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Sweet Sasha

Our beloved Sasha - she gave us 15 1/2 years of love and companionship.  She was a pound puppy, and was such a good girl.  We are all going to miss her terribly.  The years finally caught up with her in September, 2011.  RIP dear girl.

The Rainbow Bridge - Author unknown

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor, those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing — they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent, his eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face, your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together …

Thunder, Lightning, Wind and Rain - Oh My!

It's not unusual to have evening storms here, particularly in the summer when it's very hot during the day. Yesterday was one of those days, with a high of 95 degrees. You know something is brewing when the skies look like this:

Sure enough, we were in for an electrical storm, the likes I've never seen before. A solid two plus hours of thunder and lightning, with some heavy rain, and 40 mph winds. The rain and wind stopped, and we then had a front-row seat to an unbelievable light show:

Sadly, one person was struck by lightning, and several fires were ignited in the foothills around town. Mother Nature had quite the attitude last night. Here's hoping she finds herself in a better mood for the rest of the summer.

My Search For The "Perfect" Camera Bag(s) - Is It Over??

I've been on the search for the "perfect" camera bag (for me) for years.  I can't count the number of bags I've purchased - and then returned or sold - because they're just not "quite right".  It's kind of been an obsession of mine :P  What I have found is that there is not one single bag that will fit my every need.  So, instead of trying to find something that doesn't exist, I've caved in, and found the "bags" that will work for me - in just about any situation I find myself in.  Now granted, I don't have tons of photo equipment, but I have managed to collect a couple of camera bodies (Canon 7D and Canon Rebel XSi w/battery grip) and a few lenses, along with various and sundry other photography-related items.  I've tried them all (it seems to me, anyway):  Tamrac, Case Logic, Kata, Canon, Crumpler, and probably a few I've forgotten.  

What are my requirements?  Simple (you would think).  

1.  I need one bag that will hold ALL my equipment, plus my MacBook Pro 15" laptop, for traveling purposes.  It has to fit in the overhead bin of any airplane (regional jets included), or under the seat in front of me.  I want everything together - nice and neat - in one place.

2.  I need one bag for walkabouts.  This bag needs to be comfortable to carry all day and have some room in it also, for my wallet, phone, trinkets, souvenirs, a bottle of water, etc.  Oh, and it MUST hold one camera body and my walk-around lens mounted.  Would be nice if I could also slip my 70-200 F/4 in there, as well.  A sling, or shoulder-type bag - purselike - would be great. 

3.  While the above bag will likely take care of most instances, there are times where I need a little more room.  A backpack-type case is good, with plenty of room for camera, with lens mounted, extra lens, and also more room for a jacket (beach towel?), lunch, water, wallet, phone, etc.  I need a bag like this when riding scooters around Key West, or day stops on a nice island while on a cruise  :)  Also, a "rain cover" would be nice (would not have thought this until I got caught in a torrential downpour one day with my camera equipment).  

4.  Bags No. 2 and 3 need to be flexible enough to be folded, stuffed, or otherwise packed into my suitcase to be used when I arrive wherever.  

What have I come up with?  Lowepro to the rescue!   

1.  Lowepro Fastpack 250:  Albeit a bit snug, everything I have, camera-related, fits into the bag, along with my laptop (plus charger).  Room for wallet and phone in the top compartment.  Can even squeeze my iPad in alongside the laptop.  One bag - carry-on - no muss, no fuss.  

 

2. Lowepro Passport Sling:  Almost like carrying a purse!  Hiding inside is my camera with lens mounted, an extra lens (70-200 F/4), wallet, keys, phone, etc.  It expands another 30% with a zipper on the end (in case I have the need to buy something I can't live without - depending upon the size, I have a place to keep it).  

 

3. Lowepro Versapack 200 AW:  For those day trips when I need just a bit more room.  The top section of the bag holds quite a bit of personal stuff - would hold a light jacket, bottled water, wallet, phone, snacks, and even more.  The bottom holds all the camera equipment I would need for a day.  And yes, my iPad slips into the front section.  Should I get caught in a rainstorm - it even has a raincoat :)

 

BONUS:  Both bags No. 2 & 3 are pliable and collapsible enough to fold and fit in my suitcase.  This means, I have both bags with me, and can choose what works for me on any given day :) 

I'm deliriously happy - I do believe my obsessive search may be over (for now anyway - wouldn't want to dismiss the possibility of finding something newer and better down the road).  I highly recommend all the above bags - the quality is excellent on all three.  Of course, everyone has their own personal needs in a bag(s), and you need to find the one(s) that work best for you.  It took me awhile, but for now - success!  Yay Lowepro - and thank you :)  Hmmm, wonder what I can obsess about now ...

 

 

Posted via email from 43° North

Barber Park - Boise

Such a peaceful place this time of year. No cars, no people, just you and nature.

Posted via email from 43° North

Barbacoa

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Out of all the restaurants in town (and there are many!), this is one of my favorites. I mean, any restaurant where the ceiling is lined with wine bottles has to be good, yes?

Posted via email from 43° North