I agree with alot of what you said, however I would like to propose a compromise between the various positions on this matter. There are many of us that focus on results, others who find their pleasure in the technical and scientific aspects of photography, and those, such as myself, who are interested in both.

UHH has the resources to accommodate all of our needs without all of the divisive debate in an orderly manor. Instead of trying to lump everything under one thread and expanding it out of control, we should request the UHH Team to provide separate form/topic areas for the Art of Photography, the Technicalities of Photographic Equipment and Processes, and the Science and Technology of Photography, for example. Then we as members should take our discussions to the proper areas. The General Topics and Active Topics areas should display the appropriate "Speciality Area" for each new post. If a side discussion is initiated in the wrong area, it should be quickly moved to the correct area and noted that it was moved in the old area so that people will know where to go to find the moved topic. I think this may be along the lines of what was intended when the site was designed.

What does everyone think?

Thank you, everyone. Your responses make it clear what a bunch of softies there are on UHH (myself included I know). I am happy to report that Leaflet is settling in beautifully--I do believe she'll be staying--and has lost that deer-in-the-headlights look of an abandoned creature as CSand noted. I'll probably shorten the name to Leaf so that she isn't confused with Pamphlet; that would never do. My old dog Ted has made her his new project and is completely obsessed with keeping track of her. Leaf in turn spends a lot of time on her back slapping at his big muzzle, then skittering off. Even my original cat, Oliver, is intrigued by her (I figured he'd be a butt about a feline newcomer).

I am positive she is a female because of her Tortoiseshell markings on her head and body, though her legs are striped: Tortie markings, like Calico, are only found in females unless a lot has changed without my knowing (always a possibility). And I too wondered about her having some Maine Coon in her, though I imagine she, like her canine housemates, is a mongrel. BlairShawJr asked, "What can we do?" I believe in joking reference to finding ourselves saddled with "the Unfortunate"(which Cuckoobob warns me about) and my answer is, "All we can do." As for being a person of honor, as Rick2236 so generously called me, I believe everyone who responded to my post falls into that category, because it is obvious that all of you have been in a similar spot and done the no-brainer thing by taking in whatever stray asked you for help.

I can assure you this kitten will have a good home here. Fellow bird-appreciators will be happy to know that she'll be an indoor cat with access to outdoor enclosed areas, like Oliver. She'll get the best food I can afford and proper vet care but not an overabundance of vaccinations beyond her kitten shots. I vaccinate my pets throughout their adulthood but don't do yearly boosters. Looks like I'll need to introduce her to the brush ASAP! And I hope to supply many portraits of her, not that I'm good at portraits, as she grows. Again, thank you for all your caring and supportive comments.

SWFeral

Good points Frank. I have stayed with this thread and have noticed from a few posters a note of envy or jealousy of Tony & Chelsea ( who is also an accomplished photographer) due to their following and success. Most of what this couple say is their personal opinions. And as Patrick Swayze stated in 'Roadhouse', "opinions vary".

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=patric+swayze+opinions+vary&qs=SW&cvid=33fcf86a596a4f7483585eebd99ae453&pq=patric+swayze+opinions+vary&cc=US&setlang=en-US&nclid=A1C0A6F73678B266772FE79C1F6A0FB4&ts=1543162440535&wsso=Moderate&ru=%2fsearch%3fq%3dpatric%2bswayze%2bopinions%2bvary%26form%3dWNSGPH%26qs%3dSW%26cvid%3d33fcf86a596a4f7483585eebd99ae453%26pq%3dpatric%2bswayze%2bopinions%2bvary%26cc%3dUS%26setlang%3den-US%26nclid%3dA1C0A6F73678B266772FE79C1F6A0FB4%26ts%3d1543162440535%26nclidts%3d1543162440%26tsms%3d535%26wsso%3dModerate&view=detail&mmscn=vwrc&mid=285264193F12FF0C8549285264193F12FF0C8549&FORM=WRVORC

Steve,

Welcome to the forum and the wonderful world of photography.

My baseline recommendation regardless of whether you purchase an Apple or some other PC are the following:

RAM: minimum 16GB, more the better
Processor: Intel i7 minimum
Internal drive: preferably a SSD (solid state drive) but if not, then go for no less than a 7200 rpm spindle drive.
Video card: preferably dedicated (typically Nvidia)

As for editing software, the Adobe Photography Bundle for about $10/month is what I use but the are others who are more familiar with some free software.