Z9 or not Z9 Update: It is interesting that my original post from July recently surfaced. Six months later, we have gone through some re-evaluation of priorities, and how we spend our...

ClarkJohnson Loc: Fort Myers, FL and Cohasset, MA

It is interesting that my original post from July recently surfaced. Six months later, we have gone through some re-evaluation of priorities, and how we spend our resources (time and money) as we advance in years.

In my original post, I was considering the choice between a trip to Costa Rica or investing in a Z9. At the time, I said the ideal answer would be to do both, and that is how we have ended up. My Z9 arrived 2 weeks ago, and we are going to CR in April.

My wife and I are in our early 70s, still active, but we see to many contemporaries and those slightly older becoming affected by age and illness. I was especially affected by the task of disposing of the cameras left by a neighbor, who died leaving a high-end camera with only 4,500 activations. By the time he had purchased the camera, he was not mobile enough o use it.

I understand that we are unusually fortunate to be abie to indulge like this, and that many don’t have the ability to even look at these choices. Whatever your age or circumstances, i wih you a merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year.

Buildrt Loc: Sarasota Fl

Merry Christmas. I believe you have made the right decision. I'm going to be 84 next birthday and lost my wife to cancer about a year ago. I have so many cherished memories of our trips to Ireland, a river cruise in Hungary, Austria Germany etc., RV trips throughout the US and car trips to the Canadian Maritimes. These memories sustain me now.

AntonioReyna Loc: Los Angeles, California

So true. Enjoy life while you can. Have a good trip to Costa Rica.

rappar Loc: Kingston Ontario

Like many here, I now have to rely on memories having lost my wife New Year’s eve 2015 to Alzheimer’s. Kind of put a damper on that ‘celebration’ for my daughters.

Now I live by these simple rules although Covid did mess with some.
1. No one promised you tomorrow
2. I have no desire to be the richest person in the graveyard
3. With luck, my last cheque to the CRA (Canada’s income tax people) will bounce
4. I now buy what I want not what I need

AntonioReyna Loc: Los Angeles, California

Go for it!

Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx

Merry Christmas to you as well. I'm glad you were able to swing both the new camera and the trip. I think new gear helps us fulfill existing dreams and allows us to create new dreams. Very important as we get older and fight to stay active. Anyway, enjoy the new camera and I hope you have a great trip creating a lot of good memories and good photos.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

rappar wrote:

Like many here, I now have to rely on memories having lost my wife New Year’s eve 2015 to Alzheimer’s. Kind of put a damper on that ‘celebration’ for my daughters.

Now I live by these simple rules although Covid did mess with some.
1. No one promised you tomorrow
2. I have no desire to be the richest person in the graveyard
3. With luck, my last cheque to the CRA (Canada’s income tax people) will bounce
4. I now buy what I want not what I need

Lagoonguy Loc: New Smyrna Beach, FL

Good for you. In our retirement my wife and I have traveled extensively but always with a camera in hand and she edits it all for her YouTube channel just for fun and our fellow travelers. As I think about it we have always traveled and taken many videos and photos, such a learning experience. It is indeed a luxury to be able to travel and buy that next camera but I still try to be reasonable. At 78 I’m waiting for a lighter Z9 version. Enjoy your new Z9.

Sidwalkastronomy Loc: New Jersey Shore

Today is the tomorrow you were worried about yesterday

gwilliams6

ClarkJohnson wrote:

It is interesting that my original post from July ... (show quote)

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Do all you can. That's always been my motto.

MrPhotog

Lagoonguy wrote:

. . .In our retirement my wife and I have traveled extensively but always with a camera in hand . . . At 78 I’m waiting for a lighter Z9 version. Enjoy your new Z9.

Consider getting a medium- to large-sized dog from one of the ‘working’ breeds, like a Husky, German Shepherd, or Golden Retriever. Train it to wear a backpack.

Get the Z9 and let the dog carry it around for you. 😎

Every day you take the dog out you’ll find more picture opportunities. The exercise will add years to your life.

Fotoartist Loc: Detroit, Michigan

rappar wrote:

Like many here, I now have to rely on memories having lost my wife New Year’s eve 2015 to Alzheimer’s. Kind of put a damper on that ‘celebration’ for my daughters.

Now I live by these simple rules although Covid did mess with some.
1. No one promised you tomorrow
2. I have no desire to be the richest person in the graveyard
3. With luck, my last cheque to the CRA (Canada’s income tax people) will bounce
4. I now buy what I want not what I need

I like #2 (I have no desire to be the richest person in the graveyard). This is the time to buy what you want, or otherwise leave it to relatives you don't particularly like and who couldn't care less about you.

Jwshelton Loc: Denver,CO

We resemble your remarks! My Z9 arrived in the fall. Australia/New Zealand is Feb/March. Your observations are spot on. If you can afford it - enjoy!
Safe travels!

Jeff

tcthome Loc: NJ

You only live once, make the most out of it!