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. Our spring flower festival Floriade is on again. Of course we went.
Most years, in addition to lots and lots of spring blooms there is art and whimsy to share. There was a LOT less this year. There were less flowers too, and many less tulips. We went early, and a lot of it wasn't completely out. We will go back later, and I will share the blooms then.
In the interim, here is some of the other things which made our first visit well worth while.
The froth of white blossoms along the foreshore of the lake is Manchurian Pear - which I think is a delightful tree whatever the season..
I adore pelicans. This pair was just outside the Floriade Gates.
Floriade always has a theme. This year it is Pop Culture.
Drat them, they are recycling some features. This water lily was here last year too, and is without doubt illuminated for Night Fest.
The pansy Dalek is also recycled (which I mind less than the water lily).
Rotary is having its 90th Birthday in my city, and gave us a cake.
I thought the Abbey Road sculpture was the most fun of this year's crop. I notice that in my usual fashion I have got a tad carried away with posting photos. More next week.
In other (and I think excellent news) some of you will remember these charming statues from last year. It was announced this week that they have been given a permanent home in one of our newer suburbs - near a nature reserve. I wonder what the kangaroos will think of their giant relatives?
I think of them as Kanga and Roo but they are by Jimmy Rix - and he called them 'Stopping to Enjoy the flowers'.
As usual I picked up some Floriade fridge magnets (and a bookmark). I am happy to post them world-wide. If you would like one let me know in the comments or via email.
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. Our spring flower festival Floriade is on again. Of course we went.
Most years, in addition to lots and lots of spring blooms there is art and whimsy to share. There was a LOT less this year. There were less flowers too, and many less tulips. We went early, and a lot of it wasn't completely out. We will go back later, and I will share the blooms then.
In the interim, here is some of the other things which made our first visit well worth while.
The froth of white blossoms along the foreshore of the lake is Manchurian Pear - which I think is a delightful tree whatever the season..
I adore pelicans. This pair was just outside the Floriade Gates.
Floriade always has a theme. This year it is Pop Culture.
Drat them, they are recycling some features. This water lily was here last year too, and is without doubt illuminated for Night Fest.
Rotary is having its 90th Birthday in my city, and gave us a cake.
I thought the Abbey Road sculpture was the most fun of this year's crop. I notice that in my usual fashion I have got a tad carried away with posting photos. More next week.
In other (and I think excellent news) some of you will remember these charming statues from last year. It was announced this week that they have been given a permanent home in one of our newer suburbs - near a nature reserve. I wonder what the kangaroos will think of their giant relatives?
As usual I picked up some Floriade fridge magnets (and a bookmark). I am happy to post them world-wide. If you would like one let me know in the comments or via email.
I am a sucker for book marks, so yes please. David Gascoigne, 606 Osprey Drive, Waterloo, ON, Canada N2V 2A5. I M enjoying looking at the pelicans. I expect to be seeing them myself very soon. We leave for Australia tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteDavid Gascoigne: I hope your trip to Australia is everything you hoped for (and more). I will post your bookmark early next week (and hopefully it will be there to greet you when you get home again).
DeleteThank you very much. If I can reciprocate with something from Canada please let me know.
DeleteDavid Gascoigne: Thank you.
DeleteLovely shots, all! The kangaroos make me smile all over again; so glad they have a permanent home in your city.
ReplyDeleteImagine being a pelican, how would having that long beak (is it called a beak?) work? I can't wrap my head around it but I'm sure the pelicans are fine with it :)
I'm still enjoying the Floriade magnet you kindly sent to me a few years ago - it brightens my otherwise note-covered fridge!
jenny_o: The pelicans manage just fine with that beak - which holds a prodiguous amount and opens like a cavern.
DeleteI am glad you are enjoying your magnet. They produce new ones each year and I am not going to admit how many we have.
A fine eclectic mix - especially Abbey Road. Even though it's recycled, I do like that Lily.
ReplyDeleteThanks for correcting me on the emu. I should've known that the world's greatest treasures are birthed in Australia.
Take good care.
Rawknrobyn: I like the Lily too, but it is symptomatic of cost cutting (which I like less). We do have some wonders here (but so does the rest of the world). Hugs.
DeleteI love the Abbey Road sculptures and the Kangaroo ones are cool too. Your pelicans reminded me of the ones I saw last year in East Africa. They are such impressive-funny looking birds, make me smile. Thanks as always for mood lifting photos.
ReplyDeleteNilanjana Bose: Thank you. I use photos to lift my own mood, and I am glad to hear that they work for you too. Pelicans always make us smile too.
DeleteOh, I LOVE your pelicans and that Abbey Road set of pants. :-)
ReplyDeleteDJan: The Abbey Road sculpture was a heap of fun wasn't it? And (hopefully next week) we have an outdoor sculpture exhibition to go to (Sculpture in the Paddock).
DeleteThat looks like a wonderful display to visit each year. Pelicans are beloved here, too, brown pelicans.
ReplyDeletemessymimi: We visit Floriade at least once and often more each year. Tulip Tops (which will feature in a week or two) has first place in my heart for our Spring festivals though.
DeleteI love to watch pelicans. They are go goofy, but beautiful.
ReplyDeleteAuthor R. Mac Wheeler: I was amazed at just how fast they can swim. And wonder that they can fly. They just don't look aerodynamically sound.
DeleteThat visit was absolutely worth it!!
ReplyDeleteI have never photographed a pelican.
I don't mind when you get carried away as far as pictures are concerned. Not at all. Show us more! : )
Caterina: I take hundreds of photos on most of our excursions. Moderation is not something I do well. There will be more photos. Probably many more.
DeleteI also love pelicans. Peculiar-looking and cute at the same time. Awesome that the roos will find a permanent home. I hope the neighborhood appreciates them.
ReplyDeleteRiver Fairchild: I hope Kanga and Roo are appreciated too. I know I would. I would probably go and visit them regularly too.
DeleteLots of great photos there, EC. I love pelicans. We used to have one that would turn up like clockwork every morning and sit on a post at the jetty where we moored the floating restaurant we were managing at the time. He always knew he could get a free lunch!
ReplyDeleteHave yourself a great week...cuddles to Jazz. :)
Lee: I gather that the pelicans are considered a pest in some coastal towns but I never tire of them. Thank you. I hope you and your furry purry friends have a great week.
DeleteI never classed them as a pest. The more the merrier as far as I'm concerned, EC.
DeleteLee: You won't get any arguments from me. However some councils on the South Coast of NSW would disagree with us both.
DeleteFabulous images EC. I love the Pelicans, and the Kangeroos, absolutely stunning.
ReplyDeleteBob Bushell: I love them too.
DeleteWe don’t have pelicans so I always enjoy photos of them. These are great!
ReplyDeleteAbbey Road is creative. Love it!
Marie Smith: I didn't realise you don't have pelicans. Ours migrate over winter and are just returning.
DeleteThe lily is groovy as is the 'walking trousers' aka Abby Road piece. :)
ReplyDeleteThere were a group of kids who grew up in a district near mine. We, my friends and I, hung out with them from time to time. They called themselves The Pelicans. One from the group is now running for city council in our hometown & her policitcal placard has an image of a pelican on it. I thought it fitting.
Bea: I love the idea of a political placard featuring a pelican. They are incredible birds.
DeleteWhat amazing displays, so much imagination and creativity, I really like the Abbey road sculptures,, amazing,,
ReplyDeletelaurie: I liked Abbey Road too. I thought it was a heap of fun.
DeleteSome greta photos as always. The Abbey Road ones were funny! The recycled stuff looks good, too.
ReplyDeleteJamie Ghione: I am feeling a bit guilty for being unimpressed at seeing the water lily recycled. They didn't even move it. It is pretty, but...
DeleteLoved the visit--- the pelicans, the pants, the roos... lots of fun.
ReplyDeleteBill: I am glad you enjoyed it.
DeleteI like the name Dalek for the pansy display. We often have them outside our town hall and now I have a name for them. The Abbey Road sculpture is fun. In gardens this year here, the Manchurian Pears were spectacular.
ReplyDeleteAndrew: When I first used the term Dalek, the clever River said that they would be saying 'Propogate, Propogate' instead of exterminate. Several years later I still smile.
DeleteAnd the Manchurian Pears are lovely. Their autumnal display is great too.
Pelicans always cheer me up, too. They're yet another bird that we don't have in this country, so thank you for posting them.
ReplyDeleteWhat would be the best time of year to visit Canberra, I wonder? Every time I think I've decided, along comes another intriguing festival or event which I would love to see - but it's at another season. I'm beginning to believe that you have an endless supply of them!
I love Kanga and Roo, and the pants. Pop Culture? Not so much...
Alexia: Pop Culture leaves me a bit cold too. We have two distinct festival 'seasons'. Spring has Floriade and Tulip Tops. It also has Sculpture in the Paddock which we hope to get to this week.
DeleteIn March we have the balloon festival and Enlighten. I love them all.
Kanga and Roo have immense charm don't they? I would like to see what the talented sculptor could do with pelicans...
Oh. Was that Abbey Road? I though it looked like 4 blokes who over-indulged in the Rotary cake.
ReplyDeletedinahmow: Your explanation works for me. The title Abbey Road is on the side of the planter box.
DeleteI'm happy to have another fridge magnet :)
ReplyDeleteI love the floral pants on Abbey Road and I really love Kanga and Roo, I'm glad they have found a permanent home.
River: I am happy to add to your collection. I think all of this years are new. Let me know if I send a duplicate. Kanga and Roo are wonderful. I am so glad that our local government purchased them.
DeleteLove the pants! And Kanga and Roo too.
ReplyDeleteOlga Godim: I am happy to make room for whimsical magic in my world.
DeleteDear EC
ReplyDeleteI really like the kangaroo sculpture - its title is a good lesson for us all (and a perfect follow up to my blog post too). May we all remember to stop and enjoy the flowers.
Best wishes
Ellie
Ellie Foster: I really like that sculpture too, and think it is MUCH nicer than any of the ones on display this year. And yes, it is indeed a lesson for us all.
DeleteI had heard of Floriade but had never been - now, vicariously, I have. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteJ Cosmo Newbery: If you visit again over the next couple of weeks you may be (vicariously) all Floriaded out.
DeleteI like 'Kanga' and 'Roo' better than 'Stopping to Enjoy the Flowers.' :) I saw some pants flower planters in Chicago many years back. This is the first I've seen them since then! The little green caterpillar is cute. I'm glad you love pelicans...fellowette pelican lover here too. Have a wonderful day!
ReplyDeletemail4rosey: It seems a LOT of us are lovers of pelicans. Which is unsurprising. I hope your day/week is wonderful
DeleteThis pop culture are was beautiful. There are folk artists in South Alabama that do incredible work with thing that people throw away.
ReplyDeleteLovely postZ
Rick Watson: Thank you. I am a big, big fan of public art. Even the pieces I don't personally like. I love that it is there.
DeleteYou have such fun events in your area and I'm thankful you share them with us. Love your photos.
ReplyDeleteMason Canyon: Thank you. I hope to share at least two more events in the coming weeks.
DeleteI would adore a magnet!!!
ReplyDeletemshatch: I have sent you an email. When I have an address for it I will be very happy to send a magnet your way.
DeleteHi EC - lovely photos ... the Manchurian pear is a delight to see - and what an array. Floriade has some amusing delights ... the Beatles legs - excellent and fun to see ... so glad the kangaroos have a permanent home. Love your pelicans though - enjoy the week - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteHilary Melton-Butcher: I do love the Manchurian pears all year, and try and photograph them in Spring and Autumn. I hope your week is wonderful too.
DeleteI bet they will come to see Child.
ReplyDeletedonna baker: I suspect the kangaroos will inspect the sculptures - and hope a nearby resident has a camera to hand.
Deletephotos of pelicans are lovely.
ReplyDeletethe Abbey Road sculpture look great.
Happy Sunday
Tanza Erlambang -Every Day Issues: Thank you. It is Monday here now, but I hope your weekend (and week) are wonderful.
DeleteI like the walking pants filled with flowers. Better flowers than.....lol. And the giant roo sculptures too.
ReplyDeleteStrayer: I liked the walking pants too. And loved Kanga and Roo.
DeleteThat last picture of the statues is my favorite. it's so darn cute. I loved seeing all the pictures you shared. Looks like an interesting place.
ReplyDeleteMary Kirkland: I took lots and lots of photos of Kanga and Roo last year. It is indeed exceptionally cute.
DeleteI have lots of favorites from these pics EC. Some peacefulness and some fun that's perfect for Sunday! Hugs...RO
ReplyDeleteRO: I am glad. We all need peacefulness and fun. Lots of both. Hugs.
DeleteThe Manchurian Pear is such a beautiful tree. I had to laugh about the Abbey Road sculpture - what a fun idea!!! I sure like Kanga and Roo much better, too. And those pelicans... we have brown ones here and I adore them just like you.
ReplyDeleteI once received a Floriade magnet from you that is sticking on our fridge, and if you still have one left I wouldn't mind a companion.
Carola Bartz: I think you got in just in time, and can claim the last fridge magnet. Love your brown pelicans too.
DeleteJust love those pelicans. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteRasma Raisters: Aren't they beautiful birds?
DeleteWhat fun sculptures Sue. y favourite is the same as yuors but I love the 2 Kangaroos that are going to be permenant now. ALl the birds I loved seeing so have a good week ahead.
ReplyDeleteMargaret Adamson: Thank you. I really preferred last years sculptures, but Abbey Road was fun. Nearly as much fun as the pelicans.
DeleteOh, my! I love all the sculptures and even recycled I loved the Water Lily and the Pansy features!
ReplyDeleteNas: Thank you. I have obviously been spoilt.
DeleteWhat a fun activity!
ReplyDeleteI love the sculptures..The kangaroos are just adorable.
Marfi-topia: Floriade is an annual treat. The kangaroos were a feature last year, and I am so glad they have a permanent home in my city.
DeleteGreat pictures.. love the sculptures..
ReplyDeletehttp://www.henatayeb.blogspot.com
Hena Tayeb: Thank you. There are many more pictures to come. From Floriade and from another outdoor sculpture display.
DeleteDear EC, those roo sculptures are a whimsical delight. Thanks so much for sharing them. And, like you, I liked Abbey Road. There seem to be so many festivals and museums and arboretums and other places of interest near you. About how far do you travel to get to most of them? Peace.
ReplyDeleteDee: We are lucky. Many of the places I feature here are half an hour or so from home. We occasionally travel a bit further, but mostly are home bodies. Floriade is definitely in the half hour range. As is the arboretum. And the balloons. And Enlighten.
DeleteDear Sue, a half-hour is really doable as one ages. By that I mean that a long ride there and back can add to the tiredness that is part of visiting places. Or so it is for me. So you get to these places still feeling energized!!!! I think it's wonderful that you are so centrally located. A real blessing. Peace.
DeleteDee: It is indeed a blessing. Despite being centralised we live in a quiet suburb. Which is also a blessing.
DeleteI would be happy to look at the water lily & the roos every year!!
ReplyDeletefishducky: As I said to someone else I am obviously spoilt. I like variety at Floriade - though I would happily make an exception for Kanga and Roo.
DeleteWhat a fun theme.
ReplyDeleteIt's lovely that the sculpted roos will have a permanent home.
Sandra Cox: I am really pleased that my city featured and purchased Kanga and Roo. Really, really pleased.
DeleteThe kangaroos are so special! I would go up and give them a hug! So cute! The Abbey Road sculpture is excellent! I like! The ones that were recycled from last year, I really like too, because I don't remember them! LOL! If there is any goodies left, I would love one. I still have your post card framed in my bed room! Big Hugs EC!
ReplyDeleteMagic Love Crow: Aren't the kangaroos lovely. I adored them last year and was so happy they have a home. I will see what I can do about a fridge magnet for you. Big hugs.
DeleteBig Hugs!
DeleteMagic Love Crow: I posted the magnets (yours included) yesterday afternoon.
DeleteFun photos and I loved the Kanga and Roo sculpture. The pelicans are very striking, coloring is different to what we get over here.
ReplyDeleteDenise inVA: I was surprised when I learnt how different your pelicans are - but would love them too.
DeleteThe pear blossom and those pelicans - what a delight!
ReplyDeleteLady Fi: They most definitely were. I suspect the pear blossom is just about finished now, but hope the pelicans are still about.
DeleteMarvelous images! Love those kangaroos statues.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely day.
Marisa.
Marisa: Thank you. I love the kangaroos as well.
DeleteJust peeking in to soak up some pop culture! Happy Day to you, EC! Hugs...RO
ReplyDeleteRO: Thank you for dropping in. I hope your week is going well. Hugs received and reciprocated.
DeleteGorgeous pics. So much fun and originality.
ReplyDeleteGreetings from London.
A Cuban in London: Thank you. I a firm believer in the necessity for fun.
DeleteSo many things to comment on. The pants walking is so much fun. The art that you find is always interesting to me. The pelicans are so cute. I read once that they are smelly birds, but have not confirmed that statement. :)
ReplyDeleteYour photos are always so beautiful and artsy. I feel the need to say that almost every time that I comment.
T.
T.Powell Coltrin: Pelicans are smelly birds? That is something I haven't heard. If they are, I have obviously never been close enough. And thank you.
DeleteThe pelicans are fascinating. How gracious of that pair to welcome folks through the Floriade Gates:)
ReplyDeleteSandra Cox: I suspect they would have preferred to have the shores of the lakes devoid of people. I was very pleased to see them though.
DeleteOh my goodness, what a happy post, you know this is just my kind of place. Wonderful to tour along with you. Even the wildlife is enjoying their world, it shows.
ReplyDeleteKaren S.: Thank you. It is a very happy spot during Floriade, and a beautiful spot whatever the time of the year.
DeleteThe pelicans really show off when they stretch their wings. Big beauties with lots of feathers. They must spend all day preening themselves.
ReplyDeleteSpacer Guy: I wonder whether there is a market for 'beauty shops' for birds? I suspect you are right and they do need to spend considerable amounts of time on the task.
DeleteThe fridge magnets have all now been claimed, and I have the necessary addresses and hope to post them today or tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteThey are in the post now. I hope they arrive safely and quickly.
DeleteOhh my gosh that Abbey road garden, the pants, yes!!!
ReplyDeleteHarlynn: They are fun aren't they?
DeleteI'm with you! The Abbey Road pants garden was terrific. It always amazes me how creative people can be without even trying. The pelicans are lovely, too!
ReplyDeleteMildred Ratched: I am in complete awe of artists - whatever their genre. And do love pelicans.
DeleteI like those pelicans too!
ReplyDeleteThought the Abbey Road sculptures were excellent, and I liked the Kanga and Roo sculpture's too!
Thanks for another interesting post...
Hoping your week has been good so far.
All the best Jan
Lowcarb team member ~Jan: Thank you. It has been a busy but productive week.
DeleteLooks like fun. Definitely doesn't look like as many flowers as last year- but lots to enjoy. The pelicans are lovely- you really got some nice shots. Bravo.
ReplyDeleteThe Kanga and Roo sculptures definitely deserve a permanent home. :)
~Jess
DMS ~Jess: There weren't as many flowers. The focus seems to be shifting away. Which I find a bit sad, but I suspect our local council is desperate for ways to recoup the cost.
DeleteLove those flowering pants!
ReplyDeleteLynn: They are fun aren't they?
Delete