Second project: teaching my great nephew how to build something with his hands instead of playing video games.

Joshua, my shop partner:


Learning how to sand:


Interesting style with a blower:


Learning how to stain:


The finished product, a wooden tool box with a small hammer, screw driver, tape measure, two pair of pliers and a nail apron:


We have limited southern exposure in our yard for a garden but I think these three stock tanks will do well in one area that gets about 6 hours of sun.


Arugula sprouting:


Flying my new colors to match my truck!


As you can tell, I am enjoying the adjustment to a new state and new area. My wife Kathy and I are blessed.

Larry

Looks like you have some serious help in the shop. Congratulations on your retirement!

Nothing like seeing that light bulb come on in a kids head when they see they can design and build something themselves. And better yet you,ll have help with the heavy lifting in the future from that carpenters apprentice! Glad your enjoying retirement. Have you found out yet that your to do list occasionaly grows instead of shortens?

Good morning, Larry~


Great break-in period for your retirement!


I'm glad Joshua is learning the wonderful brain-to-hand magic that comes with making stuff. Although....


I was a bit shocked when I thought I saw him wielding a long-barred Husqvarna chain saw - which turned out to be a leaf blower!


All the best,


SJS

Steven Jay Sanford
Pencil Brook Farm
South Cambridge, NY
http://www.stevenjaysanford.com

That's great! My shop teacher and several other craftsmen I know all started me the same way when I asked for direction on how to make something. You learn to make your tools and equipment before you learn to make the project. I now have heirloom quality items such as a dust pan, plumb bob and carpenters box that I never would have had otherwise.
Congratulation on your retirement!
________________________________________

"Take your kids hunting so you don't have to hunt for your kids."

Larry that is great to help teach Joshua to use his hands. I spent hours with my grandfather in his shop during my grade school years. It now continues to provide relaxation and satisfaction. 60 years later.

I would question your choice of license plate.

UNC class of 76.

Looks like you've been having a good time beginning that retirement thing (someday I will get to try it out). Looks like you and Joshua had a good time and he did a great job on his tool box.

Larry, I also thought he had a chain saw. Good age to start using tools. My parents owned houses,cottages and a store. As a kid we helped paint and maintain all the buildings. I really didn't want to do all that and would rather hunt and fish. What I learned over those years are still with me and have helped me over my life.
What we learn in life you can't pay for.
Happy retirement, time to start carving...

Guys,
That's actually a Tanaka blower, not Husqvarna.
Larry

Good to see that the (shop?) dust is settling, Larry.

Plenty of adventures to look forward to this fall. I think I recognize one of the decoys on your shelf Mark recently sent a picture of a piece I had forgotten was in existence.

There's always a feeling of anticipation for me each year when the school kids & staffs head back.

Best to all the Eckarts.


MLBob

"Art is like an ill-trained Labrador retriever that drags you out into traffic." (Annie Dillard)

....Here's to Joe Wooster, who made me realize that the useful could and should be beautiful; and who firmly believed that decoy carvers were the last free men in America.

https://www.facebook.com/KOOIdecoy?ref=hl

Bob,
I have resolved to have my "shop" in our large garage. It won't be a place of lingering shavings but I am not the artist carver that you and others are. I have some basic woodworking skills that I will enjoy using in our garage that my wife prefers to remain clean.

As a retired educator it probably still feels weird not to be "going back to school."

Blessings to all the Furias. Yes, the Ringbill you gave me is proudly displayed in my study, which I call "the lodge."

:)

Larry

Great job Larry. He looks very proud of his accomplishment.

Are you finding retirement busier than the old working days? I have no idea how I got all this done before I called it quits.

Mark

Given the height of your work table and the concrete floors, I would encourage you to pick-up some cushion mats. Your lower back will thank you. Lowes and Home Depot sell what is probably the most "cushy' units.

Larry

Great job giving back to the young. Retirement can be great ,but also can be ruff. But you given back the way you are. Your going to have a great retirement my friend. Don't stop there teach some more children. You seem to have a gift. Get post!!!
anthony sr