Betts Park | The Beauty Around Us

New Tripod and Time Spent with Friend

I recently purchased a new tripod, the Manfrotto 190XDB with Manfrotto 390RC2 Pan & Tilt Head. This is a very nice tripod and head outfit that feels rock solid. I am quite pleased with my purchase. Previously I had been using the Vivitar VPT-120 tripod, which is ideal for compact point-and-shoot cameras and camcorders. When shooting with a digital SLR, especially while using a telephoto lens, I believe that the Manfrotto tripod is a much better choice. I can relax now when using a tripod. I no longer worry that the weight of my camera will cause my tripod to fall over or that my camera will snap off the head!

I put my new tripod to good use today. My friend, Linda, and I visited two parks in our hometown of Warren, PA — Betts Parks and Crescent Park. I used the tripod to take pictures of Linda, as well as one picture of the two of us.

Betts Park, with Allegheny River in background
I like Linda’s butterfly necklace and earrings.

The Allegheny River and the multicolored buildings along Pennsylvania Avenue create a beautiful backdrop at Crescent Park.

One of Crescent Park’s attributes is the fountain in the middle of the park.

Linda and I both liked this expansive hydrangea at Crescent Park.

From Crescent Park, we went to Applebee’s Restaurant for lunch. I enjoyed the few hours that I spent with Linda. It was good to catch up on each others’ lives. We haven’t gotten together much since early Spring. We had a good day together and agree that we should get together more often, as we enjoy each others’ company very much.

Warren’s Industrial Softball Tournament

The 30th annual Warren Industrial Softball Tournament is being held this weekend (August 21-23). The softball tournament is held in August, each year, and benefits local charities.

Bob and I rode to Betts Park yesterday afternoon. We ate lunch and watched one softball game (our team won!).

Note the canopies across the field.

Many companies and clubs participate in the industrial softball tournament.

Steve (from our team), up to bat

Ben (from our team), up to bat

Our team’s pitcher

It is such a good feeling when the game is going well.

Our team at the bench

A team player exuding confidence that he’ll reach the base.

Our team won the softball game; congratulations all around.

Ben and Cathie after the softball game

This picnic pavilion is reserved each year by the company for whom Bob works.
The company graciously provides a catered lunch for its employees during the softball tournament.