Unutterably Silly So what are you doing RIGHT NOW?

[WT Sharpe]

Originally Posted by Stitchawl

Some years ago, in a PetCo in Miami to pick up some toys, I was captivated watch an open tray of baby parakeets playing. I always like parakeets as pets, but my wife is allergic to them. I get my craving satiated by watching them in pet shops instead. So there I was, standing for several minutes enjoying the budgies when the young sales clerk came over and asked if she could help me find something. I replied; "Yes, I looking for some really fun toys for my cat." The clerk let out a small yelp of 'Oh my God!' when I realized I was staring at the baby birds when I said that...


Stitchawl

That had me laughing out loud. Literally.

[Stitchawl]

Originally Posted by WT Sharpe

That had me laughing out loud. Literally.

Thing of it was, I really was only watching and enjoying the baby parakeets. I had no thoughts of giving them to Felicity, so it never crossed my mind when I answered the clerk's question. I didn't realize how she took it for a second or two.


Stitchawl

[Gazella]

Originally Posted by Rumpelteazer

I just called the doctor and I'm very relieved now.

About six weeks ago I got prescribed cortisone cream for eczema (stress related I'm convinced), which was really bad. After it had worked I was able to keep it under mostly under control with Cetaphil lotion and tea tree oil, but at times those didn't work and I had to use the cortisone cream, often just once or twice was enough.

But, I only have a little of the prescribed cream left and I'm going away on vacation next week. I was afraid that if I asked for it again I had to come by and I would be either referred to a specialist or would get another prescription (the cortisone cream I got is very strong).

I just called, because I don't want to be without next week when I'm not at home, and the assistant talked to the doctor and I can pick up a new tube at the pharmacy after 3pm today.

I'm now so relieved I won't be without it next week, chances are now that I don't need it, but if I was without I would.

I have eczema as well but it's all under control now. Discovered it was genetics but if I use scented soap/shampoo, my hands get really itchy and the eczema would come back instantly. So I tend to wash with non scented. I use BetaGalen Creme, it's really good, treats eczema in a couple of days only. I think it's an OTC product, I get it from another country since it's not available where I live.

I hope your eczema is cured now. I know how it feels, really annoying.

[Johns1NOnly]

yelling at myself since by mistakenly gave someone the wrong email to send me money on papal i don't remember putting the wrong email i thought i had it correct when i the private message but it switch somehow lucky for me it was me selling my yarn and not my ereaders

[Stitchawl]

Editing photos... I've pared 700 down to 137. Still have more to cull... And I haven't even touched last nights Lantern Festival yet. But I shot this early this morning from my eastern window as I arose to the rosy fingers of dawn (Thank you, Mr. Homer.)




Stitchawl

[Lady Blue]

Breathtaking!

[Jessica Lares]

Great picture! I LOVE those clouds.

[Rumpelteazer]

Beautiful picture!
It makes me want to get a better camera but I know I won't use it enough to justify the cost.

I'm home again after a relaxing week. I'm already missing the views over the water, the quietness and the central heating .

Yesterday afternoon we had a little visitor in the "winter garden" (conservatory on the balcony), a little sparrow. It didn't get in through the windows or door because those were closed. The only way it could have gotten in was through the narrow drain, there's a short pipe attached to it leading outside. When handing in the keys I reported it.

[Bilbo1967]

Feeling a bit smug. The town I live in has just been adjudged the best place to live in the UK.

[Stitchawl]

Originally Posted by Rumpelteazer

Beautiful picture!
It makes me want to get a better camera but I know I won't use it enough to justify the cost.

Thanks, but you can take photos like this with almost any camera, even one in a mobile phone. It requires only three things; having the camera on a tripod (which may be the most important element,) taking several different exposure settings (also VERY important) so you can choose the one that works best for you. And last being there at the right time, which is either planning or luck. The more you plan, the luckier you get.

I've seen your photos and they are damn good! But using a tripod would make them even better, and taking control of your exposure (stop using 'Auto' mode) would round out the bill! You don't need a 'better' camera. You already understand composition from your painting. Learn to use the other three buttons on the camera you have. You'll be amazed at what you can do with it then!

Stitchawl

[Rumpelteazer]

Originally Posted by Stitchawl

Thanks, but you can take photos like this with almost any camera, even one in a mobile phone. It requires only three things; having the camera on a tripod (which may be the most important element,) taking several different exposure settings (also VERY important) so you can choose the one that works best for you. And last being there at the right time, which is either planning or luck. The more you plan, the luckier you get.

I've seen your photos and they are damn good! But using a tripod would make them even better, and taking control of your exposure (stop using 'Auto' mode) would round out the bill! You don't need a 'better' camera. You already understand composition from your painting. Learn to use the other three buttons on the camera you have. You'll be amazed at what you can do with it then!

Stitchawl

Thank you for the complements.
I think my main problem when it comes to both photography and drawing that I haven't got the patience. When I got my camera I picked one which had the ability for manual settings, and I figured it out. But since I don't take pictures often I have forgotten and use the auto-settings. I found a not too expensive tripod with two levellers online which I might get. I think I might set myself the task to go out and take pictures once a week or so.

Can you recommend a good (not too expensive) programme for doing basic photo editing? I though I had one installed but I can't find it anywhere.

My sister and I have decided to go to Amsterdam next week, we both want to visit the newly renovated Rijksmuseum. Nearby the museum is my favourite art-store so I might have to drag her with me .

I'm now ordering the BBC Countryfile calendar, a must for me as Anglophile and lover of nature photography (plus part of the money goes to a good cause).

[poohbear_nc]

I'm trying to find the gumption to take my after dinner walk - now that winter has returned ...

[WT Sharpe]

I just came in from my front yard where I was watching this rocket go into orbit. Until it lifted off, I was watching the countdown live on my iPad. The launch was sweet, but could in no wise come close to the impressive display I witnessed once during a rare daytime Shuttle launch at Cape Canaveral.

[ProfCrash]

Back to the gym due to the return of cold weather. Boooooo

[WT Sharpe]

Then again, I was considerably further from the Wallops Island launch site. At the Kennedy Space Center, I believe we were within a mile or two of the launch pad.