Hobby Thread - Sept 27, 2025 [Arbor Rex]

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

Your host knows nothing about zen and the art of pruning small trees. In fact, I shouldn't be trusted to take care of house plants in general. Gonna need Horde help on this one.

If you are tempted to say "I don't prune small trees, so there is nothing here for me," let the thought pass. No Moron could possibly say such a thing. Stick around. You might be entertained or learn something. You might enjoy hearing from others and seeing what others are hobbying.

I have faith that you can find something in the content that resonates or contribute your own hobbying interests. Dig around in the content and soak in the comments. Be curious. Glad you're here.

[Top: Chinese Elm Bonsai, Lynden Sculpture Garden, Milwaukee, WI]

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What are you hobbying?

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

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

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From last week. As you wish...

Do any among the Horde "relax" by pruning small trees and keeping them diminutive and restrained in their chosen pots?

Do you admire and respect the bonsai skills of others but know you have zero chance of doing that yourself? Do you buy or collect bonsai trees?

Do you find a zen element in staring at a small tree and deciding whether to prune it in very small ways? Over and over and over?

Seems like tree abuse but I'm just a dinosaur with a small brain and short arms. But Soothsayer and the interweb seem to believe that bonsai is a real hobby, so here we are. What do I need to know? and why haven't people realized that the juniper is God's punishment for human sin in plant form?

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Good introduction:

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This gent seems to know what he's doing:

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Bonsai versus Penjing:

The main difference between Bonsai and Penjing is that Bonsai is a more refined, stylistic depiction of nature (often in single tree displays), whereas Penjing is more natural and wild (usually displayed in a landscape form). More here.

Who knew?

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Bonsai is the pruning practice but is not specific to one species. Ficus, Juniper and Japanese Maple are the most common tree varieties, but some people impose bonsai on jade plants, azaleas, boxwood, olive, myrtle, bamboo, hibiscus, pine, spruce, redwood, cypress and many other varieties that I've never heard of.

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Where can you go to see bonsai?

National Bonsai and Penjing Museum at the National Arboretum in Washington DC is reportedly among the best in the world

The National Bonsai and Penjing Museum contains miniature masterpieces of horticultural art. The Chinese art of penjing and the Japanese art of bonsai use woody plants in containers as a medium to portray the natural growth habit of trees in the landscape. The living sculptures of bonsai and penjing are inspired by natural scenes, and they change with the seasons like their wild relatives. They require continual care and training to maintain their artistic designs. In addition to water and fertilization, the bonsai are pruned and their branches are shaped using wire to give the impression of ancient trees.
The museum's collection began in 1976 with a gift of 53 bonsai trees from Japan to commemorate the United States Bicentennial. The collection has grown steadily with the addition of pieces from North American bonsai masters and a penjing collection from China. Now, more than 300 specimens rotate through the display tables and pedestals of three pavilions and a special exhibits gallery.

A tour of the museum on a YouTube channel named "Classy Bonsai" has to be good, right?

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These bonsai museums showed up with some interweb searching if you want to see lots of small carefully clipped pot-bound trees:

Pacific Bonsai Museum in Seattle -
just took home bronze for Best Museums in the Seattle Times survey of Best in the PNW 2025! Beware if you go: pretty plants but insufferably woke.

The Huntington Library and Gardens in San Marino (Los Angeles area)

Thanks to the Huntington for this Q&A:

What is a bonsai tree?
The Japanese word "bonsai" translates as "tree in a pot." Bonsai are living plants, typically a tree, shrub, or woody herb grown in a pot and trained to develop characteristics found in a very old tree.

How old are bonsai trees?
There are two ways to measure bonsai age: real age (the time the tree has been growing), and the age of training (the time the tree has been worked on). Some trees in The Huntington's collection were hundreds of years old when they were collected for training into bonsai. Others were under 20 years old. Both might have the same age of training. There are a few trees in the collection that have been in training since the 1950s, which is fairly old for an American bonsai.

How do bonsai trees stay alive in such small containers?
The trees are grown in a mix of crushed and cleaned lava, pumice, and naturally compressed clay aggregate, including imported Japanese clay products. This mix provides a stable structure with a balance of aeration, water, and nutrient storage and a sharpness that promotes strong root development. Pots dry out as trees use up moisture, which is why trees must be watered daily.

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I know some of you are saying "I've tried but seem to kill my bonsai." I hear your cry for help. Start by re-examining your life choices and why you want to punish a juniper or ficus tree rather than enjoying trees in the outdoors as God intended. If you still want to know how to keep a bonsai tree alive, Bonsai Empire has you covered.

Step one - identify your tree. If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be? Apparently different species require different care.

Step two - learn how to care for you dwarf tree. Knowledge is good.

Step three - actually do the things needed to care for your tree. You probably need to learn how to water and fertilize it and where to place it.

Step four - if you've done everything else and your tree is still sick, it may be infected by a pest or disease.

Step five - there is no magic cure to help your tree recover. That doesn't seem like much of a step but maybe it is more about the "acceptance" part of the grieving process before your tree dies and gets shredded for mulch.

Sept six - have a long-term plan. Seems like a challenge to have a long term plan if you keep killing your trees in the short term, but I appreciate the optimism.

Bonsai Empire suggests that a big problem for beginners is an abundance of enthusiasm. Trees can't keep up with rapid change, so overpruning and redesigning doesn't work well for them. Is the zen part of bonsai ownership staring at the tree and not doing anything? Who am I to judge, but seems like you can do nothing without staring at a tiny tree just as well.

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Did you know that World Bonsai Day is the second Saturday of May each year? Neither did I.

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The Lone Cypress at Pebble Beach is not bonsai but it is a pretty part of the world.

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This seems like a lot of work to undertake in the name of bonsai abuse. I thought bonsai was about pruning, but didn't realize there are committed branch benders out there. Beware!

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I know what you're saying. "I'm crafty but keeping plants alive is not my strong suit. I like making miniatures. Is there anything in this thread for me?" Yes there is.

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I couldn't find a video of Bob Ross painting bonsai trees, but here's a short clip of him showing how to paint happy trees.

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Had to include Mr. Miyagi:

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ICYMI last week, anyone have thoughts?

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

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Notable comments from last week:

Honorable mentions:

TMI LOL:

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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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Do not run with scissors. If you have trouble finding something in the content or comments that resonates with you, contribute something from your personal hobbying. We will feature a different theme next time. What are you hobbying? We love showing off Horde hobbying. Send thoughts, suggestions and photos of your hobbying to moronhobbies at protonmail dot com. Do mighty things.

Posted by: Open Blogger at 05:30 PM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Banzai!

Posted by: OrangeEnt at September 27, 2025 05:30 PM (uQesX)

2 0!

Posted by: Next2Nothing at September 27, 2025 05:30 PM (tA1/w)

3 Welcome Hobbiests and Greenthumbs

Posted by: Skip at September 27, 2025 05:31 PM (+qU29)

4 I tried once decades ago, but it died off quickly

Posted by: Skip at September 27, 2025 05:32 PM (+qU29)

5 Trees ? Not charging with swords ?

Posted by: Next2Nothing at September 27, 2025 05:33 PM (tA1/w)

6 If you really want to do bonsai, I think you can find a LEGO set. Don't have to worry about it dying.

Posted by: OrangeEnt at September 27, 2025 05:36 PM (uQesX)

7 Low hanging fruit:

What do you call a charging miniature tree?

Posted by: The way I see it at September 27, 2025 05:36 PM (EYmYM)

8 I'm hoping to resume plastic scale model making once I retire.

Posted by: Blue Hen at September 27, 2025 05:38 PM (0Iuar)

9 Barking Mad?

Posted by: Skip at September 27, 2025 05:38 PM (+qU29)

10 Sort of related . A good and touching documentary is A Man Named Pearl.

About an older black man who as a hobby after his regular job prunes trees/bushes into different shapes.

Posted by: The way I see it at September 27, 2025 05:40 PM (EYmYM)

11 Greetings, hobbyists! I'm working on a 1/35 Type 97 Chi-Ha. Just finished weathering but I'm struggling with the figures. 1/35 faces are a pain for me.

Posted by: PA Dutchman at September 27, 2025 05:46 PM (31p00)

12 At best do use live bush branches for trees on my game board often

Posted by: Skip at September 27, 2025 05:46 PM (+qU29)

13 Longwood Gardens has a new display area for bonsai trees. Very outdoor artsy

Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at September 27, 2025 05:47 PM (eZ5tL)

14 I love the look of bonsai, but have had 100% kill rate. Sad.

Side note: Wanted to take a picture of necklace & earrings set that I'd made several years ago, with hematite and silver beads/fittings. Alas, the box wasn't resealed well and the silver is tarnished. Cleanup needed before photo. Hah, like I'll ever get around to it...

Posted by: JQ at September 27, 2025 05:51 PM (rdVOm)

15 14 Alas, the box wasn't resealed well and the silver is tarnished. Cleanup needed before photo. Hah, like I'll ever get around to it...

Posted by: JQ at September 27, 2025 05:51 PM
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The Hobby Thread emailbox is ready when you're ready.

Posted by: TRex - operators are standing by at September 27, 2025 05:53 PM (cCn4/)

16 The Lego banzai is the best way to

Posted by: lin-duh: I'm offended! at September 27, 2025 05:56 PM (nKjbR)

17 I found a partial bolt of Hagerty's Silver Cloth® in Mom's sewing cache. Could make more than a few jewelry pouches! I need to do this...

Posted by: JQ at September 27, 2025 05:58 PM (rdVOm)

18 The only Bonsai I've ever had, didn't make it.

I still doubt my guilt.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at September 27, 2025 05:58 PM (Q4IgG)

19 Making progress on animation, as well as drinking.

Posted by: BeckoningChasm at September 27, 2025 06:01 PM (CHHv1)

20 Side note: Wanted to take a picture of necklace & earrings set that I'd made several years ago, with hematite and silver beads/fittings. Alas, the box wasn't resealed well and the silver is tarnished. Cleanup needed before photo. Hah, like I'll ever get around to it...
Posted by: JQ at September 27, 2025 05:51 PM (rdVOm)

I started buying silver coins not too long ago, as well as other silver (not coin) items. Tarnish is a constant issue, as I have no desire to keep the items sealed.

Call me crazy, but I think silver NEEDS to breathe, to be touched, to have its weight and beauty felt.

There's an easy solution, made of salt, baking soda, and water, along with aluminum foil, that works just fine for removing tarnish. No need for harsh chemicals.

Posted by: BurtTC at September 27, 2025 06:02 PM (QMOup)

21 Best bonsai to start with is a bamboo plant. It’s hard to kill bamboo.

Posted by: The way I see it at September 27, 2025 06:03 PM (EYmYM)

22 I love the look of bonsai, but have had 100% kill rate. Sad.

Posted by: JQ at September 27, 2025 05:51 PM

If you want to grow something with a zero % kill rate pick up one of those bamboo garden trinket things at the desk when you check out at the chinese buffet. Guaranteed to grow no matter what you do*. And you can graft the leaves to make new ones.

*Warranty void if you forget to water it for six weeks.

Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at September 27, 2025 06:04 PM (0N4FZ)

23 Need to mow, gonna get rain (hopefully!) by tomorrow night.

Hobby related------
Since Teh Coof took out my favorite local bead shops, I order from this place:

firemountaingems dot com

Posted by: JQ at September 27, 2025 06:04 PM (rdVOm)

24 Best bonsai to start with is a bamboo plant. It’s hard to kill bamboo.

Posted by: The way I see it at September 27, 2025 06:03 PM

Jinx.

Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at September 27, 2025 06:04 PM (0N4FZ)

25 I kept a Bonzai alive for 18 months in Germany but customs wouldn't let me take it back to the states. Left it with a friend. Probably lasted another week or so.

Posted by: Reforger at September 27, 2025 06:05 PM (oFukc)

26 There's an easy solution, made of salt, baking soda, and water, along with aluminum foil, that works just fine for removing tarnish. No need for harsh chemicals.
Posted by: BurtTC
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Thanks!

Posted by: JQ at September 27, 2025 06:07 PM (rdVOm)

27 I don't go into DC anymore and haven't for many years. But the bonsai exhibit at the National Arboretum was stunning. The knowledge it takes to maintain the plants and the artistry is amazing.

Posted by: JTB at September 27, 2025 06:09 PM (yTvNw)

28 I’m in the process of researching values for my coin collection and knife collections so I don’t get ripped off when I go to sell them in the next 3 months.

Posted by: The way I see it at September 27, 2025 06:11 PM (EYmYM)

29 I had a bonsai given to me by a patient. Beautiful little tree.

It got aphids and died.

I have a black thumb.

Posted by: nurse ratched at September 27, 2025 06:12 PM (mT+6a)

30 Bonsai is fascinating. Sadly, my couple of attempts were disasters. I'll be content to learn about it and watch from a distance, which I'm sure will be applauded by the relieved trees.

Posted by: JTB at September 27, 2025 06:12 PM (yTvNw)

31 Pookysgirl: I learned to weave maille using rings and patterns from Blue Buddha Boutique. Sadly, BBB no longer sells rings. Weave Got Maille has adequate rings. When shopping on line for anodized aluminium rings you want rings that are cut, then anodized so that the entire ring, including the ends, are colored. Bright aluminum rings are very lightweight and easy to weave. They are easily mistaken for sterling silver.

Posted by: Captain Josepha Sabin at September 27, 2025 06:13 PM (DK5Sh)

32 There's an easy solution, made of salt, baking soda, and water, along with aluminum foil, that works just fine for removing tarnish. No need for harsh chemicals.
Posted by: BurtTC
---------

Thanks!
Posted by: JQ at September 27, 2025 06:07 PM (rdVOm)

Any number of Yootoob videos to demonstrate the precise way to do it for different types of silver items.

I have a coin I thought had been ruined by chemicals, and now it shines. Has a "blackish" mark on it, that could probably come off with more effort, but I'm more than pleased it came back to its shine, just using those ingredients.

Posted by: BurtTC at September 27, 2025 06:13 PM (vNrp4)

33 I’m in the process of researching values for my coin collection and knife collections so I don’t get ripped off when I go to sell them in the next 3 months.
Posted by: The way I see it at September 27, 2025 06:11 PM (EYmYM)

You might be interested in checking out this guy before you go:

https://www.youtube.com/@CoinHELPu

Posted by: OrangeEnt at September 27, 2025 06:13 PM (uQesX)

34 Posted by: OrangeEnt at September 27, 2025 06:13 PM (uQesX)

Thanks. Looks very interesting.

Posted by: The way I see it at September 27, 2025 06:19 PM (EYmYM)

35 I've visited the collection at the National Arboretum a couple of times, and pictures don't do it justice. Most of the building is open roofed, although I'm sure it's covered in the winter. The That open atmosphere makes the bonsai seem even more otherworldly, it's hard to describe.

Posted by: Lirio100 at September 27, 2025 06:20 PM (ky7/T)

36 I had a modest coin collection handed down by my dad, after it was handed down to him from his dad.

Several, potentially valuable coins from the late 19th century and pre-war (WWII) silver.

Gave it all to my son. Figure he'd have more incentive to look into the values, history, etc.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at September 27, 2025 06:20 PM (Q4IgG)

37 Not bonsai but plant related. I picked up a few of those small decorative gourds this week to use for sketching practice. The varied shapes and subtle blending of color are challenges. The surprise came when I looked closely at the dried stems. They are twisted and each fiber of the stem stands out as fine curved lines. They are stunning in their way. Reminds me of some driftwood pieces I've seen and small trees like cedar and pine that have grown in constant wind. The branches and trunks show the twists forced on them starting as saplings. It's like finding resilience and beauty in adversity.

Posted by: JTB at September 27, 2025 06:22 PM (yTvNw)

38 End of next month ( October) is Historical Miniature convention in Lancaster, can't wait

Posted by: Skip at September 27, 2025 06:25 PM (+qU29)

39 Bonsai is fascinating. I find looking at it very peaceful.

Posted by: Ben Had at September 27, 2025 06:27 PM (kurEY)

40 38 End of next month ( October) is Historical Miniature convention in Lancaster, can't wait

I would love to hear a report of your adventures!

Posted by: Blue Hen at September 27, 2025 06:28 PM (0Iuar)

41 Posted by: Captain Josepha Sabin at September 27, 2025 06:13 PM (DK5Sh)

I've made several suits of chainmail over the years but I did them from bailing wire wrapped around a knitting needle and cut with a pair of dykes. Which is why this buyable rings concept intrigues me.
Thank you for the name to chase.

Posted by: Reforger at September 27, 2025 06:30 PM (oFukc)

42 End of next month ( October) is Historical Miniature convention in Lancaster, can't wait

Posted by: Skip at September 27, 2025 06:25 PM

When we lived in Connecticut I would go to all three wargame conventions in Lancaster, PA. Historicon in the summer, Fall In in the fall and Cold Wars in the spring. We live in Texas now so that no longer happens.

Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at September 27, 2025 06:31 PM (0N4FZ)

43 In hobby terms, "bonsai" is what I yell when I throw a Japanese made radio across the room because I can't get the darn thing to work right.

Posted by: Blanco Basura -Z28.310 at September 27, 2025 06:32 PM (ojCLR)

44 Blanco, wouldn't that be more like bonZai?

Posted by: Ben Had at September 27, 2025 06:33 PM (kurEY)

45 Writing is not one of my hobbies. But using fountain pens is a hobby for me, one I've been pursuing more lately. As much as I enjoy using manual typewriters, I seldom have to create 'finished' text. But fountain pens, with their many different balances and nibs, and the huge variety of inks is always interesting. A good fountain pen is a physical pleasure to use even if it's just making a to-do list. I've noticed that when I write notes about my reading using one the thoughts expressed seem more considered with greater depth. And without going to a calligraphy level, there is an artistic enjoyment in good cursive handwriting.

Dip pens have many of the same qualities but aren't as convenient. I save those for use at my desk.

Posted by: JTB at September 27, 2025 06:34 PM (yTvNw)

46 FUN FACT: In WWII, the Bonsai Charge consisted of the ritual suicide of Japanese soldiers using tiny trees as weapons in a last stand to attack their enemy.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at September 27, 2025 06:36 PM (mFWV4)

47 Lego has branched (ha!) out into other assembly kits besides Star Wars ships and the like. In the mall store window I saw their *bonsai tree*! It looks really good, not blocky or unnatural. (They've come a LONG way from the days when red, black, white, and clear blocks were all you got.) I'd almost be tempted to buy it. But where, with two cats always nearby, would I be able to assemble it?

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 27, 2025 06:37 PM (cCu74)

48 JTB, I love your perspective and appreciation of the world around you. The tactile senses are so important.

Posted by: Ben Had at September 27, 2025 06:39 PM (kurEY)

49 Though my mother grew plants galore in our patio, I did not inherit that ability or pick up an interest in them. Plants are nice to look at, but they don't move around or play with you, or cuddle with you, like a dog or a cat.

I like the low maintenance type of plants. Silk.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 27, 2025 06:39 PM (cCu74)

50 Decades ago played for awhile with calligraphy pens, it takes practice

Posted by: Skip at September 27, 2025 06:41 PM (+qU29)

51 As far as my pipe smoking hobby: I'd hoped when I passed through Birmingham last Monday to stop at the full-scale pipe shop called The Briary, and maybe buy an estate (read: "used") pipe. Unfortunately I found out after I'd made my reservations that they are closed on Mondays. Grrrr.

I'll leave B'ham on my return trip very early on Monday -- so even if they were open I wouldn't be able to visit.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 27, 2025 06:41 PM (cCu74)

52 No bonsai but enjoy rescuing sad, unloved plants from the clearance shelf at Walmart garden center. The kitchen windowsill is full of happy little ferns.

Posted by: ScaryMary at September 27, 2025 06:42 PM (Hvd9a)

53 O/T, but too funny not to share.

Rapper Ice T's tour bus was fire bombed by AntiFa.

They though it was an Border Patrol bus... so they burned it.

Happened last Tuesday, funny did not see any news about this until today... not reported by MSM.

Posted by: Romeo13 at September 27, 2025 06:42 PM (mP0Kj)

54 ScaryMary, Hello. How very nice to see you

Posted by: Ben Had at September 27, 2025 06:43 PM (kurEY)

55 Mister Scott do you get to any conventions down your way? I do see there are others all over.

Posted by: Skip at September 27, 2025 06:43 PM (+qU29)

56 I just heard the theory that Ferris Bueller was in a time loop and now I can't unhear it

Posted by: gKWVE at September 27, 2025 06:44 PM (gKWVE)

57 Call me crazy, but I think silver NEEDS to breathe, to be touched, to have its weight and beauty felt.
...
Posted by: BurtTC
---

Bags of trash; to air or not to air. Is no difference as you are making your getaway tossing coins to the chasing crowd.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at September 27, 2025 06:44 PM (7qi4l)

58

BONSAI!

Posted by: Mushroom Ninja at September 27, 2025 06:45 PM (Yvs3L)

59 For those on the east coast, you can take in a very nice Bonsai display at Longwood Gardens up near Philly. They have a Bonsai Master on staff, and actually display them outside if the weather cooperates.

I've always been intrigued the by the patience, forethought, and knowledge it takes to shape a Bonsai.

Posted by: Orson at September 27, 2025 06:46 PM (dIske)

60 Bonsai kittens.

Posted by: Commissar of plenty and festive little hats at September 27, 2025 06:47 PM (dOnec)

61 I'm preparing to go out to dinner at a seafood place in a little suburban town near Evansville; a short drive. People here tell me that the food is good. Expensive, which I'd expect, but good. I had a look at the prices on their menu online and, after I recovered from my swoon, thought, "Why not."

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 27, 2025 06:47 PM (cCu74)

62 as hobbies go, I went looking into the TRS-80 ROM code for how they did square roots.
the code is utter shit.
when you call the SQR routine, it sets up a variable to 0.5. then it slides into the next code block, which is the x to the power of y routine. That routine does a bunch of magic with LOG and EXP. LOG requires a lot of division, and EXP is a Taylor series with eight (

coefficients.
It's absurd. (also by extension, if you do x^2, you're an idiot for not doing x*x.) Why didn't they just do some bithack and then run Newton's method? like in Q_rsqrt for x*-0.5.
Actually I even hear some square-root algos do call q_rsqrt and then just multiply that by x.

Posted by: gKWVE at September 27, 2025 06:47 PM (gKWVE)

63 Hi Ben Had! Have been lurking lately and popping my head up occasionally. Hope you are well.

Posted by: ScaryMary at September 27, 2025 06:48 PM (Hvd9a)

64 I’m in the process of researching values for my coin collection and knife collections so I don’t get ripped off when I go to sell them in the next 3 months.

Are the knives handmade or factory? I would be interested in a list of makers if handmade.

Posted by: Oddbob at September 27, 2025 06:48 PM (1VgpP)

65 ScaryMary, I am well.and hoping to get to meet you.

Posted by: Ben Had at September 27, 2025 06:49 PM (kurEY)

66 Mister Scott do you get to any conventions down your way? I do see there are others all over.

Posted by: Skip at September 27, 2025 06:43 PM

Every once in a while I do. Next month is millenumcom in San Antonio but I will be in the middle of cataract surgery so I will not be able to attend this year. They have a couple throughout the year in the DFW area but those are mostly comic book, 40K and fantasy events and I am strictly historical so I don't go to them.

Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at September 27, 2025 06:50 PM (0N4FZ)

67 I did a SOTA hike this morning. It may be the last one I do for a while due to schedule conflicts as well as the inevitable rain and/or snow in the higher elevations. I did manage to hit Japan and Slovenia today, which was nice.

I've been trying to teach myself some "advanced" (for me) math, especially trig. I'm having fun figuring out how to use a circular slide rule at the same time.

Posted by: PabloD at September 27, 2025 06:51 PM (1HNVY)

68 52 No bonsai but
-------------

Just capped all trees and brush on the sunny side of the house to a height below the eves. Also shaved 'em flush to the trunk on the house side. (hello, Notsothoreau) Would have done the back of the house but I knocked off the little oil pumper cap off and haven't found it yet. I bought extras from Betoskavich but don't know where I put them.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at September 27, 2025 06:51 PM (7qi4l)

69 It's nice to see the pic of Jim NSD.

Posted by: Oddbob at September 27, 2025 06:52 PM (1VgpP)

70 x^-0.5, derp

Posted by: gKWVE at September 27, 2025 06:52 PM (gKWVE)

71 SND, not NSD. I blame my thumbs again.

Posted by: Oddbob at September 27, 2025 06:52 PM (1VgpP)

72 gKWVE, I remember my first job in the computer field was debugging something minor in the FoxPro code written by . . . Steve Scalise. Yes, he was just starting his political career then, and still working his day job. Actually the code was fine as a whole, given the limitations of FoxPro at that time. It was the version before you could create a screen with visual components -- you had to *code in* the appearance and behaviors of the screen. (* Shuddering *)

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 27, 2025 06:53 PM (cCu74)

73 millenumcom in San Antonio

switched to Brave search engine today and it hasn't found a thing

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at September 27, 2025 06:53 PM (7qi4l)

74 Oddbob, big hug to you my friend.

Posted by: Ben Had at September 27, 2025 06:54 PM (kurEY)

75 JQ, good to see you here again. Since I retired I haven't been making the early early morning reaches of the ONT, and am usually late to the Tech Thread as well.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 27, 2025 06:55 PM (cCu74)

76 {{ Ben Had }}

Posted by: Oddbob at September 27, 2025 06:56 PM (1VgpP)

77 millenumcom in San Antonio

switched to Brave search engine today and it hasn't found a thing

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at September 27, 2025 06:53 PM

It's in Temple Texas between Austin and San Antonio.

MillenniumCon 2025 will take place from October 16 to 19 at the Frank W. Mayborn Civic and Convention Center in Temple, Texas, featuring a variety of tabletop gaming events and activities.

Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at September 27, 2025 06:56 PM (0N4FZ)

78 I am in negotiations with Ms jsg about buying a Les Paul.

I think I'm winning.

Posted by: jsg at September 27, 2025 06:59 PM (VM+VC)

79 Japanese soldiers were yelling "tree in a pot?"

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at September 27, 2025 07:00 PM (63Dwl)

80 48 ... "JTB, I love your perspective and appreciation of the world around you. The tactile senses are so important."

Ben Had,
That is so sweet of you to say. Mrs. JTB and I have learned to appreciate what we have and what we see. It makes for pleasant and peaceful living. There are so many pleasures to experience through our senses, from the smell of fresh baked bread to feeling the curl of wood while whittling to the colors of autumn and spring, the feel of a pen gliding across good paper, even just watching a little kid walking their puppy. So much better than wallowing in miseries and injustices all the time.

Posted by: JTB at September 27, 2025 07:01 PM (yTvNw)

81 Mister Scott good luck on surgery and glad to hear you still get to conventions

Posted by: Skip at September 27, 2025 07:02 PM (+qU29)

82 So far like Tabletop Events, seems to keep well track of the event

Posted by: Skip at September 27, 2025 07:03 PM (+qU29)

83 78 I am in negotiations with Ms jsg about buying a Les Paul.

I think I'm winning.
Posted by: jsg at September 27, 2025 06:59 PM (VM+VC)

I always thought I was winning that one too.
Can't play
wort a crap now and never got that LP. Settled for an Epiphone that collects dust now. Grands really want to play that one but no way. Not yet.

Posted by: Reforger at September 27, 2025 07:04 PM (oFukc)

84 Frank W. Mayborn Civic and Convention Center in Temple, Texas, featuring a variety of tabletop gaming events and activities.
Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS)
-------------

Thanks

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at September 27, 2025 07:05 PM (7qi4l)

85 Call me crazy, but I think silver NEEDS to breathe, to be touched, to have its weight and beauty felt.
...
Posted by: BurtTC
---

Bags of trash; to air or not to air. Is no difference as you are making your getaway tossing coins to the chasing crowd.
Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at September 27, 2025 06:44 PM (7qi4l)

I have no clue what you are saying.

Posted by: BurtTC at September 27, 2025 07:05 PM (+v9Cm)

86 At Univ of Mo. in the late 70's, took a class called "MicroEnvironmental Design. It was a Bonsai class, but as he said, "Bonsai is a rigid discipline. I don't like rigid discipline. I'll teach you how to miniaturize plants."
(I doubt that's a direct quote).
Good class. I haven't miniaturized anything since.
I still have a wire bonsai tree somewhere.

Posted by: MkY at September 27, 2025 07:05 PM (cPGH3)

87 51 ... Wolfus, Sorry you missed out on The Briary. The photos I've seen make it look great. Hope your trip goes well.

BTW, If you get a chance to pick up some C and D Carolina Red Flake, the 2025 release, get it. The reviews have been excellent. I was able to get a few tins but haven't tried it yet.

Posted by: JTB at September 27, 2025 07:05 PM (yTvNw)

88 Good class. I haven't miniaturized anything since.

Posted by: MkY at September 27, 2025 07:05 PM (cPGH3)

The only thing I've miniaturized in the last few years is my income.

Posted by: OrangeEnt at September 27, 2025 07:08 PM (uQesX)

89 On the hobby front, I will complete my first American Sailing Association course next week assuming I pass the written test I'll be one step closer to qualification for bareboat chartering vessels larger than my beloved ship.

Brizo herself continues to confound me. Her diesel engine still overheats despite the costly maintenance and repairs that I have commissioned to date. I'm sure the next fix will cure the problem!

*snort*

Anyway, this boat and sailing in general will be my retirement avocation once I finally decide to retire, and I am dead set on getting my little ship fully functional.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at September 27, 2025 07:08 PM (mFWV4)

90 Actually tje Japanese soldiers were coming for the Marines banzai plants so they had to protect their hobby as a thousand Japanese charged their positions

Posted by: Skip at September 27, 2025 07:09 PM (+qU29)

91 Bags of trash; to air or not to air. Is no difference as you are making your getaway tossing coins to the chasing crowd.
Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at September 27, 2025 06:44 PM (7qi4l)

I have no clue what you are saying.
Posted by: BurtTC at September 27, 2025 07:05 PM (+v9Cm
Think the meaning was ‘bags of CASH’.

Posted by: Eromero at September 27, 2025 07:09 PM (LHPAg)

92 Cicero, fair winds and good seas to you.

Posted by: Ben Had at September 27, 2025 07:10 PM (kurEY)

93 The only thing I've miniaturized in the last few years is my income.
Posted by: OrangeEnt

Ha!
Give me a few years and I'm with you.

Posted by: MkY at September 27, 2025 07:10 PM (cPGH3)

94 Why is there not a cartoon somewhere of an old man shouting "Bonsai!" and wielding itty-bitty shears as he steps into his garden shed. The wife is talking to a neighbor and says something like "I've told him time and again...".

Posted by: GWB at September 27, 2025 07:10 PM (Dvcu+)

95 Settled for an Epiphone that collects dust now.

Posted by: Reforger at September 27, 2025 07:04 PM (oFukc)

I think I see the problem...

Posted by: jsg at September 27, 2025 07:11 PM (VM+VC)

96 While my bonsai attempts failed I've had incredible luck with rescued stuff from stores that nobody else wanted. The Christmas cactus we've had for years was a 25 cent orphan. The dogwood and crepe myrtle in the back yard were saplings the size of a pencil, a skinny one, when we got them. Bringing a mostly dead plant back to life is kind of satisfying.

Posted by: JTB at September 27, 2025 07:13 PM (yTvNw)

97 Think the meaning was ‘bags of CASH’.
Posted by: Eromero at September 27, 2025 07:09 PM (LHPAg)

I still don't get it. I think he was picturing some funny scene in his head, and it doesn't quite translate into words.

Posted by: BurtTC at September 27, 2025 07:13 PM (+v9Cm)

98 92 Cicero, fair winds and good seas to you.
Posted by: Ben Had at September 27, 2025 07:10 PM (kurEY)

-------

And to you, Ben Had!

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at September 27, 2025 07:14 PM (mFWV4)

99 Why is there not a cartoon somewhere of an old man shouting "Bonsai!" and wielding itty-bitty shears as he steps into his garden shed. The wife is talking to a neighbor and says something like "I've told him time and again...".

Posted by: GWB at September 27, 2025 07:10 PM

That kid of stuff can cause some unintended consequences.

We had a neighbor that was a refugee from Vietnam when we moved into this house. I put a chain link fence around the back 40 and I dubbed it "the wire". There was a neighborhood cat named Charlie that would torment our dogs by walking the fence line and teasing them. When they started barking at the cat I would go out into the back and yell "Charlies in the wire".

Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at September 27, 2025 07:14 PM (0N4FZ)

100 House plants are a hobby in general
We had a Begonia that lasted much longer than I ever expected, maybe 35 years but was finally killed off

Posted by: Skip at September 27, 2025 07:16 PM (+qU29)

101 I still don't get it. I think he was picturing some funny scene in his head, and it doesn't quite translate into words.
Posted by: BurtTC at September 27, 2025 07:13 PM (+v9Cm)
Putting a crowd of people scrambling for coins between you and you pursuers.

Posted by: Eromero at September 27, 2025 07:17 PM (LHPAg)

102 TRex,
Thanks again for the hobby thread. I'll watch those bonsai videos at leisure later.

Posted by: JTB at September 27, 2025 07:17 PM (yTvNw)

103 Christmas Cactus have to be as hard to get flowering a Christmas as a bonsai growing

Posted by: Skip at September 27, 2025 07:18 PM (+qU29)

104 Model builder wanted to create a diorama of a B-17G ditching into the sea and depict the crew struggling to get out.

The challenge? There are no B-17G kits in 1/35 armor scale, so he 3D printed enough of a B-17G with the pumpkin tail turret for his purposes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oz4akCmC-a8

P.S. This diorama is listed on eBay for $2,800 with $1,000 shipping. Plus customs fees.

Posted by: Anna Puma at September 27, 2025 07:19 PM (hfmuC)

105 I spend a lot of time bonsai- ing scrub trees around here. I can't use Remedy on them because that will kill my red oaks.

Posted by: Ben Had at September 27, 2025 07:20 PM (kurEY)

106
P.S. This diorama is listed on eBay for $2,800 with $1,000 shipping. Plus customs fees.
Posted by: Anna Puma at September 27, 2025 07:19 PM (hfmuC)

----------

$1000 to ship? YIKES

Have you considered a membership in Prime?

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at September 27, 2025 07:20 PM (mFWV4)

107 Putting a crowd of people scrambling for coins between you and you pursuers.
Posted by: Eromero at September 27, 2025 07:17 PM (LHPAg)

Right.

Posted by: BurtTC at September 27, 2025 07:21 PM (h06tk)

108 The diorama is in South Korea.

Posted by: Anna Puma at September 27, 2025 07:21 PM (hfmuC)

109
Years ago when I was a kid working at my summer job doing landscaping at the boss's house, I saw an old portuguese man, also an employee, cut a small notch in a tree, I forget what species, and stuck a small fresh-cut Apple tree branch in the notch. Then, I think, he put black electrical tape around transplant to seal it up.

I'm, like, hey Gil, is that gonna work. He said come here, look, and showed an apple growing from the branch he transplanted the year before.

True story.

Posted by: Soothsayer at September 27, 2025 07:21 PM (rVkEy)

110 1 Banzai!
Posted by: OrangeEnt at September 27, 2025 05:30 PM

I have nothing to add.

Posted by: toby928 at September 27, 2025 07:22 PM (jc0TO)

111 Bonsai were popular in the 80s when I worked in Silicon valley anything remotely Japanese was slavishly emulated.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at September 27, 2025 07:23 PM (9ipOP)

112 Sprue Brothers is having a 20% off sale on all T-Rex Studio items. Plus all Rye Field Models items.

Posted by: Anna Puma at September 27, 2025 07:23 PM (hfmuC)

113
It might've been a branch from a Yellow Apple tree transplanted into a Red Apple tree, I forget. But, yeah, a Yellow-Red apple was growing in a red apple tree from the transplant.

Posted by: Soothsayer at September 27, 2025 07:24 PM (rVkEy)

114 I've always wanted to put together a large indoor terrarium with an open side with nothing but carnivorous plants. It's my understanding that if you get the right plants (such as Sundews), they release a scent that will attract any flies or mosquitos that somehow entered the house. I think they call them "living fly paper."

Anyone know how hard it is to take care of such a project?

Posted by: Orson at September 27, 2025 07:25 PM (dIske)

115 TRex, thank you so much for this thread. I am always inspired.

Posted by: Ben Had at September 27, 2025 07:28 PM (kurEY)

116 >>Anyway, this boat and sailing in general will be my retirement avocation once I finally decide to retire, and I am dead set on getting my little ship fully functional.

You better. And when you decide to do a bareboat in the BVI, and you will, let me know. I know some spots.

Posted by: JackStraw at September 27, 2025 07:29 PM (viF8m)

117 Is it that time already? Apparently so. Time to say thank you and good night before the next act takes the Ace of Spades stage. Thanks for being here. You're welcome to hang around for a bit if you'd like and keep hobby talking. See y'all in Club ONT later tonight.

Posted by: TRex - nature lover at September 27, 2025 07:29 PM (cCn4/)

118 103 Christmas Cactus have to be as hard to get flowering a Christmas as a bonsai growing

Posted by: Skip at September 27, 2025 07:18 PM (+qU29)

-----
Christmas cactuses get a bad rap. I put mine on the front porch in spring, water them occasionally, then bring indoors before a freeze. They always bloom and are beautiful. Mine are more Thanksgiving cactuses, but that's OK.

Posted by: ScaryMary at September 27, 2025 07:29 PM (Hvd9a)

119 You better. And when you decide to do a bareboat in the BVI, and you will, let me know. I know some spots.
Posted by: JackStraw at September 27, 2025 07:29 PM (viF8m)

---------

I will issue the appropriate Notice to Mariners.

Charlotte Amalie looks like a nice starting point, though I haven't been there for 25 years.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at September 27, 2025 07:34 PM (mFWV4)

120 1 Banzai!
Posted by: OrangeEnt at September 27, 2025 05:30 PM

I have nothing to add.
Posted by: toby928 at September 27, 2025 07:22 PM (jc0TO)

Others did. Guess they didn't read the comments first.

Anyway, gotta go!

Posted by: OrangeEnt at September 27, 2025 07:34 PM (uQesX)

121 >> My ex tends the Christmas Cactus she got from my who got it from her dad. He was an incredible gardener.

Against all odds she turned out to have a green thumb. My nieces and nephews all got cuttings which is kind of great since they never met their grandfather so they have that.

Posted by: JackStraw at September 27, 2025 07:35 PM (viF8m)

122 I think I see the problem...
Posted by: jsg at September 27, 2025 07:11 PM (VM+VC)

My left hand is too messed up to play seriously anymore. Nerve damage in my shoulder makes my ring and pinky finger near uncontrolable. I can hack two finger barre cords but that gets boring. I haven't played but maybe a few hours in 20 years. Just long enough to get really frustrated and esentially hang it up.
Enter grand kids.
I'll give the whole shebang here to them when they are old enough. They loved it when they discovered my collection in the closet. Made me pull out the electric drum set and the amps and we play rock and roll band a lot. It's pretty fun to suck as bad as I do and the grands go "that rocks papa".

Posted by: Reforger at September 27, 2025 07:45 PM (oFukc)

123 Ugh, so dusty mowing the weeds and bare spots, LOL!

Not a movie person, so Imma stay here a bit. Chain maille, ring-weaving look very interesting to me. Just what I need-- more projects--

Nice to have seen you, Wolfus! I don't stay up for the tech thread very often these days. Trying to shift my sleep schedule. (Not very successfully at times)

Posted by: JQ at September 27, 2025 08:10 PM (rdVOm)

124 Also have been fascinated by wire-wrapping... darn it, there are only *so many* hours in a day!

Posted by: JQ at September 27, 2025 08:13 PM (rdVOm)

125 124 Also have been fascinated by wire-wrapping... darn it, there are only *so many* hours in a day!

Posted by: JQ at September 27, 2025 08:13 PM
***
Don't forget looking after Club ONT! Only so many hours in the day...

Posted by: TRex - extra twizzlers for hobby threaders in Club ONT at September 27, 2025 08:15 PM (cCn4/)

126 TRex-- omgosh, I better get cleaned up!

<3 <3 <3 Club ONT!!

Posted by: JQ at September 27, 2025 08:17 PM (rdVOm)

127 I grow Christmas Fracktusses. But they just look like broccoli.

Posted by: Mandel Brot at September 27, 2025 08:28 PM (7Q0e+)

128 I grow and develop bonsai trees. I have several black pines and a dawn redwood. It's so relaxing.

Posted by: Washington Nearsider, preparing for The Reckoning at September 27, 2025 08:40 PM (oSeBJ)

129 Reforger: Avoid The Ring Lord if at all possible. Their pre cut rings really, really suck. ( Yes, I have a few jars hidden in the way back of my stash that will never see the light of day again.) Weave Got Maille anodizes, then cuts so there's always a flash of naked aluminum. The XO wove a couple of shirts and coifs back when we were in the SCA. He hand coiled stainless steel on a mandrel using a power drill then cut them with a wire cutter. I just weave jewelry and use 18 gauge wire.

Posted by: Captain Josepha Sabin at September 27, 2025 09:02 PM (DK5Sh)

130 Temple, TX is between Waco and Austin not Austin and San Antonio. Completely different directions from Austin, Temple is north and SA is south.

Posted by: lin-duh is offended at September 27, 2025 09:39 PM (VCgbV)

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