Snowbirds and the Splash

Yesterday morning we took deli sandwiches in the van and went to the top of Mt. Tolmie to watch the airshow by the Snowbirds. They were late and then they did not fly over Mt. Tolmie, but over Willows beach and more out to sea to regroup, I think. So, I wasted 4 velvia shots on my 35 mm and amused myself with people shots on the digital.

We took the van downtown to try and get close parking for the Splash and did get a good spot. The restuarant we usually went to for dinner before the splash was closed. We walked around and found a pizza place that was just awful. Then we took our lawn chairs over and listened. I was getting too cold by the intermission time, we we left early and did not see the fireworks. It was just too long of a day for both of us, I think. From being toasted at mid-day to chills at sunset.

I took more people pictures. I shall added them to my 'street' album, perhaps.

I was experimenting with slow shutter, hand held with the full moon (3 days before full moon) shot from our front deck. I seem to have a bit of camera movement from pressing the shutter button. Not too bad, though.

Grass fire

We had a bit of excitement in our neighbourhood yesterday. There was a grass fire on the hill behind the school playground. The firemen were there in just minutes and had the fire put out before it got away. There was a patch of the hilltop blackened. I must go get photos of that.

I did not think it was necessary to get too close to the fire. By the time I noticed the fire, got my cameras and got out to the fire (2 blocks away) the flames were put out.

On Thursday I saw Dr. C. and got the results from the breathing test. This is not causing my high blood cell counts either. My breathing patterns are normal. I agreed to redo the test in the Nuclear Department at the Royal Jubilee. Dr. C. says I have an unusual blood count. She wants to test to see if she can find out what is causing it. So far, it seems that I was right from the start.... that's just the kind of girl I am. :)) Thank heavens the rare blood cancer thing is ruled out.

I have been pricing my Hasselblad system and putting out a few emails to people who might want to buy it. I am not getting the time to learn this. It would be interesting to learn, but I don't think I would ever use it much beyond the learning it. Pat has emailed my list of the equipment to Hans. I am still not used to the idea that it actually might be gone. I reacted badly to the idea of Hans coming to see it.

I was very enthusiastic about the Canon S3 IS yesterday, but on advice of internet photog friends saw the error of considering that camera. It does not do a few of the things I want to do, and so it would just be throwing money away. I will still consider the Canon dSLR, and wait till this Fall to see what their new releases might be, and if the prices go down then too. One place I searched for info had prices in effect until August 13th.

The Snowbirds are doing an hour show tomorrow over Willows Beach. Sure would be nice to have that 12X lens. I have velvia 50 in my 35mm so maybe I will get a few good shots. It will probably be very sunny. I should put the polarizer on and check about how to shoot air shows, too.

The Splash is tomorrow also. Jordan is to visit Andy and Tara too. Everything seems to happen at once. Must ask them if they want to come with us tomorrow.

Malta trip - 2003

I have started to work on uploading our Malta trip to my web page. I have approximately 400 snapshots to choose from to make the album. We were to Sicily, Naples, Pompei and the Island with the ancient ruins, and to a marvelous museum.