Friday, September 15, 2006

All the Travel and Camera News That's Fit to Print I spent the early part of the week in Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood, then Orlando, Florida. What made it different was that I drove from the Hollywood area to Orlando with the Pelican case in the back of the SUV. I got to experience a microcosm of Florida weather in one day. I drove through bands of torrential rain punctuated by brief displays of a blinding sun, fighting drowsiness in the latter part of the three hour drive. I managed the 200+ miles with the help of a Starbucks along the way.  I also stopped in Port St. Lucie (I think that is the name) and had a late, but awesome, lunch at a cafe called Long Island Little Italy. Chicken parma and spaghetti, with some special Italian bread for $5.95. Wow. I got home late Wednesday and was met at the door by guess who...yes, the RiverDogs were there to say hello the best way possible. With bodies a-wagging, and heavy breathing, Sydney, Hallie and Kathy all gave me a big hug. It sure is nice to get back home! Oh, and my Rolleiflex had arrived and was waiting for me on the dining table. I was on the phone with Kathy on Monday as she unpacked the camera, so I already knew that it looked pretty good. But looks are only skin deep - it was vital to pick up the camera and turn the knobs, check the condition of the leather, use the focusing screen. You know, all that camera stuff. Well I have to tell you, this is one very fine piece of craftsmanship. The camera is over 50 years old and has the look and feel of something that can last forever. I am very excited to run a roll of film through it and see the results. (I got film yesterday and loaded it last night.) I know that people get very excited about the newest and the latest - I do too. But that excitement pales in comparison to what I am feeling about this vintage photographic instrument, a mechanical masterpiece, that I am holding in my hands. Okay, that is enough for today. I am looking forward to Leander football tonight and the Austin City Limits Music Festival this weekend. I will be back tomorrow to give you a preview of who we will be listening to on Sunday - and to give you the football score from tonight's game. For now, it is RiverDogs out. 6:04:02 AM    comment []

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