Itunes and Windows XP

I still have Windows XP PC's in My Hamshack which I use for Logging, Internet access and Radio control. I also use My WinXP laptop for updating My Iphone. I noticed Itunes was no longer asking for updates although My wifes laptop upstairs-a Windows 7 machine seemed to be needing updates past Itunes 12.1.2.
This didn't seem to be a problem until I upgraded to an Iphone 6s. Itunes wouldn't let Me Sync My new phone so consequently I couldn't copy any information to it. Browsing with the Keywords "Windows XP and Itunes" brought Me to this page--https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1614?locale=en_US
The apple explanation is I needed this direst download to Itunes 12.1.3 and I was stuck at 12.1.2. Downloading this newer version solved My problem. I'm not sure why Itunes did not automatically do this--maybe Apple and Microsoft are trying to push Me away from My older XP machines. I did just upgrade My Wifes PC from Win 7 to the new Windows 10 and so far no complaints.
73---Tim

RAC Winter contest 2015

I'm not sure why this happens but The RAC Winter contest tends to alternate either before Christmas or after. Coincidentily Our Family Weekend away visiting Relatives for Christmas has been on those weekends the past few years! OH well, at this this Year I was able to operate Friday for a while. Ten and fifteen meters had no activity and twenty meters was very limited.Fact is on 160-20 the majority of activity was on the CW portion of the bands.Since I'm a voice kind of guy the activity limited My ability to find many contacts. Less than 25 QSO's this year but very limited time so I will settle for what I could.Maybe next year.
Merry Christmas--Tim

ARRL 10m contest 2015

Well the band conditions continue their steady decline but luckily just enough propagation kept My time participating fun. I did experience some strange propagation with especially East coast stations.I was listening South for Caribbean and South American stations but occasionally a station from out East could be heard.Pointing My 10m Yagi East actually caused most of the East coast stations to totally disappear. I soon learned during this contest to just try a contact no matter the direction.
I did get on at the start of the contest Friday but except for some CW, I heard nothing in the voice segments. Saturday was better but just barely.I also had limited time till late afternoon but by then the bands were very quiet. Sunday was more of the same although I did notice some of the strongest stations CQing in My face and weaker stations hearing Me. A very mixed bag of propagation this Year. Less than 100 Q's but also less BIC time--oh well. Each contest is fun no matter the result.
73--Tim