And just like that, time pases by

It's hard to believe that it's been over a year since I last posted here.
Life just got the better of me. My new job has kept me busy, which I love !, and life in general has just been busy.

I hope to start blogging again and in fact, I'm thinking of making two more blogs.
This one will be for my animal models, of which there may not be that many as I've been concentrating on horses at the moment, another blog for my model horses under my stable/showing name, and finally a blog about my rabbits.

My rabbits are a massive part of my life and they impact my life every day. If it weren't for them, I wouldn't have my job.

So, I'll try to do my best to blog and I'll up date this page with my new blogs also.

A whole herd on the way

That's right. I'm expecting quite a few models to be arriving soon.
Some Breyer stablemates, Schleich and Papo. Not to mention some Horse dvds, Veterinary books and some other items. I had a little splurge on eBay and some other model collecting sites.

So there will be plenty of new models to take pictures of, to catalog and to share with my fellow model collectors.

I have had a few models arrive already. They are the Wild Republic (K&M) Arctic animals set and the Penguin set. I'm really glad that I decided to bite the bullet and buy the Penguins. The only review I could find of them said they were more suited to a pound shop.
Ok they are hollow and have visible seams but for £4.95, I'm not complaining. I really like them and it adds a few more penguins to my collection, a few that I have not seen made by another company.

I've had a few new Schleich models too. I picked these up at my nearest ELC.

This little cutie is the 2011 Schleich Moose Calf. She was the only one they had for sale and I had to pick her up. I also brought home the Schleich Hippo. A little more than what I would usually pay but I really liked his shading.

A couple of days later, I also picked up some more Schleich. This time it was the Schleich Lion, Grizzly bear and a squirrel. I already had the squirrel but this one was made in China and a different colour from the one I already had. Again he was the last one so he had to join my collection.

So plenty more models to catalog and update my collection on CQ. I have neglected my collection on that site but I am hoping to update it some time this week.

Happy collecting
~Rio

Finally, a day off !

It's been a while since I last posted, as my life has been incredibly busy !

First I must start with some wonderful news !
I have another job :D I am now a kennel assistant at the veterinary practice where I take my animals. I am so incredibly lucky to be offered this job and I am so happy because it is one step closer to my dream job, a veterinary nurse.
I have only been there for 5 days but I have learnt so much already and seen so many operations ! Including my rabbit, Midge, who was spayed on Wednesday.
I still work at the RSPCA but work Mondays and Wednesdays at the vets.

In other non model news, I just bought two tickets to see Rammstein in February !!!!!!!! I cannot wait as I have seen them once and they were amazing !

In model news, excited is brewing over the new Sable Antelope figure. We've just seen the first pictures of it and it looks stunning ! I cannot wait to add that beauty to my collection.

Collection wise, it hasn't grown much. A few new Schleich models and a few other models that I rediscovered in the attic. I've been spending all my money on my real animals lately so the collection has taken a back seat. But with two jobs, I hope to add a few models to my collection soon. Hopefully a couple of Breyers and maybe some others.

Have a great day !

Mojo

All of the bank holidays are finished with. I managed to get quite a lot done, regarding my collection, just about 300 more models to catalogue and then it will be done ! But with another 25 Schliech on the way and models arriving all the time, I don't think I'll ever be done.

So, Mojo. All serious model collectors should have heard about this brand by now. They'll soon be hitting the shops in various counties around the world, except for the UK !, and I can't wait !

Lookng at them, the sculptures are acurate, especially the Lion which has delighted collectors.

Farm animals - The usual animals that you would expect. Pigs, sheep, chickens etc but Mojo have gone that little bit extra and have different breeds of the animals. Such as the spotted pigs, a black faced sheep and Hereford cattle.
The Hanoverian horses look strong but elegant at the same time. I can imagine them set up in a dressage arena. I hope they are the same size as Schliech so hopefully the tack will fit.

Prehistoric world - Not a genre of model that I collect but these models certainly are tempting me !
I really like the look of the Stegosaurus with his dark green body and then the flashy colour of his plates. The Tylosaurus is not one that I have seen in model form the big brands, often.
The Wolly Mammoths is also one of my favourite. The calf looks adorable.

Natural world woodland - The White tailed deer stag certainly looks magestic with his large antlers and gorgeous coat. The coat colour of the wolves looks amazing ! Such a relalistic colour.
The rabbits are my favouite Mojo models ! Is that a surprise ! These two will 100% be joining my collection and I can't wait to buy them.
There's a few models of animals which everyone knows but not all the big brands have made them. Badger, Skunk and a Beaver are amongst the small furry creatures in the woodland catagory.

Natural world Wildlife - The majectic lion. I myself, am not a lover of big cats. I do have some in my collection but between the big cats and hoofed animals, the hoofed animals will always pull me in first.
It's nice to see a tiger cub lying down too, not the genetic playing or standing pose. It's nice to have a little variety :) As you would expect, there are both orange and white tigers. There are also the usual Giraffe, Elephant, Zebra and Kangaroo.
The Polar bears are another favourite. I have so many in my collection and I need to keep adding to it. I don't particulary love Polar bears, I've just seem to have amased a lot of them in a small amount of time.

There are also box sets which will have various animals so that each one has variety.

It's always hard to judge a model from a stock photo but if the models look like the pictures (which doesn't always happen, sadly) then Mojo will be a brand to watch !

Goodbye Max

It is with great saddness that I have to announce the passing of my gorgeous guinea pig, Max.

He left this world at 3:45pm April 12th 2011 with the help of our vet, Paul.

Max had a brilliant day April 11th. He ate all of his food, ate lots of grass and enjoyed the sunshine.

He went down hill very fast and I knew it was his time to go. He went very peacefully.

Whilst I am devistated that he has gone, I take comfort in the fact that he is no longer in pain. For nearly 3 months he battled the illness and he was brave till the very end.

I cannot put into words what he meant to me. He was there when I passed my exams, he was there when I got into college and he was there when I got my job working with animals. If it wasn't for him 6 years ago, I doubt I would be working with animals now.

Mindy, his friend for the last 3 years is depressed.
The most upsetting thing is seeing her looking everywhere for him, tipping up his house and pacing back and forth. I don't know how she'll cope over the next few days but we'll being going through it together.

Goodbye my handsome little boy, I hope you know how much I love you and I always will. Sleep tight, darling.

Those inbetween days

I can't make up my mind if I like them or not. The day before I go back to work always feels weird because I try to get as much done as possible. I'd usually clean the cages but I cleaned those yesterday so today, I've not got anything that needs to be done.

I have thought of rearranging my models, as my new ones are just put on a shelf together, but it'll probably take me hours and I'm not sure if I want to be stuck doing that.
I started to update my catalogue but about 50 animals in, I felt overwhelmed and like it would never end so I gave up, for now.

I wish the weather was better because I've got quite a few Breyers that need to have their photo show pictures taken but it's quite cloudy. I could take the pictures outside but it is windy and I dare not take my models outside !

Yesterday I had a look on eBay and ended up winning an auction. I wasn't looking to buy anything, as two of my pets are currently a little unwell, but they were really cheap, I'd been looking for them for a few years and I had some Paypal balance that would pay for them. I really can't wait for them to arrive now :) It'll complete my little family that I've dreamt of for a few years.

So what do you do on the in between days ?

Take care
~Rio

Penblwydd hapus i chi

That's right, today is my birthday :)
I was very lucky as I recieved a lot of models ! Two Equorums, some AAA models, a Schleich and some Breyer Stablemates. I also recieved some money and I have bought another Equorum. Can't wait to get her, she is beautiful !

Thank you to all my friends on various forums who wished me a happy birthday. I am celebrating my birthday on my own this year so I felt very loved from all of the messages.

I may just have a little bit of money left over for a couple of Schleich, although that depends on how much I need for one of my rabbits.

I may be 20 but I don't feel any different. Maybe because I am alone today or maybe because 20 is not of the "big" birthdays. I hope that next year I can celebrate my birthday with my family.

I have had fun today :) opening the lovely surprises and also taking photos of my new models. They are already catalogued in my folder so I hope to work on my online catalogue this week. It's a little hard because I have two cages in my room, a rabbit in one and a guinea pig in the other, and I can't actually get to the keyboard, lol !

Once again, thank you for all of the birthday wishes, 50% of the enjoyment that I get from this hobby is because of the wonderful people on forums.

Take care
~Rio

And I said I wouldn't get that obsessed

It's happened. The whole made in China, made in Germany or Made in Portugal option.

I said I wouldn't get that obsessed because the models look the same and with online shopping, you can't really tell which one you are getting unless you ask the seller, not all are willing to be that helpful.

However, on Saturday I went into town and straight to ELC. As I suspected no new 2011 models, just what they had last time, but I was able to pick up a really nice Arctic Fox female.
I was happy with my choice but my mum thought it was a waste of time just getting one model, so she offered to buy me one. Well how can I say no !

It was actually a lot harder than I thought. Which to choose ? Should I try and get the last horse I need from 2010 ? Another 2011 model ? How about one of the cows that I've been saying I'll get next time.

It was none of those, in fact it was the Rooster. What drew me towards this Rooster was his colour. He is just so vibrate compared to the others on the shelf. After a closer look, I saw that the vibrant one is a "Made in China" and the duller coloured one is "Made in Germany" The China one has made it's way into my collection but next Saturday I hope to get the Made in Germany one.

:o that means I'll have doubles in my collection !!!!!
My opinion use to be, whats the point in having doubles ? That space could be used for another model. That money could go towards another model and I don't want two the same.
They are so different though that I can warrant having two the "same".

I will limit myself. I won't get a model just because it was made in another country, after all it is just a change on one word, but if the painting style is drastically different, colours are different or a totally different pattern, then they will make their way into my collection.

Here are two models to illustrate my point.


Left - Germany, Right - China

 On the left is the made in Germany cat and on the right is the made in china cat.

On this occasion, the made in China cat is more realistic and my favourite of the two.






So, I'll be keeping my eyes open for any variations, there are already quite a few that I have spotted.
Happy collecting everyone !
~Rio

Just two weeks to go

That's right, just two more weeks and it's my birthday. I've already got my eye on a few models I'd like to get.
I also know what models I'll be getting because I bought them lol !

I've not been in work for a while so I've had plenty of time to sort out my collection. I've taken photos of them all and been working on records. Tomorrow, I hope to start on another diorama.

Take care
~Rio

First post of the new year

A little late, I know, but I've been so busy.

I don't think I've mentioned it yet but I have two more rabbits. My neighbour was unable to look after them anymore so Mollie and Mia have joined the McLoughlin family. Cute little things they are but naughty at the same time. I'll be saving up some money for them soon to get them spayed, hopefully that'll sort their fighting out.

Mia

Mollie

After Christmas is almost always a difficult time for people. All the excitement is over and life goes back to normal. Bills need to be paid, work goes back to normal and there are no real holidays to celebrate until Valentine's day, if you celebrate that.
I do like February though, as it is my birthday ;) and I can treat myself to a few more models than what I usually would.

 After the new year I always question my collection. Should I collect something new this year ? only collect OF's ? Start collecting CM's ? Resins ? Tack ? Props ?
So many questions !
And I usually have the same answer, stick to what I'm comfortable with. And what I'm most comfortable with is OF's. They are relatively easy to get, except Breyers are a little harder to get now, but then everyone has nearly the same looking model. The other price difference should be if there is a slight variation which makes it more collectible. 

This year, I've decided to start collecting customs too. I have got a few, maybe 20 horses, but I was never really fussed by them because they are unique and that's what attracts people to them. If you are bidding against people and you don't win, you'll never get that version of the model again unless the winner sells it.
I know I should selfish.
I've seen various models over the past few days that have made be change my mind and they are affordable too ! Ok they are private sales but I can actually afford these and I'll be able to grace my collection with unique pieces of art.

I think everyone has that thought every once in a while regarding collections. I'm happy to collect two types of finishes even if it may be more expensive !

You clear a shelf and then models take it over

I hope everyone had a good Christmas.

I did :) Amongst the many models that I got, I also received socks for work (really thick ski socks), DVDs, chocolate, a Dremel (watch out models!!!!), a couple of books and a memory foam pillow (which is like sleeping on a cloud). I was also "gifted" two rabbits that my neighbour no longer wanted. Mollie and Mia live outside out they are great little rabbits.

My guinea pig, Monty, is a little unwell today. I'm hoping he feels better tomorrow or he'll be straight to the vets.

I have plenty of models to share and take pictures of. Lots of work ahead.

Have a happy new year everyone !

Glad that last week is over

Last week was a bad week for me.

Being headbutted in the mouth, twice, resulted in a trip to the emergency dentist.
25th November is a bad day for me. 3 years since my beautiful rabbit, Millie, passed away and a year since my amazing friend, Mary, passed away. I'm glad that day is over and won't be here until next year.

Then I was suppose to be paid but work hasn't paid me yet, sent a cheque but it's too late for my rabbit's vaccinations.

I did have some good things happen. I got some new model horses and a present from my secret santa on a model horse forum. I can't wait to see what is inside :)

These are my newest models.

 Safari Mustang and Morgan mare painted by Chloe Redfern

And this is a Breyer Classic Morgan Mare Custom by Deb Brown.









 Snow has reached the UK and don't we know about it !
It was hard at work trying to clean the kennels, the hoses had frozen and the water that we put down, froze within minutes.
My little old guinea pig, Max, is feeling the cold this year. So they've all had extra hay to snuggle into and to keep warm.

Stay safe and enjoy the snow.

Just over a month to go

I can't believe that christmas is nearly here already !

I still have to buy presents for some of my family, buy presents for my secret santa partner on blab and get my rabbits vaccinated. Very expensive time of year !

I have managed to add a few models to my collection. Most of these were bought last month but Satchmo arrived yesterday. I also have a few more models on the way and a present from my secret santa, I can't wait to see what that will be :)

My newest Satchmo

 Cataloging my models has taken many days and nights. First I wrote all the information down and now I'm trying to photograph them. However, it is winter so daylight is limited and is not the best. I don't really like the yellow cast that the lightbulbs give off so I'm trying to photograph as many as possible at lunch time. But I've got my folder ready and templates so I can file them correctly.
I'm actually looking forward to getting them all filed.

It's been a while

Work has kept me busy.

I started at the RSPCA on the 10th of October and I love it ! Still learning and making little mistakes but I'm getting use to it. I have to admit that I do miss seeing the rabbits first thing in the morning but I get to see them through out the day.

Milo still has the lump under his jaw. It's not got any worse nor has it got any better. For now we are leaving it as it is. To put him on more medication and more surgery will stress him. He's still his normal self so I'm happy with that.
I'm still selling some of my models though so that I can have a little vet fund in case he takes a turn for the worse.

A few days ago I reorganised my Breyer models. It took quite a few hours of arranging them around and re arranging them when I couldn't get certain ones to fit. They are now all in different positions so ones that were at the back are now at the front and it looks like I've got 2 cabinets of new models.

It's good to have a change around every now and then because you are always discovering new things about your models. Take my Schleich Norwegian Fjord for instance.

My original Norwegian Fjord without Dorsal Stripe

He was one of my first Schleich models 7 years ago. I bought him because I love Norwegian Fjords.
A few months ago I got another one, a newer version as it's paint work is very stark.
Well getting that second one made me want the Norwegian Fjord without the Dorsal stripe. Finding one on eBay took a little time and when I did find out, I was always outbid as they went for too much  money. So I decided to leave it for now and maybe try next year.

My newest Norwegian Fjord with Dorsal Strip

 

 So organising my Schleich a couple of weeks ago, I noticed something. My original Norwegian Fjord is missing his dorsal stripe ! I never noticed that before ! I just couldn't figure out how I missed that.
So I've saved some money and filled another space in my collection, which was already filled lol.

Take care everyone and if I don't post sooner, have a happy and safe Hallowe'en.

Taking a step back

My little lad had surgery on Monday.
The vet could not find the cause of the lump. So we took him off the medication whilst he recovered and the lump went back to it's original size and then bigger.

So for the next few weeks, maybe even the rest of this year, I won't have any new models to talk about as I'll probably have to sell them.

I'd rather have Milo than my models, seeing him every day is priceless.

Bleh

The word to explain how I feel and what this week has, mostly, been like.

Milo is still the same, we've been to the vets 3 times now and there hasn't been much improvement. We have to go back on Monday to see if, hopefully, it has decreased in size. It's certainly softer.

Before Milo's 2nd visit to the vet, I had a bid on an auction and won.
Now this auction I was very excited about. Going back about 3-4 years ago, I sold my AAA White tiger cubs and an adult, although not the adult to go with the cubs as he is far too small.
I have to admit that I regretted selling them as soon as the auction was over. But the buyer won them fair and square.

A few weeks ago I saw the walking white tiger cub for sale. I paid £4.20 for him which I'll admit, I didn't really want to pay as it's a bit more than what I would usually pay. But once he arrived I was happy and decided that I needed to try and find the other 3 and possibly the adult tiger that I had before.

Well it must be fate, as just a couple of weeks later the 3 tiger cubs and the adult came up for sale. Exactly the ones that I wanted !
I did bid up to £20, naughty I know, but I won them for £9 including postage :) so that's my splurge for now. No more buying until Milo is all better, except for a 1/12th stable which I have to pay for.

So once again in my collection, AAA white tiger cubs and adult.

New stable !

Here is the stable I mentioned in an earlier post.

It's for 1/12th models so it's perfect for my Equorum models.

Two great friends, Sue and Lesley, offered it to me and I can't thank them enough. I had plans to make my own stables but what with a job, soon, and the cost of materials, it's better to get a stable and paint it to my specifications.
This one just needs doors, a new lick of paint and some little items here and there.
Thanks again ladies :)

The highs and lows

All within three days.

Saturday was great, I couldn't have asked for a better day. Agricultural show, models and sleep.

But Sunday was a low. Yet again my poor Milo has something wrong with him. I found a 5mm lump under his jaw. So I had to miss volunteering at the RSPCA so I could take him to the vets.
He's on Baytril and Metacam for 5 days and we have to go back on Thursday. I really hope that the lump decreases in size or he'll have to have surgery.
He doesn't look ill and he's still the same but it's still worrying. I've had a rabbit have the same but a smaller lump. She pulled through the surgery fine.

Here he is enjoying the weather on Sunday, he loves that tunnel !











On Monday I did managed to get a few pictures of my new models and I also won 4 on eBay. Can't wait till they arrive ! One of my goals complete :)

Usk Agricultural Show

I had a brilliant time yesterday. So many gorgeous horses, that I took photos of, and so many other wonderful animals.
The rabbit tent was my favourite but I didn't take any pictures of them because rabbits can be quite nervy and I didn't want to upset them before they were judged.

I'll have to post some photos soon, there's plenty of them !

It was also my sister's 16th Birthday party yesterday. She had a paranormal night which I missed. I've had a raging cold for the last 5 days and by 8pm, I fell asleep watching Bonanza, my new favourite series :)
It could have been the fresh Welsh air or the cold but I slept until 2am and then finally woke at 9am.
Now I have to photograph some new models that came this week and also take a picture of the stable.

Take care

I got the job !

That's right :D
Went for the interview at 10am and at 2pm, they phoned and offered me the job. Got to get all the paper work sorted and such but the job is mine.

And more good news today, my rabbit and guinea pig are eating again ! I am so relieved about that.

And I got some Fimo clay to have a go at making some models.
Any suggestions on what my first model should be ?

Short and sweet today, enjoy the day !