This is probably the coolest martian picture ever, featuring a dust devil:

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And here's the story in a little more detail.

 

Very Cool C, Very cool.

 

By request:

Here's the original:

 

Did I mention I got a Nikon D3300 this past Christmas after putting off the purchase for so long? It's my first digital SLR after owning a couple Pentax 35mm film SLR in the past.
It came with two lenses and a gadget bag, 18-55mm lens and 55-200mm lens.
I'm really pleased with it.

Here's a picture taken today of the apricot tree in bloom in the back yard.
Not as crisp as I would like - a bit of camera shake (or branch motion).

 

I am not a "bird watcher," but I love watching birds. It is gobbler season and this is from my window:


Unfortunately, the past couple of weeks have been so wet, I haven't been able to mow. Here's a little more classic shot a week ago:


John

 

I am not a "bird watcher," but I love watching birds. It is gobbler season and this is from my window:
View attachment 105838

Unfortunately, the past couple of weeks have been so wet, I haven't been able to mow. Here's a little more classic shot a week ago:
View attachment 105839

John

A few years ago, I read "1491" and "1493" by Charles C. Mann. Among many stories, he mentions how turkeys came into our diet. But they're mainly about the ecological impact in both the new and the old world that America's discovery caused.
I highly recommend both books to anyone interested in the history of our civilisation. I have to admit, though, that I liked the latter better. It's less technical and more anecdotal.

 

Thanks for the suggestions. Only had time to read the reviews, but 1493 sounds interesting.
John

 

Greetings, from Los Cabos!

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Man, life is hard!

 

Greetings, from Los Cabos!

View attachment 105947​

Man, life is hard!

I hate you.

 

I hate you.

I swear: I was going to type exactly this. Until I scrolled down and saw you already did...

 

Life's not fair, it's getting close to 80 here and the only nice pool in Fairview has been fully booked for this week.

 

Aaaaannndddd... howdy from the swimming pool!

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OK, what's her phone #?



Just to prove you are really there.

John

 

Aaaaannndddd... howdy from the swimming pool!

You're really jerking us around today.

 

You're really jerking us around today.

 

Wanna buy trinkets, junkets or triffles? This is the place!

 

I was in Cabo once, 10 years ago last month. The company had a team meeting there and even gave us a day off for fun. I golfed a round at a beautiful course.

 

Been busy with not computer related challenges:


The squares shows where the solar panels has been.
All old varnish has been removed with a hot air gun and sandpaper. The new treatment is Owatrol oil. 8 or 10 layers with one type and 6-8 layers with another type. I lost track of counting layers.

 

The squares shows where the solar panels has been.

Solar panels sure use up a lot of deck space. Is that why they aren't there any more?

 

Solar panels sure use up a lot of deck space. Is that why they aren't there any more?

I will put them back, but not in the same place. I will move them to the roof of the dog house. It should be just enough space on each side of the hatch.

The little white "UFO" is the GPS receiver antenna.

The mast will have the same treatment. As well as the bowsprit. I got a lot of sanding in my future.