last purchase of the year...

Bit the bullet on a new computer.  Decided a laptop would be a more versatile approach.  After a lot of research, this website sealed the deal.  Not too shabby as is and it is easy to add more SDRAM and a larger SSD hybrid drive if I find I need it.  Over the past 30 years I have owned 5 main computers (Amstrad, Dell, Apple, HP, HP) and this is the first time I have spent more money for my latest one (not counting 2 tablets and a crappy netbook).  Funny thing is...the new Dell laptop is only $250 more than what I spent on my current HP All in One six years ago - but miles ahead of it as far as storage, processor speed, and graphics capabilities.  Thank you Moore's Law.  65,71,41, .04",C

unleashing the beast...

Found a good indoor project for a cool / cloudy day.  Installed Magic Lantern on my Canon T3i to open up a world of possibilities with the camera functions for both stills and video.  The download and install via SD card went flawlessly and so far I haven't turned my camera into a brick (the term used when you screw with the firmware on your camera and render it useless).  I opened up another world of possibilities 5 years ago with my old Canon G9 when I downloaded a firmware hack called CHDK.  Not sure if I will ever use all the new functions that have been enabled on my T3i.  The main reason for it was to be able to program an intervalometer feature. (an attachment or facility on a camera that operates the shutter regularly at set intervals over a period. On a movie camera the device is used for time-lapse photography.)
Next up - I'm sort of in the market for a new computer for video editing.  My current set up can't handle much more that rudimentary editing in low definition.  I don't normally ask for suggestions but any advice on this area would be greatly appreciated.  Note: for PC...not Mac - and I am more interested in an off the shelf solution over a scratch build - for under $1000.  This is one I am considering.  57,60,39, .07",B

and then there were two...

Spotted this very pregnant momma five weeks ago.  Just saw her today with the new addition.  51,60,56,0,W  

up to speed...

Lots of ground testing today on the newly cleared airfield.  Handled launch speed ( 20 mph ) quite well.  69,80,46,0,C

artifact

Finished up the airfield today.  Only a couple of spots that have some drag resistant sprouts still holding fast.  Looks like I will have to do a little hand weeding.  Slowly driving around out there took me back to the good ol' days of lawn mowing.  I loved my riding mower back in upstate NY.  I used to mow about 2 acres once a week.  Came across this interesting photo artifact just as I was finishing up.  Any previous visitors missing a Nikon lens cap?  64,69,44,0,C  

weeding the airfield

Started dragging about half of the airfield today.  Worked out better than I hoped.  Nature had reclaimed the patch since I first cleared it almost 3 years ago.  62,71,37,0,C

Christmas 2016