You scratch my back and...

I am not sure who is more pleased to see each other when my niece and nephew come to stay - the dogs or the humans. My boys love the attention, and the kids love giving it. Cuddles all round.
Hugo especially seems to love these kids - probably because of all the scratching his constantly itchy skin gets from them. The kids love pampering him too because of the reactions they get; uncontrollable leg twitches and persistent pats on the arms when the petting stops, to encourage it to start again...
The little bugger even left my bed during the night to visit Dan downstairs, demanded a scratch then left again. He also visited Megan, who said she was already wake with a headache, and then came back to bed and woke me... Not sure whether to thank him or throttle him. Whilst she went back to sleep after a little TLC and a cold flannel to the head, and Hugo was snoring at the foot of my bed again within minutes, I was wide awake for a good two hours after that wake up call.

The Fear of the Fall

It seemed like a great idea at the start. Miss 10 decided she would like a turn on the giant slide at Clip n' Climb, which her 7 year old brother was receiving free as his birthday was the reason they were there. Dad duly paid the fee and Miss 10 said she would venture to 4m - half of the potential height. When the guide told her (tongue in cheek) that the rule was that 10 year olds needed to go at least to 51/2m, the bottom lip started to wobble... But she did go a little beyond her chosen mark and lived to tell the tale. Brave girl.

Dad then decided he would take up the offer of a free adult fall. His bravado seemed genuine, and he handled the pull to the 8m mark and the fall with apparent ease. Even purported to have enjoyed it. Here's the video I took of him - shows the true extent of the challenge!

Then it was Birthday Boy Mr 7's turn to get his free ride. All good on the pull to the top, then a downward look knocked his confidence and he was lowered a little before releasing himself. The last of these 3 photos shows him glancing back at the feat he had achieved, before melting in tears into his Mum's arms. He later told me that no, he would not do it again next time!













My hat goes off to all three of them. There is no way you would ever be able to entice me to do this. The fear of the fall is too great. So no shame here for my little niece and nephew - just a bit of awe and pride.

A Happy Little Helper

Those who know me well know that lawn mowing is almost at the top of the 'Household Tasks Most Hated' in my book.
Today the job was almost made pleasurable, through the enthusiasm, genuine enjoyment and help of my almost seven year old nephew Daniel. I did the edges and tricky bits and then let him do some runs up and down. OK, so he missed a few bits and was higgelty-piggelty in places, but man he was into it, and wanted to do a good job.
Bad aunty - I do not have ear muffs, but I did insist on covered in shoes.
When we'd finished he announced that he needed a big drink of juice. I asked what his Dad had after he mowed the lawns. You guessed it - thought I doubt it was DB Export Gold! I had a random bottle in my fridge which I enjoyed and Dan had a sip from. He then had orange juice!

Companions...

As I have done over the past two years, I sent several entries into the Universal Cavalier photo contest this year. Another example of photography being somewhat subjective in terms of who likes what, as those of my entries that made it through to the finals were generally not the ones that I considered my best. Similarly there were entries by others that I thought were stunning that did not make it.

I was fortunate to be placed second in the 'companions' category, with a photo sent off at the last minute, of my nephew Daniel brushing Hugo, and Hugo loving every minute of it. It is a tender moment, and looking at the other winners, it would appear that the 'moment' was more highly rated than technical or compositional elements. I will remember that for next year.

Click to enlarge and read critique

An oldie, but apparently a goodie

MPS club night, and as mentioned in an earlier post, I was brave and entered 3 pics this month; one into the Open category, and two in the set subject which was 'Song Titles' this month.
I put forward this pic - a very familiar one to my friends, and a favourite of mine for some time. Not technically, but because of what it conveys.
I have always titled "The Secret", but called it "Do you want to Know a Secret?" to fit the set subject. I also threw in this one and called it "Baby Love" (Are you singing in your head?)
The judge tonight liked the human element in photos it would seem.  I like this shot of Dan and Hugo for both the connection between the two, and the fact that you cannot read/see Dan's face. I also like its simplicity. All of these things he seemed to like too.  I quite like Baby Love,  but am bothered by the size of the hand - it is out of proportion with the head because of the angle I was at.  Interestingly when the "Baby Love" pic rolled over, the judge made comparisons to this dog-and-boy one, not knowing of course it was by the same 'Author', as photographers are referred to.
Pictures are awarded acceptance, merit, highly commended and honours. Thrill of thrills, The Secret got honours and Baby Love highly commended.
I also entered Lily in the Open category. There was an audible 'Ohhh' from the audience when it flashed up. I was amazed with the feedback and superlatives this photo got, and when I spoke to the judge afterwards, he asked if I took it on a 'job' - as if I was a pro lol. Lily also received honours, and was even in the final 3 for Open shot of the evening.
Memo to self - learn to give self more credit. Learn to accept and believe in positive feedback. Try harder not to undersell yourself. But stay humble and true.
Well done, Lynn.