As the holiday season unfolds, there’s one place in Altadena that’s transforming into a magical winter wonderland, drawing visitors from near and far. Nestled along Christmas Tree Lane, Rob Caves’ home has become a beloved destination for model train enthusiasts and families alike. With an expansive model train set that captures the essence of California and beyond, Rob Caves is bringing joy, nostalgia, and a touch of magic to the heart of the season.

The Journey Begins

Rob’s journey into the realm of model trains started back in 2010 when he was living in sunny San Diego. What began as a modest hobby has blossomed into a spectacular display that now stretches an impressive 60 feet by 90 feet. This remarkable train set transports visitors from San Diego to Seattle, all within the cozy confines of his home. As families peer into the miniature world he has created, they’re greeted with iconic landmarks, such as the San Clemente Pier, the remnants of Fry’s Electronics in Burbank, and even the historic Union Station in downtown LA.

“I think the track represents places we’ve all been,” Rob shares, reflecting on the memories that each twist and turn evokes. The Christmas Tree Lane Model Railroad Society, a passionate club of 50 members, assists Rob in maintaining and operating the stunning display. Each contributor brings their unique flair and enthusiasm, collectively creating a lively atmosphere that resonates with every visitor.

Bringing the Past to Life

For many, model trains are synonymous with cherished childhood memories—be it waving at the engineer when riding the train to the beach or the excitement of camping adventures. Young Logan Montori, just seven-and-a-half years old, is one of the club’s budding enthusiasts. He exclaims, “Running trains is basically my favorite thing!” His infectious energy and joy remind us that the magic of model trains knows no age.

Adding to the wonder is the evolution of technology within the model trains. Tom Selinske, a college business professor and fellow club member, highlights the incorporation of advanced technologies. “There’s microchips in these little engines that actually can do sounds, create different effects, and it’s becoming more digital,” he reveals. The blend of traditional charm and cutting-edge technology keeps both the club members and visitors in awe, ensuring that there’s always something new to explore.

Inviting the Community In

Every holiday season, Rob opens his home to the public, sharing the joy and excitement that comes with seeing the model trains in action. “It just makes our day,” Rob expresses, his eyes twinkling with pride. “Whether we see the kids run up and see the train, and you know what? Everybody is a big kid when they come here.” This welcoming spirit creates an enchanting atmosphere where community ties are strengthened through the shared wonder of the holiday season.

For many families, visiting Rob Caves’ home has become an annual tradition, with the last opportunity to visit this season ending soon. On Saturday, December 16th, from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., the doors of this fascinating holiday attraction will close until next year, making this weekend the perfect time to create lasting memories.

Rob Caves’ model train set is more than just a hobby; it’s a heartfelt labor of love that serves as a bridge to cherished memories, nostalgia, and the magic of the season. As visitors gather and share in the joy of the trains, they not only witness a remarkable spectacle but also partake in a community celebration of creativity, innovation, and togetherness. So, why not embark on this enchanting journey? Come experience the wonder of Rob Caves’ magical train world before it’s too late—your holiday season will be all the merrier for it!

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See the story on KCBS Los Angeles:

https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/altadena-mans-massive-model-train-set-turns-his-home-into-popular-holiday-destination

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(Joan Casanova) Humans aren’t the only ones who look forward to autumn harvest. Fall brings a bounty of natural foods for our feathered friends, too. But while they’re feasting on fall’s cornucopia of delicacies, birds are also planning ahead, taking note of yards with bird feeders that can help them weather winter’s cold.

Feeding the Birds

Many of birds’ favorite foods are actually more abundant in fall. Summer weeds ripen with seeds by October. Many berries only begin to emerge in late summer or early winter, and insects are plentiful. You may think there’s no need to feed birds during the fall, but if you want them to find your home in winter, start feeding in autumn.

The birds who visit feeders in fall are scouting, becoming familiar with feeding stations and making decisions on which backyards they’ll visit this winter. The feed you put out in fall lets birds know they’ll be welcomed and fed in your backyard when seriously cold weather arrives – and they no longer have the luxury of exploring for food.

Winter weather is hard on birds. Their calorie requirements increase, food becomes hard to find, snow covers up seeds and ice storms seal away tree buds and wild fruits. Tiny birds must eat one-third to three-quarters of their weight each day. When temperatures dip below zero, easy meals at a feeder can mean the difference between life and death.

An important rule of fall and winter feeding is to be prepared. By stocking up now on premium bird seeds and feed, bird lovers can help secure a wholesome food source without having to brave stormy weather.

It’s important to stock your feeders with high-quality foods that provide birds with the most fat, nutrients and energy. Look for a feed like Cole’s that packs nutrition, preserves freshness and gives you the most feed for your dollar. For example, Cole’s Wild Bird Products’ Oil Sunflower is more than 99% pure and cleaned four times to ensure there are more seeds and fewer sticks in each bag. Feed is also nitrogen-purge packaged, just like potato chips, to ensure freshness and insect-free feed.

In addition to seed, serve up some suet either in the form of Suet cakes for non-seed eating birds or suet mixed with seed. Consider Cole’s Nutberry Suet, which is a seed blend mix of premium fruits, preferred nuts, nutritious insect suet kibbles and whole-kernel sunflower meats that appeals to fruit and insect-loving songbirds. Or try Suet Kibbles, bursting with berry flavor and loaded with energy for increased stamina. These feed choices provide fat and a high-protein energy source to assist wild birds in weathering winter and may actually boost their chance of survival.

Just as birds need food year-round, they also look for water. This can be tricky in regions where water spends the winter as ice, but bird lovers can still help in a few ways. Experts suggest leaving icicles on the eaves to provide a regular source of water for birds that drink drops as the icicles melt. Birds are drawn to running water sounds, so spritzers or small fountains are beneficial. In the winter, try using quality bird bath heaters to keep water from freezing, plus they’re more convenient than setting out water every day.

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Don’t worry about the birds if you must leave home for a while in winter. Birds are familiar with food sources disappearing. It might take them a while to rediscover your feeders when you return, but they’ll be back, grateful for your assistance.

For more ideas to help birds eat well through winter, and to learn about more feed choices, visit coleswildbird.com.

Photos courtesy of Cole’s Wild Bird Products

SOURCE:
Cole’s Wild Bird Products

Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.

Uber apps add Spirit Halloween for on-demand delivery of holiday costumes and seasonal decor across the United States and Canada.

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 27 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Uber Technologies (NYSE: UBER) announced a new partnership with Spirit Halloween, North America’s largest Halloween retailer, to further its mission of helping consumers get anything* delivered on-demand. Halloween fans across the United States and Canada can now shop Spirit Halloween on Uber Eats, Postmates and the Uber app for all of their Halloween needs.

Spirit Halloween

In 2024 Spirit Halloween is opening a record-breaking 1,525 locations, offering a variety of costumes and accessories for the whole family, along with exclusive décor and animatronics items. The Spirit Halloween catalog will be available to shop on Uber at the same prices consumers will find in-store. As always, Uber One members will benefit from $0 Delivery Fee and 5% discount on all Spirit Halloween orders with a $35 minimum purchase^†. And all consumers will benefit from up to 40% off their next Spirit Halloween order of $50 or more through Halloween^{† †}. Terms apply. See app for details.

“The holiday season officially kicks off this time of year, and households across the country are looking to on-demand delivery to get what’s needed—now,” said Beryl Sanders, Director of US Grocery & Retail partnerships at Uber. “That’s one of the reasons we’re most excited to bring Spirit Halloween to Uber Eats and our other Uber apps to make costumes and other Halloween must-haves a cinch. As a working mom I know how crucial that last minute face paint or mask can be on the morning of the school parade or the hour before trick-or-treating starts, and I’m thrilled we’ll be able to meet that demand at Uber.”

Spirit Halloween joins a growing number of retailers including Big Lots, Lowe’s, Michael’s, Party City and more who use Uber’s apps to reach new customers—furthering the Uber Eats mission to help consumers get (almost!) anything* delivered on-demand. In the U.S. and around the world, Uber is uniquely poised to meet consumers’ growing desire to save time and get more of what they need delivered on-demand within hours—if not minutes—rather than days. 

*Not literally anything. Item availability varies by market.
^†Taxes and fees may still apply. See app for membership details.
^{† †} Promo expires on (2024-10-31) 11:59PM PDT. Promo valid for 40% off (up to $35) orders of $50 or more (before taxes and fees) from Spirit Halloween. Discount available on your next order only. Valid only for those who received it directly from Uber. Taxes and fees still apply. Offer may not be combined with other offers (except for applicable Uber One member promos). Terms are subject to change. Pickup orders excluded. Other exclusions may apply. See app for details.

About Uber  
Uber’s mission is to create opportunity through movement. We started in 2010 to solve a simple problem: how do you get access to a ride at the touch of a button? More than 52 billion trips later, we’re building products to get people closer to where they want to be. By changing how people, food, and things move through cities, Uber is a platform that opens up the world to new possibilities.

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/uber-eats-partners-with-spirit-halloween-across-north-america-302259007.html

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SOURCE Uber

Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.