Monday, September 30, 2013
A Very Handy Tip!
Hate putting away extension cords? Just toss them in a corner? Here's how to do it right!
Now why didn't I think of that?
Maybe.......
...... this is what Amos, Andy, Charlie and Goldie need to keep them out of trouble -
Chicken soccer!!
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Autumn
The one and only....Billie Holiday. Perfect for today.
Read more at http://www.songlyrics.com/billie-holiday/autumn-in-new-york-lyrics/#WTJZtDgoF2BEZepj.99
Read more at http://www.songlyrics.com/billie-holiday/autumn-in-new-york-lyrics/#WTJZtDgoF2BEZepj.99
Don't Know Why.....
..........Lucy and the Evil One are not laying eggs every day. They are not molting and they are not sick.
I wonder if the stress of so much bickering among Amos, Andy and Goldie is getting to them. Goldie is constantly picking on A & A. He chased them so much they flew over the run fence and out into the yard. I got them back in by bribing them with treats.
No one really minds having Charlie around. He just sort of blends in with who he is with. He definitely is not going to be the alpha male.
I think I'll let all of them spend more time running around in the yard during the day. Maybe that's what they need - some more leg room to do chickens stuff.
With all them out in the yard it will be easier and faster to clean out the coop, run and pen.
I don't know how some people have more than six chickens as pets. Six chickens poop a hell of a lot - can't imagine cleaning up after any more than that....
I wonder if the stress of so much bickering among Amos, Andy and Goldie is getting to them. Goldie is constantly picking on A & A. He chased them so much they flew over the run fence and out into the yard. I got them back in by bribing them with treats.
No one really minds having Charlie around. He just sort of blends in with who he is with. He definitely is not going to be the alpha male.
I think I'll let all of them spend more time running around in the yard during the day. Maybe that's what they need - some more leg room to do chickens stuff.
With all them out in the yard it will be easier and faster to clean out the coop, run and pen.
I don't know how some people have more than six chickens as pets. Six chickens poop a hell of a lot - can't imagine cleaning up after any more than that....
Saturday, September 28, 2013
Clear The Dining Room Table!
World's Largest Jigsaw Puzzles
We're sometimes asked what a "normal" size jigsaw puzzle is for an adult, usually by someone who is looking to buy a puzzle as a gift for someone else. My typical answer is 1,000 to 3,000 pieces. A 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle is challenging enough for most of us, but the 2,000-piece and 3,000-piece puzzles are not out of the question for someone with some experience of putting together jigsaw puzzles of lesser size.There are, of course, gift-givers who wish to be extravagant, including those among us who give ourselves gifts. These individuals are not interested in normal-sized puzzles; they want to know about the largest jigsaw puzzle in the world.
Competition for the title of "World's Biggest" has gone back and forth now for some years between two quality jigsaw puzzle manufacturers; Clementoni of Italy, and Ravensburger of Germany.
Clementoni currently offers two puzzles, each of which consist of 13,200 pieces. The finished size for either of these jigsaw puzzles is 291,4 x 134,4 cm - pretty big! One is a work of classical art, Tiziano's Sacred and Profane Love. The other is a modern work by Lassen, entitled Lahaina Vision.
I think that is 53" X ll4" - Huge :0)
Ravensburger offers two different 18,000 piece puzzles, but the puzzles are composites, made up of four panels each, the reason probably being that, with very large puzzles, color continuity becomes an issue in the printing process. The puzzles are entitled Four Historic World Maps (shown below) and Tropical Impressions. These puzzles each have a suggested retail price of $149.99, plus shipping.
If you're wondering how anyone ever puts such a huge puzzle together, it is helpful to know that they are packaged in sections; that is, inside the box, there may be eight plastic bags, each holding the contents of one particular section of the puzzle. We've spoken to one gentleman who believes this is somehow "cheating;" he opens all the bags at once, blends the pieces together, and then assembles the puzzle!
(from About.com)
Keep the pets away - don't lose any pieces!
We're Doomed...!
World’s Largest Rubber Ducky Makes Its American Debut In Pittsburgh
QUACK QUACK! The giant 40-foot tall floating art installation by Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman has finally arrived in America.
posted on
Here it is! The giant ducky was towed down the Ohio River where it reached Pittsburgh Friday.
It floated past downtown, dwarfing boats.
Look at it wade past Heinz Field.
Hello!
Spectators lined the banks of the river to welcome the big guy.
And a few standup paddle boarders even came to greet the giant ducky in its North American debut.
The duck is expected to remain in Pittsburgh until Oct. 20. Previously, it visited Beijing’s Summer Palace.
Taiwan’s port of Kaohsiung.
… Where it was greeted by dancers dressed as ducks.
Hong Kong.
And down under in Sydney
Goldie
Goldie and Charlie are starting to get into trouble with each other. They are all fine when they are in the coop, but as soon as I let them out in the morning, Goldie chases Charlie and won't let him eat with Lucy and Ethel.
I already have to provide a separate feeder for Amos and Andy just to make sure they get enough breakfast. Big Bad Goldie was chasing them away from the feeder all the time.
I wish all my roosters would get along better like they did when they were little.
I've been handling Goldie more, but I can tell he doesn't like it. He just tolerates me like he does the others. He is even getting little spurs on his legs now. Charlie's are not as big and Amos and Andy only have little bumps.
Ethel will bite Goldie when he hogs the big feeder, so she is still in charge. For now.
I already have to provide a separate feeder for Amos and Andy just to make sure they get enough breakfast. Big Bad Goldie was chasing them away from the feeder all the time.
I wish all my roosters would get along better like they did when they were little.
I've been handling Goldie more, but I can tell he doesn't like it. He just tolerates me like he does the others. He is even getting little spurs on his legs now. Charlie's are not as big and Amos and Andy only have little bumps.
Ethel will bite Goldie when he hogs the big feeder, so she is still in charge. For now.
Friday, September 27, 2013
Friday Night Steam
Our Story - History, Memories and People
Early days of Steam and Gold 1878
![The 'Kingston Flyer' and crew at Kingston Railway Station. The locomotive is one of the famed "K" class American Rodgers locomotives allotted to this run, being renowned for their good turn of speed. The half "birdcage"carriage is just behind the engine tender. [Photo credit : NZ Railways Publicity]](http://www.kingstonflyer.co.nz/assets/images/1913small.JPG)
As soon as gold was discovered in the Wakatipu district in 1862 the need to connect the district to the shipping ports of Dunedin and Invercargill by steamships and steam trains became apparent. The railway line at last reached Kingston on July 10, 1878 and a public holiday was declared by Queenstown Borough and Lake County Councils.
The "Flyer" in service - 1890's to 1950's
"The Flyer" serviced Kingston-Gore on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and Kingston-Invercargill on Tuesdays and FThursdays from the 1890's. During peak holiday periods she also carried passengers from Dunedin to Kingston to meet up with Lake Wakatipu steamboats connecting with the popular holiday destination of Queenstown.
The service was replaced by buses and passenger numbers declined through the 1950's. The final Kingston Flyer operated during the Easter holiday of 1957. Trains continued to run on the Waimea Plains Railway until 31 March 1971.
Heritage Service 1971-2012
The atmosphere of the 1920's was retained. Five passenger cars prepared for the train included a 'birdcage" car, a saloon car fitted with a buffet counter for alcoholic and soft drinks, and a car van with old style first class seats. Polished brass and steel work, white painted wheels, red fluted side rods, and glossy black paintwork constituted the decor of the two Ab class steam locomotives.
The Kingston Flyer heritage service between Kingston and Lumsden and continued until 1979. Today the service covers a 14km stretch of track between Kingston and Fairlight. The rails are the originals laid in 1878 but many of the 19,360 sleepers have been replaced over time.
The Kingston Flyer continues to thrill and entertainer passengers twice daily in the summer months. It is also used frequently in the production of movies and commercials taking advantage of the unique landscape and authentic vintage steam locomotives and carriages.
The Trains Drivers Story - Russell Glendinning
Much of the credit was given to Russell Glendinning for the saving
and restoring of the Kingston Flyer back in the 1970's. This was
acknowledged when he received an MBE in 1975 New Year Honours.Russell has literally been the driving force and the face of The Kingston Flyer for over 40 years. His career began at the age of 14 in Dunedin. The year was 1953. His apprenticeship took 7 years and in 1964 he became a First Class Driver and in 1969 a Special Class Driver.
Russell's passion and energy continues to this day he still occasionally drives the train, shines the brass and can be seen regularly out maintaining the track.
Click here to view video footage from the NZ Archives 1975
The New Owner 2011 - David Bryce
The company that previously owned the Kingston Flyer ran into
financial difficulties and in 2009 went into receivership, The Kingston
Flyer was potentially going to be left to rust or worse still pass to
foreign owners and never be seen again in the Southern Lakes District.It was all thanks to one man that it remains to this day. David Bryce saw an ad on trademe, New Zealand's popular classified and auction web site, and felt inspired to "Save the Kingston Flyer".
This impulsive gesture has resulted in a passionate project for the entire Bryce family. Without their energy and commitment this great New Zealand icon would not be seen puffing and blowing steam as it has been for more than a century.
Congratulations David. You've done a great job!!
Wow-Just Wow!
Breakfast in bed? Terrified man finds an 8ft crocodile hidden under his bed after it spent entire night just inches from where he slept
- 300lbs giant had sneaked into the Humani lodge, Zimbabwe
- Spent the entire night lying quietly beneath oblivious Guy Whitall
- Beast had managed to stay hidden for more than eight hours overnight
- The crocodile has now been released back into the wild
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It sounds like the stuff of nightmares - but Guy Whittall will certainly be checking for 'monsters' underneath his bed, after waking up to find an eight foot crocodile hiding just inches from where he slept.
The 330lbs giant had sneaked into the Humani lodge, Zimbabwe and spent the entire night lying quietly, just fractions beneath an oblivious Mr Whittall.
The beast - a Nile crocodile - had managed to stay hidden for more than eight hours overnight.
It sounds like the stuff of nightmares - but Guy
Whittall will certainly be checking for 'monsters' underneath his bed,
after waking up to find an eight foot crocodile hiding just inches from
where he slept
Astonishingly the giant beast managed to stay hidden for more than eight hours
Mr Whittall (pictured) even perched on the edge
of his bed organising his day - unaware of the fact that a 330lbs
creature lay just fractions away from his dangling feet
The following morning Mr Whittall - a former Zimbabwean cricketer - had even perched on the edge of his bed, with his feet dangling over the edge, just inches from the crocodile's face, as he organised his day.
But the 40-year-old remained oblivious to his uninvited guest and was only alerted when he was enjoying some breakfast in the kitchen and heard the petrified screams of a housemaid.
Mr Whittall, who is a director at Humani, ran back to his room and was horrified to discover the enormous crocodile nestled under his bed.
He said: 'The really disconcerting thing about the whole episode is the fact that I was sitting on the edge of the bed that morning, bare foot and just centimetres away from the croc.
'Crocodiles are experts at hiding, that's why they have survived on Earth for so long and why they are the ultimate killers in water.
But the 40-year-old remained oblivious to his
uninvited guest and was only alerted when he was enjoying some breakfast
in the kitchen and heard the petrified screams of a housemaid
Staff from the centre managed to get a rope around its head, and then dragged it out by its tail as it fought furiously
Mr Whittall said he resisted being roped and hauled out from under the bed
'They know how to keep quiet and go unnoticed, it's in their nature.
'The crocodile came from the Turgwe River which is a couple of kilometres from the house.
'They often wander about the bush especially when it's cold and raining. I think he liked it under the bed because it was warm.'
He was forced to call in some of his co-workers who helped remove the crocodile from its new lair and release him back into Humani's Chigwidi dam.
Mr Whittall said: 'Of course he resisted being roped and hauled out from under the bed, that's only natural.
'Catching and securing a croc of any size on land though is a fairly straight forward affair and we are experienced in that.
When roped the large creatures thrash around frantically and are extremely powerful
Mr Whittall called in his co-workers who helped
remove the crocodile from its new lair and release him back into
Humani's Chigwidi dam
After dragging the croc outside, they were able to safely restrain it by tying up its mouth to avoid any bites
But soon the creature was released back into his natural habitat, where he happily swam away
'The only real danger is getting bitten because it can't drown you.
'The most important thing is to get its snout roped and secured and then it's just a matter of restraining it and covering its eyes, to calm it down.
'Bigger crocs require more manpower obviously though. When roped they thrash around frantically and are extremely powerful.
'I just remember thinking "goodness gracious, that's one for the books".
'I'm pretty sure everyone in Humani checks under their bed before going to sleep now anyway.'
Something Different
Nothing new to report on the activities in Coopville - things are just the same. Thought you might like to see some feathered friends that pay a visit to our trees. These are some of the vultures that hang around all the time. In the fall when all the leaves are off the trees, they roost near the house.
One night I counted 28 of them. It's amazing to watch them glide through the branches without getting hurt. They roost all night and then sun themselves in the early morning before they go off looking for treasures on the road. Just like chickens, they squabble for the best spot. The sound they make is like a long grunt. They don't build nests in the trees like other birds, but use a barn loft or an empty silo. They never, ever bother the chickens and the chickens are not afraid of them when they walk on the ground. Hawks and eagles however, are another story...
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Clang! Clang!
Fire Horses!
Just a bit of history that I found interesting since it is about horses.
The period from the Civil War to the early 1920s could be known in firefighting as the era of the fire horse. Prior to that, humans pulled the wagons that transported the water tanks, ladders and equipment — not an enviable job.
Before the modernizations of the 20th century, fire was a particularly venomous threat. City infrastructures could often not handle the quick transport of water, and buildings were constructed primarily of wood. One small fire could end up burning down an entire city. It took just over a day to raze the center of Chicago in 1871. Firefighting during those times was an especially difficult, exhausting and treacherous profession for man and beast.
Engine on the Run. The Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Archive.
As their presence in firefighting grew, horses were lauded by firefighters as noble, powerful team members and much loved by the public. They were often very well treated and exceptionally groomed. In those days, humane treatment was not a law and the city work horse was not immune to the dark side of human nature.
Strength
Buying and training one fire horse cost as much as ten firemen, but a horse could pull more than ten times the weight and faster than a man. Detroit was said to even have a “horse college” for training. The Aurora Regional Fire Museum in Aurora, Illinois, has some fascinating video of fire horses in action as part of their display, “Getting There, Getting Water, Getting Rescued.” Some of this video can be seen on the museum’s YouTube channel. Notice how the horses immediately run to their positions in front of the wagon when let out of their stalls — that is some excellent training.
Breed types were typically Percherons, known for their strength and athletic ability. There is not much on record for the other specific breeds used, other than those characterized as “carriage horses.” Carriage horses in the United States at that time could have been anything from the Hackney and Saddlebred to the Cleveland Bay and Thoroughbred.
Bravery
Several fire horses have been remembered and are honored in recollections, memoirs and news stories and at fire history museums.
Jim the Fire Horse, of the Toledo Fire Department, was eulogized in a 1912 newspaper article after suffering a broken leg. The article states, “When and how Jim’s leg was broken is a mystery. He had responded to eight calls during the day and was willing to respond to the ninth. The horse was only seven and a half years old, and had only served the fire department for two years, but in that short time had proved himself to be the finest and most accurately trained. He also had the honor of being the most perfect specimen of equine beauty and symmetry of the city’s lot of exceptional horses. He was a very large dapple gray, beautifully marked, and was valued by many to be worth as much as $400.”
Jack and Jack were a famous fire horse team for the Des Moines Fire Department. Old Jack was 23 at the time of his retirement. He had come to the fire department at six years old with the reputation as a “man killer.” However, this was an undeserved nickname. Jack had spooked and kicked the head of his original owner, who had fallen over the dashboard of his wagon and right beneath Jack’s hooves. Young Jack, who was being used as a carriage horse, was purchased for $175 by the fire department. The two became such a great team that they won a race in the 1903 Iowa State Firemen’s Tournament and many thereafter, earning them the title of “World Champions.”
As an example of how extremely dangerous the profession was at the time, Jack and Jack collided with a streetcar while rushing to a fire, which resulted in the deaths of two firefighters. The two horses miraculously remained unscathed. Upon their retirement from the department, a councilman noted, “Usually worn out horses are turned over to the Street Department, but if I were to attempt to do that with Jack and Jack, the Fire Department would mob me.” Jack and Jack spent the rest of their lives in farm pastures belonging to a firefighter’s brother.
Jack and Jack. City of Des Moines Fire Department.
The New Bern Firemen’s Museum memorializes all of the city’s fire horses. Fred was so beloved that the firefighters had his head stuffed and mounted when he died at age 25, which is displayed at the museum. It seems like a bit of an unusual tribute, but their hearts were in a good place.
Chubby was the last Rochester, New York, fire horse. He retired in 1926. A stunning white Percheron, he was the town favorite and struck many a pose.
Engine Company No. 6, Rochester, New York and Chubby. Craft Company No. 6.(by Heidi Longaberger)
Dirt Baths
Amos and Andy continue to pal around together all the time. Sometimes Charlie joins them during the day when they take their dirt baths. Ethel and Lucy use the same spot each day and chase anyone who tries to use it. Goldie tries to join them but they peck at him until he leaves. The more he tries to join in, the more he is pecked at. Even when I had other chickens, these two always stayed together.
Chickens need a place to dirt bathe every day if possible. It keeps away mites and they just love it! I found this short video so you can see how much they enjoy it!
Goldie will use the hole that the other roosters use after they finish. I know he would like to join Ethel and Lucy. Maybe when he is older and king of the coop! We'll just have to wait and see.
Chickens need a place to dirt bathe every day if possible. It keeps away mites and they just love it! I found this short video so you can see how much they enjoy it!
Goldie will use the hole that the other roosters use after they finish. I know he would like to join Ethel and Lucy. Maybe when he is older and king of the coop! We'll just have to wait and see.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
The Blob
Who can forget this great classic?
From Wikipedia:
The Blob was filmed in and around Vally forge Pennsylvania. The primary shooting took place at Valley Forge Studios, and several scenes were filmed in the towns of Chester Springs, Downingtown, Phoenixville and Royersford, including the basement of a local restaurant named Chef's. (The setting is apparently Downingtown Pennsylvania itself as the one policeman identifies his department's office as "Downingtown HQ to East Cornwall HQ" over the two-way radio during his chess game, and the final scenes take place in a restaurant that is clearly labeled "Downingtown Diner".) It was filmed in color and widescreen
For the diner scene a photograph of the building was put on a gyroscopically operated table with cameras mounted. The table was shaken and the Blob rolled off. When the film was run in reverse it appeared to be oozing over the building.
McQueen received only $3,000 for this film; he had turned down an offer for a smaller up-front sum with 10 percent of the profits because he did not think the movie would make any money and he needed the money immediately to pay for food and rent; it ended up grossing $4 million.
The Blob itself was made from silicone, with increasing amounts of red vegetable dye added as it "absorbed" people. In 1965, it was bought by movie collector Wes Shank, who has written a book about the making of The Blob.
From Wikipedia:
The Blob was filmed in and around Vally forge Pennsylvania. The primary shooting took place at Valley Forge Studios, and several scenes were filmed in the towns of Chester Springs, Downingtown, Phoenixville and Royersford, including the basement of a local restaurant named Chef's. (The setting is apparently Downingtown Pennsylvania itself as the one policeman identifies his department's office as "Downingtown HQ to East Cornwall HQ" over the two-way radio during his chess game, and the final scenes take place in a restaurant that is clearly labeled "Downingtown Diner".) It was filmed in color and widescreen
For the diner scene a photograph of the building was put on a gyroscopically operated table with cameras mounted. The table was shaken and the Blob rolled off. When the film was run in reverse it appeared to be oozing over the building.
McQueen received only $3,000 for this film; he had turned down an offer for a smaller up-front sum with 10 percent of the profits because he did not think the movie would make any money and he needed the money immediately to pay for food and rent; it ended up grossing $4 million.
The Blob itself was made from silicone, with increasing amounts of red vegetable dye added as it "absorbed" people. In 1965, it was bought by movie collector Wes Shank, who has written a book about the making of The Blob.
Gorgeous Goldie......
............... is getting very, very bossy. He tries to herd Ethel and Lucy away from the others all the time. When they eat, he annoys them. If they go into the coop to lay their eggs, he follows.
They chase him out and then he starts to pick on Amos, Andy and Charlie and they try to avoid him by staying in the run. Even though Goldie is the same age as the other roosters, he is maturing much faster. And he has a wee bit of a mean streak.
Guess I'll have to spend more time with him. Maybe some extra treats will help his disposition a little bit.
