The Armoire Story

Pardon me for the delay in updating this blog. Rehab is harder now, takes 90 minutes out of my day but the progress is off the chart.  Most of the time I am without my cane, working resistance vs weights.  Today have walked the halls and the steps in the building to the tune of 800 yards; amazing thing is getting up and down the steps much easier but still get into the ice as soon as back in room.  Pat has been walking with me, spotting on the steps and making sure that everything stays in line as I walk; of course she might just enjoy the view from behind!  Weather has made it hard to get much outside, temp isn't the problem, but ice, frozen snow and rain add to the difficulty and I definitely don't want to fall down.

Have some pictures of a piece of furniture that has traveled with us since the mid 80's.  I was teaching PE at St. Gregory's school in Maryville at the time; classes were in the big play room, no gym, so space as at a premium.  In one corner was a pile of boards plus the frame of some kind of cabinet; it was continually getting stepped on, hit with balls and the like and was always in the way.  After several months, I approached the Sister who was the principal (and I am so sorry that I can't remember her name because she was one of the best people I ever worked for) about how to dispose of the piece.  She always accused me of drinking the sacramental wine that was stored in the PE teacher's office.  She didn't want to throw it away because it had been moved several times into the new facility but had fallen into disrepair and she really didn't know what to do with it.  She suggested that I just take it home if I wanted it; after going back and starting to put some pieces back together I saw some really good possibilities- my thought was that if I just took this I might make the "Big Guy" angry because it was in a Catholic church building.  I went back and offered her $50 for it, she said it was too much money and made a counter offer of $35 so it went home with me.

We lived in an apartment at the time because I was working at Northwest Missouri State University coaching Linebackers; the complex manager offered a vacant apartment under ours for temporary storage.  I stripped, refinished and glued the piece back together and what you see now is the finished piece.  Inside of one of the doors is a label reading that it was made in the  Springfield Furniture Company in Springfield Missouri, I can't read who it was shipped to.  The coolest thing is that the Springfield Furniture Company started building furniture in 1875 and continued until 1949; the building is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

 "This firm manufactures chamber suits and bedsteads, all their articles being made of Arkansas hard oak wood, which is one best adapted for beautiful finish and lasting qualities. The motive power is furnished by a Corliss engine of eighty-five horse-power, and constant employment is given to about ninety workmen. Their goods are sold by traveling salesmen, and the territory covered embraces Texas, Arkansas, Indian Territory, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa and Nebraska. There are -no better or more perfectly fitted up furniture factories in the country than this, for all the machinery used is of the latest and most modern makes, with all the improvements known to furniture workers. Each machine is connected with the furnace, all shavings being conveyed thereto by means of air-pipes, thus economizing in fuel and doing away with dust and lessening the chance of fire." (Pictorial and Genealogical Record of Greene County, Missouri)

So just how cool is this?  Now I feel like one of those "Pickers"and am so glad that I didn't modify the Armoire into a TV cabinet, but did add some removable shelves and  some handles on the drawers.  You just have to love furniture with a past!

Thanks for reading; and remember to always measure twice and cut once.!

Wives

If you have a wife you are a very lucky person; I have a great one!  I remember the vows that we took several years ago and always thought that the words were meant to be followed, but after the last three weeks I know that Pat is the best.  I have never felt more loved and lucky as I have been over the last 26 days; from that first night when she slept in a recliner next to the bed, getting up to turn the sound up on the TV because it didn't work right, to making sure the nurse arrived at a prompt time; telling me that she couldn't understand how some one as smart as I was could eat meat loaf just after the surgery and getting very, very ill as she held my head as I vomited all over every thing!

She drove home the next day-from Portland Maine no less-with the aid of the Tom Tom but trying to miss all the bumps.  She helped me into the house, got me into bed, then parked the car in the cold.  Every four hours for the next 14 days she would wake up to make sure I took the pain meds; she  kept a record of the time and what I took, she helped me to the bathroom, kept me hydrated, kept me fed a balanced and healthy diet (I have lost weight).  She is my coach during the rehab exercises and the walks in the hall, keeping me on a constant gait and a proper alignment.  The book that she used to record the medications shows just what happens when one becomes sleep deprived; we went to the use of my alarm clock so that she might get some sleep, but she still checked in.

I have completed my in home care and now will start out patient rehab.  I really believe that I would have never made it to this stage without her help.  Yesterday, she took me to Home Depot so that I could walk some place besides the hall; today, we went to the book store because the carpet is easier on my legs.  She "spots" me as I learn to walk up and down stairs, she wraps my leg to cut down on blood clots chances and she puts on my socks.  It makes no difference how tired that she becomes or how grumpy I might become she has never complained and throwing in the fact that she is the primary care giver to my 96 year old mother, there are no words to describe how I feel about her.  I do have to admit that I did enjoy the showers-no not that stuff-just getting my back scrubbed was the best!

But today at the book store, she picked up a new John Wooden book plus the fly fishing edition of Gray's Sporting Journal, bought me a cup of coffee and a donut for my rest breaks as I completed my "intervals" around the store.  Anything related to John Wooden should be required reading for everyone, plus the Gray's Sporting Journal has some of the best art and stories when it comes to fishing.  As we were checking out, she picked up a stuffed bunny rabbit-I assumed she was getting it for one of the grand kids-she said that it was for me, a reward for my efforts!  That is what make Patricia such a carrying and special person.

I realize there is no talking about wood and projects-some how those are not real important right now-just a picture of her at one of her favorite places.  Much peace to all and yes keep measuring twice and cutting once.

Blue Sky

As I lay here in bed, leg elevated just as doctor said, I can't believe just how blue the New Hampshire sky is, the door to the deck is open a couple of inches so even getting some of the cool (cold) crisp New England air.  When I started coming out here 20 years ago in the summer one of the first things I noticed was just how clear and blue the sky was-at night I think I can touch the stars.  But still it is a very positive and up lifting thought as I go through rehab.  Hip is good, leg is o.k.-had a fire alarm go off last night and realized just how difficult it would be if there was a real fire-I was worried about how I was going to get mom down the stair when I realized that I needed to be worried about how I would navigate the steps.  Anyway, false alarm, someone had left a pan on the stove, created smoke and set off alarm.

I did all my "exercises" today with increased range of movement, walked the length of the hall, and generally feel pretty good.  The PT person comes today to help me with more new exercises; will continue to use the walker for another couple of weeks, then move back to "the stick", the eventually nothing except for the wading staff in the streams or using the stick for hiking to the top of Mt. Washington!

I have posted some pictures of a bowl I bought at a sale in Kirksville in the early 70's- paid $5.00 for it.  As soon as I bought it a woman approached me with an offer of $6, I really liked the bowl and thought that Pat would too, so I turned her down.  Her next offer was $10 and I explained that I was not interested in selling it-she upped the offer to $15 and when I turned her down, she got angry and told me that bowl was worth nothing because of the split in the bottom.  I was nice and explained that I didn't care about the split, I just like the bowl which brought an offer of $20.  I thought O.K. I am wasting my time with this conversation so I took my bowl and went home.  Pat was happy and it has decorated our tables for many years.

The cedar chest was made by Barney Johnson, Pat's dad, when he was in high school in Fredericktown, Missouri; it spent much time in their bedroom until Pat talked him out of it several years ago.  It makes a great coffee table plus the storage.  The chest is made out of red cedar, boards were cut in Ironton, Missouri, and has two coats of varnish; he made three of the chests while in school in the 1930's.  He turned the decorative pieces on the front of the chest.  Barney worked as a machinist for Carter Carburetor in St. Louis, for years, survived the Great Depression, loves to hunt and fish and tell stories.  When we used to fish together, we would start at sun up, cast the banks until mid morning, troll for the rest of the day until early evening, then cast the banks again.  He is a good guy.

The PT person is here; I appreciate all you folks who have written cards, posted Facebook and made phone calls-your support has been valuable.  Enjoy the pictures and remember to measure twice and cut once.

After

Pitchers and catchers have reported and spring is just around the corner plus after the past week I am finally ready with some words of wisdom.  Did you know that Stan Musial was the first baseball player to be paid $100,000 and that after a poor year, approached management on taking a cut in his salary?  I believe that Albert is worth the money if compared to others in his field-he is simply the best in the game now.  For a team that stresses turn overs and defense, how many lay ups and dunks did MU give up last night?  Why did it take Kansas State this long to be a really good basketball team?

Even though my surgery took place in the LL Bean wing of the Maine Medical Center I did not get a free fly rod!  Pain meds are truly amazing.  Patricia Richter is probably the most amazing woman/wife/partner/friend that anyone could possibility  have.

Three decoy factories that operated between 1921 and 1945 in Jefferson City, Missouri. The Hays, Gundelfinger and Benz Factories produced very artistic decoys despite economic pressures of the times. Mason's Decoy Factory ceased operation before the Great Depression and even in the 1920's was marketing mainly their less expensive Standard Grade models. Perhaps this was another sign of Herbert Mason's business sense: he knew when to quit. In 1921, J.M. Hays began producing a line of decoys in an attempt to copy Mason's designs. However, the painting was inconsistent compared with Mason's. In 1925 the company went bankrupt. The Gundelfinger family purchased the Hays assets, and began producing 19 different species of Gundelfinger's Ducklures. These decoys have a feather finish achieved by use of a rough unsanded surface. Despite the crude finish, Ken Thayer describes the Gundelfinger painting as the very best scratch and comb painting ever used on factory decoys. In 1928, the Gundelfinger Company was forced to declare bankruptcy. Harry Benz and his partners bought the Gundelfinger assets, decoys and raw materials. Benz Wood Products Company began making decoys in the basement of Harry Benz's rental car agency until a factory was built. Large retailers such as Sears Roebuck and Montgomery Ward ordered large numbers of decoys. Benz Decoys stopped production in 1945, when competition from new paper and plastic decoys became overwhelming.
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Hays Decoy Factory(1921-1925) Bluebill Pair        Pair Price=$1,143.00

When I feel better we can talk more about this but thought it was interesting that carvers in Missouri produced quality products too.

I feel better every day, especially without the pain of the arthritic hip.  Surgery was 90 minutes, took longer to get ready but whole procedure is new.  Entire floor is dedicated to joint replacement so everyone there knew their job was very good at it. The incision is about 4", super glued shut, Pat changes the dressing each day even though have health nurse that comes every other day. PT is 2 times per week-much stretching (which hurts like heck) and regaining strength  which if frustrating.  Walking 3-4 times a day for periods not longer than 15 minutes, other exercises 3 X a day - takes about 25 minutes to get through all the work.  Have meds every 4-5 hours, Pat keeps track and administers on the schedule-I worry because she is going so hard.  Next week more time out of bed instead of in, following week, get to meet other people, go back to dr on March 3 then may be able to drive.  The worry of infection will be reduced greatly if can get through this weekend.  Plan to take up a knife next week-since I have to sit so much just as well be doing something good.  I have been very surprised by the level of the absence of pain.  Have been doing a lot of reading and surfing the net-amazing what lurks behind this screen.  Everyone has been great with positive messages and emails-thanks so much.

Get tired pretty quick but as I told the dr.  "It is the right hip"-he marked it with an X-and   "be sure to measure twice and cut once"  Much peace to all.

Another Snow

And winter just keeps going!  Talked with a friend this week who talked of working in locust and hedge-two of the hardest woods that I know.  He sent me some pictures of a cabinet he made, really cool; I've posted a picture of his work.  Have not done much with any of my projects this week so have posted a canvasback that I did several years ago plus some of the leaves that I did last summer.

Going to be gone for a few days as having a hip replaced at Maine Medical Center, Portland, Maine.  Decided to go there (3 hours away) because have a friend that does surgery on necks and backs;  told me that when I was ready, to contact him because the best joint replacement surgeon on the east coast worked in the clinic with him.  Surgery will be the Minimal Incision Surgery-4" cut on the front of the thigh at the joint with little cutting of muscles and tendons, so recovery is quicker.   The hospital has a floor dedicated to joint replacement so nurses and all are specifically trained.  Supposed to get up in the afternoon and start using the walker; guess when I get home mom and I can have races in the hall!

Never been "under the knife" before, so staying positive plus Pat will keep me on course.  The plan is to have the surgery on Wednesday morning and if I can do the PT stuff, could go home Thursday afternoon-if not, then home on Friday.  Should have some great stories when all done.  Will be nice to get rid of my "stick" and only using it for hiking.

So while I am gone, remember to measure twice and cut once.
Peace

The Big Bust and Pintails

OK so the Big One didn't happen, something about not enough moisture being picked up from the ocean, oh well.  We still got enough snow for awhile or at least until Saturday, when another storm passes by.  Had a good day once I got the car scooped out, then had to help the neighbor.  He was standing behind his car just looking at the snow-I asked him if he needed help, his only response was-I don't have a shovel!  So I got out and used my emergency short handled shovel that the wife got for use if we ever got stuck and scooped his car out.  He helped some, but then he turned to me and said I don't have socks on-on closer examination, I saw that he was still in his PJ's-don't know and didn't ask.  But did he get his car out.  Nope-didn't offer any money.

Finished up the miniature pintail painting; carved in some feathers, used the wood burner to add some texture to the head and body and was pleased with the final result-there is a picture here some place.  Also worked on the head of the shorebirds (not one of my strengths) so I can get eyes in that don't look bug eyed.  Going to carve the eyes in, then paint them-will be another first.  The wife suggested today that I pick a decoy to complete to take to the Ward Museum Competition-this may work out after all.  But can I stand the pressure of  getting something like this done then there is the competition.    I know positive thoughts, maybe I can get you all to judge before I decide.

Had a recommendation of visiting Port Clyde, Maine-checked it out on line  and it looked interesting-there is a neat light house, so may have to make two trips-thanks for the tip.  Just no substitute for the ocean.  Heading for Portland Maine tomorrow for the day so better get an early bed time.  I appreciate you all stopping by-always fun and remember to measure twice and cut once.

The Big One

Sitting in the living room after that last bowl of chili-no sleep for me tonight-and now waiting for the "big one" to come in tonight and give New Hampshire another 12"+ of snow.  Reading what my Missouri friends say about the blizzard hitting their area makes me amaze at what happens here.  Grocery stores are just another day, schools open-maybe even having recess outside;  Physical education classes have snow shoes as part of their equipment, schools go skiing one day a week.  Snow plows keep the roads open and life just goes on!  Have attached some pictures from the morning hours.

Got a  book of Shore Bird Patterns (Shourds & Hillman) signed first edition 1978-really cool. The book is filled with great patterns of shorebirds that I can't wait to get to.  My wood supply for bigger decoys has been exhausted so have had to put several orders on hold.  Going to paint a couple of shore birds that I carved last fall-get it done while I watch the snow.  If you are interested in some great history of decoys check out the Ward  Museum of Wildfowl Art; they have a big carving competition in the spring of the year-hope that I can save some pennies to make the trip down.  I wish I could say it would be a wedding anniversary trip for my wife, but don't think she would be as excited as I am in wandering through a museum of old decoys.  Oh well maybe up the coast of Maine.

Watched a great carving DVD "Wood Carving Basics" David Sabol-it gives you information on what tools to get, how to use the tools, sharpen the tools, chip carve, decoy carve, relief carve, sign carve plus all the painting techniques.  The only tough thing was the guy has been doing this for 40 years and is really, really , really good!  Plan to post pictures of the miniatures that I have painted plus the shorebirds., tomorrow.  For those of you complaining about the snow, just think how much more water will be in the streams and lakes this spring for those trout.  That's when we will be talking "keeping a tight line" but for now just make sure to measure twice and cut once.  Thanks for stopping by.