I bought a new camera a few days before we left on our trip. My goal is to learn how to use it fairly well before the end of our month here. I had been looking at the Canon Rebel for quite some time, and decided that Canon EOS Rebel T3 EOS 1100D would suite my purposes for the next couple of years. I bought the bundle with the 75-300 mm zoom lens.
Of course, I had no time to do anything but unpack and take a couple of test shots, just to make sure it works. This morning, I took out the book and practiced a few simple shots with the lens that comes with the camera. I've had a Canon in the past so I had no trouble with the basic package, using automatic, not manual settings.
The zoom lens was another matter! Bob had to explain how it works and I had trouble inserting the lens properly. Finally, I got the hang of it -- works better when you snap it in right. Not ready to post any pics yet but I'm fairly sure I'll be ready in a few days.
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Meltdown
Too much of everything -- noise, traffic, sun (!), fatigue -- led to a meltdown. Mine, of course. Just getting our stuff up to our condo was a challenge, especially since all the carts and shopping baskets were being used. I managed to grab one as it was being returned but we still made several trips from our vehicle.
We shopped for groceries and I realized as I tried to put them away that this unit is jammed with the owner's stuff, intended to make our stay comfortable but producing the opposite effect. There's the usual beach stuff and fake plants cover every available surface. Enough dinnerware for a family of twelve. Pots and pans jammed into every drawer. Tupperware all over the kitchen and squeezed layers high into storage space. Office supplies in the bedroom. Redundant everything, with the possible exception of sharp knives.
I whined and complained, and Bob wisely said nothing. I did resist the temptation to pitch it all off the balcony, so I am still a free woman this morning. Later today I'll see what I can stow away, and where, for our time here.
I do like the comfy Turkish style carpet in the living area, soothing to my over-stimulated senses.
We shopped for groceries and I realized as I tried to put them away that this unit is jammed with the owner's stuff, intended to make our stay comfortable but producing the opposite effect. There's the usual beach stuff and fake plants cover every available surface. Enough dinnerware for a family of twelve. Pots and pans jammed into every drawer. Tupperware all over the kitchen and squeezed layers high into storage space. Office supplies in the bedroom. Redundant everything, with the possible exception of sharp knives.
I whined and complained, and Bob wisely said nothing. I did resist the temptation to pitch it all off the balcony, so I am still a free woman this morning. Later today I'll see what I can stow away, and where, for our time here.
I do like the comfy Turkish style carpet in the living area, soothing to my over-stimulated senses.
Finally Florida
We left Macon shortly after 8:00 a.m. and were pleasantly surprised by an uncrowded freeway. The Georgia pines gradually gave way to flowering crabs and cherry trees, as well as trees covered with sphagnum moss, which I had to look up to make sure I got the identification right. Cattle grazed in the fields and racehorses seemed to be inviting passers-by to admire them. Where is that Kentucky Derby fancy hat when I need it? I thought about the Keeleys' (Gene Hackman, Dianne West) description of the drive from DC to Key West in The Birdcage, and, like the Senator and his wife, was impressed by the vastness, variety and beauty of the land.
An abrupt change at the Florida Welcome Center where we landed at about 10:30. Palm trees, orange juice, cameras. Full of northerners in their long pants and fleece jackets. A few kids in shorts. We stayed long enough to visit the facilities and then pressed onward. Traffic quickly multiplied and our heavy clothes felt a little uncomfortable in the rising temperatures. Time for AC.
The sides of I-75 are ugly in Florida, full of billboards. All very utilitarian. The brush is so thick that you really can't see much, but I wondered why the buzzards circled periodically over the jungle-like interior.
Traffic became really heavy as we approached Tampa. We finally rolled into The Sunrise Resort shortly after 4:00 p.m.. We're a floor higher this year, and the view is spectacular.
 |
| Welcome to florida |
The sides of I-75 are ugly in Florida, full of billboards. All very utilitarian. The brush is so thick that you really can't see much, but I wondered why the buzzards circled periodically over the jungle-like interior.
Traffic became really heavy as we approached Tampa. We finally rolled into The Sunrise Resort shortly after 4:00 p.m.. We're a floor higher this year, and the view is spectacular.
Pleasant Georgia
Our room at Courtyard by Marriott was so comfortable that we simply put our feet up and relaxed. We were too tired to go out for dinner but the apple, cheese and crackers -- perfect on our first day-- seemed a little light. I decided walk across the courtyard to the little bistro off the lobby. I brought back a made-to-order a turkey BLT on ciabatta with fruit and raw vegetables. Delicious and just right to split between us.
We woke early but rested Saturday morning and had breakfast at the hotel: scrambled eggs for Bob, breakfast tacos for me. The excellent service in this modest hotel were so pleasant that I would return anytime.
We woke early but rested Saturday morning and had breakfast at the hotel: scrambled eggs for Bob, breakfast tacos for me. The excellent service in this modest hotel were so pleasant that I would return anytime.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)