Shop Dog

Not much in life is a good as a good Dog. About the only thing better is a good shop Dog. Maggie loves the shop, the machines do not bother her. She finds a place close plus close to the treats and will stay there until I move her because I need the spot.

I miss Sam the Wonder Dog, but he was a wuss, when the first machine was turned on he was out of there and never made it as a shop Dog. Not so with Sweat  Maggie Dog.

ken

Don't Laugh Too Much

I've been toying with the idea of using the iPhone to make some short videos. The other day I ordered a tripod/selfie stick to try. Here is the first go uncut and in all its glory:

The quality sucks, but the concept kinda works. I've a Go-Pro someplace I'll try using that next time.

ken

Broken Record

I know broken record and all that rot but guys if you do not have a portable bench you are making work for yourself.

I'm home doing the "remain in place," self isolation,"  or whatever you want to call it thing. Of course MsBubba is rubbing her hands with joy. You should see the "to do" list she has on the kitchen counter.

On to the broken record.

I've one of the portable Moravian benches set up in the back garden to work on, it took less than 5 minutes to move from its storage place and set up. Now for the duration I've a functional, stable workbench to use as needed. I know, I know, you have heard it before but it is too easy to set up and use not to have one for use around the house.

I just want to add: CS was a joy to work with. Almost anyone is easy and helpful when they are taking your money. Their true nature comes out when things go south. Chris is as good as it gets, I can't say enough good things about the whole transaction. As Molly Ivans would say "Good on You Chris Schwarz.

Be careful out there and someday we will be able to go back to work and get some rest.

ken

All's Well That Ends Well

After emails with Chris I went back to the freight terminal and inspected the chair again. All I could find was one long stick out of place so I accepted the delivery.  Once home I used a couple of spreading clamps to lift the comb enough to move the long stick back into place, put a little hide glue on exposed tenons and clamped her back down. Other than a couple of slight scuff marks which I will cover with some fresh finish, it is like it never happened.

It is a beautiful Cherry American Welsh Stick Chair made from one Cherry log. The seat is from one piece, not glued up, and the legs, arms, sticks and comb all match up. As it ages and darkens it should be lovely. Even better it is damn comfortable to sit in. Now to find a place to put it where I can use and MsBubba is happy. BTW, when I told her what she gave me for my birthday I got some serious side eye. After seeing the chair I think she is coming around.

Front view:

Side view:

Back view:

As always, click 'em to big 'em,

ken

What a Disappointment

I went to pick up my late birthday present this afternoon and this was the first thing I saw:

Not a good sign. 

After taking the top off I could not see any damage but the side of the shipping crate was also pushed in.

Looking in the top of the crate things look OK.

Got the back off and found the damage.

It is a shame, it is a beautiful chair, I hope it survives the return trip and Chris can repair it. If he can I want it back.

ken

77th Birthday Present

I decided to splurge on MsBubba's birthday present to me. She doesn't know what it is yet but It will be one of my favorite presents from her. It will arrive a little late but that's OK to.

C.S. just finished an American Welsh Stick Chair class and I bought the Cherry chair he made while teaching the class. From the picture it is a beauty.

More when I unpack the crate,

ken

Life with Covid-19

I'm one of the lucky ones working for a large company and at this time I'm allowed to stay home and draw full pay and benefits. I do not get the monthly bonus from flight tests and checks but that is no biggie. The real value is MsBubba and I can and are self quarantined and can do it without money worries or drawing from savings for now. Most folks are not so lucky.

MsBubba being a retired ER/Trauma nurse knows how to quarantine, me I just get dirty looks and told what to do when I get out of line. Which is often. Bottom line we are in this for the long haul and will do everything possible to not catch Convid-19 or pass it on to someone else if we do.

Moving on. I'm back to rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic, packing ten pounds of stuff into a five pound box, or whatever you want to call it. Today's changes were ones I had wanted to do for awhile but couldn't find the time to do. Bottom line I think I've made the shop a little easier to work in but damn I have a lot of veneers, short stock, and cutoffs of nice wood that were stuck in the corners of the shop and not a clue what to do with them. Tomorrow I'll start going through the pile and hope there is more firewood than I expect.

Be careful out there, wash your hands and do not horde TP,

ken

End of The Line

After 62 years flying airplanes, over 50 of 'em putting beans and tortillas on the table I may have hit the end of the line.

Tomorrow could be my last time to strap a Sim or airplane to my ass. Because of COVID-19 and my age I have been allowed leave with full pay and benefits.  I do not know how long it will last but I can not imagine more than a couple of months tops. Then there is the coming recession/depression. Bottom line, when I walk out the door tomorrow around midnight I expect it will be end of a great run. One that allowed a dumb West Texas farm boy to eat, drink, and see some of the best places in the world, as well as a few not so great ones, on someone else's dime.

The changes to the airplanes, avionics, and airspace system over those years have been unbelievable. I saw the last of the four leg range system for navigation using needle ball and airspeed to fly in instrument conditions to today's glass cockpit that can fly from Houston to London with just the push of a few buttons.

It has been a hell of a ride, I'm glad I didn't miss it.

ken