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Save your Nikon Camera Settings for Nikon Z6, Z7 and other Nikon Cameras

Did you know you can save your Nikon settings to your computer? Once you have your camera configured the way you like it, make sure you save your settings to the memory card and from there to you computer.

How to Save your Nikon Camera Settings

To save your camera settings, go into your Nikon camera’s Menu Control. Scroll down to the wrench, which is the setup menu. Select Save/Load settings and then Save settings. This will save a copy of your camera settings to a .BIN file which will be in the root directory of your SD card. Remove your memory card from the camera and load it into your computer’s memory card read and save it to your computer hard drive. You should probably keep the file name the same. The Nikon camera’s only like 8 character file names.

You could then completely readjust everything on your camera if you want to test out and save other setups.

How to Load your Nikon Camera Settings

If you want to load saved Nikon camera settings from a saved copy on your computer. First I would format the memory card in the camera you’ll be restoring the settings to. Make sure you saved any photos on the memory card before you format as this deletes all information on the card. Copy the ########.BIN file from your computer to the root directory of the memory card. This is the highest directory, don’t place the file in a subdirectory. Place the memory card in your camera.

Follow the same procedure as above the save the settings, only this time select Load Settings from the Save/Load Menu under the Wrench Setup. The settings will not be loaded to your camera.

I think the mode dial needs to be in M, S, A or P to load or save the settings.

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Winter is Tuff on Your Car

Winter can take a toll on your battery and other parts of the car. Make sure your battery is fully powered and functioning properly. You should also check your other key components, everything works harder in the winter when it gets colder. Have your tires, brakes and radiator checked. You should also check your oil, coolant, windshield washer and other vital fluids. Have them inspect fluids, hoses, belts and windshield wiper blades.

Last thing you want is to be stranded and cold in the winter. Carry a blanket and water just in case.

Car Batteries [LinkL]
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Picture Preset Modes Vivid vs Standard (Set Picture Control)

Years ago I read articles to shoot everything in raw. Raw gives you 100% of the information from the photo and allows you to ultimately give you the most editing flexibility. While this is still true, I’m tired of spending hours editing every photo I take, most of which are just casual shots of travels or for the family.

I decided to play with picture presets on my Nikon Z6. For Nikon you can find them under the Shooting Menu > Set Picture Control. I’ve toyed with these before on my other Nikon cameras but typically just shoot everything in Standard.

Nikon gives you the options of:

A - Auto
ST - Standard
NL - Neutral

VI - Vivid

MC - Monochrome

PT - Portrait

LS - Landscape

I’m sure Cannon and Sony have Similar presets for this.

On my Nikon Z6 I set User 1 to be for things and have set Picture Preset to Vivid. I set User 2 to be for people and have that picture preset to Standard. This way I can quickly go between things and people. I have other settings also preset to go with the two types of shooting.

I’ve chosen to use Vivid for things, just makes everything pop. One thing you’ll need to be cautious of is blue sky, it can look real blue and a little unnatural. Here are a couple sample shots:

bird on pond alligator palm trees

I’m hoping these make a difference and reduce the amount of editing I need to do.

Return to User Preset U1 U2 U3 [LinkL]

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How to Manage Your Passwords

The internet, apps, website, everything and every place requires a password to login. Today each person has hundreds of logins where they need a passwords. Think about it, every app on your phone, your financial accounts, your emails, retailers, utilities and the list goes on. The prediction is that we will all need double the logins and passwords as we move forward.

Things to avoid when managing you password

Let’s put some rules in place, I’m sure you have heard these before. Don’t use simple passwords like “password” or "12345678. Don’t use the same password for multiple accounts. Don’t use short passwords. How about them pesky special characters.

Google and Facebook have made it easy, or have they? Many sites let you login using your Google or Facebook account. At first this seems like the easy thing to do but frankly I think it should be avoided. What happens if you choose to change or cancel your facebook or Google accounts, or maybe they are compromised, a hacker would have access to all of your accounts and logins. Better to use a secure email account as your login. One that has a very strong password.

Don’t store your passwords on your computer in a document or note! If a hacker finds there way into your computer, they have access to everything in your life!

Best Practice for managing your passwords

Use a different strong password for every account. Don’t ever reuse a password!
Change to a random generated set of numbers and letters. Best to use a password manager for this (see below)
It’s OK to reset you password, do it often if you need to just follow the link and make sure you email password is very protected.
Make sure you have an emergency contact who knows how and where you passwords are stored.

Use a Password Manager

I few years back I’ve resorted to a password manager. Because I was going between a Mac and Windows computer, iPhone and iPad I wanted something that worked in all browsers as well as on my portable devices, so I chose LastPass, mainly because they have a free version that worked everywhere. They also have Chrome and Safari add ins that automatically pull in my passwords. Others you may consider are McAfee, Keeper or if you are in the Apple ecosystem and only use apple products, think about just using the Apple Password Manager.

You can use the password manager built into Chrome, the problem I have with that is isn’t not transportable and requires the browser.

Writing this post has motivated me to change all my passwords to really long phrases like the lyrics to songs sprinkled with special characters $#@… I’m not ready for the full on random ones yet, maybe next year.

Use a Notebook for Passwords

If your not tech savvy, use a password notebook that you keep in a very secure place in your house. I wouldn’t carry it around with you and I wouldn’t use a notebook if you have visitors to your house. This should be a last resort.

--> Keep your computer secure

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Find a Healthier Bread

Breaking bread is not always what it’s made out to be. You need to make sure to read the food label on bread to make sure that it’s packing the grains and lower calories. Just because it’s brown doesn’t necessarily mean it healthier for your. Some break companies actually die their bread brown spoof you into thinking it’s healthier. Wheat doesn’t necessarily mean it’s whole grain. Look for better descriptors like 100% whole wheat or 100% whole grain. Multigrain like 7 or 12 grain doesn’t mean 100%. Could be they are using just different kind of refined grains.

Most people don’t know this but some of the healthiest breads are actually in the freezer section of your grocery store. Typically the are made without preservatives and so need to be frozen to maintain shelf life. Keep them in the freezer when you get home.

So check the label for Total Carbohydrates and Dietary Fiber. There should be at least 1 g of Dietary Fiber for every 10 g of Carbohydrates.

Quick Tip for a Healthier Bread

Less than 80 calories and at least 2 grams of dietary fiber per slice. Remember you normally eat two slices so you need to double your ingredients.

Be Fit Exercise and Diet

How to Winterize a Sprinkler System

Unfortunately I live in the north and we need to winterize our sprinkler system so the valves, lines and sprinkler heads don’t freeze and crack. Many of my neighbors pay a service to have this done. It’s not a bad alternative especially if you hire a reliable established business. They often times guarantee their work, if there is a problem in the spring they’ll repair it if their winterizing was at fault.

I’ve been winterizing my system myself for years. It’s not hard but you will need a compressor and some quick disconnect air compressor fittings which you can get at any home improvement store.

Here are the steps I follow to Winterize my Sprinkler System:

If you haven’t already, install quick disconnects in you back flow valve for the compressor connection.
Turn off the water supply valve to your sprinkler system.
Set your sprinkler system controller to your first zone.
Turn on your air compressor to fill the tank with air.
Connect the quick disconnect on the compressor to the fitting on the sprinkler system check valve.
Turn the screw valve on the fitting to start compressed air flow into your first zone.
Water should spray from your sprinkler heads.
Repeat the process for each of the zones in your sprinkler system.

You may want to double check and make sure the main line shutoff valve actually shuts off. I have problems where a slow drip can fill the line on the outside of the house, freeze and crack the pipes.

Visit Mackinac Island this Winter

Mackinac Island is one of my favorite destinations in Michigan. For those of you who haven’t been there or don’t know anything about it. The island is Lake Huron between the upper and lower peninsula’s of Michigan. It’s about four square miles and requires either a boat, ferry or airplane to get there. Once your are on the island, they don’t allow motorized vehicles and so in the summer bikes and horse drawn carriages are the main mode of transportation. In the summer every day if full of tourists that come for the day to ride, hike and tasty fudge of all flavors.

After October fall colors, most of the tourists leave and the island is left to a few hundred full time residents.

Winter on Mackinaw Island

Winter can bring a whole new charm. Being in the middle of the great lakes bring plenty of snow for cross-country skiing, snow showing and fat tire biking. Snow doesn’t stop the the horse drawn carriages so grab a blanked and cozy under for a old school carriage ride around the island. They also have Christmas and New Years festivals. Most of the hotels and restaurants are closed for the season so plan ahead. Transportation can also be sketchy in winter. The Straights of Mackinac can freeze over and prevent the ferry from running to the island so an airplane is your only other option, unless of course you have a dog sled.

Stay Warm!

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Travel to Alaska, Summer, Fall, Winter or Spring

Insert Alaska Picture

Years ago we took our family to Alaska in the summer time. We rented a motor home to avoid the duplicate cost of hotel and large van for all of us. It was a great adventure and summertime certainly gave us long days to do whatever we wanted to do.

What’s the right season for your travel to the last American Frontier?

Summer in Alaska

Summer in Alaska can be warm enough to swim during the day 60–70’s, but can cool down into the 40’s at night.
19 Hours of daylight during mid summer months give you plenty of time for hiking and site seeing.
Humpback whales return to Alaska so head to the Inside Passage.
Summer is a great time to enjoy a cruise to Alaska

Fall in Alaska

Temperatures cool down through the fall.
Most visitors leave with less travel on cruise ships.
Enjoy the splendor of fall colors.
You can often times find end of season travel deals
Head to Denali and do some animal spotting and you may see sheep, bear or moose.

Winter in Alaska

To Darn cold for me in the Winter. 0 F or colder, I’ll take Florida. But for you winter lovers…
You have a better chance fo seeing the Northern Lights, especially with the long nights
Great Skiing, where the snow start falling in October
Ice Sculptures and Winter Festivals

Spring in Alaska

In the spring you can expect dryer conditions and less rain than later in the summer
You can still snow ski into April so think about spring sking
Fewer visitors to Denali National Park in the spring
Bird watching starts in spring with many species returning to Alaska
Spring marks the start of whale watching season

Share you thoughts on your Alaska Seasonal Travel

How to Find an Auto Shop for your Car Repairs

Thinking of going on a road trip and want a mechanic to look over your car. Maybe you just need some repairs done. I’m fortunate that I do most repairs on my vehicles myself. But every now and then the project is bigger then my skill set and I need a mechanic to help me out.

Look for ASE certifications at the shop. This means that their mechanics are keeping up with the latest trainings. Cars and trucks are complicated and keeping up to date with technology is important.
Reach out to you friend network, if they can refer a great mechanic they’ve used for years.
Build up a relationship by using the auto shop for small things like oil changes and inspections. link to inspection post If they do a good trustworthy job with those, you’ll feel comfortable when it comes to a major repair
How clean and organized is the shop. Do they take pride in their appearance. Remember it’s an auto shop so it won’t be perfect, but if it’s in disarray, probably not the greatest.
Do they have a clear written warranty? Make sure they stand behind their work and honor their warranties. If it’s just verbal, they may not stand behind their repairs.
Is it convenient to you and your needs. Are they close by? Do they offer a free shuttle? Do they have a waiting room? Do they have secure key drops?
Check the better business bureau at bbb.org for a clean track record. How many complaints have been resolved lately? What’s their ratings? The one comment I will make is be wary of online ratings.
Do they communicate in simple terms you understand. They explain your problem and the fix they’ll be performing in clear terms you understand.
Make sure they are receiving the car manufacturer’s technical service bulletins. These are notices for know problems and how to repair them. In many cases these should be free fixes if you car is under warranty.

If you stay loyal to them and they provide your good work at a fair price, they will be more likely to treat you fairly when it comes to the more expensive repairs.

Good Luck

Skillet Nachos over a Campfire

I love nachos and was pretty excited to when I came across this recipe for skillet nachos. Nachos are great tasting and can be made with just about any ingredients. With a large skillet and a bunch of ingredients, mostly canned and bagged. You can make great tasting nachos at your next campfire.

Here are some of the ingredients you might like to consider, many of them are canned or bagged, fee free to add fresh if your refrigerator can handle the extra space.

Campfire Nacho Ingredients

These are just examples of what can be included in our camp nachos. I wouldn't use everything on this list or you’re going to have one huge batch of machos.

Olive Oils (best), Cooking spray or avocado oil
1 can corn
1 bag tortilla chips
1 can black beans or
1 can pinto beans
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and/or
1 cup shredded monterey jack cheese and/or
1 cup mozzarella cheese and/or
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (great for tang)
1 salsa 12 oz or as much as you want

Fresh ingredients you may like to add:

lettuce
diced white onion
jalapeños
olives
cilantro
avocado

How to prepare and cook skillet nachos

Coat the bottom of your cast-iron skilet with oil or cooking spray.
Spread a layer of chips over the bottom
Sprinkle the cheeses on top of the tortilla chips
Top with a 1/3 of you salsa, onions, peppers, corn, beans and any of your other ingredients.
Repeat two more times with another layer of tortilla chips and the other ingredients.
Cover the skillet with aluminum foil.
Cook for until the cheese is melted. Probably 5 to 15 minutes depending on how hot your coals are and the distance from the fire.
Top lettuce and avocado
Dig In… eat right from the pan.

Auto Maintenance - Prepare for Your Next Road Trip

I’m getting ready to take my next trip and thought I’d share the checks I do to make sure my truck is ready. Check your owner’s manual maintenance schedule, no need to do things that aren’t ready to be done.

Under The Hood Maintenance

If you’ve had an oil change recently, they’ve probably looked at most of these for you.

[ ] Oil Level - If you have a dipstick for oil level check it. Some new cars have a sensor so nothing for you do do for oil.
[ ] How much Oil Life do you have. You no longer change the oil every 3,000 miles like in the old days. Your car monitors use and calculates a % oil life.
[ ] Transmission Fluid - Same as for oil
[ ] Washer Fluid - Fill up the reservoir before you leave
[ ] Coolant - For most cars there is now an overflow reservoir, check to make sure there is coolant.
[ ] Power Steering Fluid
[ ] Engine Air Filter
[ ] Air Conditioner - Nothing for your do do here. If it works you good.

Around the Exterior

[ ] Check that your brake lights work.
[ ] Check that your turn signals work, front and back
[ ] Check your headlights
[ ] Check your running lights
[ ] Brakes - have them inspected for proper wear, they may last 30,000–50,000 miles, but maybe less depending on how you drive.
[ ] Check the tire air pressure. Use a proper gauge. The correct pressure can be found on the driver’s door jam
[ ] Tire Tread - You can do the penny test, put a penny in your tread upside down If Lincoln’s head goes below the tread you are good. Should be at least 2/32 inch.
[ ] To prolong tread life, have your tires rotated every 6000–8000 miles
[ ] Windshield Wiper Blades - Look at the rubber, not worn or loose. If so replace the rubber or the blade with pre-installed rubber.
[ ] Give all the fascia trim a quick inspection and make sure it’s tight

Inside the Passenger Cabin Maintenance

[ ] Check the cabin air filter, usually replace every year. Some cars and trucks have an air filter to keep you interior cabin air fresh and clear.
[ ] Clean the windows for better night vision.
[ ] I also like to start my trips by vacuuming and having a clean interior.

Other Maintenance to Think About before you leave on a trip

[ ] Wash and wax your car. Dish soap and and old rag should not be used! Today’s finishes like special soap designed for cars and a soft microfibre towel

Check Engine Light

Is yours on or does it come on during the trip. If the light is on and it’s flashing or red you need immediate maintenance. If it’s intermittent or if it’s yellow you probably have some time. At your first opportunity you should have the code read by a dealer, auto repair shop or parts store. They’ll all do this for free… or they should.

The most comment items are:

[ ] Catalytic Converter - This will cost you some money, upwards of $1000
[ ] Oxygen Sensor - you can replace it yourself or pay a mechanic $250
[ ] Ignition Coil and Plugs - Probably more then $300
[ ] Loose Fuel Cap - Free to tighten but may need to be replaced if it’s broken
[ ] Mass Air Flow Sensor - $350

Safe Travels!

Lump Sum or Pension Payments - Which to Choose

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I’m retiring soon and trying to decide whether or not I should take one time lump sum payment or a monthly pension payments until I die. As with some of you, if I were to die first, my wife would continue to receive part of my pension until she dies. This is a tuff decision and I’m not sure which way to go, here’s what I’m thinking about.

The big question of course is not knowing how long we are going to live. If you take the lump sum, how much money will you make by investing wisely versus the continued stream of pension payments.

About 20% of the people taking the lump sum, have it gone in five years. 30% of retires with lump sums also worry about running out of money. On the other side you know employers offer lump sum payments for a reason, the lump sum payments help their bottom line not yours.

Pros for Taking the Lump Sum Cash

Your Company’s has poor financials and might not back the pension
Maybe you have doubts about the management team
Are you and investor or work with a credible and trustworthy financial adviser
Maybe you don’t really need the money and have retirement covered. Lump sum can give you some fun money to play with

Pros for Taking the Pension

Your married and your pension plan offers survivor benefits
If you like to buy things and spend money… you can only spend what you have!
Significantly less anxiety

I’m going to keep adding to this list so send me your ideas. My first thought is stay with the pension, but I still have a few weeks to decide.

Beware of Customer Service Scams

Be cautious if you are reaching out to customer service. Need to get a hold of Amazon, Google, Microsoft. We all have a tendency to to a quick Google Search or Siri Search. At the top of the search results screen is a toll free number to call. The problem is that the number is in a paid advertisement where the scammer pays to have their ads listed at the top of the search results. You don’t look carefully and quickly dial the number where you are quickly connected to the fake scam company. They are happy to help you and ask for your credit card number and social security number to verify your account. You’ve just been scammed!

Tips to Prevent Customer Service Scams

Go directly to that companies website and look for their contact information.
Look for the phone numbers on your paper statements
Don’t use Alexa, Siri or OK Google to find customer services numbers or information for you.
Check the URL for misspellings or text that just doesn’t look right.
Don’t agree to pay for any service that should be free.
Don’t EVER give anyone remote access to your computer
Reach out to one of your tech savvy relatives to ask any questions if you have suspicion

Some Examples of Customer Service Scams

You search for Amazon Customer Service. The link you follow connects to someone who asks you to buy gift cards and give them the numbers to pay for service
You search to buy and airline ticket on United Airlines. Follow the wrong link and they take you to a site where you buy a ticket using gift cards.
You search for help to fix your iPhone, don’t check carefully and are now dealing with a fraudulent repair center who asks for your credit card information before they start helping you.