Verna and Bob's Weblog

New Camera Preliminary Evaluation

composite.jpgAbout a week and a half ago, I blogged about a new camera I ordered. Yesterday, the post office delivered my new Canon SX40 HS.

I unpacked the box last night and followed the getting started instructions this morning.

Image: composite of four photos I took today – click to enlarge.

As soon as I finalized the order last week, I downloaded the users manuals from the Canon website. I browsed through the manual to get familiar with the camera’s controls and specifications which gave me a head start on operations.

So, several times today, I took the camera outside and shot some sample photos. The top left image above is a bird perched in a mesquite tree about fifty feet away. At top right is a view of the home taken this morning. Bottom left is a neighbors flagpole taken at a range of about 400 feet. Finally, bottom right is a Cleveland sage flower I took in the courtyard this afternoon.

I am reasonably pleased with the performance, notably the telephoto images. The image stabilizer works much better on this camera than the old one. Close up photos aren’t usually my thing, but I think the camera performed well on those as well.

Speaking of the bird in the photo above, you may be able to help me identify the species. It is black with white stripes on the bottom of its wings, has a topknot like a jay or cardinal, jumps into the sir like a mocking bird dancing and has a whistle-like call ascending in pitch like a human whistling for a dog to come. You can click here for a large view of this bird. We can’t find it in any of our bird reference books.

March 9, 2012 by Critters Photography Retirement

Cool Weather Fashions

The last of the cold weather is just about behind of us and spring starts in a couple of weeks. While the nights are still a little cool, the days are beginning to be warm enough that the puppies won’t be needing their knitted sweaters until late next fall. Bob took this photo last week when we were having a brisk fifty-something day. The dogs were comfortable though with their colorful winter garb. Click on the image to enlarge.

cool-fashions.jpg

March 8, 2012 by Arizona Critters Photography Retirement

Adjusting the BP Meds

sphygmo.jpgThe Good Samaritan Hospital Trauma Center in Phoenix had me wired up to the vital signs monitor after I was admitted following my Humpty Dumpty experience. Thankfully, all the vitals looked good (heart rate, respiration rate, oxygen levels, etc.) except that my blood pressure was curiously lower than I would expect having not taken my BP meds that morning. Indeed, even after spending the night in the hospital, my blood pressure remained normal or a bit lower still despite having taken no BP meds for the second day in a row.

Image: Wrist band blood pressure monitor showing normal reading

Almost two weeks after the incident, I was at the Community Clinic to have the staples removed. During the visit, the Medical Assistant took my blood pressure. It was quite low – like 97 over 53. The PCP discussed this with me and told me to cut the meds in half. That was a week ago.

I got out my little wrist band sphygmomanometer today and took several readings. The at rest readings were still a little low, on the order of 105 over 65, but with normal activity the readings looked quite normal. I am due to go in for another follow-up next week and will further discuss the readings as well as take my wrist model along to see how it stacks up with the clinic’s sphygmo-whatever.

March 7, 2012 by Retirement

More Lithops Flowers

I put the pot with lithops succulents outside the patio where the morning sun can shine on them. All I can say is that they must like it there. These are the three latest flowers produced this early spring. Click on the image to enlarge.

lithops.jpg

March 6, 2012 by Arizona Flowers Home & Garden Photography

The Spa is Operational

spa-open.jpgYesterday, we filled the spa and turned on the heater. I checked the PH balance this morning and the chemicals I added yesterday were right on (chlorine crystals and clarifier tablets).

The water isn’t as clear as we’ve seen it, but the clarity will improve as we use the spa this spring and maintain the proper chemical balance. It improved last summer and fall.

The water, however, was nice and warm at 100 °. The weather cooperated and this afternoon peaked at 80° (see inset time/temp) which is warm enough to use the spa without freezing your a$$ when getting out. Tomorrow is also forecast to be nice, so we may take another dip before the expected cool front moves through on Wednesday.

Today’s spa session was for about 15 minutes before we got out. Staying in too long isn’t recommended, so we’re taking it easy by limiting our relaxation. We ran the air bubbles for a few minutes which added to the relaxation.

Another grueling day of retirement. 😉 Image courtesy of my Canon SX110 IS robot. Click to enlarge.

March 5, 2012 by Arizona Climate Leisure Retirement

Early Spring Activities

It’s not officially spring yet, but here in the high Sonaran desert, the weather patterns are close enough. I spent the morning pruning the citrus trees that were nearly destroyed by javelina last fall. Fortunately, it looks like there’s enough green wood left that the “orchard” consisting of one lemon tree and one orange tree may recover when spring and summer kick in.

We also cleaned out the spa and filled it up. Maybe by tomorrow, weather and tub temperature permitting, we may take a dip. 😀

Verna and I kicked off our spring barbecue season by putting an inch-and-a-half thick T-bone steak on the grill. Ten minutes per side over medium heat and this gorgeous choice steak was perfect. She got the tenderloin and I got the strip. Both were excellent when served with asparagus, savory roasted sweet potato chunks and sautéed mushrooms. Click on the image to enlarge.

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March 4, 2012 by Arizona Food and Dining Retirement

Avalon 1998

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