Model show

Pictured at top is a 1/35 scale American Stewart tank in Russian service, middle are 1/350 scale Japanese battleship Yamato and 1/72 scale Gato class American submarine, bottom are 1/72 scale single engine entries at the Hobby Expo 2008 model show in Petaluma, California.

Last weekend we went to a scale model show, know as Hobby Expo 2008, in the town of Petaluma near Santa Rosa. It was put on by the Santa Rosa plastic modeler’s club, a member of the International Plastic Modeler’s Society, USA. People came in from all over, including many from the bay area, Fresno, Redding, and as far away as Reno and Las Vegas. There were over 100 entrants in the model contest with nearly 400 models. Also there were numerous vendors selling model kits and supplies.

The show opened at 9:30 a.m. Saturday and we got there soon afterward. Attendance was free for non-vendors, so we didn’t have to pay just to look. There were a couple of kits on our list of “would like to get” so we first went around all the vendor tables to see what was there.

We were amazed by how much stuff they had. There were literally thousands of kits stacked high on the tables and some on the floor. Many of them were older kits, often out of production. Unfortunately, we couldn’t find the ones we wanted, but we did make couple small purchases – a WWII German ME-262 airplane and a sheet of decals.

After we went over the vendor’s items, it was time to look at all the models that were entered into the contest. There were over 50 categories, including ones for juniors, adults, and some over-all categories. The categories and awards covered just about everything imaginable, from military vehicles and aircraft, to science fiction and even an “unfinished model” category.

The models were all very finely built and clearly showed the many hours of work that went into their construction. Models have come a long way from when we were young and a small kit could be purchased for 50 cents and then assembled in a half an hour. These days, the paint colors and markings are extensively researched and tiny details are faithfully rendered.

One item of interest is how truly international the plastic modeling hobby has become. Kits are being manufactured in many countries that even 20 years ago had no representation at all. They are coming from Japan, Russia, the Czech Republic, and China, just to name a few. Even the kit we got came from Poland.

A whole cottage industry has sprung up making add-ons for various kits. There are conversion parts made out of epoxy resin to make an existing kit into a different version. Small companies produce photo-etched brass and stainless steel parts, usually on a credit-card-sized fret, for fine details such as airplane cockpit parts. The international flavor brings a wealth of creativity and variety to the hobby.

Along with attending the model show, we took a little road trip. It was nice because we actually had not been to Petaluma before. It gives us something new to talk about, new scenery to look at and we can usually take in some different activities along the way.

Petaluma is located in Sonoma County, about 50 miles north of the bay area, on Highway 101. It is on the edge of the Napa-area wine country. There is a lot of beautiful scenery around the town, including acre after of acre of fine vineyards.

We took the freeways going down, but chose to come back along smaller roads, at least until they connected with I-5. We can definitely recommend the smaller roads. Although they are a little curvy and slower than the freeway, you get to experience more scenery.

Party Ideas

Party ideas collected from magazines, newspapers and the internet.

Parties are a lot of fun but sometimes they can be a lot of work to plan. We try to plan ahead by saving ideas when we see them.

As we are reading magazines, newspapers or even on the internet, when we come across a party idea that we like we cut it out or make a copy and save it in our household organization binder. This binder is explained in our January 18 column and is at the blog site listed below.

The latest ideas we used was for our daughter’s birthday. We found a soup recipe in the Relish insert of the Daily News last December. Soups and stews are good choices for special occasions in winter. This one was headlined “Angel Harvest Vegetable and Potato Soup.” We did customize it by adding stew meat to it. And to make it large enough for the number of guest we were expecting we also increased the amount of vegetables and seasonings.

To go along with the soup we made homemade dinner rolls. Then instead of birthday cake we made three pies. One was orange meringue which was a recipe we found in the same Relish insert as the soup. The other two were lemon meringue and kiwi with a crumb topping.

In the past we have done parties with themes like a Hawaiian holiday. We got this idea from the June/July 2003 Taste of Home magazine. For this party we followed the recipes pretty closely.

The luau centerpiece was fruit threaded onto wooden skewers and inserted into a whole pineapple. The pineapple was placed in the center of a molded blue gelatin ring. Around the gelatin was more fruit. At each corner of the centerpiece were palm trees made out of half a bell pepper for the leaves and carrot trunk, mounted on half a potato.

The dinner included Polynesian meatballs, tropical tossed salad and rice. The drink was pineapple juice with lemon sherbet and ice cubes blinded in. The cake was in the shape of a volcano.

Some birthdays we celebrate with a dinner made up of the birthday persons favorite foods. Then the cake is a fun shape such as a giant hamburger, piano, castle, kite or train.

One idea we have not used yet is a teddy bear picnic theme. This idea came from the February/March 2000 Taste of Home magazine. They had ideas for a “sandwich bear,” “teddy carrot bars” and “beary cute cookies.” The sandwich bear is made using different size round bread and rolls, and then filled with sandwich fixings. The teddy carrot bars are topped with purchased Teddy Grahams. The cookies are round with ears added and for the face two M&M eyes and a chocolate candy kiss nose.

The teddy bear theme could be used for a baby shower or a birthday party for someone partial to bears.

We are always on the lookout for new ideas. Party ideas from our readers are welcome. Please comment below.

Yo-yo hearts

Pictured at left is a finished yo-yo heart on top of the heart pattern, at right are two more finished yo-yo hearts.

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. This year we are making yo-yo heart magnets. They are fast, easy and do not cost much to make.

In the past we have made many things out of yo-yos and have done several columns featuring items made from yo-yos. Past articles of items we have made are on our blog listed below. September 2007 featured pumpkins. April 2007 featured angels as well as a photo of other items made in the past.

Heart decorations are used a lot for Valentines and also for weddings. On the internet we have seen examples of yo-yo hearts made by others so we decided to try our hand at making some.

First we drew a heart pattern, about 6.5 by 6.5 inches. Next we looked through our existing fabric collection for those colors suited for Valentines. Then we chose several different fabrics in red and pink floral prints as well as a solid red.

Using the heart pattern we made, we cut out several dozen hearts. Then to shape the yo-yos we sewed a running stitch starting at the top of the heart and going down one side to the bottom. Next we sewed a running stitch down the other side of the heart. We left a tail of thread on both sides. Pulling the threads gathered the fabric, making the shape of a heart. The threads were tied to secure the heart shape.

When sewing the running stitch we do not fold over the edge of the fabric like a hem is done. Many directions say to do this but it makes the gathers thicker and we do not think they look as nice that way. We only fold over the edges if they will show in the finished product. For most projects something is placed over the gathers and they are not seen in the finished product.

Some directions on the internet indicated they needed to make a “secret stitch” at the center top to define the shape at the top of the heart. When gathering our yo-yo hearts the top came down by its self, not needing any other stitching.

To cover the stitching we used decorative buttons. We have a collection of old buttons saved from used garments as well as collections others have given to us over the years.

We used hot glue to hold the buttons in place. Then to finish we hot glued a magnet on the back.

For those who want to use the hearts like jewelry a closing pin clasp could be glued to the back instead of the magnet. The hearts could also be sewed directly onto clothing as embellishment.

There are websites that have patterns and directions they allow to be copied. We chose to make our own as some fuss about using their patterns for profit. We do not generally sell items we make, but sometimes give them to fundraisers to be sold. Making our own patterns just eliminates questions about how we use the things we make. We welcome any one to copy and use any ideas we have shared. If anyone makes a profit from them we will be happy for them. Having fun and sharing with others is our goal.

Learning activities

Coupons, ads, catalogs and magazines can be used as learning tools.

When our children were growing up we were always looking for fun ways to help them learn. Educational materials can be expensive to buy but there are other materials that work just as well.

Sometimes simple things like magazines, catalogs, the ad papers and coupon pages that come in the newspaper can be good learning tools. First the magazines can be used for making collages for art projects and finding recipes to make meals or snacks. When children help pick out recipes they are more likely to want to help prepare the food and more likely to eat it.

Magazines are also a good resource to use when making cards for special occasions. With Valentine’s Day coming up a card with a large “I,” a picture of a heart and a large letter “U” can say I love you. Other pictures, letters and words can be used to make other messages to give to a loved one or friend. Grandmas and moms would find a card full of flower pictures very special. We think handmade cards are more special than store bought because it shows that someone took the time and thought to make them.

The coupon pages are good for children to learn many skills. First they can learn to cut straight lines when cutting out the coupons. Second they can sort them by category such as snacks, cereals, soap, toothpaste, shampoo, lotions and so on. Then sort them by expiration date starting with the shortest to the longest, so they can practice putting things in sequence.

When making out a shopping list the children can look through the sorted coupons to find ones that match the items on the list. Next they can look through the store ads and find which items on the list are on sale, at what stores and which one has the best prices. All these activities help them learn plus they can feel they are being helpful.

For children learning their alphabet, have them cut out pictures that start with each letter. They can print out the alphabet, one letter per sheet of paper and glue the pictures that start with that letter on them. Those that are learning phonetic sounds can write those sounds on individual sheets of paper and then find pictures that start with those sounds.

Older children that are learning to spell can look for pictures that match the words on their spelling lists. Also cutting out letters and pasting them in the correct order to spell the words is a fun way to help memorize their list.

When the children are done making pages of pictures to match the alphabet, phonics sounds or spelling their words they can be sent or given to grandmas and grandpas. They always like to see what the children are doing.

All these activities are good things to do indoors on rainy days like we have been having. Our favorite is finding a recipe that requires baking. That way the house gets warmed up as well.

Household orgnization

Binder and supplies to create an organization binder.

Organization is one thing some resolve to do better on in the New Year. We are beginning a household organization binder to help us keep better organized.

The important thing is to gather household information in one place so that we do not need to go on a search every time we need a bit of info. Others may use files and some people keep this kind of thing on their computers.

Sections in the binder can be for a calendar, meal and recipe ideas, party ideas, holiday section, projects and to do lists. We use notebook paper to write ideas on and clear plastic pockets to keep clippings of recipes, pictures and other hints in. To separate the sections we use dividers with tabs that say what is in each section.

The calendar section is to keep track of birthdays, anniversaries and other dates that are special. Also notes of ideas for gifts for each occasion. Gifts purchased in advance can be listed in this section as a quick reminder of what is on hand.

The meal and recipe section can include daily meal planning as well as new recipes that we might want to try at a later date. If meals, desserts, breads, fruits or vegetables are prepared ahead and stored in the freezer, a list of what is in the freezer is good to have. That way stored food will be easy to remember and not be forgotten about. A list of canned items on hand is also nice to have.

A party idea section can include menus, decorations, games and other activities to try at a future event. We also list possible themes to use to center all the plans on for specific parties. Then under each theme is a list of food, decorations and activities we could do for each one.

The holiday section is where we keep track of things we have tried in the past with comments on how well we though they turned out as well as ideas to try for the future. Also gift ideas for friends and relatives are good to list in this section. A list of gifts purchased in advance and for who is nice to have as a reminder of what is already done. To not repeat the same type of gift a list of what was given and to whom is a good idea.

Projects and the to do list section is to help keep track of projects already under way and what steps are needed to complete them. Also new ideas of things we might want to do in the future and what items we need to have to do them. Types of projects might include home improvement ideas, gardening ideas or craft ideas.

Each section can include pictures, diagrams and any details that might help with future plans. Just jotting down thoughts and ideas ahead of time can be helpful. An event can sneak up on us but these things can give us a jump start.

Organization and preplanning not only helps with ideas but with the budget as well. If there is a plan and even some items purchased in advance it can save not only time but money. Last minute purchases tend to cost us more than when we shop at sales or can make something ourselves instead of purchasing ready made items.
Saving time and money are both things that make our lives go smoother for us.

Storm damage

Fallen oak tree took out power lines, dog run and goat barn with two goats inside.

We are hoping by the time this column is published we will have our electric back. The storm last Friday broke the top out of an oak tree next to our house that took two more limbs off the tree as it came down, all of them landing on the power lines and our dog run and goat barn.

There were two goats in the barn at the time and we thought they were goners. Everything except for part of one wall was flat under the fallen tree parts.

First we called 911 as the warnings we have heard say if we had downed power lines to call them first. They patched us through to the California Department of Forestry. The CDF person said if there was no arcing and sparking they would not come out.

So we went to take a closer look. If CDF was not concerned we decided to find out if the goats survived. By then one had made it out on its own. The other we had to remove some of the debris to find. It appeared unhurt so we got it out and put both goats in with our other goats their fenced area.

After checking all our other animals we set about hooking up our generator. We know automatically that we will be on the bottom of the repair list for Pacific Gas and Electric. It only took two days to get us placed on the repair list with no estimated time of repair in sight!

Even though we are only three to four miles from the edge of town, we might as well be 100 miles when it comes to emergency or repair services. If we can not take care of something ourselves it most likely will not be taken care of.

Equipment we have found that is essential to have ready at all times include: generator, backhoe, chainsaws and fire extinguishers. Extra supplies we keep on hand are: gasoline, diesel, flashlights, batteries, first aid kit, water and food. The only things we have run short of are fresh bread and hot showers.

Our generator is not big enough to run our stove and oven so baking is something we have to do without. We do all our cooking on top of our wood stove. It takes longer but it works. Also the hot water heater is too big for our generator to run. We have to heat all water on the wood stove.

Cleanup and repairs are still ongoing. We have cleared the access road along the power line so that when the repair crew finally arrives they can reach the power poles. The limbs directly on the dog run and goat barn will have to wait a few more days. We built another temporary dog kennel to make due until the other can be rebuilt.

Other storm damage we still have to get to is replacing shingles on our garage and carport; cleaning up broken limbs in the walnut orchard, then repair the and clean up all equipment to make it ready for next time.

We thought five days was a long time to be out of power in 1995. This time we have passed that. For all the improvements for quicker responses we hear about we sure do not see it. Even the times there are no storms to blame, response time has proven slow.

Update: Late on day six PG&E workers pieced the wires back together. There are many splices but the power is back on.

Plant stands

Plant stands: before and after views of upgrade.

A few years ago we made some simple plant stands out of two by two and one by 12 lumber. They were about 28 inches tall and 12 inches wide by 18 inches long, painted white. As plant stands they worked just fine. But recently we were looking at some internet sites that featured furniture and saw some small tables that were similar but much fancier. It seemed to us that we could rework our existing tables by adding some features and details to look about like the ones we saw on the internet.

So we went to the home building supply and got a sheet of three fourths–inch plywood that was sanded for appearance, a sheet of eighth-inch hardboard, some eight-foot pieces of one by four lumber and several lengths of plain molding. Also, we wanted the stone look so we got a few boxes of slate tiles (which happened to be on sale at the time) to install on the top of the finished stands.

We had to sand the tables on all sides first, as that was not done when they were originally put together. Some of the stock was quite rough and required substantial sanding to get to a smooth appearance.

Next we made a 20 by 14 inch base for the table out of the plywood. Around that we added the one by four lumber, and put the molding around that. The corners are all mitered so no end grain shows.

Around the top we applied two layers of the hardboard to get a scalloped look. The inside layer is raised about fourth-inch above the level of the table to make a place for the slate to be fitted later.

After all assembly was done and everything sanded and nail holes filled, we painted it a high gloss white overall, except where the slate was to be installed. The last thing was putting the slate on.

The slate tile is 11 3/4-inchs square so that left about three and one-half inches of table on either side. We decided to use some flat round rocks and bought some flat glass beads that were about one inch long and applied them with tile adhesive to the table. After grouting around the slate tile and the rocks, the table was finished.

Now it is nice enough to be an attractive end table or it can still be used as a plant stand. We have done several projects like this over the years. This way we get something that custom fits our needs.

Sometimes they seem a little difficult at first and require some figuring out, but we can usually come up with something useful and at a substantial savings over buying readymade. Once in a while we will have to buy a tool in order to be able to complete a project and that always adds to the cost. But then we are all set the next time we do a similar project.