Maybe I am pushing my luck to think this qualifies for the SidevieW theme this week, but I think some people certainly found the consequences of my photographic ambitions today somewhat amusing!
Regular readers will recall that in April, just before turning 5, young R undertook an official swim of 400 metres for her badge. Despite not being too well at the time, she completed it.
Today was the prize-giving. We had a Garden Judges’ Meeting to go to, but decided to try and shoot off there afterwards – seeing her get the badge would be special. Also, young J was due to receive a certificate for her pre-two-year-old swimming progress.
We rocked up nice and early – but everyone else had kept South African time (which is when the urge takes you to get there, never mind advertised starting hours) and so the affair kicked off late. When J’s name was called I merrily hauled out my Sony and switched it on. Nothing happened except that it leered at me sullenly. Now frantic, I managed to yank out the backup Nikon, and activated it. It also refused to do anything – until I got the dial to the correct spot. Then I found that my view of J was obscured. Doing frantic gymnastics, I managed to poke it through a fence and got a shot at the crucial moment.
Now came the time for more certificates and medals and stuff, and I glued myself to the fence and waited for R’s name to come up. It didn’t. Finally only the trophies remained, and I started putting my camera away. Then a Distance Swimming Trophy was announced – and her name was called! – so I had to activate the equipment again at emergency speed. Alas, my view was blocked and I could only get a shot of her waving it at me as she left the scene.
Her 400 metre badge, and bronze swimming badge, were presented with it.
Thrilled at her achievement, I now carefully packed camera away as more trophies were dished out, and was just moving off when Best Girl Swimmer was announced – R! I uttered strangled squawks and once again did an emergency camera draw which would have been the envy of a gunfighter of the old West. In spite of tripping over feet and dancing a Fandango as a result, this time I had it up and running and found a suitable gap through human bodies in the nick of time – and captured the moment. Pity there were no trophies for dancing or clowning, though.
We did not get to our garden meeting. Too bad!
A dancing ferret if ever I saw one – the cameras are out to get you, it seems.
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Congratulations!
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Thanks! We are still over the moon.
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What a beauty and an achiever too.
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We are very proud, as you can imagine!
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A very proud moment Col 😉
Congratulations to both the young ladies – well done indeed!!
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It sure is; thank you!
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So cute. Such beautiful and obviously talented girls. Much better than garden judging, I’m sure. Would have been better if someone had been filming your antics, though. That would have been worth a laugh 🙂
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I’m sure a movie of my dance would have been highly amusing – reminds me of when my father was trying to get a picture of then Princess Elizabeth, stepped back, tripped, and sat down hard. She laughed out loud – but he missed the opportunity of taking a picture of her doing it!
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Is R the next Penny Heyns? 😉
Congrats on her wonderful achievements, I’m sure you’re super proud of her. And the photos are great!
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Thanks! I am more than cholerably tuft!
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I certainly was amused at your camera antics. But the photos you have are really lovely 🙂
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Thanks; then they were worth it!
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awesome! *hugs*
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A real thrill!
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Great trophies for her to win… certainly sound as though you were caught a bit off guard… would loved to have seen you dancing around to get the shots…
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“Strictly Come Dancing” had nothing in it!
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That’s wonderfully amusing, Col. And what a collection of trophies. 😀
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A wonderful surprise, indeed!
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Writers! They don’t know nothing about taking no pictures . . . no wait; apparently, they do.
Seriously, if I am anywhere (an event, park, zoo, etc.) the camera if glued to my hand, and I check every few minutes to make sure everything is how it should be (setting-wise).
Not fun for the people I am with, but . . .
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I need to learn those tricks …
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Well, not really; a trick; more of an obsession. Some of us have a wider OCD streak than normal (but not full blown raging river).
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I can imagine you frantically trying to capture the moment! Congratulations to R for her achievement.
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I really was annoyed at missing the one. Thanks! Conveyed.
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Super cute 🙂 love the extended pinkie!
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Training for a posh Garden Party! 🙂
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Wow! These are amazing shots Col! You have every right to be proud my friend. Great share. 🙂 *hugs*
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Thanks! I must admit to still being filled with grandfatherly delight.
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I don’t think that ever goes away Col. I don’t have grandkids yet but know the feeling. 🙂 *hugs*
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How adorable they are. No wonder you’re a proud Granddad 😀
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Proud as Punch, indeed!
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Gosh time flies…I remember when R first started swimming lessons.
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It does seem a short while ago, doesn’t it?
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Oh how very well done!!! Congratulations to young R and proud grandad!!!
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Thank you – told her!
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Well done to R,
A consequence, unamusing if you wanted to be there
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For real amusement, one should play, ‘Truth or consequences’!
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noooooo
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