It was raining lightly when I awoke around 7:50. I had my normal breakfast then worked up a blog entry. I did a Best Offer on a Lee ProGlass ND 0.9 (3-stop neutral density) filter for sale on eBay. That's the first time I've ever done a Best Offer, and the seller must have had some rules set for the listing that would automatically accept offers within a certain range because my offer was accepted immediately. :) The ProGlass filter has special UV and IR attenuating properties to produce better colors with digital sensors.

I processed images for a stock submission. I was working through images from our trip to South Africa in October-November 2007 and in particular our time in Addo Elephant National Park and Imfolozi Game Reserve. Sunbirds have spectacular colors, and this guy was extremely cooperative. I wished we could have kept photographing him, but we had to exit the park before the gate closed for the day. The Chapman's zebra was converted to black-and-white to enhance the graphic nature of the image.

I had lunch around 12:30, and continued processing images for a stock submission.I started to make the Dr. Oetker Tiramisu mix at 2:05. It's called a "mix" even though it's more of a "kit." The lady fingers are in one package, the cream layer mix is in another package, and the cocoa topping is in another package. There's only one layer of each item instead of the usual two layers of lady fingers and cream. I made some stronger than usual coffee for the liquid to soak the ladyfingers. After adding some Asbach Uralt brandy and sugar, the liquid was most tasty — mmm. I added milk to the cream mix and used our portable electric mixer to mix and then whip it. J helped me lick the beaters, and the cream was very tasty too — mmm — the Dr. Oetker Tiramisu tastes good so far. :) I spread the cocoa topping, then put it in the fridge to set up. I did the dishes, and finished everything up at 3:05 — so much for the 15-minute preparation time. :)

I processed more images for a stock submission.

We had dinner at 6:00 of Bertolli Shrimp, Asparagus, & Penne and some Charles Shaw Chardonnay. I'm not a big fan of chardonnay, but I enjoyed it and it went well with the Bertolli. We had some of the Dr. Oetker Tiramisu for dessert. It was better than average, and I'd definitely make it again. Next time, I'll add more brandy, and I might make a double batch so there will be two layers of lady fingers and cream.

My Canon EF 16-35mm f2.8 L USM (Mk I) and B+W 77mm slim MRC UV and circular polarizer auctions on eBay ended, and I got decent final bids for each. :) We watched an episode of Desperate Housewives on DVD, then I processed more images for a stock submission.