Quote

I'm just glad I'm not one of the animals who has to have these things jabbed into them.

I'm a regular pro at getting things jabbed into me. =) I've probably had hundreds of needles stuck into my arms. Not really a big deal after the first dozen or two times.

At last count, I've donated blood/platelets/plasma about 70-80 times. The old platelet machines were the worst--they stuck you twice for each donation--one to draw blood from one arm, then another to return the non-useful blood back in the other arm.

Lots of fun, though. =)

Last time I donated blood (last week), I surfed Atlas Quest a bit and found a couple of minor errors that I was able to fix after walking back home. =)

-- Ryan

Your boxes were doing great. There had been some new boxers, a group of about 8 who did not have stemps, that had visited your boxes. They had taken very good care of them and rehidden them very well.

I'm glad to hear this as well, since we put them down there for CR! Glad they are holding up, I'd feel bad if they weren't.
bz

You'd be surprised how hard it is to plant one there that stays. The Disney sweepers are legendary for finding every scrap of trash. They go through all the bushes, trees, holes in the ground, cracks in the rocks, crannies in buildings, etc. to find it.

There was one trial plant I made behind a bridge railing. I checked that it could no be seen from either direction while crossing the bridge. The first time, I wedged it into a joint between a brace and the handrail. It disappeared within a few days. My second attempt was using velcro in the middle of a span, not near any joints where someone might wedge trash. It was pretty far back (the handrail is about 4" thick) so there was no way you could accidentally bump it. You had to reach for it. This one ALSO disappeared within a week.

Those guys are GOOD! The only reason I persist in trying is that I know that some hidden things have survived there for over 2 years.

BTW: A hint for a container might be to use something that wouldn't be out of place if it were inadvertantly discovered such as a film cannister. I'm sure the sweepers pick up a ton of those every day and finding another one wedged behind a rock wouldn't raise any alarm bells the way a tupperware box painted black might. :)

Are you using PZcut, as well? I primarily use MasterCarve, after trying a few other brands, but have never tried PZcut.
Artdog

Quote

Fortunately I have intensely magnifying eyes without my glasses on. I can read microtype on a dollar bill. I just need a good light source.

I, too, can see every bit of type on a dollar bill. However, I am so danged excited by my new magnifying lamp that I can hardly leave the house! This is the one tool that any carver, no matter whether they prefer needles, knives or gouges or how good their eyesight, will absolutely LOVE.

This lamp has taken the quality of my carving to the next level. Thank you, Brian of TGD, for recommending that I spend the whopping sixteen bucks for one if these! There's nothing like the right tool for the right job...

Incidentally, I think there is no 'best' tool or media for stamp carving. I have seen top quality work done on everything from a Pink Pearl eraser to funky flooring salvaged at the dump. The same goes for the tools. Try them all and you will surely find your favorites. This is one place where I believe the dictum, "there are no rules!" Funhog

Wow, Ryan just never ceases to amaze me with his gadgets! Any other ON LBers out there?

We're in Belleville.

Cheers, Pete aka Jiggs

P15 F310 X69 E5 HH29

Just letting those that have my PT you can now count it. It's called "You asked for it"

Boxdn

Just started this past weekend - curtesy of our unbelievably warm weather. Found one box in Chapel Hill and one in Cary. I would love to get to know others in the triangle area.

I was very moved by your post. You said many things I had wanted to and couldn't seem to get my point across.
Children with OCD, letterboxing is something I never considered. Thank you for bringing it to our attention, as I do not believe anyone ever really thought of it.
GREAT POST!
Dee

Quote

I'm glad to hear this as well, since we put them down there for CR!
bz

You always do an awesome job of hiding boxes! You are my favorite hider in the SE! I'm glad you've done a great job for Cherokee Rose as well.

In admiration,
Mark

Hi All:

Happy New Year to you and yours. Hope you had a safe and fun celebration.

Judith and I started off the N.Y right. We went letterboxing today! Started the day off with Mr. Happy's letterbox and
hit up Mayfield Dairy for Eeyors lost tail. We found it and then some bonus prizes in the form of double scoops on a cone! Yum, Yum... it was a great breakfast (only 9:30am) oh well, we're old we can eat dessert first! We then picked up one of Nancy's Athen's Park Series boxs and headed to Mark's Fishing Series. If you have not done this series your missing some great box's and a beautiful park! All the stamps we picked up today were quality! We loved each one. There is some great carving here folks!

Judith and I are both on our way to our 100th finds! We are both in the 90's. The celebration should be coming up here soon. We'll keep you posted on the status.

Hope you have a great evening.

Cherokee Rose, Judith & Sparky

Quote

and headed to Mark's Fishing Series. If you have not done this series your missing some great box's and a beautiful park!

Thanks! Those are some kind words in a time when I really needed to hear something like this. I'm honored to be in your final 10. Good luck, and let us know when we should give you props!

'presh!
Mark

Ow! smell
her hurt Hell
Inside this, dwell
raw, flayed
A barbed cell

Broken open,
fleetfoot
sooted and charred
not barred.

Dismal disappear:
fear
steer the course away
Don't stay!
avoided

You and me sliced
divide, hide
noctural
in your journal, always....
experienced.

Hello - we found ourselves in Athens today unexpectedly - Is Bear Hollow still out of commission? We found hidey hole, but no box. Remembered there was an older post, but didn't remember status. Just wondering. thanks.

Also - bzmom invited us to introduce ourselves after we found our first box back in early Nov. ... but 20 or so boxes later haven't done it even though we've been following this board. We love this new hobby, which we got introduced to through some folks in New England. We've already had some adentures that clearly makes us obsessed! Lucky we've got adventurous kiddos!! We're almost ready to plant our first box soon. Very exciting!

I, too, can see every bit of type on a dollar bill.

Oh, I have to challenge you there, to be sure. Do you know what the microtype is?

On the front of a new $20, in the bottom left, between the big number 20 and Jackson's shoulder, it says, "The United States of America 20 USA 20 USA 20." Can you see that? No one else I know can see it without a magnifier, so it would be cool if you could.

Nite Owl uses a magnifier lamp on a swivel arm. Best gift we ever had for carving. I use it for the light, and not the magnifier. I may use it when I get more detailed.

Scarab of the Doubtful Guests
"who wants to see Funhog's next level work"

Welcome to this wonderful, wackey, sometimes zany, but always crazy great adventure of a hobby.

Cherokee Rose

Friends, always.
Some true some blue.
Pain cut's deep. Bleeding to the core!
Live, love, learn. But, don't close the door!
You, my friend are true.
Standing Tall. Heal. Learn.
Love again, once more!

A big welcome from Nawlins', 123 family. Since I haven't heard from Red lately on this list, I'll jump in.

What was your first box?
What's been your favorite find?
What has been the craziest adveture boxing?(since you brought it up)

I see you found out about boxing through friends so there goes that question.

I see you know bzmom, anything she tells you about the crazy Nut is true.

Boxdn the Boxing Nut of Metairie,LA

I just finished reading "Wicked, The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West" last night. Excellent book, especially for fans of the Wizard of Oz, even though it turns Oz on its head! Can you imagine letterboxing through Munchkinland, along the Yellow Brick Road and into the Emerald City??...obsessed? Who, me??
Artdog

I believe that is the book that the Broadway Play Wicked is based on. It has been getting terrific reviews in NYC! It was playing when Ryan and I were there in September, but it was so popular, we couldn't get tickets.

-Amanda from Seattle

Holy Magnifier, Batman! You're absolutely right. There's no way I cold ever see those little bitty letters without magnification. Thanks for telling us about them. I'm sure it's knowledge that will be good for a five buck wager in a smoky dive late at night someday. Funhog

"I believe that is the book that the Broadway Play Wicked is based on. "

Yes, it is. It is playing in Chicago now and my bookclub is thinking about taking the train up (from Indy) and attending the show together after we've all finished the book.

-Artdog

OK. Let's see...

First box - Roll On
Favorite find: I think "Feste of 12th Night" or "Land of the Lost"
Craziest Adventure: Definitely trying to find Sun Over Stone with a jogging stroller in tow! (blame that one on hubby - REALLY bad idea!)

Yes - as I said we found out about boxing from family - who we just discovered are avid boxers and prolific placers in New England!

I really don't know any other boxers down here - just from what I read around these boards. But y'all sound like a fun group!

Quote

Favorite find: I think "Feste of 12th Night" or "Land of the Lost"

Hey, thanks! I appreciate the kind words about Land of the Lost. I had a lot of fun with that one.

Quote

Craziest Adventure: Definitely trying to find Sun Over Stone with a jogging stroller in tow! (blame that one on hubby - REALLY bad idea!)

Yep, that's one nutball idea for sure! The pitch of the mountain is more than 45 degrees by that box!

Quote

I really don't know any other boxers down here - just from what I read around these boards. But y'all sound like a fun group!

We are a fun group. You'll meet us soon enough, either at VictoriAnna's thing or the Fla gathering. Or perhaps in the soon-to-be-announced Carving Nights.

Glad to meet ya 1 2 3!
Mark

Quote

or the Fla gathering.

Yes, please! Y'all come! I have this vision of me sitting in the park all alone when no one shows up! It's sad and pitiful. <g>

DebBee

Hey, Ryan! I got the quote thing right on that last message. There may be hope for me, after all!

DebBee

Read the book & saw the show. Both are fantastic but are totally different! The book is much darker & the musical is much more what you'd expect from a musical that is supposed to lead up to the Wizard of Oz- upbeat, fantastic tale, but very different from the book. Even the story is different. So, while it is based on the book, it is very loosely based. But it is fantastic in its own right & there are things about each that I enjoyed & often I wondered which story version I enjoyed more. You'll have to decide for yourself. :)

The Family

Hi 1 2 3!

I went out to do some checking on my boxes today, I just love your stamp! I'm assuming that it is a "family" one. Each item representing one member? I just made one for our family, same principle but different image. So glad you decided to join us.

Hey Nut,
I didn't say a word, I think they'll soon figure that out for themselves! They reported my boxes found and I, just being the true Southerner that I am, invited them to come in and sit a spell.

bzmom

Congrats CR, Judith & Sparky! Can't wait to see you guys on the trail again. I haven't been boxing in over a month! It's killing me! Between the holidays and being sick lately I haven't had the opportunity to hit the trails at all!
I look forward to getting Mark's fishing series... Maybe this weekend!
Dee

While Thank You Miss Dee! I too would enjoy meeting up on the trail. Sorry you have not been feeling well. Hope your ok now.

CR