Carcassonne Central

Off Topic => Anything Else => Topic started by: kettlefish on March 10, 2016, 05:43:32 AM

Title: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: kettlefish on March 10, 2016, 05:43:32 AM
One of my other hobbies is crochet.

Here comes an example - almost finished - a violet cat with yellow eyes - a crochet potholder
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: jungleboy on March 10, 2016, 05:45:34 AM
Have you played the game Patchwork? It combines two of your hobbies :)
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: kettlefish on March 10, 2016, 05:58:01 AM
Hi jungleboy,
no - I haven't played that game - I saw it at "Spiel" in Essen.

And Patchwork is not crochet.

This topic is for other hobbies than board games.
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: dirk2112 on March 10, 2016, 06:23:23 AM
I am really into geocaching.  In case you don't know, it is using a GPS or a phone app to find hidden boxes "caches" all over the world.  Some are just tiny containers with a log book and others are bigger and contain miscellaneous items for trading (usually little cheap toys).  It gets me and my son outside and it gives me something else to do when I go hiking.

One year before I started geocaching, I took a trip to Berlin.  I went to Sony Plaza and saw the big Lego Giraffe there.  Somewhere near that giraffe is one of the most found geocaches in the world.  I kick myself that I didn't start the hobby just a bit earlier. 
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: kettlefish on March 10, 2016, 06:43:07 AM
another hobby of mine is to build something with wood.

one of my newest projects was for my bedroom.

There was a small hole between the bed corner and the wall.

I decided to fill the hole with a small shelf.

the 3 plates have the size 25 cm wide and 20 cm deep. The shelf is around 125 cm high.
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: dirk2112 on March 10, 2016, 06:55:31 AM
Instead of painting it white to match the walls, that shelf would look better IMHO if you stain it.   I like stained wood, but my wife wants to paint everything white for some reason.
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: kettlefish on March 10, 2016, 07:24:03 AM
The next project in my bedroom was to update my bedside table.

It was without a back side wall and without a bottom plate.

Now it has the back side, a bottom plate, some rolls unter the bottom plate and a new place to store something - with sliding doors
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: coyote on March 10, 2016, 07:32:33 AM
Interesting to see what everyone else does..

I have two other 'main' hobbies..
First, games - but in a more commercial style. This image is of the games I'm working on - there are three more that are finished and fully operational behind where I'm standing to take the picture:
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZYaJoBUabQo/VolOAB3cDBI/AAAAAAAAIrY/AntTlM-bXD0/s800-Ic42/IMG_20160103_113524.jpg)

And then, in my not-so-free-time, I'm a signal maintainer and locomoitive engineer for a railroad (railway, for those across the pond..). This is a shot of a new grade crossing (level crossing for you guys, again, across the pond..) being installed that I had to manage:
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fwOwxSrlTv0/VmoYgcqU7GI/AAAAAAAAIns/YrRyrmXjvOA/s800-Ic42/IMG_20151210_125003.jpg)

Because of these, I don't play Carcassonne nearly as much as I should - mainly because we have SO MANY TILES now that.. well, a game can last 4+ hours.. and I don't have a sit of 4+ hours at a time. :D
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: Decar on March 10, 2016, 07:37:51 AM
+1 to kettlefish - What a great Crochet Cat & a great idea for a thread!
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: dirk2112 on March 10, 2016, 07:38:29 AM
Twilight Zone is one of the best pinball machines of all time!

We had an old electro-mechanical pin years ago, but it took up too much room and it was a pain to maintain .  I miss it some days though. 

I luckily live near a dive bar that has a room full of pinball machines and early video games.  I get my fix there.
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: kettlefish on March 10, 2016, 10:35:19 AM
one more of my hobbies: painting

here are some examples with oil colours
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: Decar on March 10, 2016, 10:41:41 AM
Wow!  I thought the cat was a photo for a second!  I like the snails too!
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: kettlefish on March 10, 2016, 11:11:50 AM
Thanks Decar,
here is the photo from my tom cat "Mr.Ernie"
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: Decar on March 10, 2016, 03:31:46 PM
Mr Ernie  :D :D

Your picture definitely caught the expression on his face.  He looks like he carefully is weighing up his options!
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: Rosco on March 10, 2016, 04:12:03 PM
I have so many different hobbies.   Here are few pics
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: franks on March 10, 2016, 06:24:12 PM
Good idea kettlefish and neat to see what others are into.

Gardening is a big passion for us. We have a reasonable size garden then manage my mothers house and plot as well. We grow a good amount of produce and enough garlic to supply, all of us, for a whole year. (We dry and freeze the garlic when it starts to sprout).

Next, and maybe no surprise is cooking. My wife and I have a little dream fantasy of having a cafe.

Another passion of mine, is and isn't board game related, I enjoy miniature painting. Most of these never get played in games because they are more table top figures rather than board game models. I choose pieces that are interesting to me and find the concentration calming.
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: Whaleyland on March 10, 2016, 09:30:47 PM
In my (now limited) free time, I generally work on my website and future sequel book at santacruztrains.com (http://santacruztrains.com). I began the project back in 2011-2012 and now  include the railroading history of all of Santa Cruz County, a tiny bit of San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, and the coastal stretch of Monterey County.

I also published a book on the topic in March last year and I update the master for it about every four months to take into account new information, corrections, and random improvements (it's print-on-demand so I can update it whenever I want and don't have to handle inventory). Check it out:
https://www.createspace.com/5330016 (https://www.createspace.com/5330016).

Other than that, my main hobby is LEGO building and collection, but I am mostly on an imposed blackout regarding that due to my current residency in New Zealand. Hopefully once I get back to the US and find a job, I can resume collecting sets (I did manage to get all the Jurassic World sets and a few other ones. I plan to buy the two Star Wars Freemaker sets when they release this summer).
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: danisthirty on March 11, 2016, 05:12:13 AM
Great topic! :(y) I've been following it with interest, trying to decide what my hobbies actually are. The fact that I'm still struggling suggests that I don't have any outside of playing/ collecting Carcassonne and a few other board games. But then I'm reminded that hobbies require something called "spare time" (whatever this is), and I have very little of this to invest beyond the time I spend with these guys:

(http://www.dan.tehill.net/Family-1046.jpg)

I think if I had a bit more time to myself there's a lot of stuff I'd be only too happy to get back into such as my running, rowing and writing. For the time being though, I couldn't be happier about being a very hands-on dad who loves spending time with his kids, even when it involves getting up at 5:30am every morning to play games or simply sit and watch cartoons. It's very rewarding of course, especially at this stage of life (kids are 5 and 2) but exhausting too. Relentlessly exhausting. Especially since we like to make the most of the weekends as a family and consequently have very little downtime then either... (I thought there was a smiley that had fallen asleep but apparently there isn't one, so please pretend there is and that I used it here)

As well as being a game that I enjoy playing, Carcassonne and my involvement with it through these forums is very much a form of escapism for me. It's my "me time" and I need it to remind me that I'm still an individual as well as a husband and a dad. In years to come, when the kids are too busy doing their own stuff to want to spend as much time with their dad as I will do with them, I'm sure I'll look back on this period of our lives together and be glad that I made the most of it. Plus I'll have time, money (maybe) and maybe even a little bit of sanity left to invest in a wider variety of me time. That's the plan anyway! :)
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: ooh_jim on March 11, 2016, 05:30:48 AM
Comic book collecting & reading. Largely Marvel, but I'm starting to sway more and more towards Image and other indie publishers.

With few exceptions, I'll grab digital copies of the individual issues when they come out, then buy physical copies once they're collected into tpbs. Then, once if the tpbs are collected into any larger volumes, I'll sell on the tpbs if they're unsigned and upgrade.

At my last count, I had around 200 books. I'm happy to stick up a COMC type post, if anyone's interested.
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: jungleboy on March 11, 2016, 07:33:56 AM
One of my hobbies in the past couple of years has been learning about and engaging with medieval manuscripts. I have done numerous online courses related to this subject and I have been lucky enough to view and touch some manuscripts in person, such as at the Cambridge University Library last year and more recently at the National Library of Spain in Madrid a few weeks ago (for which I wrote a blog post here (http://estoria.bham.ac.uk/blog/?p=714)).

I do some volunteer work for the Estoria de Espanna project, which aims to take the various extant manuscripts of the 13th-century Estoria de Espanna (the first written history of Spain in Castilian that was produced under the auspices of King Alfonso X) and create a unified digital edition. For this project  I transcribe and digitally tag manuscript folios. I went to the project's colloquium in Seville last year and I am (apparently) delivering a paper for their colloquium this year in Birmingham in December.

Below you can see one folio of the 'Q' manuscript of the Estoria de Espanna (the one I saw in person in Madrid) to get an idea of the kind of documents I work with. It may look like illegible nonsense but it's definitely a fascinating hobby!
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: Decar on March 11, 2016, 07:47:57 AM
@Rosco - Looking at your last photo....I don't think drinking is a hobby :P :P :P
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: danisthirty on March 11, 2016, 08:04:32 AM
One of my hobbies in the past couple of years has been learning about and engaging with medieval manuscripts...

I enjoyed reading your blog post about this when you posted it on Facebook. Far too scholarly for me, but it looks very interesting and I can certainly understand the appeal! :)

@Rosco - Looking at your last photo....I don't think drinking is a hobby :P :P :P

I was more disturbed by the first one!
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: hunnymonster on March 11, 2016, 08:14:28 AM
My non-boardgaming hobbies are micro/nanobrewery beer, cycling (to get/keep fit - not to scale Eiger Nordwand or the Alpe d'Huez or ride from Land's End to John O'Groats) astronomy & photography - though I've definitely let the photography & astronomy slide a lot over the last couple of years as I've spent more time cycling
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: kettlefish on March 17, 2016, 05:59:22 AM
Here are some more pictures from me:
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: Decar on March 17, 2016, 06:19:17 AM
You're very talented kettlefish!  The plants a really good. They look like anatomical diagrams from science books. Very accurate and detailed!  Are you sure that duck isn't a photo?  I like the bright fire in the bottom right too.

You must have spent hours on these!
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: Endecay on March 17, 2016, 10:24:01 AM
Playing one of the below and writing and singing stuff like this...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PwkHntBQXg (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PwkHntBQXg)

Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: SRBO on March 17, 2016, 03:42:54 PM
One of my Greatest hobbies besides board games, is that i'm actually a composer of piano music (some kind of modern classical genre).
I've created a book last year and i'm about to bring out another one.

When I've recorded some I will post it here!

And I like to read a lot.
Just doing "The Spook's" story from Joseph Delaney, I really like it.

If I did not have to work, I would definitly do a lot more, because I like to create things, (Art, Books, Music, and maybe in the future a board game)
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: Chooselife on March 17, 2016, 04:17:13 PM
Like Dan having some spare time with the kids is my main hobby nowadays.

Nevertheless whenever I've some me time I do try to keep my hobbies going.
- I also love woodworking but after the kids were born, my wife doesn't allow me to fill in the apartment with sawdust any more, so now only small house improving projects are "allowed". My "Yet Another Wood Box" it's still one of my finest projects.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150831190369219.417651.674699218&type=1&l=1f43d33bb1 (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150831190369219.417651.674699218&type=1&l=1f43d33bb1)

- I'm into outdoors, military history and military subjects in general so Airsoft came naturally as an hobby, unfortunately I managing to go less and less times since it usually takes a Sunday away of the family.
(http://i.imgur.com/iZxnIFkm.jpg)

- Being a huge supporter of Estoril-Praia I'm a regular at stands anytime they play home, being know as "that guy" always complaining and yelling the profanities  :))  >:D
(http://i.imgur.com/ZljJG0Y.gif)
I'm the guy on the center left waving our sh***y coach off.
And it's also a great hobby to do together with my oldest (after explaining to her that the stands are the only place were she is allowed to repeat daddy "badwords".
(http://i.imgur.com/Cc50EH0m.jpg)

- With zero sports skills all my life, after making 32 I (re)discovered the fun of having a team and play sports regularly, so my most regular hobby  now is training football with a bunch of supporters and friends of the club, most of them more fat than me, 8) and I've to say it is a great fun especially on the monthly dinners we organize and when someone brings beer and snacks to the after-training :)
(http://i.imgur.com/jFmwUfKm.jpg)
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: SRBO on March 17, 2016, 11:28:53 PM
Hahahaha so many stories here of how your wives limit your freedom!
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: Chooselife on March 18, 2016, 01:13:47 AM
Hahahaha so many stories here of how your wives limit your freedom!
It's always good to have an excuse for our responsibilities.
Makes me feel like I could still pull out one of those crazy all nighters from when I was 20......... if only she (life)let me.......emoji code12]
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: Curt194 on April 04, 2016, 02:54:40 PM
It's really interesting reading through everyone's hobbies! Nice to see such a big variety of interests.

As for me, one of the more recent things I have taken up is knitting. I started doing some of the little hats for the innocent smoothie bottles to raise money for age UK and I've just finished my first person-sized hat. I'm now attempting my first pair of socks.

I also really enjoy hiking and camping and try and go cycling every now and then, although I do not get as much time for these as I would like to.
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: danisthirty on April 04, 2016, 03:44:19 PM
Nice work Curt!

If you're coming to the UK Games Expo this year you'll have to hook up with Decar's wife as she's a bit of a dab-hand at knitting too! :) :(y)
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: CKorfmann on April 04, 2016, 09:27:06 PM
Well, I guess I'm in the same boat as a lot of you.  One of my main hobbies these days is protecting my children from grave self-injury and soiled diapers.  Aside from that, my main three hobbies, the first of which being board games, are marked by much diversity. 

In a past life I sang a bit of opera.  I have little evidence to support the claim other than this, briefly and primarily around the 2:00 mark. 
THIS (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rk_4SH-nrE) 
I would love to get myself back into vocal shape and do more of it, but there is that matter of spare time.  I'm the guy in blue.  My avatar eludes to this as well as it is a photo me dressed for my role as the Major General in The Pirates of Penzance

I also rather enjoy discharging a variety of firearms mostly at inanimate objects.  I don't do as much of that as I'd like either largely due to the high cost of participation. 

Playing one of the below and writing and singing stuff like this...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PwkHntBQXg (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PwkHntBQXg)

Good stuff Endecay!  :(y)   ;)
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: Decar on April 05, 2016, 12:18:14 AM
Decar's wife's a bit of a dab-hand at knitting too! :) :(y)

This is an understatement.  When you active 2 spinning wheels in your lounge and have to give up the second bedroom to hold the 'stash', you'll understand.  I'm not complaining though, I have a room full of cardboard tiles depicting the French country-side and they're not so good at keeping you warm....unless set fire to them....

Great work on the hat though Curt; looks like you've got the hang of tensioning too!   It's a shame the winter is almost over  >:( but at least it will be ready for next year!
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: gantry on May 01, 2016, 03:54:25 PM
This is what I like to do, exploring in my 4WD Toyota. That photo was taken in Moab Utah in 2014. We travel all over western USA and Canada.
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: danisthirty on May 02, 2016, 01:56:52 AM
Wow gantry! That looks intense! :(y)

We had a bit of a sort out over the weekend. And now that I've got a bit of space to myself I fully intend to be spending a lot more time in "Dan's Gym" over the next few weeks/ months/ years:

(http://www.dan.tehill.net/DansGym.jpg)
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: Halfling on May 02, 2016, 02:21:46 AM
I am the GM of a play by mail football(soccer) game called Astro.  There are 20 teams in the game split across 2 divisions of 10 with managers from USA, Finland, Thailand and UK.  The game is in it's 23rd season and takes approx. 18 months to complete each season.  There will be a couple of weekends in every six where I am not thinking of Carcassonne as I am playing the matches in Astro.  The latest issue of the magazine that I produce every 6 weeks is attached, I had to delete a few pictures from the cover, so the editorial makes a bit less sense!
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: Decar on May 02, 2016, 02:39:03 AM
I didnt think 4WDing was a hobby, but it makes sense when your country has wilderness like that to explore. That's fantastic! 

I'm not sure about that office chair Dan. Does someone watch you while you row - or is Intense Office Stare a new exercise!

I'm going to take a look at Astro magazine. That sounds like another good reason to love the postman!
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: Bixby on May 17, 2016, 10:56:34 AM
Great thread and a thoroughly enjoyable read.  :(y)
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: Paul on May 17, 2016, 02:23:39 PM
Bizarre that is me, this post fits best in this thread. :D

One of the things I love to do, sort of a part time hobby part time work thing, is going on conventions, meet ups and discovering new worlds. Today was a last minute invite to Game Developer Lounge right here in my backyard (an island called Hisingen here in Gothenburg).
  I met many new people and got in touch with (computer) game developers. Some of them where involved with big games like Rise of the Tomb Raider and Need for Speed and there was also the man whose company made Kung Fury, the game, based on the short kickstarter movie where David Hasselhoff sang the lead theme (True Survivor).

One of the big shots, all the way from the United States was Kate Edwards (Executive Director for IGDA) and I got to shake hands with her and (probably the only one to) get a photo op with her! (attached image).

A great evening ending little after 10pm where I got home with new contacts and ideas when discussing some of my own projects with them.
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: asparagus on May 17, 2016, 02:27:42 PM
I am enthusiast of two web comics: OOTS (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots1036.html) and Erfworld (http://archives.erfworld.com/Book%203/160).

I am into geneaology but I don't have time at the moment.

I listen to a lot of podcasts. I have my own podcast - 19 episodes so far.

I am also into very much into philosophy and unravelling the secrets of the universe - mua ha ha!
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: kettlefish on November 29, 2016, 12:23:21 PM
On Sunday I did some work for other hobbies than Carcassonne.
I've created my first own advent wreath with a big candle in the middle.
I've got really fresh fir branch from a neighbor (he cutted some of his fir trees)
and I was in the forest to get some  decoration like acorn, beechnut and fir cone
and some other stuff (not from the forest). I've put all together with wire and yarn .

Here are some photos.

Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: Decar on November 30, 2016, 02:21:26 AM
Well done kettlefish!  It looks very festive  :(y) :(y) :(y)
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: stalcupojoy on December 01, 2016, 04:46:00 AM
One of my other hobbies is writing and recording music. I'm a total amateur, but I enjoy creating and sharing anyway. I've got a handful of songs for download on my Bandcamp site (http://michaelstalcup.bandcamp.com). There is a love song I wrote for my wife, and a short album I did before that (album cover below).

I enjoy recording in my tiny, crowded bedroom closet, surrounded by hanging shirts, disassembled baby high chairs, and the like -- the only place where my recordings won't be full of my little daughters playing and screaming in the background. :) I've got a few newer songs kicking around and might try to record a little EP in the near future.



Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: JT Atomico on December 01, 2016, 03:31:39 PM
My other big obsession since the summer has been Pokémon GO. Hunting down all of the rare species ticks all the same collectionist boxes as tracking down rare Carcassonne expansions. :D

I have just arrived back from a trip to Australia where I caught a regionally exclusive Pokémon to complete my full Pokédex collection.

Gotta catch 'em all!

(https://i.redd.it/hzcu8rclsm0y.png)
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: dirk2112 on December 02, 2016, 05:58:29 AM
Great job JT

I am up to 128.  A dragonite spawned nearby last night and neither my wife nor I caught him after 30 yellow balls.  Very frustrating.

Anyway,  how did you play in other regions?  I thought if I went to Europe I would have to luck out and find a Mr. Mime that just happened to spawn somewhere with free wifi.  I thought data roaming cost a fortune.
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: danisthirty on December 02, 2016, 06:08:07 AM
Gotta catch 'em all!

What do you do with them once you've caught them though? You just keep them in those balls until they die? It seems pretty cruel to treat a living creature that way, even if it's only a pretend augmented reality living creature. :'(

You should be ashamed of yourselves! C:-)
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: dirk2112 on December 02, 2016, 06:17:15 AM
Dan,

The pokemon that you catch, but don't want to keep go to the nefarious Professor Willow who uses them for "research".  The ones you do keep can be used to fight other pokemon.  So the game is digital dog fighting with a horrific animal testing while at the same time  hunting various species into extinction.   What are we teaching our kids?
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: danisthirty on December 02, 2016, 06:24:20 AM
"Hi! :(y) Sorry about capturing you in this tiny capsule thing and taking away your freedom etc... ::) However, I'm a reasonable guy so I wanted to give you the choice to decide what happens to you next. O:-) So, firstly I can let you go. Not back to the freedom that I took you out of, :)) but to go to an evil professor who sounds like he'll probably torture you in extreme ways before eventually killing you. >:D If you don't like the sound of this, you can stay with me but may be asked to participate in occasional fights to the death at my will. :'( So it's up to you really. What do you fancy? ;)"
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: Bixby on December 02, 2016, 07:08:48 AM
I may not be on the site much these days, but I sure enjoying reading this thread.

Very festive indeed kettlefish, looks like you are in full swing for the season. I wish I had artistic talents. I have to be satisfied admiring what other people create. :)

stalcupojoy that is amazing. Music is such a large part of my life; alas I gave up trying to make music, but I sure enjoy listening to it. You must find that to be a very rewarding pursuit. Music can sooth the soul.



You all have inspired me to post about my hobby pursuits, so here is a rambling list...

(1) I love Premium Craft Beer. I have tried many styles and types of beer. I log all of my beer exploits using the UNTAPPD app:
https://untappd.com/user/Bixby

(2) Boardgames are still the #1 hobby of course. I assist SaskGames.com with social media and hobby outreach by posting pictures on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/bixbycanada/

(3) I have been running a Texas Hold'em Poker League for about 12 years. I won the league in 2014 and again this year so that helps to keep me motivated. :)
(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/12316660_10153627014435033_615973482956836477_n.jpg?oh=82e4260de427a81a92bf7c9c9384c46e&oe=58B750DC)
(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/10690219_10152920321625033_7924597056688882764_n.jpg?oh=9a97d5afdcb4a2cbabb5c277f7643012&oe=58C21689)

(4) We go on an annual canoe trip to Northern Saskatchewan. It is a soul charging adventure and a wonderful trip with friends:
(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/13925490_10154171724500033_8321323221880543425_o.jpg)
(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/14115636_10154204744835033_223143794776787237_o.jpg)
(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/14067747_10154204743365033_4689530622832615258_o.jpg)

(5) I like to build Inuksuks on my travels. Something very zen like when you are stacking rocks on the shore:
(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14333178_10154277007280033_2540250706382322096_n.jpg?oh=d2c984320daf4fd48615ceb628224564&oe=58BBD789)
(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/12778968_10153769559430033_1137512407441897916_o.jpg)
(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/12779217_10153769558610033_2587315125545698401_o.jpg)

(6) Fundraising to help the Homeless.
My wife and I host a lot of gatherings at our house. Many of them our boardgame functions, some are focused on other things. We try to have a lot of fun and use these as opportunities to raise money for the homeless. This is done with under our Play with Your Food team - "Game for a Change". Here is some information about that pursuit here:
https://www.boardgamegeek.com/thread/1655280/local-boardgame-charity-event-raises-over-42000

Here are some pictures of the functions we have held:

BixCON Summer Sizzle Lobster Boil:
(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/13613359_10154085373850033_2599391419606103534_o.jpg)
(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/p206x206/12744319_10153782487945033_9104149344897752907_n.jpg?oh=75882c0e19a5b904db0066f37e8ec499&oe=58AE6AC6)

Scotchy Scotch Scotch - Scotch Tasting:
(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14479570_10154304779310033_1427243632869165234_n.jpg?oh=acd5c52502d541d26ab07b3200ce458b&oe=58BCF05F)
(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14449039_10154305261650033_982770458414844171_n.jpg?oh=b33766a171cdb2a3bbc68e2b5c68e59d&oe=58C4D2F7)

Annual Darts Tournament:
(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13529238_10154062951750033_8788782429145964727_n.jpg?oh=ff9f39d7aa160237f526449d07b7ed03&oe=58FB4A6E)

(7) We occasionally go on a backpacking trip. Great to get away from it all:
(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/12027670_10153784398070033_3395002038931921082_n.jpg?oh=b0599cfcb3dad90f07f49e6df10182ca&oe=58AFFFAD)
(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/12794891_10153784398050033_8113790944385969818_o.jpg)

( 8 ) I used to do some trail riding on my Mountain Bike. Need to do more of this:
(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/12764836_10153784398610033_8235013672453002099_o.jpg)
(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/12764552_10153784398605033_2673861237626886623_o.jpg)

(9) We try to get out snowshoeing a few times each winter when there is enough snow:
(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/12764596_10153780134375033_6022989154947545141_o.jpg)
(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/l/t31.0-8/12783762_10153780134870033_6773574996393134377_o.jpg)

(10) And finally, I am trying to plan my first large event next year. I love planning events so it only makes sense that I try my hands at something bigger than gatherings at our house.
(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/14124558_10154234666465033_5780471546600870551_o.jpg)

Okay, that list turned out longer than I thought it would. That is what happens when I ramble.

I hope everyone is fine and is prepared for a peaceful Christmas season of games with family and friends.
Cheers,
Matt
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: dirk2112 on December 02, 2016, 09:46:43 AM
Bixby,

I added you in Untapped.  You definitely have me beat in beers.
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: Decar on December 02, 2016, 01:05:23 PM
A merit to Bixby for sharing his many passions with us. It looks like you've had some very fun times. I'm learning to play darts at the moment...I'm not very good and it takes me a good 5-10 minutes to warm up.  Good luck with your convention next year. Please share some photos with us :)
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: Bixby on December 02, 2016, 03:01:56 PM
Bixby,

I added you in Untapped.  You definitely have me beat in beers.

Added you too. Cheers. :)

A merit to Bixby for sharing his many passions with us. It looks like you've had some very fun times. I'm learning to play darts at the moment...I'm not very good and it takes me a good 5-10 minutes to warm up.  Good luck with your convention next year. Please share some photos with us :)

Thanks Decar. I certainly will share some photos.
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: JT Atomico on December 03, 2016, 03:40:52 PM
Anyway,  how did you play in other regions?  I thought if I went to Europe I would have to luck out and find a Mr. Mime that just happened to spawn somewhere with free wifi.  I thought data roaming cost a fortune.

I caught Farfetch'd in Hong Kong, Tauros in New York and Kangaskhan in Melbourne. I just bought a data package in the other regions, it wasn't too expensive on my contract.
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: kettlefish on December 04, 2016, 01:17:06 AM
Bixby,
your creativ stone stacking is great, it remembers me for meeple stacking:

          :blue-meeple:
       :yellow-meeple: :yellow-meeple:
    :green-meeple: :green-meeple: :green-meeple:
 :red-meeple: :red-meeple: :red-meeple: :red-meeple:
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: kettlefish on January 08, 2017, 07:27:19 PM
Here is one more of my works for crochet.

I've bought some mini christmas balls. I've done the chochet with a silver sewing thread. That you can see how small the work is - I've put a pencil and the crochet hook and some figures like a meeple, wagon, builder and pig together with the christmas balls.
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: Decar on January 09, 2017, 02:33:41 AM
Those are incredibly intricate crochet patterns kettlefish - wonderful to see - thanks for sharing!
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: kettlefish on January 09, 2017, 08:00:31 AM
Thanks Decar,
I need a magnifying glass for this crochet work.
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: CKorfmann on January 16, 2017, 12:18:03 PM
Those ornaments are beautiful.  Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: kettlefish on January 28, 2017, 12:29:49 PM
Here is my CatTower.
I am buiding this tower since years - I've started with it around 4 years ago. And now it is almost finished - the wall is almost full - the cats don't sleep there today evening.
They have found some other nice places to sleep.
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: Halfling on January 29, 2017, 12:07:27 AM
How many cats do you have?
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: kettlefish on January 29, 2017, 01:49:19 AM
How many cats do you have?
I have 2 cats.
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: wolnic on April 10, 2017, 04:49:44 PM
I don't know if it counts as a "hobby", but I've been baking my own bread for a couple of years ... that's the edible kind, not counterfeit money ...

And have been involved in Play-by-mail games for several decades ...
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: stalcupojoy on April 12, 2017, 11:48:21 PM
My most recent hobby has been getting more into writing poetry. Here's a diverse little sample:

(https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/fit/c/160/160/1*Hc_0hi3czues1YaJoyryKA.jpeg) (https://poetry-in-form.com/morning-song-d1afe4d600e9)
Morning Song (https://poetry-in-form.com/morning-song-d1afe4d600e9)
A short and sweet poem about my daughters
(This was in response to a poetry prompt. An "abhanga" is a quatrain with lines of 6-6-6-4 syllables, with only the middle two lines rhymed.)

(https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/fit/c/160/160/1*Xv533OEHC3KhOj-D2j5mUg.jpeg) (https://medium.com/poets-unlimited/in-that-ill-storied-man-i-see-29ebc95efb6b)
In That Ill-Storied Man I See (https://medium.com/poets-unlimited/in-that-ill-storied-man-i-see-29ebc95efb6b)
A liturgical prayer inspired by Donald Trump (hah!)

(https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/fit/c/160/160/1*1kWcgExbeGLhnEt2-LZiyA.jpeg) (https://medium.com/poets-unlimited/the-heavens-draped-in-sackcloth-sigh-38367b5de986)
The Heavens Draped In Sackcloth Sigh (https://medium.com/poets-unlimited/the-heavens-draped-in-sackcloth-sigh-38367b5de986)
A poem about snow

I'm currently posting something new about every week or two, across various publications. You can find an up-to-date
list of my poems here (https://thewriterarchives.com/walk-with-me-c03e32cb012d) if you're interested. :) It has been a fun creative/learning experience. If anyone wants to join me in it, let me know!
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: jungleboy on April 14, 2017, 11:57:29 AM
I don't know if it counts as a "hobby", but I've been baking my own bread for a couple of years ... that's the edible kind, not counterfeit money ...

Of course it counts! I have also dabbled in bread-making. I can make a pretty good focaccia now, and I'd like to branch out a bit more. I recently got a second-hand bread-maker but haven't had a chance to use it yet.
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: Squiffything on June 23, 2017, 08:55:38 AM
I collect Vinyl, renovate and build record players.

(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l103/squiffything/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsosn3eqi2.jpeg)

Some are a little bit different to the normal.
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: Willem on January 06, 2018, 07:21:48 AM
Outside of browsing the web for Carcassonne collectables, i also have a hobby i've been active in since 2006:
Brazilian Percussion
Samba percussion

Ive been playing in several bands around the Netherlands, and since i moved to the UK, ive joined some bands here to.

In 2016 me and my girlfriend (who i met at a sambafestival in Germany in 2012) went to Rio de Janeiro and did multiple workshops with several bands/styles of music. I was even lucky enough to play in one of Rio's most well known samba schools!
Some video's from some of my bands can be found here:
https://youtu.be/vtuuRmVzqP4
https://youtu.be/kQd4PVCuKcM
https://youtu.be/rgBOWGqVwzk
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10154660545497486&id=500832485
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: dirk2112 on May 06, 2018, 08:04:11 AM
Over the past year, I have started keeping planted freshwater aquariums.   I have a 29 gallon high (110 liters) with a betta, some Harlequin Rasboras, Cory Catfish, zebra danio, and amano shrimp.  I also put together a 10 gallon (37.9 liters) that has a colony of red cherry shrimp, 2 guppies, and 3 Gertude's Rainbowfish.

Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: Foggy-Balla on May 14, 2018, 06:21:50 AM
Only just got into Carcassonne, but really enjoying it.  Just own the basics at the moment - base game, T&B, River 2 & The Count.  Last two bought for aeshetics.  Glad that my Boy actually asks to play as he's normally buried in iPad/iPhone/X-Box, the last of which was given to him by a friend upgrading his console & before my Wife & I could say no.

Otherwise it's London Irish Rugby, coaching Mini-Rugby & cookery.  I also got back into model railways a few years back, which then led to general model building.  I'm stalled a bit on a model of a Chieftain tank that I Commanded in Germany back in the early '90s.  Latest fad is painting 28mm wargaming figures with a focus on 17th century stuff.

Finally I started having acupuncture last year for health reasons.  That has led to practising Tai Chi, in turn to Zhang Zhuang (basically exercising by standing completely still in a series of complex postures - harder than it sounds) & Daoist meditation.  My first go at the last was astonishing, never thought I would sit/kneel completely still for 45 minutes!
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: kettlefish on August 06, 2018, 06:14:32 AM
Hi all,
I was busy in the last few days. I have a sewing machine since this year. I tested the sewing machine with some other projects.  I've build a bench for my balcony and I needed some pillows for it.

This is the result of my new pillows: (see Attachment)
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: danisthirty on August 07, 2018, 02:16:32 AM
Apparently it's been longer than I realised since I last visited this thread! Great to see what everyone else is doing to keep themselves busy though.

@dirk2112 - loved seeing your tropical aquarium. I've kept a few over the last ten years but have never had a lot of luck with plants even with strong lighting and a CO2 pump. What's your secret? I would share a photo of the one we have at the moment but I'd be too embarrassed to given the state it's currently in... :-[

@Foggy-Balla - I used to know someone else who was a big fan of London Irish. She even took me to watch a game but it didn't really help that I don't particularly understand Rugby and didn't know what was going on most of the time. They play just down the road from me at Madejski Stadium though (they did at the time anyway), so at least it wasn't far to go. Hope the acupuncture is going well! :(y)

@kettlefish - Great work! I love the look of the meeple pillows :green-meeple: :(y)
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: dirk2112 on August 08, 2018, 06:21:30 AM
The hardest part of keeping a planted aquarium is fighting algae.  Too much light, not enough nutrients, too much c02, etc.  It is a real balancing act.  I don't use CO2 at all, so my secret is limiting myself to easy plants.  Mosses, Wisteria, guppy grass, Cryptocorne, Creeping Jenny, vals, and tiger lotus are easy to grow.  I have a dimmable light, so I can reduce it or the amount of hours it stays on if algae starts to grow. 

For nutrients, I use osmacote in the soil and weekly add macro and micro fertilizers I bought online. 

The other thing you can do is use Glutaraldehyde in small doses to kill algae and add carbon to stimulate growth.  In the pet store it is sold as Seachem Excel, but in the US there are cheaper ways of getting it. 
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: Decar on August 08, 2018, 01:27:44 PM
Very comfy looking pillows kettlefish!
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: kettlefish on August 08, 2018, 01:33:44 PM
I have opened a topic at CarcF in the open forum and a topic in the workshop at CarcF.
There you can see more photos and information.

Meeple Kissen (https://www.carcassonne-forum.de/viewtopic.php?f=82&t=4315)

Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: Halfling on January 21, 2019, 02:26:32 PM
Latest issue of my PBM game/magazine.  Small section about my recent boardgaming on final page.
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: kettlefish on January 22, 2022, 02:48:12 PM
I was sewing in the last few years. Here are some more examples.
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: Meepledrone on January 22, 2022, 03:29:58 PM
Ha ha ha!

They look awesome! :(y) :(y)
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: DIN0 on January 22, 2022, 04:57:27 PM
Those are really amazing and cute!
Have you ever sewed a meeple before? :violet-meeple:
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: kettlefish on January 22, 2022, 05:06:45 PM
Those are really amazing and cute!
Have you ever sewed a meeple before? :violet-meeple:
Yes, I have sewed meeple and builder.
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: DIN0 on January 22, 2022, 06:18:11 PM
Meeple plushies, great!
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: Decar on January 23, 2022, 01:16:02 AM
Very nice to see that you've been busy kettlefish!
DecarJr has a sock-snake that holds his bedroom door open. They have great character. Your snake is great and much longer! Your rat is nice too.
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: Willem on January 23, 2022, 01:20:40 AM
Love the Meeple plushies too!
That's some great craftsmanship kettlefish!
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: kettlefish on January 24, 2022, 12:45:27 PM
I've build a small weaving loom. You can see the loom in the background of the photo with the socks-snake.
I sewed some small bags with the weaving clothes:
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: kettlefish on February 25, 2022, 01:42:45 PM
I did some more sewing projects. My cat Mr.Gismo needed a new sleeping pillow. Here it is:
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: oldbonz on February 25, 2022, 03:13:25 PM
I did some more sewing projects. My cat Mr.Gismo needed a new sleeping pillow. Here it is:

what is meeple?
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: kettlefish on February 25, 2022, 04:11:57 PM
I did some more sewing projects. My cat Mr.Gismo needed a new sleeping pillow. Here it is:

what is meeple?
I do not understand? Are you asking if I have already sew a meeple?
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: oldbonz on February 25, 2022, 04:33:49 PM
it's a translation problem, just kidding, and ask what is this meeple with hairs ;D
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: OneEyedOwl on February 26, 2022, 04:45:12 AM
My hobbies include: Construction blocks (Lego and compatible brands) as well as Cubing
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: Meepledrone on February 26, 2022, 04:54:02 AM
Lego building is really fun!  :(y) :(y)

And if you can watch any Lego Masters edition, you may njoy it too.
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: kettlefish on September 30, 2023, 05:55:25 AM
I've build a special loom for weaving. I used old t-shirts to make my own yarn. With the special loom I weaved and than sewed a bag.

With that weaving pompom loom with pins I can make a pompom cloth.
I've also build the wooden needles which you can see onto the pictures.

Here are the photos:
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: kettlefish on September 30, 2023, 06:18:42 AM
I've sewed and created a wall-cloth as a holder for my rulers.
I've also weaved a small basket.
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: Meepledrone on October 01, 2023, 04:23:46 AM
They look very nice, @kettlefish !!! ^-^

Do you have more projects in the works?
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: kettlefish on October 11, 2023, 10:05:55 AM
They look very nice, @kettlefish !!! ^-^

Do you have more projects in the works?
I have some finished wooden work. I've build some small wooden houses:

I've bought some more such wood work this year, but I have to build them in this winter time.
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: Bumsakalaka on October 11, 2023, 10:16:12 AM
Nice "non carcassonne baba yaga-like" hut :)
Title: Re: Other Hobbies than board games
Post by: kettlefish on October 11, 2023, 11:10:31 AM
I did some works for my sewing hobby.

Theme: how to store the yarn rolls? And is it possible to give empty yarn rolls a new life?