Thursday, June 9, 2011

Cuteness

There isn't anything cuter than young children or animals, and especially the combination, as in young animals. This post has all three. Prepare for cuteness.



skitty fence3
This photo was taken outside my front door. Skitty is lounging on the fence between my neighbour's and my yard.
Let's start with one of the sweetest creatures I've ever known. Skittles is a gentle, curious, funny and fun feline. A real purry pal to all. In the early days of Benny's visits, Skitty did a lot of hissing, growling and swatting - until he realized that Benny was rather benign - all bluster and bark and turn-on-a-dime agility, who never gave worse than a soft-mouthed chomp, never causing pain nor reason for serious concern. Skitty stopped seeing Benny as a true foe and began acknowledging him as the real pest he actually is. Over time, Skitty came to realize that he actually enjoyed his confrontations with Ben, and would wander across his path with this "come hither" slink that cats do so well. The little brat was seeking him out to engage him in creature combat. I'll have to record their antics again sometime soon but if you've never seen the two of them in action before you might enjoy this video from a few years back.




tysoap
One of my young neighbours, T.
I watched T playing in his driveway across the street for a bit. He was having a great time sculpting soap suds. "Hey, T," I called from my front deck, camera to my eye, "what are you making?" He glanced at me for a moment, grinned and turned back to the lather. "Oh, just a mess." Ya gotta love little boys.




baby bunny2
Everybody loves some bunny, sometime.
One afternoon, I was looking out the back door, noticing how the grass needed to be cut when a pair of teeny tiny ears popped up between the blades of green overgrowth. The grass wasn't excessively long - maybe about 3- 4 inches, so you can imagine how small this little cutie really was. It was no more than 6 or 7 inches, ears included. So sweet.




goslings
Goslings are all fluff and cuteness.
Out by the pond in the park, the only goslings I've seen are this pair which I featured a few posts back. They seem to have moved on, now. I've not spotted them for a few days. They sure were entertainingly cute while the were here.




wadjabringme
Ready to spring into action.
Rounding the bend, and glancing up, this little guy sprung out at me from behind the tree like a wee, furry ninja. He decided I'd make a better friend than foe, however. I just might have had peanuts.




snoopy
Meet Snoopy.
On my way back to my house, I pass by a neighbouring home where one of Benny's buddies lives. Benny always tries to take a detour down their driveway just in case Snoopy is available to play. On this day, I was without Ben, and Snoopy was having a "time out" for misbehaving. That sad look comes to you from behind the glass door.




bananasmile
That banana has a-peel.
Little Miss Lily, looking as cute as ever, was quite taken with that banana peel for a while. Until Benny stole it from her, that is.




wet dog dancing
And speaking of Benny...
No set of "cute" photos are complete without da man (as Sandy sometimes refers to him)! Here he is doing his merry water dance. As long as someone has a hose, he's one happy customer. Summer has arrived - and so has that certain smell of wet doggie!

I'll have more photos to share with you in a few days.

68 comments:

ADRIAN said...

Your portraits are inspirational. Eyes, eyes and eyes again. I must remember that. A great set of images.

Betty Manousos said...

stunning shots, Hilary!

I ADORE them! it's really hard to pick a favourite.

thanks for the cuteness and awesomeness as well!

i've always been in awe of your photography.

betty

Sage said...

Wonderful photos--Skittles looks a lot like "Happy," my cat from long ago who's been gone over a decade now...

Ruth Hiebert said...

Thanks for sharing these cute images.

Dawn said...

A very sweet way to start my day:)

Daryl said...

SO cute ... I do believe Snoopy's expression earns him the gold in this series

DJan said...

These are just wonderful, but I expect that from you, Hilary! I just LOVE that picture of Benny, filled with joy and pleasure. Not that any of them are not inspirational, but that one...

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

Only a cat could make "lounging on a fence" look comfortable. These images are all of portrait quality. The first and last are special favorites. And I absolutely loved that video.

Lisa said...

Wonderful pictures Hilary,they are all so cute and cuddly.(although Ben would be a smelly cuddle). Lily is gorgeous!

Tabor said...

Yes, you have cornered the market on cute this week!!

Gail Dixon said...

Awesome, fun photos! I thought my favorite was going to be that black squirrel until I saw the dog "dancing" in the water!

Kristina P. said...

Awww, I love the bunny!

TexWisGirl said...

these were wonderful! love your beautiful skitty and dancing benny! and you have black squirrels!!!! LOVE them!!! just adorableness all around. thanks for an overflowing dose...

Sueann said...

Definitely full of cuteness!! I loved all the shots...but the last one is my fav!! He sure is doing a happy dance!!
Hugs
SueAnn

Elizabeth Grimes said...

Almost too cute to handle!! Especially that bunny, oh my goodness. Wonderful post today. I loved it!

Brian Miller said...

smiles. yes high on the cuteness scale...love your squirrels.....boys and their messes, i know that, ha!

Lynne with an e said...

Definitely creature comforts! Thanks for the cuteness warning--I was up for the sweetness of it all, toothbrush in hand, and savoured every candy-coated delight.

Anyes said...

Ahhh, I forgot how cute rabbits were and I really love the "I'm going to get it away from you" look on little Miss Lily's face. Beautiful as always Hilary

OmaLindasOldeBaggsandStuftShirts said...

As always you have captured cuteness and gotten my giggle going. I just love your eye heart. You just have what it takes to see beyond the activity to the what is. Thanks for the visual tickle. The Olde Bagg

Unknown said...

The cuteness! It burns!!!

I think you must have strained a cute muscle, posting so much cuteness. I love Snoopy most of all: it's my weakness for big dogs.

Anonymous said...

All totally cute, as promised. I love Benny's water dance - my dogs go hide when the hose comes out. Silly dogs.

Cricket said...

Cute photos... you're right. But blogger is giving me fits today. Things just haven't been the same since the "big crash." So I'll see if this comment posts, while singing

Problems, by the Sex Pistols.

Cricket said...

Well... whaddaya know? Evidently, blogger thinks I ought to be able to comment here. Other blogs, not so much.

Friggin' computers. :-)

Unknown said...

every image fabulous.

chariskalee said...

Oh my gosh! As always, fantastic post. That last water dance just made my day. Super cuteness for sure!!!

Frank Baron said...

Really nice group, Hil. It had been a while since I saw that video. Amazing how cats can turn lounging into a taunt. ;)

Anonymous said...

all smiles! :-)

Reb said...

A great set of photos Hilary. Love the shot of Benny's water dance ;)

Glo said...

Cuteness personified! The teensy bunny is adorable...but I gotta say, Benny kills me! Does he ever actually walk on all fours? ;)

Anonymous said...

Oh my - so much cuteness! Love it!

Don said...

Nothin' better than kids and critters!

Suldog said...

You take THE best cat photos.

Maggie May said...

Hard to pick out a favourite as they are all great pics.
Benny dancing probably ......... and the little rabbit!
Maggie X

Nuts in May

L. D. said...

Yes, this is the cutest of cute set of photos. I just saw a baby squirrel while walking the dog. He was cute.

Mage said...

Not only cute, charming and darling, but that last shot catches joy in the leap. That's gotta be the happiest dog I've ever seen. :)

Dianne said...

there is too much to comment on!!
you know me and animals and children

I love that T freely admits he's making a mess, I do that with Hope - I ask her if she wants to go outside and find a mess and she grins

and of course I must always comment on Benny - he'd make a fantastic cover for Sports Illustrated

Barb said...

Hilary, Your photos of animals and children have such personality and seem to tell a story - love them!

lime said...

that itty bitty bunny is too precious. and i do love the honesty of a little boy enjoying making a mess.

Tammie Lee said...

oh my, cuteness indeed! wow.

Claudya Martinez said...

I think T was making lots of fun.

Birdie said...

Every picture is SO cute! Thanks so much for posting. They made me smile.

And Benny. You should start a Facebook fan club for him because he is so crazy! Every picture of him is funny! What a great dog. Seriously, Facebook. Please!

Deb said...

Lovely photos. I especially love the first one.

June said...

Benny in that last picture=Gene Kelly in "Singing in the Rain"

ellen abbott said...

you never cease to thrill me.

Indrani said...

I like how you share the 'happenings' around you. :)
Great series of shots.

Pierre BOYER said...

Marvelous post with great pictures and nices words....
Thanks to share !
Regards from France,

Pierre

Shrinky said...

How on earth you manage to capture these amazing "split-second" shots is beyond me - that rabbit, to be there with your camera right at the perfect time? Wow! And as for that final shot of Benny.. haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa, adorable!

Cloudia said...

all great, but Benny healed our souls!!!!



Aloha from Waikiki :)

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Dave said...

Your pics really are cute Hilary. Specially liked Skittles - Dave

Hilary said...

• Adrian, thank you kindly. It sounds like you're saying that the eyes have it. ;) I'm glad you enjoyed them. :)

• Betty, thanks very much. You're much too kind. :)

• Thank you, Sage. Skittles is an incredibly happy cat. No doubt yours was as well, judging by the name. Thank for stopping by. :)

• Ruth, I'm glad you dropped by to enjoy. :)

• Thanks, Dawn. :)

• Daryl, Snoopy has the most interesting expressions. He often smiles.. honest! :)

• DJan, thanks very kindly. That's pretty much the essence of Benny.. joy and pleasure... unless he hears those fireworks. :)

• Linda, that's so true. There isn't any creature more comfy looking than a cat. It doesn't matter where they are. I'm glad you enjoyed. Thanks for your always-kind and supportive words. :)

• Thanks so much, Lisa. I know what you'll be dreaming about tonight. ;)

• Thanks, Tabor. :)

• Welcome, Gail and thank you for the kind words. I hope you stick around. There'll be a lot more of that crazy little dog and his antics. :)

• Thanks, Kristina. He was such a little sweetie. :)

• TexWisGirl, I'm glad you enjoyed the photos and I thank you for your kind words. Black squirrels are the exact same species as gray.. only darker. They're found in some parts of the U.S. too. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• SueAnn, thank you. Benny dances several times a day.. particularly when he sees his leash. ;)

• Thanks very much, Elizabeth. I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I'm looking forward to seeing more of your new fawn friend. :)

• Brian, thank you. Yes, we're both well aware of those messy boys. Some of them never grow up. ;)

• Louciao, how clever of you to prepare yourself from the sugary sweetness this way. I'm glad you enjoyed every bite/byte. :)

• Thanks very kindly, Anyes. The cuteness of rabbits is difficult to resist.. as is Miss Lily. She's every bit as charming as she looks.. and more. Thanks for the visit. :)

• Linda in NM, thank so much. I love the term "eye heart." You need to copyright it! Your very kind words made my day. Thank you for that. :)

• Susan, I'm glad you enjoyed the Snoopy photo and hope your cuteness burn will heal quickly. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Barbara, you have to show your dogs the fun that they could be having in the water. Thank for the visit and kind words. :)

• Cricket, I'm sorry that you're still having Blogger woes. Try that cookies purge (Blogger cookies only) and see if that helps. I'm glad you were able to post here though.. and with another appropriate song suggestion to boot. Thanks, my friend. :)

• Thank you, Deb. :)

• Chariskalee, thanks so kindly. I'm glad you enjoyed. :)

• Frank, thank you. That's our Skitty. We both know that not so deep down, he really loves Ben. He'll just never really show it. At least not while we're looking. :)

Hilary said...

• Thanks, Jillsy. :)

• Thank you, Reb. He's one crazy little thing, isn't he? :)

• Glo, Benny very rarely walks on all fours. He runs, skitters, dodges, prances and dances but he rarely walks. ;) Thanks for the visit. :)

• Lady Fi, thank you. I'm pleased that you do. :)

• Don, I agree. :)

• Thank you, Sully. Skitty is a great subject. :)

• Maggie May, thank you. I'm not at all surprised that you like the bunny. :)

• Larry, thank you. Baby squirrels are indeed adorable. :)

• Mage, thank you. Benny is truly a happy pooch - it doesn't take much to tip him over the edge to ecstatic. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Dianne, you might be onto something about Benny. I'm thinking the swimsuit issue. ;)

• Barb, thanks very much for those kind words. :)

• Lime, both are endearing, aren't they? Thanks for the visit. :)

• Thanks for stopping by, Tammie Lee. I'm glad you enjoyed. :)

• Mami, indeed he was. Thanks for the visit. :)

• Birdie, thanks so much for the kind words. But Facebook is not my thing. I scarcely check it out for myself so I don't think a Benny page is going to happen. He's just going to have to be happy with his loyal blog following. Thanks for the fun thought though. :)

• Deb, thank you kindly. :)

• June, you're right. That explains why I kept hearing that happy refrain "Doo dloo doo doo doo doo - doo dloo doo doo doo doo..." Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Ellen, what a nice thing to say. Thank you for that. :)

• Indrani, thanks kindly. Much appreciated. :)

• Pierre, merci beaucoup. :)

• Shrinky, thank you so much for those kind words. The bunny was sheer luck but Benny is easy to capture doing something silly.. he's non-stop. Thanks always for the visit. :)

• Cloudia, thank you so much for that. :)

• Dave, I'm not surprised that you especially like Skittles. You're a true cat person. Thanks for stopping by. :)

Mental P Mama said...

Okay. These are all cute beyond words. But Benny? Takes the cake. Seriously.

messymimi said...

If i had a cute meter, it would have exploded. This is why "America's Funniest Home Videos" contestants hated when one entrant was a kid or a pet.

Out on the prairie said...

Lots of funhere, i like benny and soapy kid

holdingmoments said...

Everyone of them special.
A lovely set Hilary.

Nancy said...

So sweet, warm and fuzzy. Nothing better! I think I am in love with Benny...

Anonymous said...

awesome shots!! loved the cat and kids portraits...

What Karen Sees said...

WOW, now this is cuteness on overload!!! Love them all.

Dawning Inspiration said...

I. Want. The. Bunny. ;o)

Adorable shots.... cuteness exudes all over this post...

photowannabe said...

Again, Hilary, you have presented us with a delightful set of prize-winners. The bunny, Snoopy and the goslings. Everyone of them brought an awwww to my lips.
The Happy Dance is fantastic.

yaya said...

I think I need insulin...just sooooo sweet! I love the bunny shot..amazing. I'm glad it's in your yard however. In mine they have a tendency to eat my flowers, chew my veggies, and sometimes my cat is not so good to them. But how can you deny the cuteness? I'm always blown away by the beautiful, crisp shots you get.

Moannie said...

I think it was the bunny...no...the dog with the hangdog eyes...no, the Goslings...cat, Benny...Nope, can't pick a winner. What an eye you have, Hilary.

Along These Lines ... said...

Did you steal my cat? Looks just like ours.

Jayne said...

Oh Hilary- these are just so adorable. Lily made me laugh out loud. And Kitty looks like she's waiting for a manicure. So funny! :)

Lisa said...

Cuteness is an understatement. I loved this blog. Just beyond beautiful.

Hilary said...

• MPM, I'm glad you enjoyed them. Benny keeps us laughing pretty much every day. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• MessyMimi, I guess they do tend to steal the show. Thanks for the visit. :)

• Thank you, Steve. I'm pleased that you enjoyed them. :)

• Thanks kindly, Keith. Much appreciated. :)

• Nancy, thanks. It doesn't surprise me. He's easy to love. :)

• Thrviewfinder, thanks so much. :)

• Karen, thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed them. :)

• Stacey, you.got. the. bunny. And I'm pleased that you like it. Thank you. :)

• Sue, you're much too kind. Thank you so much for your sweet words. That means a lot to me. :)

• Yaya, thank you so kindly. I guess rabbits can indeed be a bit destructive but they sure are such sweet little things. I'm glad you enjoyed the post. Thanks for letting me know. :)

• Moannie, no need to pick. I'm just pleased that you stopped by and enjoyed. Thanks for that. :)

• Sorry Nick, who let that cat out of the bag? Yours must be gorgeous then. :)

• Thanks, Jayne. It's good to know that you enjoyed the post. And I think that would be a pedicure.. or pawdicure. ;)

• Lisa, thank you so kindly. Your comment is very much appreciated. :)

SandyCarlson said...

Benny, Benny, Benny. You inspire me to dance. I busted a few moves in my parents' driveway and my daughter was only a little embarrassed. She was sure the squirrels were watching. But I would dance in Benny's world full of love and wonder and joy--and baby geese!

Thanks for rocking my world, Hilary. You're the best.

Teri and her Stylish Adventure Cats said...

I'm a cat person, but the doggie dance is my favorite...I am sure it would be a prize winner in any contest!