Red Hot Poker

These are Red Hot Pokers (kniphofia uvaria), otherwise known as torch lilies. I took this photos with the new Lumix camera this past Tuesday to test the intelligent automatic or IA setting.

Because it was midday, the sun was almost directly overhead. The camera read the setting for strong shadows then automatically fired the flash to compensate.

This is an interesting plant to watch bloom. The stalk grows to 12 to 18 inches, then thicken at the end. This area turns orange at the top and teardrop shaped "petals" form. These continue to grow up in orange rows giving the effect of a slow motion skyrocket, particularly appropriate for this time of year.

Here is a photo I just took with the old digital camera. You can see how the blooms are now moving up the end of the stalk. Soon the red hot pokers will cool back to green.

John's IKEA Project

I am so proud of John and the way he took the initiative to assemble this drawer unit. It's for the IKEA room divider that separates his side of the room from Janine's. Take a look at this slide show for the full story.

New Camera

My wonderful family gave me a combined Birthday and Father's Day gift- a brand new digital camera.

It was a difficult decision, but I bought a Panasonic Lumix that you see here. The reviews are very complementary with an admonition to make sure you read the instructions! There are many settings that can be adjusted to optimize the photos.

But if there was one reason to buy this camera it is the five letters on the lens- Leica. I have always wanted one ever since my high school days. This is about the best way to own one too. One of the online reviews singled this camera out as a great value because of it. But a great price with a coupon at Costco helped too!

That's why you see this interesting packaging. Premium cameras packaged in large point of sale bubble packaging was a bit strange to me. Even the Nikon DSLRs were packaged that way. But one can appreciate it as a way to discourage and defeat shoplifting.

In the coming posts look for test photos and videos from this great new camera.

Drama Camp Week One

Sarah had a great time at drama camp last week. So much that she has returned this week. The teachers and assistants are a great crew that really inspire the kids to not only learn the techniques of acting, but also hard work and treating each other in a decent manner.

John and Janine join Sarah this week. The first day went well so here's to the rest of the week.

(Hope you like the video slide show. We made it on iPhoto in no time at all.)

Vacation Bible School

Last week was Vacation Bible School at our church. Here's Janine sitting with her class that consisted mainly of girls from her Brownie troop. I recognized many of the girls and parents and couldn't figure out why until I spotted one of the leaders I knew.

John was just about the oldest participant, so I think this is his last year for VBS. At least that is his expectation.

We haven't stopped running since the end of school at the end of May. There is a lot to update. We will try to fit it in the next few days.