Wanted . . . Nikon D90 (Used)

A Nikon D90 camera body, used and in good working condition.
And, if anyone out there in the blog world has one equipped with the original “kit” lens,18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 ED let me know.

This is not a new Nikon camera model having been first introduced in the fall of 2008, but apparently it is a very popular one. It’s only a 12.3MP model compared to ones with upwards of 14 and 16MP.

My interest in buying one is that it’s now become a way to get back into digital SLR photography, an area which I virtually abandoned several years ago after selling my Canon digital Rebel (original 6MP model) and later a Pentax digital SLR. Years before that I was into 35mm SLR film cameras, notably Pentax Spotmatic models.

So, why the renewed interest, you may ask (and even if you didn’t)?

If you read yesterday’s post, you know my fondness for thrift stores. I volunteer at a local one and shop at others. Several weeks ago, someone donated a Nikon N6006 film 35mm SLR and 2 AF Nikkor lenses (35-70mm and 70-210mm). Years ago, I wanted to own a 35mm SLR with these focal length lenses, even considered buying a Nikkormat (remember that?) to use them. The person who donated this equipment had taken good care of it. You can just tell that when it came with Tiffen filters on the lenses, front and rear caps, camera body, manual. Everything was packaged in a Tamrac carrying bag and even a new 6V lithium battery were included.

The thrift store put the entire package up for sale. Some interested folks, alas no buyers. Then, I listed it on eBay during their free listings – twice. The price was really low with “lookers”, but no buyers. So, I offered to buy the outfit and my offer was accepted. I didn’t want the camera body (it’s relisted on eBay, really cheap) or the carrying bag (a friend is interested in that).

Here’s all I wanted – these 2 lenses.
Now that I own them, the search is on for a  digital SLR – Nikon D90 ‘cause I can’t afford a D300 or 700, even used.
Remember, I like to shop at thrift stores.

And, if the used Nikon D90 includes the earlier mentioned “kit” 18-105mm lens, well another lens is always a “good” thing too.

Since many blog readers are either experienced photographers – or perhaps have photographer friends with used equipment, please spread the word that I would like to buy a used (and working) Nikon D90. And, of course, will pay the shipping costs (USPS flat rate priority mail boxes are great).
Just let me know in the comments or (if you prefer) send an email.

Thanks ALL

Who Needs Freeport?

When Grenville and I were on our fall road trip to Maine, we couldn’t miss a trip to Freeport, outlet capital of New England.

All we spent was time, cause we didn’t see anything we thought was a real bargain . . .WHY?

Cause we’ve found better deals closer to home and there’s not even an outlet store within driving distance. In fact, the closest mall and “big box” stores are a 90-minute drive.

What we DO have are thrift stores – 3 of them less than 5 miles from our home. One day a week, a couple offer 10% discounts to seniors. HEY, that’s us!

Anyway, WHO needs Freeport when there’s bargains on brand names like these close to home?

In the past few weeks, I’ve bought a Patagonia jacket, Eddie Bauer down vest, Land End scarf, Rockport shoes, gloves (thinsulate insulation) and almost TAG Heuer watch (more on this deal later).

These are brands I would never buy at the retail prices charged, even at the outlet stores.

Guess what I paid for ALL this stuff?  C’mon venture a number.

Are you ready? Hope you’re sitting down for this amount.

(The watch is a knockoff; the “made in China” label is hidden inside the back case. It looks authentic and with a new battery it’s been running fine, just like the Eeyore character watch bought last summer at a thrift store.)

Less than $20, including 5% state sales tax.

The side trip to Freeport was interesting, but we like shopping at home, where the bargains are much better and cost less!

Besides, everything has already been broken in, especially the shoes.

You Never Know . . .

What you will find left behind in books – scraps of paper, notes, bookmarks, clipped newspaper or magazine articles, old photos.

And then there’s the totally unexpected “find”  like this brochure found while sorting through the library’s book sale table last week.

Reliable Birth Control, a 1930s pamphlet distributed by Lanteen Laboratories, incorporated in Illinois in August 1928.

The man shown on the cover wasn't a medical doctor of any type, but a professional model, according to author Andrea Tone in Devices & Desires: A History of Contraceptives in America. There was no Dr. Norman Carr of London. Lanteen had obtained the image from the stock collection of an advertising agency.

The imposingly-named Medical Bureau of Information on Birth Control, was a paper organization and a subsidiary of  Lanteen Laboratories.

This was a profitable deception. In the 1930s, Lanteen sold over 14 million copies at a cost of 10 cents each. The below ad is from the National Eclectic Medical Association Quarterly, Vol. 26, 1934-35.
NOTE: Eclectic medicine was a branch of American medicine which made use of botanical remedies along with other substances and physical therapy practices, popular in the latter half of the 19th and first half of the 20th centuries. Eclectic medicine is practiced in a modernized form today, mainly by medical herbalists and not physicians.

Lanteen Laboratories implied that methods used or recommended were “sure, safe, scientific” and “never fail.” The company offered various mechanical contraceptive devices for sale (condoms, cervical caps, etc.) and medicinal preparations for local application. The latter were all given the generic name “Lanteen” and differentiated by colors for specific groups of women:

Lanteen Green — for the bride or wives who have not yet borne children.  Lanteen Blue —  for the bride or the mother of one child. Lanteen Russet — for the mother of two or more . Lanteen Rose — for the middle-aged mother of several children.

Price ranges for Lanteen preparations ranged from $1.25 (Lanteen Green) to $2.50 (Lanteen Russet). While not costly by today’s standards, this was a significant amount during the 1920-1930s depression years in the U.S.

NOTE: Lanteen Laboratories was not affiliated with the Birth Control Clinical Research Bureau started in 1923. This was the first legal birth control clinic in the U.S. opened in NYC by Margaret Sanger, founder of Planned Parenthood.

You never know WHAT you will find in a used book – maybe a LOT more than you ever wanted (or needed) to know – this week I found a 1999 hotel bill from the May Fair Inter-Continental Hotel in London. and someone’s W-2 form. (Both were discarded.)

The things you can find in books !
(Try doing this with an electronic book.)

Getting a little behind?????

Yep, that was the question the Princess put to me today. Of course she was referring to my lack of posts. She thinks i can’t cut the mustard so here is my ketchup post. (Dang i love a good pun,,, but i like even a bad pun).
So as most of you know we started the Valentines weekend on Saturday with a nice Slow Roast of Beast with Special House Horseradish Sauce, some Baked Butternut and Pumpkin topped with Pecans (what else) and sautéed Green Beans and Stewed Tomatoes (one of Beatrice’s specialty dishes). And if you were worried about our diets, this was all on it. Only problem was the lack of Fudge Sauce on the Butternut and Pumpkin. Needless to say, there were no prisoners taken.
Sunday was a jaunt through Chincoteague Refuge on bikes. Left with a wind burnt and frozen face. I wanted to stop at the Island Clinic and Creamery but they said my insurance was used up. We opted for “Jack’s Insurance” coverage. We get 2 aspirin, 3 band aids and $50 hospitalization at the clinic each month. So instead we got a Rotisserie Chicken on the way home.  And last night was a special dinner at ANNIE’s (where butter is a food group).
Yesterday started the Mutton Hunk Fen Project. Well actually it is a continuation of the project we started 2 years ago. The first year we replanted 35 acres, the next year was 50 acres and this year we will replant 75 acres. BUT i’ve already told you this, so i will just put up the pictures.



 








Most of my work was in field 2 and 3. The afternoon temps got up to 68F which would have been really nice if it hadn’t been for the 30 mph winds. We have a crew of AmeriCorps folks helping us so there had to be specific instructions given for the planting.

The bottom right is the one i love the best. As always, Green side UP, Brown side DOWN. Its amazing that some folks (college grads like these) occasionally need some reminding of this concept. Of course when questioned about this we always tell  the truth,,, “The Chinese don’t like these plants popping up in their rice paddies”. Some times a globe is necessary for this Geographical theorem to sink in. My job was the really technical one. I walked the rows after the plants had been set (not planted yet) in the pre-drilled holes and tied a piece of Red Plastic Tape onto the plants so they would be visible when the undergrowth began taking over. Tomorrow will be another day on the fen and in all truth i am really looking forward to it.

Animal Attraction

Today is Valentine’s Day  that special day reserved to celebrate with your sweetheart and love – hopefully one and the same person.

Grenville and I will be celebrating later tonight with dinner at a favorite local restaurant. We’ve invited a special couple to join us.

We hope that you take time today to let your Special Someone know how much he/she means to you – and remember to do it not just this one day, but Every Day.

Just for fun, here are some “couples” together.

Birds snuggle . . .

Insects do it . . .

Animals get together . . .

Frogs get together . . .

Penguins too . . .

Why shouldn’t you?

Happy  Everyone

A Seed Spreader !

This challenge stumped everyone!

NO one got it exactly right, but a couple of folks were really “warm”  and share get almost right  braggin rights:  Rusty (Rusty’s Retreat) and Ginnie (Goldendaze Ginnie).

Rusty thought it was either part of a tractor, but only a green and yellow painted tractor resides at the Frog & PenguINN). Ginnie thought it was a piece of farm equipment.

So, What is it?

It’ a seed spreader that Grenville attaches to the back of his JDeere tractor and uses for spreading grass seed, fertilizer and lime at the F&P mini-farm. It’s found in the back yard near the tractor shed.

It’s found in the back yard on the side of the tractor shed.

 

 

Better luck next time, everyone  and Thanks for having fun. Congratulations, again Rusty and Ginnie.

Grenville Returns

and seems better than ever. Of course that’s one of those statements that may need a little qualification. AND thanks go out to all of you that sent get well wishes, and to those that didn’t,,,,, well you know who you are (and so do i). My stay at the Betty White Clinic and Creamery did the trick, and i lost some weight too (what a deal). For the rest of the week i have been in the green house working on a new Hybrid of the Fudge Tree. I realize that it doesn’t look like much now,  but wait till it blooms.

And since we are in the green house, the Spinach is starting to look like Spinach. The Broccoli, Cauliflower and Scallions still have their cotyledon   leaves but are doing well. Hopefully we will see some edible results in a few weeks.

Tomorrow starts a new project for a group i belong to , Master Naturalists (no not the ones who run through the woods nekid!!!!), as we start reclaiming another 75 acres of a  former farm as part of a Natural Area Preserve for the VA. Dept. of Conservation and Recreation. This will be the third area we have reclaimed on this farm in three years. Our starting method is to plant Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera) bushes which are a native species here and a fast grower. They are very similar to the northern Bayberry (Myrica pensylvanica) and have the same type of berries which provide great food and habitat for the birds and other critters.  Eventually Loblolly Pines (Pinus taeda) will take over through natural succession. More pictures from this tomorrow.

But now it is time for for another romantic movie,, “French Kiss” with Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline.

What is This? – Valentine’s Special in RED

WHAT is this ?
Something RED for Valentine’s Day.

HINT: It has nothing to do with Feb 14. The pine straw at the bottom just happens to be there; this tells you that this IS outdoors (always, you will see why later.)

PRIZE?  Braggin’ rights – that’s all, folks.

After all, it’s being RIGHT that counts – isn’t it?  Ask braggers, Marty,  Possum, Sandra, and Technogran.

Valentine’s Day Movies

Grenville and Beatrice – that’s US – really love romantic movies. We’re watching several this weekend to celebrate Hearts Day.  Here’s some of our choices . . .

What’s more romantic than a classic big screen kiss?

Gone with the Wind (1939)
This film is an American classic in which a manipulative woman and a roguish man carry on a turbulent love affair in the American south during the Civil War and Reconstruction.
"You need kissing badly," Rhett Butler (Clark Gable) told Scarlett O’Hara (Vivien Leigh) in this 1939 epic. "You should be kissed, and often. And by someone who knows how."

When Harry Met Sally (1989)
This romantic comedy started a debate as to whether men and women could be friends. “You realize of course that we could never be friends . . .because the sex part always gets in the way.” says Harry Burns (Billy Crystal) to Sally Albright (Meg Ryan).
Then there’s the deli scene and the pair's New Year's Eve reconciliation. As Harry told Sally: "I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with someone, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible."
Pretty Woman (1990)
"I don't kiss on the mouth," Vivian (Julia Roberts) warns Edward (Richard Gere) at the beginning of this movie. So when she does, it's pivotal. The audience understands that she's come to regard Edward as more than a client. But that kiss can't beat the one at the ending, after Edward “rescues” Vivian on her fire escape and she promises to “rescue him” right back.

Prelude to a Kiss (1992)
Peter Hoskins (Alec Baldwin) and Rita Boyle (Meg Ryan) fall in love despite her pessimistic outlook. As they struggle to come to terms with their relationship, something supernatural happens that tests it.
The title is from the 1938 song by Duke Ellington performed by Deborah Harry during the film’s opening. There’s also a Cole Porter song, Every Time We Say Goodbye,in the film.

French Kiss (1995)
Kate (Meg Ryan), who fear flying, flies to France to confront her straying fiancé, Charlie (Timothy Hutton) but gets into trouble when a French thief Luc Teyssier (Kevin Kline) seated next to her uses her for smuggling.
Luc later tutors Kate on how to get her beau back from the Parisian beauty he’s run off with.

Casablanca (1942)
This film has it all: romance, wartime adventure, and suspense and was our recent date night choice.
We never tire of hearing Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) and Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman) ask Sam to play their song. Set in unoccupied Africa during the early days of World War II: An American expatriate meets a former lover, with unforeseen complications
.

Sleepless in Seattle (1989)
Sam Baldwin (Tom Hanks), an architect, loses his wife to cancer. He and his young son Jonah start new lives in Seattle, but Sam still grieves. On Christmas Eve, Sam’s son, Jonah, calls into a talk radio, advice show. He, on the advice of the radio show host, persuades Sam to go on the air to talk about how much he misses his wife. Hundreds of women from around the country hear the program, and touched by the story, write to Sam.
Annie Reed (Meg Ryan), a Baltimore Sun reporter, is listening and though engaged to Walter, feels there is something missing. After watching the 1957 film An Affair to Remember (starring Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr) Annie  writes a letter suggesting that Sam meet her on top of the Empire State Building on Valentine's Day.

The film borrows from An Affair to Remember in using both its theme song and clips from the film in critical scenes. The climactic meeting at the top of the Empire State Building is a reference to a reunion between Grant and Kerr’s characters
.
You’ve Got Mail (1998)
Joe Fox (Tom Hanks) is the owner of a bookstore chain; Kathleen Kelly (Meg Ryan) owns a small bookstore that his company is trying to shut down. They meet online through email the woman he falls for online. Both are unaware that they are business rivals.
The film is a remake of the 1940 film, The Shop Around the Corner which starred James Stewart and Margaret Sullivan. Two employees at a gift shop can barely stand one another, without realizing that they're falling in love through the post as each other's anonymous pen pal.

There was also a 1949 musical remake, In the Good Old Summertime starring Judy Garland and Van Johnson.

It's turn of the century America when Andrew Larkin (Johnson) and Veronica Fisher (Garland) meet by crashing into each other; he destroys her hat and they develop an instant and mutual dislike which intensifies. Later on, Andrew is forced to hire Veronica as a saleslady at Oberkugen's music store. What the two don't know is that while they argue and fight during the day, they are engaged in an innocent, romantic and completely anonymous relationship through the post office.

What are Your Valentine’s weekend plans?

5 Things When Leaving Home

Steve (Out on the Prairie) recently “tagged” me in a quest he was passing on to see what 5 things folks carried when leaving home.

Here’s what usually in the back seat + cargo area of my Jeep: reusable tote bags, bungee cords, assorted supplies  (windshield washer fluid, blanket, first aid kit, etc.), folding chair, backpack.
And the back seat passenger is always “Purple Bear”  according to the name on his shirt. He always usually has his seat belt strapped.
Purple Bear was a gift from Grenville from a flea market find years ago and he’s always ridden in whatever vehicle I own, and has his own cap too cause “It’s a Jeep thing.”
What 5 things can’t you be without when leaving your house?