Camels in Jackson?

The Prospector came back from town yesterday and as he walked in through the door he said, " You better get in the car and go down to Tractor Supply. There's a photo shoot waiting for you down there. There's a camel waiting for his picture to be taken."
 It seems that the new Tractor Supply, in town, had put together a small "Noah's Ark" out in the front of the store.Well, I can't pass up something like that. I had to go into town anyway to get some groceries. I took my camera, hoping it would focus (I've been having trouble with it.) and drove downtown.
Tractor Supply Co. is a new store in our area selling way more than tractors. It's like a feed and supply/ hardware/ clothing/ everything "farm" related store that, so far, seems to be doing well here and has fairly competitive prices.

I pulled into the parking lot and right away I saw the camels. You cannot miss a camel in a parking lot. They're HUGE.
I got my camera ready and walked across the parking area . The first animals I walked by were these miniature cattle.

A lady was feeding one of them some green leaves. I hoped the leaves were OK. This little guy was really enjoying them.

 There was a cute little horse.

Who came over to say hello.

 I asked him if he wanted to come home with me so my "beans" could ride him, but he didn't answer my question. I suspect he just wanted something to eat.
There were rabbits,

And ducks and domesticated Turkeys.

This beautiful blond turkey must have thought the ducks were her babies. She was kind of herding them around and watching over them. It was very sweet behavior!

There was one little goat that looked like my Brownie when he was young. I couldn't bear to take its picture. I miss my goats so.
But nothing was more amazing than the CAMELS. There were two of them They were Bactrian Camels that originated in Central Asia. A Bactrian has two humps.

This one (above) seemed older than the one below.

These camels can live up to 40 or 50 years of age. Those humps don't hold water either. It's fatty tissue.
The smaller one was pacing. It seemed anxious. Then some woman came up and started rubbing one of them. It stopped, kind of got all groovy and just mellowed out.

Maybe he (she?) just needed a little attention.

The camel settled down and got that look on his face like my goats use to when I would rubbed their necks and faces.
This one was older. The teeth looked old. But he/she was enjoying the attention.

They are very tall animals, amazingly tall, and majestic. They have beautiful eyes... horse eyes... and they watch you intently.

Maybe these were mates... or Mom and child. I don't know. But, they were wonderful to watch.
Please take a look at this link if you care to know more about Camels. They are fascinating creatures and I was so glad that I got to see them.
My Nikon D40 didn't fail me. I think it knows that I ordered a new Nikon. It's been working better the last few days. Interesting. But, the lens is making a funny noise and seems out of focus. I had to sharpen these photos with Picasa.
I'm waiting for my new camera, the Nikon 5100D, with the vibration reduction lens, 3D tracking, a flip out rotating monitor... and video with sound.
Oh my gosh... it's in the mail. It's coming!  I can't wait.
No man, animal, flower or cloud will be safe from my incessant obsession.
Have a wonderful Sunday... 

No Wordless Wednesday Today. I have things to tell you about.

I have to tell you about this new wide angle lens I sent away for. The three photos above, were taken with this lens attached to my Nikon D40 camera. I bought it from New Harbor for...are you ready? $12.38 . It's not a brand I have ever heard of. It's called Neewer.  It's a digital high definition 0.45X super wide angle lens with macro Japan optics. It came with caps and a bag. I don't know how they could make this lens for this price but I don't care, because I'm getting some very interesting photos with it and if it falls apart tomorrow, I won't be crying about the price. I know good lenses are suppose to be very expensive but what the heck. I'm having fun with it and that's what being a photographer is all about.

This lens fits right onto the front of both my Nikon lenses and takes in a wider angle of  view. The only difference I can see so far is, that with landscapes, the foreground  is blurred a bit but the center is very sharp. I don't look at this as a disadvantage because I like the effect.  The outsides of the photo angles in and the focus is in the center. This makes for some very interesting shots. It doesn't work with close ups but I can leave the lens on and it doesn't interfere with closer shots.
It's the cheapest fun I have had in a long time.

Neewer 52mm wide-angle lens~including bag~ for Nikon D40,D50.D60,D70 and D80. Sold by New Harbor- brand new; $7.39 + $4.99 shipping. Fun factor....Priceless.

I have a confession to make. I have not read a book for at least a year. I KNOW! I can't believe it either. I have a pile that I want to read. I have another pile that friends have given me saying..."You've got to read this. It's the best book I've read in a long time." I have no excuse. I just haven't read ANYTHING.... until last week. My friend "D", from Montana, was here a year ago when my Mom died and she bought me two books. One of them was Lost & Found by Jacqueline Sheehan. I started it a few times and them put it down. Finally, last week, I picked it up and made a promised to myself  that I would finish it. I did.
It was wonderful...."You've got to read this. It's the best book I've read in a long time." (sound familiar) If you like dogs, want to change your life, or have lost someone that you loved dearly, you must read this book. It's about grief and the process that one person goes through. It's a love story between a woman and a dog...both wounded animals, both learning to trust again....and sometimes it's from the dogs point of view, which I love. It's about human frailties and how we can all learn to love again, no matter what happens to us. It's a great summertime read.
Thank you "D". I finally understand, my friend. It has taken a whole year, but things are better.

And now I leave you with....

Carl and Cutter, two little Corgis that are becoming  friends. The paw says it all. Carl wouldn't let just anyone do this.
Have a good rest of the week.....