Hobby Thread - April 19, 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) the weekend off because Peter Cottontail has taken over. Let's talk Easter!

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Are you Hobbying for Easter? Crafts, clothing, decorations, baskets, food?

Something like 60 years ago, Grandma Rex decorated her own Easter eggs and hung them on her Easter Tree. Those eggs are family treasures and we enjoy seeing them displayed each year.

As you might imagine, 60 year old eggs are fragile. Grateful is a crafty sort and recently gave new life to many of the eggs with a regime of repairs and repainting.

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Found these in a friend's gift shop. Always liked them. They're handmade but can't recall any more backstory:

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If chocolate Easter bunnies can be a thing, why not this?

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Found this buried in my folders. "The Delbert Grady Family celebrating Easter at the Overlook Hotel, 1926." Terrifying.

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Somebody please try this and send a photo of the result:

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Clever or making it over complicated?

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70 Easy Easter Craft Ideas for Everyone to Make This Spring

Three favorites that caught my eye:

20250418-easter-craft-ideas-origami-papered-easter-eggs.jpg

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What are you hobbying these days? Does spring weather open up new options for your hobbying? 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.

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Did you miss the Hobby Thread last week? We talked miniature figurines. The comments may be closed, but you can re-live the content.

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Notable comments from last week:

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Words of wisdom:

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

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

Posted by: Open Blogger at 05:30 PM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 "The Delbert Grady Family celebrating Easter at the Overlook Hotel, 1926."

Nonsense. That picture looks perfectly fine to me!

Posted by: Harvey at April 19, 2025 05:32 PM (0eaVi)

2 first?

Posted by: Admirale's Mate at April 19, 2025 05:33 PM (sMkAM)

3 My hobbying this weekend consists of eating a bunch of little chocolate rabbits and listening to music. The weather here is finally nice, so I'm on the back porch with an iced tea and a radio (and, of course, a chocolate rabbit).

Next week I think I'll get the telescopes out.

Posted by: Pennsyltucky at April 19, 2025 05:33 PM (QdGJh)

4 Happy Easter TRex!

Posted by: HappyFun at April 19, 2025 05:33 PM (rELun)

5 first?
Posted by: Admirale's Mate at April 19, 2025 05:33 PM (sMkAM)

No. Sorry.

Posted by: Art Fleming at April 19, 2025 05:34 PM (0eaVi)

6 4 Happy Easter TRex!

Posted by: HappyFun at April 19, 2025 05:33 PM
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HappyFun! Great to "see" you. Happy Easter to you and yours as well. Cheers!

Posted by: TRex at April 19, 2025 05:35 PM (IQ6Gq)

7 The guy in the back row of that disturbing photo bears a faint resemblance to H.P. Lovecraft...

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at April 19, 2025 05:36 PM (cweKM)

8 dagnabitol

Posted by: Admirale's Mate at April 19, 2025 05:36 PM (sMkAM)

9 Wow, those eggs are amazing.

Posted by: Ben Had at April 19, 2025 05:36 PM (yp8Vj)

10 dagnabitol
Posted by: Admirale's Mate at April 19, 2025 05:36 PM (sMkAM)

A proud sponsor of "Concentration!"

Posted by: Dagnabitol at April 19, 2025 05:38 PM (0eaVi)

11 Found this buried in my folders. "The Delbert Grady Family celebrating Easter at the Overlook Hotel, 1926." Terrifying.

Those girls are about to wish the photographer into the ~~cornfield~~ rabbit hutch.

Posted by: mikeski at April 19, 2025 05:41 PM (DgGvY)

12 Other than reading, my only "hobby" this week has been playing Satisfactory (again).

Just finished with Phase 2 of building a space elevator, unlocking technology Tiers 5 and 6. This marks a significant challenge in difficulty.

It takes *A LOT* of resources to build out Tiers 5 and 6, and the difficulty ramps up even more for Tiers 7 and 8 when nuclear power is unlocked.

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at April 19, 2025 05:43 PM (cweKM)

13 Those decorative eggs look like some of the Christmas ornament my grandmother would give us.

Very ornate.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at April 19, 2025 05:46 PM (Q4IgG)

14 Those decorated eggs are gorgeous and creative. I have the vaguest memory of putting a pinhole in each end of an egg, blowing hard, and blowing the innards out without damaging the shell. I assume we decorated them but suspect a 4 or 5 year old boy was more interested in seeing the egg guts come out.

Posted by: JTB at April 19, 2025 05:48 PM (yTvNw)

15 My Dad's mother mad mostly Christmas ornaments but also did some Easter ornaments as well, using foam and covering them up with sequins

Posted by: Skip at April 19, 2025 05:49 PM (ypFCm)

16 Not much different than that top picture

Posted by: Skip at April 19, 2025 05:50 PM (ypFCm)

17 That chocolate TRex is great. But do you start with the head or the short arms?

Think I'll have one of the Dr. Pepper flavored Peeps for desert tonight. Surprisingly good.

Posted by: JTB at April 19, 2025 05:51 PM (yTvNw)

18 13 Those decorative eggs look like some of the Christmas ornament my grandmother would give us. Very ornate.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at April 19, 2025 05:46 PM
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Expect an egg theme around Christmas too! We've got a bunch and love them.

Posted by: TRex at April 19, 2025 05:54 PM (IQ6Gq)

19 Finished up that Monkey Wards 719 last week. Problem was a replacement transistor had a different pin arrangement than the original part. Luckily all I had to do was turn it 180 degrees and everything started working as it should.

This week I've got a Cobra 138 XLR that has been modified in a weird way. Not sure why, but it looks like it's been set up to amplitude modulate the PLL loop mixing signal. Which you really want to be stable, not jumping around like a meth addicted kitty chasing the red dot.

Posted by: Blanco Basura -Z28.310 at April 19, 2025 05:55 PM (ojCLR)

20 17 That chocolate TRex is great. But do you start with the head or the short arms?

Posted by: JTB at April 19, 2025 05:51 PM
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I'm conflicted! Seems like I should have an informed opinion...

Posted by: TRex at April 19, 2025 05:57 PM (IQ6Gq)

21 I thought the guy in the disturbing photo looked like Niedermeyer.

Posted by: BeckoningChasm at April 19, 2025 05:59 PM (CHHv1)

22 Oh.... and for shits and giggles today is "Husband Appreciation Day"

https://nationaltoday.com/husband-appreciation-day/

Posted by: Martini Farmer at April 19, 2025 06:00 PM (Q4IgG)

23 Always start with the head with chocolate

Posted by: Skip at April 19, 2025 06:01 PM (ypFCm)

24 Don't know if this counts as a hobby but I love old movies and Easter is sure to have a showing of Ben Hur on broadcast TV. That's tomorrow. And often some family friendly films like musicals. Tonight we've got "Singin' In The Rain" followed by "Brigadoon". There will be some serious bass notes in the air tonight as I sing along.

Posted by: JTB at April 19, 2025 06:02 PM (yTvNw)

25 Evening, Hobby Folken,

Somewhere Miss Linda has a pic of Siberian cat Angelique (RIP) sitting next to L's EasterTree -- a spindly little skeleton of a tree with pastel "eggs" attached to it. An appropriate teaming, since Angelique herself was a study in pastel colors.

I think I remember that as a kid we dyed Easter eggs with those pale colors. Not for very many years, as my brother and I were much more into vividly colored model kit painting.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at April 19, 2025 06:02 PM (omVj0)

26 The Gradys always brought enough sauerkraut to gatherings to feed themselves but ate more desserts than everybody else combined.

Posted by: Eromero at April 19, 2025 06:06 PM (LHPAg)

27 As far as my pipe hobby goes, I'm trying a new thing called Delayed Gratification Technique, or DGT. You load the pipe, light it, tamp it lightly, and then . . . put it aside for anywhere from an hour to a day or more. The theory is that the smoke from the first or "charring" light will filter into the tobacco and provide a more interesting aroma when you do relight. I haven't noticed any such thing yet, but it's fun to try.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at April 19, 2025 06:07 PM (omVj0)

28 Don't know if this counts as a hobby but I love old movies and Easter is sure to have a showing of Ben Hur on broadcast TV. That's tomorrow. And often some family friendly films like musicals. Tonight we've got "Singin' In The Rain" followed by "Brigadoon". There will be some serious bass notes in the air tonight as I sing along.
Posted by: JTB at April 19, 2025

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JTB, any idea what channel will show Ben-Hur, or maybe Ten Commandments? Used to be ABC who would run one or the other.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at April 19, 2025 06:09 PM (omVj0)

29 Two more gorgeous Easter egg styles: Ukrainian pyansky eggs, and Panorama sugar eggs (hollow with little scenes inside).

Used to get the pyansky eggs in the East Village, NYC.

Years ago, some friends and I had an egg-dying party, and one of our group brought brown eggs to dye. We all scoffed, but they turned out quite beautiful.

Posted by: Beverly at April 19, 2025 06:09 PM (Epeb0)

30 That chocolate TRex is great. But do you start with the head or the short arms? . . .

Posted by: JTB at April 19, 2025

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The tail -- and nibble your way up!

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at April 19, 2025 06:10 PM (omVj0)

31 The egg decorating theme is timely. Just yesterday I found a book on the shelf about whittling figures from basswood eggs: gnomes, Santas, bears, rolly-polly dogs, etc. I have the wooden eggs and they only require a small knife and maybe a couple of mini gouges. Haven't tried any of them yet but it could be fun. And if I mess up the pattern I can always make it an abstract.

Posted by: JTB at April 19, 2025 06:11 PM (yTvNw)

32 Ben Hur chariot scene is tje best 20 minutes of cinematography ever made

Posted by: Skip at April 19, 2025 06:17 PM (ypFCm)

33 31 And if I mess up the pattern I can always make it an abstract.

Posted by: JTB at April 19, 2025 06:11 PM
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Great observation. We're fond of whittled goods from eastern Germany, near the Czech border. It is always fun to see the creative ways they rescue pieces that experience problems. Broke a branch on the tree? No problem! Put a little bird in there!

Posted by: TRex at April 19, 2025 06:17 PM (IQ6Gq)

34 We see dead people...

Posted by: The Grady Girls at April 19, 2025 06:18 PM (mH6SG)

35 I've searched my local broadcast TV schedule, as well as looking at the listings tonight through tomorrow for the three classic broadcast networks. No Ben-Hur or Ten Commandments. I guess "that religious stuff" is considered ancient chapeau now.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at April 19, 2025 06:18 PM (omVj0)

36 28 ... "any idea what channel will show Ben-Hur, or maybe Ten Commandments? Used to be ABC who would run one or the other."

Wolfus,
Ben Hur, followed by The Robe, will be on the Movies! channel, which is OTA, tomorrow. I don't know if there is a version in your area. ABC had The Ten Commandments last week.

Posted by: JTB at April 19, 2025 06:19 PM (yTvNw)

37 Seems to me, too, that ABC would often show The Greatest Story Ever Told w/ Max von Sydow as Jesus, or occasionally King of Kings w/ Jeffrey Hunter, at this time of year. Not no mo'. Maybe on Turner Classic Movies, I suppose?

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at April 19, 2025 06:20 PM (omVj0)

38 Wolfus,
Did you have a chance to try that Burley Morning tobacco yet? It get fantastic reviews so I'm curious what you think.

Posted by: JTB at April 19, 2025 06:21 PM (yTvNw)

39 32 Ben Hur chariot scene is tje best 20 minutes of cinematography ever made

Posted by: Skip at April 19, 2025 06:17 PM
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I asked AI to show me a photo of the chariot race, but with TRex dinosaurs instead of horses. Then I asked it to try again, but with TRex dinosaurs instead of the human chariot drivers.

Hilarity ensued.

Posted by: TRex at April 19, 2025 06:21 PM (IQ6Gq)

40 Wolfus,
Ben Hur, followed by The Robe, will be on the Movies! channel, which is OTA, tomorrow. I don't know if there is a version in your area. ABC had The Ten Commandments last week.
Posted by: JTB at April 19, 2025

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Don't think we've got a Movies! outlet. A shame, as it would be nice to see something older than 2006.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at April 19, 2025 06:22 PM (omVj0)

41 The eggmazing contraption is fun, not messy. Not same as dying but it’s not bad.

I’ve done decoupage eggs and love those. Get some easter themed napkins and modge podge, you’re all set. Blowing eggs is the hardest part, but I found it oddly satisfying.

Posted by: H at April 19, 2025 06:24 PM (2gjbv)

42 JTB, the Movies! Network site lists a local channel of 41.3. But that's not available to me, even though I've scanned my TV recently to draw in the latest channels. Darn.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at April 19, 2025 06:24 PM (omVj0)

43 As far as hobbies...getting into Japanese culinary knives and hand sharpening with whetstones. Started last year with a Tojiro set (paring(petty), chef(gyuto), and santoku. Last week added a matching nakiri for vegetables - just broke it in. Best onion dice I've ever done. Wife won't use the knives - good steel that I keep razor sharp, but I enjoy cooking as it is, these only help.

Posted by: MD_Mike at April 19, 2025 06:27 PM (BouEL)

44 My hobby is annoying the shit out of my wife.

I'm very good at it.

Posted by: jsg at April 19, 2025 06:27 PM (UJ+K5)

45 I think if you were to date any of the Delbert family girls you'd end up with a bunny in the pot IYKWIMAITYD.

Posted by: Quarter Twenty at April 19, 2025 06:28 PM (dg+HA)

46 Wolfus,
Ben Hur, followed by The Robe, will be on the Movies! channel, which is OTA, tomorrow. I don't know if there is a version in your area. ABC had The Ten Commandments last week.
Posted by: JTB at April 19, 2025

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The Robe is an impressive movie. It has the young Richard Burton as a Roman officer, Victor Mature as his Greek slave, Jean Simmons, Michael Rennie as Peter (I suppose THE Peter), Jay Robinson as his patented Emperor Caligula, and, get this, Richard Boone as Pontius Pilate!

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at April 19, 2025 06:29 PM (omVj0)

47 Hey everyone. Sorry I ghosted from the thread, but things are very busy. TRex, I am taking photos of the layout and actually have a draft email saved for a future post. Work has stalled simply because so much else is going on.

The Great Train Sale of what I can't use is underway, and it's going nicely. I just got a very snotty "question" because I had no idea about the nuances of 1970s N scale track. It's just a box with stuff on the side and track in it.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 19, 2025 06:32 PM (ZOv7s)

48 The Robe is an impressive movie. It has the young Richard Burton as a Roman officer, Victor Mature as his Greek slave, Jean Simmons, Michael Rennie as Peter (I suppose THE Peter), Jay Robinson as his patented Emperor Caligula, and, get this, Richard Boone as Pontius Pilate!
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at April 19, 2025 06:29 PM (omVj0)
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That's on my list of future DVD purchases. I'm doing the Charleton Heston Bible fest right now, finished "The Ten Commandments" and now working my way through "Ben Hur."

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 19, 2025 06:33 PM (ZOv7s)

49 I'm still on light duty, which sucks because the weather is perfect and I really should've spent the morning hiking and being an outdoor radio nerd. Instead, I spent my morning / afternoon being an indoor radio nerd. I updated the software on one radio and started trying to figure out FLRig and FT-8. I managed to get a signal out, but I don't really know how to use the program and, more importantly, how to optimize all the settings to get the best results. That'll take a lot more research.

Posted by: PabloD at April 19, 2025 06:34 PM (57fkQ)

50 Thanks for the crafts link.

I sent that to my friends.

Posted by: Stateless.. 14% - mental state clawing up from 10%, shit happened, clawing back next week at April 19, 2025 06:34 PM (jvJvP)

51 Wolfus,
Did you have a chance to try that Burley Morning tobacco yet? It get fantastic reviews so I'm curious what you think.
Posted by: JTB at April 19, 2025

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Yes! Actually my correspondent sent me KBV's *Burlier* Morning Pipe tobacco, which is supposed to have a trifle fuller aroma than Burley MP without being stronger. It is very good; fairly moist in the pouch, yet it burns fine and without tongue bite even if I don't dry it. As with Country Squire in Jackson, MS, I'm impressed with this blender's work.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at April 19, 2025 06:36 PM (omVj0)

52 Have Ben Hur, The Ten Commandments, The Greatest Story Ever Told, The Passion of the Christ and Risen in the DVD collection.

Posted by: Ben Had at April 19, 2025 06:37 PM (yp8Vj)

53 The Robe is an impressive movie. It has the young Richard Burton as a Roman officer, Victor Mature as his Greek slave, Jean Simmons, Michael Rennie as Peter (I suppose THE Peter), Jay Robinson as his patented Emperor Caligula, and, get this, Richard Boone as Pontius Pilate!
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere

Great score by Alfred Newman also.

Posted by: Tuna at April 19, 2025 06:44 PM (lJ0H4)

54 The Robe is an impressive movie. It has the young Richard Burton as a Roman officer, Victor Mature as his Greek slave, Jean Simmons, Michael Rennie as Peter (I suppose THE Peter), Jay Robinson as his patented Emperor Caligula, and, get this, Richard Boone as Pontius Pilate!
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere

Great score by Alfred Newman also.

Posted by: Tuna at April 19, 2025 06:44 PM

What me Worry?

Posted by: Alfred E. Newman at April 19, 2025 06:46 PM (e5NfL)

55 51 ... "KBV's *Burlier* Morning Pipe tobacco, which is supposed to have a trifle fuller aroma than Burley MP without being stronger. It is very good; fairly moist in the pouch, yet it burns fine and without tongue bite even if I don't dry it."

Thanks for the report. I've been enjoying burley blends lately and have some Boswell's Premium Burley, which is excellent. Think I'll order some of the Burley Morning and Burlier Morning and do a comparison. I find burley blends go really well with coffee and, believe it or not, scotch (Islay single malt by preference) and bourbon.

Posted by: JTB at April 19, 2025 06:47 PM (yTvNw)

56 47 TRex, I am taking photos of the layout and actually have a draft email saved for a future post.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 19, 2025 06:32 PM
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No worries. We'll be ready when you're ready.

Posted by: TRex at April 19, 2025 06:50 PM (IQ6Gq)

57 I have been scouting Christmas sales online and in thrift stores for odds and ends to begin preparing Christmas cards and holiday decorations. I waited too long last year and didn't have enough free time to do anything.

I'm going to make lighthouse-themed block print for the cards. I rounded up a couple metal candleholders shaped like houses and am looking for a third to make trio for a centerpiece for Thanksgiving.

As our extended family shrinks, I get more visitors during the holidays. Ironic.

Posted by: NaughtyPine at April 19, 2025 06:57 PM (CMGrG)

58 Currently working on using Grok to create some tabletop roleplaying games that use a standard card deck to determine outcomes. Inspector and I play tested the first one, a science fiction setting, today. I also have all the inputs into Grok for one based on my "Velociraptors in a magical wild west" setting that I created for a series of short stories. Now I need to get that out of Grok and into Word so I can start editing.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at April 19, 2025 06:59 PM (lFFaq)

59 57 I have been scouting Christmas sales online and in thrift stores for odds and ends to begin preparing Christmas cards and holiday decorations.

Posted by: NaughtyPine at April 19, 2025 06:57 PM
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I was thinking about a home-made Christmas card hobbying theme closer to Christmas, but maybe that would be too late??

Posted by: TRex at April 19, 2025 07:00 PM (IQ6Gq)

60 I was thinking about a home-made Christmas card hobbying theme closer to Christmas, but maybe that would be too late??
Posted by: TRex at April 19, 2025 07:00 PM (IQ6Gq)

You should do that before Halloween.

Posted by: OrangeEnt at April 19, 2025 07:01 PM (0eaVi)

61 60 You should do that before Halloween.

Posted by: OrangeEnt at April 19, 2025 07:01 PM
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I'll refer the matter to the official Hobby Thread scheduling department.

Posted by: TRex at April 19, 2025 07:03 PM (IQ6Gq)

62 I told the kids about hollowing out eggs and decorating them when I was a kid, but never was taught exactly how. My parents certainly didn't know how to do it.

Posted by: NaughtyPine at April 19, 2025 07:03 PM (CMGrG)

63 TRex, prayers for your Mom.

Posted by: Ben Had at April 19, 2025 07:05 PM (yp8Vj)

64 I came across a reference to fairy gardens last week. They sounded interesting with their combination of small plants and whimsical structures. Seems like a fun way to combine whittling and gardening on a very small scale. Perhaps a LOTR Shire theme.

Posted by: JTB at April 19, 2025 07:05 PM (yTvNw)

65 I'll refer the matter to the official Hobby Thread scheduling department.
Posted by: TRex at April 19, 2025 07:03 PM (IQ6Gq)

If they need... encouragement, but a horse's head in their beds.

Posted by: OrangeEnt at April 19, 2025 07:07 PM (0eaVi)

66 Reposting from gardening thread because it's related to so many here:

I'll probably post it on the hobby thread too, but if you haven't gotten one of those $30 or so battery powered handheld chainsaws, they are great. I managed a 4 inch maple limb repeatedly with the one I bought. Keep your wits about you but an absolutely outstanding little yard tool.

Great gift idea, too.

https://a.co/d/0S3nJkn

Posted by: Boron Quidquid - you realize Darwin disproved evolution, right? at April 19, 2025 07:09 PM (km43Y)

67 63 TRex, prayers for your Mom.

Posted by: Ben Had at April 19, 2025 07:05 PM
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Thanks!

Posted by: TRex at April 19, 2025 07:09 PM (IQ6Gq)

68 Easter egg related - my crafty friend showed me some of the palm weaving she made - flowers and big leaves - very cool

Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at April 19, 2025 07:11 PM (GDrd7)

69 I came across a reference to fairy gardens last week. They sounded interesting with their combination of small plants and whimsical structures. Seems like a fun way to combine whittling and gardening on a very small scale. Perhaps a LOTR Shire theme.

Posted by: JTB at April 19, 2025 07:05 PM

The green dollar store by us has that stuff. There is a whole end cap with all sorts of houses, bridges, streams, plants and trees. I did not see a single fairy though. I guess those are sold separately.

Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at April 19, 2025 07:11 PM (e5NfL)

70 TRex, prayers for your Mom.

-

Agreed, our human troubles are difficult to endure.

Prayers up for salty and his bunch, too.

We love you all.

Posted by: Boron Quidquid - you realize Darwin disproved evolution, right? at April 19, 2025 07:11 PM (km43Y)

71 Boron, I bought a Ryobi one and I use the hound out of it. Best purchase I have made in a long time.

Posted by: Ben Had at April 19, 2025 07:12 PM (yp8Vj)

72 I was thinking about a home-made Christmas card hobbying theme closer to Christmas, but maybe that would be too late??
Posted by: TRex at April 19, 2025 07:00 PM

It was for me.

I'm hoping to have a wreath and outdoor displays ready to go, too.

Posted by: NaughtyPine at April 19, 2025 07:13 PM (CMGrG)

73 59 ... "I was thinking about a home-made Christmas card hobbying theme"

That sounds like a great idea. Our Christmas card list is dwindling these days as old family members and friends are gone. The number of cards needed wouldn't be more than 20 or 25.

A bit of history. Money was tight when we first got married and the Christmas card list was long. We had just bought our house. We got some card stock, drew a picture of the house front with a caption of "Merry Christmas from our house to yours", had them printed and sent them out as post cards. Probably saved us a couple hundred bucks between the cards and postage.

Posted by: JTB at April 19, 2025 07:14 PM (yTvNw)

74 66 Reposting from gardening thread because it's related to so many here:

I'll probably post it on the hobby thread too, but if you haven't gotten one of those $30 or so battery powered handheld chainsaws, they are great. I managed a 4 inch maple limb repeatedly with the one I bought. Keep your wits about you but an absolutely outstanding little yard tool.

Great gift idea, too.

https://a.co/d/0S3nJkn
Posted by: Boron Quidquid - you realize Darwin disproved evolution, right? at April 19, 2025 07:09 PM (km43Y)

With plastic laid, this looks like it would be good for dismembering bodies for easy transport.

Not that that's my hobby or anything.

Hypothetically speaking.

Posted by: bear with asymmetrical balls at April 19, 2025 07:14 PM (44PAK)

75 TRex, are Grandma's Easter eggs made of wood or actual egg shells?

Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at April 19, 2025 07:15 PM (WL2lA)

76 75 TRex, are Grandma's Easter eggs made of wood or actual egg shells?

Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at April 19, 2025 07:15 PM
***
Genuine egg shells.

Posted by: TRex at April 19, 2025 07:16 PM (IQ6Gq)

77 Posted by: JTB at April 19, 2025 07:05 PM (yTvNw)

I think Jewells used to make those.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at April 19, 2025 07:16 PM (lFFaq)

78 What's up with TRex's mom?

Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at April 19, 2025 07:19 PM (WL2lA)

79 Worked at a dentist office a few years ago and there was a fairy garden in the outside plantings, it was cute

Posted by: Skip at April 19, 2025 07:20 PM (ypFCm)

80 Love your grandma's Easter eggs! Beautiful.

As for the toilet bowl eggs, uh, I'll pass.
I don't care how clean the toilet is.

Seems like that's kind of a fun thing to do with eggs, though, and could be done out in the yard in a washtub. I could see my grandkids enjoying that.

Posted by: TecumsehTea at April 19, 2025 07:21 PM (Eo96p)

81 78 What's up with TRex's mom?

Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at April 19, 2025 07:19 PM
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Recent diagnosis of Parkinsons. Big life changes for her and everyone around her. Mama Rex still has some spark though. Spent a nice morning with her today.

Posted by: TRex at April 19, 2025 07:21 PM (IQ6Gq)

82 69 ... "The green dollar store by us has that stuff. There is a whole end cap with all sorts of houses, bridges, streams, plants and trees."

Thanks for the suggestion. A local nursery has a lot of the stuff as well. I was thinking more along the lines of making the structures from scrap wood and doing some shallow relief carving. Trying to stay hands-on these days.

Posted by: JTB at April 19, 2025 07:22 PM (yTvNw)

83 I'm sorry to hear that..
One of the nicest nuns I ever met had Parkinsons.
Prayers for Mama Rex.

Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at April 19, 2025 07:22 PM (WL2lA)

84 Time to say thank you and good night before the next act takes the Ace of Spades stage. No idea what the Hobby Thread theme will be next week, but stay tuned. We'll find out together.

Hope everyone has a very blessed Easter!

Posted by: TRex at April 19, 2025 07:24 PM (IQ6Gq)

85 Genuine egg shells.
Posted by: TRex

Wowza

Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at April 19, 2025 07:25 PM (WL2lA)

86 TRex, thank you.

Posted by: Ben Had at April 19, 2025 07:25 PM (yp8Vj)

87 77 ... "I think Jewells used to make those."

Polliwog,
That wouldn't surprise me. Her sense of design and ability to work small and delicate pieces would lend itself to fairy gardens.

Posted by: JTB at April 19, 2025 07:26 PM (yTvNw)

88 I think crafts should have a 3-4 month lead time? Like Christmas crafts in September/October maybe?
Halloween crafts in August:

Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at April 19, 2025 07:27 PM (WL2lA)

89 JTB, Have you thought about carved Christmas ornaments?

Posted by: Ben Had at April 19, 2025 07:28 PM (yp8Vj)

90
Thanks for the report. I've been enjoying burley blends lately and have some Boswell's Premium Burley, which is excellent. Think I'll order some of the Burley Morning and Burlier Morning and do a comparison. I find burley blends go really well with coffee and, believe it or not, scotch (Islay single malt by preference) and bourbon.
Posted by: JTB at April 19, 2025

***
I'm sure it will go well -- with the coffee anyway. My drinking days are long behind me, so I wouldn't know about the others!

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at April 19, 2025 07:31 PM (omVj0)

91 89 ... " JTB, Have you thought about carved Christmas ornaments?"

I have several books on whittling a creche scene and doing ornaments. I should get them out and give a look for ideas. Good thought.

Posted by: JTB at April 19, 2025 07:33 PM (yTvNw)

92 I got Knives Out w/ Daniel Craig from the library today. Here's hoping it's a decent mystery with some real puzzles and a thunderbolt surprise revelation. If it has a little humor too, that would be welcome.

It'll be hard to top The Last of Sheila -- but who knows.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at April 19, 2025 07:34 PM (omVj0)

93 https://x.com/SolidusJJ/status/1913669409819816254

I am painting the board game Dark Souls and a bunch of expansions.

Posted by: BourbonChicken at April 19, 2025 07:37 PM (lhenN)

94 Bourbon, I hope you will show your work when done.

Posted by: Ben Had at April 19, 2025 07:41 PM (yp8Vj)

95 My primary hobby is photography. Actually that calling this a hobby is like calling a NASCAR racer a family sedan. Moving along.

My latest addition is a Sony a6400 camera body because it is highly performant, has an APS-C 24mp sensor, is quite small (near pocket camera size), accepts interchangeable lenses, and, has excellent 3rd party lens support that are wildly inexpensive. The body also excellent photos

Over the years I passed on the smaller APS-C sensor (as opposed to a full frame sensor) because they typically were in entry level camera bodies and and had poor lens support. This changed with the Sony E lens mounts. An example is I picked up 23mm f1.4 prime lens for $200. The lens is not good as my full frame Canon 35mm f1.4 prime but it is 95% as good and cost 10% of the Canon. Holy smokes. Plus the 23mm is 3" long and weighs 9 oz (The Canon is well a cannon by comparison to lug around).

Point here is, if you have been thinking about taking of photography at a level well above cell phone pics this is stunningly great option. It is a full on legit camera system that will keep you busy for more that a few years. Plus videos (it used by peeps that make YouTube videos).

Posted by: Altaria Pilgram - My President has convictions at April 19, 2025 07:41 PM (amnH6)

96 Thanks again, TRex, for the Hobby Thread.
Always look forward to it, even when I can't read it til Sunday evening.

Prayers up for your mom.
MrT's grandma had Parkinsons, lived a good life into her 90's

Posted by: TecumsehTea at April 19, 2025 07:43 PM (Eo96p)

97 Point here is, if you have been thinking about taking of photography at a level well above cell phone pics this is stunningly great option.

Posted by: Altaria Pilgram - My President has convictions at April 19, 2025 07:41 PM
***
It is amazing what photo equipment is available for high quality and relatively low cost these days. I keep using my legacy Canon equipment but not sure I'd take the same approach if I was starting from scratch today.

Posted by: TRex at April 19, 2025 07:45 PM (IQ6Gq)

98 Altaria, I'll bet you have a good eye for subject matter.

Posted by: Ben Had at April 19, 2025 07:45 PM (yp8Vj)

99 96 Thanks again, TRex, for the Hobby Thread.
Always look forward to it, even when I can't read it til Sunday evening.

Prayers up for your mom.
MrT's grandma had Parkinsons, lived a good life into her 90's

Posted by: TecumsehTea at April 19, 2025 07:43 PM
***
Very kind. Thank you. Much appreciated.

Posted by: TRex at April 19, 2025 07:46 PM (IQ6Gq)

100 I forgot to mention that we have a great Horde Hobbying submission for the Hobby Thread next week.

Always happy to show off Horde projects and hobbies.

Posted by: TRex at April 19, 2025 07:48 PM (IQ6Gq)

101 If chocolate Easter bunnies can be a thing, why not this?

I was in Barcelona recently and couldn’t resist the Museu de la Xocolata. Basically, a few interesting artifacts of early chocolate making and a lot of famous works reproduced in chocolate. Tin Tin. Asterix. La Sagrada Familia. It was incredible.

Posted by: Stephen Price Blair at April 19, 2025 07:49 PM (EXyHK)

102 TRex, I loved the ONT you did on the cartoons. Any chance of doing one on the old western shows like Roy Roger's, The Lone Ranger and other weekend TV shows? Oh. And Sky King

Posted by: Ben Had at April 19, 2025 07:50 PM (yp8Vj)

103 Stay away from the chocolate penguins.

Posted by: Ol Yeller at April 19, 2025 07:52 PM (vFG9F)

104 Point here is, if you have been thinking about taking of photography at a level well above cell phone pics this is stunningly great option. It is a full on legit camera system that will keep you busy for more that a few years. Plus videos (it used by peeps that make YouTube videos).
Posted by: Altaria Pilgram

-

Thanks for the report.

I'd had darkrooms in spare bathrooms in our homes for years, and somewhere around 2000 made the switch to digital. It was weird at first but incredible because one could take thousands of photos, see them immediately, work with them, etc. It was mind blowing to go from one side to the other.

I was fortunate to have gotten one of the first Digital Rebels (300d?) that had a firmware hack that would open up the 10D options. You didn't get the build quality, but you got the functions. I could probably enjoy a newer camera but can't convince myself to do it.

I should go look at the advancements, though. It's been 25 years so it's probably similar, although not as drastic, as the switch to digital.

Posted by: Boron Quidquid - you realize Darwin disproved evolution, right? at April 19, 2025 07:57 PM (km43Y)

105 Altaria, I'll bet you have a good eye for subject matter.
Posted by: Ben Had

A couple of examples. The images get compressed when publishing for the web - I apologize for the lack of sharpness.

https://is.gd/YfMNSL - Iglesia San Jose – Los Cerrillos, NM

https://is.gd/Osqe0f - Little Toad Show - Las Cruces, NM. This was shot with the a6400/23mm f1.4 @ ISO 3400 handheld without flash. These boxes and glass are a thing.

Posted by: Altaria Pilgram - My President has convictions at April 19, 2025 07:59 PM (amnH6)

106 102 TRex, I loved the ONT you did on the cartoons. Any chance of doing one on the old western shows like Roy Roger's, The Lone Ranger and other weekend TV shows? Oh. And Sky King

Posted by: Ben Had at April 19, 2025 07:50 PM
***
That sounds like fun!

Posted by: TRex at April 19, 2025 08:00 PM (IQ6Gq)

107 Altaria, very good.

Posted by: Ben Had at April 19, 2025 08:01 PM (yp8Vj)

108 I could probably enjoy a newer camera but can't convince myself to do it.

I should go look at the advancements, though. It's been 25 years so it's probably similar, although not as drastic, as the switch to digital.
Posted by: Boron Quidquid

The the advancements are enormous and well worth picking up if you are so inclined. I picked up my a6400 with a top flight zoom lens for $900.00 and added the prime for $200. That is pretty much rock bottom pricing for like new/new gear.

Posted by: Altaria Pilgram - My President has convictions at April 19, 2025 08:02 PM (amnH6)

109 Ben Had, it seems like I've missed a couple of your posts in the last few days and I apologize.

I bet the Ryobi is outstanding. They make good stuff. I wasn't sure if it was for me so I went cheap, but now that I know how well even the cheap ones work I'll probably try to track down a Ridgid next time since I'm dedicated to their battery line (and love their warranty, which also covers the batteries)

Posted by: Boron Quidquid - you realize Darwin disproved evolution, right? at April 19, 2025 08:03 PM (km43Y)

110 Good submissions, Altaria, and thanks.

You know, a quarterly Horde photo thread might be hobby thread idea.

Posted by: Boron Quidquid - you realize Darwin disproved evolution, right? at April 19, 2025 08:06 PM (km43Y)

111 So what's this crud there won't be a movie thread tonight?

Posted by: Skip at April 19, 2025 08:07 PM (ypFCm)

112 I bet the Ryobi is outstanding. They make good stuff. I wasn't sure if it was for me so I went cheap, but now that I know how well even the cheap ones work I'll probably try to track down a Ridgid next time since I'm dedicated to their battery line (and love their warranty, which also covers the batteries) Posted by: Boron Quidquid

I use Ryobi because years ago Home Depot had a power tool shop in a bag for $125.00. Years later I have bunches of their gear and it has served me well. Once you lock into a few tools you are off to the races with that brand because of the battery lock-in. Cordless tools are excellent.

Posted by: Altaria Pilgram - My President has convictions at April 19, 2025 08:08 PM (amnH6)

113 I know it's not the food thread, but my friends just brought over corn on the cob, cut up and cooked potatos and carrots and lamb legs in homemade gravy.

It was excellent.

Posted by: Stateless.. 14% - mental state clawing up from 10%, shit happened, clawing back next week at April 19, 2025 08:08 PM (jvJvP)

114 Boron, seconded.

I'm with you on trying a cheaper version first. I have so many scrub trees trying to grow around here that saw has been a wonder.

Posted by: Ben Had at April 19, 2025 08:09 PM (yp8Vj)

115 110 You know, a quarterly Horde photo thread might be hobby thread idea.

Posted by: Boron Quidquid - you realize Darwin disproved evolution, right? at April 19, 2025 08:06 PM
***
Great suggestion. Happy to host if the Horde will support with submissions.

Posted by: TRex at April 19, 2025 08:09 PM (IQ6Gq)

116 Great suggestion. Happy to host if the Horde will support with submissions.
Posted by: TRex

I am in.

Posted by: Altaria Pilgram - My President has convictions at April 19, 2025 08:10 PM (amnH6)

117 TRex's inbox full in 3, 2 ,1

Posted by: Ben Had at April 19, 2025 08:12 PM (yp8Vj)

118 My wife likes Ryobi tools. They fit her hand better than the stuff I've always had. She is far more of a carpenter than I ever will be. I had tools for home repairs. She loves building cabinets, and shelves and such.

Currently we live in a small apartment, and her tools are mostly in the storage locker. Our goal is to find a modest piece of property with a smallish house and a huge barn.

She's already going stir-crazy.

Posted by: Pug Mahon at April 19, 2025 08:13 PM (0aYVJ)

119 To Wolfus -Ben Hur (1959) is showing on Turner Classic Movies tomorrow morning at 4 am Central Time to 8 am. TCM is also showing a silent film version later in the day 11 pm Central Time. TCM is also showing Barabbas and King of.Kings mañana.

Posted by: Glenn at April 19, 2025 08:14 PM (5QEsJ)

120 Pug, Barndominium.

Posted by: Ben Had at April 19, 2025 08:17 PM (yp8Vj)

121 The best part is it could be as fancy, whimsical, or absurd as the moron wanted. Something nice could be the headliner, of course, like either of Altarias outstanding photos above, but the Horde could just link their photos that they took, liked, and found artistic or otherwise worthy. Everything from "this was with my 5D at dusk with my 55mm prime at..." to "I saw this at the fair and only had my child's fisher price camera and liked the way it turned out" to "I was showing my kid how to make a pinhole camera"

It might be interesting to see what develops. Ha. That was an accident (like so many of my decent photos)

If I'm around I'll contribute one each time.

Posted by: Boron Quidquid - you realize Darwin disproved evolution, right? at April 19, 2025 08:19 PM (km43Y)

122 Last words on photography for the day.

The point of these compact Sony Cameras is you can take them everywhere and that right there gets you taking pics. That was the initial motivation to consider these boxes and I sorted out how good the 3rd party lenses were I couldn't spend my money fast enough.

Now, digital photography naturally leads to post processing using editors like Photoshop. Problem is Photoshop is a subscription only program and runs you $20.00 per month ouch.

Solution: Affinity Photo 2. It is a direct Photoshop competitor and it is pretty close to Photoshop in terms of features and quality of the product. Unless you are in a professional environment Photoshop is overkill. To address this Adobe offers Photoshop Express which is a stripped down version of Photoshop. By why would you do this? Affinity Photo 2 is 95% of Photoshop and cost only $69.00 which is less that PS Express. AP2 is shockingly good software.

Posted by: Altaria Pilgram - My President has convictions at April 19, 2025 08:20 PM (amnH6)

123 (15YxM)

Pimp spam at end of Pet Thread.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at April 19, 2025 08:21 PM (8zz6B)

124 My wife has a digital camera, I should get one but haven't

Posted by: Skip at April 19, 2025 08:21 PM (ypFCm)

125 Decorated several eggs this week to sell at the gift shop at the historic site where I volunteer. Learned the technique from my mom 60+ years ago. Big difference is I have a tool to help me blow the white and yolk out of the shell.
Thanks for featuring my comment.

Posted by: neverenoughcaffeine at April 19, 2025 08:23 PM (2NHgQ)

126 I picked up a copy of the new BenHur without realizing it was a remake.
Does anyone know if it's any good, or do I donate it back to the thrift store from whence it came?

Posted by: TecumsehTea at April 19, 2025 08:23 PM (Eo96p)

127 Thank you for that. I've got an old pre subscription Photoshop (the whole suite with movies and such, but it's outdated) , but find myself using Gimp more and more when needed. I'll check that out.

Posted by: Boron Quidquid - you realize Darwin disproved evolution, right? at April 19, 2025 08:23 PM (km43Y)

128 Pimp spam at end of Pet Thread.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at April 19, 2025 08:21 PM (8zz6B)
---
Huggy Squirrel must be branching out...

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at April 19, 2025 08:25 PM (cweKM)

129 No movie thread? I guess we are stuck with "It Came From Outer Space" on Svengoolie. I like the open cockpit Bell 47D.

Posted by: fd at April 19, 2025 08:26 PM (vFG9F)

130 123 (15YxM)

Pimp spam at end of Pet Thread.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at April 19, 2025 08:21 PM
***
Sorry. My skeleton key only comes with so much power.

Posted by: TRex at April 19, 2025 08:27 PM (IQ6Gq)

131 125 Decorated several eggs this week to sell at the gift shop at the historic site where I volunteer. Learned the technique from my mom 60+ years ago. Big difference is I have a tool to help me blow the white and yolk out of the shell.

Posted by: neverenoughcaffeine at April 19, 2025 08:23 PM
***
Send me a photo of your eggs and the fancy egg guts removal tool!

Posted by: TRex at April 19, 2025 08:29 PM (IQ6Gq)

132 Think I saw the Delbert Grady twins in The Shining

Posted by: Stephen King at April 19, 2025 08:29 PM (Ff0RP)

133 111 So what's this crud there won't be a movie thread tonight?

Posted by: Skip at April 19, 2025 08:07 PM
***
MOAR HOBBYING!

Posted by: TRex at April 19, 2025 08:29 PM (IQ6Gq)

134 Ooh, or not a simple submission of just anything but a focused topic so we could see different eyes.

It would be interesting to see different churches, bait shops, etc from around the country and how they're photographed, for example.

Posted by: Boron Quidquid - you realize Darwin disproved evolution, right? at April 19, 2025 08:32 PM (km43Y)

135 111 So what's this crud there won't be a movie thread tonight?

Posted by: Skip at April 19, 2025 08:07 PM
***
MOAR HOBBYING!
Posted by: TRex at April 19, 2025 08:29 PM (IQ6Gq)
---
READ A BOOK!!!!

(Sunday Morning Book Thread is only hours away!)

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at April 19, 2025 08:33 PM (cweKM)

136 Almost started to build my game table today but instead put the new troops into their boxes. Have everything ready for scenery

Posted by: Skip at April 19, 2025 08:33 PM (ypFCm)

137 Any thread can become a movie or gun thread Skip.

Which is True Grit is better? The original with John Wayne or the 2010 remake with Jeff Bridges?

What is your favorite Easter movie?

That should be enough to jump start the horde.

Posted by: PaleRider at April 19, 2025 08:34 PM (CKOCg)

138 135 READ A BOOK!!!!

(Sunday Morning Book Thread is only hours away!)

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at April 19, 2025 08:33 PM
***
YEAH! Consider your pants decisions wisely.

Posted by: TRex at April 19, 2025 08:35 PM (IQ6Gq)

139 READ A BOOK!!!!
-

BUY SOME LAND

Some of you will recognize that song. I think it predates YouTube. If not it was one of the earliest YouTube videos.

If you search for it be aware it's very NSFW. Great advice overall, though.

Posted by: Boron Quidquid - you realize Darwin disproved evolution, right? at April 19, 2025 08:36 PM (km43Y)

140 Roscosmos - Soyuz MS-26 - Deorbit & Landing in Kazakhstan - Space Affairs Live
Coverage of the deorbit burn and landing of the Soyuz MS-26 spacecraft in Kazakhstan. The deorbit burn is scheduled for April 19, 8:26 p.m. EDT - April 20, 0026 UTC, 02:26 CEST, and the Landing is planned for 9:20 p.m. EDT, 0120 UTC and 03:20 CEST near Dzhezkazgan, Kazakhstan.

https://www.youtube.com/live/t4WaJ7R10AI

Apologies I'm late with this. Sleeping plus domestic problems.

Posted by: Ciampino - did'ja get nuffin? at April 19, 2025 08:36 PM (sPQoU)

141 But I guess everyone is refreshing looking for THE movie thread.

Posted by: PaleRider at April 19, 2025 08:36 PM (CKOCg)

142 TRex
Easy egg blower
https://tinyurl.com/bdfdec6s
Will have to take pictures next time I’m at my volunteer gig.

Posted by: neverenoughcaffeine at April 19, 2025 08:36 PM (2NHgQ)

143 The True Grit movies are odd in that I think I like both of them equally well.

Posted by: Boron Quidquid - you realize Darwin disproved evolution, right? at April 19, 2025 08:37 PM (km43Y)

144 Pimp spam at end of Pet Thread

I would like a woman for one night. One who would throughly clean my house and leave by 7:00 am -and do nothing else- .so I don't have to do this after days of services right before Easter Sunday.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at April 19, 2025 08:37 PM (42Vb+)

145 I've been reading a book but it's 1400 pages so it's taking a while.

Posted by: fd at April 19, 2025 08:38 PM (vFG9F)

146 One year I made an Easter egg hunt for Little. Put clues in a number of plastic eggs, each clue leading to the next egg. The finale led to a box in which a bird constructed a nest at some point. That was a pretty fine Easter..

Posted by: Joe Kidd at April 19, 2025 08:38 PM (bA75n)

147 130 123 (15YxM)

Pimp spam at end of Pet Thread.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at April 19, 2025 08:21 PM
***
Sorry. My skeleton key only comes with so much power.
Posted by: TRex at April 19, 2025 08:27 PM (IQ6Gq)

You need a key? You can't just eat the errant post?

Posted by: Hour of the Wolf at April 19, 2025 08:38 PM (VNX3d)

148 Films are definitely hobbies for many people, so this is a fairly natural combination.

Posted by: Boron Quidquid - you realize Darwin disproved evolution, right? at April 19, 2025 08:38 PM (km43Y)

149 Sorry. My skeleton key only comes with so much power.
Posted by: TRex at April 19, 2025 08:27 PM (IQ6Gq)

Those combination-lock skeletons are real mofos!

My "hobby-related" activities today were twofold. One, carried on with the wood butchering, staining and painting needed to finish out my front room here in AJ. The end is in sight, now, Basically made nearly a 3/4 circuit of the room.

Two, a friend gave me an old spring-retractable cable spool, loaded with 10-conductor wire. I stripped it apart, and got the cable off it. There was a big nasty snarl in the cable about 2/3 of the way off the spool. I just cut it out. The cable would be useful for trailer wiring; it is stranded copper of about 16 gauge. I plan to take the spool unit home, and use it to pay #10/3 rubber-covered cable to run my welder away from the shop. The spool was once part of a mobile crane.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at April 19, 2025 08:39 PM (8zz6B)

150 "Bona" (1980) Nora Aunor (who?) passed away April 16, and gushing tributes have been citing this movie, in which she starred and produced, as Very Important in Philippine Cinema. Once thought lost, the film was rediscovered, restored, and repremiered at Cannes in 2024. Viewer Beware: they joyfully slash, roast, and eat dogs over there.
youtube.com/watch?v=rwdJ_Aalnmg

"Battle of Triangle Hill" (1956) Chicom flick about the 1952 Battle of Sanganling, Korean War. Pretty good action, rousing performances. Here's an excerpt of their subtitled sausagefest banter under fire:
"Why no more snogging? Why don't you have sex? What's going on? We don't do it at times like this! Contact us soon!" After a bit, the mood brightens when adorably eager manic pixie Maoist Liu Yuru arrives.
youtube.com/watch?v=tkn-uN_hhro

"The Alto Knights" (2025) Costello and Genovese sort out some beefs. I like mob movies. I like DeNiro's acting. I like this movie. It is what it is. It is what it is.

Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at April 19, 2025 08:40 PM (meY9d)

151 Sorry. My skeleton key only comes with so much power.
Posted by: TRex at April 19, 2025 08:27 PM

Well, if your arms weren't so damned short, the outcome might be better.

Posted by: Notorious BFD at April 19, 2025 08:40 PM (mH6SG)

152 Speaking of books, this video has some funny one-line descriptions of classics.

https://youtu.be/vD3PoBqkgyQ

Posted by: Hour of the Wolf at April 19, 2025 08:41 PM (VNX3d)

153 Oh, I have one more hobby related one.

We broke apart pallets today to use the wood to build chicken coops. Dang if those things aren't really well assembled. I didn't realize they used twisted nails but it makes sense, otherwise they'd pull apart in the humidity and weather.

But dang those things are hard to disassemble without damaging them all to heck.

Posted by: Boron Quidquid - you realize Darwin disproved evolution, right? at April 19, 2025 08:41 PM (km43Y)

154 There was one channel would always show “The Robe” on Easter evening. Why I remember that was that we’d be at church most of the day, first the big service then a luncheon then games etc on the grounds then a 6 o clock contemporary service o think. We would always get home just in time to see Richard Burton and Gene Simmons walking into Glory as choirs sang “”ah ah ahhh!!!” The end.

Posted by: Tom Servo at April 19, 2025 08:42 PM (ZEzFB)

155 In all seriousness, thanks muchly for the thread, Sir T.

Posted by: Notorious BFD at April 19, 2025 08:44 PM (mH6SG)

156 I got a five element Yagi antenna for WX balloon chasing, and gave it a thorough shakedown this week. It works very well, with strong directionality. This is for handheld use once the balloon crashes, and I have to track and bushwack on the ground.

Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at April 19, 2025 08:45 PM (meY9d)

157 "But dang those things are hard to disassemble without damaging them all to heck.
Posted by: Boron Quidquid"

Yeah they are a pain to get apart. I have just gotten a saw out and cut out the good pieces for various projects.

Posted by: fd at April 19, 2025 08:45 PM (vFG9F)

158 Oof, forgetting my manners today. Yes thanks for the hobby threads, and this fun Easter one T-rex.

Posted by: PaleRider at April 19, 2025 08:46 PM (CKOCg)

159 Pug, Barndominium.
Posted by: Ben Had at April 19, 2025 08:17 PM (yp8Vj)

Heh. We've looked into that very thing.

Posted by: Pug Mahon at April 19, 2025 08:47 PM (0aYVJ)

160 147 You need a key? You can't just eat the errant post?

Posted by: Hour of the Wolf at April 19, 2025 08:38 PM
***
I can do things on my posts. My power is more limited elsewhere. And my arms are short.

Posted by: TRex at April 19, 2025 08:48 PM (IQ6Gq)

161
143 The True Grit movies are odd in that I think I like both of them equally well.
Posted by: Boron Quidquid - you realize Darwin disproved evolution, right? at April 19, 2025 08:37 PM (km43Y)

The first one is good because it’s just John Wayne being John Wayne, although the girl is incredibly annoying. The remake is far more true to the original story in every way.

What I like most about the 2nd is that it captures the fact that people in the 19th century didn’t exactly act, talk, or even think like we do now. There were differences.

Also I never understood what “True Grit” meant from the first movie. After the 2nd, I understood why that was the point of the entire story - you didn’t survive out on that frontier unless you had it.

Posted by: Tom Servo at April 19, 2025 08:48 PM (ZEzFB)

162 Yes, thank you for the hobby threads, TRex. They are a wonderful reminder that there is more to the world than politics, that there is fun to be had in the smallest things, that we can work on things that have meaning--if not to the greater world, then at least to those of us who appreciate them. Sometimes life's pleasures are in the smallest things.

Posted by: BeckoningChasm at April 19, 2025 08:48 PM (CHHv1)

163 Yeah they are a pain to get apart. I have just gotten a saw out and cut out the good pieces for various projects.
Posted by: fd

-

After the first two that's what we ended up doing. It bothered me to lose the four or so inches, but as much as was splitting we figured we probably came out ahead.

I had briefly thought about using pallets to build coops to donate to the poor along with a couple of hens, but I don't know if that's the way to go, even if businesses will give you the pallets.

Posted by: Boron Quidquid - you realize Darwin disproved evolution, right? at April 19, 2025 08:49 PM (km43Y)

164 155 In all seriousness, thanks muchly for the thread, Sir T.

Posted by: Notorious BFD at April 19, 2025 08:44 PM
***
You're welcome Monsignor D.

Posted by: TRex at April 19, 2025 08:49 PM (IQ6Gq)

165 But dang those things are hard to disassemble without damaging them all to heck.
Posted by: Boron Quidquid
--------

Yeah, I struggled with some of them too. I haven't tried the technique used in this vid yet, but wonder if it *really* works that well:

youtube.com/watch?v=JMcyXes7MPg

And if it IS that good? I'll just be p!ssed that I didn't think of it first! LOL

Posted by: JQ at April 19, 2025 08:51 PM (rdVOm)

166 Finished the book I been reading too. Left comments around my usual haunts

Posted by: Skip at April 19, 2025 08:52 PM (ypFCm)

167 158 Oof, forgetting my manners today. Yes thanks for the hobby threads, and this fun Easter one T-rex.

Posted by: PaleRider at April 19, 2025 08:46 PM
***
Thank you. You get a virtual chocolate bunny.

Posted by: TRex at April 19, 2025 08:52 PM (IQ6Gq)

168 "Pug, Barndominium.
Posted by: Ben Had at April 19, 2025 08:17 PM (yp8Vj)

Heh. We've looked into that very thing.
Posted by: Pug Mahon"

I don't think that would work for us. We need separate he and she shops. A couple thousand sq ft each.

Posted by: fd at April 19, 2025 08:52 PM (vFG9F)

169 Yeah, I struggled with some of them too. I haven't tried the technique used in this vid yet, but wonder if it *really* works that well:
-

Thanks for that, I'll try it this week. That could change everything.

Posted by: Boron Quidquid - you realize Darwin disproved evolution, right? at April 19, 2025 08:53 PM (km43Y)

170 160 147 You need a key? You can't just eat the errant post?

Posted by: Hour of the Wolf at April 19, 2025 08:38 PM
***
I can do things on my posts. My power is more limited elsewhere. And my arms are short.
Posted by: TRex at April 19, 2025 08:48 PM (IQ6Gq)

Ahh. I thought it might be fear that it would make you sick.

Posted by: Hour of the Wolf at April 19, 2025 08:53 PM (VNX3d)

171 162 Yes, thank you for the hobby threads, TRex. They are a wonderful reminder that there is more to the world than politics, that there is fun to be had in the smallest things, that we can work on things that have meaning--if not to the greater world, then at least to those of us who appreciate them. Sometimes life's pleasures are in the smallest things.

Posted by: BeckoningChasm at April 19, 2025 08:48 PM
***
You're welcome. Well said. Thanks for being here and saying it. Virtual chocolate bunny for you too.

Posted by: TRex at April 19, 2025 08:53 PM (IQ6Gq)

172 Ben Had, I put about 20 pictures in a thread. This is about 18 months of work.

https://x.com/BourbnChicken/status/1913756256491147326

Posted by: BourbonChicken at April 19, 2025 08:56 PM (lhenN)

173 Beautiful, looking eggs

Posted by: Joe at April 19, 2025 08:57 PM (rzwGB)

174 Made my third-ever Fiji contact this morning, 3D2AJT on 20m.

Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at April 19, 2025 08:57 PM (meY9d)

175 153 We broke apart pallets today to use the wood to build chicken coops. Dang if those things aren't really well assembled. I didn't realize they used twisted nails but it makes sense, otherwise they'd pull apart in the humidity and weather.

Posted by: Boron Quidquid - you realize Darwin disproved evolution, right? at April 19, 2025 08:41 PM
***
Pallets are God's universal building blocks.

Posted by: TRex at April 19, 2025 08:57 PM (IQ6Gq)

176
youtu.be/FmOpUasQodg?t=23

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at April 19, 2025 08:59 PM (KFYyV)

177 fd, living space in the middle an his and her shops on either end.

Posted by: Ben Had at April 19, 2025 08:59 PM (yp8Vj)

178 newd Open Thread

Posted by: Delurk Ergo Sum at April 19, 2025 08:59 PM (fI8lb)

179 NOOD! Open thread

Posted by: Moonbeam at April 19, 2025 09:00 PM (rbKZ6)

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