My tax refund was directly deposited on Friday so today I went shopping! I was smart though, I put 1/3 in savings, I spent 1/3 today, and I’m planning on putting the other 1/3 towards the credit card. The older I get, the more responsible I become.

I went to Ritz Camera and bought a second battery for my camera, a backpack for my photo equipment, and a new lens! I got the Canon EF 75-300 IS zoom lens. The IS stands for Image Stabilizer. That’s why it was so expensive. It’s actually an amazing lens. I can zoom in and with the IS on it compensates for the shake at that range and creates a still photo. It’s got this motor built into the lens that senses motion and creates the opposite shake to make the photo still. It works! I tested it several times and love the way it holds the image still to shoot. I’m going to love using this lens. It’s going to be great for nature photos where you can’t actually get up close.

After my major purchases at Ritz, I went to Aaron Brothers Framing and picked up the supplies I need to begin to create actual art with my photos. I’ve been shooting male nudes since last fall and now it’s time to create some art with the photos. I had planned to work on it today but I spent the day cleaning my house after my brother left yesterday. I didn’t have time to do it last night after work.

W came over last night and we spent the evening together enjoying some wine and great conversation. I’m really enjoying his company. We have plans to see an art exhibit next weekend. Last night he taught me a bit more about wine tasting. We enjoyed 3/4 of a bottle of Pinot Bianco. As I type this I’m finishing off the bottle. It’s a nice wine. Thanks to W, I’m learning more and more.