Author Topic: Did you pick up any new hobb(ies) during the quarantine ??  (Read 6227 times)

Freedomin5

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Re: Did you pick up any new hobb(ies) during the quarantine ??
« Reply #50 on: June 30, 2020, 03:35:25 PM »
I splurged and spent about $100 on new hobbies.  Bought a Ukulele and a song book (tip: there are LOADs of free songs online too, but I wanted a book for offline play).  I also bought one of those 5D Diamond painting kits - I've been working on that for a couple nights and I'm hooked.  Similar to counted cross stitch, but it's applying little beads to a glue-y canvas.  I don't have anywhere to display these so  don't want to do too many, but they're fun.
[/quote

I bought a 5D diamond craft kit too! Don’t know why they call it painting since no paint is involved. The finished product is very pretty. Also did four paint-by-number oil paintings that are now gracing our dining room wall.

lutorm

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Re: Did you pick up any new hobb(ies) during the quarantine ??
« Reply #51 on: June 30, 2020, 09:03:35 PM »
The closure of daycare sure brought on a whole new hobby: The 24/7 working toddler parents.

SpaceCow

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Re: Did you pick up any new hobb(ies) during the quarantine ??
« Reply #52 on: June 30, 2020, 09:26:40 PM »
I started smoking weed.

Just Joe

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Re: Did you pick up any new hobb(ies) during the quarantine ??
« Reply #53 on: July 01, 2020, 10:29:08 AM »
Riding my ebike more. Working more on the house. Want to get back to restoring various old things - cars, scooters, furniture, etc.

GuitarStv

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Re: Did you pick up any new hobb(ies) during the quarantine ??
« Reply #54 on: July 01, 2020, 12:29:40 PM »
Because my bike commute is no longer a thing, I've re-acquainted myself with my old heavy bag and am running through a few hours of old Thai boxing drills that I can remember from more than ten years ago when I used to compete.  Forgot how fun it is to hit stuff hard until you're dripping sweat.  :P

MilesTeg

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Re: Did you pick up any new hobb(ies) during the quarantine ??
« Reply #55 on: July 01, 2020, 12:40:36 PM »
Now this is not the usual stuff you've been doing but new ones.
I love playing golf and the golf courses are open but I haven't gone once yet.
Stuff I've picked up that I have never done before.

1) Stock market. I usually spend 2-4 hours each day looking at the market. Have never bought stocks before(just mutual funds) and I find it a bit exciting. Still very much a noobie but its fun learning. Overall I'm ahead so that's a great thing.

2) Wood crafting. This is a hobby I surely will keep when I do retire. I bought myself a miter saw and you can make some quality wood stuff with that. I've been making garden beds and such for the wife. The funny thing is now when I look for deals, I'm trying to buy more tools to make my crafting easier.

3) Yard work. I used to hate this stuff. I haven't cut my own lawn in about 4 yrs. Its cumbersome. The grass cutting is tolerable but the trimming and edging I hate. Since I'm not doing anything I decided to cancel my lawn service(he didn't like it). My first time re-doing it, I find the trimming/edging still cumbersome. Went out and bought a cordless trimmer/blower and Holy Crap, its life changing. Why did I wait so long to buy cordless tools ?? I really enjoy keeping my yard pristine now.

My wife approves #2 and # 3 very much. She's OK with #1 probably cause I'm actually making a little money.
Wife's till working so I'm also doing most of the cooking and cleaning at home.

I learned how to do auto paint chip and minor scratch repair (fill, cut, wetsand, buff). Might turn it into a money making hobby.

Rosy

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Re: Did you pick up any new hobb(ies) during the quarantine ??
« Reply #56 on: July 01, 2020, 02:02:50 PM »
Started researching and YouTubing ideas for a couple of DIY garden projects that I'd like to play with.

1. I'm learning how to do an acrylic paint pour on canvas - fun art for our dining room wall that I'm re-designing.
2. I have done a few small concrete projects before but hunted down some ideas on how to do a huge tropical leaf birdbath and later a cascading leaf fountain. I'm a bit hesitant because I know the pieces will be heavy, but I'm tempted because if you do it right it looks great and I really want a fountain and a birdbath in my new garden area.
It's about 34 ft by 18 ft and turned out better than I hoped for a first year garden. It would benefit from the sounds of splashing water and a bit of garden art. The birds which are all very well fed next door will have a welcome source of water.

Garden Art
1. My plan is to build a small column (6 or so feet tall and one concrete block stone wide). To be topped with a really cool ceramic skeleton head we already have. The skeleton head will be illuminated from the inside since it is really a small chimenea.
I'm thinking of stuccoing the outside and midheight insert a block that has an opening toward the front (if I lay it sideways).
In that opening, I want to insert a resin-covered glass piece - resin mixed with acrylic pour paint and lit from within, maybe do a mixed media piece.
Work - plans in progress...

2. Doing a resin acrylic paint pour on a small outdoor tabletop - something fun and funky and colorful, because I can:). Pricing, ordering the paints and resin this week.

3. Meanwhile a yard art birdbath is my next project - made from recycled items I already own, just need some silicone to hold everything in place.

4. Making a concrete fountain with cascading big tropical leaves - that's at the bottom of my list at the moment, might wait till fall.

5. Doing a trial run for a smaller fountain with three small/medium leaves using an old fountain pump to get the gist of it - maybe I can use the small version together with the one large leaf birdbath I want to try first.

6. I have an old bowling ball that I want to either spray paint or use up some leftover paint and glass art on - that will be a quick and free project, I even have enough alcohol to clean it up with due to Covid hoarding.

So some of it will cost next to nothing and some of it will require a bit more skill and $$. I don't mind the cost, I consider it entertainment, education and home-garden improvement.

Gardening - not new, but expanded and experimented
Added a new garden area, tried new plants, raised a ton of seedlings for the first time and experimented with Permaculture.

mm1970

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Re: Did you pick up any new hobb(ies) during the quarantine ??
« Reply #57 on: July 01, 2020, 02:23:47 PM »
The closure of daycare sure brought on a whole new hobby: The 24/7 working toddler parents.

AH ha ha, feel you.  Not toddlers, but 2 kids.

I don't really have time for new things.  Many things I'd like to have time for.  I guess
- I'm sleeping about the same.
- I'm reading more (no commuting).  I'm already at 21 books, last year I read 27.
- I'm trying new workouts.  I started this whole thing by running too much.  I finished a full weight training program on Beachbody and just started a new one.  The old one was a lot of traditional weight training moves.  The new one is a lot more challenging.  Faster paced.  A lot more emphasis on pullups and pushups.  A LOT of balance work.  Good time to try new things, eh?

lazycow

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Re: Did you pick up any new hobb(ies) during the quarantine ??
« Reply #58 on: August 06, 2020, 11:23:58 PM »
I have always wanted to swim in the ocean so asked on my little town's FB community page if anyone was interested (it is winter here and the water is freezing). Now I have a WhatsApp group with 8 women (the oldest is 71) and we meet weekly with whoever is free. It is fabulous fun. Sadly we can't do it during the new 6 week lockdown...
« Last Edit: August 07, 2020, 05:22:36 AM by lazycow »

EscapeVelocity2020

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Re: Did you pick up any new hobb(ies) during the quarantine ??
« Reply #59 on: August 07, 2020, 12:24:15 AM »
DW is going hot and heavy on orchids and I'm rekindling a love for RC cars with my son.  We saved a bunch of money when our summer travel was cancelled, so why not?  I'm hoping we can get back to travel in 2021 - although my DW's hobby might be a problem.  I think she has friends that can step in, or maybe they can make it a week or two?

NorthernBlitz

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Re: Did you pick up any new hobb(ies) during the quarantine ??
« Reply #60 on: August 07, 2020, 07:44:45 AM »
I'm interested in picking up archery, but don't have a place to shoot.

Anyone have any recommendations for how to find a place...particularly in the middle of a pandemic?

I wouldn't feel comfortable shooting on my property as we have neighbors, and I could probably only manage 8 to 10 yards in my basement.

Frugal Lizard

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Re: Did you pick up any new hobb(ies) during the quarantine ??
« Reply #61 on: August 07, 2020, 07:54:35 AM »
We are doing a lot more gardening - taking a fun hobby to the next level of provisioning our family.
And the DH and I have gone canoeing more together this summer than ever before.
I have doubled down on learning to watercolour paint - by purchasing online courses and I have gotten exponentially better.

GuitarStv

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Re: Did you pick up any new hobb(ies) during the quarantine ??
« Reply #62 on: August 07, 2020, 08:21:28 AM »
I'm interested in picking up archery, but don't have a place to shoot.

Anyone have any recommendations for how to find a place...particularly in the middle of a pandemic?

I wouldn't feel comfortable shooting on my property as we have neighbors, and I could probably only manage 8 to 10 yards in my basement.

Can you just drive out of town and find an empty field somewhere?  You should be able to build a few targets, then set them up just about anywhere with a measuring tape to ensure they're at consistent distance from where you're shooting from.

Just Joe

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Re: Did you pick up any new hobb(ies) during the quarantine ??
« Reply #63 on: August 07, 2020, 08:47:28 AM »
I learned how to do auto paint chip and minor scratch repair (fill, cut, wetsand, buff). Might turn it into a money making hobby.

Got any good tips or videos? I have a scratch on one of our cars that I need to repair.

Planning to sandblast and repaint a vintage Vespa before summer's end. A cheap way to refine my autobody skills and it ought to pay for itself if I sell it.
« Last Edit: August 07, 2020, 08:50:08 AM by Just Joe »

MaybeBecca

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Re: Did you pick up any new hobb(ies) during the quarantine ??
« Reply #64 on: August 07, 2020, 09:00:02 AM »
I've had a sewing machine for a couple years maybe, and actually started using it.  Not a ton because I'm afraid of ruining the
little fabric I have, but I self-drafted a beard mask for my husband and have made two masks for each of us so far. Plus, I cut and sewed our kitchen towels into much smaller towels, which is more manageable for the size of messes we tend to make.

Also started making sourdough again.  I knew nothing when I last did it.  Now, I can put my starter in the fridge when I get tired of it, and when I pull it out it's bubbly again after the first feed. I really do love having the internet at my fingertips, despite the bad that comes with it. It's wonderful to be able to learn about whatever you want at a moment's notice.

Gardening wasn't fully new, but we planted about 10x what we did last year (which was 2 4'sq beds).  It has gotten us some food, especially loved radish pods that were new to me and delicious.  We learned a lot and got food out of it, so we'll be better prepared for next year.  Mainly, we gotta block a groundhog from munching back our cucumber, lettuce, bean and pepper plants. >:(

Jack0Life

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Re: Did you pick up any new hobb(ies) during the quarantine ??
« Reply #65 on: August 07, 2020, 09:52:48 AM »
Now this is not the usual stuff you've been doing but new ones.
I love playing golf and the golf courses are open but I haven't gone once yet.
Stuff I've picked up that I have never done before.

1) Stock market. I usually spend 2-4 hours each day looking at the market. Have never bought stocks before(just mutual funds) and I find it a bit exciting. Still very much a noobie but its fun learning. Overall I'm ahead so that's a great thing.

2) Wood crafting. This is a hobby I surely will keep when I do retire. I bought myself a miter saw and you can make some quality wood stuff with that. I've been making garden beds and such for the wife. The funny thing is now when I look for deals, I'm trying to buy more tools to make my crafting easier.

3) Yard work. I used to hate this stuff. I haven't cut my own lawn in about 4 yrs. Its cumbersome. The grass cutting is tolerable but the trimming and edging I hate. Since I'm not doing anything I decided to cancel my lawn service(he didn't like it). My first time re-doing it, I find the trimming/edging still cumbersome. Went out and bought a cordless trimmer/blower and Holy Crap, its life changing. Why did I wait so long to buy cordless tools ?? I really enjoy keeping my yard pristine now.

My wife approves #2 and # 3 very much. She's OK with #1 probably cause I'm actually making a little money.
Wife's till working so I'm also doing most of the cooking and cleaning at home.

3 months later.
-Stock market is out. It was driving me crazy. My mood swing was out of control so I'm back to Index all the way.
-Wood crafting. Not so much in the last month.
-Still like to maintain my yard but nothing new in the last 2 months.

My new thing is DIY solar. Trying to build a little solar system in the back yard which I will transfer to a van in the near future.
Still furloughed and collecting UE.
« Last Edit: August 07, 2020, 10:01:10 AM by Jack0Life »

mm1970

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Re: Did you pick up any new hobb(ies) during the quarantine ??
« Reply #66 on: August 07, 2020, 10:47:38 AM »
I started painting rocks with my younger son.  We go for walks and hide them to brighten peoples' day.

JLee

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Re: Did you pick up any new hobb(ies) during the quarantine ??
« Reply #67 on: August 07, 2020, 10:48:34 AM »
No new hobbies, but my racing simulator setup got wayyyy more awesome...

NorthernBlitz

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Re: Did you pick up any new hobb(ies) during the quarantine ??
« Reply #68 on: August 07, 2020, 11:10:19 AM »
I'm interested in picking up archery, but don't have a place to shoot.

Anyone have any recommendations for how to find a place...particularly in the middle of a pandemic?

I wouldn't feel comfortable shooting on my property as we have neighbors, and I could probably only manage 8 to 10 yards in my basement.

Can you just drive out of town and find an empty field somewhere?  You should be able to build a few targets, then set them up just about anywhere with a measuring tape to ensure they're at consistent distance from where you're shooting from.

I think that this might be a possibility.

I'm trying to determine if this is legal in NY state or not.

RetiredAt63

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Re: Did you pick up any new hobb(ies) during the quarantine ??
« Reply #69 on: August 07, 2020, 03:19:35 PM »
I'm interested in picking up archery, but don't have a place to shoot.

Anyone have any recommendations for how to find a place...particularly in the middle of a pandemic?

I wouldn't feel comfortable shooting on my property as we have neighbors, and I could probably only manage 8 to 10 yards in my basement.

Can you just drive out of town and find an empty field somewhere?  You should be able to build a few targets, then set them up just about anywhere with a measuring tape to ensure they're at consistent distance from where you're shooting from.

I think that this might be a possibility.

I'm trying to determine if this is legal in NY state or not.

I'm sure the owner of the field would want to be asked permission.  Otherwise it is trespassing.

MonkeyJenga

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Re: Did you pick up any new hobb(ies) during the quarantine ??
« Reply #70 on: August 07, 2020, 03:23:04 PM »
My latest hobby/obsession is decorating. I had a brief but passionate fling with it years ago, before getting into FIRE, so it was bound to reoccur after 5 months of staring at the same walls.

PDXTabs

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Re: Did you pick up any new hobb(ies) during the quarantine ??
« Reply #71 on: August 07, 2020, 06:30:36 PM »
I started cycling for fun. I used to cycle for transportation but my friend go me into 3-4 rides per week at 20-40 miles per ride.

That has since transitioned into hill climbs in the mornings, or 5K runs, five days a week. Also, push-ups and recently ab workouts.

I don't know if those are hobbies but they are definitely new for me.

Metalcat

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Re: Did you pick up any new hobb(ies) during the quarantine ??
« Reply #72 on: August 08, 2020, 04:48:04 AM »
I started another graduate degree that I don't need and will probably never practically use.

I have a small learning addiction.

GuitarStv

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Re: Did you pick up any new hobb(ies) during the quarantine ??
« Reply #73 on: August 08, 2020, 10:28:44 AM »
So, given that I don't have sparring partners . . . I bought my wife a pair of boxing gloves and have been getting her to try to hit me as hard as she can for six three minute rounds a couple times a week so I can work on slipping and weaving.  It's fun for the whole family!

NorthernBlitz

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Re: Did you pick up any new hobb(ies) during the quarantine ??
« Reply #74 on: August 08, 2020, 12:11:46 PM »
I'm interested in picking up archery, but don't have a place to shoot.

Anyone have any recommendations for how to find a place...particularly in the middle of a pandemic?

I wouldn't feel comfortable shooting on my property as we have neighbors, and I could probably only manage 8 to 10 yards in my basement.

Can you just drive out of town and find an empty field somewhere?  You should be able to build a few targets, then set them up just about anywhere with a measuring tape to ensure they're at consistent distance from where you're shooting from.

I think that this might be a possibility.

I'm trying to determine if this is legal in NY state or not.

I'm sure the owner of the field would want to be asked permission.  Otherwise it is trespassing.

I wouldn't go shooting anything on someone else's property, so I wouldn't bother to ask.

In the comment above, I was thinking about public land in particular. Apparently this is legal in some places, not sure about NY (although my guess it that it's usually a good bet to assume that if something is illegal anywhere in the US it will be illegal in NY).

Found a couple of archery ranges, but they are indoor and don't appear to be open.

Other hobbies I've been doing more since the lockdown (none are really new though): playing the violin again (fun because my 8 year old daughter is into it so we play together), playing guitar more (not great at it, but I like to play rhythm and sing songs I know / like), moar board games!
« Last Edit: August 08, 2020, 12:13:22 PM by NorthernBlitz »

RetiredAt63

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Re: Did you pick up any new hobb(ies) during the quarantine ??
« Reply #75 on: August 09, 2020, 12:09:32 PM »
I'm interested in picking up archery, but don't have a place to shoot.

Anyone have any recommendations for how to find a place...particularly in the middle of a pandemic?

I wouldn't feel comfortable shooting on my property as we have neighbors, and I could probably only manage 8 to 10 yards in my basement.

Can you just drive out of town and find an empty field somewhere?  You should be able to build a few targets, then set them up just about anywhere with a measuring tape to ensure they're at consistent distance from where you're shooting from.

I think that this might be a possibility.

I'm trying to determine if this is legal in NY state or not.

I'm sure the owner of the field would want to be asked permission.  Otherwise it is trespassing.

I wouldn't go shooting anything on someone else's property, so I wouldn't bother to ask.

In the comment above, I was thinking about public land in particular. Apparently this is legal in some places, not sure about NY (although my guess it that it's usually a good bet to assume that if something is illegal anywhere in the US it will be illegal in NY).

Found a couple of archery ranges, but they are indoor and don't appear to be open.

Other hobbies I've been doing more since the lockdown (none are really new though): playing the violin again (fun because my 8 year old daughter is into it so we play together), playing guitar more (not great at it, but I like to play rhythm and sing songs I know / like), moar board games!

It was actually GuitarStv who suggested an empty field, so my comment was an add-on.  I was thinking more about the fact that just going into someone's field is trespassing, whether you are setting up targets or for some other reason.  What if you broke an ankle while in the field?  Or it was fenced and there were livestock over the hill?

Public areas are a totally separate situation.

JoJo

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Re: Did you pick up any new hobb(ies) during the quarantine ??
« Reply #76 on: August 09, 2020, 01:33:59 PM »
I've gone on a mini shopping spree and picked up more hobby gear... I pickleball set (2 paddles, balls, and a bag) and a couple more 5D diamond painting kits.

GuitarStv

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Re: Did you pick up any new hobb(ies) during the quarantine ??
« Reply #77 on: August 09, 2020, 04:55:57 PM »
I'm interested in picking up archery, but don't have a place to shoot.

Anyone have any recommendations for how to find a place...particularly in the middle of a pandemic?

I wouldn't feel comfortable shooting on my property as we have neighbors, and I could probably only manage 8 to 10 yards in my basement.

Can you just drive out of town and find an empty field somewhere?  You should be able to build a few targets, then set them up just about anywhere with a measuring tape to ensure they're at consistent distance from where you're shooting from.

I think that this might be a possibility.

I'm trying to determine if this is legal in NY state or not.

I'm sure the owner of the field would want to be asked permission.  Otherwise it is trespassing.

I wouldn't go shooting anything on someone else's property, so I wouldn't bother to ask.

In the comment above, I was thinking about public land in particular. Apparently this is legal in some places, not sure about NY (although my guess it that it's usually a good bet to assume that if something is illegal anywhere in the US it will be illegal in NY).

Found a couple of archery ranges, but they are indoor and don't appear to be open.

Other hobbies I've been doing more since the lockdown (none are really new though): playing the violin again (fun because my 8 year old daughter is into it so we play together), playing guitar more (not great at it, but I like to play rhythm and sing songs I know / like), moar board games!

It was actually GuitarStv who suggested an empty field, so my comment was an add-on.  I was thinking more about the fact that just going into someone's field is trespassing, whether you are setting up targets or for some other reason.  What if you broke an ankle while in the field?  Or it was fenced and there were livestock over the hill?

Public areas are a totally separate situation.

I was thinking an empty field on public land.  Doing archery target practice on private land without permission (especially if there's livestock roaming around) is liable to get you 'accidentally' shot.  At least around where my dad's farm is.  :P

RetiredAt63

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Re: Did you pick up any new hobb(ies) during the quarantine ??
« Reply #78 on: August 09, 2020, 05:48:57 PM »
I'm interested in picking up archery, but don't have a place to shoot.

Anyone have any recommendations for how to find a place...particularly in the middle of a pandemic?

I wouldn't feel comfortable shooting on my property as we have neighbors, and I could probably only manage 8 to 10 yards in my basement.

Can you just drive out of town and find an empty field somewhere?  You should be able to build a few targets, then set them up just about anywhere with a measuring tape to ensure they're at consistent distance from where you're shooting from.

I think that this might be a possibility.

I'm trying to determine if this is legal in NY state or not.

I'm sure the owner of the field would want to be asked permission.  Otherwise it is trespassing.

I wouldn't go shooting anything on someone else's property, so I wouldn't bother to ask.

In the comment above, I was thinking about public land in particular. Apparently this is legal in some places, not sure about NY (although my guess it that it's usually a good bet to assume that if something is illegal anywhere in the US it will be illegal in NY).

Found a couple of archery ranges, but they are indoor and don't appear to be open.

Other hobbies I've been doing more since the lockdown (none are really new though): playing the violin again (fun because my 8 year old daughter is into it so we play together), playing guitar more (not great at it, but I like to play rhythm and sing songs I know / like), moar board games!

It was actually GuitarStv who suggested an empty field, so my comment was an add-on.  I was thinking more about the fact that just going into someone's field is trespassing, whether you are setting up targets or for some other reason.  What if you broke an ankle while in the field?  Or it was fenced and there were livestock over the hill?

Public areas are a totally separate situation.

I was thinking an empty field on public land.  Doing archery target practice on private land without permission (especially if there's livestock roaming around) is liable to get you 'accidentally' shot.  At least around where my dad's farm is.  :P

Are there empty fields on public land? I suppose there are grassy areas.  I think some of my original concern was the archery practice, private or public.  Unless an area is secure you don't  know who is going to pop up at the wrong time in the wrong place. 

I've done archery a few times on vacation, and can see the appeal.  I also remembet lots of safety precautions being in effect.

GuitarStv

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Re: Did you pick up any new hobb(ies) during the quarantine ??
« Reply #79 on: August 09, 2020, 06:54:50 PM »
I'm interested in picking up archery, but don't have a place to shoot.

Anyone have any recommendations for how to find a place...particularly in the middle of a pandemic?

I wouldn't feel comfortable shooting on my property as we have neighbors, and I could probably only manage 8 to 10 yards in my basement.

Can you just drive out of town and find an empty field somewhere?  You should be able to build a few targets, then set them up just about anywhere with a measuring tape to ensure they're at consistent distance from where you're shooting from.

I think that this might be a possibility.

I'm trying to determine if this is legal in NY state or not.

I'm sure the owner of the field would want to be asked permission.  Otherwise it is trespassing.

I wouldn't go shooting anything on someone else's property, so I wouldn't bother to ask.

In the comment above, I was thinking about public land in particular. Apparently this is legal in some places, not sure about NY (although my guess it that it's usually a good bet to assume that if something is illegal anywhere in the US it will be illegal in NY).

Found a couple of archery ranges, but they are indoor and don't appear to be open.

Other hobbies I've been doing more since the lockdown (none are really new though): playing the violin again (fun because my 8 year old daughter is into it so we play together), playing guitar more (not great at it, but I like to play rhythm and sing songs I know / like), moar board games!

It was actually GuitarStv who suggested an empty field, so my comment was an add-on.  I was thinking more about the fact that just going into someone's field is trespassing, whether you are setting up targets or for some other reason.  What if you broke an ankle while in the field?  Or it was fenced and there were livestock over the hill?

Public areas are a totally separate situation.

I was thinking an empty field on public land.  Doing archery target practice on private land without permission (especially if there's livestock roaming around) is liable to get you 'accidentally' shot.  At least around where my dad's farm is.  :P

Are there empty fields on public land? I suppose there are grassy areas.  I think some of my original concern was the archery practice, private or public.  Unless an area is secure you don't  know who is going to pop up at the wrong time in the wrong place. 

I've done archery a few times on vacation, and can see the appeal.  I also remembet lots of safety precautions being in effect.

Every Saturday I bike past forested areas with visible clearings just off the road.  You probably aren't going to find them perfectly level/flat . . . like you might be shooting up/down a bit of a hill . . . but there are a lot of them.  And shooting arrows in the woods?  Isn't that kinda every single archer's greatest dream, or am I the only one who was way too into Robin Hood as a kid?

:P

RetiredAt63

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Re: Did you pick up any new hobb(ies) during the quarantine ??
« Reply #80 on: August 09, 2020, 09:01:39 PM »
I'm interested in picking up archery, but don't have a place to shoot.

Anyone have any recommendations for how to find a place...particularly in the middle of a pandemic?

I wouldn't feel comfortable shooting on my property as we have neighbors, and I could probably only manage 8 to 10 yards in my basement.

Can you just drive out of town and find an empty field somewhere?  You should be able to build a few targets, then set them up just about anywhere with a measuring tape to ensure they're at consistent distance from where you're shooting from.

I think that this might be a possibility.

I'm trying to determine if this is legal in NY state or not.

I'm sure the owner of the field would want to be asked permission.  Otherwise it is trespassing.

I wouldn't go shooting anything on someone else's property, so I wouldn't bother to ask.

In the comment above, I was thinking about public land in particular. Apparently this is legal in some places, not sure about NY (although my guess it that it's usually a good bet to assume that if something is illegal anywhere in the US it will be illegal in NY).

Found a couple of archery ranges, but they are indoor and don't appear to be open.

Other hobbies I've been doing more since the lockdown (none are really new though): playing the violin again (fun because my 8 year old daughter is into it so we play together), playing guitar more (not great at it, but I like to play rhythm and sing songs I know / like), moar board games!

It was actually GuitarStv who suggested an empty field, so my comment was an add-on.  I was thinking more about the fact that just going into someone's field is trespassing, whether you are setting up targets or for some other reason.  What if you broke an ankle while in the field?  Or it was fenced and there were livestock over the hill?

Public areas are a totally separate situation.

I was thinking an empty field on public land.  Doing archery target practice on private land without permission (especially if there's livestock roaming around) is liable to get you 'accidentally' shot.  At least around where my dad's farm is.  :P

Are there empty fields on public land? I suppose there are grassy areas.  I think some of my original concern was the archery practice, private or public.  Unless an area is secure you don't  know who is going to pop up at the wrong time in the wrong place. 

I've done archery a few times on vacation, and can see the appeal.  I also remembet lots of safety precautions being in effect.

Every Saturday I bike past forested areas with visible clearings just off the road.  You probably aren't going to find them perfectly level/flat . . . like you might be shooting up/down a bit of a hill . . . but there are a lot of them.  And shooting arrows in the woods?  Isn't that kinda every single archer's greatest dream, or am I the only one who was way too into Robin Hood as a kid?

:P

And it's not hunting season yet.  ;-)  Perfectly safe.

Just Joe

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Re: Did you pick up any new hobb(ies) during the quarantine ??
« Reply #81 on: August 09, 2020, 09:16:17 PM »
Poptop camping with the family. Purchased a 1980s camper from a friend cleaning out their parents' house. Price was right and nothing major is wrong. Just checked and its dry after a rain shower so no leaks. Updating safety systems - tires, LP hoses, checking the electrical. All looks good. Just needs tires.

Cheap(ish) fun. Cost less than 4-5 days in a nice condo at the beach.

I think I could make money once we get it all clean and sorted out.
« Last Edit: August 09, 2020, 09:20:46 PM by Just Joe »

CowboyAndIndian

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Re: Did you pick up any new hobb(ies) during the quarantine ??
« Reply #82 on: August 10, 2020, 10:09:11 AM »
I've started a butterfly garden. Good physical exercise and spending time outdoors keeps me from stressing out over COVID.

I saw a video presentation by Doug Tallamy (https://youtu.be/3wzcz8dWyBc) about the connection between native plants and insects and birds. Very fascinating and I would highly recommend it, but be warned it is about an hour long. After watching this, I walked thru  my garden and check out the number of insects on my non-native plants. Very few, so I knew I had to make changes in my garden.

So, now my butterfly garden project has morphed into native plants for pollinators, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Also, last week, tropical storm Isaias blew down two apple trees and severely damaged a third in my backyard. So, now I have space for 3 native trees.

American GenX

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Re: Did you pick up any new hobb(ies) during the quarantine ??
« Reply #83 on: August 10, 2020, 11:11:08 AM »

Well, no new hobbies for me.  I'm still working full time - work from home.

However, I'm been doing a lot more biking this summer, more than I've done in at least 8 years, if not longer.  I just took a 5 hour ride last evening.  I took a 7 hour ride two weeks ago, getting back home near 2:30 AM, but I'm probably not going to do any more of those - takes too much time.