Renewing Graham Paige Valve Seats

This video is part of my vintage 1929 Graham Paige car restoration.

Inspecting the Graham Paige Radiator

I cut some access panels into the radiator on the old 1929 Graham Paige to inspect it inside.

Despite a million little acorns coming out of it, the core is actually in really good shape.  No leaks.  Once I run some rust dissolver though it I will solder it up again and it’s good to go.

Our New Garden Wall

I wanted to build a new garden wall at the front of our house, but I wanted it to be curved and yet made of wood, similar to the ones I made for the backyard railroad.

I really dislike the stacking stone walls because they seem to either sag with the frost heave or bend over from the pressure of the soil.

I made this wall from cut sections of 4X4 alternating between 10 and 12 inches high.  Each one had cuts done to make the top more pointed.

Each piece is cut lengthwise at a 6 degree angle on one edge to produce a curve when they are screwed together.  Since they are all screwed together and attached to piles driven into the ground, they shouldn’t move at all.

I had some extra sections left over so I made a new house number sign for us.

Dapper Day 2017

Have you heard of Dapper Day?

Dapper Day is a special day at the Disney Parks and it’s a chance to show off your vintage/fancy clothes.  This year we attended the event at Disney World in Florida on two days.  Saturday at the Magic Kingdom, and Sunday at Epcot.  Our good friend Dean was with us. 

One of the coolest things is that I made special “Niagara Falls” fans for us to carry with us.  They are replicas of the ones the animatronic character in the “Carousel of Progress” is holding.  Some people were astute enough to recognize them.  Enjoy!

Valve Guides Installed!

Valve Guide Installation

Mickey Topiary Part 2

Work continues….

Mickey Mouse Topiary Part 1

After our trip to Disney and the Epcot Garden show I was inspired to relate my own topiary.

Seven Dwarfs Installation

Graham Paige Car – Restoration Update – June 2017

I was working on some other projects this weekend and needed some space in the garage so I pulled the car out. The work is continuing, mostly on mechanical parts. This is the current condition of the frame.

Disney Backyard Garden Train

Holmes Haunted Homes in the News

The St. Catharines Standard website 2013: 

Halloween 2013 in Niagara this Week:

Halloween 2013 on the CBC website:

Halloween 2011 in Niagara This Week:

Some special Halloween haunts are in store when trick or treaters knock on the door at 120 George St. in St. Catharines.

At the Holmes household, there is more than treats in store. For the third-straight year Geoff Holmes will be bringing back his skeletal swingers — animatronic skeletons that tell stories, and sing. From Saturday through Monday nights, local residents will be able to take a trip back in time to the ‘20s and meet Tommy Gunn, Boney Bennett and No Lips Hannigan during Ghosts and Gangsters of Old Chicago.
“It’s an actual show with a 1920s and ‘30s feel,” said Holmes. “I bought a ‘29 (classic car) I’m going to restore, and I thought how can I tie it into the show.”
The result was Tommy Gunn and his fellow cast of characters, in the show which features music, special effects and some video. The entire show is controlled by laptop, and the characters are brought to life through electronics, including radio-control servos and pneumatics.
Holmes, who has been working on the massive display for about six months, has put together similar presentations the past two years. In 2009 he had a pirate-themed display with a singing skeleton head and clams, and last year he brought his lawn to life with a piano and saxophone players. This year he styled it more into a show, and took it to his garage, which is off Stuart Street. The show is narrated, and set to music.
Holmes admits it’s been a lot of work, with many hours spent not only on the display itself, but researching and trouble shooting via online forums, but it’s a passion.
“I loved this type of thing — it’s a lot of fun,” said Holmes. “Right back to when I was a kid, I liked going to Disney and seeing the animated shows.”
This year he is also using his passion to give back. Instead of just preparing the show for Halloween night, he is inviting the public to come Saturday, Sunday and Monday, anytime between 7 and 9 p.m. to check out the show. Shows will run every 15 minutes, and Holmes will be collecting monetary donations in support of Community Care of St. Catharines & Thorold.
“It’s a great cause and helps people all across the city,” said Holmes, who notes the show is geared to all ages and doesn’t feature any blood or horror. He notes, however, smaller children may be fearful of the moving skeletons.
For more information on Holmes’ Haunted Homes display, including videos of past years’ performances and a sneak peek at this year’s show, visit www.holmeshauntedhomes.com.

Scott Rosts, staff Scott Rosts/Staff Photo October 27, 2011

Halloween 2011 in the St. Catharines Standard:

Halloween, 2010 in the St. Catharines Standard: