What's New This Week? Look out everybody there is a new Bloomquist in town. That's right, Ken's brother Ron is a proud grandpa for the third time within a year. It's not as bad as it sounds because he has three kids. His number one son Ross, mother Kerry and baby Kian are doing fine but we're never sure about grandpa :-) The baby boy, Kian, was born on Wednesday the 13th and weighed 9 pounds 9 ounces.
The really good news is that Ron is driving up to Seattle in his Subaru powered Volkswagen bus and we'll get to see him briefly. It will take him about 14 hours to drive up from the California coast and 14 hours back. All for about a 48 hour visit but it's worth it to see the new grandbaby.
DigiTalk
We have several thousand 35mm slides from Ken's dad that have been sitting
in boxes for years. Some of them are really nice photographs others are just
snap shots. We're concerned about the collection because we've noticed some
deterioration and even a tiny bit of mold growing on some of them. We've
been wanting to get them put on CD's but the scanners are so expensive. We
just bought an inexpensive scanner on sale from Costco. It normally sells
for $150 but they have it for $99 but only through this weekend.
We don't have much time on it yet but it appears to work pretty good. I
would not say that they are magazine or poster quality but they are good
enough to print up to 8" X 10". Don't expect 35mm print quality but not bad
for the price. If you want to read more about the scanner and see what
people have said about it just type in 1800u in a search engine like Google
and search away.
Here's a slide that we scanned at the highest resolution, 1800 X 1800.
We've compressed it here to help your download speed but you can check out
the actual picture at www.runnerduck.com/images/scanned_35mm.jpg. We actually reduced this one a little bit too. It's only 775K instead of 15meg. Of course you have to decide for yourself what level of quality is acceptable for you but for our
archiving I think it will do just fine.
SITE OF THE WEEK
My brother Ron and I always loved to make airplanes as kids. Model airplanes, an airplane swing, airplane bicycles and paper airplanes. I wish there were computers and this web site around back then.
Bev, one of our regular readers, sent us this web site for making the "the best paper airplane in the world". We haven't actually made one yet but the instructions are wonderful and it looks like it will really go. This site also has a links page that will take you to a ton of other paper airplane sites. If you ever wanted to make a better paper airplane just go to www.zurqui.com/crinfocus/paper/airplane.html
Thanks a bunch Bev for pointing us to such a great site. If you have a favorite site please send it to us so we may share it with the rest of our readers. Send it to duckmaster@runnerduck.com.
MARILYN'S CORNER
Indoor Trellis
Here's a nice looking trellis that you can use indoors or outdoors. It's one of those projects who's appearance will change depending on the sticks you collect for it. Let your imagination run wild and have fun.
Here is a list of the things you will need.
- Small twigs about 1/4" in diameter and about 3 feet long.
- Twine. I used waxed heavy thread and it worked great.
- Pruning sheers
Be sure to have your parents help you with the cutting so you don't cut yourself!
First, lay out your twigs on the floor to get an idea of what your trellis will look like.
Start by tying the pieces together at the base and working your way up. Don't cut the pieces to length until everything is tied in place. You'll find that you need to move things around a little bit as your design progresses.
Tie a good strong knot at every place where the twigs cross each other.
Trim it to your final shape and you're ready to put it in a pot.
To make a bigger one for out doors just do the same thing only use bigger sticks and heavier twine.
These are always a nice gift to make for your parents. They'll be surprised at your creativity.
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.
FAST LANE TOYS
I keep bugging Marilyn to get me a remote control car or boat or airplane but it never seems to work out. Maybe I need to send her to the Fast Lane web page.
The Fast Lane Story; Fast Lane is a Toys "R" Us exclusive brand featuring an extensive line of "Ready to Run" remote control vehicles, as well as a wide selection of play sets and die-cast trucks. These officially licensed toys come with everything needed for loads of charged up fun. Perfect for collectors and kids to take home, charge up, and play with in the Fast Lane!
Click Here
The Tempos
News and CD of the Week
The Tempos played for the wedding fair at Country Village last Wednesday and it was a lot of fun. The main reason we did it was to try and drum up business. We hope that a few people found us to be just what they were looking for. If you have a wedding reception in the Greater Seattle area that needs a great band check out the Tempos.
You can check out our summer schedule at the Tempos web site www.thetempos.com/jobs.htm. If you are making plans to visit Seattle this summer try to fit in one of our fun concerts.
Don't forget that The Tempos big swing band is available for hire. If you have a special event that could use the wonderful music of a classic big band be sure to contact thetempos@runnerduck.com.
After a marathon secession at the computer our Grammy® Shopping web site is done! If you are looking for any of the Grammy award winners this is the best place to fine them. We have every winner in every category linked directly to the CD. We think you'll find the prices great and all the winners listed.
Just click on the banner below to see the 2003 Grammy® winners.
Click Here
CONSERVATION TIP
It's time to start getting your lawn ready for summer. If you do a little preparation now it will keep your grass greener and use less water later on in the summer when water restrictions go into effect.
This is a perfect time to thatch and aerate your lawn. This will help the water get to the roots easier and help prevent run off. Some people like to spread sand over their yard after aerating to make pours in the soil and again help the water get to the roots. You'll find that you need less water later on during the summer months.
If you have a conservation tip please send it to conservation@runnerduck.com
and we'll post it in our newsletter.
Questions and Answers
Welcome to our new Q&A center.
Got questions? We've got answers.
Got answers? We've got questions.
Ken asked:
Q: I've been pining for a wood lathe and looking at all the different ones that are available. I don't plan on doing heavy duty stuff but would like to get a good versatile one.
A: Mike from Great Brittan wrote; If you are buying a lathe you must consider the maximum size of work you would wish to do. I bought a Record lathe with a 24" spindle capacity but it only has a maximum 9" bowl capacity. I have seen some brilliant clock mechanisms I would like to use but they require a minimum 10" bowl facility. Oh for that extra 1".
Basically with a large lathe you can turn out miniature work quite easily. But with a small lathe you cannot turn out large work.
JOKE OF THE WEEK
These are actual requests submitted to Park Rangers.
A small deer came into my camp and stole my bag of pickles. Is there a way I can get reimbursed?
Ban walking sticks in wilderness. Hikers that use walking sticks are more likely to chase animals.
Too many bugs and leeches and spiders and spider webs. Please spray the wilderness to rid the area of these pests.
Chairlifts need to be in some places so that we can get to wonderful views without having to hike to them.
The coyotes made too much noise last night and kept me awake. Please eradicate these annoying animals.
Need more signs to keep area pristine.
The places where trails do not exist are not well marked. Trails need to be reconstructed.
Please avoid building trails that go uphill.
A McDonald's would be nice at the trailhead.
It kind of makes me wonder what these people are doing out in our wilderness areas!
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THIS WEEK'S FREE RECIPE
Best Rolls
The title says it all! This recipe came from Marilyn's grandmother many years ago. Thanks Grandma Marble, we're sure everyone will like it.
- 1 1/2 Cup Scalded Milk
- 1/4 Cup Oil
- 1/4 Cup Sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Salt
- 2 Packages of Yeast
- 1/2 Cup Water
- 2 Beaten Eggs
- 6 1/2 Cups Sifted Flour
Mix all ingredients together.
Let rise for 2 hours or until it doubles.
Roll out and make into balls.
Let rise 1 hour.
Bake at 375 degrees F.
If these aren't the best rolls ever we'd love to see your recipe. We think Grandma Marble had a real winner here.
Remember, if you have a recipe you'd like to share please send it to marilyn@runnerduck.com.
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.
We'd be happy to post your favorite recipe there or in our newsletter and give you credit. Just drop a line to marilyn@runnerduck.com.
A GREAT DEAL FOR RunnerDuck SUBSCRIBERS
Have you ever wondered what the best and most popular cooking items are? Well, in the spirit of the Academy Awards, Cooking.com took a tally of their best sellers to see which items you, our guests, chose as number one. And the winners are ...
Click Here for the Winners!
While you are there be sure to check out Cooking.com's St. Patrick's Day Collection.
COOKBOOK
SUGGESTION OF THE WEEK
(click)
"The Bread Baker's Apprentice: Mastering the Art of Extraordinary Bread"
by Peter Reinhart
While Grandma Marble's recipe above is really good it does not make you a master bread maker. If you love to make great bread or would like to learn how to this cookbook is for you.
One reviewer of this book wrote; "This is the definitive bread book. It will make a bread baker out of one who was never successful at baking bread before. The reason for this is simple.
Before providing his readers with a nice sampling of recipes for various kinds of bread, the author takes the time to explain in great detail the art of bread baking. This includes such often overlooked things as what each of the ingredients does, what chemical reactions take place, and what impedes the process of ending up with a successful product. Once the book is read and the recipes tried, there is no reason someone can't take any bread recipe and modify it to be a tasty and delicious treat."
Be sure and visit the
RunnerDuck Cookbook Store for other great savings on cookbooks and cooking supplies.
PROJECTS
Trellis For A Wine Barrel
It's getting close to spring and time to start planting all those beautiful annuals. We love sweet peas and clematis and this trellis will show them off in grand style.
We made our trellis really tall. You can adjust all the dimensions down if you want a shorter trellis.
Here's a list of what you'll need;
- (5) 8' 2" X 2"s. These can be cedar or any wood of your choice.
- (2) 2' X 6' welded wire garden fencing with approximately 2" X 4" holes.
- 1/2 an oak barrel.
- Ground contact preservative.
- (4) 2 1/2" X # 10 deck screws.
- (1) 1 1/4" X #6 deck screws.
- (4) "L" Brackets 2" X 2" and screws
Cut (4) 2" X 2"s 7' long.
Cut (2) 2" X 2"s 28" long.
Cut (2) pieces of welded wire garden fencing 21" X 5' 3". Remove all sharp burrs form the cut wires.
Drill 1/2" holes for drains randomly all over the bottom.
Paint the inside of the barrel with a ground contact preservative. We recommend using an environmental friendly product that will not leach into the soil. You may want to grow vegetables in this barrel someday.
Coat the ends of the (4) 2" X 2" that will be sticking into the soil.
In the center of the (2) 28" 2" X 2"s cut a notch half way through each so that they will interlock with each other.
Screw the 2 pieces together using a 1 1/4" deck screw.
Mount the "L" brackets flush to the ends of poles.
Fold the 2 pieces of fencing 90 degrees on the 5' 3" length.
Staple or nail them to the 2" X 2"s about 3" down from the top. Make sure that the "L" brackets point to the middle.
Center the cross member on top of the barrel and mark the location for the 2" X 2" to attach. We used a scrap piece of square lumber placed on the bottom of the barrel.
Screw the cross member to the top of the poles. This is a lot easier done with two people than by yourself.
Place the trellis into the barrel and screw the "L" brackets to the bottom.
Put in a layer of rocks to help with the draining. Fill it up with top soil, plant your seeds or seedlings and you are ready to go.
Here are a couple of tips for your wine barrel. Keep the barrel damp to prevent shrinking and falling apart. If the steel bands are not held in place put a nail on each side underneath the band to keep it from falling down should the barrel shrink.
The nice thing about this project is that from this point on it will only look better and better as the flowers grow and bloom.
If you have a project that you would like to share please drop us a line 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
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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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