Pentax Optio E-60

So far I am pretty impressed with the Pentax. There is a bit of a lag, but not too bad, een the with the flash the recycle is pretty quick. I've been shooting on the same batteries for the last week and this camera hasn't drained them as did the Canon. The Sureshot would eat the batteries in a matter of minutes when I was taking shots of the grandson and the recycle time got to be in the seconds as the batteries wore down - not good when shooting a busy little boy!

Cameras

I buy one more camera and Mrs. Phos is going to hit me with a stick. Problem is I am searching for a small point-and-shoot I can easily schlep with me. Originally went with a Canon Sureshot because I've had a lot of luck with Canon cameras. I have two DSLRs that work well and an S3 that is smaller but takes some real crisp shots, even at long range. Too big for my pocket, however. The Sureshot ws horrid. The lag time after tripping the shutter was horrendous and cycling between shots, particularly with the flash was too long to be of any use. I am carrying a pentax now and though it isn't as small as I'd like, I am pretty impressed so far...

Mexican Organ Pipe Cactus in Bloom

Uncultured? I Don't Think So!

To prove that I am not a total Cro Magnafuque, I want to take a pause for the arts. Ruela is an outstanding artist and has linked up with a collective, which might be even be termed a movement, called "The Factory." If you haven't checked out Ruela's Blog do yourself a favor and wander on over and get yourself a buttload of culture all in one site.Meanwhile here's a link I stole from him giving you a backstage pass to the latest show... See the show.

Not Always a Dry Heat

Had a little rain leading up to the weekend, would that there had been a bit more but when in the desert one has to be content with what he gets. The weather cleared for the weekend so we have that going for us, which is nice. Lacking any lamb, I will grill some bratwurst for lunch. I like to slowly simmer the brats in beer with some onion and a little butter. Then it's off to the grill to crisp them up a bit before serving with some sauteed onions and bell peppers. It's a great way to cap off the weekend...

Welcome Home

Never Forget

That Time of Year

Saguaros are in bloom again...

More Wildlife Fun...

Not A Vulture

My picture taking forays have been kind of limited, but despite working on an Air Force base, there is quite a bit of wild life. This quail was out looking for food, his partner wasn't hanging out to find out what I was up to. The picture came out better then I had hoped, I was up on a bridge with my Canon S3 and the quail was quite a ways away.

Happy Mother's Day to all You Mothers Out There

You know who you are...

Back in the 100s

Looks as though summer has hit the desert, the temps look to be in the 100s for quite some time to come. On the bright side it should drive the snowbirds out of the state, so I have that going for me,which is nice. On the not so bright side yard work is going to be painful.

I miss walking outside and being surrounded by the Wasatch Mountains, they are quite breath taking. We do have mountains here and I used to be able to see them before all the building. The White Tank Mountains aren't far from Tiny House, but they look to be dry piles of rocks when compared to a range such as the Wasatch. Still the White Tanks have a charm of their own and the saguaro growing up the sides are quite a sight.

Courthouse Girls of Farmland: A Short Film

Whilst in the wilds of Utah I was privileged to meet an incredible film maker. This charming, outspoken lady made a short film entitled "Courthouse Girls of Farmland." I was lucky enough to receive a copy of her most excellent film, based on some older matrons of a small town who adopt the idea put forward in "Calendar Girls" and pose for a revealing calendar to bring attention to the fate of the Winchester County Courthouse. Their efforts result in saving the historic building, a monument to the past of a typical Midwestern town.

I watched the documentary and was impressed by the skill and care that went into one of the most interesting and entertaining films I have seen in a long time. I found myself transported to Farmland,the anytown of small farming communities found all through the center of the country, met some of the most interesting, down to earth, and unforgettable characters through the interviews of the "girls," their families, and the people of Winchester County as they took sides in the battle over the courthouse.

I encourage you to check out the Courthouse Girls site above and if you collect short films this one would be a must for your collection.

I loved it so much I had to have the T-shirt!