A chill in the morning air is lasting a bit longer each day. The trees herald the transition from summer to winter with brilliant shows of color. It is almost too chilly to enjoy a carefree cruise on the lake. Last week we ventured out for views of the shoreline color only to be charmed by a regal looking eagle sitting on a tree branch as though it were his throne. I lamented the lack of zoom capability in my camera as the shot just would not pick up any more than a tiny black and white speck in the center of the frame. Capturing the foliage in full bloom was difficult with the limited zoom. Sometimes a bit of whine can be productive. When we returned home, Ol' Abner did a little research on line to find some possible replacement cameras. The following day we traveled to a nearby town to look for them in person. I settled on the one I thought would serve my needs and he ordered it in my favorite school colors, a choice not offered in the retail outlets. Yesterday it was delivered and we happily ripped open the package and began the process of putting all the attachments on the camera box. Once the batteries were inserted it clicked to life and I was ready to play. First I had to go downstairs and finish the project interrupted by the delivery. When I returned, I sat down to read and learn. Twas not to be! The minute I turned on the camera, the dog climbed in my lap and clawed at the hand holding the camera. She was shuddering and wedging her 63 pounds around behind me in the chair when I turned it off and stood up to see what the ruckus was about. She calmed and sat staring at me as though I should be ashamed of myself. When I turned the camera back on, she immediately went into a protective crouch and tucked her tail. I went outside with the camera and she chose to stay inside. Later Ol' Abner picked the camera up from a table and she immediately went into distress. Guess I will have to call the manufacturer on Monday and see if there is a way to mute the signal my poor canine is receiving from the instrument. Otherwise, it may just have to go back...even though it appears to take really nice photos. A panicky dog tends to make the photo experience a bit unsatisfying. Maybe we'll have to respond to a different whine.