What's New This Week? We sort of forgot to mention an anniversary a couple of weeks ago. On December 1st the RunnerDuck newsletter was two years old. It's hard to believe that we've been banging this thing out for that long. Over that time we've brought you over a hundred recipes, almost 50 wood projects and many many kids projects. We hope you've had a chance to try some of our projects and they turned out just the way you wanted.
If you are still stumped for some last minute presents try looking at the RunnerDuck Projects web page and the Kids Projects page. Just go to our home page at www.runnerduck.com and click on the Projects egg or the Kids Only page. You might just be able to find something easy to make just in time for the Holidays.
We'll keep sending our newsletter as long as you keep supporting us. Remember, we love to interact with our readers and we really love it when you shop at our stores ;-)

     Here's a nice little site for this time of year. They have some great recipes, stories, music and fun things for the whole family to do. It is all designed around what else, Christmas. No pop-ups, no heavy commercialism just good clean Holiday fun. It's also really easy to remember. Just go to www.merry-christmas.com.

Herbal Oils and Vinegar Spice Presents

     Are you getting down to the 11th hour for getting gifts and starting to run out of ideas. These gift jars are easy to make and make a really nice gift.

Click on the picture for a bigger view.

Here's what you'll need:

• Olive Oil
• Vinegar
• Dried Red Chili Peppers
• Fresh Rosemary
• Black Peppercorns
• Clean Dry Bottle With An Air Tight Top

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.

      You still have a tiny amount of time to order Holiday presents on line but be sure to check the shipping arrival date. We recommend Amazon for your last minute shopping, they have great prices and delivery. The link below will take you to a world of wonderful toys for all ages.

     I (Ken) played my drums for three hours last Friday and my shoulder held up pretty good. I was really beat and sore by the end but at least I made it. This Saturday The Tempos are playing for another company Christmas party down in Kent, WA.
     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 The Tempos at thetempos@runnerduck.com.

      We are sticking with the same selection of really good Christmas music CD's we had for you last week. We've chosen four of our favorites to brighten your holiday. If none of these interest you just click on any one of them and then continue searching from that web page.
First is one of our all time favorite trumpet players, Al Hirt. Next is the ever popular B B King. This wonderful blues artist Christmas CD will definitely not make you blue.
The man who seemed to start it all is next, Mr. Bing Crosby. He has sold more Christmas albums than any other person in history. This CD has some of his very best and it's very well mastered. Last but not least is my very favorite new Christmas CD. Nancy Wilson released this CD last year and I just love it. Check them all out or get them for presents. Just think how Bing's CD would make your folks feel!

  Al Hirt        B B King     Bing Crosby   Nancy Wilson

Bubba took his old duck to the Doctor, concerned because the duck wouldn't eat. The Doctor explained to Bubba that as ducks age their upper bills grow down over their lower bills and make it difficult for the animal to pick up it's food. "What you need to do is gently file the upper bill down even with the lower bill. But you must be extra careful because the duck's nostrils are located in the upper bill and if you file down too far, when the duck takes a drink of water it'll drown."
Bubba goes about his business and about a week later the Doctor runs into his patient.
"Well, how is that duck of yours?" the Doctor inquires.
"He's dead." declared the heartbroken Bubba.
"I told you not to file his upper bill down too far! He took a drink of water and drowned didn't he?" insisted the Doctor.
"No!" lamented Bubba. "I think he was dead before I took him out of the vise."

   THIS WEEKS FREE RECIPE

English Toffee

• 1 Cup Chopped Almonds
• 1 Cup Butter
• 1 Cup Brown Sugar
• 4 Regular Size Hershey Bars, plain

Sprinkle 1/2 of the chopped Almonds into a greased 9" X 12" pan.
Melt Butter in a sauce pan.
Add the Brown Sugar and mix well.
Bring to a boil for 12 minutes stirring constantly.
Add the remaining Almonds.
Pour over the Almonds in the pan. Place the Hershey bars on top and let them melt.
Spread to cover.
Chill.
Break into chunks and serve or wrap for a gift.

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 our December 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

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

The RunnerDuck web site is hosted by

A Box for the Toy Sled

     As we told you we are going to make a little box to go on top of the sled we made last week. This addition makes a great place to put small presents or stuffed animals that want to go for a ride. This box is really simple but we figured with the busy Holiday schedule upon us we better not do anything too difficult.

Click on picture for larger image.

Here's what you'll need:

• 1/2" X 4" X 16" Oak.
• 1/4" X 5" X 20" Oak plywood
• Glue
• Brads

Cut the following from 1/2" Oak. You can use other wood if you like.
1/2" X 4" X 7 1/2" or the width of your sled.
1/2" X 2" X 7 1/2" or the width of your sled.
Cut two pieces of 1/4" Oak plywood 4 1/4" X 9 1/2".
Draw a curved line from 2 1/4" in the front to 4 1/4" in the back. See the picture for an idea.

Cut the plywood pieces in a mirror image so that the oak is on the outside.
I made a 1/4" radius on the top front of the front piece and the top back of the back piece.
Sand everything smooth.
Glue and nail with brads the sides onto the front and back.
Sand the sides to match the radius of the front and back.
Put a finish on your box and mount it to your sled. If it fits tight enough just set it there or you can permanently mount it if you like.

Some little kid is going to be thrilled to get this sled for Christmas. 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.

      Christmas lights sure are pretty this time of year. All the houses lite up ALL night long. What's with that? Do they think that someone on their way home from swing shift wants to see the pretty lights? While that's nice it's also a pretty big waste of resources. Unplug your outdoor and indoor lights when you go to bed and don't turn them on again until it's dark. Better yet put them on a timer so they turn off and on by themselves. It will save a bunch of energy and money.

If you have a conservation tip please send it to conservation@runnerduck.com and we'll post it in our newsletter.

      Remember that there are lots of great gifts and shopping deals on the stores that you'll find on our web site. Just go to our Shopping Center, www.runnerduck.com/shop.htm and click on a store. We have lots of great buys for the holidays.

     If you forward these newsletters to your friends just drop us a line and we'll do it for you. Just send us their email address and we'll do the rest. Remember, we never share our email list with anyone, period! Just drop me a line or go to our registration page and sign up your friend.

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The DuckMaster

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