene. I rode in a balloon once. Unfortunately, it was a short trip because of lack of wind, but it was very exciting.

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    1. Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe: Definitely a wonderful reason to get up early and head out. I am very glad to hear that you enjoyed your flight too.

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  33. The balloons photos are always so beautiful. I look forward to see them. Thanks for so much for sharing them. Definitely worth an early morning rise.

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    1. Mason Canyon: I get so excited each year. And when we are lucky enough to see the balloons inflate and fly that excitement is generously rewarded.

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  34. These are great pictures, especially the balloons being inflated while it was still dark. I've never had the chance to go up in one, and I'm not quite sure if I want to. I'm a bit of a chicken when it comes to leaving the earth!

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    1. Shammickite: I suspect that many of the spectators who come to this event feel just as you do. If I could, I would go up again in a heart beat.

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  35. My son, when he was 2yo, called them babooms

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    1. Author R. Mac Wheeler: I hope there were no booms or kabooms associated with his view.

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  36. Amazing photos the balloons are awesome. I am afraid of heights but I think I would still like to ride in a hot air balloon.

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    1. Rasma Raisters: It is magical. Such a serene way to fly. I hope you get the chance some day.

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  37. What a fabulous, artistic series! The years you have put into observing this event paid off nicely ;)

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    1. Cloudia: Thank you. I hope to watch for many more years.

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  38. Is that parrot not the cutest thing?
    Spring out of bed at noon. Ha Ha. Brother under the skin to HH.

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    1. Sandra Cox: You will see a lot more of that Hummingbird balloon. And as the morning wears on, himself is still asleep.

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    2. Whoops wrong bird. Looking forward to more.
      HH too. Heh.

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    3. Sandra Cox: I am glad. And it is another day and himself is asleep. Again.

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  39. Pardon the pun but the pictures were very uplifting....really helped my spirits to see the colors and especially the glowing balloons in the dark.

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    1. Donna: I am glad. My heart soars with the balloons each and every time I see them.

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  40. Definitely worth to get up that early! This is like our Dawn Patrol at the annual balloon festival in the next town over. Beautiful, even though pretty chilly so early in the morning. I look forward to the featured balloons.

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    1. Carola Bartz: It is cool here in the mornings but not (yet) cold. And worth it to see the magic. So very worth it.

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  41. I've never seen a balloon without the basket! I love to watch them take off.

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    1. mail4rosey: I only noticed the lack of a basket a year or so ago, and since then I keep my eye out. And yes, watching the balloons inflate and fly is a joy. A big joy.

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  42. I love the colors of hot air balloons. They get me going, just love the photos.

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    1. Strayer: The colours and the shapes get me. Each and every time I see them.

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  43. All these colors look so amazing! Its so beautiful.

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    1. Love Affair with Food: It is certainly a very bright (and beautiful) way to start the day.

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  44. It's so amazing to see the bright colors and lovely decorations on these balloons. I don't know if I have the courage to go up in one these days, but I sure enjoy looking at them as they travel in the sky. Hugs...and Happy Monday! RO

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    1. RO: They are a joy to watch aren't they? Balloons and rainbows always make me smile.

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  45. I'm not a fan of early mornings either since I get up so early for work, but this would be well worth crawling out of bed before the sun is up. These are amazing! Sitting in a basket - that takes some courage!!

    Elsie

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    1. Elsie Amata: I do like mornings - but am grateful that mostly I can enjoy them from home. The balloons are an exception. And a treat.
      The balloonist without a basket was the one that I thought took more courage than I could muster.

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  46. "Would you like to fly in my beautiful balloon....way up in the sky in my beautiful balloon..." - one of my favorite songs when I was a kid:) I used to sing it endlessly:) Something so free and big sky about these beauties. Makes me happy to see them!

    Love and lift to you and yours over in your beautiful part of the world. - Jennifer

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    1. Jennifer Richardson: Love, laughter and lift to you are yours too.

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  47. Fabulous photos!
    I have never been on a balloon flight, but it is something I have always wanted to try.
    Maybe this year...your brilliant post has really inspired me!
    Thank you so much.:))

    A Hug xoxoxo

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    1. Ygraine: Thank you. I hope you do get to fly. I am biased, but think it is amazing. Trooly, roolly amazing.

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  48. I can't imagine going up without a basket. Not entirely sure I can imagine going up with a basket:)

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    1. Sandra Cox: The no basket thing is not for me. If I could only get into the basket these days I would be up again in a heart beat. A friend ballooned over the Serengetti Plains in Africa and saw giraffes and lions. I was (and am) a bit green eyed about that.

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  49. Getting up at 'em early was worth it! What a treat. I rode one of these on a trip once. Scary but beautiful.

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    1. cleemckenzie: Definitely worth it. And I loved my balloon trips. Watching is also a treat. Not the same, but a treat.

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  50. Such beautiful balloons! They make such a pretty picture in the sky. :) I do not think the one without a basket looks comfortable- I would be very scared taking that one for a spin.

    Glad you both got up early and were able to see such a special event. Thanks for sharing. :)
    ~Jess

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    1. DMS ~Jess: I agree. The basketless balloon looks very, very scary. The balloon festival is a must on my personal calendar every year.

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  51. What beautiful balloons! You have a lot of photogenic festivals. I'm jealous!

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    1. mshatch: We do have some stunning festivals. And I am grateful. Very grateful.

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  52. I'm not an early morning person ...so I am so pleased you did get up early and managed to get these wonderful photographs.
    The balloons are so colourful, a wonderful sight and you have more! Looking forward to your next post.

    Hope your week is a good one.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Lowcarb team member: I didn't get up much earlier than usual - though I did get dressed earlier. And I love the balloons and am glad others enjoy them too.

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  53. Wow - what an amazing and gorgeous sight!

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  54. They are awfully pretty lit up in the dark.
    Have a day filled with sparkle:)

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    1. Sandra Cox: It is a wonderful start to the day. I had a very late night (volunteering) and am hoping for a quiet day.

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  55. Truly magnificent!!! Loved the photos! I was on one balloon ride in my life time, so far and I loved it!! Big Hugs!

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    1. Magic Love Crow: Balloons are wonderful aren't they? Huge hugs to you too.

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  56. I love your comment about your hubby liking to "spring out of bed at the crack of noon." Funny! Left to his own devices, my hubby would like that, too, but that's because stays up much later than I do. But just between you and me, I enjoy being up by myself in the early morning. :)

    I'm glad the weather cooperated so you could enjoy the balloons. I don't blame you for going to see them every year.

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    1. Susan: Himself stays up later than I do too - though not as much later as he gets up (if that makes sense). And yes, I do enjoy my peaceful early mornings.

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  57. I have never seen so may varieites of balloons and it must have been an awesome sight to see.
    Genting Crown
    Gclub

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    1. co coya: Thank you. It was. While I appreciate your comments, I do not allow business links on my blog. After today your comments will be deleted if they have them.

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  58. I wish I could have been with you for this excursion - I'm glad himself roused himself to go with you. :)

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    1. Lynn: I wish that you (and rather a lot of other blogging friends) could have been with us too.

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