Still confused by the Ti4

Spent a lot of time trying to master the settings of my new Canon, and it still is not up to par in terms of the fuzzy focus issues. I know that a small aperture gives wide sharp pictures....usually...but not consistently on this camera?????

I did buy a sling strap that allows the camera to slide up easily for a shot and hangs upside down and protected by your hip and hand.

Golf Cart sitting is fun

This was a Pensacola Beach Family Gathering from 30 plus years ago.

The Church owns an old golf cart which works fine and is available to me. It goes 8 mph and the newer ones go 15mph. Twice this month I have driven my friend Marvins cart, or his wife's more technically, to keep it from losing charge, and as I drive to the course to play, to lunch, I get the feeling of how functional it is when you are retired to have one car and one cart. There are a few tricky crossovers on Riggs, but all doable.

Getting the last lists checked for our departure to the Old South early next week.

Empty Chairs and Empty Tables

Saw the Shelby GT racer in the gym parking lot recently.

This office recarpeting has coincided with my personal vacation is such a way as to make even office computing temporary as the power cords are all packed up. Therefore, when I leave the office today I am on our official vacation from June 14 through June 30.

I have some spiritual plans that require the time away, and some family joys that allow the joys of travel, and time to pursue the joy of travel photography, which will be shared often in this blog and on facebook. I am hoping as we all do for safe travel and steady health during that time away. I know the needs of the weekly church gathering will be ably filled.

Had a fulfilling morning with friends at an early breakfast discussing what the gospel has done for the world, and God's hope that we grow up and be mature and complete in Him, and thereby serve the world with the new commandment.

Father's Day for me in recent years has become a celebration of the Father's love for the lost sons and daughters of Adam, who inherit a new promise with the completed work of Christ.

It is also the traditional time for the U.S. Open Golf Tourney and I will enjoy watching the golfers play a specifically challenge test of their skill under pressure to the highest prize in Golf, a major win.

The streets of Paris

The new recumbent bicycle at the Gym has programed rides through major cities and sites. You reward is to reach the Eiffel Tower.
It was quite diverting and enjoyable and with background street sounds and music as well.

This bike is so great as it helps new people get going without stress on the joints and back, it gets a lot of use and we enjoy biking as part of our aerobic mix.

My office is empty and we are officially on vacation beginning Friday, with a departure from town next week.

Loving what is

I was tired last night

Busy day yesterday enjoyed our volunteers who assemble our lunches for the Phoenix Rescue Mission Hope Coach distibution. Drove our food and water to the mission 30 miles aways seeing as we do briefly, an Indian Reservation on the way, drove by the vast complex that is Joe Arpaio's army against crime and drug use and illegal immigration and then to the mission where tons of food arrives early in the week from stores and farms and local ministries to feed the homeless and struggling folks.

In and out of several worlds, all broken, yet all working to make things a bit better in this present world.

Then we were invited to dance at a local Casino with some friends who love to dance. Once again on Indian property, these late afternoon gatherings of retirees allow them to enjoy the pure pleasure of moving to the beat of the really fine music. As our hosts commented, everyone here is just having fun. We saw a couple who were 87 and 84 who have been dancing together every week for the long marriage and still laughing and moving and showing true affection in their dance. The Hispanic band played some of the most beautiful mexican dancing music, and all the old favs these folks remember from their own youth. "I found my thrill, on Blueberry hill"!!!!

One of our goals as we approach retirement in a few years is to revive that rhythm in our own dancing life. We are making slow progress, but with that crowd, the effort is all that counts. Of course, I will not become one of the poor people sitting at those ringing machines smoking like chimney stacks. Gambling and smoking see to be shared addictions.

In and out of so many different worlds in one day, and if I had a God's eye view, how many worlds and cultures does He see around the world, how much daily struggle, daily joy, daily fun, and daily heartbreak. Believing He cares means a lot to me.

Sharing my pulpit for a good purpose

Learned about missions in Thailand, a country where the sins of the west are destroying the culture. Teen pregnancy, alcoholism, sex trafficking.

Still people are finding hope, and education and purpose in the Gospel work going on.

The Big Island

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We enjoyed an evening with friends who helped us to make decisions about enjoying Hawaii on our fall trip. They caught the Aloha spirit and have visited all the islands, but the big Island became their favorite, and we were interested to find out why.

We now have a much better idea of the place to stay that fits us, the top ten sites to visit, and some eating places they enjoyed. We are looking forward to this trip a great deal. What did they say as to why it was a favorite.....it's BIG.

Once, at the end of an extended stay, husband told wife he had figured out a plan that they could afford to live there, and what did she think.....after a pause, she replied. "I sure will miss you". Too cute.