Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Sunday 19 March 2023

Sunday Selections #620

 

 

 
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 am back.  In my absence Batty had expensive surgery that we hope has fixed his dislocating right patella.  Sadly the vet flagged that it is likely he will need the left one operated on as well.  For the next six weeks we have to keep him away from Odie and he is not to run, climb, jump or play.  Which is difficult.  Keep crossing your fingers please.
 
I am still adapting (not very happily) to my new normal.
 
Back to Sunday Selections.  Yesterday my youngest brother (another balloon tragic) and I went to watch the balloons from our Balloon Spectacular take to the skies.  We were lucky.  Lots (and lots) of photos follow.  We headed off just before dawn on a cool autumnal morning and delighted in the spectacle.  A few lucky people take to the air, and lots and lots of us watch the balloons inflate.
 
This years feature balloon is Buster the Bulldog, who came to us from the UK.  Photos of this drooling charmer are included in the post.

Less talk, more photos.  Lots more photos (sorry).  For reasons best known to itself Blogger has changed the order in which the photos appear (sorry again).






















 
I hope you have an uplifting weekend too.

136 comments:

  1. Schöne Bilder von den Ballons ist immer interessant den Start der Ballons zu sehen.Wünsche auch ein schönes Wochenende.

    Gruß
    Noke

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    1. Noke: Thank you. The balloon spectacular is a must see on my calendar.

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  2. Thanks for sharing your Spectacular Balloon event again. I love Buster the Bulldog balloon with his tongue hanging out. Such a large crowd. I'm glad that you were able to attend this event with your brother.

    Poor Batty, six weeks will feel like a long time to him. I hope that he will not need another surgery.
    Our spring is waiting at the door. We still have lots of snow around but tulip leaves are poking out of the ground on the south side of the house.

    Wishing you good health.
    Hugs,
    Julia

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    1. Julia: I go to the Balloon Spectacular at least once every year and judging by the crowd so do a lot of other people in my city. It is always a happy crowd (unless the balloons are grounded) too. Thank you.

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  3. It's nice to see you back in the blogosphere! The balloons are lovely, and the dog made me chuckle.

    It must be a relief to have Batty's surgery over; but wow, your household has been having a tough time healthwise! Sending you good wishes for a "better normal".

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    1. Diane Henders: Poor Batty. We really, really hope he doesn't need any further surgery. Fingers and toes crossed that he improves quickly. I think lots of us chuckled when Buster was fully inflated...

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  4. What our invaders lacked in stealth, they made up for with enthusiasm.

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    1. Sandi: You have lost me here. The crowd WAS enthusiastic though. Very.

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    2. The invaders arrived in hot air balloons.

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    3. Sandi: Thanks. Face palm - I should have realised that.

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  5. What a gorgeous day for balloon watching! I'm so glad you had the opportunity to go... and feeling up to it, as well. Buster is indeed a handsome fellow. :)
    I hope the time passes quickly for Batty and the rest of you, and that you all aren't crazed by the end of the six weeks. Crossing fingers that he can get by without another surgery.
    Hugs all around to all of you!

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    1. River Fairchild: I wasn't going to miss the Balloon Spectacular. I paid for it (and am continuing to do so) but have no regrets. Fingers crossed for us all. I think I am already crazed but I cannot blame Batty for that (much).

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  6. I love the balloons, especially Buster! But I would not brave those crowds. Wishing you and your cats the best as you adjust and Batty recovers.

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  7. AH--- a bunch of balloons to brighten my day! I'm glad you're back!

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  8. I too hope Batty will not require further surgery. And I simply giggled when I saw the balloon dog! Welcome back, dear friend,

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    1. DJan: Thank you. How nice that Buster is making people giggle around the world.

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  9. Welcome back!
    That was quite a show!
    :)

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    1. Caterina: It was quite a show. It is a bit of pot luck and entirely dependent on the weather whether the balloons go up, but we were lucky.

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  10. What’s great way to start a day. Uplifting indeed! Welcome back, EC!

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    1. Marie Smith: It was a wonderful start to the day. Himself missed it, preferring to sleep.

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  11. Cool balloons.
    Since you are fostering, someone helps with the vet bills for those kittens, right? Hope the vet is wrong and one surgery is all Batty needs.
    Welcome back!

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    1. Alex J. Cavanaugh: Thank you. The bills are all our responsibility and we hope that one surgery does the trick too. We also hope that Odie doesn't come down with the same condition since the vet said it was a congenital problem. So far so good on that front at least.

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  12. It's good to have you back, EC. You have been missed.

    Dear little Batty. His life certainly hasn't been easy. My thoughts are with you, and with poor little fellow. Cuddles to him and Odie. I hope all is well very soon. Such a concern it is.

    Take good care...try to relax and find time for yourself.

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    1. Lee: Both kittens have had a rough start to life. I really hope that a corner has been turned. Thank you.

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  13. And, once again,...the "Anonymous" above is me, Lee! Grrrrrrr!

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    1. Lee: It is a blight when blogger steals our identity isn't it?

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  14. Looks like a lot of fun to see those bright beautiful balloons again. I hope Batty (and you) survive the weeks he has to be "quiet" to heal from surgery. That sounds difficult for you both and for Batty, also for Odie.

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    1. Strayer: The balloons were indeed a heap of fun. The next weeks will be difficult for us all, but I hope the surgery was successful and Batty and Odie can be together again and that Batty can be a kitten.

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  15. A wonderful selection of photos - and it's very good to see you back. I hope that Batty is able to 'quietly' heal from surgery, and that you will not find it difficult to keep him calm. Take care of yourself as well, EC!

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    1. Alexia: Thank you. Quiet/calm and kittens don't go very well together. He is agitating to get out of his currently confined part of the house but does (fingers crossed) appear to be improving.

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  16. Ooooh! Thank you. I shall go back later and have another drool.

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    1. dinahmow: Some year you will be able to see them with us I hope.

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  17. Welcome back, Sue.
    If I were a magician, I would put your worries and problems in a balloon and let them fly.
    The peace of the night.

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    1. Sean Jeating: Thank you. Lots. I would like to see my problems float away too.

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  18. So good to have you posting again. I hope Batty's good knee will mean less pressure on the other one. The balloons look very uplifting, in more ways than one!

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    1. Oops, it's been a while and I forgot to ID myself

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    2. Kim: Thank you. We really, really hope that Batty's right knee was fixed before permanent damage to his left took place.

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  19. How many extra jobs did you have to get to pay for Batty's surgery?

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    1. Mike: We managed this one, but I really, really hope he doesn't need his other leg done.

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  20. So many balloons and they all made it up, I remember a few times when they didn't because of the weather.
    So very sorry to read about Batty, I know how hard it must be to keep a cat from doing what comes naturally to them, the climbing and jumping.

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    1. River: There were quite a few days this year where the balloons didn't take to the skies. We were lucky.
      I worry about poor Batty and hope that he will make a full recovery.

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  21. Vets are rather expensive these days so I'm told. Hope Batty won't have to have further surgery.
    Good to see you back online EC.

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    1. Margaret D: I could have had a full knee reconstruction for considerably less than Batty's surgery cost us. I don't begrudge it though - and thank you.

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  22. I truly hope all goes well for Batty. Plus, I am so sorry to hear what you have been going through due to that terrible upset.

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    1. Lon Anderson: Thank you. It is good to see you have returned to the blogosphere too.

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    2. Thank you, I am glad to be back!

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    3. Lon Anderson: I hope you will stay this time.

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  23. Hi EC - I'm so pleased to see you back ... and it's good to know Batty has a chance of recovering ... though how you keep a kitten still is beyond me! Odie will be missing him ... but I hope the worst is over for the two of them ... and the piggy bank can start to refill!

    So glad you had a chance to go out with your little bro to see the balloons - must be amazing close up. Love the roses ... and those tongues drooling out - glad they weren't drooling too much! Glad you're coping - with thoughts - and lots of gentle hugs - Hilary

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    1. Hilary Melton-Butcher: Thank you so much. The balloon spectacular is a not to be missed occasion in my calendar. Fortunately my brother agrees. Himself does not - it is far too early for him.
      Fingers remain tightly crossed for Odie. We take him back to the vet for his first post operative check up at the end of the week. Odie is missing him, but revels in not be pushed away from the food plate.

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  24. I'm so , so pleased to see you back :) I'm also so, so pleased Batty has had some hopefully life improving surgery.
    I'm sorry the new normal is so difficult. I always resent the losses. It doesn't get easier, does it?

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    1. kylie: The early signs are promising for Batty - which is lovely. And no, it doesn't get easier and I am mourning some losses.

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  25. WELCOME BACK, SUE. And thanks for this annual visit to see the hot air balloons. I hope that you are feeling stronger and are ready to stay with us for a while. It's just not the same without you.

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    1. David M. Gascoigne: Thank you. You have so many devoted followers I am surprised (and chuffed) that you missed me. I have pulled up my big girl pants again and hope to be here for a while (though I really wish that summer would leave).

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  26. Sue, I am so happy to see you back. I missed you.

    As for the balloon photos? I can never see enough, I love them!

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    1. Mia McPherson: Thank you. I was intrigued to see that quite a number of feathered birds were checking out the balloons, circling them as they took to the skies. They didn't seem perturbed about them either - which was lovely.

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  27. I hope poor Batty does better with surgery. As for the balloons, awesome. Balloons would not work on Oahu, as there are too many overhead wires.

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    1. gigi-hawaii: We hope Batty does much, much better. There are parts of my city where the balloons would face similar problems but also lots of areas (including over the lake) where they can fly freely.

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  28. Dear EC
    Welcome back - you have been missed! I hope that Batty will recover and not cause you too many frights! I always enjoy the spectacle of the balloons. I hope you have a quiet and positive week.
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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    1. Ellie Foster: Thank you. Fingers remain tightly crossed for Batty but the early signs are promising. Sadly this is going to be a busy week with appointments/commitments every day.

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  29. Wonderful!!! Thank you and welcome back. I love these balloon photos!

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    1. Charlotte (MotherOwl): Thank you. The balloons were a very welcome and very big treat for me.

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  30. Welcome Home! You were missed.

    Fingers crossed and prayers offered for Batty. And you.

    Love all those uplifting photographs! Balloonists must be one of the few groups of folks who think inflation is a positive thing.

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    1. Wally Jones: Thank you. On all counts. I am grinning at your finals sentence too.

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  31. Again Welcome back, EC. Love your balloon pics... and always love to see pics of your kitties.

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    1. Rian: Thank you. I will have to take photos of Batty post surgery. With his hindquarter shaved I was amazed (and horrified) at how scrawny his little legs are.

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  32. I hope the surgery fixes the problem. Poor lil thing. We all need a break at times but I am glad you're back. I loved all the hot air balloons.

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    1. Mary Kirkland: We really, really hope that this surgery gives Batty some quality of life too - and that he doesn't need another one.

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  33. Fingers crossed for both of you. It has to be nerve-wracking to try to keep an animal still.

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    1. Elizabeth Seckman: Thank you. It is definitely a challenge.

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  34. These lift the spirits almost as much as seeing you post! Look how many people missed you.
    Wishing you a lovely week as autumn temperatures begin to cool. Thank you kindly for your comment. It's always a pleasure when you visit or post.

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    1. Cloudia: I am so very grateful for my friends (you included) here in the blogosphere

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  35. It's lovely to have you back, i am praying for you and your sweet kitty.

    Thank you for including every one of those photos, i don't think it was a single one too many.

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    1. messymimi: Thank you. And thank you for not being bored/overwhelmed by the many photos.

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  36. So glad you are back. The photos are gorgeous a always!
    Now I am wondering how you are going to keep cat from doing what a cat wants to do

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    1. Anne in the kitchen: He is confined to a very enclosed space with nothing to climb. He is fed tranqulisers (and pilling a cat is another challenge). So far he is reasonably accepting but it will only get more difficult as he improves.

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  37. Welcome back. You caught me off guard. What great photos of the hot air balloons. I had fun watching the balloons inflate in reverse. I am glad you had the chance to get out and see and share this event, dear Sue. I LOVE your incredible photos.

    Hope Batty and Odie are doing well.

    Yet another "Failed to Publish." GRRR!!

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    1. Bleubeard and Elizabeth: Thank you for your kind words. Grr at the failed to publish. I just failed to publish my initial response to your comment. Thank you so much for persevering each time I post.

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  38. It is so good to see you back and I smiled broadly when I saw your name at my blog. So sorry that Batty has had her health problems. Sending healing energies her way and hope all goes well with you. Fabulous photos of all the hot air balloons.

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    1. DeniseinVA: Thank you. I hope that Batty's problems have been fixed, but time will tell. The balloons were a wonderful treat and distraction.

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    2. Yes, getting out is a blessing and you gave us many with these wonderful photos. Thank you Sue :)

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    3. DeniseinVA: I am glad you liked them.

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  39. Welcome back. I love all those colorful ballons. I will keep Batty in my prayers and hope he will soon be all right, Welcome to spring and I hope you have a great week ahead,

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    1. RasmaSandra: Thank you - we are in autumn here - though the temperatures suggest that summer has not gone.

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  40. Welcome back, and what a lovely post you have shared.
    So pleased you were able to go to the Balloon event, a fabulous collection of photographs.

    Poor Batty, I do hope that his problems have been fixed and that he will not need further surgery.

    Have a good week.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Lowcarb team member ~Jan: Thank you. Our fingers are still tightly crossed for poor Batty. The balloons were a lovely treat and respite from worry.

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  41. Welcome back, and what a wonderful way to return. So colorful and amazing. Not something I could do, go up in a balloon, but watch from the ground, oh yeah!
    Happy Spring, or is it Fall? ;)

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    1. Yolanda Renee: Thank you. I have loved my trips up in a balloon - but really enjoy watching them take to the skies as well.. It is definitely autumn here. Enjoy your Spring.

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  42. Welcome back. We left the light on for you. Glad you got to go to the balloon fest.Hope Batty is on the mend and that this surgery will take care of his issues.
    Hugs

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    1. Sandra Cox: Thank you for indentifying yourself. I am glad that I went to the Balloon Spectacular too and really, really hope that Batty is getting better.

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  43. Sandra sandracox.blogspot.com

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    1. Sandra Cox: This is a really irritating blogger feature of the moment isn't it?

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  44. Those balloons when they are lit up at night are magnificent.
    Sandra sandracox.blogspot.com

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    1. Sandra Cox: Is blogger still hiding you? The balloons are indeed magnificent, though this was very early morning rather than night.

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  45. The balloons were fun to see. Sorry about the upcoming second trip to the vets. I've been away for awhile so I'm not sure what the new normal is yet. I hope though, it's good. Happy Autumn to you. Here's to the cooler days and nights.

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    1. The Happy Whisk: Poor Batty has had innumerable trips to the vet (with another tomorrow). We really, really hope he only needs one surgical intervention. My new normal is not what I hoped for - but I will survive. And thank you.

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    2. I am sorry to read that it's been numerous trips for Batty. The new normal. I get that phrase. Huggs & Bugs, Me.

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    3. The Happy Whisk: We took him to the vet yesterday and he has to go back in a week. And then again in a fortnight. Hopefully he won't need any additional surgery. Hugs.

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  46. Love hot air balloon festivals, and that you're back. :)

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  47. I'm so glad you got to see the balloon show, and took lots of photos to share. Being there in person must be such a thrill.

    I echo kylie's comment about losses. Please give yourself time and space and don't let anyone rush you.

    Scritches to Batty and Odie and I hope this surgery is the only one he will need. Fingers crossed.

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    1. jenny_o: I am very glad (and grateful) that we did see the balloon launch again this year. It didn't look possible for a while.
      Yes, this loss (and today's further one) are a blight, but I will survive. Thank you - and Battie and Odie thank you too.

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  48. Replies
    1. Rajana Rehana: Thank you. I will be over to read your latest post in a minute.

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  49. No he subido nunca en globo, aunque un día tuve la oportunidad de hacerlo. Al final, me dejé llevar por el miedo al vértigo.

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    1. VENTANA DE FOTO: I have been up in a balloon and loved it. I am so sorry that your vertigo kept you earthbound. My youngest brother is afraid of heights. He came up in a balloon with me. At the start of the flight he kept well away from the edge, but by the end of our (too short) trip he was using his sharp pointy elbows to get to the edge of the basket and a better view.

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  50. Blogger definitely has a mind of its own.

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  51. Susan from thecontemplativecat here. How amazing balloon events can be. Oh my. Them floating up into and across the blue sky! Oh my.

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    1. Susan Kane: It is an annual treat for me, and I was so glad not to miss it.

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  52. Pretty cool photos here , fabulous fun ones with great colours

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  53. What a glorious sight to lift the spirits.

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  54. Buster is a hoot. How's Batty?

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    1. Sandra Cox: Buster was fun. Batty is going up and down a bit. Fingers remain crossed.

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  55. Hi, Sue! I didn't realize you were back until you visited my blog this morning. It's great to be able to enjoy your wonderful photos again. I love hot air balloons, and I'd love to go up in an untethered one. I'm sorry that Batty is going through a lot. A dislocated patella must be very painful! Belly rubs to him and big hugs to you!

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    1. Fundy Blue: Thank you. I loved my balloon trips - but really enjoy watching them too. We hope that Batty's surgery stops his patella from dislocating, and that his other side doesn't need surgery as well. I will pass on your bell rubs.

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  56. I'm glad you're back. Happy to see your comment on my page the other day, btw. :)
    We, I will speak for the majority of us, LOVE all the pictures you post. So, thank you! x

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    1. Bea: Thank you. I missed the blogosphere rather a lot, and am glad to be back.

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  57. So glad to see you back. Sorry for my delay. Consider ((*this*)) a virtual hug! Go gently.

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    1. Rawknrobyn: Thank you so much. You and your hugs are welcome any time.

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  58. EC! What beautiful pix! I hope you're well and happy. And Happy Autumn. x

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    1. Austan: Blogger just ate my reply. Grr. Not well but still finding happiness - which I hope is also true for you.

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  59. Shhh, don't tell anyone I've said this...I wish Buster had water dripping from his tongue hee hee.......

    I'd love to go up in a balloon...without the disaster that happened to Rake, the tv character.

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    1. neena maiya (guyana gyal): I HAVE loved going up in balloons and escaped any disaster. I am smiling at Buster drooling across the skies. Thanks.

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  60. Glad to see you back in action. Best wishes to your cat.
    A balloon ride is on my bucket list, preferably over Cappadocia.

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    1. The Blog Fodder: Thank you. Batty went for another check up today and the vet is pleased. I have loved my balloon trips and to fly over Cappadocia - or over the Serengeti as a work colleague did, would be amazing.

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  61. Loved the Bulldog visitor especially!
    I've been meaning to visit and catch up. So glad to see you're back. Best wishes to Batty, and to you. It must be quite a challenge to keep a cat immobile.

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    1. Nilanjana Bose: It is good to see you. It has been a challenge keeping Batty quiet, but seems to have paid dividends.

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