Hobby Thread - February 8, 2025 [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 was tired of the cold and wished it was summer. It said time for a travel theme to parts of the world where it is summer. It said AUSTRALIA. Good day, mate!

[Photo: Dove Lake at Cradle Mountain, Tasmania, Australia]

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The theme is Australia. NOT Austria. Two different places.

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Disclaimer: Proceed with caution. Everything in Australia is trying to kill you. The ant hills are gigantic and the ant are likely carnivores. There are snakes everywhere, kangaroos like to box, jellyfish roam the waters, the spiders are the size of sand dollars, and the wombats are wicked. Even the platypus is sketchy. This is where tasmanian devils live. Koala bears are not cuddly and cute. They are grumpy and stoned on eucalyptus branches. With that out of the way...

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Australia is an enormous country with incredibly disparate geography. If you are located in the United States, it takes a long trip to get there. (You completely lose a day when flying there from the US and land before you took off when you return. Hurts my small dinosaur brain to think about.)

Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef get a lot of tourist attention, but there are lots of other places to visit. You could visit Melbourne, the Great Ocean Road, Yarra wine country and barely make a dent.

Have you traveled down under? Where have you gone? High points? Low points? Surprises? Has anyone gotten into the outback? Been to Uluru Rock? Tasmania? The Hobby Thread is the place to share your travel stories or aspirations. If you have not been, what looks interesting? If you could wave your magic wand, what would you like to see or experience?

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What are you hobbying these days? As per usual Hobby Thread etiquette, keep this thread limited to hobbying. Your participation does not need to limited to the theme. All hobbying is welcome. However, politics, current events and religious debates can live in threads elsewhere. Play nice. Do not be a troll and do not feed the trolls. Pants, as always, are optional but be careful of spiders.

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Miles and miles of beautiful and varied coastline:

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Did I mention that everything in Australia is trying to kill you?

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Nice that Australia puts car washes and dog washes in the same place:

Told you they were more dangerous than cute!!

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Mandatory musical theme:

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I still have not figured out the difference between a kangaroo and a wallaby.

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Time for science:

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If you visit, you will need to know how to speak like an Australian. Learn some Aussie slang here:

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By coincidence, this happened on Friday at Arlington National Cemetery:

Australia's Shrine of Remembrance war memorial in Melbourne:

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Iconic song and video from an iconic band. AC/DC is from Australia and the video was filmed on a flatbed on the streets of Melbourne in 1976.

Aussies pronounce the name "Acca Dacca" which is a little jarring the first few times you hear it. While AC/DC formed in Sydney, Melbourne adopted the band. If you visit downtown Melbourne, find AC/DC Lane which is overflowing with murals and graffiti (at least some of it references the band).

Hmmm....that may be ONT worthy content... (makes note).

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As hobbies go, Tom Brown has a unique interest. He hunts down rare apple varieties and those thought to be lost. He drives thousands of miles in pursuit of Heritage Apples. Don't laugh. He has discovered (or re-discovered) over a thousand with an actual tree identified in each case.

Click here for his website.
Click here for a story about his "hobby."

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

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Notable comments from last week:

20250206-Screenshot 2025-02-05 202555.jpg

20250206-Screenshot 2025-02-05 202955.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).

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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. "Big Balls" is protecting this thread from unwarranted judicial intervention. Do mighty things.

Posted by: Open Blogger at 05:30 PM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Welcome Hobbiests

Posted by: Skip at February 08, 2025 05:33 PM (fwDg9)

2 If you go to Australia, be sure to say hi to Pixy Misa!

Posted by: BeckoningChasm at February 08, 2025 05:34 PM (CHHv1)

3 I am currently vacationing in Australia. I swore I would never go back due to the long flight, yet here I am.

I have been to a number of sanctuaries, and the animals are fascinating.

But, IMO, go to New Zealand instead. It is absolutely beautiful, especially the South Island.

Posted by: Ann at February 08, 2025 05:35 PM (BCWQn)

4 I certainly had a chance to go but didn't and missed out on a trip of a lifetime.

Posted by: Skip at February 08, 2025 05:35 PM (fwDg9)

5 "Australia, Australia, Australia, we love ya. Amen."

–Bruce

Posted by: red speck at February 08, 2025 05:35 PM (oylnX)

6 I was gonna be cute. Then I got high.

Posted by: A Koala Bear at February 08, 2025 05:37 PM (2UnvF)

7 I journeyed to Brisbane for work, but first, I made a stopover in Honolulu with some colleagues. One of the guys, after a few beers, declared he wanted to tangle with one of the massive kangaroos at the Koala Sanctuary we planned to visit in Australia. As we dined, a couple from Brisbane at the next table overheard us and suggested that he might want to try his luck with a wallaby instead.

When we finally arrived at the sanctuary, it all clicked into place. If your aim is to pick a fight with local wildlife, facing a kangaroo is like choosing the "hard mode.” Wallabies, while still formidable, are the more manageable "easy mode.” This advice will probably help no one ever.

Posted by: HappyFun at February 08, 2025 05:40 PM (aIURK)

8 We have friends who just got back from New Zealand - they all agreed that it is stunning!

Posted by: Teresa in Fort Worth, Texas - Ace of Spades Ladies Brigade, plucky comic relief at February 08, 2025 05:40 PM (SRRAx)

9 I used the dangerous animals and plants of Australia in a throw-away comment in my WWII novel - a character living there during the war writes to her cousin in Texas - "It's simply not true that everything in Australia is trying to kill human beings - I understand that the sheep are perfectly amiable!"
(Cue the vampire sheep...)

Posted by: Sgt. Mom at February 08, 2025 05:41 PM (Ew3fm)

10 I could have been first but I was down under. A car.

Posted by: fd at February 08, 2025 05:42 PM (vFG9F)

11 7 If your aim is to pick a fight with local wildlife, facing a kangaroo is like choosing the "hard mode.” Wallabies, while still formidable, are the more manageable "easy mode.” This advice will probably help no one ever.

Posted by: HappyFun at February 08, 2025 05:40 PM
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Horde wisdom. Thank you!

Posted by: TRex at February 08, 2025 05:43 PM (IQ6Gq)

12 "Sugar Tits" is a fun Aussie youtuber; she spends a lot of time mocking #wokeys and OnlyFans thots.

Posted by: gKWVE at February 08, 2025 05:44 PM (gKWVE)

13 The a few noticeable difference between kangaroos and a wallabies is wallabies are good water color artists while kangaroos have a drinking problem and are great at rugby.

Any thing else? Don't hesitate to ask.

Posted by: Altaria Pilgram - My President has convictions at February 08, 2025 05:44 PM (Q8Bj8)

14 Visited Perth and environs in 1980 courtesy of the US Navy. Lots of Swan beer but not many memories....

Much later my wife, daughter, and I took an extended trip. We dove the Great Barrier Reef out of Cairns for a week, then down to visit my expat cousin in Melbourne, then a day or so in Brisbane to pick up our flight back to LA. Yes, we arrived in LA an hour or so before we left Brisbane on the same day. Exhausting flights but Business Economy (8 wide in the 747) made it much more tolerable.

Posted by: Rick T at February 08, 2025 05:45 PM (xeXUW)

15 8 Posted by: Teresa in Fort Worth, Texas - Ace of Spades Ladies Brigade, plucky comic relief at February 08, 2025 05:40 PM
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Teresa! Hello and good day!

Posted by: TRex at February 08, 2025 05:46 PM (IQ6Gq)

16 My only knowledge of Australia comes from "Quigley Down Under" and the Crocodile Dundee movies.

But thanks for including those links about Tom Brown and his heritage apple efforts. I've found heritage apples to be superior in taste to most modern versions. If I was younger I would seriously try to grow a couple of trees. There was a vineyard in the area that had several varieties of heritage apples, a sideline to their wine. The damn fools got rid of them for a a few extra vines. Don't know why as they attracted a lot of people every autumn who bought apples and wine.

Posted by: JTB at February 08, 2025 05:46 PM (yTvNw)

17 Looking at a map of Australia, it's hard to believe that Perth is a part of any of the rest of it. It is surrounded by Earth's nastiest desert.

Posted by: gKWVE at February 08, 2025 05:46 PM (gKWVE)

18 The closest I've come to Australia was flying to LA in 2014. And reading Nevil Shute novels like [[]A Town Like Alice, The Far Country, The Rainbow and the Rose, and In the Wet. He was from there and often wrote about out of the way areas such as Alice Springs and Hobart in Tasmania.

Of course i've admired many an Aussie actor and actress -- Rod Taylor, Sam Neill, Margot Robbie, The Goddess Nicole Kidman, and others. A character actor named Michael Pate was from AU, and he wound up playing many an ethnic character -- you know him as the Apache chief Vittorio in Hondo the movie (and years later he appeared in the TV series too as the same Apache chief).

I was horribly disappointed when Australia went totalitarian during the Sniffle Scare. New Zealand too.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 08, 2025 05:50 PM (omVj0)

19 Hawaii was a long trip, not sure I could take it to Australia now

Posted by: Skip at February 08, 2025 05:52 PM (fwDg9)

20 ot:those space mazers if misaligned can cause massive damage on earth or be used as explicit weapons...

Mom, 18-1 is building a death ray again.

Cryptic comments are my hobby.

Posted by: DaveA at February 08, 2025 05:54 PM (FhXTo)

21 Looking at a map of Australia, it's hard to believe that Perth is a part of any of the rest of it. It is surrounded by Earth's nastiest desert.
Posted by: gKWVE at February 08, 2025

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A couple of faculty members at my previous job, a married couple from Italy, wound up going down there some years ago. Perth, I understand, has a Mediterranean climate like that of the Med and southern California in the north, and part of Chile and South Africa in the south. It's also pretty isolated, as you say, from many other areas there.

Australia is about the size of the lower 48 states here. Thus Perth is about as far from Sydney as LA is from the South Carolina coast. Imagine living there and looking west at the Indian Ocean, and knowing there's no land (other than the odd island) to be found until you get to South Africa.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 08, 2025 05:55 PM (omVj0)

22 We were fortunate to spend a month Down Under back in 2003. It was the trip of a lifetime. So very beautiful. We saw the Great Ocean Road and the 12 Apostles. Took the train to Alice Springs and rode a camel in the Outback. Snorkeled/dove at the Great Barrier Reef and saw the Daintree Rainforest. Spent a bit of time in Melbourne and Adelaide, but we enjoyed the countryside best.

It was worth the long flight and I'd go back again in a heartbeat.

Posted by: Scarymary at February 08, 2025 05:56 PM (ytIDq)

23 I have a friend who keeps roos as pets. Recently tried to get a baby to take to the vet. The mama roo attacked friend and sent friend to the ER for significant injuries.

Moral: Cute does not equate to a sweet disposition. (Also true with some girlfriends -- so I've heard.)

Posted by: RS at February 08, 2025 05:59 PM (rk5vz)

24 Didgeridoo

Posted by: Mark1971 at February 08, 2025 06:01 PM (szMU5)

25 Reading is one of my major hobbies. Due to the cold and wet/frozen weather we've had (and is forecast for the next week), I've been happily ensconced in my recliner surrounded by the TBR pile, which is dangerously high. Fortunately, my supply of coffee, tea, adult beverages and pipe tobacco are sufficient.

Posted by: JTB at February 08, 2025 06:02 PM (yTvNw)

26 I have a friend who keeps roos as pets. Recently tried to get a baby to take to the vet. The mama roo attacked friend and sent friend to the ER for significant injuries.

Moral: Cute does not equate to a sweet disposition. (Also true with some girlfriends -- so I've heard.)
Posted by: RS

$5 will get you $20 the 'Roo was a redhead.

Posted by: Tonypete at February 08, 2025 06:03 PM (WXNFJ)

27 I had a 10 day port visit to Sydney Australia back in 1987 on the Midway. My wife and son met us on a MWR dependent flight and we had a blast. Went to all of the tourist attractions but the best was the Sydney zoo. They had places where you could pet the kangaroos and hold koala bears. Best port visit I had on the three years I was stationed on the Midway.

Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at February 08, 2025 06:03 PM (Rcnd3)

28 FUN FACT: Marsupials are a form of animal which carries its young in a pouch.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at February 08, 2025 06:03 PM (JkO4W)

29 I was in Australia in 2016. It was lovely.

The water taxi in Sydney Harbor is a fantastic way to get around. Bondi Beach is beautiful.

I spent 6 hours in a bar in Melbourne drinking with the locals and trying to understand cricket. Nope.

Posted by: nurse ratched at February 08, 2025 06:03 PM (uf1Fx)

30 21/ First time I started plotting an itinerary to Aussieland, I was shocked at how large that island is. Everytime I would google map distances, it would say 8+ hours! Yikes...finally got someone from there to map out a general itinerary that was reasonable.
Never seen so many pristine EMPTY beaches. And shells. Talking with the locals was interesting. Got into a chat with a couple one day, woman was horrified that Americans had guns. Had to explain we had a difference of opinion with the Brits, and wanted to ensure that never happened again...she just stared at me.

Posted by: Grateful - the range bag lady at February 08, 2025 06:03 PM (IQ6Gq)

31 I know nothing of Australia so I'll just enjoy what you all share.

Posted by: Ben Had at February 08, 2025 06:04 PM (mB6WH)

32 Difference between a kangaroo and wallaby?
$20.

Posted by: Eromero at February 08, 2025 06:05 PM (jgmnb)

33 Been to Australia a number of times. Fun place even if the laws are lot more similar to the UK than the US. Favorite city is Perth. I think being so isolated as given them a bit of an edge that I like.

Perth is a bit inland but there is a river that leads from the city down to Fremantle with is very cool seaside town. Very artsy with good live music and cool shops. I took a ferryboat ride from Perth to Fremantle one weekend and as we cruised under one bridge there was a mosaic on one of the walls under the bridge. It was a mural of Bon Scott.

But I agree with Ann above. Given the choice I'd visit New Zealand again before Australia. One of the most beautiful places I've ever been.

Posted by: JackStraw at February 08, 2025 06:05 PM (LkLld)

34 I'd love to be enjoying one of those beaches now....

Posted by: Grateful - the range bag lady at February 08, 2025 06:05 PM (IQ6Gq)

35 Bullfrogs are known as "chazwassers" in Australia

Posted by: Josephistan at February 08, 2025 06:05 PM (+W5lj)

36 But, IMO, go to New Zealand instead. It is absolutely beautiful, especially the South Island.

Posted by: Ann at February 08, 2025 05:35 PM (BCWQn)

I would suggest seeing both, but you are correct about NZ... it is amazingly beautiful.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at February 08, 2025 06:07 PM (mWSu4)

37 Mostly because is summer thete

Posted by: Skip at February 08, 2025 06:07 PM (fwDg9)

38 Never been off the North American continent and have no plans to. Funny thing. Men At Work just on radio.

Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 08, 2025 06:07 PM (T9eI6)

39 As hobbies go, Tom Brown has a unique interest. He hunts down rare apple varieties and those thought to be lost. He drives thousands of miles in pursuit of Heritage Apples.

He probably has a low regard for the Ritz Mock Apple Pie then.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at February 08, 2025 06:08 PM (JkO4W)

40 The great thing about going to Australia is, you get to cross it off your Countries list, and cross it off your Continents list.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at February 08, 2025 06:09 PM (JkO4W)

41 While the winter weather I mentioned in comment 25 is great for reading it also makes me look forward to spring and fishing. Time to get out the fly tying vise and components. The latest issue of Fly Tyer magazine arrived today and there are several flies that would be appropriate for the bass and panfish I usually try for.

Posted by: JTB at February 08, 2025 06:10 PM (yTvNw)

42 For you car racing fans, there are races at a track in the beautiful Blue Mountains. Track is at Bathurst, Mount Panorama. Twelve hour race each February starts at 5:45am - don't let anyone ever tell you that TRex is not a fun date!

Posted by: Grateful - the range bag lady at February 08, 2025 06:10 PM (IQ6Gq)

43 Reading is one of my major hobbies. Due to the cold and wet/frozen weather we've had (and is forecast for the next week), I've been happily ensconced in my recliner surrounded by the TBR pile, which is dangerously high. Fortunately, my supply of coffee, tea, adult beverages and pipe tobacco are sufficient.
Posted by: JTB at February 08, 2025

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Howdy, JTB,

I just had a little Pegasus burley blend in a small straight apple pipe that I've had since the '80s. The stuff is fairly strong, or my blood sugar was low; I could feel it getting to me and made sure to eat something.

During my errands this morning I stopped at the library and picked up two Dean Koontz novels and two others. Plus I have an Anne Tyler to finish, and another of hers in the pile. I may not have to do any errands at all tomorrow, so aside from the Book Thread, I intend to relax and read!

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 08, 2025 06:10 PM (omVj0)

44 Tom Brown is The Man! We had a small orchard on the family farm when I was a wee one. 12-15 different varieties and, naturally enough, 12-15 types of storage, uses and care of the fruit.

Still can't tolerate store bought apples. Most of them taste like wet sawdust.

Posted by: Tonypete at February 08, 2025 06:12 PM (WXNFJ)

45 Never been off the North American continent and have no plans to. Funny thing. Men At Work just on radio.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 08, 2025 06:07 PM (T9eI6)

You can always go to your neighborhood Outback and get pretty much the full Australia experience.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at February 08, 2025 06:12 PM (JkO4W)

46 Five outta seven, baby.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at February 08, 2025 06:14 PM (JkO4W)

47 Mostly because is summer thete
Posted by: Skip at February 08, 2025

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It's already edging toward summer *here*.

Speaking of Australian novels, there was The Thorn Birds, the epic family and romantic drama by Colleen McCullough back in the late '70s. It became a TV miniseries with Bryan Brown (another Aussie actor), Richard Chamberlain, and smoky-hot Rachel Ward.

Movies? I can't forget Australia with Nicole K. and Hugh Jackman, both of whom are from AU. (Yes, I know Nicole was born in Hawaii.)

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 08, 2025 06:15 PM (omVj0)

48 which two are you missing Cicero?

Posted by: Grateful - the range bag lady at February 08, 2025 06:16 PM (IQ6Gq)

49 >>Five outta seven, baby.

Six. Had a shot at Antarctica one time but circumstances.

Posted by: JackStraw at February 08, 2025 06:16 PM (LkLld)

50 Six. Had a shot at Antarctica one time but circumstances.
***********
That's rather impressive.

Posted by: Grateful - the range bag lady at February 08, 2025 06:17 PM (IQ6Gq)

51 Always wanted to visit Oz. I once had a chance to go to New Zealand as part of our Rugby club's touring squad but just couldn't come up with enough $ to make the trip. Sigh.

Posted by: Notorious BFD at February 08, 2025 06:18 PM (mH6SG)

52 which two are you missing Cicero?

Antartica and Australia. I still expect to get to Antartica. Never been very interested in Australia.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at February 08, 2025 06:19 PM (JkO4W)

53 Antartica is guaranteed to be a pricey trip. Just ask Ernest Shackleton.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at February 08, 2025 06:19 PM (JkO4W)

54 We were supposed to get a winter mix this afternoon but seems to have gone way south of me

Posted by: Skip at February 08, 2025 06:21 PM (fwDg9)

55 Red Dog was a true story about a dog that unites an Australian community while trying to find his beloved human. I don't remember how many thousands of miles his journey was.

Posted by: Ben Had at February 08, 2025 06:22 PM (mB6WH)

56 Five outta seven, baby.

Six. Had a shot at Antarctica one time but circumstances.

Posted by: JackStraw at February 08, 2025 06:16 PM

I put my name on the winter over party for the Navy for Antarctica way back in 82. I did not have enough seniority to get the spot. You got a service ribbon for wintering over plus you got double sea duty credit for the year you were there and a guaranteed follow on assignment to the home port of your choice.

There was a long line of volunteers for every spot that had people spend the winter there. No idea if that still happens now though.

Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at February 08, 2025 06:23 PM (Rcnd3)

57 There was a little film with Nicole set in Australia also, called Strangerland. I had no interest in the characters and didn't finish watching it; it was all smoky and dim. What amazed me (and I've since found this to be generally true in real life) was that the characters did not have air conditioning in their house. They were not drawn as poor, but in half the scenes I watched they were looked damp and sweaty, as if the interior temp of their home was always over 90 F.

Aussies apparently don't seem to believe in the necessity of A/C. And I suspect their summers are on average a bit hotter than we usually get in the U.S. The Earth is closest to the sun on Jan. 2, right at the start of their summer; and the Southern Hemisphere is mostly water, and water holds heat better than does land.

Summer in Queensland, close to the equator, must be *bad.*

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 08, 2025 06:25 PM (omVj0)

58 JackStraw, did you get to sail while you were in Australia?

Posted by: Ben Had at February 08, 2025 06:26 PM (mB6WH)

59 I guess one has to try Vegimite if you go

Posted by: Skip at February 08, 2025 06:27 PM (fwDg9)

60 55
Posted by: Ben Had at February 08, 2025 06:22 PM
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{{waves to Ben Had}}

Posted by: TRex at February 08, 2025 06:27 PM (IQ6Gq)

61 >>That's rather impressive.

Eh, work. It had its downside like always being on the road somewhere but I did get to see the world including parts I never thought I would get to on someone else's dime.

Posted by: JackStraw at February 08, 2025 06:28 PM (LkLld)

62 Hi!!! TRex.

Posted by: Ben Had at February 08, 2025 06:29 PM (mB6WH)

63 I guess one has to try Vegimite if you go
Posted by: Skip at February 08, 2025 06:27 PM (fwDg9)
---
I've tried both Vegemite and Marmite.

Not a fan of either one.

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at February 08, 2025 06:29 PM (BpYfr)

64 Pappy Eromero farmed near Weewaw in 58 and again in 68. Mammy Eromero refused to go both times but I would have in 68 had I not been in the Navy. I missed my 3rd opportunity in 75 when I was offered a flying job on a huge cattle station. A woman talked me out of it.

Posted by: Eromero at February 08, 2025 06:30 PM (jgmnb)

65 We were lucky to miss the wintry mix mess, too. Still, 70 degrees and sunshine sounds really good in Februrary

Posted by: Grateful - the range bag lady at February 08, 2025 06:31 PM (IQ6Gq)

66 11 7 If your aim is to pick a fight with local wildlife, facing a kangaroo is like choosing the "hard mode.” Wallabies, while still formidable, are the more manageable "easy mode.” This advice will probably help no one ever.

Posted by: HappyFun at February 08, 2025 05:40 PM
***
Horde wisdom. Thank you!
Posted by: TRex at February 08, 2025 05:43 PM (IQ6Gq)

For starter mode, try a rabbit. I suppose you could call it "bunny mode".

Posted by: Hour of the Wolf at February 08, 2025 06:31 PM (VNX3d)

67 I tried eating a Vegemite sandwich. It was not pleasant.

Posted by: Scarymary at February 08, 2025 06:32 PM (ytIDq)

68 My employer was offering a special Antarctica cruise to alumni, scheduled for southern summer. You had to fly to S. America and get to Ushuaia, the little town in southernmost Argentina, and the cruise ship would leave from there. The price of the cruise looked crushing to me, let alone the cost of flights to and from Argentina. Regretfully I put the brochure aside.

It was scheduled for Dec. 2020 and Jan. 2021. No idea if it actually happened, or if the company got spooked by the Sniffle Scare.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 08, 2025 06:33 PM (omVj0)

69 Hi Grateful It's 84 here today. My hobby is going to be mowing grass.

Posted by: Ben Had at February 08, 2025 06:34 PM (mB6WH)

70 66 For starter mode, try a rabbit. I suppose you could call it "bunny mode".

Posted by: Hour of the Wolf at February 08, 2025 06:31 PM
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Just make sure it is not the Rabbit of Caerbannog. That rabbit is deadly.

Posted by: King Arthur at February 08, 2025 06:34 PM (IQ6Gq)

71 I tried eating a Vegemite sandwich. It was not pleasant.
Posted by: Scarymary at February 08, 2025

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They sell the stuff at World Market. I have never been tempted to try it. Rumor says you have to grow up with it to like it.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 08, 2025 06:34 PM (omVj0)

72 I was thinking about going to Australia to take on a kangaroo. Should I start with something smaller or just jump right in? Anyone know anything about that?

Posted by: Guy who doesn't read all the comments at February 08, 2025 06:34 PM (2UnvF)

73 >>Well that's weird, comment got eaten.

The answer is no, Ben Had. But I did get to sail one o the retired America's Cup boats in New Zealand. That was a lot of fun.

Posted by: JackStraw at February 08, 2025 06:35 PM (LkLld)

74 What would a discussion about Australia be without Colin Hay playing a Jimmy Webb song?

https://youtu.be/IB65PKfcW0g

Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at February 08, 2025 06:36 PM (PiwSw)

75 Just make sure it is not the Rabbit of Caerbannog. That rabbit is deadly.
Posted by: King Arthur at February 08, 2025 06:34 PM (IQ6Gq)

Look at the bones!

Posted by: Tim the Enchanter at February 08, 2025 06:37 PM (PiwSw)

76 Ben Had, gardening sounds good to me...I'm in the annual Jan-Feb deep cleaning mode, because there really isn't anything else to do (other than going to the range!)...

Posted by: Grateful - the range bag lady at February 08, 2025 06:37 PM (IQ6Gq)

77 I tried eating a Vegemite sandwich. It was not pleasant.
Posted by: Scarymary at February 08, 2025

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They sell the stuff at World Market. I have never been tempted to try it. Rumor says you have to grow up with it to like it.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 08, 2025 06:34 PM (omVj0)
----
One of our biology professors hosts a "microbiology" lunch every spring. He brings in lots of foods that rely on microorganisms during processing, such as sausages and cheese, along with more exotic cuisine like Vegemite/Marmite. That's the only time I've tried it and I won't be doing that again.

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at February 08, 2025 06:37 PM (BpYfr)

78 Rumor says you have to grow up with it to like it.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 08, 2025 06:34 PM (omVj0)

I do think it is an acquired taste. Hubby thought it was yummy. I thought it tasted like a beef bouillon cube.

Posted by: Scarymary at February 08, 2025 06:39 PM (ytIDq)

79 What would a discussion about Australia be without Colin Hay playing a Jimmy Webb song?

https://youtu.be/IB65PKfcW0g
Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at February 08, 2025

***
Speaking of songs, I have not heard "Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport" on the oldies radio in a long time I guess the lyric about "Let me abos go loose, Lou . . . they're of no further use, Lou" is considered racist or culturally insensitive nowadays.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 08, 2025 06:40 PM (omVj0)

80 But I did get to sail one o the retired America's Cup boats in New Zealand. That was a lot of fun.

Posted by: JackStraw at February 08, 2025 06:35 PM (LkLld)

I did that in the Virgins. It was a hoot!

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at February 08, 2025 06:41 PM (mWSu4)

81 43 ... "I just had a little Pegasus burley blend"

Hi Wolfus,

Can't believe I haven't tried Pegasus before since I like burley blends so much. The reviews are great. I'll call the local tobacconist this week to see if they carry it or place an order online. The blender who came up with it suggested using a larger bowl pipe for best appreciation but YMMV.

Never read anything by Dean Koontz or Anne Tyler. Except for hobby magazines, I've been mostly reading stories and essays from George MacDonald, Lewis, Chesterton, and Tolkien. That keeps me out of trouble, at least to a point.

Posted by: JTB at February 08, 2025 06:42 PM (yTvNw)

82 How long is one of those boats in service before it is retired?

Posted by: Ben Had at February 08, 2025 06:43 PM (mB6WH)

83 >>I did that in the Virgins. It was a hoot!

I didn't know there were any AC boats down there. Which one?

Posted by: JackStraw at February 08, 2025 06:44 PM (LkLld)

84 I keep my eye out for old orchards and the single apple trees farm houses used to have. If they are tasty enough I will get some cuttings to try to graft onto rootstock

most of the rootstock I have is from sprouted seeds, also from the local apples. I figure the mother tree is surviving the rootstock from the seed will too.
And if the graft fails, the tree will be a survivor anyways.

My wife puts up with baggies of dirt in the crisper, and baggies of scionwood I keep there over the winter, too.

Posted by: Kindltot at February 08, 2025 06:45 PM (D7oie)

85 The best thing I know of about Australia is the amazing guitarist, Tommy Emmanuel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VYQyK-cbRQ

Posted by: huerfano at February 08, 2025 06:45 PM (n2swS)

86 still cranking out stuff with my 3D printers for family and friends.

I currently printing out a couple of sets of ski and pole holders.

The last few weekends I've been taking the grandson to learn skiing and holding his and my skis and poles has become bothersome.

Posted by: Thomas Bender at February 08, 2025 06:49 PM (XV/Pl)

87 >>>The best thing I know of about Australia is the amazing guitarist, Tommy Emmanuel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VYQyK-cbRQ
Posted by: huerfano at February 08, 2025 06:45 PM (n2swS)
*******
Thank you for that. Amazing guitarist and I’m listening to more now.

Posted by: Rufus T. Firefly at February 08, 2025 06:52 PM (mEJdU)

88 I did that in the Virgins. It was a hoot!
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at February 08, 2025 06:41 PM (mWSu4)

Surrounded by virgins and all you could think about was sailing??

Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 08, 2025 06:52 PM (0eaVi)

89 We were in Australia last October and had a great time. The high point was hiking to all the beaches and bays on the coastline in Sydney. The low point was their incomprehensible language.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at February 08, 2025 06:52 PM (RIvkX)

90 I guess the lyric about "Let me abos go loose, Lou . . . they're of no further use, Lou" is considered racist or culturally insensitive nowadays.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 08, 2025 06:40 PM (omVj0)

Everything whites do is racist or culturally insensitive. X Kendi told me so.

Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 08, 2025 06:53 PM (0eaVi)

91 >>How long is one of those boats in service before it is retired?

Pretty much one series. The sails don't even last that long.

The America's Cup is as much about boat design as it is sailing and designers are always looking for an edge. When the Aussies hit Newport with Australia II and the wing keel it changed everything. I actually saw the boat in a maritime museum down in Fremantle years after the race. I was looking at and a couple from Australia started up a conversation. They said when the Aussies won the Cup it set off a national celebration that went on for a couple days. I told them I was from the Newport area and got a "Sorry mate". Nice people.

Posted by: JackStraw at February 08, 2025 06:54 PM (LkLld)

92 I started the sketch for my painting. Pretty daunting to see that big blank canvas. My BFF, an actual artist, told me "beginning a painting is painful (+mostly self-inflicted)."

Posted by: NaughtyPine at February 08, 2025 06:55 PM (Fbg3Q)

93 Sydney was the cleanest, safest large city I have ever been to.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at February 08, 2025 06:56 PM (RIvkX)

94 Can't believe I haven't tried Pegasus before since I like burley blends so much. The reviews are great. I'll call the local tobacconist this week to see if they carry it or place an order online. The blender who came up with it suggested using a larger bowl pipe for best appreciation but YMMV. . . .

Posted by: JTB at February 08, 2025

***
Pegasus is kind of like Sir Walter Raleigh used to be. Wonderful tin note and smokes well, but it has a little more muscularity to it. I tend to smoke it only in small pipes or in small portions!

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 08, 2025 06:57 PM (omVj0)

95 Kangaroos were convics in England in the 1700s, they got sent to Australia

Posted by: Skip at February 08, 2025 06:57 PM (fwDg9)

96
I had a 10 day port visit to Sydney Australia back in 1987 on the Midway.

Had a port visit to Sydney in 1974 on the USS Juneau.
Don't remember a whole lot except it was COLD.
The locals were very friendly and bought us drinks.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at February 08, 2025 06:58 PM (63Dwl)

97 They all seem to spend most of their time jogging to, on, or from the beach.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at February 08, 2025 06:58 PM (RIvkX)

98 On the hobby front, I'm starting to get twitchy about getting my hands on a nice block of clay.

Posted by: Ben Had at February 08, 2025 06:59 PM (mB6WH)

99 98/ And what will the nice block of clay become?

Posted by: Grateful - the range bag lady at February 08, 2025 07:00 PM (IQ6Gq)

100 Kangaroos were convics in England in the 1700s, they got sent to Australia

FUN FACT: The Wat Tyler Rebellion was instigated mainly by kangaroos.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at February 08, 2025 07:00 PM (JkO4W)

101 Their national cultural origin story is quite different than the American narrative. They fly the national Aboriginal flag with the national flag in tandem everywhere like the Europeans fly the EU flag with the national flag.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at February 08, 2025 07:01 PM (RIvkX)

102 Grateful, it will have to tell me. Inspiration is the key.

Posted by: Ben Had at February 08, 2025 07:01 PM (mB6WH)

103 And what will the nice block of clay become?
Posted by: Grateful - the range bag lady at February 08, 2025 07:00 PM (IQ6Gq)

No matter what shape it becomes, it will always be clay.

Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 08, 2025 07:04 PM (0eaVi)

104 98 On the hobby front, I'm starting to get twitchy about getting my hands on a nice block of clay.

Posted by: Ben Had at February 08, 2025 06:59 PM
***
Hmmmm.... we haven't done a pottery themed Hobby Thread. Should we add that to the queue for consideration by the Wheel of Hobbies?

Posted by: TRex at February 08, 2025 07:04 PM (IQ6Gq)

105 On other hobbies, we'll not even mine, been putting together modern houses for a co-worker's train set. I been using superglue because I couldn't find my plastic model glue

Posted by: Skip at February 08, 2025 07:04 PM (fwDg9)

106 Hmmmm.... we haven't done a pottery themed Hobby Thread. Should we add that to the queue for consideration by the Wheel of Hobbies?
Posted by: TRex at February 08, 2025 07:04 PM (IQ6Gq)

I only ask that you dedicate the post to the late Fawn Liebowitz.

Posted by: Eric Stratton, Rush Chairman at February 08, 2025 07:05 PM (JkO4W)

107 If I could wave a magic wand & visit anywhere... I'd return to the Lake Towada area. The most beautiful place I've ever been:

japan.travel/en/spot/1833/

Posted by: JQ at February 08, 2025 07:08 PM (YoCnN)

108 TRex, I don't honestly know. I haven't heard the subject come up as something people do as compared to something like wood working.

Posted by: Ben Had at February 08, 2025 07:08 PM (mB6WH)

109 Finally getting the winter mix they predicted

Posted by: Skip at February 08, 2025 07:10 PM (fwDg9)

110 I was in the Virgin Islands once. I met a girl. We ate lobster, drank piña coladas. At sunset, we made love like sea otters.

*That* was a pretty good day. Why couldn't I get *that* day over, and over, and over.

Posted by: Phil Conners at February 08, 2025 07:12 PM (JkO4W)

111 I did hear a truism. A sculptor can change his mind at any time but a stone mason is committed with the first cut of the chisel.

Posted by: Ben Had at February 08, 2025 07:12 PM (mB6WH)

112 In other hobby news, Little recently took delivery of his very first guitar. Fender dreadnought. Now I wanna get down there and play it...

Posted by: Joe Kidd at February 08, 2025 07:12 PM (bA75n)

113 I did hear a truism. A sculptor can change his mind at any time but a stone mason is committed with the first cut of the chisel.
Posted by: Ben Had at February 08, 2025 07:12 PM (mB6WH)

Do tell.

Posted by: Pygmalion at February 08, 2025 07:13 PM (JkO4W)

114 98 ... "On the hobby front, I'm starting to get twitchy about getting my hands on a nice block of clay."

Hi BH,
Funny, I just saw a video about making clay from water, corn starch and baking soda. I had never heard of that before. I should send the info to our nephew and family. Their kids are young and this stuff is completely nontoxic. Supposedly it takes color well. It might be more versatile, and cheaper, than Playdough.

Posted by: JTB at February 08, 2025 07:14 PM (yTvNw)

115 106 I only ask that you dedicate the post to the late Fawn Liebowitz.

Posted by: Eric Stratton, Rush Chairman at February 08, 2025 07:05 PM
***
She was going to make a pot for me.

Posted by: TRex at February 08, 2025 07:17 PM (IQ6Gq)

116 JTB, sounds perfect. I would delight in seeing what young minds come up with when they create something with their own hands.

Posted by: Ben Had at February 08, 2025 07:18 PM (mB6WH)

117 Was talking to plumber at work showing him.my shako medallions since I make them out of plumbing solder. He showed me big plywood cut outs he does and a friend who carves with chainsaws. I showed him my gargoyle and been itchy to carve something soon.

Posted by: Skip at February 08, 2025 07:20 PM (fwDg9)

118 I don't do the pottery thing. I am leaning toward a group of Santos figures you see in New Mexico.

Posted by: Ben Had at February 08, 2025 07:21 PM (mB6WH)

119 My uncle who passed away long time ago carved stone, he said there are flaws in it you don't know about until you hit it

Posted by: Skip at February 08, 2025 07:21 PM (fwDg9)

120 Skip, I have a Santos carved by a chainsaw in my barn.

Posted by: Ben Had at February 08, 2025 07:22 PM (mB6WH)

121 Time to say good night and thank you before the next act takes the Ace of Spades stage. As always, thanks for being here and participating. Hello to the lurkers! Turn in next week for another Hobby Thread and a new theme.

Posted by: TRex at February 08, 2025 07:24 PM (IQ6Gq)

122 My father was sort of collecting some old coins. I think his dad actually started it. Some 1800's and early 1900's along with pre and post WWII stuff. A handful of silver coins mixed in too.

I gave it all to my son.

No idea on value. Probably more than I think it's worth, TBH. But not something I'm going to take the time to sort out.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at February 08, 2025 07:25 PM (Q4IgG)

123 TRex, thank you for another fun topic.

Posted by: Ben Had at February 08, 2025 07:26 PM (mB6WH)

124 118 I don't do the pottery thing. I am leaning toward a group of Santos figures you see in New Mexico.
Posted by: Ben Had at February 08, 2025 07:21 PM (mB6WH)

I'll send TRex a pic of Perry the Platypus that Little and his girlfriend did from modeling clay. The kids got skillx..

Posted by: Joe Kidd at February 08, 2025 07:27 PM (bA75n)

125 I have wanted a real water gargoyle carved just can't seem to get to it

Posted by: Skip at February 08, 2025 07:27 PM (fwDg9)

126 TRex, Thanks for another fun hobby thread. I look forward to it every week.

Posted by: JTB at February 08, 2025 07:28 PM (yTvNw)

127 Joe Kidd, that would be great. Hope you are well.

Posted by: Ben Had at February 08, 2025 07:29 PM (mB6WH)

128 The hobby thread is like a good date. Anxious for it to come and sorry when it's over.

Posted by: Ben Had at February 08, 2025 07:31 PM (mB6WH)

129 Very sweet y'all. Thank you.

Posted by: TRex at February 08, 2025 07:32 PM (IQ6Gq)

130 Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at February 08, 2025 06:07 PM (mWSu4)

Absolutely. But, if you only have time for one...

Our last visit was in 2020 (right before the world shut down). We have noticed some intense "biohazard" announcements and welcomes this trip in both New Zealand (where we started this trip) and Australia. Really out there considering how much timber NZ is shipping out worldwide. I don't recall this last trip.

The world is an an interesting place.

Posted by: Ann at February 08, 2025 07:41 PM (p7Ccp)

131 Arturo Sandoval.

Posted by: nurse ratched at February 08, 2025 08:24 PM (rkCMe)

132 https://tinyurl.com/mhszs5wh

I can attest this is all true since I had two young kookaburras try to eat my fingers a few minutes ago. They didn't want to let go either.

Mom is about 17 years old having first arrived in my yard in 2011.

Posted by: Bruce of Newcastle at February 08, 2025 09:02 PM (+alQb)

133 Hi folks, Aussie moron here. Also a kiwi (New Zealander). Australia has more interesting wildlife and much better beaches, NZ has a much more beautiful and interesting landscape. It's worth visiting both while you're in this part of the world.

Re wallabies and kangaroos, they're all members of the same family, macropodidae, which look nothing like placental ruminants (cattle, sheep, goats) but fill the same role. The biggest ones are called kangaroos, the next biggest wallaroos, and smaller ones are wallabies. There are other names for some wallaby-sized macropods, including pademelons, quokkas, tree-kangaroos and dorcopsises, but all belong to the same family. There are also smaller, more distantly related macropods called bettongs, potoroos and rat-kangaroos.

Posted by: L of Sydney at February 09, 2025 12:08 AM (66qJZ)

134 Great delivery. Solid arguments. Keep up the good effort.

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