shellylh

^Cool. I hope you like it. Looks like I might have to wait a week or so for Kerry to get in the next batch of Feisol 3441S. Not a big deal though. Ordered the Nikon 60mm AF-S from amazon. Should be here Monday.

I haven't tried non-Nikon glass yet but my inclination is to go for Nikon. I suppose I don't really need true 1:1 macro shots, mostly just want to do closeups, so the lack of working distance shouldn't be that bad.

Those Monte Carlos look very good.

Love the name Marc. As a knot theorist, I really should approve the drink first though. Unfortunately, I will have to make it with Campari since I don't those bitters.

Ordered the Feisol CT-3441S Rapid Tripod and Photo Clam PC-36NS Ballhead from Kerry at Really Big Cameras. Also got a used Really Right Stuff L-plate on ebay. Still trying to decide on Macros. I am going back and forth between the Nikon 60mm AF-S VR Micro (newer one) and Sigma 70mm Macro. I decided that I would probably like to have a macro that can also double as a walkaround camera. I think getting something like the Tokina 100mm (which was my other choice) would not be so great as a walkaround. The Sigma70mm has great reviews in terms of being very sharp. Seems to be slightly better from the reviews than the 60mm. Also has more working distance for Macro (even with the extending lens) than the Nikon 60mm. However, I am worried about the slow autofocus and no VR for times that I am not doing Macro. I would also rather have a lens that doesn't extend. Any thoughts?

Yes, do dare... science must go on!

Used Really Right Stuff L-plate for D90. Now all I need is a tripod.

Those drinks looks good No Cal-ers. I wondering if whiskey would cure a cold.

Sorry to hear about your eye Vicki (and the lack of Concept 2).

Not feeling so well - I think I caught a cold. Having sparkling water and raspberry syrup.

Al, sorry to hear about your friend with intestinal cancer. I imagine that is not a fun cancer to have (not that any cancer is any fun). I don't know what is the outlook for this type but hope she pulls through. On the other had, that is a fantastic Manhattan! Last night I did a little Manhattan taste-off (really to test the new Cocci Torino). Manhattans 1 oz Sazerac Rye 1/2 oz Cocci Torino or Carpano Antica 1 dash Angostura bitters 1 Griottine cherry The Cocci Torina is fantastic! It has lovely flavor, similar Carpano Antica but a bit more subdued and a little less bitter. I can really see this as a great vermouth for mixing (whereas, often the Carpano Antica overpowers the other ingredients). I cannot decide which Manhattan I like better but I think I like the CA one better... but they are both really good. I am excited to find a fantastic sweet vermouth in a 750ml bottle. Oh, and the Griottine cherries are fantastic. They taste like cherry pie.

12 cask it is

So it seems like 15yr > 12yr series. Here are the bottles I have locally and their prices. This is the list the price and the discount that will be taken off. Not sure if any of these prices are particularly good but since we cannot get stuff shipped to TX, this is what I have to work. So the 15 is a little under $90, the 14 series a few dollars under the 15, 12 series a little under $80 (except for the 12yr Olorosso which seems to be around $66). I would be ok with anything except the 18yr which is more than I want to spend.

Are you sure that is not a fish bowl?

I couldn't decide which Springbank to buy. I almost picked up the 15yr. Do you have a favorite?

I bet it is.

Black Bull 12yr

Was trying to decide between a bottle of Springbank (they had a bunch on sale), Macallan 15yr fine oak, and Ardbeg Oogie. I couldn't make up my mind and grabbed the bottle of Black Bull instead.

Were the biscuits also made in the Sous Vide? Tonight was our "Sunday dinner:" Ribeye, baked potato, salad. I decided to cook the steak indoors instead of on the BBQ given the number of fires already started in Texas. Used the Alton Brown method (sear in preheated cast iron pan on stove for 30 sec/side and then stick in the 500F degree oven for 2 minutes per side). It was great but I still like the BBQ better (gotta love the flare ups).

2006 Chateau Ste Michelle Merlot with dinner

Got some Cocci Torino, new bitters, fancy cherries, and others things.

After finally breaking in my NS Minimum (they were a little tight along the front strap on my right foot at first), I will include these as one of my new favorite things.

^Like!!!

Jeff, sorry to hear about the people in your Bastrop office. That is awful. The wildfires are out of control in Texas (literally). We can smell a little bit of smoke here (probably from the Bastrop fire and all the wind). I hope they get the fire under control at some point. The fire seems to be at 0 percent containment right now. We were originally planning to BBQ a steak today but maybe we'll do a little indoor cooking instead.

There is a RRS L-plate at ebay right now (BIN $100 + shipping). http://www.ebay.com/itm/140600899314?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_500wt_1413 That seems like a pretty good price. I could wait for the auction but... I really hate auctions.