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. Each year as the Enlighten festival draws to a close my city holds a Balloon Spectacular. And spectacular it is.
I am a confirmed balloon tragic and go every year. Usually twice. There are usually twenty or thirty balloon and at least one 'feature' balloon. This year the main feature balloon came to us from Canada. T-Rex was HUGE, at over 38 metres (nearly 125 feet). The days I went the conditions were not good enough for it to take to the sky, but it did inflate.
It is expensive to go up in a balloon, but watching them inflate (and hopefully fly) is free. Despite the early start (just before dawn) hundreds (perhaps thousands) of people came to watch. And cheer.
Many photos follow.
Being inflated.
It was impressive in silhouette too.
Since it was too gusty for the giant to take to the sky, it was deflated - which I found strangely moving.
She looked sad at T-Rex's death didn't she?
T-Rex had a small cousin in the crowd too. That cousin head-butted me in the fundament to get me to move. I did.
I smiled at this father entertaining his daughter (and the crowd) as well.
Naturally I took photos of the other balloons too, and they will get a post of their own later. I haven't forgotten the rest of Enlighten either. My camera has had a work out in recent weeks.
As Covid 19 spreads I hope this finds you all safe and healthy.
That's great you got to see that balloon. I saw it before and yes, it is huge.
ReplyDeleteAlex J. Cavanaugh: I couldn't get over just how big it is. The basket for people would have held two or three people at most.
DeleteThe T-Rex was awesome. I would image going up in a balloon would be thrilling. At one time there was a small balloon festival near me but I never had a chance to go. Now that I can go, they have stopped having the festival. Be safe my friend.
ReplyDeleteMason Canyon: Going up in a balloon IS thrilling. I think my days of taking to the air are over (because of the difficulty of climbing into the basket). I watch in awe and wonder each year though.
DeleteI am safe, and hope you are too.
Oh my! Awesome narrative! Love you <3
ReplyDeleteCloudia: Many thanks sister across the seas.
DeleteStill safe and healthy so far, but I'm giving serious thought to wearing washable cotton gloves on public transport.
ReplyDeleteLOVE the T-Rex balloon and sad that it was too gusty to get it up in the air.
River: It is spectacular isn't it? It didn't fly on the second day I went out either, but I did (briefly) see it in the air on my way to LL last week. I even got off the bus early to try and get a photo but it had landed before I could.
DeleteI am glad you are safe and healthy. I still have a cough and cold but not the dread virus.
I love the dinosaur. I wonder if it's a nod to the fossils that have been found in Canada, especially in Alberta. That fellow has ferocious teeth. Remind me I have a dental cleaning this week. I'm not sure whether to go or not but it was already postponed from last December, so . . .
ReplyDeleteWonderful pictures! Getting butted in the fundament by anybody would not be a high point of my day - you seem remarkably unruffled about it :)
I'd never heard the word "tragic" used in this way until reading your blog a few years back.
Stay safe, EC.
jenny_o: It is a beauty isn't it, whatever the inspiration. Headbutted by a dinosaur was unexpected, but no, it didn't ruffle me.
DeleteTragic is yet another example of Australian slang/idiom. We are known as a nation of sports tragics which I have rejected in favour of the balloons. Much better in my eyes.
Dental cleaning? Shudder. I regret to say I would leap at any reason to postpone it.
Nunca tinha visto.
ReplyDeleteObrigada pela colecção de fotos referentes ao T- REX.
Hilariantes,
Um beijinho de gratidão.
Megy Maia
Megy Maia: I am very, very glad you liked it. There are some more 'strange' balloons to come.
DeleteI love the T Rex, looks like Marc Bolan, sorry.
ReplyDeleteBob Bushell: Marc Bolan would be very, very lucky to be so easily recognisable decades after his death (let alone thousands upon thousands of years).
DeleteDear EC, watching T-Rex deflate must have brought to your creative mind all you've ever thought about with regard to the death of dinosaurs and the end of their era. You know, you bring so much joy into my life with your wanderings to one event and then another. I just delight in what you often share with us.
ReplyDeleteAnd on another note: I hope that the Coronavirus does not impact your world too greatly. Peace.
Dee: I don't think I analysed what made me feel for the T-Rex who didn't take to the skies. Mind you, judging by the expressions of others around me, it touched all of us. I am however glad that my peregrinations bring you joy.
DeleteFingers crossed on the Coronavirus front. Firmly crossed.
Love the T-Rex! I think watching him deflate would be as much fun as the initial inflation. Too bad he didn't get to fly. We are now at the point where we can't congregate in crowds anymore and every event has been cancelled so it was nice to see your crowd still able to enjoy the day out and about.
ReplyDeleteGive Jazz a scritch!
River Fairchild: I suspect that might be the last of the big crowds my city will see for a while too. I saw the T-Rex in the air (briefly) a few days later but he remained tethered both days I went to see the launch.
DeleteJazz graciously accepted your scritch before making it clear that his nap time should NOT be disturbed.
That sure is a massive inflatable! There are a lot of humans going around filled with hot air!! :)
ReplyDeleteBack in the mid-80s I was booked to go up in a hot air balloon, but on the morning of the designated flight, it was cancelled due to the weather conditions. I admit freely, I wasn't too disappointed. I've never had the opportunity again...I'm not too disappointed. However, they are wonderful to see...with both feet planted firmly on the ground...mine, anyway! :)
Have a great week, EC...take good care. Cuddles to Jazz. :)
Lee: There are indeed plenty of people about filled with enough air to inflate T-Rex. I don't find them nearly as attractive as any balloon.
DeleteI have loved flying in hot air balloons, but accept that it isn't to everyone's taste. Watching them brings hugs smiles to my face each and every time I see them.
I hope you and the furry overlords have a healthy happy week.
That is a truly magnificent balloon! Even if it didn't fly right then, it was definitely a treat to watch it come to "life." I hope you will also stay safe and I look forward to more balloon adventures. :-)
ReplyDeleteDJan: Isn't it an amazing sight. When he finally came to life the crowd quite spontaneously cheered. You will certainly see more balloon adventures and I hope that you and Smart Guy remain healthy and happy.
DeleteWhat a wonderful sight, wish I had been there, it looked such fun. Thank you as always for your kind encouragement, much love, Carole.
ReplyDeletelostinimaginaryworlds: It was fun. I went twice and enjoyed it just as much the second time. Later in the week heading into town I saw balloons (including T-Rex in the air, so I got off the bus early and enjoyed them all over again. I give encouragement where it is due. I do hope your books take off.
DeleteMay all our monsters deflate and fall to the ground.
ReplyDeleteSandi: Indeed - and may our hopes take to the air.
DeleteNow that is a balloon. It is a fearsome, fun sight you captured in your photos.
ReplyDeleteAnn Bennett: It was just soooo much fun. The children enjoyed it mightily too.
DeleteThat T Rex looked spectacular. Sad that it was deflated.
ReplyDeletegigi-hawaii: It WAS spectacular. We don't usually see the balloons deflate, and I found it fascinating.
DeleteThat's one big dinosaur balloon.
ReplyDeleteJamie Ghione: It was absolutely huge. And I loved it.
DeleteWhat a shame you didn't get to see T-Rex take to the air - that would have been amazing! His teeth were impressive, weren't they? I really like the shot of him with the balloon aloft above his head. His small cousin looked a touch grumpy too - perhaps it's in their DNA...
ReplyDeleteI hope your cold and cough clear up very soon.
Feeling amused at the fact that I automatically assumed it was a male ;)
DeleteAlexia: I assumed it was male too. The next day it inflated next to SkyWhale - who is undeniably female.
DeleteI really liked his teeth - and was impressed at the detail in his palate too.
I did see T-Rex in the air a few days later. Briefly, and from a long way away, but it made my heart soar.
I am bored with this cough and cold but it is (fingers crossed) finally improving a little.
That dragon took a clutch at my stomach when he first went by.
ReplyDeleteJoanne Noragon: When he was inflating that head 'lunged' at the crowds. And all of us took a step back.
DeleteBloonz!I liked the T Rex about to chomp a bloon. Well, that's how I "read" it...
ReplyDeletedinahmow: I wish you could have been here with us. And yes, I saw T-Rex longing to chomp that bloon too.
Deleteblogs are ever more important in this time of sequester, be well
ReplyDeleteLinda Starr: And you.
DeleteThat big guy looks as if he could swallow the entire crowd. Maybe he can defeat COVID-19.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Janie Junebug: I like that idea. I really like that idea.
DeleteThank you. Occasionally I come up with something good.
DeleteJanie Junebug: I do hope that is false modesty. Your ideas are OFTEN good.
DeleteThat's taking "Don't touch your face" to extremes. Poor darling, can't even scratch his nose.
ReplyDeleteJ Cosmo Newbery: Brilliant comment. I would be a tad on the irritable side (totally grumpy) if I couldn't scratch my nose.
DeleteI love the photos. I have never seen the giant balloons inflated nor deflated and I use to think I would love to ride in a balloon, but now I don't think I would enjoy it all that much.
ReplyDeleteGlenda Beall: I loved my trips in balloons. I have gone three times now, and they are treasured memories. I also love watching them inflate, and find a sky full of them heart-warming, beautiful and inspiring.
Delete\ye a fun event to attend and it is something on my bucket list that I would like to do - go up on a hot air balloon. Your photographs are great Sue. Hope you are keeping well. Have a wonderful week ahead and stay safe from the virus. Thanks for all your comments.
ReplyDeleteMargaret Birding For Pleasure: I have been up three times now - and I loved it. If you get the chance, jump at it. I am pretty sure you would love it as much as I did.
DeleteI hope that you too can stay safe from the virus.
First--- Thanks for your very nice words on my blog. I love this dinosaur! Isn't wonderful that we can make friends with people all over the world...?
ReplyDeleteBill: It was my pleasure. I do look forward to your serene and lovely photos. I am also very grateful for the friends I have found in the blogosphere.
DeleteDear EC
ReplyDeleteHe was a very impressive balloon (and just a little scary too). I would also have been scared by his small cousin - especially if I wasn't expecting to see him/her. I am looking forward to seeing the other balloons.
Best wishes
Ellie
Ellie Foster: I had expected that some of the smaller children in particular would be freaked out by the sheer size of T-Rex. There were screams it is true - but they were screams of excitement. There will definitely be more balloons posted. I took just over 500 photos.
DeleteBellissimo, sembra vero.
ReplyDeleteBuona domenica.
Giancarlo: It was very well done wasn't it? Have a wonderful, healthy week.
DeleteLast time I saw a T Rex like that was when I was 6 years old and had been running a fever of 104 for a couple of weeks. Almost died. I always remembered that hallucination and it's nice to see my old friend again.
ReplyDeletejono: A fever of that level for weeks? Your family must have been panick stricken. I am glad that you survived and that the monster balloon brought back good memories.
DeleteThat T. rex was impressive. I attended a hot air balloon festival in Ottawa one summer. Just glorious sights in the heavens. I have never taken a ride in one.
ReplyDeleteOn a trip to Australia, I had an opportunity to take a ride in Alice Springs and didn’t do it. It will never happen now.
Marie Smith: I am very, very glad that I have been lucky enough to take to the skies in a balloon. It won't happen again, but the memories are precious. And I agree with you about the glory of a sky full of balloons.
DeleteI wish there were balloon events close to where we live. I love watching them float gracefully into the sky.
ReplyDeleteRick Watson: I love them too. We quite often see one or two in the early morning here but to see dozens in the sky at once takes the excitement to a whole new level for me.
DeleteOmg the one in deflation of T Rex with left arm across chest, dramatic sky, dying, crowds surrounding, 5th from bottom, love it!
ReplyDeleteStrayer: That one blew me away too. It really was incredibly moving to see.
DeleteWhat a wonderful balloon but weren't you concerned going into that crowd? Stay well...
ReplyDeletee: When we went to the balloon launches there were no cases of Covid 19 in my city. There is now one. I am now more careful - but not panicking yet.
DeleteWhat a pity it would have been wonderful to see T Rex take to the sky. It was so huge. They used to have a balloon festival on the beach near us in North Carolina, it was wonderful to see all the different balloons, some had to be held by several people at once, I would guess T Rex would have needed several people too.
ReplyDeleteJo: T-Rex needed a lot of people to lay out and inflate. As did Skywhale which I will show you in my next balloon post. I am endlessly fascinated with balloons and look forward to this event every year.
DeleteLove the T-Rex! And it was a little sad to see him deflated, like he'd been taken down.
ReplyDeletemshatch: It was an incredible sight - and I found his death very, very moving.
DeleteI love these balloon photos. Absolutely amazing. Stay safe from Covid-19.
ReplyDeleteKalpana: Thank you for joining us in Sunday Selections this week. Your beautiful flowers made my morning. I am doing my best to stay safe, and hope you are too.
DeleteThe dinosaur is AMAZING! I love it.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a fun day.
The Happy Whisk: It was a WONDERFUL start to the day. We were home again before 8, but I am still smiling. Over a week later I am still smiling.
DeleteCute T Rex!
ReplyDeleteashok: Welcome and thank you. It really was an incredible sight.
DeleteThat was quite a feature balloon!
ReplyDeletemessymimi: It was wasn't it? There were others too. A festival of smiles.
DeleteWow. So spectacular. I can understand emotion to see it deflated. We know it's true ending. Still, it sounds like you had fun. I am so grateful to your camera.
ReplyDeleteI hope Australia doesn't hurt too much from the Corona virus. Though even a little is enough. But Australia has seen its share of catastrophe, I think.
Take care.
Myrna R.: I did have fun. Lots of fun.
DeleteSo far the panick about the Corona virus has caused more damage than the virus itself. This has not been a good start to the year, for Australia and for the world more generally. I hope that you and yours can stay safe.
How lovely to see all of your photographs, and how wonderful that this event went ahead.
ReplyDeleteThe T-Rex is amazing, and the sky in your first photograph so beautiful.
Stay safe and well.
All the best Jan
Lowcarb team member ~Jan: I suspect this is the last public event for a while and it was a beauty. I hope that you and your family can also stay safe and well.
DeleteThat inflatable T-Rex is crazy cool, love the adorable daddy mimicking the animal. So cute!
ReplyDeleteBtw, hope you're well and wish you the best of luck. We may all need it... :)
Hot guys: Thank you. I really liked that daddy. And the people around me did too. I still have a cough and a cold (of the boring kind) but am fine. I hope you can stay clear of this rotten virus too.
DeleteYes, dads can really be the best! ^.^
DeleteHope you're drinking some hot tea, eating fruit, taking some vitamins and anything else to help you get better, honey.
Hot guys: Thank you. I will be fine and hope you are safe and well too.
DeleteHow good that you made it to this balloon event, considered that we'll all have to stay cooped up for some time now. I'm looking forward to seeing more balloon photos, they're great, and yes the deflation of T-Rex is moving. Take care and stay healthy.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte (MotherOwl): I am really glad we got to this event too. I suspect it will be the last public gathering in quite a while. Shortly I am going out into the garden for a bit. I always find solace there (and work. Lots of work.)
DeleteYou wonder how many if these events are going ti be cancelled in the neat future as the dreaded Coronavirus makes its effect felt.
ReplyDeleteDavid M. Gascoigne: Most of them will be cancelled I expect. Which is a small price to pay. Just the same I am glad we got to this one.
DeleteThat balloon is absolutely amazing!
ReplyDeleteLon Anderson: It is, isn't it?
DeleteThe t-rex is very cool.
ReplyDeleteI hope I can be forgiven for sharing a post with some photos that have been shared before. There is one new one anyway!
Meet the Critters of the Grover Hotel
The Ornery Old Lady: Of course you can be forgiven. When all is said and done my memory often requires a nudge anyway.
DeleteHot air balloons are so cool to see early in the morning.
ReplyDeleteMary Kirkland: No arguments from me. I love them, and to see dozens of them in the sky at once is amazing.
DeleteI love that dino more with every photograph! Tells a hilarious story.
ReplyDeleteJohn Wiswell: I thought so too.
DeleteWonderful photos. I would love to have been there to see all those amazing balloons, it would have been quite a sight.
ReplyDeleteRosie: Thank you. It is an amazing sight and I look forward to it each and every year.
DeleteWow,so cool, my son might love that!
ReplyDeletenatalia20041989: We certainly did - and so did the crowd.
DeleteOh how I would have loved to have been there...all those amazing balloons...and I could almost feel the wonderful atmosphere!!😊😊
ReplyDeleteOh thank you so much for sharing this fabulous experience with us...I so appreciate it!!😊😊
Stay safe, my dear friend 💐🌹
All my love and hugs ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Ygraine: The atmosphere at the balloon launch is incredible. Even on days when many of the balloons can't fly.
DeleteI wish (so much) that many of you could have been with me.
Stay safe, and please look after yourself. I suspect your immune system will put you at particular risk.
Hugs.
Awesome pictures of the T-Rex. Ad they remind us of happy times when we could be together in group events.
ReplyDeleteNatalie Aguirre: Thank you. I hope those times come again sooner than expected. The balloon spectacular was an excellent 'last gathering'.
DeleteHi EC,
ReplyDeleteI love a good dinosaur.
:o)
Cheers
PM
Plastic Mancunian: I love a good balloon... And they are all good in my eyes.
DeleteThat one was huge!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure everybody had a good time.
Caterina: They did. I most certainly did.
DeleteThat certainly is a righteous-looking T-Rex balloon!
ReplyDeleteBea: Wasn't it amazing?
DeleteI would have kept snapping that dino too. I love the big monsters! Can't wait to see more!
ReplyDeleteYolanda Renee: Even by my far from minimalist levels I did take a LOT of photos. Which will follow in the fullness of time.
DeleteT Rex looks super impressive. Love the attention to details too - amazing teeth! :)
ReplyDeleteI hope you're keeping well and far away from all illnesses. Stay safe.
Nilanjana Bose: T-Rex IS super impressive. I was particularly impressed by the palate - but loved it all. I am still coughing and snotty but this is a common or garden virus not the nightmare version. You stay safe too please.
DeleteNice post
ReplyDeleteAsep Rohimat: Thank you.
DeleteAmaizing pics!
ReplyDeleteBjxxx
Ontem é só Memória | Facebook | Instagram | Youtube
Teresa Isabel Silva: It was an amazing sight.
DeleteEc you captured the inflation superbly, so mighty and fierce and proud! But surprisingly I was sad at his deflation! How strange to feel such a strong emotion at a deflating baloon!
ReplyDeleteRose ~ from Oz: I was amazed at just how moving I found his deflation. It certainly looked/felt like a death. Fortunately he rose again the next day.
DeleteT Rex is very impressive. I also love to see balloons and occasionally one or two take to the skies around here, particularly on still, summer mornings.
ReplyDeleteJohn "By Stargoose And Hanglands": He was wasn't he? There were several other impressive novelty balloons, but really I love them all.
DeleteThis raised my spirits! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteLady Fi: I am glad. It raised mine too.
DeleteWould you look at Frank, er, T Rex. He is something and you're right, the deflating looks real. His cuz is scary!
ReplyDeleteWishing you rain, cool breezes, and sparkle.
Sandra Cox: Thank you so much for those perfect wishes. And to you and yours - with a generous helping of health.
DeleteWhat a blast from the past! I remember seeing the T-Rex floating over Calgary many times in the late 80s and early 90s. Your photos of his deflation were a little sad, though: "I'm... melting...!" :-)
ReplyDeleteDiane Henders: That is a long life for a balloon. I am grateful that we got to see him too. And very grateful that I wasn't alone in finding his deflation sad.
DeleteJust love those dinosaurs. Hope you are safe and healthy and blessings to you,
ReplyDeleteRasmaSandra: We loved him too. I still have a cold but am fine. I hope that you are healthy and safe too.
DeleteOh that was such a fun post!!! Sorry I haven't been around too much lately, we are so busy!! One of the photos you posted, where you said the lady was sad...it looks like T-Rex is about to chomp on people in the crowd lol...I would have loved to see that thing in the air! What fun! Stay safe and healthy! xx
ReplyDeleteRain: I am really pleased that you found time in your incredibly busy life to stop in. And yes, the balloons are a heap of fun - and were probably our last crowd activity for a while.
DeleteGood luck with the moving/housebuying caper. And yes, stay safe and healthy.
Hi EC - aren't they wonderful ... sorry so late - but c'est la vie at times. I wondered if you saw the Skywhale? - it popped up on the BBC I think ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteHilary Melton-Butcher: Life does get in the way some days - and you are NEVER late. We did see SkyWhale on her one and only appearance at the festival. Photos will follow (of course).
DeleteOh what fun ... the photo I saw looked amazing ... great - looking forward to it. Life is going on - the sun is out ... thankgoodness - I can get out for walks ... cheers and take care of yourself ... xoxo
DeleteHilary Melton-Butcher: I am glad you can get out - it makes a huge difference. I am a fan of SkyWhale (not everyone is). We are promised a SkyWhalePapa later in the year - and I am looking forward to it.
DeleteThat T-Rex is huge. I like the picture where the balloon is close to its head. Not sure if they're waving a friendly hello, or if he is vexing them by being a bit menacing. Perhaps he is jealous they can fly. ;) The balloons never get old and I remember how much I loved them when I see your posts!
ReplyDeletemail4rosey: Perhaps the other balloon was taunting T-Rex? You are right. They never, ever get old.
DeleteI had seen a picture of the T.Rex balloon in our local paper, but it was so much fun to see all of yours. It seems you can still have these big gatherings - everything is cancelled here and since midnight we are under a "shelter-in-place" order. It's blissfully quiet...
ReplyDeleteCarola Bartz: I think that was the last of the big gatherings. We aren't (yet) at the shelter-in-place stage, but the limits on the numbers of people shrinks by the day.
DeleteI am so glad that the Balloon Spectalar beat the deadlines.
That was a pretty scary balloon. In the end, I think covid got it! :)
ReplyDeleteJ C: I loved it. And hope that it makes a full recovery.
DeleteI've never seen such a strange balloon and can't imagine how it would look in the air. I hope you get to see it fly and share photographs
ReplyDeleteKim: I did see it fly (briefly) but it was too far away and I was on a bus and unable to take photos. It was lovely to see it though.
DeleteOh I'm so glad you got to see it fly! I can't imagine anything quite so ungainly being a balloon when they're 'supposed' to be graceful.
DeleteKim: The day I saw it in the air, it was surprisingly graceful. Wait until you see my next ballooning post (toward the end of next week?). SkyWhale is even more improbable than the T-Rex.
DeleteEin außergewöhnlicher Ballon der T-Rex und so groß da muss das Wetter passen. Schöne Bilder.
ReplyDeleteNoke
Noke: It was absolutely huge - and a delight to see.
DeleteHow fun! Thank you for the smiles!!! Big Hugs!
ReplyDeleteMagic Love Crow: It was a heap of fun and I am glad I saw it. Huge hugs to you.
Delete