09/15/07 Early Check in September 15, 2007 Eastern

[captaincrash]

When do you people sleep?

Last nite my older daughter had some sort of "fit-ful" sleep and woke me (I was sleeping lightly). SO I went over to keep her company and ease her back to sleep - and that was why I was up early this morning. Usually I am NOT up in the mid-morning as I often sleep late and awaken relatively late).

So...

... on another note I had lunch with one of my brothers and he agreed to try and pursuade his spouse to sail Disney with us in September! So - maybe I'll have another family joining us. And on the flip side of things - one of the families we sailed with this past September who rebooked with us for this sailing has mentioned they may have to switch their sailing away into 2008. So we might be losing one while possibly gaining another.

Cheers,

 

[JLSE50]

Captain:
You posted this onthe photo of the day thread.

Where were you standing?
Was the MAGIC in her normal docking location?
She looks too close to the family swim area somehow.

Jan

 

[LoriS]

Captain:
You posted this onthe photo of the day thread.

Where were you standing?
Was the MAGIC in her normal docking location?
She looks too close to the family swim area somehow.

Jan

Wow, that's a great picture.

 

[captaincrash]

Captain:
You posted this on the photo of the day thread.

Where were you standing?
Was the MAGIC in her normal docking location?
She looks too close to the family swim area somehow.

Jan

I was about dead center on the Family Beach in front of the section of sand in front of the BBQ area. I would estimate (poor est.) that it was 125-175 yards away from the SHACK in the foreground. I used a long telephoto lense to "compress" the picture elements - otherwise the Magic and Shack are where they ordinarily are.

Below are a cople of wide angle shots that were "clipped" (cropped) to simulate a panoramic shot.

And here (below at the bottom) is an original uncut frame. See how I choose to elimenate all the distracting clutter? What I am sacrificing is the resolution and the EDGE sharpness. Most lenses are capable of high sharpnesss near the center... and most lenses suffer from sharpness and illumination drop off (dark and fuzzy edges and corners) ... and in some cheaper lenses the brightness and sharpness drop off is quite severe. Typically, this is more prevelant with a zoom lense at the extreme wide or long settings. In my case I am using a well regarded and moderately expensive lense set at it's maximum 560mm or fair 36mm equivulent lens (0.75x or 11.2x magnification) with an optically stabilized image on the long shots and taken hand held! No tripod was used. At 11x telephoto magnification any hand movement is multiplied 11x so the photographer has to be very steady when shooting - OR - you need a tripod - or you need to have an effective image stabilization device in the camera or lense AND hold relatively steady. Some daigcams "simulate" motion stabilizing compensation electronically.

The wide angle shots are obviously less vulnerable to motion but still vulnerable. Also, the lense when set at it's longest zoom position will lose 1 stop of light intensity (f4 drops to f5.6) so the shutter speed will drop slightly... and to maintain/improve optical sharpness at 560mm I had to drop the aperature a bit which in turn slowed the shutter more - making it even tougher to hand hold.

My point in all this is I'm trying to justify (to no one in particular except possibly my spouse - if I can get her to swing by and read this) the expense of a $2200 DSLR camera body (bought used on eBay for $600 only 22 months after in waqs introduced!) and $1900 array of interchangible lenses, plus a scatterring of accessoories which ran me about $400-500. That's not counting cost of the professionally framed canvas prints I had made which litter our home!

OK... this was probably a lot more of a response than anyone really wanted to hear about the shots.... I'm sure. But for the record - ever since my daughter was born 5.75 years ago I estimate that I've shot 45,000+ images. Most contain one or both of the kids. Including the cost of my previous 2 digicams I have several $K more sunk into this hobby of mine... (I paid $1500 for a Canon G1 with an IBM Micordrive (1GB) when it was introduced 6 years ago... snd now on eBay you can get a G1 for about $50-60 and a 4GB micordrive for maybe $25! So... I've learned something about digital cameras... for the top end stuff if you wait about 18-24 months then it can be had for near half the price ... or less $ if you can tolerate used equipment!

So... here's an original uncut frame:

​

 

[Tigger&Bubba]

Hi everyone,

I've been away for a few days. Dealing with my second major kidney infection this year. The antibiotics are pretty heavy duty and caused me to miss my trip to the wine and cheese festival and the mini meet with my cruise family from 11 days in paradise.

I've also been busy cooking and cleaning as I will have a full house for a couple of days. My surgery is Friday morning (no big deal). I don't want everone eating out and eating a bunch of junk food so I have been cooking all day today and tomorrow. I have a casserole done and a pot of turkey chili on. I've started sauce for lasagna, and have a chicken boiling for chicken soup. There will be cold cuts for sandwiches and plenty of healthy snacks.

They are delivering my washer and dryer, and a second fridge tomorrow so I will be home cleaning and cooking waiting for them.

Megan, Have you heard from Kamy recently? Give her my best.

Have a great rest of the week everyone and I'll see you just as soon as I'm feeling well enough to get back on the computer. Just a couple of days.

Jan I got your e-mail. I'll get back to you when I can. I enjoy your letters.

Best regards,
Dianna

 

[2canadianfans]

Dianna..hope you are feeling better soon. Wishing you all the best on Friday.Too bad things did not work out for your get-together at the Parks.We also have cruised with some of your gang on the May Panama cruise. You would have to be at the top of your game to keep up with that crew !! Take care..sharon

 

[Grandma4ever]

My surgery is Friday morning (no big deal).

I think any time they cut on the body it's a big deal. I will keep positive thoughts that your recovery will be quick and as pain free as possible. Take care and try not to over do. Lois

Just a note to Kamy, you and your family continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. Hope to hear from you soon. Lois

 

[JLSE50]

My mother has asked me several times why no one ever published her poetry when my Grandfather's historical fiction about ranching in the Dakota territory was published. Each time I would remind her that he and my grandmother used their life savings to self-publish and she could do the same. She would say "Oh, yes........" But then never DO anything.

It finally dawned on me that even though the Alzhemier's had not taken away the desire, it had taken away the ability even back before we knew she had the disease.

When she mentioned it last month, I did not refer to my Grandfather. I changed the subject.

BUT

I have been busy using my photo program and the collage option to create pages with photos or illustrations that fit each poem and typing in all of her poetry that I have. I am making 10 copies of each, putting each page in a plastic page protector and organizing one of each in 10 binders. I have to be done by Nov 19 as I am driving to NY on the 20th to see her.

My plan is to have her sign the title page of each and then we will wrap and tag them all. This may be the last Christmas present that she can really be part of giving. There is a copy for each of us kids and each of the grandkids plus one for her to have at the Alzheimer's Unit where she now lives.

Add that to my normal life and I am not even regularly lurking. But now you know why.

I AM LOVING THE WARM WEATHER THAT SNEAKS IN EVERY COUPLE DAYS!
Jan

 

[JLSE50]

I was about dead center on the Family Beach in front of the section of sand in front of the BBQ area. I would estimate (poor est.) that it was 125-175 yards away from the SHACK in the foreground. I used a long telephoto lense to "compress" the picture elements - otherwise the Magic and Shack are where they ordinarily are.

Below are a cople of wide angle shots that were "clipped" (cropped) to simulate a panoramic shot.

Thanks for the info. too complicated about the camera though. Did you seam together the images to make the big shot? how did you get the MAGIC extended beyond the snorkel-shack in one shot? AND how did you get rid of the umbrellas?
Jan

 

[Mommaraven]

Tigger, Patrick and I got a quick note from Kamy the other day. I think she's doing as well as can be expected.

On a brighter note, I had my tests done yesterday and everything went fine. No cancer for me!

 

[Grandma4ever]

My mother has asked me several times why no one ever published her poetry when my Grandfather's historical fiction about ranching in the Dakota territory was published. Each time I would remind her that he and my grandmother used their life savings to self-publish and she could do the same. She would say "Oh, yes........" But then never DO anything.

It finally dawned on me that even though the Alzhemier's had not taken away the desire, it had taken away the ability even back before we knew she had the disease.

When she mentioned it last month, I did not refer to my Grandfather. I changed the subject.

BUT

I have been busy using my photo program and the collage option to create pages with photos or illustrations that fit each poem and typing in all of her poetry that I have. I am making 10 copies of each, putting each page in a plastic page protector and organizing one of each in 10 binders. I have to be done by Nov 19 as I am driving to NY on the 20th to see her.

My plan is to have her sign the title page of each and then we will wrap and tag them all. This may be the last Christmas present that she can really be part of giving. There is a copy for each of us kids and each of the grandkids plus one for her to have at the Alzheimer's Unit where she now lives.

Add that to my normal life and I am not even regularly lurking. But now you know why.

I AM LOVING THE WARM WEATHER THAT SNEAKS IN EVERY COUPLE DAYS!
Jan

What kind and loving thing to do for your mother. I am sure she will be very proud of her daughter. I know how hard it is tol ose a love one to Alzheimers as my mom had the early stages before she past. There were times she was there for a moment and then she would be gone again. I wish I had thought of such a kind and considerate act to make her life special. Best luck in finishing the project. I am sure it will be awesome. Lois

 

[Ninh]

Hi everyone..

I'm new to the DIS Boards as this is my first post but I'd like to add myself and my DGF (Dis Name Tinkerbelle77) to the Sept 15th Eastern Caribbean. We booked the cruise about a week ago after our first cruise on the DVC SSMC06 on the Wonder.

I've been reading the forum and would to add my sympathy to Kammy. I lost my mom (age 59) on April 15 of this year to cancer. My heart goes out to you and I'll keep you in my prayers.

Well it is nice to meet all of you and hope to have a great time on the up and comming cruise...

Tim

 

[kimgregg]

Tim,

Welcome to the group!

 

[LoriS]

Dianna, sorry to hear you have been under the weather. I will be thinking good thoughts for you tomorrow and here is a little for a speedy recovery.

Tim welcome to our little group.

 

[Tigger&Bubba]

Hi everyone..

I'm new to the DIS Boards as this is my first post but I'd like to add myself and my DGF (Dis Name Tinkerbelle77) to the Sept 15th Eastern Caribbean. We booked the cruise about a week ago after our first cruise on the DVC SSMC06 on the Wonder.

I've been reading the forum and would to add my sympathy to Kammy. I lost my mom (age 59) on April 15 of this year to cancer. My heart goes out to you and I'll keep you in my prayers.

Well it is nice to meet all of you and hope to have a great time on the up and comming cruise...

Tim

Welcome to the Tim


See you soon.

 

[Tigger&Bubba]

Good afternoon everyone!

Well the cookings all done. Just waiting on the family now.

The washer and dryer have arrived along with my extra fridge. I had to watch the dvd that came with the washer and dryer to figure out how to use the soap dispenser! Am I getting old or what

Lois, I guess I haven't felt my surgery is a big deal because so many people I know and care about have had so many huge challanges in their lives lately. My surgery is same day and I will start shoulder rehab on Monday and hopefully be back to being in full Matriarch capacity in a couple of weeks. Full recovery in a couple of months. Thank you for your concern. I will be a *itch I'm sure for a little while. Don't like to be slowed down. They are going to put a pump in for pain as well as percocet so I should be a trip.

Thanks for the good wishes, Sharon. You are so right about keeping up with the "Lanyard People".

Megan, So glad to hear you are not having to deal with the big "C".

Bye for now have a great weekend every one. I'll see you soon.

Best Regards,
Dianna

 

[JLSE50]

Hi everyone,

I've been away for a few days. Dealing with my second major kidney infection this year. The antibiotics are pretty heavy duty and caused me to miss my trip to the wine and cheese festival and the mini meet with my cruise family from 11 days in paradise.

I've also been busy cooking and cleaning as I will have a full house for a couple of days. My surgery is Friday morning (no big deal). I don't want everone eating out and eating a bunch of junk food so I have been cooking all day today and tomorrow. I have a casserole done and a pot of turkey chili on. I've started sauce for lasagna, and have a chicken boiling for chicken soup. There will be cold cuts for sandwiches and plenty of healthy snacks.

They are delivering my washer and dryer, and a second fridge tomorrow so I will be home cleaning and cooking waiting for them.

Megan, Have you heard from Kamy recently? Give her my best.

Have a great rest of the week everyone and I'll see you just as soon as I'm feeling well enough to get back on the computer. Just a couple of days.

Jan I got your e-mail. I'll get back to you when I can. I enjoy your letters.

Best regards,
Dianna

HOW ARE YOU FEELING?!?!?
Jan

 

[2canadianfans]

Dianna..shoulder sx is no small thing. Jm has been a ortho nurse for over 20 years.We both work on a ortho floor.Pain control is very advanced ..you will be ok and back to your self before you know it...sharon

 

[CaptainJack]

Hello all. My DW, DDs (twins aged 12--13 when we cruise), and I will be joining you on this cruise. We were originally scheduled to be on the January 6, 2007 Eastern Caribbean cruise, but had to postpone our plans for various reasons, including my daughters skating/competition schedule.

 

[Ninh]

Hi everyone! Looks like my DBF Tim(Ninh) has beat me to posting(work...Why do I have to do go there?) But he left out a few details...We are cruising with 3 DD's ages 11(Krystina), 8(Haylee) and 3(Lauren) and his dad. We fell in love with cruising on the member cruise, and wanted to take a cruise in Feb, but just couldnt fit it in with our 9 days in WDW. I am glad that we have found some other Dis people cruising with us...the Dissers we met on the member cruise were incredible...not only with helping me decide what to pack, and to plan, but just great friends indeed. I will always trresure the friendships made on board. I am hoping to make many new friends on board this cruise ! I cant wait till we have 7 nights aboard! Talk to all of you real soon!