Post Christmas

Christmas has come and gone...it was good. Eight silverware trays later, we are approaching the new year--2009. Time goes quickly. Lauren and Nathan, baby Alex and their moms and dads (Jen, Joey, Sarah, Scott) were here for the holiday and we all had a grand time. Grandma and Grandpa gave Lauren and Nathan real tool bags with several real tools--hammer, sanding block, shop pencil, notebook, paintbrush, and a tape measure. They both used all of the tools on the projects that Grandpa had prepared for them to do in the shop--car for Lauren and train engine for Nathan. They had a good time with Grandpa, and we were able to get the projects completed the day after Christmas. It was good to have some time with them one on two and one on one. They are eager to build things and seem to enjoy working in Grandpa's woodshop.

Now it is quiet...everyone has moved on to the next stop for the holidays. We are grateful they were able to come and spend three several days with us...

A month later...

It has been over a month since the last posting...six silverware trays later (with the attendant hand-cut dovetails, thank you!) Christmas is approaching. It is cold in North Carolina today...down to 20 degrees overnight. The sun is out, though, and the forecast promises warmer temps as Christmas Day approaches.

Project update

Well, the tray is glued up as of last night and a second is now cut out except for dovetails. I will try to get it together over the weekend. Tonight I will likely finish the sanding on the first one and get a good coat of Danish oil on it.

Another beautiful day in the Carolinas..

It is now cooler, but the leaves are still beautiful. Here is a photo of Pamlico County (credit to pamlicoink.com) where Kershaw Creek and the village of Oriental are located.

Lauren and Nathan

Lauren (4 1/2) and Nathan (2 1/2) stayed with us alone for the very first time last night. I had already planned some time in the shop with them. For Nathan, I had cut out a wooden car body and made some wheels from turned maple and axles from 3/8" dowel rod. He did some final sanding on the car body then glued the wheels to the axles and chose a fire-engine red paint to put on the whole thing. He needed a good bit of help from Grandpa with the painting. For Lauren I had prepared several wood blocks that she glued together (in her own design) to make a boat. She chose a bright yellow paint and was able to do it all herself. What a thrill to introduce my grandchildren to this wonderful activity. Lauren proudly floated her new boat in the bathtub before bedtime, and Nathan would NOT part with this car all night long. We've already talked about what we will make when they come to visit at Christmas time. Now I feel as if I've started passing along the love of woodworking that I received from MY grandfather.

Project update...

I spent some time over the weekend and got all the dovetails cut. They turned out the best of any so far, with only a few gaps between joints. It is a good feeling of accomplishment to have come this close. I also routed the slot for the bottom and dry fit the whole thing together. Looks pretty good. I took it apart to sand and to chisel a bit more from the base of the pin blocks, so that the joints will fit even better. It's about as close as it's going to get. I will next glue it up, finish sanding, and put an oil finish on it (it is cherry wood...). I may be able to make a few more for Christmas gifts...

Project underway

I've started on a small project that MIGHT become a possibility for Christmas gifts--a silverware tray. It has dovetailed joints, so that will be the big challenge. I've been working like mad to try to master hand-cut dovetails...closer and closer so far but by no means mastered. This will give me a REAL project on which I can try those, so stay tuned for further developments. I resawed some pieces of cherry last night and hand planed them as smooth as I can. Will cut some handholds in the end pieces (with Forstner bit and chisels) tonight and then probably get to work on the dovetails tomorrow and Sunday. I probably try to go too fast with those, so I will make every effort to slow down and take my time.

It's official...

Barack Obama has won North Carolina! This is the first time NC has gone Democratic in a presidential election since Jimmy Carter in 1976.

Beautiful day in North Carolina...

The morning began with bright sun and the promise of 78 degree temps this afternoon. The trees are in full color, but I suspect the recent (and the promise of future) rains will start taking their toll. Yet, there are vibrant colors galore. This is truly a beautiful time of year. Here is a photo from the mountains west of here...

North Carolina has the distinction (?) of being one of two states in the nation where the Presidential vote is not confirmed (the other being Missouri). Obama leads in NC, while McCain leads in Missouri. This is still a major change in NC, as the state has not given a majority vote to a Democratic president in many, many years. At the same time, it has continued to choose a Democratic governor! I guess we'll have to wait a few more days to see the final results.

Looking forward to being back in the workshop this weekend. Christmas presents are waiting to be made, although I haven't decided for sure what they will be...guess I'd better get a move on!

Back to the woodshop...

It is surely a good thing to be back to the woodshop and away from politics for a while. The past months, even years, have been grueling, with political candidates in our faces every day, all day. So, now that we are headed in a better direction, let's focus on making things from wood.

Here are two things I've made recently. One is my first-ever stationery box. The other is a dresser that I made for my daughter and her husband on the occasion of the birth of their first child. I am quite proud of both projects...and of the children, too!

An historic day

Well, it is over....finally. This is an important day in the history of the United States...the election of the first African-American President. More importantly, this also signifies a major change in course from the last eight years. The new President has a big job on his hands...may he ever be successful. It will take all of us working together to turn the tide, but we must.

Election day update

The polls have been open here for almost six hours already. Of course, we have no way yet of knowing how the elections are going...that will come later tonight. I voted early this morning after having stood in line for 55 minutes. I was ready to cast my ballot on this very exciting and historic day. I will hold my breath, as will millions of other Americans, tonight as the results trickle in...we need, no, MUST HAVE new leadership in this nation. We are at a critical stage.

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Come back often to see what is happening. Today is election day...please vote for the candidates of your choice. It is your right....and your responsibility.