My running has been a bit frustrating lately - I've been experiencing shin splints for pretty much the first time ever, and probably as a result, just haven't been able to get my speed up to where I'd like it to be. Today (note: I did not finish typing this up when it was still "today", so that should be a few days ago), I did some additional stretches to deal with this, and I just now finished a 3 mile run in under 23 minutes for the first time this year! In fact, I wasn't far off from breaking 22.

Real today update: I haven't run in a few days. At work late on Friday, out on a camping trip Saturday and Sunday. I was not present to say "not it" for working Memorial Day, so I'll be in the office tomorrow. I'll probably go running at lunch, hopefully it won't be as ridiculously windy as it was last time.

I've kind of re-done the "photos" page on this site. Instead of a being a mess of a bunch of random vacation shots, I'm going to try to make it into a collection of my favorite photos. I wouldn't call it a portfolio - just a bunch of stuff that I'm happy with. Unfortunately, I accidentally deleted most of my medium format film scans over the last couple years, so I'm going to have to go back and re-do all that. On the positive side, my scanning technique has probably improved.

Oh yeah! The reason I wasn't present to say "not it" - I was at home getting my roof replaced, almost completely covered by insurance. I'd say that's worthwhile. The new shingles even match the rest of the house, imagine that!

As stated above, I went camping last night at Point Beach State Forest, north of Manitowoc/Two Rivers. I really enjoy this place. Sites are very wooded and secluded from each other, and the huge beach along Lake Michigan is a fun place to hike. Weather was great, if a little cool - high 50s and low 60s all day and night. It was supposed to rain, but it didn't. Success!

I've been trying very hard to trim down my camera collection, but I still have much to do. This weekend, I had with me my Technika V, Yashica-Mat TLR, Fuji GS645S, Leica M5, Sony NEX-3, and my two 35mm P&S - a Leica Minilux and a Yashica T4. Ideally, I'd like to get down to one camera per format - when I'm carrying two medium format cameras with me everywhere, I'd say its getting a little ridiculous. Here's my dream collection:

Digital: Leica M8
35mm: Leica M5
Medium Format: Rolleiflex Planar 2.8 (or Mamiya 6)
Large Format: Linhof Technika V

I'll probably keep a 35mm P&S around too, and my Minilux is damn near perfection in that category. I see my T4 and GS645S going up for sale soon to help fund an M8 purchase, with my Nikon D70 and NEX-3 to be sold once I get closer to having the money. I know that the M8's sensor is a little dated, but I can't see myself needing more than ISO 320 that often, if ever. I never go above 400 on my NEX, and that sensor is perfectly capable of more. A Rollei with a 80/2.8 Planar would be lovely to have, but I don't know - medium format just doesn't excite me as much these days. If I want the highest quality shots, I'll just lug the Technika around. If I want more shots, I feel like 35mm and digital will deliver more keepers. Meh. The Yashica-Mat is nice enough, even if the lens is a little (ok fine, a lot) prone to flare.