vaugelychilly

I know what u mean by the lens - that's basically the 'kit' lense. After 8 months of shooting with it, I upgraded to one of these: The Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 EX DC. It's SO sharp! They're about 500 euros, but one of my best buys ever.

Here's one of the others: Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG ASPHERICAL HSM, about 800 euros.

sample images from that lens:
http://www.blather.net/abroad/archives/img_9654_fountain_napier.jpg
http://www.blather.net/abroad/archives/IMG_9190_rocks_abel_tasman.jpg
http://www.blather.net/abroad/archives/IMG_9494_amazing_sunset.jpg
http://www.blather.net/abroad/archives/IMG_9343_rw_weird_reflectio.jpg
http://blather.net/abroad/archives/IMG_4296_frozen_pond.jpg
http://weblog.greenpeace.org/forestrescue/archives/gallery/roundup/slides/IMG_3343_roundup.jpg

I think I'm getting a nice camera (used) next month from someone on the site. Your pics are great...I especially like the second to last one there.

I'm sorry to hear you haven't been chatty...I've been feeling like that in and out for a while--we should feel not-chatty together.

I kinda miss your voice, too.

xxx