iBooks

Writing and publishing have long been on my list of to-do's and it seems closer now than ever. The path to publishing for me has lead to self-publishing and specifically iBooks for the Apple i-devices. I am currently reading an iBook titled "Publish Your Own iBook" which is proving quite informative on the subject.  If you have any advice or constructive input which you feel will be helpful, please comment as I would appreciate any help.

Bonneville Salt Flats - Burt Munro

In 1967 Burt Munro came to the US from New Zealand to ride his 1920 Indian Scout motorcycle in timed speed runs at Utah's Bonneville Salt Flats. Burt set a land speed record there in the under 1000cc class. A movie was made in recent years documenting the journey in which Anthony Hopkins stars as Burt Munro. An awesome look into one man's endeavor to fulfill his vision of riding his bike at Speed Week. "The World's Fastest Indian", if you're into speed and want to go to Bonneville then you will enjoy this story. Download it from iTunes or hunt it down on Netflix or where ever you get your flix...

Hot Wrought Iron

Watch Field Gate Hinges on PBS. See more from pbs.

If you enjoy blacksmith work then maybe this episode of The Woodwright's Shop from PBS will educate and inspire you as it has me. Roy has recently framed a heavy oak field gate and needs some hinges to swing it on. In this episode Roy visits Peter Ross at his blacksmith shop to have a lesson in wrought iron hinge making. Who doesn't want to hammer some hot iron? 

   This video does require Flashplayer or a plug-in. (Boo-I know) Q!!!

Model A Car Show

Each year, as part of the Autumn Trails fall festival in Winnsboro Tx, one hundred or so Model A Fords gather for a parade down Main St. After parading through town, these fine autos sit on display right there in the middle of Main for about an hour allowing spectators time to visit with car owners and view the vehicles.

This year they gathered on Saturday, October 22, 2011 under a sunny blue sky which makes for a great display.

Cannas

Some late season canna blooms are showing up and they sure are a beautiful addition to our dry brown landscape. Because these particular plants receive run off from the washing machine drain they are still nice and green. The rain falling today will help evey plant and tree and even grow some grass for the livestock before frost.

Winnsboro, Tx Tractor Show

Our annual trek to the Winnsboro Tractor Show and Pull Event.
Found a 1950's Mack B61 rig pulling a gooseneck trailer hauling their tractors to the show. Also found a prime example of the Cub Farmall rigged up to the trailing two disc turning plow which we happen to have for our Cub.
About an hour later on the road into Mineola we drove alongside the Mack and got an ear full of old diesel power as he towed his Oliver Super99 home!!!

Solar Power

Solar power has drawn my attention for many years and it seems finally I am ready to set up a simple solar power system. Being a do it youself kind of fellow I am looking into building the solar panels myself from individual cells available on eBay at a fraction of the cost of completed panels. I already have a small inverter rated at 300watts and one strong 12volt battery or a couple of small 12volt batteries to store the energy generated by the panels. If for no other use this will at least keep my cordless tool batteries charged and ready for use. In the future we will fry a larger arrangment of solar panels and batteries, but for now this will certainly get us in the game. More on this later ...