Are you still with me? Let me continue. The DCPDML was a joy. Hats off to Van Veen (tv) for hosting the event. Indian take-out was a clue to the uniqueness of the gathering. Others have commented on the gathering. My pics will be forthcoming - once I get around to selecting and then posting on the web. By far the most shots was at this gathering. Even #7 got into the photographic act. Geoff was interesting to watch though. He really enjoyed taking Bulb shutter setting shots with the *ist D. I will have to set up a page just for him. Tom even had to bring out his 645n and dust it off! He did hide his Canon for most of the evening. And of course we had Christian with his macro light set up, and the distinction of bringing the dogfish. My contribution was more mundane being that I was in unfamiliar territory in the refreshment department. I was more at home photographically. I had to keep an eye on my Limited 31 with Christian around. I was able to leave that night with all my lenses :-) Geoff had an extreme wide angle zoom that I had to try out on my *ist D. Interesting viewpoint. Prints were shown and the discussion was grand. The night, alas, was too short.
Visiting another friend in Fairfax, Virginia brought a trip around the block to get some Middle Eastern fast food. Nothing photographic about the visit though... But I had to mention the food. An outing with my sister and cousin to a French bistro in NYC. Excellent food and the service was fine with no rushing at all. I got a few available light pics inside the place. This too brough out another project - this one without a title. Maybe not as intense as the previous one but still a project. And of course shots while meandering... I met Annsan and Amita near Union Square. This place will always be special to me. This is where I spent quite a bit of time in September 2001. I was in seventh heaven eating in a 'trendy' pizzeria with two lovely ladies. I even have a shot of them shooting each other from their perspectives - the *ist D and the Optio S were used. Too short an outing being that I was meeting my sister after her work. And I did notice Annsan eyeing my Limited 77. Great manual focus feel. I did end up with some nice night shots of traffic around Herald Square. For thise interested Macy's window display this year is dedicated to the film 'Miracle on 34th Street'. I will miss seing the displays in all their glory. I did get a shot of one of the scenes through the glass. I like the looks I get when taking shots without flash... Oh, before I forget, while calling Annsan from Union Square a man talking on a cell phone walked by me. I shortly felt a tap on my shoulder. He had returned to tell me 'beautiful camera' and then proceeded to continue on his way. He was pointing to the Grey Sea Snaked LX with the Limited 31/1.8. The final NYPDML gathering was with Herb Chong. We met at the natural history museum. Of coure we had to have lunch first. From the many ethnic choices on Amsterdam Ave. we ended up at a diner. I will post the shot of both our *ist Ds with FA* 24/2 mounted. The museum had a butterfly exhibit. Many macro possibilities. Without tubes Herb did end up using my 77 for a few shots. I should be posting a couple of shots of him at work - and ignoring all else :-0 As nice as it ended up being we should have spent the time in Central Park rather than inside, but we did enjoy. I even tried out his Sigma wide angle zoom. Between him and Geoff they have me thinking about going wider than my 24 to use with the DSLR. With all the enjoyment and comaraderie from this trip I definitely look forward to my next trip. Baltimore may probably see me in a couple of weeks (consider it a notice to the DCPDML) and NY will probably see me on the jaunt in January. What is it with me and travelling in wintertime??? Enough rambling for a night though. I hope I did not bore too many of you. Lifting my Venetian glass of 2001 Australian Charlie's Petit Verdot to the PDML, C�sar Panama City, Florida
