Yes, I’m still here

Hi all.  Once again I have to start with an apology.  It’s been some time since I’ve been here.  A lot has happened.  To start with, I have finished the furniture that I mentioned last time.  It came out really nice.  I had been wanting to do a straight arm Morris Chair for some time and finally got to.  I am very happy with it.  I’m going to photograph the whole order this week and I will post them.  They are getting picked up for shipping on Friday.  I like the way everything came out but especially the chairs.  Unfortunately, other that that, things have been quiet.  I have been working for john a lot so I haven’t put a lot of effort into marketing.  With the economy the way it is, (scary isn’t it?) people are a little afraid to spend any money and I don’t blame them.  Michele and I are not at risk for the most part. (knock on wood) She has a great job and I have plenty to do between woodworking and driving the bus.  I hope those words don’t come back to haunt me. 

Anyway, next bit of news is, we did the charity ride and had a great time.  We raised over a thousand dollars.  I didn’t have a great day on the bike.  I hit the wall about 42 miles into it.  I think between not getting a lot of training miles and, once again, not having enough to eat contributed to it.  I have a bad habit of not eating enough.  I rode really strong for the first 42 miles though.  I was right out in the lead group taking my turns pulling.  While we were there we visited the Biltmore Estate.  Look it up.  This place in amazing.  The largest home in America.  It’s HUGE!!!!  It’s expensive to visit, but well worth it.  If you are in the Asheville NC area, make the effort to go.  You won’t be disappointed.  I also got to ride some of the Blue Ridge Parkway.  That was a great ride.  A lot of climbing, but I like going up hill.  I wish the weather had been better.  It was cold while we were there.  Not like home, but colder than normal. 

Next bit of news.  I think this is the best news.  I bought a new bike.  Well, new to me anyway.  First of all, I have always been partial to Specialized.  I found a great deal on a Tarmac S-Works SL.  Those of you in the know, know this bike.  I have demoed it and it’s an amazing ride.  It will be here on Friday from southern California and i can’t wait.  It’s a lot more bike than I ever thought I would own. 

Something i forgot to mention, I got a new air compressor for the shop.  It’s a big Ingersoll-Rand.  I’ll finally be able to get and use a DA sander.  They’re great tools and It will be good to finally have them.  Just in time too, because Michele gave me the word the other day, she’s ready to re-do our kitchen.  It really needs it and it’s going to be a big job.  I have to get started on the cabinets soon.  We’ll see how the finances go though. 

Allright, that’s all for now.  I don’t promise to be more vigilant in updating this blog, but I do promise to try.  Thanks for reading.  Please let me know what you think.  e-mail me.  walt@brooksidewoodworking.com  Bye.