Hobby Thread - June 20, 2026 [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. For this week, the Wheel of Hobbies (TM) is on fire. It spun and spun and landed on a candle theme for this Hobby Thread.

"All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle." St. Francis Of Assisi.

[Photo credit: NoName_13 on Pixabay]

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Quick shout out to all the Hordelings that attended the Virginia MoMe. I can now confirm that some of you exist in real life. Thank you for making the trip. Great to spend quality time on a lovely day with the AoS family.

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A candle theme? I'm a little surprised myself but enough people mentioned it in the comments last week to tilt the Wheel of Hobbies (TM). But how interesting can candles be???? Let's find out together.

I did not realize that candle making is such a big thing. Based on YouTube videos, approximately half of the world's population is currently involved in candle-making and posting videos about how to do it. Have I missed something that everyone else knows about? Is candle making a cult? Is there a conspiracy to lure new and unsuspecting non-candle makers into the club? And do people really burn this many candles? So many questions...

From my limited research, it seems that the first requirement of candle making is a kitchen. You must repurpose your mixer, pots, stove top and kitchen counter. Seems like you could make cookies instead if you're going to go through all that, but I am a dinosaur with a small brain and have much to learn.

It also seems like many candlemaking videos are oriented to people trying to make a small business out of candlemaking, not just hobbying. I have stayed away from videos that scream "THE TOP 10 THINGS YOU MUST DO IN YOUR CANDLEMAKING BUSINESS" or "I MADE $300,000 LAST YEAR SELLING CANDLES FROM MY BASEMENT!!!!"

Do you make candles? Do you have traditions that involve candles?

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What are you hobbying?

Candles are the theme, but the thread is not limited to candles. In fact, anything (legal) you are hobbying is welcome. Even if the theme does not speak to you, you might learn something. If not, find something else or offer something else relating to hobbying. If all of that fails, just check in and say hello.

As per usual Hobby Thread etiquette, keep this thread limited to hobbying. Leave politics and religion to threads elsewhere (unless your hobby is building or restoring churches). Ignore whatever gibberish Kamala is talking about these days. Pants are optional. As always, puns are welcome and encouraged.

Play nice and do not be rude. Do not be a troll and do not feed the trolls.

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There are a bazillion videos on YouTube about how to make candles in your home.

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Carving candles?

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Step 1: make candles in the most inefficient way possible
Step 2: have French people make the candles
Step 3: sell inefficient French-made candles as a "luxury" item for $660
Step 4: profit!

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Prefer your candle making with a little history?

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Guess Yankee Candles are a thing?

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Asking the important questions - where did the candle wax go?

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Time for science!

Do citronella candles work to repel mosquitos?

Citronella and Mosquitoes: What Really Works to Keep Them Away

Citronella oil is extracted from Cymbopogon species - types of lemongrass - and is rich in mosquito-repelling compounds like citronellal, citronellol, and geraniol. These compounds interfere with mosquitoes' ability to locate humans by masking the scents that attract them.
However, the "citronella plant" often found in garden centers (usually a type of scented geranium) contains very little citronella oil and does not offer the same protection unless its leaves are crushed and applied directly - a far cry from the ease of a ready-to-use spray.

Citronella candles and tiki torches are popular for outdoor use, but their range and effectiveness are limited. They may provide mild deterrence in a small radius but are not sufficient for lasting protection, especially if there's even a light breeze.
Similarly, decorative citronella plants add aesthetic value but don't repel mosquitoes unless the plant's oils are actively released. This makes them more of a conversation piece than a serious solution.
For those seeking reliable mosquito relief, citronella-containing sprays and wipes offer several practical options. They contain active concentrations of citronella oil and are designed to be applied directly to the skin, where they provide a more consistent barrier.

I hate mosquitos.

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Wax selection seems to be a big deal.

Lots of videos out there but most are unhelpful (at least to me). Soy? Paraffin? Beeswax? Coconut? Palm? Blends? I don't know. Eco-friendly and sustainable? Sorry - I just can't inflict a video on you from a woman named Flower with a septum piercing trying to explain it. It makes my small dino head hurt.

Until I learned about edible candles...now you have my attention.

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Where do those funky candle shapes come from? Silicone molds! Can you make candles in silicone molds with beeswax? Yes!

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Making wood candlesticks on a lathe. Sounds like a great idea!

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There is nothing like singing Silent Night at a Christmas Eve service by candlelight:

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German Christmas pyramids are a great use of candles.

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Horde Hobbying

Teresa in Fort Worth has been busy stitching a stocking for her young grandson, Niko.

Nice!

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

Notable comments from last week:

She gets it. Thank you.

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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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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 All right. No cursing the darkness, now.

Posted by: OrangeEnt at June 20, 2026 05:30 PM (1Ff7Z)

2 Welcome Hobbiests

Posted by: Skip at June 20, 2026 05:31 PM (Ia/+0)

3 I'm waiting to read all the candlemakers waxing eloquent about their hobby.

Posted by: OrangeEnt at June 20, 2026 05:32 PM (1Ff7Z)

4 Mosquitos...

Back in the day we had "smudge pots." They burned diesel. Smoky. Mosquitos didn't like them.

Neither did we.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at June 20, 2026 05:37 PM (jehhT)

5 That stocking by Teresa in Fort Worth is delightful. What a wonderful gift for little Niko.

Posted by: JTB at June 20, 2026 05:37 PM (yTvNw)

6 If my wife opined here, she does make candles every once in awhile. She lights them daily.

Posted by: Skip at June 20, 2026 05:39 PM (Ia/+0)

7 All right. No cursing the darkness, now.

There's a classic Peanuts strip (that I couldn't find with a quick search) where Linus makes that quote and then says "Some people may disagree." And the third panel is Lucy shaking her fist at the sky and yelling "YOU STUPID DARKNESS!!"

Posted by: Oddbob at June 20, 2026 05:42 PM (vTZFs)

8 The candle that smells like broccoli farts - it's the "soy wax" it is made from.

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at June 20, 2026 05:42 PM (/lPRQ)

9 There used to be a candle store in all the malls. I think those have vanished along with bookstores, drugstores, men's clothing (except for the stuff in the department stores), and hobby supplies.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at June 20, 2026 05:43 PM (wzUl9)

10 The green spirals of Citronella yhat you light are worthless, even with no wind.

Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at June 20, 2026 05:44 PM (B0dAE)

11 I can't smell the candles any more.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at June 20, 2026 05:44 PM (Cqx++)

12 Mosquitos...

Back in the day we had "smudge pots." They burned diesel. Smoky. Mosquitos didn't like them.

Neither did we.
Posted by: Martini Farmer at June 20, 2026

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There were those little coils that you lit at one end and that burned, sending up smoke to deter mosquitoes and other insects. Are those still around?

And Shell No-Pest Strips? I know those are gone, but are there any modern items you can hang up to send insects fleeing without choking yourself?

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at June 20, 2026 05:45 PM (wzUl9)

13 Most of the candles Miss Linda makes me whiff at Walmart and World Market do not smell at all the way they are labeled. They aren't bad, but they don't match the aroma mentioned on the label.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at June 20, 2026 05:46 PM (wzUl9)

14 I got supplies at Candlesandsupplies.com for my wife.

Picked up wax. Sent, color, mold and don't think she used them yet.

Posted by: Skip at June 20, 2026 05:47 PM (Ia/+0)

15 The candle that smells like broccoli farts - it's the "soy wax" it is made from.
Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at June 20, 2026 05:42 PM (/lPRQ)

A well known scent in the German High Command Center in the early 40's.

Wolfus, see any other good prospects?

Posted by: OrangeEnt at June 20, 2026 05:47 PM (1Ff7Z)

16 Still mechanic-ing today. Fabbing up a muffler and tailpipe for a '68 Buick Wildcat from pieces the car's owner provided. Muffler and over-axle "U" bend are dummied up in place. Now I have to figure out some sort of short piece with 45 degree elbows at each end to transition from the outlet of the U-bend to the tailpipe which must go straight back. Want to do all the tricky welding on the bench.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at June 20, 2026 05:48 PM (1z8ji)

17 Speaking of molds, my clay medallion mold for my cartridge box I think is hard enough, now just have to melt plumbing solder and try pouring it.

Posted by: Skip at June 20, 2026 05:48 PM (Ia/+0)

18 AoSHQ is my hobby. Does that count?

Posted by: Bulg at June 20, 2026 05:48 PM (77rzZ)

19 Wolfus, see any other good prospects?
Posted by: OrangeEnt at June 20, 2026

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Yeah, my house hunting is turning into a hobby, isn't it? There was the very nice 2BR/1BA place with a rear deck, floors all done, walls painted in colors I already liked, basement, 2-car garage next to the house. Good price. Bad? Located a block from a low-income, "affordable housing" (read: Section

development. The development looks worlds better and cleaner than the same things you see here . . . but how long will it stay that way?

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at June 20, 2026 05:50 PM (wzUl9)

20 Hey, TRex! Long time no see./

Posted by: Bulg at June 20, 2026 05:50 PM (77rzZ)

21 Never tried making candles but I've seen and read about it, including that Townsends video. I suspect most people approach it as a hobby to preserve a skill and perhaps to make gifts. I can say the scent from beeswax candles is very pleasant and the light from them makes for a relaxing glow. I want a good lamp for reading but for general illumination candle light is hard to beat. Like sitting around a campfire, it encourages story telling and conversation.

Posted by: JTB at June 20, 2026 05:50 PM (yTvNw)

22 There were those little coils that you lit at one end and that burned, sending up smoke to deter mosquitoes and other insects. Are those still around?

And Shell No-Pest Strips? I know those are gone, but are there any modern items you can hang up to send insects fleeing without choking yourself?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at June 20, 2026 05:45 PM (wzUl9)

The good mosquito coils had pyrethrin (a plant extract) in them, and worked quite well.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at June 20, 2026 05:50 PM (1z8ji)

23 16 Want to do all the tricky welding on the bench.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at June 20, 2026 05:48 PM
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Best wishes on the project.

I have contemplated welding as a hobby theme from time to time. Yes? No?

Posted by: TRex - metal melding dino at June 20, 2026 05:50 PM (IQ6Gq)

24 That top picture reminds me that when I was in Boy Scouts, my top hobby was Setting Things on Fire. That and Centaurii - Estes rockets.

I was not unusual. We all used to say that the REAL Boy Scout Motto was “Fire is Good! Fire is our Friend!” My mother would wonder why I would come back from camping trips with my eyebrows obviously singed.

I’m sure any modern day mamby pamby version of scouts today would be horrified by that.

Posted by: Tom Servo at June 20, 2026 05:51 PM (nuNhM)

25 I bought some beeswax candles and had them blessed by a priest for the "Three Days of Darkness."

I hope that I never have to light them.

Posted by: no one of any consequence at June 20, 2026 05:51 PM (qFwJc)

26 I've tried commercial citronella candles to deter skeeters with little success. Smoke from my pipe does a better job.

Posted by: JTB at June 20, 2026 05:53 PM (yTvNw)

27 And there's a nice 2BR/2BA place also for sale, with nearly everything I want, no HOA. About $7K above my price range, though, and it also has those sliding glass doors giving onto the deck -- this time in the living room. I hate that look.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at June 20, 2026 05:54 PM (wzUl9)

28 Back in the day, on New Years Day, we would walk through the alleys of Pacific Beach collecting Christmas trees. We would take them to the beach and oh what a bonfire we would have. That was back when there were concrete fire rings on the beach.

Posted by: no one of any consequence at June 20, 2026 05:54 PM (qFwJc)

29 20 Hey, TRex! Long time no see./

Posted by: Bulg at June 20, 2026 05:50 PM
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Hey Bulg! Glad you made it back home without the need for a bail money call.

Posted by: TRex - social dino at June 20, 2026 05:54 PM (IQ6Gq)

30 I love candles.

But. No strong florals and NO FOOD SMELLS.

I do love sandalwood and tobacco and Frankensence. And cedar, pine and fir.

Posted by: nurse ratched. at June 20, 2026 05:55 PM (A5RD0)

31 24 That top picture reminds me that when I was in Boy Scouts, my top hobby was Setting Things on Fire. That and Centaurii - Estes rockets.

Posted by: Tom Servo at June 20, 2026 05:51 PM
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Absolutely.

Posted by: TRex - fireman dino at June 20, 2026 05:55 PM (IQ6Gq)

32 I have contemplated welding as a hobby theme from time to time. Yes? No?
Posted by: TRex - metal melding dino at June 20, 2026 05:50 PM (IQ6Gq)

Could be an interesting topic. I don't regard it as a hobby myself, but it is a very useful skill that enhances the pursuit of other hobbies.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at June 20, 2026 05:56 PM (1z8ji)

33 I do love sandalwood and tobacco and Frankensence. And cedar, pine and fir.
Posted by: nurse ratched. at June 20, 2026 05:55 PM (A5RD0)

No myrrh no more?

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at June 20, 2026 05:57 PM (1z8ji)

34 Want to do all the tricky welding on the bench.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon

This is wise.

Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at June 20, 2026 05:57 PM (B0dAE)

35 I was born with the specific human genes that produce a massive quantity of ear wax. It’s kind of my superpower. Not a great one I admit, an annoyance thus far, but it’s high time I put it to good use. I imagine I could excrete a candle/month, sell them in the french candle market as a luxury, and become the musk of earwax candles. $$$$

Posted by: banana Dream at June 20, 2026 05:57 PM (ZdKYs)

36 For anti mosquito duty, I always like Citronelle candles. Old southern favorite, from a plant that grows prolifically in Alabama, Georgia, and north Florida. I would say it kinda smells like creosote, mosquitoes don’t like it.

Posted by: Tom Servo at June 20, 2026 05:57 PM (nuNhM)

37 For years in my place I lit incense sticks. No, not those nasty patchouli or other cloying smells you choke on in incense and head shops. These, from a company in Albuquerque called Incienso de Santa Fe, came in little bricks that when burned smelled wonderfully of cedar, pinon, alder, and other mountain/high desert woods.

Amazon has them. I haven't bought a new pack in a while; I need to.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at June 20, 2026 05:58 PM (wzUl9)

38 Mosquitoes also do not like cigarette smoke.

Bonus.

Posted by: no one of any consequence at June 20, 2026 05:59 PM (qFwJc)

39 29 TRex, I think that CBD preemptively paid all of our bail.

Posted by: Bulg at June 20, 2026 05:59 PM (77rzZ)

40 My daughters and I have made candies in vintage tea cups, they turned out really pretty! I should do that again.

Posted by: Piper at June 20, 2026 05:59 PM (p4NUW)

41 > The good mosquito coils had pyrethrin (a plant extract) in them, and worked quite well.
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I have a spray bottle of pyrethrin that I spray on my work clothes during the summer. The mosquitos right now are excessive around here. I got bit about a half dozen time earlier while spraying for weeds along the driveway. Even with the clothes sprayed with it.

Bastards.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at June 20, 2026 05:59 PM (jehhT)

42 My other hobby of scrap metal collecting has paid off two weeks in a row.

Posted by: Skip at June 20, 2026 06:01 PM (Ia/+0)

43 B0dAE)

35 I was born with the specific human genes that produce a massive quantity of ear wax. It’s kind of my superpower. Not a great one I admit, an annoyance thus far, but it’s high time I put it to good use. I imagine I could excrete a candle/month, sell them in the french candle market as a luxury, and become the musk of earwax candles. $$$$
Posted by: banana Dream at June 20, 2026 05:57 PM (ZdKYs)

That’s about the nastiest post I’ve ever read here. I’m sorry, this is in the same class as the old Indian Guru who had big tufts of 6” long hair growing out of his ears.

Posted by: Tom Servo at June 20, 2026 06:02 PM (nuNhM)

44 >Mosquitoes also do not like cigarette smoke.

Bonus.
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Or cigar smoke....

Posted by: Martini Farmer at June 20, 2026 06:03 PM (jehhT)

45 I hate that look.

Just IMO but don't commit the rest of your life to a house with a structural feature that you really hate. Paint is easy, replacing fixtures is easy, etc. Changing a large door that is the primary access to the yard is crazy. Doable, but crazy. And expensive.

Posted by: Oddbob at June 20, 2026 06:03 PM (vTZFs)

46 I have basically been ordered to show up at this Texas MoMe.

Otherwise, who knows what RMBS — or worse, his mother — will do to me.

Posted by: Bulg at June 20, 2026 06:05 PM (77rzZ)

47 43 B0dAE)

35 I was born with the specific human genes that produce a massive quantity of ear wax. It’s kind of my superpower. Not a great one I admit, an annoyance thus far, but it’s high time I put it to good use. I imagine I could excrete a candle/month, sell them in the french candle market as a luxury, and become the musk of earwax candles. $$$$
Posted by: banana Dream at June 20, 2026 05:57 PM (ZdKYs)

That’s about the nastiest post I’ve ever read here. I’m sorry, this is in the same class as the old Indian Guru who had big tufts of 6” long hair growing out of his ears.
Posted by: Tom Servo at June 20, 2026 06:02 PM (nuNhM
Call Gwyneth Paltrow, she hook you up.

Posted by: Eromero at June 20, 2026 06:08 PM (LHPAg)

48 I have basically been ordered to show up at this Texas MoMe.

Otherwise, who knows what RMBS — or worse, his mother — will do to me.
Posted by: Bulg at June 20, 2026 06:05 PM (77rzZ)

Are you expecting RMBS to say "Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot"?

Posted by: Hour of the Wolf at June 20, 2026 06:09 PM (qx7Zg)

49 You don’t wanna hear about Banana Dream’s ear wax? Be off with you, H8R!

Posted by: Bulg at June 20, 2026 06:10 PM (77rzZ)

50 I really hate the smell of citronella candles. I'd rather endure the skeeters. But I am not a skeeter magnet, so it's not a problem. My late sister would get attacked like crazy. I believe it's a blood type thing, at least partly.

Posted by: Pug Mahon, Ulster Scot at June 20, 2026 06:10 PM (0aYVJ)

51 27 And there's a nice 2BR/2BA place also for sale, with nearly everything I want, no HOA. About $7K above my price range, though, and it also has those sliding glass doors giving onto the deck -- this time in the living room. I hate that look.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at June 20, 2026 05:54 PM (wzUl9)

We bought a house like that, first thing we did was yank it out and replace it with a set of French doors, same size. Completely different look.

Also we have a nice looking back yard, but in the family room facing it, the walls were blank except for that door. So we knocked big holes in the walls and put in more French doors (these don’t open, no reason) on either side of the main door. Now that room has a mostly glass view of the entire back yard from almost any point in it.

We like changing any houses we owned.

Posted by: Tom Servo at June 20, 2026 06:10 PM (nuNhM)

52 Thought to get bees wax for my reproduction 1860 Colt but found its a bit expensive

Posted by: Skip at June 20, 2026 06:14 PM (Ia/+0)

53 Went through a candle making phase back in the 70's. I vaguely recall my kid sister getting paraffin that we'd melt and add color (maybe crayons?). Used empty egg cartons for molds.

One technique that was kind of cool was to pour the candle wax about 1/3 of the way into an empty quart milk carton, add an ice cube, pour to cover, and add another cube on the opposite side of the first, and fill to the top.

The wax would congeal around the ice, creating interesting shaped voids in the candle once the ice melted. Then as the candle burned, you could watch the wax pour from these openings and course down the side of the candle. We were easy to entertain back then...

Posted by: Joe Kidd at June 20, 2026 06:14 PM (nbLIj)

54 Dammit. I am getting real sleepy. Should go outside and get some fresh air before I doze off in this chair.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at June 20, 2026 06:14 PM (1z8ji)

55 Bulg if you are not there, aren't you late?

Posted by: Skip at June 20, 2026 06:15 PM (Ia/+0)

56 Candle candle burning bright
In the window sill at night
Soon the curtain catches fire
Never was a fate so dire

Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at June 20, 2026 06:17 PM (LmPA0)

57
Back in colonial times, candles were for the wealthy. Regular people used a "taper," a wick in a container of tallow.

Posted by: Semi-Literate Thug at June 20, 2026 06:18 PM (HLgI3)

58 My daughters and I have made candies in vintage tea cups, they turned out really pretty! I should do that again.

Posted by: Piper at June 20, 2026 05:59 PM (p4NUW)

I use old wine glasses!

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at June 20, 2026 06:20 PM (+YlH3)

59 And there's a nice 2BR/2BA place also for sale, with nearly everything I want, no HOA. About $7K above my price range, though, and it also has those sliding glass doors giving onto the deck -- this time in the living room. I hate that look.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at June 20, 2026
*
We bought a house like that, first thing we did was yank it out and replace it with a set of French doors, same size. Completely different look. . . .

Posted by: Tom Servo at June 20, 2026

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Good idea, TS. Now can you get the seller to come down on the price?

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at June 20, 2026 06:21 PM (wzUl9)

60 58 My daughters and I have made candies in vintage tea cups, they turned out really pretty! I should do that again.

Posted by: Piper at June 20, 2026 05:59 PM (p4NUW)

I use old wine glasses!
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at June 20, 2026

That sounds fun!

Posted by: Piper at June 20, 2026 06:22 PM (OoFl2)

61 Oh, Tom Servo, about those French doors: Will they work in a climate with winter? I mean, do they close tightly and keep out drafts?

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at June 20, 2026 06:23 PM (wzUl9)

62 Back in the early 70's my folks took us to Colonial Williamsburg for an extended stay. We had tours of much of the "back room" stuff including some hands on experiences with animals, farming, preparing food and making various sundries... including candles from scratch.

It was pretty cool. There was fireworks too. Old school type.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at June 20, 2026 06:23 PM (jehhT)

63 I use old wine glasses!
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at June 20, 2026 06:20 PM (+YlH3)
-----
Aren't they full of wine?

Posted by: Weasel at June 20, 2026 06:23 PM (GNqmQ)

64 Aren't they full of wine?

Posted by: Weasel at June 20, 2026 06:23 PM (GNqmQ)

No...the candle maker is though!

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at June 20, 2026 06:24 PM (+YlH3)

65 I can't smell the candles any more.
Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at June 20, 2026 05:44 PM (Cqx++)

Ok, what did you do to get barred from Yankee Candle?

Posted by: Joe Kidd at June 20, 2026 06:25 PM (nbLIj)

66 No...the candle maker is though!
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at June 20, 2026 06:24 PM (+YlH3)
----
Well if you have worn out a wine glass I guess you know what you're talking about.

Posted by: Weasel at June 20, 2026 06:25 PM (GNqmQ)

67 I was surprised to learn that commercially made candles in towns and cities in the 1800s and earlier were a significant expense. A well lit house was a sign of wealth and hospitality called for enough candles available for guests even in modest homes. People learned to trim and shape the wick and used reflective surfaces to get the most light.

I imagine that on a frontier there might be candle making gatherings. Materials, like beeswax or tallow, for candles wouldn't be available all the time so supplies to get through the season might be made once or twice a year. Probably similar to groups making maple syrup or butchering hogs or even quilting bees. Make a chore a social event.

Posted by: JTB at June 20, 2026 06:27 PM (yTvNw)

68 JTB, I was going to compare the candle-making gatherings you mentioned to a quilting bee, but I see you already did!

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at June 20, 2026 06:29 PM (wzUl9)

69 My propane lantern puts out 165 candlepower. Does that count? Comes in handy when those nasty storms roll in and take out the grid. I don't craft them, but it's always a good idea to have some candles on-hand.

Posted by: Rev. Wishbone at June 20, 2026 06:33 PM (fkjGs)

70 All, CBD is a Fed. Be careful what you say around him.

Posted by: Bulg at June 20, 2026 06:34 PM (77rzZ)

71 Wolfus, there's another aspect to sliding doors vs. French doors that you might consider. French doors swing into the room and in terms of where you place furniture, the room becomes narrower. We had French doors and after a few years switched them to sliding. Of course, Pella windows are practically works of art not matter what size and depth.

Also didn't you mention that the shades are between glass? Very useful with cats. That's the first thing that visitors with cats notice about our windows.

Posted by: Wenda at June 20, 2026 06:35 PM (iIAkP)

72 Did the ladies on the Western Frontier have shooting bees?

Posted by: Bulg at June 20, 2026 06:40 PM (77rzZ)

73 Also didn't you mention that the shades are between glass? Very useful with cats. That's the first thing that visitors with cats notice about our windows.
Posted by: Wenda at June 20, 2026

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That was the place near the affordable housing development. This 2BR/2BA place, I don't know.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at June 20, 2026 06:40 PM (wzUl9)

74 Hey Bulg!

Hope you enjoyed yourself at the NoVaMoMee.

Posted by: SMH at God's mercy at June 20, 2026 06:41 PM (ZHOnm)

75 >>>All, CBD is a Fed. Be careful what you say around him.

Posted by: Bulg

>This is blog, what are people saying?

Posted by: Rev. Wishbone at June 20, 2026 06:41 PM (fkjGs)

76 Did the ladies on the Western Frontier have shooting bees?
Posted by: Bulg at June 20, 2026

***
Those were known as Indian attacks.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at June 20, 2026 06:42 PM (wzUl9)

77 Quilting bees are still a thing, locally. Usually referred to as a "stitch & b!tch" LOL.

Posted by: JQ at June 20, 2026 06:44 PM (rdVOm)

78 74 SMH, I did, thanks. Thank you for recommending that I attend.

God bless you, dear lady.

Posted by: Bulg at June 20, 2026 06:44 PM (77rzZ)

79 My neighbor gifted me with a citronella plant when Casa Sin Problemas landed in Sarasota. I do find rubbing the leaves on my feet and ankles provides sufficient protection most evenings..

Posted by: Joe Kidd at June 20, 2026 06:44 PM (nbLIj)

80 I don't make candles. I do listen to music. So: candle music.

Light:
https://youtu.be/6A8QwNLXSYY

Darkness:
https://youtu.be/688AIr6hfOE

Posted by: mikeski at June 20, 2026 06:46 PM (VHUov)

81 Now I’ve got to make it to Texas this fall.

Posted by: Bulg at June 20, 2026 06:48 PM (77rzZ)

82 I have a collection of candles, most of them gifts including two boxes of kosher tealights preppers
Gave me when they moved. I use them in the winter mostly.

I made two cooking oil candles last year in jars. I used part of one when the power went out. Gave off a good amount of heat if not light.

My current hobby is housecleaning. Dad gave me another box of items they kept after they sold their snowbird home. I have been testing their items against what I have. I had to laugh that I bought a tablecloth (rather drab) for my table and Mom had three pretty ones of the perfect size.

Posted by: NaughtyPine at June 20, 2026 06:49 PM (ysTZR)

83

Put... the candle... back!

Posted by: Dr. Frederick Frankenstein at June 20, 2026 06:50 PM (Cqx++)

84 Years ago I was a bridesmaid in the wedding of a friend who got married the day after Christmas. Instead of flowers, we bridesmaids carried candles. It was beautiful.

Did I mention that the bride's sister, who was also in the wedding party, and I were pregnant and experiencing occasional dizzy spells in those pregnancies?

Fortunately, we both were fine that day. :-)

Posted by: PT, Piano Teacher, former Official Delurker at June 20, 2026 06:51 PM (XqvXS)

85 78 Dear Lady, I meant.

Based on the rule that you’re supposed to capitalize the addresse that is being addressed in what would otherwise be the vocative case.

Posted by: Bulg at June 20, 2026 06:53 PM (77rzZ)

86 Now I’ve got to make it to Texas this fall.
Posted by: Bulg

Excellent plan!

Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at June 20, 2026 06:53 PM (B0dAE)

87
61 Oh, Tom Servo, about those French doors: Will they work in a climate with winter? I mean, do they close tightly and keep out drafts?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at June 20, 2026 06:23 PM (wzUl9)

That’s probably a reason they’re far more common in the South than in more northern climes.

Posted by: Tom Servo at June 20, 2026 06:55 PM (nuNhM)

88 Wolfus, there's another aspect to sliding doors vs. French doors that you might consider. French doors swing into the room and in terms of where you place furniture, the room becomes narrower. We had French doors and after a few years switched them to sliding. Of course, Pella windows are practically works of art not matter what size and depth.
Posted by: Wenda at June 20, 2026 06:35 PM

That is one do the reasons I didn't replace the sliding glass door in my house with a glass door. (Not enough room for two doors, either.) I got a Pella custom slider with the screen on the inside and a key. Comes in handy when unloading groceries.

Posted by: NaughtyPine at June 20, 2026 06:55 PM (ysTZR)

89 86 RMBS has so ordered me. And he’s got his mom to back him up.

Posted by: Bulg at June 20, 2026 06:55 PM (77rzZ)

90 I've seen historical accounts that candles on the frontier were valuable items beyond the light they provided. They could provide a steady flame to get a fire going and even a stub, in a tiny enclosed space, could raise the temperature enough to survive frigid conditions. The person might not be comfortable but they would be alive. There were small tin or wooden boxes to hold the stubs in a trapper or hunter's pouch.

Posted by: JTB at June 20, 2026 06:55 PM (yTvNw)

91 Years ago I was a bridesmaid in the wedding of a friend who got married the day after Christmas. Instead of flowers, we bridesmaids carried candles. It was beautiful.

Did I mention that the bride's sister, who was also in the wedding party, and I were pregnant and experiencing occasional dizzy spells in those pregnancies?

Fortunately, we both were fine that day. :-)
Posted by: PT, Piano Teacher, former Official Delurker at June 20, 2026

***
A number of years ago I attended a Santa Lucia (or St. Lucia) service at the local Norwegian Seamen's Church. The lady leading it, a local singer of Norwegian ancestry, carried a candle, and the entire church interior was lit that way. Beautiful.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at June 20, 2026 06:57 PM (wzUl9)

92
91 Sounds lovely, Wolfus.

Posted by: PT, Piano Teacher, former Official Delurker at June 20, 2026 06:58 PM (XqvXS)

93
That’s probably a reason they’re far more common in the South than in more northern climes.
Posted by: Tom Servo at June 20, 2026

***
Nearly every apartment, condo, or house I've ever seen or visited in the South has those sliding doors. I'm trying to flee reminders of these long hot summers, and a slider door is not welcome.

My current place does not have such a door, for which I'm thankful.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at June 20, 2026 06:59 PM (wzUl9)

94 The Broccoli FART Candle is my all-time favorite......

Brings back memories of those times the FART was a little wet during an Oval Office Meetings with foreign leaders....

Posted by: Joe Biden at June 20, 2026 07:00 PM (rvNIn)

95 If you ever find yourself anywhere South Deerfield, MA around the holidays, throw Yankee Candle HQ Store on your intinerary. I always enjoyed the way they decorate. Each room holding candles reflects the scents in that room, and up near the ceiling is a Toy railroad track that goes throughout the entire store. They cut tunnels into the drywall and did a really great job with the display.

And, there's another reason to visit the HQ store in person that you wouldn't know about unless you stopped in regularly. They put their experimental candles out for purchase just to get an idea of interest. And some of them are absolutely bizarre. I still have a "Apple Maple Bacon Wrapped Smoked Brisket" candle that only comes out on special occassions when I want to torment my black lab.

Posted by: Orson at June 20, 2026 07:00 PM (dIske)

96 91 Sounds lovely, Wolfus.
Posted by: PT, Piano Teacher, former Official Delurker at June 20, 2026

***
The singer was and is a one-woman band, playing several instruments (with hands and feet!), and sings beautifully. Theresa Andersson.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at June 20, 2026 07:01 PM (wzUl9)

97 A number of years ago I attended a Santa Lucia (or St. Lucia) service at the local Norwegian Seamen's Church. The lady leading it, a local singer of Norwegian ancestry, carried a candle, and the entire church interior was lit that way. Beautiful.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere

We attended a Tenebrae Mass at Holy Cross Church in Marine City. It really made us appreciate how our ancestors might have felt with the vast shadowy space lit with so few candles.

Posted by: NaughtyPine at June 20, 2026 07:03 PM (ysTZR)

98
93
That’s probably a reason they’re far more common in the South than in more northern climes.
Posted by: Tom Servo at June 20, 2026

***
Nearly every apartment, condo, or house I've ever seen or visited in the South has those sliding doors. I'm trying to flee reminders of these long hot summers, and a slider door is not welcome.

My current place does not have such a door, for which I'm thankful.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at June 20, 2026 06:59 PM

-----------

My house in San Diego County is loaded with doors like that. My only real concern is that they facilitate burglary. That hasn't happened yet, but the State keeps heading south, so who knows.Other than that, they're fine.

I suppose a determined burglar could hammer their way in, regardless.

Posted by: Semi-Literate Thug at June 20, 2026 07:05 PM (HLgI3)

99 still have a "Apple Maple Bacon Wrapped Smoked Brisket" candle that only comes out on special occassions when I want to torment my black lab.
Posted by: Orson at June 20, 2026 07:00 PM

That is hilarious! I wonder if the creators try to outdo each other with weirdness.

Posted by: NaughtyPine at June 20, 2026 07:06 PM (ysTZR)

100 I suppose a determined burglar could hammer their way in, regardless.
Posted by: Semi-Literate Thug

Locks keep honest people honest.

They don't do much to dissuade the dishonest ones.

Posted by: mikeski at June 20, 2026 07:07 PM (VHUov)

101 We attended a Tenebrae Mass at Holy Cross Church in Marine City. It really made us appreciate how our ancestors might have felt with the vast shadowy space lit with so few candles.
Posted by: NaughtyPine at June 20, 2026

***
"This ae nighte, this ae nighte,
(Refrain

—Every nighte and alle,
Fire and fleet and candle-lighte,
(Refrain

And Christe receive thy saule."

(Also given as "fire and sleet and candlelight.")

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at June 20, 2026 07:07 PM (wzUl9)

102 Theresa Andersson. I hadn't heard of her, but looked her up on YT just now. Good stuff -- thanks!

Posted by: PT, Piano Teacher, former Official Delurker at June 20, 2026 07:08 PM (XqvXS)

103 And the colon followed by the close-paren strikes again.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at June 20, 2026 07:08 PM (wzUl9)

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