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Monday, March 17, 2014

This And That

Two guys, probably talking sports.
Marmalade washing up.


Lemony sugar.
Crisp green breans.


Bird watching.
Playing Santa.


And the first photo taken with my new camera.
Classes start tomorrow,
but I think Tiger looks pretty good here!


62 comments:

  1. Could I be first on the lovely Sunday. What a great grouping of delightful pictures. That last one is awesome!

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    1. You are first! You even beat Mildred! ha.

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    2. You gotta be pretty fast to do that!!

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    3. haha...very true! She just started reading my blog and has been first many times already! haha.

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  2. Are those lemon bars! Oh my! I could be there to eat those within a days time :)

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    1. yes, they are! We love them...here's the recipe if you're interested. Or just hop in the car. I'll save you one. haha.

      http://myfivemen.blogspot.com/2011/05/betsy.html

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  3. I love all the pictures but the last is my fav. Have fun with the new camera.

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    1. haha...took me a while to read the manual and attach a lens. Gee...I have a lot to learn. But I can tell it's going to produce some great photos! And Tiger posed so nicely! haha.

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  4. haha...birdwatching...more like scouting dinner...smiles...oo nice powdered sugar on its beak as well...meow!
    hahaha

    the lemon bars....yum

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    1. lemon...a very nice change from chocolate. Yeah. I should have said bird hunting, right? :)

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  5. The very first? Awww. Great shot! -- silver fox

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    1. Yeah, Tiger was laying on the couch beside me....easy target. :)

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    2. His eyes were closed until he heard the camera beep. :)

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  6. Such bright, cheery photos. Are you excited about your course? Tiger looks so VERY relaxed :-) I would love to be surrounded by all your kitties. Kitty heaven I think.

    I was trying to contact you on my rogers acct. earlier today, but seem to be having trouble with yahoo mail. I did see your response. I had written the e-mail last night so I meant today in terms of shopping but it does not matter to me at all. Tomorrow is fine too. I am out tomorrow night and have a few things to do during the day, but if you name a time convenient for you then I could make sure I was around at that time.

    The lemon squares are calling to me! There is a wonderful bakery here in the Distillery District and I bought some cookies the other day. Lemon poppy seed was one choice and they are sooooooooo good.

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    1. I am excited about the course. Have to admit I'm feeling a bit intimidated with that camera at the moment. My old one was so comfortable that I didn't even have to think about what to do...this one is so different. But I'm sure that like anything else, the unfamiliar becomes natural, too, in time. I do like how clear and detailed that photo of Tiger is, though, so I'm excited about the potential there!

      Yeah, I know you meant shopping today, sorry. I'm just planted on the couch, full of Advil, and trying to manage this painful body of mine today. Ugh. I will be home all day tomorrow, so I'll pack and weigh your things first thing. Then whenever you're ready, I'll be ready, too. Sound good? Anytime after 9am I'll be ready.

      I have a really yummy recipe for lemon poppy seed cookies that I haven't made in years. Yum. I should dig that card out!

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    2. Aw, poor thing – I share your pain! No trouble at all. Because I often write things in the middle of the night I just wanted to clarify. Yes, I will probably e-mail sometime in the late morning tomorrow. Hope it’s working by then.

      I am sure your new camera will become like second nature to you. I have two – yes two – brand new cameras that I have never used for the same reason! I just get so comfy with grabbing and shooting that I don't want to "bother" with something new. Nowadays I use my cell phone most of the time for photos and it is really good. But I should practise what I preach and drag out the instructions. Or sell them!

      The photo of Tiger is wonderful – just looking at the detail in his fur and sweet nose and the way the light is in his eyes? Gorgeous. It will be fun experimenting. Mind you, I already marvel at the detail you get with your “old” camera.

      I had never heard of lemon poppy seed cookies before. But now that I have tried them, there may be no stopping me! So tasty. I would be interested in your recipe once you unearth it.

      Take care of yourself, Betsy, and I hope you are feeling less achy soon. It’s a crummy feeling. Just be a couch potato. Repeat this mantra: “I am one with my couch!” Also try some rooibos tea – such a great anti-inflammatory!

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    3. I think my cookie recipe came from a Mrs. Field's Cookie Cookbook, which I still have. It will be easy to find. :)

      I would be just like you with the cameras if I didn't sign up for this class. I know my current camera could do more than I was doing but just never took the time to figure it out. I think something interactive will be better than reading the manual, too.

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  7. A new camera? How exciting! What kind did you get? Your first shot is great!
    I really like that first bird shot - it looks like a painting.
    I made lemon squares this weekend too. Great minds, right?

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    1. I'm very excited! It's a Nikon D3200. I signed up for an online course to help me learn it. It starts tomorrow and runs for 4 weeks. I've never had anything but a point-and-shoot camera, so this is a little intimidating!

      Yes, great minds! Yum!

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    2. I've been saving for a good camera - all I have is a point and shoot too. I'm leaning toward Nikon, but I've really liked my Canon too. When I'm ready to buy I'll have to check back with you.

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    3. I went with Nikon since that was what I already had....I think it does help a little with familiarity of your brand, so I understand what you're saying. When you're ready, check amazon. I got mine there and bought a 'bundle' with two lenses and memory card included, which ended up saving me about $300.

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  8. Tiger looks nice and content
    Awesome shot under your tent
    As the birds play
    And sing away

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    1. Tiger sure knows how to sleep
      and be all comfy on our street.
      Stretched out on the pillows and couch,
      such a sweetie and never a grouch.
      ha.

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  9. Beautiful photographs, Sunshine! The last one is incredible. I just know you are going to really hone your skills with your class and I'm excited for you as you start tomorrow! And you are behaving, I see, balancing your greens with your sweets!

    I walked dogs today, just like when we were doing the random acts of kindness. Three dogs and myself. We survived just fine and had tea afterwards with the old chap. I still have you to thank for my new friendships!

    It's late here so I will say goodnight!

    Vince xo

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    1. I'm so glad you've continued your dog walking and your new friendships. That is just great! And yeah, you gotta have your veggies to balance out the dessert. :)

      Sweet dreams!

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  10. "Two guys, probably talking sports." Love it :-)

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  11. Well the two guys haven't got cold feet have they? They look as though they are having a deep philosophical discussion lol
    Marmalade looks very content.
    Watch out birds - cat alarm sounding in the trees.
    What a beautiful bird playing Santa.
    And just love your first shot with the camera - fabulous definition of Tiger. One 'sharp' cat by a 'sharp' photographer. Good luck with the lessons.

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    1. No, those guys look very content, enjoying their chat! :)

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    2. They were probably talking about a friend of theirs who went to an auction and her feet were so cold this geyser offered her a pair of wooden clogs to keep them warm.

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    3. haha...oh those gossipy birds must be reading my blog again!

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    4. And they couldn't understand how she managed to drive her jeep just wearing socks.

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    5. I'll have to call you twinkle toes fro now on lol

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    6. haha! Wednesday I'm working an auction and they've already warned us that we will be in a muddy, mucky field all day. And the forecast calls for rain! I guess I'll be wearing my wellies for that one!

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    7. Don't forget the brollie, soweresta and the mackintosh, and make sure they all match your handbag!!

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    8. LOL! How could I have forgotten those! Yes, a raincoat with a hood will be a must. And it probably won't be worth it to spend too much time on my hair that morning. haha. Hope it's not too windy or I might fly away with my brollie opened up!

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    9. In which case I shall have to call you Mary Poppins - but you are practically perfect in every way LOL

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    10. haha...well, I better trade in my purse for a carpet bag, in that case! If I do fly away, I hope it's gracefully like her and not a total mess like a tumbleweed. haha...

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    11. Well I must fly (some hopes) ! Am helping in a garden - must not keep a lady waiting LOL
      Have a great day learning more about photography, focal plane shutters, depth of focus, stops, gawd what else? . . . red eye! lol . . . . zooms, etc. I'll drop in tonight for a cuppa and no sugar! I'm trying to slim down a bit.

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  12. Well now, I am way down at the bottom of the list, aren't I?
    I'm still loving the cat pictures. Felines are my favorite.

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    1. There's always a couple around to photograph here. haha. But...I don't have a trick fish!

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  13. Your pictures always look SO professional to me, fancy you needing a class! But with a new camera I suppose it's easier than reading the manual. I hate reading manuals!
    Always love your cat and bird photos- and at the moment one of my own cats is driving me so crazy that I'm tempted to ship him off to live at your house! He keeps meowing at the door to go out- door opens, he sees the wind and rain and slinks back from the door, hissing at me as he goes by. 'Cause it's my fault it's nasty out, right? Then he moans and growls at my feet for the next ten minutes till he's back at the door to do it all over again! Augh!

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    1. I can read the manual, but some things don't click with me. It will be nice for someone to look at my photograph and tell me how to improve it.

      haha....we used to go through that same routine with out cats...then we got a cat door. It's worth the expense many times over. Especially no more night time requests to go out.

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  14. I think you have always taken great pictures. Especially of the birds. But classes are always good, especially in learning the workings of the camera. Good luck! And I hope you feel better.

    XO,
    Jane

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    1. Well, thanks Jane. I'm excited about the class! And I'm feeling pretty good this morning!

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  15. A new camera...how exciting! I have always thought that your photos with your old camera were fabulous; I can't wait to see what you produce with this new equipment.

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    1. I'm looking forward to that, too! It's always good to have a professional give you some advise and critique your work.

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  16. That new camera and classes will be so much fun!
    Getting a little Green with envy.
    Oh... that's not envy, it's just St. Patrick's Day.

    "May you always have work for your hands to do. May your pockets hold always a coin or two. May the sun shine bright on your window pane. May the rainbow be certain to follow each rain. May the hand of a friend always be near you. And may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you."
    Irish Blessings

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  17. Awwww such GORGEOUS closeups of fabulous felines, beautiful birds and tasty treats! Yay!

    Happy St Patrick's!! Take care
    x

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    1. Tiger poses so nicely, doesn't he? He's a sweetheart.

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  18. Betsy, your new camera is the same one that I have. I remember asking you recently about your photos - they are so good. I am getting ready to start a class, too. I completely read the manual but need more help to really use all the features. I am a total beginner in photography. I may have started with a camera too advanced for me (ha). Drooling over the lemon bars.

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    1. You have the same camera? How fun. Your classes wouldn't happen to be with A Beautiful Mess, would it?

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  19. I grew up on an SLR camera back before the days of digital photography, but the quality of point-and-shoot cameras these days are so good that it is hard for me to imagine going back to an SLR. But I know that you will be able to do even more with your artistic shots of birds, cats, the scenery, and whatever else with your new camera. Your first shot certainly came out very nice!

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    1. I wonder if there is a big difference between the old SLR's and the new DSLR's. I guess I'll be finding out! ha.

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