My Husband's Model Train: Curves and Straights

These Maerklin H0 model trains and accessories are now considered toys for the big boys. Number one because the models are now rare and number two because they now cost a small fortune.

These are my husband's model train set which he started collecting in December 1963; the first set came as a gift from his father. He remember not being allowed to go inside the living room for a week before Christmas because the opa was trying to assemble the whole set for him.

That Christmas gift awoke a passion for model trains, specifically for Maerklin H0. Through the years, he added more to his collection. There was even a time when he took over the basement room to set up his model set, the room is around 3 meter by 2.5 meter, and it was his own train station. He got lost in his own world there: posting lights and stations, building bridges, creating streets, dugging tunnels and ponds and rivers, constructing houses, planting trees and schrubs, adding people and animals, even cars and fences -- everything that would catch his imagination.

He had to pack this treasured collection in boxes for long years before he got an inspiration to resurrect them again because of the kids. It took time: finding the right place to build the train set, measuring, buying the materials and constructing the dream. Slowly but surely, the new station for the model train set is becoming a reality. I love looking at the curves and straights; the circle of water and patches of grass, and the dark corners of the tunnel. It is a continuing work of art; for both my husband and the kids. The model train set needs time, loads of creativity, some money and fun.

They dont work on it regularly because they wanted to focus on it when they think they would be enjoying it; and not because they are obliged to work on it. It is a labor of love and a fun time. And I simply adore their concentration when their hands are busy in this train station: they are quiet yet you would know they are having enjoying it. Those curves and straights along and between the stations are becoming more alive; slowly but surely as I already said.

This is my post for PMN: Fam Pics this February's Straight Theme.

Weiberfastnacht: Fat Thursday

I have been hearing and reading about it, but I dont really know how I could get to join the number one most awaited ladies' event in Germany; the Weiberfasching.

This is always celebrated right after the Ash Wednesday, and they call that day the German Fettdonnerstag or Schmutziger Donnerstag (roughly translated Fat Thursday or Dirty Thursday), or the Weiberfastnacht (Wives Carnival) which means the official start of the carnival.

According to wikipedia: Fat Thursday (Polish Tłusty czwartek, German Fettdonnerstag, Schmutziger Donnerstag, or in areas where carnival is celebrated Weiberfastnacht) is a traditional Polish and German feast marking the last Thursday before Lent. Because Lent is a time of fasting, the next opportunity to feast would not be until Easter. It is similar to, but should not be confused with, the French festival of Mardi Gras ("Fat Tuesday"). Traditionally it is a day dedicated to eating, when people meet in their homes or cafés with their friends and relatives and eat large quantities of sweets, cakes and other meals forbidden during Lent. Among the most popular all-national dishes served on that day are pączki or berliner, fist-sized donuts filled with rose marmalade, and faworki, French dough fingers served with lots of powdered sugar.

The center of this Weiberfastnacht festival would be Cologne or Dusseldorf where the airports issue right inside the airplane a travel warning to men passengers. Women armed with scissors are out to cut those neck ties, a traditional 'game'. And men would be then comforted with kisses afterwards.

Well, most of the men leave their neck ties at home now. But my husband, wanting that the girls could experience this tradition; took two old ties and asked the girls to cut them (see photos). And then of course, I have been preparing for the Ladies' Only Costume Ball for months now! Thanks for the women above 50 who took me under their wings, they asked me to join their reserved table for that ball :D

I asked a neighbor for her help to create a costume. I choose the dress of Jasmin (from Alladin) as inspiration. We went together to buy the materials and for the rest of the week before the ball, we were busy cutting, sewing, and putting the whole costume together. And then the big day came. My husband had to come home earlier than usual because I should meet with the 'girls' at 6:30 p.m.

My girls were too excited, they wanted me to get ready as early as 3 pm. And when I told them they should help me, well --- I dont have to do anything after that. IC sort of dressed me up; while MC stood on stand by, holding her friseur and make up set! Well, I had to wait until their ministrations were finished before I could really do my thing. And my husband, he had fun taking pictures, just like a parent during her child's first prom date!

Viral Linking

I have randomly selected 5 of you below to be tagged and I hope that you will similarly publish this post in your blog. You will have to tag 5 other bloggers and just keep adding on to the list. (Do not replace, just keep on adding! Yes we hope it will be a long list!)It’s real easy! Tag others and see your Technorati Authority increase exponentially!

The benefits of Viral Linking:

One of the fastest ways to see your technorati authority explode!
Increase your Google PageRank fast
Attract large volume of new traffic to your site
Build your communityMake new friends!

And these are the people who already took part on this tag:*The Strategist Notebook *Link Addiction *Ardour of the Heart *When Life Becomes a Book *The Malaysian Life *Yogatta.com *What goes under the sun *Roshidan’s Cyber Station *Sasha says *Arts of Physics *Dagboek *Dutch converted Asian *Enjoy Your Meal *And the legend lives *My View, My Life! *Pusang Maganda *Spontaneity *Maruism *Wapita *Unforeseen Existence *Ako ay Tamad *The Balmy Zephyr *bhabypau *KiCHi *Mae-Mae *Gayle *Karen Dayle *http://phinkness.com/ * Karen -AP- * pinkyish *Kritz *Ninah * Laine * Youngmaze* Homeworked

Now I am tagging: Rach, Marysmom, Janet, Arlene and Lovelyn.