Practice

Where better to try out my new camera than my happy place, Bolton Abbey? We were blessed with a pleasant day: dry and mild, with some weak sunshine and almost a hint of spring in the air. It takes me about an hour to walk to the Strid and back from the Cavendish car park, though I do stop a lot, to take photos and simply to breathe and drink in the peacefulness. I don't always stop for refreshments when I'm on my own. It's always more fun to chat with a friend over a coffee. This time, however, I was hungry so I treated myself to a pot of tea and a cherry bakewell tart in the Cavendish Pavilion. Those tarts are so sweet and synthetic but the combination of almond frangipane, cherry jam and fondant icing makes them my guilty pleasure! 

As for my camera, well, I'm liking it. Its small size is taking some adjusting to, but it feels solid in my hand and the main controls are easy to use. It seems to tend towards slight overexposure but I'm sure I'll be able to remedy that (and it can be adjusted in post-processing). Where I'm having a bit of difficulty so far is with the more detailed features. I tried to use the macro setting for close-ups but I couldn't get the focus right. So, back home, I can read the manual and practice that until it becomes familiar. I always prefer to research once I've hit a snag. That way I remember it better, rather than simply trying to read the information and get it to stick in my mind. 

Anyway, I had an enjoyable afternoon (much better than the morning, which I spent at the dentist!) 

A trip to Bolton Abbey always lifts my spirits.