Ordinary Average Guy

When I was a kid, I used to climb the tree in our backyard all it the time. My mother knew that she could find me somewhere within its limbs at any given time during the summers of my youth. Unbeknownst to me, over the years that tree held a special place in her heart, reminding her of her baby boy. Now, I’m nearly 40 with a family of my own and the tree was taken over by emerald ash borers. I found out about my mother’s connection with this tree when they told me that they had to have it removed. I nonchalantly asked my mom to grab a piece as I’d like to keep it for posterity. The day came for them to cut it down and she explained to one of the workers that her son was a woodworker, and she hoped that they would be able to salvage a piece that she could give to me. I’m sure the arborist had no idea why she cried when he handed her the piece that she eventually gave to me. A few months later I turned this bowl out of the section that she gave me. It was somewhat fragile but also beautiful to me. Today it arrived in the at my parent’s house and my mom loves it. Now she can have a simple reminder of that tree, forever.

A long day calls for a cold brew.

Turned another handle.

Pretty busy day. Helped my daughter make a cutting board and still had time to turn a new tap handle. Loving life!

Glad I'm able to find some time to use the lathe.

I turned a new tap handle because the stock handle was boring.

Happy with the turn out of these scrap wood cheese boards.

A little help in the shop today.

Using the scraps from the end grain cutting board to make these cheese boards.

All these years and I've never made a cutting board....until now! Lots of fun and frustration with this one!

Now the little dude is stylin'! Welcome to the club, little buddy. #myfirstvans

#saucy