Knobs, buttons and twiddly bits.

Margaret Pilkington

Beacon of light
Overlooker
I told you that it was one of those landmark birthdays recently.
Himself didn't bother to buy me anything.
One of my friends was berating him about this.
He told her that I am difficult to buy for.
I really don't know why my family say such things.......I like shiny things, sparkly things, satin and lace......I like stuff you can squirt behind your ears, on your wrists, behind your knees...you know, all those interesting places where you once got kissed.
That doesn't happen much these days...though the dog does come and give me a slobbery lick now and again....like most males, when he wants something!

My other half also told my friend that I could have anything I wanted.
I told him a Rolls Royce would do.
His response 'Don't be silly - something sensible'.

It didn't look as if anything was forthcoming and I have given him almost three weeks to come up with the goods....so I took the situation into my own hands.
I reckoned that if I chose something, it would be right. There would be no need to keep the receipt...no trip back to the shop to exchange some ludicrous dustcatcher.

I had a certain something in mind. ....a little pocket camera. Yes I know I have one(or two.....maybe three) but technology moves on and you really have to go with it(Ok, so I'm justifying here, humour me).

A couple of weeks ago I met Davemac and he showed me his pocket camera(now don't get ahead of yourselves here - we were in broad daylight on the Queens highway).
It was a neat snazzy little number......and having seen the pics on Accyweb, it looked great. I wanted one just like that...except not black(so maybe I am fussy).

I sought them out in the retailers.......there was a sharp intake of breath and the Barnsley War Cry 'HOW MUCH'.
You all know my alias is Frugal Freda.
Maybe I didn't want one as badly as that.
I checked the reviews just to put me off...hoping to read bad things.....nope that didn't work.

I checked out FleaBay still not cheap - cheaper...but not cheap.
Then I spotted one. Lightly used(they all say that don't they?)......it was on a four day auction. I put it onto 'watch' and checked the progress periodically.

This was looking like it might just be a possible......the price was within my self imposed budget until about five minutes before the end of the auction.
Then there was a frenzy of bidding......it looked like this wasn't going to be mine after all.
I sat at my computer looking glumly at the price.......then impulsively put my top bid in.

It was more that I had anticipated paying, but it was cheaper than the other retailers....and it had extras....a spare battery and an EXR leather case.....and it was WHITE!
I came away from the computer.
I couldn't bear to watch the last minute tick away.

I was still the top bidder. I crossed my fingers and went downstairs and put the kettle on for a consolatory brew(just in case I was outbid) and a chocolate biscuit.
When I came back upstairs, the auction had ended and there was a little flag that said 'pay now'......YAY...it was mine.
I didn't tell himself until last night.....his response was
'what do you want another camera for? You don't use the ones you have'
'I beg your pardon - I use my cameras quite a bit...and if you want to see how much I use them I will show you'
He harumphed and that was it.

Anyway today it came. I am still finding my way around the little beauty.
I'm still fascinated by the knobs buttons and twiddly bits.
Here are 4 pics.
Princess Marnie of Marmania
Pasha...our little black cat.
Pasha ....comfy on our bed.
Princess Marnies Birthday Cards
 

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nice one margaret ... ive already got mine from the spugster when he was down in march ... a 1tb hard drive for my computer so then i could put all my piccies on ... cos id already had 3 in the computer ... so put em all onto one ...
 
Funnily enough, Sparks has asked me if I want a bread maker for Christmas this year. This is only because he wants one. Needless to say, my response was not very positive or complimentary and may have included a couple of threats of serious bodily harm....... I don't know what I'll end up with for Christmas but I'm getting Sparks some health insurance :-)
 
I would give him the breadmaker as a Christmas present.. a la suppository...he wouldn't cut that up with a knife. :)
I once got a dirt Devil...was not, repeat not impressed.
Christmas dinner was hot tongue and cold shoulder.
 
Glad you've finally got there, Margaret. I've been looking at one too but the thing that puts me off a new camera is that no compacts these days come with optical view finders - and that is something I always use at the moment. Don't know how I would get on with just a screen.

Anyway looking forward to seeing the fruits of your experiments with the new camera. And when are we going to see some of Marnie's pictures on Accyweb?
 
I have a Nikon P50 ...a compact camera - and that has a viewfinder. Maybe the newer ones don't.
I used to use the view finder in sunny weather...when I couldn't see the screen.
I have been out today in bright light and could see the screen fairly well.
Marnie...ah well, she is still practising with her camera......she has been less than happy with the results of some of her efforts.
Come the school holidays...in a couple of weeks(aargh) I think we will be going out and about together. Getting some shots.
 
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Canon Powershot, Canon Ixus 970,Ixus 70, and the Ixus
95is all have viewfinders.
Check them out on Amazon...or have a look at flea bay.

I have been playing out with mine today.......twiddling the dials...not sticking to the EXR mode.
I am very pleased with it.....have put some of the pics on my flickr page.
Spent ages upstairs looking at the pics....himself thinks I have left home.
 
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They are really good Margaret , you seem to have the knack of spotting a good photo, the pic of the flowers on the canal bank and the one of the canal bend going towards enfield wharf are particularly good. And the writing is also as good as ever .:) (i am talking about the ones on today in pictures but the ones in the blog are good as well watch out David Bailey)
 
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Thanks Dave. I delude myself that I can write and take pictures...but I am glad that you like them...the words and the pics.
You are welcome Sue. Amazon seem to have a goodrange.....but - I would note down the prices and then check to see if there are better deals on Flea Bay....your Roving reporter Frugal Freda signing off - for now!
 
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