FastFreddy2

Think I underestimated the advice? Saw some video on the internet yesterday, taken with an iPhone 4s and directly compared to a DSLR used in video mode. Them iPhones are really good! Still can't bring myself to spend that sort of money on a phone though .... However, budget now gone up a bit ..... Lumix G3 [no longer got the G2 in the frame.] While doing some research [making sure I'm making the right decision] I discovered the best digital camera on the planet for what I want, is the Nikon D3s. "Nikon’s acclaimed 51-point AF system offers high sensitivity in low-light and superb performance when tracking fast moving subjects." At UK£3,000/US$5200 for body only ..... It's not a camera I'll be getting my hands on any time soon. Not this side of a lottery win anyway. ....

Slightly loose/baggy bootleg style jeans. They are my best cover for heeled shoes. I seldom wear them as I'm not fond of the baggy look, but Essex isn't my favourite place to wear heels. [Over here Essex locals are considered to have pretty much the same mental aptitude as those living in the 'back woods' States of the US. ] Footwear >> Harley Davidson << 'after riding' boots. Though this pair maybe getting ready to be retired. The sole has a very worn tip on one foot, and I don't see how they can be repaired. [i do intend to ask, but its been my experience that most synthetic soles have a limited life cycle.] I have a second pair though. I'd like to be wearing a slimmer heel, but Mrs Freddy draws the line at me wearing 'girlie' shoes while we're out together, which is understandable. Me getting away with wearing girls shoes out at all, is a benefit I'm not looking to prejudice by being difficult [ie selfish] over styles..... I am working on some alternatives though .... .... Reason for edit: Typo's.

Bit disappointing .... Wonder what can be done? I'll have a think.

Well ..... I went. Started off in TKMaxx. Spied some Guess ....... black suede ankle boots. Although the store was busy, and busiest around the shoe areas, I attempted to try them on. Couldn't get them past my skinny ankle! Also found some really really high heeled knee boots. With a surprising price sticker ...... I did get one of the boots on [daren't put them both on] but couldn't get it off. Took me what seemed like 5 minutes, but may have been a minute, to tug the thing off. Thought I was going to have to buy them because it was locked on. Went on easy enough? Moved on to Matalan, and tried on >> these << Nice fit, but ...... no sale. Tried House of Fraser ..... then about 10 stores that sold shoes. No inspiration. Got a size 7 on my foot [from the size 8 rack] in Debenhams, and almost immediately ended up on my backside skating on the shiny floor .... Almost came a cropper in NEXT too. Walking around the shoe area which was covered in very deep pile carpet, a moments distraction [watching someone watching me] had my left ankle on its side. Classic heeling error. Fortunately, the soft carpet also allowed me to straighten my ankle without injury. Other than the blush due to my error. Saw >> these << and >> these << but they're not really styles I enjoy wearing. [Platforms. ] Think I was there from about 2.30pm until around 9.30pm, wearing my Harley Davidson boots. Had hardly any sitting down time, so on my feet for a good six hours. Oddly it was knees that began complaining .... Getting old maybe? ..... Reason for edit: Fixing duff link.

It would be cheaper than the camera I'm looking to buy ..... >> Lumix G2 << But I need a camera, not a clever phone .... Actually, I DO need a clever phone, but I can't afford both..... And at the moment the camera has more potential.

If I have the right picture, the interview [with better quality imaging] starts at 2.29 minutes into the programme, link below. Not sure what's going on between the two [evicted] contestants ..... She was quite unkind to him during the teaching process, but he [still] seems quite taken by her. And wearing that dress, who wouldn't be? ...

Tempted .....

And a link to the BBC web site where anyone can watch on their PC: >> Strictly - It Takes Two Episode 11 << This is the best one this series [so far].

More screen shots [small file size limit wouldn't let me add more than 5 images to the first post.]

Great programme. Entertaining on soooooo many levels. 6.30pm on BBC2. Some screen shots .....

Logistics problem resolved. Lakeside tomorrow pm and early evening. Coffee anyone?

I am struggling to get 'instant' images ..... Digital technology demands a focussing sequence, followed by a brightness control sequence. [Or vice versa.] While these might only take milliseconds, Cartier Bresson was never handicapped in the way I seem to be! I'm looking to resolve this, but it might take £500 and a leap of faith in an alternate bit of kit. [Never experienced these problems when using film..... ] Some of the images I've included in the gallery are in black and white, as these would not have been attainable had I tried the image in colour. ....

Another pair of "sandal boots". Read the review? Makes tantalising reading.

Autumn proper has arrived here in the UK. Although it's still unseasonably warm for the time of year, cold winds from the North are due any day. Time to get out the thermal underwear? Finally put the central heating on last night, it was that or start chipping ice off the walls. Off to Lakeside tomorrow I think. A small logistical problem to deal with, but looks very likely. Plenty of the cheaper shops to visit there, and mostly, it's all inside. TKMaxx and Matalan are off site in a large retail area, but both only 5 yards from the car parking. The visit to London a couple of weeks ago went well. Stopped off at Brent Cross en route to the South Bank. Got stared at by two other shoppers passing by. A large short woman and her little daughter, neither one of them having been taught much in the way of 'social etiquette' or discretion.... Other than that, I was seen as part of the wallpaper drawing no attention at all. Then drove down to the South Bank, where I enjoyed a meal watching the world walk past. Some of them in high heels. .....

Classic styles are never unfashionable.

>> This << more to you taste? I seriously doubt the "3.75 inch heel" comment is accurate...... The slimmer heel was more last years style, though [2012] sandals may still have the more elegant style. Reason for edit: Struggled to get the right [colour] boot linked.

Brave man! I'm beginning to sense you are becoming a bit of an adrenalin junkie? "What a ride?" It's pleasing to see you getting so much out of what [for women] is such a simple event. Had my heart in my mouth while reading, so quite exciting for me too! Go Ludovic! ...

I'd mentioned trying on a Guess shoe at TKMaxx. Not able to find an image [of an older style] I recently stumbled across a pair while doing a trawl for my preferred shoe type, on that well know internet auction site..... Guess shoe-boot. [in US speak; bootee?] Think it might have been an EU41 and sized as UK8 by TKMaxx. I got it on, but it felt like a UK7. Very well made shoe though, if a bit pricey against my usual budget.