How to make the Russian Tea Updated and corrected version
Excellent Hot
Spice Mixture. Begin by slow boiling for five minutes the following: 1 cup Sugar, 2 cups Water, 4 Sticks of Cinnamon, and 12 whole cloves. After five minutes strain out the cinnamon and cloves.
Juice Mixture. Then mix together the following. 1 quart Sweet Tea ( you can use splenda to sweeten if you wish), Juice of 1 lemon, 1 quart Orange Juice, and 48 ounces (unsweetened) Pineapple Juice.
Combine in a gallon Jug, the Spice mixture with the Juice mixture and serve Hot or Cold.
This is great for when you have a cold as it has lots of vitamin C.
The Trains are Coming!
The Beginning
It all started with a bunch of boxes. Not much like a train layout here.
Test Track layout
First I had to design a track layout. This was an early try. You notice it is not even all put together!
Building the table
After I figured out my layout I begin to build the table to hold it.
Sound board
The train can be noisy on plywood alone so I covered the table with homasote to deaden the sound.
Wiring the Layout
Here I am begining to wire the layout. the switches drove me crazy. They have to be isolated from the rest of the track but need power applied after the switch to keep the train running
Track is wired
At this point all three levels are installed and wired. I am ready to add the buildings! More pictures to come after I add some buildings!
Special Thanks to:
Mark, Becky, and Kelsey Huling
They have been with us from day one. From preparation to presentation they are always there for us.
Susan Hudson
Our daughter Susan is trouble! She is always suggesting new ideas to improve the village experience. She creates the brochures, coordinates the event, and some of the scenes.
Mark Banks
Mark works behind the scenes helping Santa! You may not see mark but he is helping the big guy.
And Also to:
The Freeman Family
You may know them for the world's best sugarcorn. But thanks to this generosity we have a place for you to park
Jay Prettyman
Jay Prettyman provided the tractor to pull one of the hayrides this year. Thanks for your kindness and generosity!
Eileen Furnish
Eileen is always here for the special sessions with nursing homes, senior centers, and Peachtree. Many thanks!
Robert & Amber Godwin
Whoa ! What a surprise to my eyes should appear? We did not expect them this year, but they flew up from South Carolina just to help out one weekend.
Miss June
I have give special thanks to my wife June. She puts up with all sorts of chaos and stress. With me being the worlds greatest procrastinator she is a saint! And she makes the cookies and russian tea!
And many others.
There are many other people who have helped. To all of you thank you. We could not do this without your help. It is a group effort. Until we have our appreciation meal Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.