P for Play

Bill and I are happy to have time and energy for PLAY after 10 months of illness for him and stress for both of us.  Our interactions with the wildlife, pets and people we meet on our walks bring so many pleasures.  Here are a few of them.  I am linking up with ABC Wednesday and Wild Bird Wednesday.  Both are excellent memes and I thank the dedicated people who keep them running so successfully.

This is Tupper, so named because her tail feathers point upward.  If you are a regular reader, you know her pretty well by now.  

 She followed us from the David Lam steps..

 to the shore,

 back up to this roof over the lookout..

 and over..

 our heads..

 to the False Creek railing where she..

 ate (very healthy) treats from Bill's hand.

 Then, she flew off..

but I think she said "thanks" before she left.  We know we shouldn't feed the wildlife and we don't make a habit of it, but we have fallen in love with Tupper.  If you do feed wildlife (I don't recommend it), it would be best to give them healthy, sugar-free food.  Please, no bread.  It fills their stomach so that they lose their appetite for more nutritious fare and if fed regularly and in great quantities, eventually causes them to lose the ability to survive on their own.  

 We always look for this American Coot. S/he has been alone for a week or so now. 

 We hope the mate is hiding nearby.

 Yesterday, s/he seemed mightily pleased..

 after a bath that seemed to combine hygiene, play and fun in perfect proportions.

 This is Izzie, short for Elizabeth.

 We are just getting to know her.  She seems, to me, to have a peaceful spirit.

 Okay, this mallard was not feeling playful, but..

 watching him brought pleasure for sure.

 There was a female at stake here and the male at the right chased "our" fellow off..

in a plain-spoken manner that left no room for doubt.  The action took place behind a wire fence so I was lucky to get these photos.

 This dog personified play.

 I felt lucky to catch..

 a bit of the action as we stopped..

 to admire his physical prowess..

 and persistance.

 What focus!

What energy.

 On the way to..

 success!

 Yes!  

 This man had his bike, a crossword, a bench and a perfect day to enjoy all three.

 This should have gone into the Blue Monday meme, but perhaps you will enjoy it anyway.  Bill enjoyed the "guy" stuff just before we walked through..

 this tunnel.   This is not one of our preferred spots..

 but it did get us to..

 this sculpture.  I neglected to get the name of it, but Bill's playful pose made it a must-show.

 I know you have seen many photos of Black Jack in Bill's arms, but she makes me laugh..

and that feels playful..

 and she is just so protected..

and peaceful..

 and yet, so perky.

And, play followed by the pleasure of lattés and treats at Bean Around the World..

 served by Nike, makes it a good day indeed.

 Today is Nike's last day of work before she sets off for a trip across Canada.  She is an adventurer who understands the value of play.  We will miss her.  Have fun, Nike!  Thank you for your beautiful smile, kind spirit and passion for play.

 Thank you for stopping by, dear readers.  I hope you will find lots of play in your life today.  Perhaps, Wild Bird Wednesday and/or ABC Wednesday would be a good place to start.