Chocolate mice!

I just though this was so clever! These are some Christmas treats that one of our clients sent to us.

 They are chocolate mice made from maraschino cherries and almond slices. I'm not sure what she used for the red eyes, but the whole concept is just great!

Up and running!!!

Finally got the computer back with a new hard drive! ...quite zippy!!

F-troop back to normal sir!

Computer hum-drums...

came into the office in Dallas yesterday and my computer wouldn't boot up, "unable to locate 'such and such' Windows file..."

 ...called the computer guy and he had to take it with him to work on it at his office.

 Spent most of the day yesterday setting up the server to function as a temporary work station and managed to get some real work done by late afternoon.

 This morning, I'm waiting for the computer guy to return with my box. I think he was able to "fix" it, but due to age, it was originally purchased in 2004, it may be time to replace it.

 I'm just glad I backed up all my photos off of it last Friday afternoon. Lesson there folks, back-up your computers!!!!

Birds of paradise...

As usual, the end of the week makes me want to run off to the tropics.

 So for today's pics I have chosen 2 of my favorite "birds of paradise".

First up is Lorenzo the green parrot that oversees all the proceedings at Coconut's Bar on Cozumel.

Not real sure what he's trying to do here...

...and to show no favoritism, here is a pic of my buddy Chimichanga.

Chimi is the absolutely beautiful Cockatoo that is also one of the Coconut's menagerie

that also includes, but not limited to, a camellion, a couple of dogs, chickens, turtles and the occasional iguana.

Happy Holidays from Casa Sharky!!!...

...well this one of the first shots taken with the new 11-16mm f/2.8 wide angle lens...Oh, yeah, this is going to work out very nicely, thank you.

This is a full frame shot, no cropping involved...notice no "fish eye" rounded corners, like you get with lesser lenses.

I'm going to try and get this thing outside and see what I can do with landscapes...

NEW TOYS!!!

Christmas came early this year, or my birthday came late...one of the 2, or more like a combination of both.

I finally got a decent tripod, I purchased an "Induro" tripod from my buddy Don, down at Don's New and Used Photo Equipment down on Riverside, (formerly Industrial Blvd.), in Dallas.

 Then, after lots and lots research, I finally purchased a super wide angle lens for shooting interiors. The Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 super wide fit the bill exactly. Very high ratings for a DX format lens and the price wasn't bad at around $600 vs. $2000 for a comparable full format lens.

 Finally, comes the 'Hoodman' Loop, a hood device made to go over the LED screen on your camera so when you are outdoors in the sun you can put it over the display and actually see your photos! It comes with a vision adjustment for us folks with "old eyes" who need readers...almost a must for anyone shooting outdoors on a regular basis and wanting to verify their exposure.

 The latter 2 items I purchase from pal and photography instructor Barry Baker at Arlington Camera. Located on Randol Mill Rd. in Arlington, Texas.

 New photos to come...

"Cozumel, Below" available for stocking stuffers...

Still looking for the perfect gift for the ocean lover on your list?

"Cozumel, Below" the book is available at http://www.blurb.com/ Over 140 full color, high quality photographs of the flora and fauna of the world's second largest reef system.

 Also available at http://www.lulu.com/ are 2011 "Cozumel, Below" calendars. 12 months of Caribbean color!

Coconut's...

Dreaming of a lazy afternoon at my favorite beach bar...Coconut's on the Caribbean side or the "wild side" of Cozumel, Mexico.  Dos fish burgers and margaritas, por favor!!!

Cozumel Sunset...

...thought I'd end the week with a Cozumel sunset. Taken at my Cozumel vacation home, Blue Angel Resort...let's mix up some margaritas!!