Random thoughts, life lessons, hopes and dreams
On the other side of Farmington from Miss Porter’s School, is an area known as Unionville. Unionville is not one of Connecticut’s 169 towns, but a lot of people talk about Unionville as if it’s a free state. Several years ago, there were signs in front of houses and some businesses that simply said “Save... Continue Reading →
Usually, the only time I use the word ‘bracket’ is during March Madness, when millions of people try to guess the ultimate outcome of 64 college basketball teams working their way to one winner. I do dumb things with those brackets, like pick the teams I hope will win, instead of those that are likely... Continue Reading →
If you were opening a custom furniture shop, you might think “27 Quality Avenue” would be a pretty perfect address. That’s what I thought. I remember that thought lasting just long enough to apply for a commercial loan. When I told the loan officer the address, the excitement disappeared from my voice with his reply:... Continue Reading →
That would be as in “know your limitations” and find a way to work through life anyway. The actual one-liner was delivered by me to my daughter Faith, as she worked her way through a fairly difficult bit of woodworking. She gave me permission to post it here and to use some of the wonderful... Continue Reading →
As I look around my workshop, I see hundreds of objects that are important to me. Some are favorite tools. Some are jigs and fixtures that I’ve made to make woodworking easier. Some are antique tools that were given to me, as well as some that I’ve just owned for a long time. It’s a... Continue Reading →
In 2005, I worked with an old friend to develop a training program for our company. We wanted a program that had clear objectives and a consistent feel. He developed a framework for a series of one-hour sessions that would cover a wide variety of technical subjects, and he developed the first few sessions. One... Continue Reading →
Woodworking in the winter is a hit or miss hobby, but it always feels good to complete a winter project. December was unseasonably warm, so I was able to make a set of bookends to give to a friend for Christmas. My idea was to make something out of an interesting piece of wood. My... Continue Reading →
“We’re jammed up right now and my partner had to run an errand. Would you mind waiting about 15 minutes?” Normally, if you hear that request from the guy at the hardware store, you sigh and resign yourself to the fact that: they are the only people in the area that can mix this shade... Continue Reading →
I’m sneaking this post in on a Monday for those of you who enjoy reading about woodworking. This short study on how to go from boards to product is somewhat inspired by my blog-buddy Dan over on the other coast. Dan wrote about people who have lost thumbs and fingers. It’s a really good post.... Continue Reading →
