Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Sunday, 7 July 2019

Sunday Selections #436




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.

Huge thanks to Cie who gave me this wonderful Sunday Selections image.  
  
The meme was then continued by River at Drifting through life.  Sadly she has now stepped aside (though she will join us some weeks), and I have accepted the mantle. 

 
The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent.  Post some photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to me. Clicking on any of the photos will make them embiggen. 
 
I usually run with a theme.  We have had a mostly mild winter.  Last Monday the forecast was for a chilly start to the day.  A forecast which was realised.


My inner child did happy dances when I got up and realised it was -5C and the temperature was going down.  Shortly after first light I went out and spent a happy hour blowing and freezing soap bubbles and early risers in the street (yet again) saw mad woman with camera dances.

As an aside, Jazz lasted outside for less than fifteen minutes.  What a wuss of a cat.


 When the bubbles are first blown they retain their beautiful iridescence, which quickly ices over.


 I loved the reflections in this shot.  In some of the others you will see selfies.  Or as close as I come to selfies.



I find the shell they leave behind when they collapse fascinating.







 Lots and lots of frozen bubbles.

 A bubble with a slow leak.

I finally came inside and had a cuppa and a shower.  When I was dressed again, I looked outside and the lawn was still covered in frozen bubbles (some of which lasted more than two hours).  So of course I went out again.  And no, we hadn't yet reached positive temperatures.


 You can even see a hole in this shot.  And still it stayed inflated.







I was fascinated to see that the frozen bubbles had collected a layer of frost.  Lots of people don't welcome our chilly weather.  I do.


 

142 comments:

  1. I think I have to try this. Too bad I don't have really young grandchildren any more.

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    1. David M. Gascoigne: I hope you can. No children or grandchildren here, but I have a heap of fun each year freezing bubbles.

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  2. Oh, boy! This is one of my favorite posts, and I look forward to the frozen bubbles every year. These are some of the best ever. I think favorite one is the second, but then again... they are all wonderful. :-)

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    1. DJan: I really am a creature of habit, and I look forward to freezing bubbles each year. I am glad you do too.

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  3. That is just amazing. They look like glass bubbles across your yard. I need to remember to try that when winter hits here again.

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    1. Alex J. Cavanaugh: They do look like glass bubbles don't they? I hope you do remember to try it when winter arrives.

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  4. I love bubble day. I keep meaning to do that here. Hopefully, this fall.

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    1. Sandra: I love it too. I was worried that our warmer winter meant I wouldn't get the chance - but got lucky.

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  5. How very wondrous! I love your sensibility! Yes, we love our wussy cats ;)

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    1. Cloudia: We do indeed love our wussy cats. And I had been out in bare feet I wouldn't (probably) have lasted any longer than Jazz.

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  6. I love those frozen magical spheres. I'm viewed as quite odd when it comes to weather. I love the fog and rain and mist and this was one of the reasons I moved here away from the humidity and debilitating heat of Ontario. My brain would shut down.

    I operate better in cooler climes.

    XO
    WWW

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    1. Wisewebwoman: Kindred souls. Fog and rain and mist (and frost) sing to me too. My brain definitely shuts down as does my body in the sweaty season.

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  7. Mesmerizing. How did you get the idea of the bubbles? It's fascinating. Maybe I should try this next winter if we get sub-zero temperatures. How exactly do you do it?

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    1. Carola Bartz: I saw it first on the internet, and stashed the idea in my brain to try when/if it got cold enough. It is simplicity itself. I have a twisted circle of wire which I dip into dishwashing liquid and blow.

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  8. How wonderful! A fantastic sight...thanks for sharing.

    We don't get as cold here as you do down there, but I do prefer our winters, the colder temps than the heat of summer. The latter will be here all too soon once again. It's easier to rug up and keep warm in winter, than it is to try to keep cool in summer.

    We've had quite a bit of rain over the past few days...and, as I've said many time previously...I love rainy days and nights, too.

    Have a great week, EC...warm cuddles to Jazz. :)

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    1. Lee: I couldn't cope with your summers. I really couldn't and agree that it is much easier to get warm than it is to get cool.
      Another busy week, and I will pass your cuddles on to Jazz.

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  9. These are beautiful! Love the one with a slow leak. I have felt like that before.

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    1. Ernie: Welcome and thank you. I also know that slow leak feeling...

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  10. What a fun way to spend a morning, these are beautiful!

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    1. messymimi: It was fun. Lots of fun. And set me up for the day.

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    2. My post of sunrise photos is over here as soon as Sunday actually arrives for us.

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    3. messymimi: I have seen your collection of gorgeous photos and loved them all.

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  11. I'm so glad you had the proper conditions for frozen bubbles! This was a nice crop :) I especially like the frost-covered ones. And the frost on the greenery, too; it must require certain conditions because we rarely see it here.

    I hope you are still able to have the wind-down week ahead that you were looking forward to. Take care of yourself.

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    1. jenny_o: There is a dental appointment and a couple of other commitments, but this week is going to be (hopefully) quieter and more pleasant than the last couple. I had started to wonder whether conditions would every be right (dry, still and chilly) but last Monday everything lines up well.

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  12. I've been waiting for this post.

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    1. Andrew: I hope it didn't disappoint - and really hope your hand is much, much better.

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  13. These get better and better every year! The ones where there are lots of bubbles spread across the grass are really magical. We had a good frost this morning, but I still don't think it would be cold enough to do this successfully - even if I was clever enough to manage it!

    Dentist... have a good week anyway:)

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    1. Alexia: I have discovered it needs a still morning of at least minus 6. If it is colder the bubbles last longer. No cleverness involved though. A hand-made bubble pipe, dishwashing detergent and a camera.
      This is the second root canal appointment, and hopefully will be much less unpleasant that the first. She promised me it would be.

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  14. I love your bubbles and would love the cooler temperatures as well. Have a good week. Hoping my screen doesn't go dark as I'm typing. Cheers!

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    1. e: The cooler temperatures are bliss. It isn't bubble weather today, so I have been working in the garden. Which, as always, needs it. I hope your screen can be resurrected. Hugs.

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  15. I believe you can say you had your money's worth that morning. What fun.

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    1. Joanne Noragon: More than my money's worth. A few cents worth of detergent, and time.

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  16. Spectacular bubbles!! I tried last year... and the year before... with no success!
    : )

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    1. Caterina: I am really surprised you didn't succeed. I would have thought your weather was much more likely to be bubble friendly. Too windy?

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  17. Oooh, next winter! There is a mountain time we visit, so will watch their temps. once winter comes!

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    1. Susan Kane: I hope you can. My childish self has a HEAP of fun with this. A christmas in July feeling.

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  18. You make winter look beautiful.

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    1. mshatch: I think it is beautiful. I love the pared back elegance of the season (and bubbles).

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  19. Rick Watson sent me an email:
    My comments are not posting for some reason...so here’s my comment.

    If winter ever comes, I’m going to try the bubbles. They are beautiful.
    R

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    1. Rick Watson: They are aren't they? Jordan might like them too.

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  20. The bubbles are back! I'm sure you had a huge smile on your face. I'm with Jazz, though. We would both be curled up in the house, looking for the streak of sun to bask in. I love seeing the photos without having to freeze to get them. :)

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    1. River Fairchild: I was smiling so broadly my face hurt. Himself didn't venture out, and Jazz didn't stay. And I didn't care, I was more than happy on my own.

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  21. I see you! I love your frozen bubbles and I see some 'doubles' there too. I especially love the ones that got a layer of frost, they're beautiful, like Christmas Tree ornaments. Frost weather is a little too cold for my liking, so it's a good thing we don't get too many days that cold here in Adelaide.

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    1. River: That frost layer makes them look even more amazing doesn't it? We used to get a whole lot more frosty days than we do now.

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  22. How wonderful of you to do that and might I add very clever.
    Love them, and the frost on a few of them - it's really amazing. Well done.

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    1. Margaret-whiteangel: Thank you. It is simplicity itself, and a heap of fun. The frost is the icing on the cake.

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  23. You see, one of the things about the interwebbery is the connections we can make. No chance of frost bubbles where I live so this is a trip back to earlier times and climes.
    And I'd rate this kind of selfie waaaay above the "this is me in powder room"

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    1. dinahmow: I am so very grateful for the connections (and indeed friendships) I have found in the blogosphere. Believe me, this is about as close as I come to taking selfies, and if I could have avoided it I would have.

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  24. I love the image of you dancing in the cold with your bubbles.... Hugs from the northern hemisphere!

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    1. Bill: There is quite a lot of mad woman dancing with camera here - in the early morning, at sunset, and always for frozen bubbles. Hugs gratefully received and reciprocated.

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  25. I always love the frozen bubbles. I don't think I'd have enough co-ordination to make them in sub zero temps, even if it got that cold here so I appreciate your efforts

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    1. kylie: Fortunately having blown the bubbles they do their thing without input from my klutzy self. Some times it takes a few attempts to blow them, but I do enjoy the end result.

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  26. Dear EC
    Well, those bubbles are just superb! Thanks to the mad woman and her camera we can all enjoy the ephemeral beauty.
    Just stunning!
    Thank you for sharing.
    Best wishes (and here's to more mad woman with camera moments)
    Ellie

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    1. Ellie Foster: Thank you. They are heap of fun. The mad woman (with or without her camera) is always present in my head.

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  27. Hi EC - love your frozen bubbles ... but am luxuriating in our warm sunny days. So pleased it's not cold here at the moment! Just enjoy your cooler, colder moments of happy playful joy ... cheers Hilary

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    1. Hilary Melton-Butcher: Enjoy your warmth and your sun - and feel free to keep them.

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  28. Oh I do love your frozen bubbles!!
    They are so beautiful, so my sincerest thanks to "the mad woman with the camera"...for capturing these delicate little treasures for us all to enjoy!😊😊

    Hope you are having a super day.

    Lots of love and hugs ❤❤❤

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    1. Ygraine: I adore them too, and am so grateful to the internet for letting me know they were even a possibility. And very, very grateful that my part of Australia gets cold enough (sometimes) to play.

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  29. You know I'm a cold weather fan EC, so send the 23 degree weather and those beautiful bubbles to NC stat, please! Hugs, RO

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    1. RO: Forgive me, but I am hanging onto our cooler season while I can. The sweaty season will be back before I know it.

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  30. The frozen bubbles are so amazing.

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    1. Jamie Ghione: That is what I thought when I first read about them, and I am thrilled I have been able to recreate them.

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  31. I love your frozen bubbles. I have never tried this myself but I think I will try this when the temperature dips in the minus this coming winter. Your photography is beautiful.
    Hugs, Julia

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    1. Julia: I hope you do - and share the magic through photos.

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  32. I'm not one for cold weather but this year I have something fun to try. I'll have to give your ice bubbles a try. Yours are so beautiful and amazing.

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    1. Mason Canyon: As I said to Julia, I hope you do try (and succeed). Ephemeral magic, and rather a lot of joy.

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  33. THANK YOU! These photos are exquisite. I love that you do this. It would probably be the only way I can enjoy the cold - by having fun making bubbles. I'm your opposite in terms of temperature comfort.

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    1. Myrna R.: The other residents of the house are with you, and are perfectly happy to view the bubbles from inside. With the heater on. Their loss, but I do understand that when a temperature zone is well outside your comfort zone it is hard to venture out.

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  34. I love this idea! I might try this when winter comes again here. What lovely pictures and, since it is very hot here, the ice bubbles cool me off a little.

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    1. Glenda Beall: Thank you. In our very hot summers I look at photos of frozen bubbles and Antarctica. Wistfully.

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  35. I LOVE those ice bubbles. I wanted so badly to produce some here last winter but it never froze hard. We had a rainy gray winter but not a cold one. Maybe next winter. Those photos are awesome!

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    1. Strayer: I hope when winter rolls around again you do get the chance to spend a happy hour or so creating bubbles. I also hope we get more of the wet stuff here. It is drizzling, but not raining.

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  36. That is so darn cool! I love the photos you took. We don't ever get cold enough here to do anything like this so it's net to see others do it.

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    1. Mary Kirkland: Quite a lot of Australia never gets cold enough for the frozen bubble fun. I am very grateful that we do (a couple of times each winter).

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  37. When bubbles freeze outside, it's time to make coffee and remain inside.

    But I'm happy YOU made frozen bubbles EC! They are really neat!

    (Can't get your new nickname outta my head now - blog by "Bubbles".)

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    1. Wally Jones: The rest of our household (and probably most households) would agree with you. Their loss.
      I have been called a lot of worse things than Bubbles. And probably will be again.

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  38. Well, that sure was fun!

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  39. I think it's dipped to freezing three times in the 33 years we've lived in Florida. Three times too many. So...yeah...you're weird to me.

    :o]

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    1. Author R. Mac Wheeler: Weird? Or just wired differently. Your heat and humidity would leave me a sad, soggy and grumpy mess.

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  40. I never thought to try to do this. What fun it would be to do when your kids are young. Love your pictures.

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    1. Natalie Aguirre: It is a heap of fun - even as the only person playing. And thank you.

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  41. A study of frozen bubbles, EC. Beautiful! Love it!

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  42. Lovely photos and awesome bubbles. I am a bubble blower too but of course, here in Florida I can only blow bubbles for my enjoyment at the moment. However, if I ever travel to a place that does have winter I will keep in mind your lovely frozen bubbles and blow them then.

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    1. RasmaSandra: I do hope you can. Bubbles have an emphemeral beauty of their own - whatever the season.

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  43. Hello! I always enjoy how you share your winter moments with us. You truly have a marvelous winter (so much life and beauty) unlike the frozen tundra that I can experience. Each of these takes a talent to capture, I thank you for sharing them.

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    1. 21 Wits: Thank you. On a global scale our winters are wimpier than Jazz. As a beauty addict I look for it everywhere - and fortunately find it.

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  44. Oh I understand your need for chilly weather. I like our heat since I stay in air conditioning. Maybe that means I dont like the heat either lol. Those bubbles are gorgeous, what a creative ideal

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    1. Kim@stuffcould...: I am decidedly NOT a fan of the sweaty season. Skulking inside with the evaporative cooler allows me to tolerate it (mostly) but not to enjoy it. I come alive when the temperatures go down, and frozen bubbles are a bonus.

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  45. Oh, how gorgeous! Glad you are enjoying some colder weather!

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    1. Lady Fi: They are a heap of fun. Have you or your children ever frozen bubbles?

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  46. I imagine children would love your frozen bubbles; once when we lived in the mountains of california ice cubes oozed out of the ground after freezing weather they were perfectly formed rectangles, even winter has its moments

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    1. Linda Starr: Children probably would love them, but they would have go get in line behind me. Oozing ice cubes? I would love to see that.

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  47. awesome article,
    thanks for sharing and have a nice day

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    1. Azka Kamil: Thank you. I hope your day is lovely too.

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  48. I am hopeless in the cold, absolutely hopeless, I literally shiver and get goosebumps just looking at your frozen bubbles but they are so amazing. The one with the leaves reflected is especially mesmerising, as are the ones sprinkled with frost. I admire your ability to venture out in such weather!

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    1. Kim: The dread disease has its positives. I do get cold, but it takes a long time and temperatures lower than many can tolerate. And the fun of freezing bubbles gets me outside smiling.

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  49. Frost in the antibodies? Frost? Really?
    You made good use of it with your bubbles, very pretty.

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    1. Friko: Definitely frost. And snow not far away. Parts of Oz don't get frost, but I am grateful we do.

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  50. Fabulous bubbles, in the frost.

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    1. Bob Bushell: Thank you. It was a heap of fun.

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  51. Your frozen bubble photos are wonderful, such beauty in them, all unique. What a great idea to blow bubbles in freezing weather, you have soon a seed, thank you :)

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    1. DeniseinVA: I do hope that seed grows a fine healthy crop of bubbles for you when the seasons allow it.

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  52. These frozen bubbles are just wonderful. This year I have stashed bubble liquid, as my children and grandchildren so love to play with them. I got so save some for winter - and then remember to do this. I sure looks both fun and oh so pretty.

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    1. Uglemor: It is soooo much fun, and I think they are very pretty too. I like the hard edged pared back beauty of winter anyway, but freezing bubbles are the icing on the cake.

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  53. I've done winter bubbles with kids at school but I've never taken pictures. These are glorious!!

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    1. Jemi Fraser: How I wish that someone had done this with us while I was at school. I learned about the possibility late, but love them.

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  54. That is just amazing. These frozen bubbles are just wonderful.

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    1. Adi Pradana: Aren't they delightful. I am happy each year if I manage to achieve them.

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  55. I'd be dancing too. I think they're awesome (so cool that they lasted so long!). I'm with the cat though, 15 minutes and I'm begging to leave the cold and go back inside.

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    1. mail4rosey: I quite like the cold, and the results make it worthwhile for me, but I do understand that chilly weather isn't everyone's friend.

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  56. Thats real? Or just artificial?
    I have never seen it like that before

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    1. Sahroni: I blow the bubbles using dishwashing liquid. They are not natural, but are very real. And always make me smile.

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  57. As soon as I started reading about your temperatures I had a feeling it would be frozen bubble time. YAY! They are gorgeous and I love how they have similarities, but they all look different. I am sure your neighbors must be very entertained when they see the frozen bubbles and you with your camera. LOVE these! So fun. Thanks for sharing. :)
    ~Jess

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    1. DMS ~Jess: It is too early for most of my neighbours and I do get some very odd looks from people driving by. I don't care. They are a heap of fun.

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  58. Your bubble pictures are incredibly fascinating.
    Thank you, EC.

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    1. Rawknrobyn: I find them fascinating too. I am so glad that I am obviously not alone.

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  59. Pearly bubbles:) One of the 'more mature' cats will stay outside no matter how hot it gets. But once the weather cools, she's inside till spring:)
    Have a GRAND day.

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    1. Sandra Cox: We have had cats who will happily bake their brains out in the sun (and whose fur gets too hot to touch) but very few who revel in the cold.

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    2. Frank goes out rain or shine. Even the snow doesn't face him:)

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    3. Sandra Cox: Frank is a hardy monster. We have had cats who quite like gentle rain, but the cold has been their nemesis.

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  60. Wow, those are looking so great, what a fun! Love those pics:)

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    1. natalia20041989: Welcome and thank you. It IS a lot of fun.

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    2. I am followin, greetings from Poland and have a lovely day:)

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    3. natalia20041989: Thank you. I hope your day is lovely too.

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  61. Replies
    1. Sandra: I think so too. And love it when our winter is cold enough to play.

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  62. Wow! I just love this.
    Your frozen bubbles are amazing.
    Great series of photographs.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Lowcarb team member ~Jan: It really was a delightful start to the day. And thank you.

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  63. These are fun! Great idea! They look like sea creatures to me!

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    1. daisyfae: They could be sea creatures couldn't they? A world which fascinates me with its beauty and variety.

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  64. Wow, what AMAZING photos! I never would have thought to go out in the winter and blow bubbles, but now I will. Thanks for that idea - what fun! :-)

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    1. Diane Henders: I first got the idea from someone on your side of the world, and was hooked. Having had some successes, the addiction continues.

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  65. It's amazing they last so long.
    YOU have a wondrous day.

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    1. Sandra Cox: Isn't it? Conditions have to be just right, but when they are...
      I hope your day is a joy too. I have a book fair to go to (queue happy dancing).

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  66. Dear EC, do you use the soap bubble solution that's available at the $ store in a little plastic container? The one with the little wire contraption? In February, I'll be visiting one of my favorite young people. She will be celebrating her 10th birthday. If I can, I'd like to take some bubble solution with me and encourage her to use it in the cold of Idaho! Peace.

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    1. Dee: I use dishwashing liquid and a piece of wire which I have twisted into a circle with a handle. I haven't seen the solution available in the shops but suspect it would work too. It really is a low cost fun thing to do.

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  67. Hope your weekend is filled with good health and bubbles.
    Hugs

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    1. Sandra: Thank you. Neither health nor bubbles, but rather a lot of compensatory beauty.

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  68. I have to try this, this year EC! Every time you share your frozen bubbles, I smile! I love these photos so much!! So much fun! So beautiful! Big Hugs and I hope everything is well!

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    1. Magic Love Crow: I am so glad that the wonders of the internet alerted me to the possibility. And that we usually have a day or two which is cold enough. I hope you can try them in your winter. Hugs received and reciprocated.

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