Hobby Thread - December 13, 2025 [Tannenbaum Rex]

Welcome hobbyists! Pull up a chair and sit a spell with the Horde in this little corner of the interweb. This is the mighty, mighty officially sanctioned Ace of Spades Hobby Thread. As previewed, the Ace of Spades Wheel of Hobbies (TM) landed on Christmas Ornaments.

Last week, the call went out for Horde Christmas ornament submissions. Are you thinking "I'm a grinch that did not submit an ornament, but I am eager to see what others submitted. I can't wait to get into the content!" I knew it. Enjoy.

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What are you hobbying?

As per usual Hobby Thread etiquette, keep this thread limited to hobbying. All (legal) hobbying is welcome. However, politics, current events and religious debates can live in threads elsewhere. Pants are optional. Puns are welcome and encouraged.

Play nice. Don't be a troll and do not feed the trolls.

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Christmas ornaments are more than plastic, wood, metal or glass. They may have aesthetic value but usually they are important and valued because of their origin story. Could be a special person or relative that gifted it. Could be someone that made it. Could be a treasure from travels or a family tradition. Could be the age and previous owners. Ornaments often have value because of their meaning.

Thanks much to the Horde who submitted treasures of their own. Enjoy their stories and share some of your own.

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From "Perfessor" Squirrel:

When I lived in Germany as a teenager, my parents would take us kids to the Christkindlmarkt in Bayreuth. They'd buy us each a Christmas ornament for the tree. I always wanted a giant nutcracker, but I had to make do with this little guy. He's standing on the box of the rest of my ornaments.

Unfortunate feline follow-up:

I foolishly forgot to put the Christmas ornament back in the box after I snapped a picture of it.
This morning, I discovered that the ornament had been knocked off the box onto the floor of my dining area and had broken in two. Unfortunately, I can only find the top half. If I can ever find the bottom half, there's a good chance I can glue it back together. I'm afraid the bottom half has been batted around so much it's disappeared into the void (like the countless ping pong balls I have scattered in my house).
This right here is why I don't ever have a Christmas tree.

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From JQ:

Our neighbor has a laser-cutting device and made these 3 snowflake ornaments for us last year. Pretty cool! Just slide the pieces together for 3-D effect.

20251212-snowflakes 2.jpg

The wooden ones were a farm-store find. They looked handmade at first glance, but alas, I fear they were merely assembled by hand after mass-production of the parts. Probably printed on the thin wood and die-cut, then glued together. Still, they are so cute that I bought 2 of each plus extra cows and sheep.

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From ARiK:

The folded stars in the box were made by me in Cub Scouts around 1968. The Snoopy was re-purposed from a model kit about the same time and the glass clam shells and house are survivors from my parents collection and were old in 1968.

The two Hallmark "Beagle Scout" ornaments are near and dear to my heart as an Eagle Scout and Eagle Scout dad and former adult leader.

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From Diogenes:

Mrs D purchased this when we were stationed in Germany (long ago) in Rothenburg au der Tauber. The store is called Katie Wolfharts. Known for their Christmas stuff. We have a bunch of their ornaments but this silly little thing just appeals to me.

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From Victor Tango Kilo:

We buy an ornament to commemorate every year. 2021 was the year Bravo and Charlie were born.

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From wcgreen:

My grandmother, crocheted this tree skirt when I married in 1978. We’ve placed it under our tree every year since then. The wooden tree was made by a local woodworker; it's the newest addition to my Christmas tree forest and it's keeping the skirt on the table for its photo.

I made the ornaments from a pattern in McCall's Needlework magazine in the mid-1980s. They are the first ornaments hung on our tree each year.

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From scampydog:

The cat is is scampywife's ornament from 1975, from Santa. She has one from 1978 and 1981 also. Kind of fun.

Collage: Our tradition... kids/parents each get a new ornament every year. Often tied to what is going on in life. Kids events, sports, hobbies, new job, etc., will be the ornament theme. Ma and Pa, we get things that fit our personality quirks.

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From Doof:

One of my favorite ornaments. Flintstones set from the 70s. We had a set of four. I have two and my sister has two.

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From Gratetful:

The best Hallmark ornaments were from the 1980s. This is one of them (with two sides). They were simple, heartfelt and cherished every year I put them on the tree.

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From Teresa in Fort Worth:

I made these to give as gifts to friends and family in 1996 - a "bell" made from a tiny terra cotta pot that I decorated. Got the idea from something I saw in a magazine that year.

This is a drum ornament that I made in second grade. It was a class project - each of us made one (using an empty wooden spool, some batting, a piece of fabric, and some glitter) to give to our parents to put on the tree that Christmas. My Mom put that on the tree every year, and when I set up my own house, she gave it to me to put on my Christmas tree. Our poor kids have had to hear that silly story every year when the tree gets put up.

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From Stephen Price Blair:

I'm all-in on celebrating the semiquincentennial, having started in 2023 with a series of posts on bicentennial cookbooks, then centennial cookbooks in 2024, and, this year, starting the 250th early with Samuel Young's speech on the 42nd anniversary (the meaning of life!) of the Battle of Bennington.
"All nations, from time immemorial, have had their days of commemoration. These days have marked the character of the nation itself. Among the Pagan nations they commemorate the birth day of some supposed God or Goddess. In Monarchies they commemorate the birthday of some favorite Prince or Princess. In Aristocracies they commemorate the birth day of some splendid Nobleman. But in the United States of America we commemorate the birth day of our Liberties."
So when I saw the Melania Trump 250th collection, I decided to take a chance on the star, which looked very elegant in the site's photos. It just arrived a few weeks ago, and I'm very happy with it. But I was even more pleasantly surprised - though I probably shouldn't have been surprised - to see "Made in the USA" on the side.

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From tcn in AK:

My fav is the photo ornament with a picture of my son age 2-1/2 years in his Halloween costume as a tiger.

The other one is a gorgeous Alaska ornament from The Kobuk Shop which is a historical little treasure located in the oldest building in Anchorage, also known by its original name "Kimball's Dry Goods." Every ornament on my tree is distinct. Some would say it's chaotic.

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From tRustyHudson:

The sound of Christmas in our house, a "Light and Magic" Hallmark ornament from 1989. Kringles Workshop. Plugs into your string of lights and the little elves saw and hammer, and the little gears whir and clack. We had that on our tree since I was 8. The original finally stopped working shortly before I married my wife, and damned if I didn't find another one for our first tree. And when that one gave up the ghost my wife bought another for me. I'm sure when this one goes we'll find another. Wouldn't be Christmas without this clacking in the background.

The following are the nice brass carburetor floats that I hang on our tree : 2 Carter (a WDG and WD-O) floats from Hudsons and a Rochester Q-Jet float from a old GM I can't recall. They're shiny brass.

Editor note: space constraints allowed only one of the carburetor float ornaments, but I don't know which one is pictured.

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From JuJuBee:

I bought this Hallmark ornament two months ago but it's already my all-time favorite. I didn't even put it on the tree. It's on my nightstand so I can see it frequently, and it's staying there all year.

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From Shelf of Monkeys:

Coming straight out of the early 70s and my childhood is my treasured paper mache blue cow that was given to me by my mother. The "flower power" decoration provides the finishing touch. She always is prominently displayed at eye level.

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From Tankascribe:

The first year we were married my husband and I invited our parents over to our place for Thanksgiving. I made my first turkey; my MIL asked for the turkey carcass to take home, from which she made luscious turkey noodle soup. Come Christmas, she presented me with the intact wishbone from my first turkey, spray-painted gold, covered with green fuzz and tied up with red yarn to be used as a Christmas tree ornament. That was 45 years ago and one leg of the wishbone has broken off, but it's still my favorite!

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From Margsnow:

These are two ornaments I made. They were inspired by ornaments I saw on Pinterest.

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From Lirio100:

This fish is a very sentimental favorite, the poor thing is pretty time worn. It was on my grandmother's tree when she was a child, in the early 1900's. I suspect it's even older since her family was originally from Germany and might have either brought it or have it sent. It's about five inches from mouth to tail tip, made of blown glass. The original red coloring can just be seen, while the silver mesh over the body is barely there now. I still treasure it!

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Bonus hobbying content - check out the tree skirt that Grateful made for our tree! Applique and embroidery done by hand.

This is also your reminder to stop by Club ONT later for the Christmas party!

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Did you miss the Hobby Thread last week? We did an scrounging and scavenging theme. The comments may be closed, but you can re-live the content.

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Notable comments from last week:

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Words of wisdom:

"Because despite all our troubles, when things are grim out in that wide round world of ours, that's when it's really important to have a good hobby." Posted by: tankascribe at June 22, 2024 07:41 PM (HWxAD).

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If you have trouble finding something in the content or comments that resonates with you, contribute something from your personal hobbying. We will feature a different theme next time. What are you hobbying? We love showing off Horde hobbying. Send thoughts, suggestions and photos of your hobbying to moronhobbies at protonmail dot com. Do mighty things.

Posted by: Open Blogger at 05:30 PM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Handmade are the best ornaments.

Posted by: OrangeEnt at December 13, 2025 05:31 PM (uQesX)

2 Welcome Hobbiests

Posted by: Skip at December 13, 2025 05:31 PM (Ia/+0)

3 OrangeEnt 👍
My grandmother ( dad's mother) made probably thousands in her life with a hard foam base then completely covered with sequins and things

Posted by: Skip at December 13, 2025 05:34 PM (Ia/+0)

4 Sorry for you loss, Perfessor. It's got to be hard to replace cats.

Posted by: OrangeEnt at December 13, 2025 05:34 PM (uQesX)

5 Those reindeer are awfully close together. That better not be AI.

Posted by: fd at December 13, 2025 05:36 PM (vFG9F)

6 Was this morning doing last weeks thread, processing lead scraps. Made 50 bullets and another ingot more than 10 pounds.
Should somehow weigh them.

Posted by: Skip at December 13, 2025 05:38 PM (Ia/+0)

7 OrangeEnt 👍
My grandmother ( dad's mother) made probably thousands in her life with a hard foam base then completely covered with sequins and things
Posted by: Skip at December 13, 2025 05:34 PM (Ia/+0)

Somewhere deep in the boxes are a few handmades from school days of me and one of my bros. Wife likes new stuff, so all those and my grandparents 40s and 50s Shiny Brite ornaments are dust gathering in the garage.

Posted by: OrangeEnt at December 13, 2025 05:43 PM (uQesX)

8 Props to anyone who can 'Name That Float'!

Posted by: tRusty Hudson at December 13, 2025 05:45 PM (ZfTMG)

9 Afternoon, Hobby Horde, and TRex! After freezing my azz off running the snowblower, I am seated at the desk putting coins in rolls. I found a 1944 Wheat penny!

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at December 13, 2025 05:46 PM (npFr7)

10 Sprue Brothers is having a 20% off sale on Dragon and Hong Kong Models.

So far resisting.

Posted by: Anna Puma at December 13, 2025 05:47 PM (RQW+z)

11 Props to anyone who can 'Name That Float'!
Posted by: tRusty Hudson at December 13, 2025 05:45 PM (ZfTMG)

The only one I know is "Root Beer."

Posted by: OrangeEnt at December 13, 2025 05:47 PM (uQesX)

12 Ages ago, our Christmas tree had about a dozen ornaments with various themed dioramas inside. They were not large.. maybe 2 - 5 inches tall/round. Obviously plastic.

Haven't see such since.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at December 13, 2025 05:48 PM (NwnyJ)

13 Navy about to tie Army, x-tra point will put them ahead if they score

Posted by: Skip at December 13, 2025 05:50 PM (Ia/+0)

14 7 so all those and my grandparents 40s and 50s Shiny Brite ornaments are dust gathering in the garage.

Posted by: OrangeEnt at December 13, 2025 05:43 PM
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Sad trombone...

Posted by: TRex - dino is old too at December 13, 2025 05:51 PM (IQ6Gq)

15 Those reindeer are awfully close together. That better not be AI.
Posted by: fd
*******
Another fun Hallmark ornament from the '80s. Definitely not AI.

Posted by: The Grateful - Acta Non Verba at December 13, 2025 05:51 PM (IQ6Gq)

16 Very Hispanic/Filipino area. Lots of yard decorations. Yeah, nothing says the birth of Christ like a deflated inflatable barny the dinosaur or a green grinch demon. What happened to creches and nativity scenes?

Posted by: Commissar of plenty and festive little hats at December 13, 2025 05:54 PM (Kt19C)

17 If we could find a tree large enough for ALL of the Moron Horde Christmas ornaments, it would be the bestest Christmas tree ever!

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at December 13, 2025 05:54 PM (ESVrU)

18 Sad trombone...
Posted by: TRex - dino is old too at December 13, 2025 05:51 PM (IQ6Gq)

A lot of them say West Germany.

Posted by: OrangeEnt at December 13, 2025 05:54 PM (uQesX)

19 Re: tandem bike
ace and garret, who are the others? Bath house attendants?

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at December 13, 2025 05:54 PM (h4uy9)

20 'Name That Float'!

A turd?

Posted by: Commissar of plenty and festive little hats at December 13, 2025 05:56 PM (Kt19C)

21 VTK, that's a great idea, to commemorate the birth of your cats. Both of mine were born in '22, so they could share an ornament.

We had the standard ornaments when I was a kid at home. One thing we did have that was not a tree dangler was a Grumpy Santa -- a painted ceramic figure, about the size of a coin bank (and maybe he was one), that Mom had found in a downtown store like Woolworth's. She popped him atop the television -- or on a shelf after we had cats -- and she found him amusing.

I must have missed it among her things when I cleaned out her apartment after she passed. I have never seen another one, and a search for "grumpy Santa" on eBay produces zilch.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 13, 2025 05:56 PM (wzUl9)

22 Sad trombone...
Posted by: TRex - dino is old too at December 13, 2025 05:51 PM (IQ6Gq)

A lot of them say West Germany.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at December 13, 2025 05:54 PM (uQesX)
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I have one that's a silhouette of a nativity scene carved out of olive wood. It says it was made in Bethlehem, which I thought was pretty neat.

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at December 13, 2025 05:57 PM (ESVrU)

23 I have one that's a silhouette of a nativity scene carved out of olive wood. It says it was made in Bethlehem, which I thought was pretty neat.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at December 13, 2025 05:57 PM (ESVrU)

There used to be a group from Bethlehem who came around in the fall offering carved sets. Haven't seen or heard about them in years.

Posted by: OrangeEnt at December 13, 2025 05:59 PM (uQesX)

24 I don't think I've ever seen car parts used as Christmas ornaments. It probably would not go over well here. Mrs fd would tell me to get my own tree.

My grandmother had some of those glass clamshell ornaments and others like them. She also had a color wheel, which makes any beautiful Christmas tree more beautifuler.

Posted by: fd at December 13, 2025 05:59 PM (vFG9F)

25 I almost forgot, bought a lot of ceramic ornaments that were pure white then painted them, wife painted some as well. They were our first ornaments for a Christmas tree. Haven't seen light of day since 1st Christmas with kittens. Never put one up again.

Posted by: Skip at December 13, 2025 06:00 PM (Ia/+0)

26 Very Hispanic/Filipino area. Lots of yard decorations. Yeah, nothing says the birth of Christ like a deflated inflatable barny the dinosaur or a green grinch demon. What happened to creches and nativity scenes?
Posted by: Commissar of plenty and festive little hats at December 13, 2025 05:54 PM (Kt19C)

I don't care as much about Grinch decor, as it is a Christmas story, although subtle. Don't understand why this gnome stuff is coming out, plus dogs, cats, penguins - well, I know how that came about - or other animals that aren't associated with Christmas or winter. But, eh, what can you do?

Posted by: OrangeEnt at December 13, 2025 06:01 PM (uQesX)

27 old brass carb floats for the win. love it.
and my spring boxes are "push" (compression) and "pull" (extension).

Posted by: cmeat at December 13, 2025 06:01 PM (R11M+)

28 My maternal grandfather, being poor and on a small retirement income, used to make ornaments from seashells and sand dollars, spray painted and glittered. He’d drill a small hole and make a loop with fishing line to hang on the tree.

I wish some still existed. Perhaps I will make my
Own someday.

Posted by: nurse ratched at December 13, 2025 06:02 PM (mT+6a)

29 Back in the day, we had glass ornaments on our Christmas tree. But after they were getting lower in number by attrition, thanks to our two poodles (who would play with them, batting at those on the lower branches), we needed to change our approach.

So, way back in 1986, my parents got a set of wooden ornaments which have proven to be dog-proof (so long as they are kept out of the range of puppies).

Posted by: Cow Demon at December 13, 2025 06:02 PM (4786I)

30 Most of the ornaments I made as a kid are on our tree. I took great care of those but blew up almost all of my GI Joe figures, trying to create authentic battles with Cobra.

Posted by: PA Dutchman at December 13, 2025 06:02 PM (31p00)

31 22 I have one that's a silhouette of a nativity scene carved out of olive wood. It says it was made in Bethlehem, which I thought was pretty neat.

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at December 13, 2025 05:57 PM
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Maybe sometime we'll do a nativity set theme. That could be quite interesting.

Posted by: TRex - dino is usually unfairly omitted from manger scenes at December 13, 2025 06:03 PM (IQ6Gq)

32 The Grinch was a man ahead of his time -- a visionary! A prophet without honor in his own country!

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 13, 2025 06:03 PM (wzUl9)

33 32 The Grinch was a man ahead of his time -- a visionary! A prophet without honor in his own country!

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 13, 2025 06:03 PM (wzUl9)

The Grinch is my homie. : )

Posted by: Cow Demon at December 13, 2025 06:05 PM (4786I)

34 i miss bubble lights on the trees.

Posted by: Cow Demon at December 13, 2025 06:06 PM (4786I)

35 I have about 30 years of the Hallmark Star Trek ornaments going back to the first year they issued them. I haven't put them on a tree in years, mostly because I don't want to bother with all the work of unpacking, plugging in or replacing batteries, and repackaging at the end of the season.

Posted by: PabloD at December 13, 2025 06:08 PM (Epuwl)

36 Tree lights certainly have changed often in my life time. Those big bulbs to led and many in-between

Posted by: Skip at December 13, 2025 06:08 PM (Ia/+0)

37 This would be a perfect post to like Dave in Tx and his ugly Christmas Tree essay.

It was hysterical.

Posted by: nurse ratched at December 13, 2025 06:10 PM (mT+6a)

38 17 If we could find a tree large enough for ALL of the Moron Horde Christmas ornaments, it would be the bestest Christmas tree ever!
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at December 13, 2025 05:54 PM (ESVrU)

-----------

That sounds very Mary Lou Who of you.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at December 13, 2025 06:11 PM (lCxV1)

39 > This would be a perfect post to like Dave in Tx and his ugly Christmas Tree essay.

It was hysterical.
Posted by: nurse ratched
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"the crap tree"

Posted by: Martini Farmer at December 13, 2025 06:12 PM (NwnyJ)

40 I miss bubble lights on the trees.

We didn’t have those. But I do miss my dad carefully going over the strands of those big incandescent bulbs to find out which ones were bad.

Pretty sure he doesn’t miss that.

Posted by: Stephen Price Blair at December 13, 2025 06:13 PM (EXyHK)

41 Great thread! As I get older, I get ever more joy at hanging an ornament that has some sentimental value to me.

Of course homemade ornaments from loved ones climb up the sentimental value track much faster.

Posted by: HappyFun at December 13, 2025 06:14 PM (d2+05)

42 Awesome Horde!!!

Posted by: Diogenes at December 13, 2025 06:14 PM (2WIwB)

43 i miss bubble lights on the trees.
Posted by: Cow Demon at December 13, 2025 06:06 PM (4786I)

They're available on Amazon. Not sure about vintage ones.

Posted by: OrangeEnt at December 13, 2025 06:14 PM (uQesX)

44
And there is absolutely nowhere to go to eat or have a drink.
Posted by: IrishEi

Walk into the Marriott. Bar and restaurant on the 1st floor on the right just past the entry.

Posted by: BifBewalski - at December 13, 2025 06:16 PM (QVmho)

45 Navy wins 16 ,- 15

Posted by: Skip at December 13, 2025 06:16 PM (Ia/+0)

46 Navy wins 16 ,- 15

Posted by: Skip at December 13, 2025 06:16 PM (Ia/+0)

17-16. Hard-fought.

Posted by: Vendette at December 13, 2025 06:16 PM (pJK38)

47 Go Navy, Beat Army...Semper Fortis

Posted by: The Grateful - Acta Non Verba at December 13, 2025 06:17 PM (IQ6Gq)

48 I wish I had found a few painted ornaments and sent them in. I knew the topic was requested

Posted by: Skip at December 13, 2025 06:18 PM (Ia/+0)

49 NAVY 17-16!

Posted by: Eromero at December 13, 2025 06:18 PM (LHPAg)

50 old brass carb floats for the win. love it.
and my spring boxes are "push" (compression) and "pull" (extension).
Posted by: cmeat at December 13, 2025 06:01 PM (R11M+)

Heh. I have several bin boxes of both compression and tension springs. Need another for torsion and leaf springs.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at December 13, 2025 06:18 PM (npFr7)

51 Well, that was a hard fought game.

Well played, Navy.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at December 13, 2025 06:20 PM (9iRTe)

52 number 8
You don't know a Rochester when you see one?

Posted by: MkY at December 13, 2025 06:23 PM (q6tQZ)

53 I can't find my glue gun. My glue gun is missing.
I've looked everywhere but it's not there. I found the Oatmeal carton in which I stored it but only one one inch piece of glue was there.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at December 13, 2025 06:23 PM (ONKca)

54 52 number 8
You don't know a Rochester when you see one?
Posted by: MkY at December 13, 2025 06:23 PM
Comin' Boss!

Posted by: Eromero at December 13, 2025 06:24 PM (LHPAg)

55 Tree lights certainly have changed often in my life time. Those big bulbs to led and many in-between
Posted by: Skip at December 13, 2025

***
I remember those big hot bulbs. They are the kind of thing that would be outdoor lights now, if those aren't LEDs too. We had a real tree every year when I lived at home, and so we never left the lights on at night or when there was not at least one person awake to watch. Never had a fire, thankfully.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 13, 2025 06:24 PM (wzUl9)

56 We're festooning the wee vessel with Christmas lights and ornaments to celebrate the annual Christmas Boat Parade about to start in 2.5 hours. The ornaments are of the Chinese use-once-and-toss variety but I'm sure they're all biodegradable and stuff.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at December 13, 2025 06:25 PM (lCxV1)

57 The ornaments are of the Chinese use-once-and-toss variety but I'm sure they're all biodegradable and stuff.
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43)

(Won't mention forever plastics)

Posted by: MkY at December 13, 2025 06:26 PM (q6tQZ)

58 You don't know a Rochester when you see one?
Posted by: MkY at December 13, 2025 06:23 PM
Comin' Boss!
Posted by: Eromero at December 13, 2025

***
Armed robber: "Your money or your life!"
Jack Benny (after one of his classic pauses): "I'm thinking, I'm thinking!"

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 13, 2025 06:27 PM (wzUl9)

59 48 I wish I had found a few painted ornaments and sent them in. I knew the topic was requested
Posted by: Skip at December 13, 2025 06:18 PM (Ia/+0)

----------

Further such oversights will require a personal meeting with the Dean of Commenters and the possible loss of your cardboard-level privileges.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at December 13, 2025 06:27 PM (lCxV1)

60 Oh, you fancy spring sorters. I guess you need something to do when it's -5 degrees outside.

In addition to two boxes of springs I have another drawer with real little springs, and shelves of bigger springs. You'd be surprised how often I have to access my cache of springs, and how important springs really are to our modern way of life.

Posted by: fd at December 13, 2025 06:27 PM (vFG9F)

61 56 We're festooning the wee vessel with Christmas lights and ornaments to celebrate the annual Christmas Boat Parade about to start in 2.5 hours. The ornaments are of the Chinese use-once-and-toss variety but I'm sure they're all biodegradable and stuff.
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at December 13, 2025 06:25 PM (lCxV1)
Toss over the side?

Posted by: Eromero at December 13, 2025 06:27 PM (LHPAg)

62 I can't find my glue gun. My glue gun is missing.
I've looked everywhere but it's not there. I found the Oatmeal carton in which I stored it but only one one inch piece of glue was there.
Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at December 13, 2025 06:23 PM (ONKca)

Who else had access to to it?

Posted by: NemoMeImpuneLacessit at December 13, 2025 06:28 PM (Wj1DV)

63 Last year a local suburb had its "Jeep" Christmas parade, with Jeep owners decorating their vehicles and rolling them along a route within the town. Shatteringly loud stereos, of course -- I can imagine the passengers were partly deaf afterward -- but it was a lot of fun to see how people dolled up their off-roaders.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 13, 2025 06:30 PM (wzUl9)

64 I can't find my glue gun. My glue gun is missing.
I've looked everywhere but it's not there. I found the Oatmeal carton in which I stored it but only one one inch piece of glue was there.
Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at December 13, 2025
*
Who else had access to to it?
Posted by: NemoMeImpuneLacessit at December 13, 2025

***
And who had motive?

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 13, 2025 06:30 PM (wzUl9)

65 I'm seriously considering a binocular 10x and 20x stereo microscope for my electronics bench. It should help placing micro-components (SMT) on circuit boards for a couple of kit builds that I plan to start constructing soon. Hoping Santa is gracious enough to have it under the tree in a couple of weeks. I've dropped more than enough hints to one of his helpers over the last few months.

Posted by: Maj. Healey at December 13, 2025 06:31 PM (abIsI)

66 You don't know a Rochester when you see one?
Posted by: MkY at December 13, 2025 06:23 PM
Comin' Boss!
Posted by: Eromero at December 13, 2025

***
Armed robber: "Your money or your life!"
Jack Benny (after one of his classic pauses): "I'm thinking, I'm thinking!"
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 13, 2025 06:27 PM (wzUl9)

Note for any young(er) person who might be on the page: Jack Benny was a famous comedian who died 51 years ago. He had a butler named Rodchester. Rochester was black and I am sure the whole thing would be racist now.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at December 13, 2025 06:33 PM (zZu0s)

67 Did the perp lick the oatmeal container?

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at December 13, 2025 06:34 PM (zZu0s)

68 In addition to two boxes of springs I have another drawer with real little springs, and shelves of bigger springs. You'd be surprised how often I have to access my cache of springs, and how important springs really are to our modern way of life.
Posted by: fd at December 13, 2025 06:27 PM (vFG9F)

The Native Americans used every bit of the spring.

Posted by: OrangeEnt at December 13, 2025 06:34 PM (uQesX)

69 Don't even get me started on torsion bars.

Posted by: fd at December 13, 2025 06:35 PM (vFG9F)

70 Our 15 year old microwave went tango uniform, had to order a new one from Lowes. Merry Christmas, so instead of steaks tonight, we are eating boiled cabbage. Praise the Lord!

Posted by: Eromero at December 13, 2025 06:36 PM (LHPAg)

71 Those ornaments are wonderful, especially with all the sentimental attachments. We don't have a tree up this year and the boxes with the ornaments are buried, so no photos. We have a few very old family ornaments. They weren't new when I was born so they have some serious age on them. (I'm amazed they have survived.) We have some hand crocheted snowflakes, heavily starched, from a dear friend, now gone. So simple and so special. We also have some handmade ones: clothes pins dressed up like characters from Charles Dickens. Mrs. JTB's friends, newly married and not much money,
(like most of us back then) used what they had and used wonderful imagination. They are wonderful for their own sake and for the memories.

Posted by: JTB at December 13, 2025 06:36 PM (yTvNw)

72 54 52 number 8
You don't know a Rochester when you see one?
Posted by: MkY at December 13, 2025 06:23 PM
Comin' Boss!

Not a Q-Jet... 50-50 shot now

Posted by: tRusty Hudson at December 13, 2025 06:37 PM (pDcsL)

73 Note: Jack Benny had better comedic timing than anyone alive today.

Honestly, thinking about it, I cannot think of a comedian today that uses the pause.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at December 13, 2025 06:37 PM (zZu0s)

74 Honestly, thinking about it, I cannot think of a comedian today that uses the pause.
Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at December 13, 2025 06:37 PM (zZu0s)

And apparently a very nice man.

Posted by: OrangeEnt at December 13, 2025 06:38 PM (uQesX)

75

NAVY!!

⚓️

(this is a good sign,
Navy won in 2024, Trump won. 2026 is looking good. that's all.)

Posted by: runner at December 13, 2025 06:38 PM (g47mK)

76 The Native Americans used every bit of the spring.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at December 13, 2025 06:34 PM
And the cabbage. The heart was reserved for Ten Bears and he gave me half it.
-Outlaw Josey Wales

Posted by: Eromero at December 13, 2025 06:39 PM (LHPAg)

77 Awesome ornaments and backstories, Horde. Thanks for the fun topic, Dino.

Posted by: scampydog at December 13, 2025 06:39 PM (46ZIb)

78 Honestly, thinking about it, I cannot think of a comedian today that uses the pause.
Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at December 13, 2025 06:37 PM (zZu0s)

I can’t think of any comedians today, except for those from the 90’s that have mostly retired.

Posted by: Tom Servo at December 13, 2025 06:39 PM (k5cxK)

79 I can’t think of any comedians today, except for those from the 90’s that have mostly retired.
Posted by: Tom Servo at December 13, 2025 06:39 PM (k5cxK)

Hmmm. Good point.

I am vaguely aware of Bill Burr and that he is a retard who sells out to Qatar.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at December 13, 2025 06:42 PM (zZu0s)

80 Those reindeer are awfully close together. That better not be AI.
Posted by: fd
*******
Another fun Hallmark ornament from the '80s. Definitely not AI.
Posted by: The Grateful - Acta Non Verba
+++++

Reminds me of inprocessing at basic training....
Everybody! Get on that bench, sit like on a bike.
Get closer! Closer!
Dick-n-ass !!
Dick-n-ass !!

Looks around... Benches had plenty of room to sit normal

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at December 13, 2025 06:43 PM (/lPRQ)

81 69 Don't even get me started on torsion bars.
Posted by: fd

Our new Chevy 1 ton has torsion bars for the front end. They have to be 2-2.5 inches thick. Our RV trailer also has torsion axles. Smooth as butter going down the road. Much better than a leaf spring suspension.

Posted by: Maj. Healey at December 13, 2025 06:45 PM (abIsI)

82 75

NAVY!!

⚓️

(this is a good sign,
Navy won in 2024, Trump won. 2026 is looking good. that's all.)
Posted by: runner at December 13, 2025 06:38 PM (g47mK)
The VF-84 Hornet themed uniform was a great touch last year. Maybe a Seabee D-8 dozer theme would have been good this year?

Posted by: Eromero at December 13, 2025 06:45 PM (LHPAg)

83 Amazing how objects can bring back such clear memories and Christmas ornaments have to be near the top of the list. When we bring them out I can recall the trees from my childhood and the excitement of decorating for Christmas. Or memories of the people who gifted them. Even the original boxes that hold the pieces, now over 70 years old, evoke the memories.

Posted by: JTB at December 13, 2025 06:47 PM (yTvNw)

84 Having to pick just one ornament to feature was a challenge...we have ornaments from 3 of 4 sets of grandparents, both parents, tons of friends, ones we've collected domestically and internationally, as well as handmade ones over the years...each one has it's own story...adds to the magic of the season...and Nova Local - no way in the world does this tree get decorated in 45 minutes!

Posted by: The Grateful - Acta Non Verba at December 13, 2025 06:47 PM (IQ6Gq)

85 Anyone have an aluminum Christmas tree?

Posted by: OrangeEnt at December 13, 2025 06:50 PM (uQesX)

86 Army/Navy game was down to the wire. Fun to watch. Meanwhile, it looks like Brown U. caught a case of mass-shooter this afternoon.

Posted by: Lincolntf at December 13, 2025 06:50 PM (vV6n9)

87 Anyone have an aluminum Christmas tree?
Posted by: OrangeEnt
************
Pains me to admit it, but yes...my mother for some unknown reason thought this would be a good idea...even came with that color wheel...offended me every single season....

Posted by: The Grateful - Acta Non Verba at December 13, 2025 06:51 PM (IQ6Gq)

88 You don't know a Rochester when you see one?
Posted by: MkY
--------

I have a Stromberg 97 ceramic mug.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at December 13, 2025 06:52 PM (XeU6L)

89 Before I forget, there was a bagpiper in full kit playing carols in the Lowes parking lot today. When I dropped some cash in his bucket, I almost requested Scotland The Brave, but nah, this was his show and he was doing great.

Posted by: Eromero at December 13, 2025 06:52 PM (LHPAg)

90 Anyone have an aluminum Christmas tree?
Posted by: OrangeEnt at December 13, 2025 06:50 PM (uQesX)

I saw one in a home movie at my grandparents (Dad side.) To a young kid, it looked cool as hell with the color wheel.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at December 13, 2025 06:55 PM (zZu0s)

91 Ah yes, the old Noma™ series string lights.. One burns out, they ALL go out.

Parents had those, when I was little. There were fancy replacement/upgrade bulbs too: snowmen, churches, trees. Mom kept the burned-out shaped ones, just 'cause they were pretty ornaments even without light.

Posted by: JQ at December 13, 2025 06:55 PM (rdVOm)

92 Best hobby thread ever

Thank you morons for sharing all those Christmas mementos

tcn's little boy is adorable.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at December 13, 2025 06:56 PM (A0sqA)

93 Thanks, TRex for the Hobby Thread, and this one was a lot of fun. Got here to late to really join in, and we got the ornaments out too late to get a photo to send. But I still enjoyed this very much.

Posted by: TecumsehTea at December 13, 2025 07:00 PM (H9K3b)

94 Glad the 'bubble' candles got mentioned. I've always been curious about the fluid therein. Alcohol?

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at December 13, 2025 07:00 PM (XeU6L)

95 I do not understand these women who don't want their kid's and husband's ornaments on the tree. Get another fucking tree for your sterile, matchy-matchy tree.

And if your babies are at the age where they hang all the ornaments in tbe same place, so be it. I mean, adjust them if any are in danger of being damaged or broken, but is there anything more fun than walking into a home and being able to tell immediately that there are toddlers and wee girls and boys who helped decorate?!
You're not getting these years back, when they're so proud of thei little macaroni ornaments, and so thrilled to hang them all by themselves.

Posted by: Tammy al-Thor at December 13, 2025 07:01 PM (Vvh2V)

96 Fun to see everyone's ornaments and the stories behind them. Thanks, Horde.

Posted by: BarelyScaryMary at December 13, 2025 07:01 PM (6p0Jv)

97 We had a sort of aluminum tree. It was shaped like the metallic ones, but was white flocked. Mated it with red balls and tear-drops. And the color wheel, of course.

Posted by: OrangeEnt at December 13, 2025 07:01 PM (uQesX)

98 I have a star tree topper that throws out a disco light effect on the ceiling. It's fun. I should have thought to send a pic.

Posted by: BarelyScaryMary at December 13, 2025 07:05 PM (6p0Jv)

99 Thanks for the Hobby Thread T-Rex!

Great ornaments and two fantastic tree skirts!

Sharing the spirit of the season is a priceless gift.

Posted by: Legally Sufficient at December 13, 2025 07:05 PM (kB9dk)

100 We collected several large nutcrackers soldiers when we lived in Germany. They are in storage now, but when we find our retirement home they will emerge again.

Just glad that were in Germany back when it was not infested with hajjis.

Posted by: Pug Mahon, I Have Become Comfortably Lame at December 13, 2025 07:08 PM (0aYVJ)

101 Just glad that were in Germany back when it was not infested with hajjis.
Posted by: Pug Mahon

Only Murcans, ammiright?

Posted by: MkY at December 13, 2025 07:11 PM (q6tQZ)

102 Any chance of a ' do it again' thread for next week?

Posted by: Ben Had at December 13, 2025 07:12 PM (sDNVV)

103 Thank you so much for this thread, TRex! For the first time in my life, I didn't decorate, so our ornaments weren't out to photograph, but I hope to participate next year, should you choose to repeat the idea. I have multiple trees, full of ornaments, and yes, a few trees are somewhat themed, but if we had kids, those handmade ones would be front and center, along with the ones from my grandparent's tree, and those my mama collected for as when I was a little girl, shabby though they are.

You gawt-damned morons brought tears to my eyes with your stories. And tcn's little tiger! 🥰🥰🥰 and Viktor's kitties!

I hope you look at that ornament, and remember how cute he was, tcn...and that it helps you sane while he's doing his best to drive you insane right now!

Posted by: Tammy al-Thor at December 13, 2025 07:12 PM (Vvh2V)

104 off topic: oh no:

Amy Schumer and her husband have decided to go their separate ways.

In an Instagram post shared on Friday, Dec. 12, the 44-year-old "Kinda Pregnant" star shared that she and her husband, chef Chris Fischer, have decided to split after seven years of marriage.

"Blah blah blah Chris and I have made the difficult decision to end our marriage after 7 years. We love each other very much and will continue to focus on raising our son. We would appreciate people respecting our privacy at this time," she wrote in the caption.

Posted by: gnats local 678 at December 13, 2025 07:12 PM (CWTWj)

105 I'm the sole proprietor of the gun. Only the rats would have motive and it's too heave for them.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at December 13, 2025 07:12 PM (ONKca)

106 Basically most of the day was spent prototyping a case in blender for the Quark Mini Linux computer and 3D printing it, and also creating terminal aliases and zsh helper functions.

Who knew you could spend an hour deciding how you want your backup time stamp formatted.

For moments like this, Gin helps immensely.

Posted by: Thomas Bender at December 13, 2025 07:13 PM (XV/Pl)

107 Anybody knows what's Presdent Obama be doing foor Quanzar this yeer???

Posted by: Mary Cloggistein from Brattleboro, Vt at December 13, 2025 07:14 PM (38587)

108 GRRRR. I forgot to submit. I have one of the ornaments I inherited from my maternal grandparents, the balance perished in the great tree crash of 2008. A small glass glass horn in pastels. Also, we have hubby nec's spaceman ornament that his parents gave him decades ago. Also, the hen eggs I painted and donate to a local historic site. The hen was a runt and produces eggs about a bit bigger then a quail egg.

Posted by: neverenoughcaffeine at December 13, 2025 07:15 PM (2NHgQ)

109 He had a butler named Rodchester. Rochester was black and I am sure the whole thing would be racist now.
Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone
------

Also, he was part of the Amon n' Andy company.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at December 13, 2025 07:15 PM (ONKca)

110 re 107: hot dog

Posted by: gnats local 678 at December 13, 2025 07:16 PM (CWTWj)

111 Love that Christmas tree skirt Grateful made. And thanks to TRex for the thread. So many lovely memories that were shared.

Posted by: JTB at December 13, 2025 07:16 PM (yTvNw)

112 Guy in his yard volunteered about his lit up nativity scene "we had a light in the Virgin Mary, but she burned out".

Posted by: Commissar of plenty and festive little hats at December 13, 2025 07:17 PM (Kt19C)

113 102 Any chance of a ' do it again' thread for next week?

Posted by: Ben Had at December 13, 2025 07:12 PM
***
So it is written, so it shall be done.

Second chance for those that missed this one. Go ahead and send your ornaments. To keep it lively, the Hobby Thread mailbox will accept other Christmas decorations, crafts, nativity scenes, etc.

Posted by: TRex - Christkindlmarkt Dino at December 13, 2025 07:18 PM (IQ6Gq)

114 re 109: and the kid from the little rascals stymie later did some episodes of 'sanford and son'

Posted by: gnats local 678 at December 13, 2025 07:18 PM (CWTWj)

115
We always had our three children hang the ornaments.

Who cares if things aren't symmetrical. It is family time, not little miss perfect time.

Posted by: fourseasons at December 13, 2025 07:19 PM (3ek7K)

116 TRex, thank you.

Posted by: Ben Had at December 13, 2025 07:19 PM (sDNVV)

117 Thank you for second chances for those who were tardy, TRex.

Posted by: BarelyScaryMary at December 13, 2025 07:20 PM (6p0Jv)

118 I love all the Horde ornaments! I don't decorate, except last year for my mom. But I have many ornaments (mine and now many of hers). I have a few from Russia. They have never made an appearance on a tree because they're definitely not cat-proof. My most treasured ornament is one that my SIL had made for Jesse and me for the only Christmas we had together. It hangs on the doorknob of my bedroom year round.

Last year we put up a little fake Charlie Brown tree, and only with non-breakable ornaments. It was up from before Thanksgiving through early February and the cat never knocked it over. A Christmas miracle :-)

Posted by: screaming in digital at December 13, 2025 07:20 PM (UONii)

119 65 I'm seriously considering a binocular 10x and 20x stereo microscope for my electronics bench. It should help placing micro-components (SMT) on circuit boards for a couple of kit builds that I plan to start constructing soon. Hoping Santa is gracious enough to have it under the tree in a couple of weeks. I've dropped more than enough hints to one of his helpers over the last few months.

Posted by: Maj. Healey at December 13, 2025 06:31 PM (abIsI)

Please post a review if Santa comes through, that's something I'm thinking about getting. I usually stick to the larger SMT parts, 1206 or bigger, and do OK with a magnifier and lots of light, but a microscope would help my 29 year old eyes.

Posted by: a.moron at December 13, 2025 07:21 PM (X5Jzz)

120 Vinegar Syndrome sells an ornament that looks like a VHS tape.

Posted by: BeckoningChasm at December 13, 2025 07:21 PM (CHHv1)

121 70 Our 15 year old microwave went tango uniform, had to order a new one from Lowes. Merry Christmas, so instead of steaks tonight, we are eating boiled cabbage. Praise the Lord!

Posted by: Eromero at December 13, 2025 06:36 PM (LHPAg)

Please tell me you're not eating steak tonight because you're saving money to pay for the new microwave, and not because you can't cook them in the dead microwave.

Posted by: a.moron at December 13, 2025 07:24 PM (X5Jzz)

122 Posted by: fourseasons at December 13, 2025 07:19 PM (3ek7K)

God bless you for that, fourseasons!

Posted by: Tammy al-Thor at December 13, 2025 07:24 PM (Vvh2V)

123
And right back to you Tammy!!!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Posted by: fourseasons at December 13, 2025 07:25 PM (3ek7K)

124 Nice ornaments and great stories behind them.

The tree is up at Casa Sin Problemas, GOA. We retired the 15 Year-old tree that served us well in California. Picked up the current 4ft "spruce" from Facebook Marketplace earlier today from a local. 40 bucks and she threw in two 50-light strings and other assorted ornaments. Merry Christmas, Hoard!

Posted by: Joe Kidd at December 13, 2025 07:25 PM (nbLIj)

125 Time to say thank you before the next act takes the Ace of Spades stage. Thanks to all who contributed. We'll do this again next week with the same or similar theme (because Ben Had said so), so send in your goodies.

If you missed, please submit. If you submitted this week and have another ornament or Christmas decoration in mind, OK to send.

See y'all at the Club ONT Christmas party later!

Posted by: TRex - nativity shy dino at December 13, 2025 07:25 PM (IQ6Gq)

126 Thank you all for sharing your ornaments and your memories - this was absolutely wonderful!!!! Merry Christmas!!!

Posted by: moki at December 13, 2025 07:28 PM (wLjpr)

127 I'm going to take a nap so I can make the party.

Posted by: Ben Had at December 13, 2025 07:28 PM (sDNVV)

128 We have so many penguin Christmas ornaments, we decorate a separate small tree with just them. Deal with it, Spheniscidaphobes!

Posted by: Paco at December 13, 2025 07:28 PM (2L+MU)

129 I hang my Yak fiber stockings on the mantle.

Posted by: Ben Had at December 13, 2025 07:30 PM (sDNVV)

130 104 off topic: oh no:

Amy Schumer and her husband have decided to go their separate ways.

In an Instagram post shared on Friday, Dec. 12, the 44-year-old "Kinda Pregnant" star shared that she and her husband, chef Chris Fischer, have decided to split after seven years of marriage.

Posted by: gnats local 678 at December 13, 2025 07:12 PM (CWTWj)

So, he married her and put up with her when she was a fat pig, and now that she's a skinny pig, she dumps him. Nice. And lucky him, to be rid of her.

Posted by: a.moron at December 13, 2025 07:30 PM (X5Jzz)

131 My old GE microwave went tits up a couple of years ago. Being on the cheap I bought one from Wally.
It's good for the money but that old GE was nice.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at December 13, 2025 07:31 PM (ONKca)

132
a.moron,

Lol. You are right.

Posted by: fourseasons at December 13, 2025 07:31 PM (3ek7K)

133 Please tell me you're not eating steak tonight because you're saving money to pay for the new microwave, and not because you can't cook them in the dead microwave.
Posted by: a.moron at December 13, 2025 07:24 PM (X5Jzz)
Nobody cooks steaks in a microwave. We only use a hot skillet.
-Amos 'n Andy

Posted by: Eromero at December 13, 2025 07:32 PM (LHPAg)

134 Well I will find some of my painted ornaments and send a picture in

Posted by: Skip at December 13, 2025 07:35 PM (Ia/+0)

135 Her husband looks like a fairly normal, fairly skinny dude. Not on ozempic.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at December 13, 2025 07:38 PM (zZu0s)

136 Please tell me you're not eating steak tonight because you're saving money to pay for the new microwave, and not because you can't cook them in the dead microwave.
Posted by: a.moron at December 13, 2025 07:24 PM (X5Jzz)

A microwave is no place for a steak. Frozen White Castles, maybe...

Posted by: Joe Kidd at December 13, 2025 07:39 PM (nbLIj)

137 I had a medium-sized Sharp Carousel II that I got in 1986. It lasted 20 years before the keypad went wonky, but could still use "minute plus" and some of the number keys. Kept it another few years, LOL. The next one, same brand, only lasted 8? I think. Now have a Hamilton Beach unit that sometimes shuts off mid-cycle. Have had it only 4 or 5 years.

Posted by: JQ at December 13, 2025 07:39 PM (rdVOm)

138 * waves to Joe Kidd*

Posted by: Ben Had at December 13, 2025 07:40 PM (sDNVV)

139 Day after Christmas have a little historical miniature game I am making, not sure how well it will come out but will post a picture anyway.

Posted by: Skip at December 13, 2025 07:40 PM (Ia/+0)

140 Glad the 'bubble' candles got mentioned. I've always been curious about the fluid therein. Alcohol?
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at December 13, 2025 07:00 PM (XeU6L)

My Dad said it was carbon tetrachloride. Alcohol + heat might end badly. Seems to me there was a little hunk of granular stuff in the bottom to nucleate the bubbles, too.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at December 13, 2025 07:41 PM (npFr7)

141 Posted by: fourseasons at December 13, 2025 07:25 PM (3ek7K)

Ditto, and may our Dear Lord shower you with many blessings in this new year coming!

Posted by: Tammy al-Thor at December 13, 2025 07:42 PM (Vvh2V)

142 Mike Hammer, package coming your way.

Posted by: Ben Had at December 13, 2025 07:42 PM (sDNVV)

143 Ben Had, I'd live to see your stockings!

Posted by: Tammy al-Thor at December 13, 2025 07:42 PM (Vvh2V)

144
I found some bubble lights at an estate sale.

Estate sales are great for finding old, cool stuff.

Posted by: fourseasons at December 13, 2025 07:43 PM (3ek7K)

145 Now have a Hamilton Beach unit that sometimes shuts off mid-cycle. Have had it only 4 or 5 years.
Posted by: JQ
---

Mine too. I wondered if I had a mind gap.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at December 13, 2025 07:43 PM (ONKca)

146 Tammy, I make these things and never think to take pictures.

Posted by: Ben Had at December 13, 2025 07:44 PM (sDNVV)

147 (Raises glass to Ben Had. Waggles eyebrows...)

Posted by: Joe Kidd at December 13, 2025 07:44 PM (nbLIj)

148
Most new stuff today is crap.

Hubby and I think the lockdown had a lot to do with things being crap.

Posted by: fourseasons at December 13, 2025 07:45 PM (3ek7K)

149 Joe Kidd, you know you are at the top of my dance card so we can officially open the dance floor.

Posted by: Ben Had at December 13, 2025 07:46 PM (sDNVV)

150 Heh, for those still lingering on: it was for a Carter WGD, from a '50's Hudson Big Six 308ci straight 6 with a 2-barrel carb.

Posted by: tRusty Hudson at December 13, 2025 07:46 PM (pDcsL)

151 I used to decorate living room window sill with artificial branch garland, various pine/fir/spruce cones, and a set of bubble lights. Not 'old stock' lights-- I had purchased them at a Bi-Mart (discount store) in the early 2000s.

Anyway, left them on too long one afternoon and one of the bubbler thingys popped. Liquid got too hot? Stained the mini-blind with blue splatter, but no fire.

Posted by: JQ at December 13, 2025 07:47 PM (rdVOm)

152 I found some bubble lights at an estate sale.

Estate sales are great for finding old, cool stuff.

Posted by: fourseasons at December 13, 2025 07:43 PM (3ek7K)

Bubble lights are the best damn Christmas lights ever invented. Earliest Christmas memories included those. I think they only lasted a few years, but they made an umpression...

Posted by: Joe Kidd at December 13, 2025 07:48 PM (nbLIj)

153 Got my coin rolling done. Ninety-one dollars in Canadian coins rolled, to go to the bank on Monday. I probably have a near-equal amount in U.S. coin that I will haul South with me, and feed to the Coinstar machine in WalMart. No point in rolling them.

Did a quick run to town for groceries, mail, etc. The white '99 Suburban started right up, not a moment's delay, despite having cold-soaked for several days in sub-zero weather. By the time I'd made the three miles to town, the heater was making its presence felt, and by the time I got home, it was nice and warm inside the beast. +5 F right now, and I saw what appears to be a Chinook arch in the far south, so it may warm up, as the forecast calls for.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at December 13, 2025 07:51 PM (npFr7)

154 Joe Kidd, you know you are at the top of my dance card so we can officially open the dance floor.
Posted by: Ben Had at December 13, 2025 07:46 PM (sDNVV)

I'm always up for a nice waltz..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00Ig33jctXs

Posted by: Joe Kidd at December 13, 2025 07:52 PM (nbLIj)

155
AOP,

You will be heading to warm weather soon.

Posted by: fourseasons at December 13, 2025 07:52 PM (3ek7K)

156 Mom and Dad still have a Sharp Carousel that Grandma and Grandpa got them in the 80s. Has a dial timer setting (like an egg timer.)

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at December 13, 2025 07:52 PM (zZu0s)

157
It was 55 degrees here in SW Wyoming today. Very strange for us, but we'll take it.

Posted by: fourseasons at December 13, 2025 07:54 PM (3ek7K)

158 Revised forecast for tomorrow is a high of 14 and a low of 4.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at December 13, 2025 07:54 PM (zZu0s)

159 Heh, for those still lingering on: it was for a Carter WGD, from a '50's Hudson Big Six 308ci straight 6 with a 2-barrel carb.
Posted by: tRusty Hudson at December 13, 2025 07:46 PM (pDcsL)

I know a guy here in Alberta who is restoring a Hudson Hornet convertible with Twin-H power. Well, it's in the queue; a couple of other high-dollar cars precede it. Rick is a very skilled and meticulous restorer. It will be done right, when it gets done.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at December 13, 2025 07:55 PM (npFr7)

160 It was 55 degrees here in SW Wyoming today. Very strange for us, but we'll take it.

Posted by: fourseasons
*******
So, that's where the good temps went, cause they certainly aren't here...enjoy them!

Posted by: The Grateful - Acta Non Verba at December 13, 2025 07:55 PM (IQ6Gq)

161 AOP,

You will be heading to warm weather soon.

Posted by: fourseasons at December 13, 2025 07:52 PM (3ek7K)

Planning on it. Probably later this coming week.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at December 13, 2025 07:56 PM (npFr7)

162 Pictures or it didn't happen I should take to heart. Sculpted a 15 piece Southwest nativity and didn't take picture one.

Posted by: Ben Had at December 13, 2025 07:56 PM (sDNVV)

163
Grateful,

5 y/o granddaughter asked today if we are going to have a brown Christmas this year, lol.

Posted by: fourseasons at December 13, 2025 07:56 PM (3ek7K)

164 5 y/o granddaughter asked today if we are going to have a brown Christmas this year, lol.

Posted by: fourseasons
Ha! I'm sure you assured her whatever the color, all Christmases are magical and good. What a great age, enjoy your time with her!

Posted by: The Grateful - Acta Non Verba at December 13, 2025 07:58 PM (IQ6Gq)

165 Pictures or it didn't happen I should take to heart. Sculpted a 15 piece Southwest nativity and didn't take picture one.
Posted by: Ben Had
***********
Ugh! I did that for many years....finally about 8-10 years ago I intentionally tried to take a photo of everything I made....

Posted by: The Grateful - Acta Non Verba at December 13, 2025 08:01 PM (IQ6Gq)

166 Speaking of hobbies, I am going to hot up the soldering iron, and do some more work on this ancient radio I am refurbishing. It's a 1936 Canadian Westinghouse "farm radio", meant to run off dry cells or storage batteries. Uses "fat pin" tubes, 4, 5, and 6 pin tubes, with metal top caps for the grids. I have no idea if it will play, but it's kind of fun to mess with. All the wiring was rubber-insulated, and the rubber has become crisp, and falls off in strips. So replace nearly all the wires in the set. And the paper capacitors, too.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at December 13, 2025 08:01 PM (npFr7)

167
We had the four grandchildren, 3 to 11 y/o today so mom and dad could get everything wrapped and ready for Santa.

It was a wonderful day.

Posted by: fourseasons at December 13, 2025 08:02 PM (3ek7K)

168 Movie thread is nood.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at December 13, 2025 08:03 PM (zZu0s)

169 The Grateful, I did manage to get a friend to send me pictures of some rustic churches I did out of hunkts of wood here on the farm. I would like to submit them.

Posted by: Ben Had at December 13, 2025 08:04 PM (sDNVV)

170 >>>I probably have a near-equal amount in U.S. coin that I will haul South with me, and feed to the Coinstar machine in WalMart. No point in rolling them.
---

I go to self check out, cash machine with a pocket full of coins (best done at low traffic times). First thing, all the pocket coin goes into the machine.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at December 13, 2025 08:06 PM (ONKca)

171
AOP,

I love reading about all your projects.

I'm not handy and appreciate people who are.

Posted by: fourseasons at December 13, 2025 08:07 PM (3ek7K)

172 I go to self check out, cash machine with a pocket full of coins (best done at low traffic times). First thing, all the pocket coin goes into the machine.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at December 13, 2025 08:06 PM (ONKca)

Well, that's a way to avoid the Coinstar vigorish, I guess.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at December 13, 2025 08:08 PM (npFr7)

173 The bank here will take all your coins and they don't charge anything.

Posted by: Ben Had at December 13, 2025 08:09 PM (sDNVV)

174 We have an original aluminum tree that we put up every alternate year. Manitowoc (where a lot of the trees were made) puts a bunch on display in Main Street shops every year. I would seriously love to find a pink one.

Posted by: The Neon Madman at December 13, 2025 08:15 PM (yNfcm)

175 174/
I know that Hobby Lobby has pink trees, but not sure if they are aluminum, probably just plastic

Posted by: The Grateful - Acta Non Verba at December 13, 2025 08:17 PM (IQ6Gq)

176 I did manage to get a friend to send me pictures of some rustic churches I did out of hunkts of wood here on the farm. I would like to submit them.
Posted by: Ben Had
*******
Would LOVE to see those!

Posted by: The Grateful - Acta Non Verba at December 13, 2025 08:18 PM (IQ6Gq)

177 We had the four grandchildren, 3 to 11 y/o today so mom and dad could get everything wrapped and ready for Santa.

It was a wonderful day.
Posted by: fourseasons
**********
This just makes me SMILE!

Posted by: The Grateful - Acta Non Verba at December 13, 2025 08:19 PM (IQ6Gq)

178 Love all of the ornaments! I have been collecting one (or two) a year since we got engaged in 1978. I have a lot. Plus a few antique ones from his family and mine.

My favorite is a ceramic one of two boys carrying a tree. Which is similar to one of my favorite photos I took of our boys "helping" carry the tree my brother cut on our farm. It is framed and I keep it in our bedroom in the event of fire (which is weird as I will probably forget it).

I keep meaning to paint the scene and have Christmas cards printed but I never do.

Christmas does bring back good memories and sentiment of family past and present. I wish all good memories on you all.

Posted by: ChristyBlinkyTheGreat at December 13, 2025 08:50 PM (WONhk)

179 Forgot to add: when our sons were hatched I got them a new ornament each year. Either with the date or I wrote the date and their name in sharpie on the back.

The first Christmas of their marriage I gave them each bins of these ornaments for their tree with their brides.

Now I buy an ornament (with the year!!!) for them plus our grandchildren. Often with their names and ,of course, the year. Etsy has some great artists who make them.

I confess to being an Etsy addict.

Posted by: ChristyBlinkyTheGreat at December 13, 2025 08:54 PM (WONhk)

180 5 y/o granddaughter asked today if we are going to have a brown Christmas this year, lol.

Posted by: fourseasons at December 13, 2025 07:56 PM (3ek7K)

You, too?

I have been praying for snow. The Mountain West is getting ripped off so far.

Posted by: ChristyBlinkyTheGreat at December 13, 2025 08:58 PM (WONhk)

181 Done soldering for a bit. Got the "A" circuit done. Time to wash dishes, and make some supper.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at December 13, 2025 09:24 PM (npFr7)

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