Sunday, May 22, 2011

Colourful Days

Some lovely weather has hit my part of the world and my camera has been kept quite busy. I hope you'll enjoy the following photos.



mothers day cupcake
Sweetness.
A couple of weeks ago, we celebrated Mother's Day. My son and his sweet girlfriend arrived bearing cupcakes, which they spent the morning baking and decorating. It was such a sweet treat in more ways than one. Thank you Alex and Veronica!




soccerball
Kicked a bit too hard.
A lost golden soccer ball lays in the bottom of the inflow of the pond. The yellow booms are used to filter the water from potential grease spills. We've had a few of those in the past.




3 red tulips
Three redheaded beauties.
In my front garden, colourful tulips were in full bloom one day, and totally gone the next. It might have been squirrels or rabbits who did the munching. I'm glad I got a few photos out them first.




love at first sip
Cheers!
A few of the neighbours got together one evening and toasted the season with wine.




cold one
Salut!
And with beer.





benny grass and bubbles
Benny is high on grass and on soap bubbles.
I hope you're enjoying the season and like Benny, are jumping for the sheer joy of it.. and for bubbles.

Back in a few days with more photos.

68 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wonderful series... looks like benny was enjoying the day with soap bubbles...
love the wine shot very much

Birdie said...

I think I need to go buy some cupcakes right now! That picture made me hungry!

The picture of Benny made me LOL! What a funny dog!

Tabouleh said...

oh WOW... WHAT BEAUTIFUL PICTURES... I cannot pick one that is my favorite... but Benny's is definitely the funniest... brought a smile to my face... he seems to be a happy go lucky crazy fun dog...
Enjoy the weather!

Dave said...

An interesting selection of photos Hilary. That glass of beer looked inviting! Looks like Benny may have drunk it? - Dave

CorvusCorax12 said...

the cupcakes look yummy but Benny takes the cake lol

Brian Miller said...

hahaha benny is awesome!

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

I don't even like beer, but that's an awesome photograph of the hand holding the glass of beer. You know, you could be one of those food photographers that make things look way tastier than they probably are. Or you could travel the world and do photos for travel brochures. In other words, you could make money with your photographic skills! Another amazingly beautiful post.

Anonymous said...

Oh Benny always makes me laugh!

Wonderful and unusual photos!

Anonymous said...

Bennie...LOL!

Ruth Hiebert said...

That dog is certainly enjoying the bubbles.I love the red tuples.This is a beautiful image,of course all are great and I enjoyed seeing them.

TexWisGirl said...

the 3 redheads were gorgeous - if even for a day...

and bennie!? what an ambitious and gleeful pup!

Pauline said...

your life in digital form - delightful! Love Benny's exuberance!

DJan said...

Oh, as usual I am in awe. I LOVE that picture of Benny being himself!

Kat said...

That photo of Benny with the bubbles is just priceless! What a catch! :)
And now I'm hungry for cupcakes. ;)

Dianne said...

Benny, Benny, Benny and the Bubbles!!
what an action shot

love your Mom Day cupcakes
fun decorations

the tulips are lovely
maybe a male squirrel took them home to his lady

June said...

I met a JRT last week. He was one ball of coiled energy, but allowed some good solid pets from me.
The tulips look so sharp around the edges and so vividly RED.
Gorgeous.

solarity said...

Gorgeous color! Not that I'm exactly tired of all the green around here...

I could never get such a picture of Benny. My shutter finger is just not FAST enough for JRTs.

Mary Anne in Kentucky

Tabor said...

That last photo was a true reward!!

Shammickite said...

I'll go along with the consensus of opinion here... YAY BENNY! GO for the bubbles, man! er.... dog!

I agree with you, Spring is marvellous. And a cold beer in the evening completes a warm and sunny day.

Shrinky said...

Benny is such a delight, he's so full of joy, this photo is simply priceless! And you my dear are nothing short of a magician behind a camera.

Anonymous said...

That Benny boy... what a crack up he is. I love dogs that express so much joy, and he does!

Di

ellen abbott said...

glad to see that color has come back into your world!

ds said...

Oh, that Benny. No matter how gorgeous your other photos (and they are)--he always steals the show with his "bubbly" personality ;)

Rosaria Williams said...

Oh Benny is all about joy! Yes, let's welcome sunny days together and drink to a long, warm and bright summer season.

Bob Bushell said...

The one that's the I love, is the voluptuous drink, no I not an alcoholic, it is clear and ready to drink. And, Benny playing with the bubbles, he is a comic.

Maggie May said...

That Benny is full of life and makes me laugh.

That drink looks inviting!
Maggie X

Nuts in May

Gary's third pottery blog said...

oh, BENNY!

Tammie Lee said...

looks like a wonderful beginning to a fun season!

messymimi said...

Never have i seen tulips look quite like that -- it gives me a whole new appreciation for them.

Benny gave me a much needed smile.

Cloudia said...

you are the BEST!!! What shots!



Warm Aloha from Waikiki

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Anonymous said...

That last one of Benny is priceless!!

Dawning Inspiration said...

Benny cracks me up - thanks for the laugh!

christopher said...

Seems like Benny would find enjoyment whatever conditions prevail...and who doesn't like bubbles and dogs?

yaya said...

Squirrels are notorious for eating tulips...I love the Benny shot! Very fun!

Unknown said...

Hilary: I always love what you capture with your camera. This is truly your gift that you share with us and it's always fun to stop by here! : )

The Retired One said...

That doggy picture was the absolute BEST!!!

Indrani said...

Beautiful pics Hilary. The macro of the cupcake made me dream of having a bite off it. :)

Reena said...

Love Benny and the bubbles! But the tulips are just perfect!

Zuzana said...

Oh Hilary, thank you for staring my Monday with so many colours and stunning images of life's simple pleasures.
I sure love them all, that beer particularly has made me thirsty.;))
Hope you had a great weekend and wishing you a lovely week ahead,
xoxo

holdingmoments said...

The food and drink had my mouth watering Hilary, but that capture of Benny is sheer brilliance. Love it.

Liz Mays said...

Benny is too funny! What a jump!

Love how you can see the bubbles in that beer!

Nancy said...

I love your perspective. I just never tire of it.

Leah J. Utas said...

The soccer ball and booms pic is an interesting take on spring. Good for you.

Janet said...

Love the shape of that glass. And your dog ... so funny!

Tabor said...

You are just tooooooo funny (regarding you comment)!

Reb said...

Love the tulips! Benny sure knows how to make the most of everything ;)

Anonymous said...

It's the deer that eat our tulips, but I enjoy them while they last (both the deer and the tulips). Your tales of Benny make me want to adopt a JRT, and I love the first really warm day of spring when a beer in the yard feels so right. But there is just "something" about that golden soccer ball to make it a picture to ponder.

I'm glad you had a lovely Mother's Day with such thoughtful young people!

Daryl said...

Colors are glorious .... I am drooling over that cupcake and applauding Benny's antics

Tabor said...

I added a photo to my last post...just for you.

Karen said...

Ok, now I'm hungry. But Benny's picture is hilarious! I love those still action shots!

Cheryl Kohan said...

All wonderful photos, of course...how cool that your son and his true love sweetened your Mother's Day!

I love Benny...he is a stitch! And those beautiful tulips look like flames, don't they?

SandyCarlson said...

Bennie makes my day every time. These are all super shots--I sure do love the tulips--but Benny's da man!

Lisa said...

I think I laughed out loud when I saw the Dog in the Air. Wonderful shot and so creative. Loved Loved it and the RedHeaded Beauties . How stunning they are. Your photography is amazing.
So glad I stopped . Thanks for the laugh.

Hilary said...

• Thrviewfinder, thanks very much. Benny enjoys EVERY day. :)

• Birdie, they were delicious.. complete with chocolate chips baked into them. I'm glad you enjoyed Benny's antics. :)

• Tabouleh, thank you kindly. You've got Benny pegged perfectly. Thanks for the visit. :)

• Dave, Benny often appears to be intoxicated. It's part and parcel of a JRT. :)

• Twain, you made me laugh. Good play on words. :)

• Thanks, Brian. :)

• Linda, I don't like beer either. I don't mind photographing it though. You always say the nicest things to me about my photos. My cheque (Canadian spelling) will be in the mail shortly. ;) Thank you, my friend. :)

• Thanks, Lady Fi. He is a natural clown, that dog. :)

• Thanks for stopping by, Jillsy. I'm glad you got a laugh out of this crazy dog. :)

• Ruth, thanks very much for the kind words. :)

• Texwisgirl, thank you kindly. "ambitious and gleeful" just about sums him up! :)

• Thanks so kindly, Pauline. I'm glad you enjoyed. :)

• Djan, picture a leap like that a few dozen times a day (balloons, bubbles, excitement over a suggestion of a walk).. he exhausts me! ;)

• Kat, thanks very much. I'm glad you got a kick out of that crazy little dog. I saved a few cupcakes.. help yourself. :)

• Dianne, funny you should sing that. I did a post a summer or two back called Benny and the Jets. I'll find it for you. http://thesmittenimage.blogspot.com/2009/04/b-b-b-benny-and-jets.html I like your idea of the squirrel offering my tulips up as a gift to his S.O. :)

• June, a perfect description for a JRT. But they are (can be) sweet creatures. Thanks for your kind words. :)

• Mary Anne, thank you. You'd be surprised how quickly you adapt to catching them in mid jump. It only takes about five thousand misses. ;)

• Thanks, Tabor. :)

• Shammie, I'm glad you enjoyed the post. And spring. :)

• Shrinky, thank you so much for such kind words. I'm really pleased that you enjoyed the post. :)

• Di, he is a going concern, for sure. But sheer joy is what keeps him going. Thanks for the visit. :)

• Ellen, as am I. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• DS, good play with words. He does indeed steal the show. He's a natural-born clown. Thanks for the kind words. :)

• Rosaria, he sure is. And I'll drink to that, for sure. Clink! :)

• Bob, thanks very much. I was pleased with how clear the bubbles showed in the beer. I'm glad you enjoyed the photos. :)

• Maggie May, I'm happy to know that Benny made you laugh. It seems to be his gift to so many of us. Thanks for the visit. :)

• Thanks for stopping by, Gary. :)

Hilary said...

• Thanks, Tammie. It is indeed. :)

• MessyMimi, thanks for the kind words and I'm glad Benny evoked a smile. :)

• Thank you kindly, Cloudia. :)

• Barbara, he's just a little nuts, isn't he? :)

• Stacey Dawn, my pleasure. I'm glad you enjoyed. :)

• Christopher, you're exactly right about that. He just loves life. Until there are fireworks.. then he hides. ;)

• Yaya, I'm pretty sure it must have been squirrels. This was a first time for me, though. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Michael, thank you so much for such kind words. That means a lot to me. :)

• Thanks, TRO. I'm glad you enjoyed. :)

• Idrani, I saved one just for you. Thanks kindly. :)

• Missing Moments, thanks very much. I'm pleased that you enjoyed the photos. :)

• Zuzana, you're welcome to the beer.. just save me a glass of wine. ;) Thanks so much for your always-kind words, my friend. Enjoy your week. :)

• Keith, thank you so much. I'm really pleased that you like it. He helps make photography fun. :)

• BlueViolet, he's a crazy little thing but so much fun. Thanks for the visit. :)

• Thank you, Nancy. You're too kind. :)

• Leah, thank you. I liked the colours and the concept of the unfortunate, abrupt end to the game. The ball was a long way down. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Welcome, Janet. I'm glad you stopped by, and that you enjoyed the pics. :)

• Tabor, I'm glad you got a kick out of that. I couldn't resist. ;)

• Reb, he sure does. EVERYTHING! :)

• KC, for sure, we don't have deer here. I'm guessing squirrels, skunk or rabbits. I would sure enjoy seeing deer though. :) Keep in mind that if you adopt a JRT, you're adopting a perpetual toddler. Frank was just musing this weekend about how alike the two are. Thanks so much for stopping by. I'm glad you enjoyed the post. :)

• Thanks, Daryl. The cupcakes were yummy. Benny is always delicious. :)

• Thank you, Tabor. They're wonderful! :)

• Karen, he's so much fun to watch. I'm glad I was able to capture one. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Thank you, Cheryl. My son and his girlfriend are indeed sweeties. And you're right - the tulips do look a bit like flames. Good catch. I'm glad you enjoyed Benny's antics. :)

• Sandy, thank you kindly. Benny sure has a way of making people smile. I'm glad you're not immune to his charms. Thanks for the visit. :)

• Lisa, thank you so much. I'm glad you got a good laugh out of crazy Benny. He's such a goof! Thanks very much for such kind words. They're so appreciated. :)

sage said...

A glass of IPA--my summer beer!

Glo said...

Yummy, thirst quenching and bubble popping good! Very thoughtful of your son and girlfriend to add sweetness to Mother's Day :) Do you have deer around? They usually finish off my tulips, however 3 yellow ones (tulips that is) escaped this year! Yours were beautiful! Benny reminds me of a leprechaun doing that heel clicking jump! I'm glad he's chasing the bubbles, not making them ; His crazy photo shots make me laugh!

Cricket said...

Arg. I am guilty of blogvisiting lameness. And don't tell me how you've been busy yourself, as you, my dear, visit 4,564,782 blogs regularly, where I try... try, mind, to keep up with 7 or 8.

Still, I hope you are enjoying your Spring, which appears to be a far more sunny one than we have had here to date. Perhaps I ought to move to warm, sunny Canada?

I think, like a little black dress, a bit of Frank goes well with everything: It Might As Well Be Spring. Love the red-headed beauties.

Kerri Farley said...

Wonderful captures Hilary! The color of that icing on the cupcake is AMAZING!
And I LOVE LOVE LOVE Benny jumping for joy! (I love bubbles too)

L. D. said...

The frosting made my mouth water. I love sugar. Benny is quite a dog.

Dawn said...

Oh Hilary....these made my day!!! Seriously...I was so enjoying all your moments of color...and then lo and behold...a FLYING DOG. I LOVE IT! You have a talent for capturing the moment!!!!!!! Thanks for the color today!

beth said...

omg....the dog and the bubbles just totally made me laugh out loud. thanks for that :)

Pat - Arkansas said...

Wonderful photos, as usual, but that last one of Benny is fantastic! It's a good thing I don't live in your neighborhood; dog-napping would be a great temptation!

Frank Baron said...

Ah...nice to see a shot of Ben in relaxed mode for a change. :)

Hilary said...

• Sage, I'm glad it was the right choice. Salut!

• Glo, we do not have deer around. I'm thinking it was squirrels or bunnies. You described Benny's little jump well. I hope he doesn't develop an Irish accent. And if he eats enough of those bubbles he will be making them. ;) Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Cricket, I always feel like I'm those 4 million plus blog visits behind. We've caught a few sunny days for sure but we've had ridiculous amounts of rain, this spring. I think you chose a perfect song. Thanks for that.. and always for your visits. :)

• Kerri, thank you. Benny is a fun pooch. I'm glad you enjoyed him. :)

• Larry, they were delicious too! Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Dawn, thank you so much. I'm so pleased that you enjoyed the post and that Benny gave you a smile. Thanks for letting me know. :)

• Beth, I'm glad to hear it. I figured if anyone would appreciate a jumping subject, it would be you. :)

• Pat, thank you kindly. I think you'd have to get past my cat first, in order to get to Benny. He has more fun with him than he cares to admit. ;) Thanks for the visit. :)

• Frank, isn't it? He's calmed down SO much in his old age. ;)

Anvilcloud said...

You always find great pics that I wouldn't think of, but great going with the dog and the bubbles.

Linda said...

So glad Benny can get out with his soap bubbles again. He is a dog that loves life!

I'll take a dozen of those cupcakes. They did a good job decorating them, and I bet they tasted as good as they looked.

Hilary said...

• Thank you, AC. Very kind of you to say so. :)

• Linda they were very yummy and I have the hips to prove it! ;) Benny finds fun in everything. If it's not bubbles, it's balloons or snow balls or waves from the lake.. or fluff.. or... well you get the picture. Thanks for stopping by. :)