Hat's off to Jimmie!

Well, my prized Jimmie hat is 'currently' floating somewhere on the cottage lake. Or, perhaps it's sunk to the bottom by now to rest beside passing turtles and a couple of empty beer bottles. All because I made the mistake of turning westward on a windy day while snapping pictures on the dock. I really liked that hat, but there's no way I was going in after it. Oh well, I still have the sticker on the car. If that goes in the lake, we're all in trouble!

While I was walking the shoreline looking in vain for my beloved hat, I came across this old toy grader. A golden oldie!

I'm gonna miss NASCAR (Sniff)

Only 2 races left until this season ends. Which leaves me kind of bummed out - man, I've enjoyed every minute of this racing year from the start to finish. NASCAR has replaced hockey as my entertainment, mostly cause it's far more exciting than my favourite hockey team, or hockey in general, which continues to be boring. But, that's another topic for the coming days when our highs only reach -5 and the dirt in the front hallway is replaced by snow. Till then, it's a couple more Sundays on pit row.

Texas and the Lucky Dog

Well, boys and girls did you see the Texas race? Had to love the way Jimmie Johnson drove those closing laps battling hard with Matt Kenseth. That really showed what kind of racer Johnson is; “yeah, I might wreck my car and my Cup chances, but I’m going for this win.”

As scary as it was for any Johnson fan to watch him run like that, it was a great feeling when he pulled ahead with 2 laps to go. This guy knows how to flat-out drive. And what’s with the booing after? Hey folks, this guy could have played it safe and settled for second, but he put the hammer down and gave you a thrilling finish.

The only driver with any real chance of catching Johnson of course is teammate Jeff Gordon, but the momentum stick is pointing to the south on number 24. The guy who looked like the favourite just a few weeks ago has to be mighty concerned the way the 48 team is running. Watching a guy win 3 races in a row will shake the confidence of the best of them and the pressure only builds from here. But hey, Jeff just has to keep looking at the positive, which he always seems to do. The point standings could turn on a dime next race - one flat tire, or a DNF on Johnson and our final race will be a nail biter. Either way, I’ll be on the couch with a few colds ones watching from the North.

I'm actually rooting for either of these guys so it's a big 'win, win' for this lucky dog.

Hauntings

This abandoned dwelling sits nestled in the bush close to our cottage. Damp and smelly. Who lived here? The kids like visiting as it blends in nicely with all the ghost stories that get tossed around. Taken with the 24-70mm using sepia colour setting for a fitting mood.

Camera gear that I'm using

Here's what I currently have in my camera bag, or sitting on my shelf within reach: Canon 30D, Canon 10D, 24-80mm(?), 24-70mm, 70-200mm, 50mm. Got a flash (480 I think), couple of batteries, tri-pod and a bunch of memory cards.

The 10D is basically a backup camera so it rarely gets used. It was my first digital SLR and took many photos, but I don't care to use it now as the viewfinder is just too small compared to the 30D and I'm used to the quick fire-up and display.

The 70-200mm is my workhorse lens. I just love what it can do! It's just plain fun to shoot with.