July 25, 2003

RunnerDuck Home

WELCOME BACK:   Well it happened while last weeks newsletter was going out. We became grandparents for the second time. Ken's daughter had a baby boy Friday morning at 1:00 AM. His name is Hudson Conrad Brown, weighed 7 pounds 4 ounces and is 20 1/2 inches long. From that size you wouldn't know that he was three weeks early. Mother, baby, husband Matt and two and a half year old brother Camden are all doing just fine. Camden is adjusting and handling the new addition very well. Their dog Samson is a different story. While he isn't showing much interest he knows that he's another notch down on the totem pole.


Hudson Conrad Brown

We spent another working weekend up at Sandy Point. We took a picture at Sandy Point that we felt was noteworthy.


The picture was take from the end of our canal looking east up the next canal toward Mt. Baker. During this trip we wanted to get our dock rebuilt to the point where we could tie our boat up to it. As you can see it was in pretty bad shape.

Ken's busted up shoulder doesn't swing a hammer very well any more and busting out those old rotted boards was really tough. We moved the boards that tie the dock to the pilings to center the dock a little more and take advantage of the better piling that is there. For some reason the previous owners were using a crippled old piling for one end of the dock.

While it doesn't look all that impressive yet, after two days of hard labor our boat is now tied to our dock and looking good.


We still have a lot of boards to replace and we are going to put an addition on to widen the dock. It's a lot more work ahead but in the end it will be very nice. The other thing we don't have yet is a ramp so in order to get to our boat we have to dingy over. That works OK for now but when our new ramp is complete and installed it will be much better.

We are currently in discussions with several crafters to sell their art pieces on our web site. Stay tuned for further updates as we finalize things. If you are a crafter who would like to sell their creations through our web site please drop us a line and we'll see what we can do. We currently only have one persons crafts on display, Ron Godin, but would love to add more. Check it out at www.runnerduck.com/craft.htm.
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Thank you,
Ken and Marilyn

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What's New This Week? Did we mention that we have a new grandson? Oh yeah, well you know how us new grandparents are :-)

This weekend is the fly-in at the McAllister Air Museum in Yakima, Washington. Ken's band, The Tempos will be performing in the evening for everyone there. It will be an old style USO event fashioned after the USO tours of WWII. It should be a lot of fun playing for all the fine folks from the air show. It will also be a lot of fun to look at all the cool aircraft that will be there. We don't fly but it's always fun to look at antique airplanes that have been immaculately restored. If you are in the Yakima area this weekend be sure to check it out. If you get by the dance on Saturday night stop by and say hi to the drummer, that's Ken.


DigiTalk

      It seems like the world is getting more paranoid and people are doing a lot more to protect themselves. We have burglar alarms for our homes, burglar alarms for our cars and tiny video cameras to keep an eye on things. We set timers to turn our lights off and on so it looks like we're home when we're not. We have our doors double locked and dead bolted. It's a far cry from where I (Ken) grew up in Nebraska. There we left our doors unlocked so if the neighbor needed to borrow a cup of sugar they could help themselves. Of course they would return the sugar the same way!
The reason I mention this is for all of our paranoid readers that are very concerned about their security while they are gone away from their home. You go through all these security gyrations and then set up your email client to send out an automatic response telling the world that you will be gone until the third Tuesday of next week. Not just your friends but any spammer or anybody else that sends you an email gets a reply that you are gone. This potentially could invite some not so nice people to your home. If you are concerned about your security while you are gone you may want to change your auto email responder to something like, "Our computer is off right now but we'll get back to you as soon as we can." Do the same thing with your answering machine. Leave a message like, "We're away from the phone right now but will call you back at our next opportunity." That's a lot better than, "We're out of the house for the next month so stop by and take anything you want!"

SITE OF THE WEEK

     Here is another fun site that Dave sent us. TerraServer-USA is a site where you can see a picture of your home from space. Unless you have a really big home it's hard to see much detail but you can generally see your property. All you do is type in your address or a place and you'll get an overall view of the area. From there you can zoom in several times to get a closer view. It's really fun to check out different places. You can see where our place at Sandy Point is by typing Sandy Point in Place and Washington in State.
From the main page click on Advanced Find and then either Address or Place. Enter your address or place and enjoy the view. Another fun thing to check out is their Famous Places. It's pretty amazing how much you can really see from space. Just go to http://terraserver-usa.com/default.aspx


MARILYN'S CORNER

Fishing Pole Gear Grabber

     It's that time of year when you take a trip to the ol' fishing hole and drop your line in the water. It doesn't matter if you catch anything because it's just so great to be out doors. If you should catch something that's the bonus. One thing that's no fun when fishing is having your gear all tangled up. This weeks project will help solve that problem.


Here's what you'll need:
  • Nylon Rip Stop material
  • 1/2" Velcro
  • Thread
  • Pinking scissors
Cut the material into a rectangle large enough to enclose your fishing gear. I cut ours to 5 1/2" X 8 1/4".
Fold the edges over 1/2".
Cut the Velcro so the hook side will go around the outside to within 1/2" of the center.
Cut the other half, fuzzy side of the Velcro, so it fits the same way.
Sew the Velcro and folded over nylon with stitching around the outside and inside of the Velcro strip.

That's all there is to it. Now place your gear into the pouch.


Fold the pouch around the pole with the fishing gear inside.

Now go fishing and have a great time.

     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.


Fishing Combo

      Now that you made your Fishing Pole Gear Grabber you need a fishing pole. This great little combo set is just right for that little fisherman in your family. It includes a 4' 6" telescopic rod with spin reel tackle box and tackle assortment.
Just click on the link below.


Click Here

The Tempos
News and CD of the Week

The fires are out around the Yakima, WA area and the big air show is on. This is your last reminder about the upcoming performance of The Tempos on July 26th. It will be at the McAllister Museum of Flight. Their web site has some great information about the museum including a picture of Charlie McAllister's pilot license signed by Orville Wright, mcallistermuseum.org/index.htm. The dance is from 7:30PM-11:00PM. The band is the famous Seattle group, the "Tempos", a 17 piece pro swing band that has been performing in the Seattle area for over 30 years, playing mainly Glenn Miller style music. There will also be a silent and live auction with Bob Clem as master of ceremonies and auctioneer. Heavy hors d'oeuvres will be provided and adult beverages will be available. Only a limited number of tickets will be sold. This event is primarily a fundraiser for McAllister's. The price of the tickets are $40.00 each and only 200 are planned to be sold. Contact McAllister Museum for tickets. (509)457-4933.

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 free 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.

      This is really getting sad but we lost another wonderful entertainer this past week. Celia Cruz, the Queen of Salsa, passed away at the age of 77. She has been credited with bringing the hot Latin salsa sound to the United States. She recorded over 70 albums and received several Grammy's. Just like all the others she'll be missed but her music will live on.
This week we recommend one of her best CD's, Collection De Oro. It will give you a real taste of her hot salsa music.


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Remember, we have a link on our web site, www.runnerduck.com, to our ever popular Grammy® Shopper site. If you haven't been there yet just click HERE to see all the 2003 Grammy® winners complete with links to purchase any one of them.



JOKE OF THE WEEK

This weeks Joke comes form JoAnne.

A drunken cowboy lay sprawled across three entire seats in the posh Amarillo Theater. When the usher came by and noticed this, he whispered to the cowboy, "Sorry, sir, but you're only allowed one seat."

The cowboy groaned but didn't budge.

The usher became more impatient: "Sir, if you don't get up from here I'm going to have to call the manager."

Once again, the cowboy just groaned.

The usher marched briskly back up the aisle, and in a moment he returned with the manager. Together the two of them tried repeatedly to move the Cowboy, but with no success.

Finally, they summoned the police. The Texas Ranger surveyed the situation briefly then asked, "All right buddy, what's your name?"

"Sam," the cowboy moaned.

"Where ya from, Sam?" asked the Ranger.

With pain in his voice Sam replied, "The balcony..."


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CONSERVATION TIP

      Lighten up! Millions of Americans are heading for the open roads in the RV's to enjoy the summer weather. Before you leave home give a little thought to how you pack. The more weight you carry the more fuel you'll burn. While small things don't weigh much when you put them all together they can add up to quite a bit. We read an article that the average camper loads 2,300 pounds of stuff into their camper before they leave. We're not sure what size of camper they are talking about but that's a bunch. It includes things like water, food, clothes, chairs, BBQ, etc. Just give a little thought to what you are packing. If you are going to the desert then you probably don't need a parka or wool sox. Do you really change clothes three times a day? Lighten your load and you just might be surprised at the savings not only in fuel but in wear and tear on your rig.

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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The offer ends on 8/7/2003, so don't miss out on this great deal...it will NOT be available on the marketplace OR directly on the Cooking.com site!


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   THIS WEEK'S FREE RECIPE

Berry Syrups
      The berries are ripe on the vine and time to pick them and make some great tasting syrups for ice cream, pancakes or flavoring for smoothies.

Blackberry Syrup

  • 1 1/2 Cups Prepared Blackberry Juice
  • 1 3/4 Cups Sugar or 1 1/2 Cups Sugar and 1/4 Cup Corn Syrup
Extract 1 1/2 cups of juice from Blackberries
Add sugar and bring to a rolling boil for 1 minute.
Pour into hot sterilized jars, adjust lids.
Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

Raspberry Syrup

  • 2 Quarts Raspberries
  • 4 Cups Sugar
  • 3/4 Cups Cold Water
Mash the Raspberries.
Add Sugar, cover and let stand overnight.
Add Water and bring to a rolling boil for 20 minutes.
Strain.
Bring to a boil again.
Pour into hot sterilized jars, adjust lids.
Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

Pour these syrups over your favorite dishes and enjoy.

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 July 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.


COOKBOOK
SUGGESTION OF THE WEEK

"The Farmer's Wife Guide to Fabulous Fruits and Berries" by Barbara Hartsock Doyen


(CLICK)

If you are just getting into growing your own fruit and canning it then this is the book for you. Use this book to grow your own fruits and berries, and you'll discover the joys of tree-ripened peaches and vine-ripened cantaloupe just bursting with farm-fresh flavor. Suitable for both beginners and experts, it's the perfect resource for anyone engaged in America's #1 hobby, gardening. Not only do you learn how to grow your own fabulous fruits and berries, The Farmer's Wife will tell you what to do with all the produce you harvest!

Be sure and visit the RunnerDuck Cookbook Store for other great savings on cookbooks and cooking supplies.


PROJECTS

Folding Table


     Marilyn thought it would be nice to have a little folding table for when we are camping. A place to sit our frosty mochas when we wind down from the days activities. Not only did the table need to fold up but it also need to be light. I think this simple design accomplished both.

Here's what you'll need:

  • 1/2" X 4" X 24" Poplar (true 1/2" thick)
  • 1/2" X 6" X 72" Poplar (true 1/2" thick)
  • 1/4" X 6" X 36" Poplar (true 1/4" thick)
  • 1" Dowel 12 1/4" long
  • 3/16" Dowel 6" long
  • (2) 1/4" 20 X 1 1/2" Carriage head bolt
  • (2) 1/4" 20 X 2" Carriage head bolt
  • (6) 1/4" flat washers
  • (6) 1/4" 20 Ny-Lock nuts
Here are the dimensions and larger pictures of this project. Just click on the picture below.
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I used Poplar on this project to keep the weight down. You can use any type of wood you like. We also made ours out of 1/2" and 1/4" wood again for weight. You could use 3/4" and 1/2" to make it a little more stable.
Cut four legs 2" X 28".
Drill a 1" hole in the center of each leg. I double back taped two legs together to help with alignment.

Leave the legs taped together and cut a full radius on each end.

On one set of legs drill a 1/4" hole centered on the radius for one end. Counter sink a 3/8" hole for the head of the Carriage bolt.
On the other set of legs cut a notch using this pattern.

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It's easiest if you drill a 3/4" hole and then cut the slot.
Cut two table supports 1 1/2" X 27" X 1/2".
Drill a 1/4" hole in each end. On one end of each piece drill the hole 1" in and 3/4" down. On the other end drill the holes 1" down and 1" in.
Cut six top pieces 2 1/2" X 12" X 1/4". Depending on the exact length of our piece of wood you may have to adjust the length of the top pieces to account for the saw cut width.
Lay out the top pieces with a 1/4" space between each piece. Align and glue the table supports centered 1 1/4" in from the edges with the offset hole farthest away from the top.

Cut the 1" dowel 1 1/4" long.
Cut four 3/16" dowel pieces 1 1/2" long.
Assemble the non notched legs to the table support on the end with the hole 1" X 1" using the 1 1/2" bolts.
Put the dowel through the leg holes and peg them with the 3/16" dowels.
Install the 2" Carriage bolts using a nut, washer, table support, washer and nut.
Space the head of the bolt just far enough away from the table support to capture and hold the notch in the legs.
Snug up all the nuts but not too tight. The tighter you make them the more stable the table will be but the harder it will be to fold it up.

Now go find an easy chair, set your new table up next to it and enjoy your favorite beverage.

We hope you've enjoyed this project and have good success with it. Remember, if you ever have any problems with our projects just drop us a line and we'll try to help. Since we build every one of these projects we have a pretty good idea of how to get through them. We also make lots of mistakes so we can help avoid them. 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 .


     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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