What's New? Back in September we were adopted by a cat. We've written about her a couple of times and in return we've gotten some good stories and tips from many of you. We love hearing your stories and words of encouragement, especially since this is the first cat we've ever owned.
Kitty Kitty (our own original name) has really been earning her keep. While she spends a great deal of time sleeping the day away she has managed to bring us 18 mice! She's actually brought us more than that but we don't count the ones that get way. She brings them to our door and many times they are still alive.
She gets so excited to share the experience with us that she starts watching us instead of the task at hand. She'll drop them while looking at us and the mouse will run away. Now if only we can teach her to hunt moles!
If you have a cat story you'd like to share with us or have any suggestions for new cat owners we'd love to hear from you. Just send an email to kenandmarilyn at runnerduck.com.
DigiTalk
How many times has this happened to you? You get an email from some company that really looks legitimate and it has some links to their web site or an attached file. You didn't ask for or subscribe to this company but the content of the newsletter really sounds interesting. What do you do? Do you start clicking on the links? Do you open up the attachment? Do you trash and delete the email? Maybe all of the above but FIRST you need to find out if it's legitimate or not.
There are a number of ways to do this. The first thing I do is go to my home page, www.runnerduck.com, and click on the HoaxBusters link about one page down on the right hand side. At their web page you will see Hoax Categories. Click on it and you will be taken to a page that has a whole list of different types of scam's and hoaxes.
Find the category that most closely matches your email to see if it's real or not. If it's there then you know it's a hoax and you should dump it. If it's not there than the next thing I do is go to Google and type in the subject of the email or the link they want you to click on. If it comes up without any bad news then I'd say it's OK to go for it.
There's a lot of bad stuff coming in through email and you can never be too cautious. Take the extra few minutes to check things out before you act. Also use this same process to check an email that someone wants you to pass on about the two headed kid in Borneo needing money for a headectomy :-)
SITE OF THE MONTH
We are fascinated by history and stories of years gone by. It's always fun to hear how it was years ago first hand. Unfortunately many of the people with the stories have passed on. The good news is that they left writings that describe in great detail how things really were.
This month we've been spending time at www.eyewitnesstohistory.com. It's a wonderful site with stories from the ancient world all the way up to the 20th century. There are great first hand accounts of just about anything you can imagine. It's "history through the eyes of those who lived it".
This would be a great site for anyone who has to do a report on some history subject. It's just a wonderful resource. If you like history you're going to love this site.
MARILYN'S CORNER
Kite Refrigerator Picture Magnet
Spring is almost here and it's time to add a little spring color to your refrigerator door. This simple project will show you a creative way to add another picture to the collection on your refrigerator.
Here's what you'll need:
- A large flat magnet, the kind that come with advertising all over them.
- Felt
- Rick rack, several colors
- 1/4" Ribbon
- A picture
- Scissors
- Tacky Glue
Cut the magnet into the shape of a kite.
Cut out a piece of felt to cover the kite. This will hide the advertising.
Glue the felt onto the magnet.
Cut and glue rick rack to make a border around the picture.
Cut out a picture and glue it to the felt.
Cut a piece of ribbon for the kite tail.
Cut bows from felt and glue onto the kite tail.
Glue the tail to the kite and you're ready to display you art!
We hope you enjoy Marilyn's Corner and look forward to all the fun things she brings you each week. If you have a fun project that would be suitable for our newsletter we'd love to share it with our readers. Just contact marilyn@runnerduck.com and we'll do the rest.
Remember we have all of our past projects archived on our web site at www.runnerduck.com. Just click on the Projects or Kids Only Eggs.
Kids Stuff
Get free shipping on thousands of select items from the hottest brands, including V Smile, Barbie, Fisher-Price, Hot Wheels, Matchbox, Bratz, Disney Princess, and much more in our Today's Deals Store.
The Tempos
News and CD of the Week
NEWS FLASH! If you haven't done so yet check out The Tempos music from their "Swing Set" CD on line! That's right, you can listen to The Tempos anytime just by going to their web site.
The music files are MP3's and some are as large as 9 MEG but we think they are well worth the download. If you like traditional old swing music then you will probably enjoy our CD. Just go to www.runnerduck.com/tempos_cd.htm and click on any song title.
Here's another musician joke from our friend Jeff F. in Texas. At least food for thought.
If (% of Americans who like jazz) = (% of Americans who like chain saw sculptures), what is America's most important indigenous art form?
If a bassist plays a root, a pianist superimposes a major seventh chord built on the fifth, and a saxophonist plays the 13th, will attractive women notice? Will the drummer?
If a trumpet player counts off a tune in 4/4 at mm = 180, and the drummer slows it down at a constant rate of deceleration over 8 measures to mm = 150, does the pianist still suck?
The Tempos big swing band is available for hire. If you have a special event that could use the wonderful music of a classic sixteen piece big band be sure to contact thetempos@runnerduck.com. We perform all over the Seattle area for all sorts of events.
Album Pick of the Week
"Sermon" [ORIGINAL RECORDING REMASTERED]
Jimmy Smith
One of my all time favorite jazz musicians passed away this month. Jimmy Smith is the greatest master of the Hammond B3 organ that has ever lived. I remember first hearing him in the late 50's and was blown away. Over the years he never lost that magic touch to bring the B3 to life. Most jazz organists today grew up with the influence from Jimmy but none could ever replicate that sometimes driving and sometimes soothing sound.
Jimmy Smith will be greatly missed but fortunately his music will live on.
The featured CD this month is one of his all time greatest albums. It was released originally in 1958 and is as fresh today as it was then. He was a prolific recorder and made many great albums but this is truly one of his best.
CLICK!
Be sure and visit the
RunnerDuck Music Store for great savings on just about anything.
JOKE OF THE MONTH
Remember we now have a Joke of the Month but we have posted a bunch more on our web site. February was a really slow joke month so there aren't as many as usual. Just go to www.runnerduck.com/mar05_jokes.htm and have fun!
If you have a joke we'd love to hear it and share it. Just sent it to kenandmarilyn at runnerduck.com.
This joke was sent to us by Ken's cousin Cindy. In some cases it's more reality than joke!
To those of us who have children in our lives, whether they are our own, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, or students...here is something to make you chuckle. Whenever your children are out of control, you can take comfort from the thought that even God's omnipotence did not extend to His own children. After creating heaven and earth, God created Adam and Eve. And the first thing he said was "DON'T!"
"Don't what?" Adam replied.
"Don't eat the forbidden fruit." God said.
"Forbidden fruit? We have forbidden fruit? Hey Eve..we have forbidden fruit!!!!!"
"No Way!"
"Yes way!"
"Do NOT eat the fruit!" said God.
"Why"
"Because I am your Father and I said so!" God replied, wondering why He hadn't stopped creation after making the elephants. A few minutes later, God saw His children having an apple break and He was angry!! "Didn't I tell you not to eat the fruit?" God asked.
"Uh huh," Adam replied.
"Then why did you?" said the Father.
"I don't know," said Eve.
"She started it!" Adam said
"Did not!"
"Did too!"
"DID NOT!"
Having had it with the two of them, God's punishment was that Adam and Eve should have children of their own. Thus the pattern was set and it has never changed.
BUT THERE IS REASSURANCE IN THE STORY!
If you have persistently and lovingly tried to give children wisdom and they haven't taken it, don't be hard on yourself. If God had trouble raising children, what makes you think it would be a piece of cake for you?
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT!
1. You spend the first two years of their life teaching them to walk and talk. Then you spend the next sixteen telling them to sit down and shut up.
2. Grandchildren are God's reward for not killing your own children.
3. Mothers of teens now know why some animals eat their young.
4. Children seldom misquote you. In fact, they usually repeat word for word what you shouldn't have said.
5. The main purpose of holding children's parties is to remind yourself that there are children more awful than your own.
6. We child proofed our homes, but they are still getting in.
ADVICE FOR THE DAY:
Be nice to your kids. They will choose your nursing home one day.
AND FINALLY:
If you have a lot of tension and you get a headache, do what it says on the aspirin bottle:
"Take two aspirin" and "Keep away from children"!
The RunnerDuck web site is hosted by
If you are looking for a great web hosting service with fantastic support check out www.fastwirenetwork.com. If you mention that you heard about them from RunnerDuck you will get a "Duck Deal". Just ask about your Duck Deal when you sign up.
CONSERVATION TIP
This is more of a tip for the people of Western Washington but it certainly can apply to anyone anywhere that water shortages are a problem. As we mentioned earlier we have no snow pack in the Cascade Mountains which is a major source of water during our summer months.
It's almost a given that there will be water restrictions this summer. That means that people will not be allowed to water their plants and yards. Since we are just coming into the spring planting season it's a good time to rethink your planting plans.
When selecting your plants this year look for drought resistant ones. Your local nursery should have a pretty good list of plants that are available. Pay particular attention to where you plant them by following the directions from your nursery, some plants like sun while others need shade.
After your plants are in the ground put a good layer of mulch and compost all around them. This will help the soil retain moisture and reduce the need for watering by up to four additional days.
If you have a conservation tip please send it to conservation@runnerduck.com and we'll post it in our newsletter.
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THIS WEEK'S FREE RECIPE
Diabetic Raisin Cookies
This recipe came from Ken's mom's old recipe box and was given to her by Hazel Pommer, God rest their soles. A lot of things have changed in the world of ingredients over the years regarding Diabetes so be sure to check all the ingredients and how they might affect you before making these really yummy cookies.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 Cup Water
- 1/3 Cup Salad Oil
- 2 Cups Seedless Raisins
- 3/4 teaspoons Cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg
- 2 Cups Flour
- 2 Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Soda
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 2 teaspoons Liquid Sweetener or other substitute
- 2 Tablespoons Water
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1/3 Cup Walnuts if desired
Combine 1 1/4 Cup Water, Salad Oil, Raisins, Cinnamon and Nutmeg.
Boil together for 3 minutes.
Let cool.
Beat the Eggs and add Salt, Soda and Sweetener which have been dissolved in 2 Tablespoons of Water.
Stir into the Raisin mixture.
Add Chopped Nuts, if desired.
Drop by teaspoon on a greased cookie sheet.
Bake 10 minutes at 375 degrees F.
Makes 5 dozen cookies.
Ken's mom wrote, "I keep mine frozen and defrost a few at a time". Give them a try we think you'll like them.
Remember, if you have a recipe you'd like to share please send it to marilyn at runnerduck.com. We'd be happy to post your favorite recipe on our Kitchen site or in our newsletter and give you credit.
Every month we post a new recipe on our web page. Be sure and check out the New March recipe at the RunnerDuck Kitchen Store.
COOKBOOK
SUGGESTION OF THE MONTH
"Desserts for Diabetics:
Over 200 Recipes for Delicious Traditional
Desserts Adapted for Diabetic Diets"
by Mabel Cavaiani, Anne Blocker, Anne Kriener Blocker
(CLICK)
To compliment this month's recipe we found this really good cookbook for desserts that diabetics can eat. It has received many rave reviews and we think that if you like sweets but can't eat the traditional ones, this is the cookbook for you.
Miss Margaret from Southern Virginia wrote the following review of this cookbook. "I've owned a copy of this book for 2 years, and it is not an exaggeration to say I consult it at least once a week.
The recipes produce sumptuous goodies, not one of which has that peculiar "diet" flavor, so often found in homemade diabetic desserts. These desserts are sweetened with a variety of sweeteners including aspartame, acesulfame-K, saccharin, brown sugar substitute, regular sugar and brown sugar; used both alone and in combination.
Many old favorites are found within the covers of this unassuming book, including a genuine Plain Yellow Cake, which is easier than some diabetic mixes. Fudgy Brownies, tangy Lemon Bars, Rich Sour Cream and Raisin Pie, and my personal favorite, Monster Cookies, are all provided in an easy to follow format, which always produces the results you expect.
These recipes simply don't fail. Each recipe contains exchange information, and most include variations to reduce the cholesterol and sodium as well.
Several recipes include whole grains, like whole wheat flour or oatmeal. Most can be prepared simply with the items already found in the cupboard, adding built in convenience. Best of all, almost all of the goodies are reduced in fat, and all include a calorie count.
WOOD PROJECT PLANS
DOWNLOADABLE & MAIL-DIRECT
WOODWORKING PLANS
Download WOOD Store® woodworking plans directly to your computer and start building in just minutes! OR, we'll mail them to you, your choice!
CLICK!
PROJECTS
Sandpaper Storage Cabinet
As you can see in the picture above I had a real problem with storing my sandpaper. I would just pile it up in the cabinet and every time I wanted a particular grit I would dig through the pile. I finally got tired of this and did something about it. I designed and made this handy little storage box. There is now a place for each different grit as well as storage for different shapes of sandpaper and sanding belts.
Here's a picture of my solution.
Here's a list of materials you'll need to buy.
3/16" X 4' X 4' plywood
1/2" X 4' X 2 1/2' plywood
3/4" X 12" X 13" plywood
Glue
Finish nails
Cut out the following pieces:
| 3/16" Plywood |
|
| Name |
Dimension |
| (3) Top left shelves |
4 1/4" X 11 7/16" |
| (7) Left big shelves |
9 3/4" X 11 7/16" |
| (4) Right shelves |
5" X 11 7/16" |
| (1) Back |
15" X 12 1/2" |
| 1/2" Plywood |
|
| Name |
Dimension |
| Left and right |
12 5/8" X 13" |
| Top and bottom |
15 1/2" X 11 5/8" |
| Top left divider |
4 11/16" X 11 7/16" |
| Left horizontal |
9 3/4" X 11 7/16" |
| 3/4" Plywood |
|
| Name |
Dimension |
| Right vertical |
12 1/2" X 11 7/16" |
I'm really excited because I got some new software that will make the exploded pictures of my projects much clearer. He's a tiny picture of this weeks project exploded. I know you can't read it but on our web site it is blown up to where you can print it on an 8 1/2" X 11" piece of paper and have it quite legible for use in your shop.
Next you will need to cut a bunch of dado's for everything to go together. When you are done your sandpaper storage cabinet should look something like this.
For the complete instructions go to www.runnerduck.com/sand.htm.
We hope you liked this project. If you build it and your friends ask where you got such a clever idea, please tell them that you got it at RunnerDuck.com.
If you have a project that you would like to share please send us an email and we'll help get it published in the RunnerDuck review. We are looking for woodworking, gardening, crafts and kids projects so send us your thoughts at projects@runnerduck.com.
If you want to talk about something just drop us a line at duckmaster@runnerduck.com any time, we like to talk about most anything. We are always looking for content for our newsletter so if you have something to add we'd love to publish it. Assuming it meets our strict family oriented requirements!
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duckmaster@runnerduck.com
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