Hobby Thread - December 28, 2024 [TRex]

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.

We gave the Ace of Spades Wheel of Hobbies(TM) a spin and it perked up and reminded us that this was the LAST HOBBY THREAD of the year. Goodness.

***

Will you indulge a few random words in recognition of the year end before we get into the usual shenanigans? TRex treasures the people who make things happen. Hobbyists are the makers, the creators, the crafters, the builders, the designers, and the visionaries. You are those people. Thank you for being here. Thank you for sharing and contributing. Thank you for encouraging others. Thank you for the notes (especially from shy lurkers who are kind enough to pop in periodically to affirm their existence).

Inspiration is a wonderful part of the Hobby Thread. It happens when someone is inspired and takes action. It might be to pick up a forgotten project, attempt a build, or learn something new. TRex respects those with a bias towards action and the bravery and humility involved in tackling something new.

Another fun part of the Hobby Thread is connections between Gray Box friends through shared memories and interests. The Horde is a collection of oddballs, but there are likely to be some among the Horde that resonate with each other. If not, at least the Horde will sympathize and empathize and offer encouragement and support.

Thank you for being among the Horde and thank you for being involved with the Hobby Thread. A special prayer for those among the Horde that are struggling with loss, health challenges, or the other weirdness that life can produce. No Hordeling is ever alone. Shoot me an email any time if you require confirmation.

A special word of thanks to the COBs and contributors. I have no idea what I am doing. No, really. No idea at all. We are making it up as we go. They have been helpful and supportive and none of this is possible without them. Thank you. Anyway...on with the show.

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Rather than a theme of a single hobby, tonight we shall speak of accomplishments and aspirations.

Looking back, what were your favorite hobby projects from the past year? What new skills did you learn? What did you boldly attempt and succeed in doing? Has anything from prior Hobby Thread themes inspired you?

Looking ahead, what do you plan to tackle in the coming year? Are there hobby projects that have been on your list that you FINALLY want to address or complete? Are there new skills that you want to learn or new hobbies that you have always wanted to try?

We are looking for pure and undiluted enthusiasm, optimism and ambition. This is not about guilt for prior hobby attempts or a competition for who has accumulated the most unbuilt kits or unfinished projects. Looking for the positive parts of hobbying: pride of accomplishment and the fresh energy that a new year brings.

As per usual Hobby Thread etiquette, keep this thread limited to hobbying. Politics, current events and religious debates can live in threads elsewhere. Even though it is arguably religion, college football is fair game. Play nice. Do not be a troll and do not feed the trolls.

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TRex knows what you are thinking. What can we do with all these cardboard boxes from Christmas? Surely there must be something crafty that we can make instead of throwing them all away!

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Building a cardboard safe? Wow. Will someone among the Horde tackle this challenge? Please send a note if you do. Would love to hear about your experience and see your result.

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This gets the official 2024 TRex award for whimsy. Someone out there in Hordeland has to give this a try:

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Are you wise in the ways of the sock monkey?

Sock monkeys trace their origins to red heeled socks made in 1932 called the Rockford Red Heel. They were made by a company called Nelson Knitting Mill. In the early 1950s, people made monkey toys and dolls from the socks. Naturally, a legal battle ensued over patent rights when one woman obtained a patent and sued another maker who was also making sock monkeys. The person being sued went to the company for help to declare the patent invalid. In the end, Nelson Knitting Mill ended up with the rights and Rockford, Illinois became the home of the sock monkey. Today, there is actually such a thing as the Sock Monkey Museum.

Over time, creative crafters used Rockford Red Heel socks to make other things. We recently spotted the Rudolph Reindeer Wreath pictured above in a shop. Do you make sock monkeys or sock monkey derivatives?

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Looking for a new hobby for 2025? Learn how to play the bagpipes!

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Remember this from our 3D printing Hobby Thread theme in early November?

Thomas Bender was inspired and built one of his own.

It took me about a month to put together in fits and starts.
If you have all of the nuts and bolts on hand and order the turntable on Amazon, it should take less than a week to print and assemble. When filled with concrete and assembled, it weighs 10lbs.
Aesthetically, it is beautiful, sadly, it is not very useful.
It has two main problems, first, the mechanism that opens and closes the jaws is a fine dot pitch 100mm bolt, which takes forever and a day to open and close, second, being that the clamping parts are made of plastic, they cannot apply enough clamping force to hold anything.
The authors main use for the vise was to paint miniature figures, and for that task, there are no equals. There are people who have modified the jaw plate to allow you to mount small metal vise assemblies, replacing the plastic vise assemblies.

Outstanding. Thank you!

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Daughter of Piper was busy building things out of Legos over the Christmas holiday. The first is a poinsettia. It has 608 pieces. Yes, that is right. 608 pieces.

The second build was cherry blossoms.

Well done and thank you for sharing! Did anyone else tackle Lego builds over the holiday?

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We spotted a color wheel in an antiques store earlier this week. Everything OTHER than the color wheel and shiny metallic tree was for sale which tells you something.

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ANNOUNCEMENT: We are going to do a theme that includes gingerbread houses at some point in the very near future. Interested to hear about your builds and your memories. If you have a photo or two of a gingerbread project that you would like to share, shoot me a note. Other gingerbread forms like gingerbread men are in scope. Gingers are a different topic and thread entirely.

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Did you miss the Hobby Thread last week with a theme of Christmas and Hanukkah crafting? The comments may be closed, but you can re-live the content.

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Notable comments from last week:

20241222-Screenshot 2024-12-22 102758.jpg

20241222-Screenshot 2024-12-22 102921.jpg

20241222-Screenshot 2024-12-22 103247.jpg

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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).

***

If you have trouble finding something in the content or comments that resonates with you, hijack the thread for your hobbying as you see fit. We will feature a different theme next time. Send thoughts, suggestions and photos of your hobbying to moronhobbies at protonmail dot com The color wheel is not for sale. Neither is the poinsettia.

Posted by: Open Blogger at 05:30 PM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Welcome Hobbiests

Posted by: Skip at December 28, 2024 05:30 PM (fwDg9)

2 First?

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 28, 2024 05:32 PM (omVj0)

3 Almost! Almost!

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 28, 2024 05:32 PM (omVj0)

4 Take teo

Posted by: Skip at December 28, 2024 05:32 PM (fwDg9)

5 Good afternoon hobby people.

Posted by: Tonypete at December 28, 2024 05:34 PM (WXNFJ)

6 Came up blank again.
Anyway put a lot of time this week on my 18mm Bavarian Chevaulegers. There is endless it seems bits and pieces, but have them mounted but heads and bits to paint.

Posted by: Skip at December 28, 2024 05:34 PM (fwDg9)

7 My dear Aunt Marlene had a metallic silver Christmas tree complete with the four-color wheel. She also had a black velvet Elvis, a painting of a matador with his sarape draped over his shoulder, and a little black sambo desk lamp with some hideous red chinz lampshade with little thread balls hanging from the bottom edge.

Her house was something I tell you.

Posted by: Tonypete at December 28, 2024 05:38 PM (WXNFJ)

8 My hobby is missing the #%~€'ling Gardening Thread even though I had a great comment lined up....

Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK) at December 28, 2024 05:39 PM (QGaXH)

9 My 2nd 3D Printer has been churning away making holders for all of the Settlers of Catan 3D tiles.

I don't think more than a couple of days have gone by over the last two months where I wasn't printing something, either for myself or someone else.

Posted by: Thomas Bender at December 28, 2024 05:40 PM (XV/Pl)

10 Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan

I think you can still add a comment.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at December 28, 2024 05:43 PM (Mpnw4)

11 Have three projects to get started on. A pencil drawing to turn into a card for next Christmas, another cat tree made from a real trees and copper and turquoise inlay project.

Posted by: Ben Had at December 28, 2024 05:44 PM (XTmTf)

12 Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan

I think you can still add a comment. 😊

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at December 28, 2024 05:44 PM (Mpnw4)

13 Sorry. Didn't mean to post that twice.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at December 28, 2024 05:45 PM (Mpnw4)

14 Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan

I think you can still add a comment. 😊
Posted by: FenelonSpoke

The banhammer only feels bad for a while...

Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at December 28, 2024 05:45 PM (abGOz)

15 What have I achieved in my hobbies this year?

A short story published in an anthology; and a mystery novel manuscript under serious consideration from a publisher.

As far as pipe smoking, I've tried various ways to load my pipes so that I get at least fifteen to twenty minutes at the start before having to relight. I think I've managed it, at least some of the time.

Exercise: I've discovered that the fitness watch Miss Linda gave me a couple of years ago, when it marks off distance, it does it not by my steps but with an algorithm based on time elapsed and whether you choose "Run" mode or "Walk." So my walk/run sessions when set on "Walk" have been underestimating my distance. Long story short, on a 1/5 mile track I can crank out 1.5 miles (7.5 laps) in less than 18 minutes, which is in the "excellent" category for my age. I've been visiting the track on Sunday mornings and enjoying myself.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 28, 2024 05:46 PM (omVj0)

16 12 Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan

I think you can still add a comment. 😊
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at December 28, 2024 05:44 PM (Mpnw4)

Thank you Fen. (May I call you Fen?).

It's not the same! Kicks dirt, storms (flounces?) off...

Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK) at December 28, 2024 05:47 PM (QGaXH)

17 Wolfus, I will catch you on the tech thread tomorrow. Something you might be interested in.

Posted by: Ben Had at December 28, 2024 05:48 PM (XTmTf)

18 What can we do with all these cardboard boxes from Christmas? Surely there must be something crafty that we can make instead of throwing them all away!

Cute stuff, but I question the wisdom of the cardboard candle holders in the lower left of the screenshot.

Maybe if you put a balloon full of halon in them, just in case?

Posted by: mikeski at December 28, 2024 05:48 PM (DgGvY)

19 The only hobby I'm doing right now is word searches/ both from the newspaper- which fortunately have been seasonally related or ones related to Bible and the Christmas stories.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at December 28, 2024 05:48 PM (Nr47u)

20 I recognize the color wheel tree! 🤣 now off to show the kiddo she is internet famous.

Ps. Thank you, TRex, for this. It’s going to make her week.

Posted by: Piper at December 28, 2024 05:49 PM (pZEOD)

21 I completed my Barad Dur LEGO recently. It is glorious! Huge! Just shy of 5500 pieces and now displayed in front of a map of Middle Earth.

Posted by: She Hobbit at December 28, 2024 05:49 PM (ftFVW)

22 It's not the same!
Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan
--------

Post it here, anyway?

Gardening & puttering *are* hobbies, ya know!

Posted by: JQ at December 28, 2024 05:50 PM (YoCnN)

23 Posted by: Tonypete at December 28, 2024 05:38 PM (WXNFJ)

You put all that in one room and it’s no longer gaudy but avant garde.

Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at December 28, 2024 05:50 PM (D6PGr)

24 Wolfus, I will catch you on the tech thread tomorrow. Something you might be interested in.
Posted by: Ben Had at December 28, 2024

***
I'll check in when I get up!

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 28, 2024 05:50 PM (omVj0)

25 I got a Lego Technic Porsche GT4 from son #1. I've finished 2 stages out of 6. When it's done you can drive it with a smart phone but that requires an app and I don't do apps.

Posted by: fd at December 28, 2024 05:51 PM (vFG9F)

26 Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK) at December 28, 2024 05:47 PM (QGaXH)

Yes; You can call me Fen. Writing out FenelonSpoke is too long, and if you post it I will go read the comment. 😊

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at December 28, 2024 05:52 PM (Nr47u)

27 Sorry, T. Haven't done any hobbies lately. Done some playing at writing you can see on ALH, but nothing else. Still check out the thread, but don't comment much anymore.

Posted by: Ghost of OrangeEnt Past at December 28, 2024 05:52 PM (0eaVi)

28 My current hobby is throwing out my old hobbies in preparation for moving to a new house.

Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at December 28, 2024 05:53 PM (D6PGr)

29 27 Sorry, T. Haven't done any hobbies lately. Done some playing at writing you can see on ALH, but nothing else. Still check out the thread, but don't comment much anymore.

Posted by: Ghost of OrangeEnt Past at December 28, 2024 05:52 PM
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No worries. Glad you're here. Jump in when the spirit moves you.

Posted by: TRex at December 28, 2024 05:54 PM (hHgsA)

30 21 I completed my Barad Dur LEGO recently. It is glorious! Huge! Just shy of 5500 pieces and now displayed in front of a map of Middle Earth.
Posted by: She Hobbit at December

Wow! She told me she wants the Jaws set where Jaws is eating the boat.

Posted by: Piper at December 28, 2024 05:55 PM (pZEOD)

31 25 I got a Lego Technic Porsche GT4 from son #1. I've finished 2 stages out of 6.
Posted by: fd at December 28, 2024 05:51 PM
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Congrats! Quite a piece of kit. Best wishes with the remaining build.

Posted by: TRex at December 28, 2024 05:55 PM (hHgsA)

32 FYI . There is a Bob Ross channel on the free streaming site TubiTv.com

Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at December 28, 2024 05:56 PM (D6PGr)

33 I've been playing around with my new VHF / UHF satellite antenna. I heard a guy with a Canadian call sign last night but he apparently didn't hear me calling back. This evening, time permitting, I'm going to try to download SSTV images from the International Space Station.

I hope to do a lot more SOTA / POTA in 2025. Also,, I have several board games still in shrink wrap that need to be played..

Posted by: PabloD at December 28, 2024 05:56 PM (yHP5w)

34 Ben Had, your package should arrive on Monday. Not sure you received my emails since I haven't heard back.

Posted by: Miley, okravangelist at December 28, 2024 05:57 PM (w6EFb)

35 There is a Bob Ross channel on the free streaming site TubiTv.com
Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at December 28, 2024 05:56 PM (D6PGr)

He's on Roku as well.

Posted by: Ghost of OrangeEnt Past at December 28, 2024 05:58 PM (0eaVi)

36 33 This evening, time permitting, I'm going to try to download SSTV images from the International Space Station.

Posted by: PabloD at December 28, 2024 05:56 PM
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We live in an amazing world. Just contemplate that sentence for a moment. Best wishes.

Posted by: TRex at December 28, 2024 05:59 PM (hHgsA)

37 What did I accomplish this year? I make the younger cousins (3) a Christmas ornament every year/ When we suddenly moved across country in 2022, those ornaments didn't get made. Same story for 2023. But this year I completed the 2022, 2023, and 2024 sets and mailed them in time for St Nick day. Woo Hoo!
And yes, I've already started on the 2025 set....

Posted by: Grateful - the range bag lady at December 28, 2024 05:59 PM (hHgsA)

38 War and Truth while mostly covering the Band of Brothers personal, has a video on Bob Ross who got pretty high up in the USAF enlisted grades.

Posted by: Skip at December 28, 2024 06:00 PM (fwDg9)

39 Wow! She told me she wants the Jaws set where Jaws is eating the boat.
Posted by: Piper

That set looks very cool. BruceWayne may have that one, though I don't think he's built it yet.

Posted by: She Hobbit at December 28, 2024 06:02 PM (ftFVW)

40 Best wishes to you, too, TRex!

Posted by: PabloD at December 28, 2024 06:02 PM (yHP5w)

41 I’ve been collecting Twinkies for years.

Posted by: Ana Navaro at December 28, 2024 06:03 PM (fTG6a)

42 Hey Skip, I got #2 son a hardcover copy of "Waterloo Casualties" and he loved it. Thanks for the recommendation.

Posted by: fd at December 28, 2024 06:03 PM (vFG9F)

43 I'm largely finished with the visual aspect of my animation, which will become a "Part One" so I don't drive myself crazy.

Audio aspect is also fun, but it's more isolating.

Posted by: BeckoningChasm at December 28, 2024 06:03 PM (CHHv1)

44 I completed my Barad Dur LEGO recently. It is glorious! Huge! Just shy of 5500 pieces and now displayed in front of a map of Middle Earth.
**************
SheHobbit, that is impressive. How long did it take you to complete it?

Posted by: Grateful - the range bag lady at December 28, 2024 06:03 PM (hHgsA)

45 Miley, Apologies, email received. You are too kind,love.

Posted by: Ben Had at December 28, 2024 06:04 PM (XTmTf)

46 He's on Roku as well.
Posted by: Ghost of OrangeEnt Past at December 28, 2024 05:58 PM (0eaVi)

How does Roku work? Do you need a Roku TV or do all smart tvs have a Roku app?

Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at December 28, 2024 06:05 PM (D6PGr)

47 I completed my Barad Dur LEGO recently. It is glorious! Huge! Just shy of 5500 pieces and now displayed in front of a map of Middle Earth.
Posted by: She Hobbit at December
*
Wow! She told me she wants the Jaws set where Jaws is eating the boat.
Posted by: Piper at December 28, 2024

***
There's a Lego kit for *that*???

Hmmm. There's a Lego store in the local big mall. I'd better not go in there if I don't want to spend a lot of money.

Lego really has taken over from the old paint-and-glue model kit companies. They still exist, mostly for airplane and other military models, and there have been some new figure kits like Robin, the Penguin, and the Riddler as they appeared on the Adam West TV show. But I can just imagine the cover art for an Aurora model of "Jaws Attacks!"

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 28, 2024 06:05 PM (omVj0)

48 Hmmm. There's a Lego store in the local big mall. I'd better not go in there if I don't want to spend a lot of money.

Lego really has taken over from the old paint-and-glue model kit companies. They still exist, mostly for airplane and other military models, and there have been some new figure kits like Robin, the Penguin, and the Riddler as they appeared on the Adam West TV show. But I can just imagine the cover art for an Aurora model of "Jaws Attacks!"
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 28, 2024 06:05 PM (omVj0)

Don't you have to be careful when going to the Lego store? Aren't the customers lined up for blocks?

Posted by: Hour of the Wolf at December 28, 2024 06:06 PM (VNX3d)

49 The 2025 FART Tubes has arrived and gets them befoor they our all gone. This yeer the FART Tubes will has apicture of Presdent Obama on them to celerbrate the Best Black Presdent ever.

Posted by: Mary Clogginstein from Brattleboro,Vt at December 28, 2024 06:06 PM (Sg9Zr)

50 "How does Roku work? Do you need a Roku TV or do all smart tvs have a Roku app?
Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth"

New TVs have it built in but you can buy a external adapter that will plug into a HDMI port on a monitor or TV.

Posted by: fd at December 28, 2024 06:07 PM (vFG9F)

51 I knew Legos was popular with kids but didn’t realize how much it was with adults until I saw they had a TV competition show.

Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at December 28, 2024 06:08 PM (D6PGr)

52 I'd forgotten the name of Quint's boat. The Aurora model would be "Jaws Vs. The Orca"!

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 28, 2024 06:08 PM (omVj0)

53 Opening plus 100%.

Posted by: Eromero at December 28, 2024 06:09 PM (jgmnb)

54 Posted by: fd at December 28, 2024 06:07 PM (vFG9F)

Thanks.

Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at December 28, 2024 06:09 PM (D6PGr)

55 This Lego kit is the first one I've built in over 29 years. When I was a kid, we just had blocks and no instructions.

Posted by: fd at December 28, 2024 06:09 PM (vFG9F)

56 And oh yeah, Scotland Forever.

Posted by: Eromero at December 28, 2024 06:10 PM (jgmnb)

57 Thank you to everyone for the encouragement and kind comments on my Jeep model last week. Sorry I couldn't be here. I gave the model to my dad for Christmas and right at that moment, someone started slicing onions. He loved it and actually shared some stories from Korea that I'm sure weren't easy for him to open up about but I feel honored to have heard them. Happy new year to all of you and God bless you.

Posted by: PA Dutchman at December 28, 2024 06:10 PM (QyT5w)

58 Don't you have to be careful when going to the Lego store? Aren't the customers lined up for blocks?
Posted by: Hour of the Wolf at December 28, 2024

***
That took me a minute to get!

I can remember Legos first appearing at Woolworth's here in the early Sixties, and all you could do with red, white, black, and clear rectangles and squares was build little blockhouses. Amazing how they've grown from that.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 28, 2024 06:11 PM (omVj0)

59 fd a fantastic series on the British at Waterloo is on YouTube Waterloo Podcast

Posted by: Skip at December 28, 2024 06:11 PM (fwDg9)

60 I think that's great as well as amusing that Lego has a model for the shark eating the boat in Jaws.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at December 28, 2024 06:12 PM (7k2xx)

61 NEW HOBBY ALERT! As a result of my stepmother's increasing mobility and memory issues, I reached out to my father and asked him to let me take some of the clutter out of the house. He's the kind of guy who can't throw anything away, but he can give it to me, and accept that I might subsequently get rid of it.

To that end, today my youngest daughter and I secured a train table and all of his collection. (He has a larger incomplete table that cannot be removed or stored at this point.) It is N scale, I remember him running it way back before the divorce, and now I'm set up for a new and exciting hobby to share with his great-grandkids!

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 28, 2024 06:13 PM (ZOv7s)

62 FIDE Rapid and Blitz chess championships are winding down.

You can watch the last round shortly here.

https://worldrapidandblitz2024.fide.com/

Oh, Magnus quit because he couldn't wear jeans.

Posted by: jsg at December 28, 2024 06:13 PM (Fg0Nr)

63 57 I gave the model to my dad for Christmas and right at that moment, someone started slicing onions.

Posted by: PA Dutchman at December 28, 2024 06:10 PM
***
Outstanding. Lots more to that model than plastic and paint. Well done and thanks for sharing with us.

Posted by: TRex at December 28, 2024 06:14 PM (hHgsA)

64 I have quite a hobby omn Napoleonic era following 3 diffent podcasts on the period

Posted by: Skip at December 28, 2024 06:15 PM (fwDg9)

65 Posted by: PA Dutchman at December 28, 2024 06:10 PM (QyT5w)

That's very touching that your talent provided something so meaningful to both of you. Happy New Year and God bless you as well!

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at December 28, 2024 06:15 PM (7k2xx)

66 Bambu has a sale until January 4. It is about $100 off printers and some discounts on filament and accessories.

The a1 is tempting. It is in the cart.

Posted by: Wodun at December 28, 2024 06:15 PM (kmNtT)

67 The Lego jaws set :

https://tinyurl.com/yxpd3uzt

Posted by: Piper at December 28, 2024 06:15 PM (pZEOD)

68 I’m going from cable ( yeah I’m slow to accept the new world) to streaming so I’m trying to figure out what’s the best service to get . I’d prefer free but I’ve read you need a paid service to get live TV , local channels?

I consider TV /movie watching a hobby .

Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at December 28, 2024 06:15 PM (D6PGr)

69 I had Lego in their original red, white basic blocks, how far they have gone.

Posted by: Skip at December 28, 2024 06:16 PM (fwDg9)

70 Learn how to play the bagpipes!

-
Little Drummer Boy Finally Leaves The Stable And Oh No! Here Comes Little Bagpipe Boy!
THEOLOGY · DEC 24, 2024 · 97

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now Is the Winter of Our Discontent at December 28, 2024 06:16 PM (L/fGl)

71 Insert meme of a shark stepping on a lego. Somehow it fits here.

Posted by: TRex at December 28, 2024 06:17 PM (hHgsA)

72 Miley, Apologies, email received. You are too kind,love.
Posted by: Ben Had
-----
Ben Had are you receiving a care package of okra?!?!? 🤣🤣🤣

Posted by: lin-duh at December 28, 2024 06:17 PM (YDB6U)

73 In addition to the trains, I picked up a turntable he bought in 1965. Still seems to work. I couldn't test it because it needs a needle and all the vinyl is buried behind the old kitchen table. Removing that will be the next step.

Then it's on to the piles of unused storage tubs so that you can actually move around a bit.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 28, 2024 06:17 PM (ZOv7s)

74 In a hobby thread long, long ago(December 2023?) Hadrian the Seventh posted his: "200 Classical Music Pieces Every Moron and 'Ette Should Know Better".

It's taken over a year but I've finally finished listening(mostly) to all 200 - many joining my Spotify play lists.

Highly recommended, thank you Hadrian the Seventh.

Posted by: Next2Nothing at December 28, 2024 06:18 PM (tA1/w)

75 Oh, Magnus quit because he couldn't wear jeans.
Posted by: jsg at December 28, 2024 06:13 PM (Fg0Nr)

I can see both sides and Magnus from what I read doesn’t disagree with the Federation rules. He just didn’t like how they handled , what he claimed was unintentional, his particular situation. He may have overreacted but I understand . I’ve said screw before myself.

Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at December 28, 2024 06:20 PM (D6PGr)

76 I’m going from cable ( yeah I’m slow to accept the new world) to streaming so I’m trying to figure out what’s the best service to get . I’d prefer free but I’ve read you need a paid service to get live TV , local channels?

I consider TV /movie watching a hobby .
Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at December 28, 2024 06:15 PM (D6PGr)

You can get one of those old style hook up to the tv antennas for over the air channels. There's still local broadcasts you can get.

And they're not any better than the ol' rabbit ears.

Posted by: Ghost of OrangeEnt Past at December 28, 2024 06:21 PM (0eaVi)

77 This Lego kit is the first one I've built in over 29 years. When I was a kid, we just had blocks and no instructions.
Posted by: fd at December 28, 2024 06:09 PM (vFG9F)
---
My grandmother had a bunch of "classic" blocks that were just shapes that I played with when I visited her. I recall the first gen "people" legos that had no faces, no arms or legs, just a torso that snapped onto legs.

Then came the space set and about the time I grew out of them they had the castle and knights with visors.

My kids like the Star Wars sets.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 28, 2024 06:22 PM (ZOv7s)

78 I do like that ear worm song in the first LEGOs movie. I don’t know if it was an intentional shot at the left but it certainly was a shot.

Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at December 28, 2024 06:24 PM (D6PGr)

79 lin-duh, could be and I'm going to share it all with YOU !

Posted by: Ben Had at December 28, 2024 06:24 PM (XTmTf)

80 You can get one of those old style hook up to the tv antennas for over the air channels. There's still local broadcasts you can get.

And they're not any better than the ol' rabbit ears.
Posted by: Ghost of OrangeEnt Past at December 28, 2024 06:21 PM (0eaVi)
---
Everything is digital in broadcast, so you either get the signal or not. If you get it, it's clear. Sometimes it will flicker, but nothing like the snow of old.

I got one, and use it during football season. As I was digging trenches through the basement to reach various objectives, I literally stumbled over a VCR and then a CRT TV still mounted on its card. My daughter pointed out some antediluvian computer with floppy drives. The plastic had yellowed from what would have been white.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 28, 2024 06:25 PM (ZOv7s)

81 When my father told me he bought the turntable in 1965 and I was impressed, he chuckled. "I've got lots older ones than that."

"I know."

"I don't think you know about the one powered by a hand crank."

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 28, 2024 06:27 PM (ZOv7s)

82 If you look at the main page on the bottom left, there are some posts on "cutting the cord". You might start there.

Posted by: Notsothoreau at December 28, 2024 06:28 PM (NQtI0)

83 I finished 13 crocheted baby blankets this year. Some of them were in process at the beginning of the year, but still. It was a little of blankies! I give them away to folks at church or to the hospital or to anyone who needs a baby gift.

Next year I will be trying my hand at watercolor. And keeping up with the crochet!

Posted by: SummaMamaT at December 28, 2024 06:28 PM (pYqaU)

84 I’m going from cable ( yeah I’m slow to accept the new world) to streaming so I’m trying to figure out what’s the best service to get . I’d prefer free but I’ve read you need a paid service to get live TV , local channels?

I consider TV /movie watching a hobby .
Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth

You can have both. We have wifi in the house to the computers and TV; but, we have a 'clearstream' antenna for OTA channels (we get lots of old movies on the sub channels).
Figure out how 'much' antenna you need here:
https://is.gd/Tx4dzJ

Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at December 28, 2024 06:30 PM (abGOz)

85 " I have quite a hobby omn Napoleonic era following 3 diffent podcasts on the period
Posted by: Skip"

#2 son is really into it. They (he and #1 son) went to Belgium and France last summer, went to Waterloo and the farmhouse that is on the cover of the book.

Posted by: fd at December 28, 2024 06:31 PM (vFG9F)

86 Junior-ette helped me neck down an expanding interest in adventure biking with my Multistrada. My problem was a decent nav system that would accept .gpx files. Then the actual .gpx files and their format.

She found me the xml template and then the online gpx document tree on gitlab. Now we get to merge our mutual programming nerd foundation with a practical application of building routes and tracks for me to ride and explore.

Posted by: BifBewalski at December 28, 2024 06:31 PM (MsrgL)

87 83 Posted by: SummaMamaT at December 28, 2024 06:28 PM
***
Send me a pic of anything you wish and we will post on a future Hobby Thread.

Posted by: TRex at December 28, 2024 06:33 PM (hHgsA)

88 Her house was something I tell you.
Posted by: Tonypete at December 28, 2024 05:38 PM (WXNFJ)

Yes, but did she have a big scallop shell grotto with a little Madonna in it on the magazine table?

Posted by: sal at December 28, 2024 06:34 PM (f+FmA)

89 Hubby nec and I have been using generic Christmas stockings bought many years ago at Target. Found a red plaid stocking that looks like a flannel shirt for him, I added his name to it. Couldn’t find anything for me so I took a pair of jeans that no longer fit and made my stocking from it. Added my name and a few embellishments. Both exactly fit our styles and it was fun to do.

Posted by: neverenoughcaffeine at December 28, 2024 06:35 PM (Zu8BH)

90 Next steps are for me to use MatLab to generate an object class for the gpx file format and for Junior-ette to build the export from gps -to- import to gpx c++ converter. This'll take a while as I want Junior-ette to help me. I can do it all in MatLab, but I want her to help me with a practical application of her CIS curriculum so she can build on that for a maybe android app in the future.

Posted by: BifBewalski at December 28, 2024 06:35 PM (MsrgL)

91 8 My hobby is missing the #%~€'ling Gardening Thread even though I had a great comment lined up....
Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK) at December 28, 2024 05:39 PM

I always come back in the evening to catch Pat* in Boise's comments. I think midnight is the time limit.

Posted by: NaughtyPine at December 28, 2024 06:36 PM (JlcNN)

92 89 Both exactly fit our styles and it was fun to do.

Posted by: neverenoughcaffeine at December 28, 2024 06:35 PM
***
Love it. Well done!

Posted by: TRex at December 28, 2024 06:37 PM (hHgsA)

93 Did I miss the 5 o'clock crack party ?

Posted by: Hunter Biden at December 28, 2024 06:39 PM (Fg0Nr)

94 My hobby in 2024 was collecting tools for one-time projects. That includes a kit for opening a laptop and replacing the fan.

2025 hobby: fun with paint!

Posted by: NaughtyPine at December 28, 2024 06:40 PM (JlcNN)

95 I recall the first gen "people" legos that had no faces, no arms or legs, just a torso that snapped onto legs.
Then came the space set and about the time I grew out of them they had the castle and knights with visors.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd

We had a couple sets with the original 1970s unposeable minifigs. Wiki has a picture of them here:

https://is.gd/bR52sq

I liked the castle sets. It helped that I was the oldest, so I could keep playing with Legos longer than was socially acceptable. [minifig-smiley here]

The castle sets were the last ones that were almost all general-use pieces, if my memory is good. The "castle wall sections" with the printed-on stones were the only single-use ones. The pirate sets opened the door for single-use pieces. I've seen modern sets that look like Revell models: no way to make anything except what's on the box.

And now they're an "adults" toy with the million-piece Star Wars sets and the like. Which, despite being the Lego version of Revell models, are mostly general-use pieces.

Posted by: all in all, mikeski's just a brick in the wall at December 28, 2024 06:42 PM (DgGvY)

96 3 I finished 13 crocheted baby blankets this year. Some of them were in process at the beginning of the year, but still. It was a little of blankies! I give them away to folks at church or to the hospital or to anyone who needs a baby gift.
Posted by: SummaMamaT at December 28, 2024 06:28 PM (pYqaU)

Brava! I don't know how many we turned out this year for Prayer Shawl Ministry, but we love our gathering- a bunch of old ladies knitting, crocheting, show and telling our work and gossiping.
One of the highlights of our week.

Posted by: sal at December 28, 2024 06:43 PM (f+FmA)

97 95 The castle sets were the last ones that were almost all general-use pieces, if my memory is good. The "castle wall sections" with the printed-on stones were the only single-use ones. The pirate sets opened the door for single-use pieces. I've seen modern sets that look like Revell models: no way to make anything except what's on the box.

Posted by: all in all, mikeski's just a brick in the wall at December 28, 2024 06:42 PM
***
Sad. When I was a little dinosaur, the picture on the box was a mere suggestion. We combined pieces from many different sets and built our own designs.

Posted by: TRex at December 28, 2024 06:45 PM (hHgsA)

98 I want to start the 5 puzzles we got. People think that since we're retired we have time for puzzles. I love doing puzzles but fitting in the time. I finished 3 crochet blankets, including a neon star blanket for my granddaughter and 5 crochet projects. Framed them and gave them to their rightful owner. I also did a crystal and bead winodow hanging for my SIL.I have my project list schedul for 2025 done.

Posted by: Megthered at December 28, 2024 06:46 PM (HZt/w)

99 My favorite project that I created this year was the commemorative throw quilt for one of our Prayer Shawl members. She has been the organist at a local church since she was a teenager- and she's 80 now.

I've decided to go back to my first hobby loves- knitting and quilting, so much de-cluttering is going on.

Posted by: sal at December 28, 2024 06:47 PM (f+FmA)

100 The castle sets were the last ones that were almost all general-use pieces, if my memory is good. The "castle wall sections" with the printed-on stones were the only single-use ones. The pirate sets opened the door for single-use pieces. I've seen modern sets that look like Revell models: no way to make anything except what's on the box.

And now they're an "adults" toy with the million-piece Star Wars sets and the like. Which, despite being the Lego version of Revell models, are mostly general-use pieces.
Posted by: all in all, mikeski's just a brick in the wall at December 28, 2024 06:42 PM (DgGvY)
---
The older kits had suggested models, but you were encouraged to make your own variant. The space ones were cool for bashing buggies or multi-rocket ships.

But yes, they seem increasingly like kits that simply don't use glue.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 28, 2024 06:49 PM (ZOv7s)

101 The train thing is going to be interesting because it's never been my thing, but I do a lot of 28mm 40k and historical/fantasy. Bolt Action was my new thing, but it stalled out due to lack of free time.

So I've got this hunk of fiberboard, track tacked onto it, and random assortments of stuff. It's black, and probably almost as old as I am. I set it on the gaming table for now, and I think my father used it as a test track in every sense - both for function and layout. I'm immediately minded to put green powder on it to give it some life.

After that maybe some road tracks or buildings, but this will have to be tacked down tight because it will have to be stored when not in use. I'm thinking of putting some sord of edge bracket to protect it.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 28, 2024 06:52 PM (ZOv7s)

102 Yes, but did she have a big scallop shell grotto with a little Madonna in it on the magazine table?
Posted by: sal

Heh. Not a scallop shell but rather one made up from all the test pieces of concrete runs from the cement plant down the street. It was absolutely hideous.

Also, a mailbox stand that was welded up from scrap steel from someone's machine shop. Some drunk teenager hit it during the 80's and totaled his car. The stand? Hardly a scratch. I looked for it on GoogleMaps and yep, it's still there.

Posted by: Tonypete at December 28, 2024 06:54 PM (WXNFJ)

103 101 The train thing is going to be interesting because it's never been my thing,

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at December 28, 2024 06:52 PM
***
We have a few boxes of track pieces parts and a few cars from a larger set, but don't know what we have, what we're missing, or what would be required to make it work. On the list for potential future projects but we don't know what we don't know, so will be an adventure.

Posted by: TRex at December 28, 2024 06:56 PM (hHgsA)

104 my accomplishments with hobbies isn't so much finished projects but improvement and discoveries. My sketching is much better than a year ago. It doesn't have to be excellent, just better. Although I've smoked a pipe for decades, I discovered a preference for churchwarden style pipes. There is something about the style that enhances the quiet, contemplative aspects of the hobby. And I've learned more about pressed flake tobacco blends which require a little more care when packing the bowl but are worth the effort. Then there's reading, my main hobby. I've been building up a collection of good quality paper editions of authors I admire: Tolkien, Lewis, Chesterton, MacDonald and others. These are books I hope can be handed down to young relations eventually. Along with that is rediscovering the enjoyment of reading poetry aloud.

Posted by: JTB at December 28, 2024 06:56 PM (yTvNw)

105 104 Along with that is rediscovering the enjoyment of reading poetry aloud.

Posted by: JTB at December 28, 2024 06:56 PM
***
"One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish."

Timeless words but they have added life when spoken.

Posted by: TRex at December 28, 2024 06:58 PM (hHgsA)

106 Along with that is rediscovering the enjoyment of reading poetry aloud.
Posted by: JTB at December 28, 2024 06:56 PM (yTvNw)

As a busy young mom, I used to type out poetry, tape it onto the window over the sink and memorize it while washing the dishes.
Something lovely to think about, while doing something useful.

Posted by: sal at December 28, 2024 07:01 PM (f+FmA)

107 I love those Lego flowers Piper's daughter put together. They are creative and lovely. I've never tried Lego before. Now I'm thinking about trying a simple kit just for the heck of it.

Posted by: JTB at December 28, 2024 07:01 PM (yTvNw)

108 @66

>>The a1 is tempting. It is in the cart.

Don't even hesitate, pull the trigger, within two months you will be trying to figure out where to put the 2nd one.

Posted by: Thomas Bender at December 28, 2024 07:07 PM (XV/Pl)

109 "We are looking for pure and undiluted enthusiasm, optimism and ambition.... Looking for the positive parts of hobbying: pride of accomplishment and the fresh energy that a new year brings."
---
I'm not as talented as the Horde but I'm proud of the calendars I make each year with photos from various hikes, runs, travels, etc. My niece made my day when she told me she was sad to turn this year's calendar to December (hers featured photos from the Snowy Range in Wyoming) and was ready to see what next year's would be.

My calendars are also an homage to Jesse, who used to tell me I should do something with my photos. My pictures aren't good enough to sell, but I have a lot of fun sharing them as calendars.

Posted by: screaming in digital at December 28, 2024 07:11 PM (JRHzL)

110 106 ... "As a busy young mom, I used to type out poetry, tape it onto the window over the sink and memorize it while washing the dishes.
Something lovely to think about, while doing something useful."

That is a great idea. I haven't tried to memorize poems since college days. It would probably be beneficial on many levels. I can think of several I would want to start with: Tennyson's Ulysses, Gray's Country Churchyard, some of Shakespeare's sonnets, Sea Fever, Lindsay's Congo,and, of course, Poe.

Posted by: JTB at December 28, 2024 07:12 PM (yTvNw)

111 My best friend Paul z"l always got Lego sets for Christmas and we would spend hours playing with them. His dad until he passed always gave Paul at least a little accessory set just to keep up the tradition. As an adult he made a electrified Lego Christmas village scene for his family.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at December 28, 2024 07:13 PM (RIvkX)

112 That snowboarding Santa is a hoot. You can hear the "Cowabunga" as he slides down the slope.

Posted by: JTB at December 28, 2024 07:13 PM (yTvNw)

113 109 My calendars are also an homage to Jesse, who used to tell me I should do something with my photos. My pictures aren't good enough to sell, but I have a lot of fun sharing them as calendars.
Posted by: screaming in digital at December

I love this idea!

Posted by: Piper at December 28, 2024 07:19 PM (p4NUW)

114 I'd enjoy my hobby of quilting more if I would learn to space out my quilts instead of letting them bunch all up -- for instance, I am giving 3 this Christmas as gifts.
When did I start them? December.
This December? Yes!

Posted by: TecumsehTea at December 28, 2024 07:19 PM (1TzeS)

115 If I took up the bagpipes, Mrs. Paco would be filing a missing person report within a week, and my neighbors would be exchanging shifty glances with each other for months.

Posted by: Paco at December 28, 2024 07:20 PM (mADJX)

116 Time to say good night before the next Ace of Spaces act takes the stage. As always, thanks for being here and participating. Hello to the lurkers! See you 'round!

Posted by: TRex at December 28, 2024 07:20 PM (hHgsA)

117 Along with that is rediscovering the enjoyment of reading poetry aloud.

Posted by: JTB

"Here I sit, brokenhearted, . . . . "

Posted by: Tonypete at December 28, 2024 07:20 PM (WXNFJ)

118 I think it would be cool to take up quilting. I remember back in the late 1970s, someone made a quilt featuring the state of North Carolina and all of its counties. I saw it in, I believe, the history museum in Raleigh where it was on temporary display, but I've never been able to find out what became of it, and I can find no reference to it anywhere.

Posted by: Paco at December 28, 2024 07:23 PM (mADJX)

119 I feel your stress, but I'm also LMAO.

Good luck with them- I know they will be fabulous.

Posted by: sal at December 28, 2024 07:23 PM (f+FmA)

120 A thanks to TRex and the contributors to the hobby thread. The variety of interests and level of enthusiasm is wonderful. The problem is the hobby thread gives me more ideas than I have time to pursue. SIGH!

Posted by: JTB at December 28, 2024 07:23 PM (yTvNw)

121 I used to read prop try to my boys when they were growing up.

The Highwayman was a favorite.

Posted by: nurse ratched at December 28, 2024 07:24 PM (9HjID)

122 *poetry

Stupid autocucumber

Posted by: nurse ratched at December 28, 2024 07:25 PM (9HjID)

123 4th grade Ms Hildaborn made us remember
The hills are lovely, dark and deep
But I have promises to keep
And miles to go before I sleep

Posted by: Skip at December 28, 2024 07:26 PM (fwDg9)

124 Paco, quilting is a great hobby.
It can be as simple or as complex as you like.

Posted by: sal at December 28, 2024 07:28 PM (f+FmA)

125 Like many others growing up in the 50s and 60s, we had one of those shiny aluminum trees with the color wheel. Can't say I miss them but they were fascinating to small children.

Posted by: JTB at December 28, 2024 07:28 PM (yTvNw)

126 Woods, don't type then think

Posted by: Skip at December 28, 2024 07:30 PM (fwDg9)

127 My mom who is much older than me still does quilting

Posted by: Skip at December 28, 2024 07:31 PM (fwDg9)

128 I've decided to get into this new fangled digital astrophotography. I use to do some astro photos back when it was film based but it was such a pain in the ass.

Now a days you don't even have to near the scope or even touch it to get images that you can play with endlessly.

The stuff you see on sites like Astrobin.com are mind blowing.

Posted by: pawn, RIP Vic at December 28, 2024 07:35 PM (QB+5g)

129 I got one of those book nook kits for Christmas. It's sort of like a tiny wooden diorama or dollhouse, but it's just of one very detailed room. Don't know when I'll find the time, but it looks really nice and I'm certainly going to give it a go.

Link goes to Amazon page of book nooks if you want to see what they look like:

https://tinyurl.com/4c4xa7be

Posted by: IrishEi at December 28, 2024 07:42 PM (3ImbR)

130 Spent my hobby time this year trying to fix old beat up CB radios. Most of them have survived my efforts. Including the one from 1973 that someone had killed transmit on by dropping a big blob of solder across a couple of leads. I got that one working yesterday.

Will most likely continue in that vein next year.

Need to start selling this crap on fleaBay. I probably would have already if not for all the scamming scumbags on that platform.

Posted by: Blanco Basura - Z28.310 at December 28, 2024 08:19 PM (lUFok)

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