Some writing

Below is a writing I did for class.  Be warned I said some time ago that I would post writings from time to time so here is one.  

Terry and I had a low key weekend.  It was very cool for here.  Sunday morning the temp was 51 and this morning it was 48--burrr.  Last night Terry made a dish that was in one of the grocery store ads.  It had lobster and shrimp in it and it was delicious.  We also made a quick trip to Trader Joes yesterday morning.  It is the first Trader Joes in FL (I think) and since it opened Friday it has been a zoo there.  Yesterday at 11:00 AM there were at least 3 police directing traffic as people were a bit crazy.  

I have made some progress on the seating for the kitchen.  It will be in two pieces and I have the more difficult of the two left so we will see how it comes out.  We had a lady here on Friday to give us some ideas about the three cushions we will need.  Hopfully all will turn out OK. 

Daughter Kim and three kids may come to stay on Friday and then Aaron/Amy and kids will arrive in town Sunday afternoon.  They will touch down about 5:30 and will be hungry.  Aaron asked if there would be a good, fast place to eat near the airport and we thought sure, Chick Fil A would be perfect as they do not have them in Madison I don't think but then we realized Chick Fil A is closed on Sunday-booo hooo.

I broke down and sent for a new camera case yesterday.  I now have 4 lenses for my camera and my old case is just not large enough.  Amazon.com came to the rescue with free shipping and no tax so how can one go wrong?

I really should go on a run this morning.  It is now 8:44 and I was too lazy to run in 40s temp this morning but now it is all the way up to low 50s so maybe I can venture out for my dazzling 2.2 mile run which I am happy if I finish in under 22 minutes.  I try to put on my black shorts and my black top so I look the part of a real runner and fast too as this body tends to usually go in low gear!          

Here is the writing.

 I find much enjoyment in woodworking.  With much to occupy my time I often need to wind down, relax, put on my creative mind and spend time in my wood shop.  It seems to propel me into another world, a world that consists of good things, fun times and wonderful endings.   I am always looking for tools to make it better, more fun and more relaxing. 

 The end result for woodworkers is always proof that our time was well spent.  A miter that has a perfect seam, a glue line that is invisible, a corner that is perfect or a glass like finish are things we strive for in our work.  What makes these things possible?  One always needs to measure, measure again and then measure one more time.  After that is time to cut and assemble.

                I have multiple measuring devices in my shop.  Some are wooden, some are metal, some are long, some are short, some are old and some are new.  However, I have one that takes little space, is always at my fingertips and never never fails me.  It is a 6 inch metal ruler with four different markings.  It takes no space, in fact it fits in my shirt pocket, it saves loads of time and it is the most accurate one I have.  It always is my “go to tool”.   If you have not purchased this handy little guy you are missing out on one of the best tools and best buys for a woodworker.  Also, no need to bring the bank with you as you can take it home for the price of a Grande Mocha at Starbucks.  This little guy is made by many companies but mine was made by General.  The tiny six inch ruler has markings etched on top and bottom of both sides and I find myself using all four at different times.  If you are in need of normal measuring you probably will use the edge that is 1/8^th but  if you need something a bit more precise you will use the 1/16^th edge, the 1/32^nd edge or the 1/64^th edge.   You may say never in my life have I measured to the 1/64th of an inch but for me I do often and for the serious woodworker I am sure that is true. 

                How does a 6 inch ruler save time?  How often do you search for that measuring device you need for a certain cut?  Finally after you find it you squint and contemplate just where to mark between those lines that are 1/16^th of an inch apart?  If you are like me you measure and then go back and go through the same process several times before you cut.   I used to do that but now I simply reach in my pocket, take out my 6 inch ruler and measure.  When I am finished I measure again and one more time but the marks are right in front of me and there is no debate as to where to cut.  When I am satisfied I put the ruler in my chest pocket and cut away. 

                There are tools in my wood shop I rarely use, tools that I use occasionally and others I use often but this little ruler is used all the time. 

So, don’t walk but run to the store for one today.  A word of caution, you will not find this at your local hardware store or department store such as Target.   It is a specialty for woodworkers so you will have to go to a woodworker’s store.  In case you think this is a new product, mine came from my dad’s tool box of years ago.