Climbing Trees on a Run.

The last couple of days have been pleasant,  considering the summer so far.  In fact, it almost felt like fall this morning.   Tomorrow may be another story, but for the moment, we are enjoying the weather here in Iowa.

Something is blocking the trail....

Unless the sun comes out mid-day.   Cheryl's long run started fine, but we timed the start a little later than planned.   As a result,  the noon sun came out of hiding and began to wither everything.   Including Cheryl.   She made most of the 16 miles run without walking,  but the heat did manage to spoil things.  If only that cloud cover could have persisted...

Looks like the old cottonwood is fallen...

So much for Hurdles...

In addition to that,  we discovered one of the large cottonwood trees had fallen across the path.  Slightly larger than something we would be able to move ourselves.  The only choice...  Climb over!

Cheryl leaves me & my bike behind.

Cheryl may be "pretty good" at running.   But climbing is not her Forte.  If only you could have seen her on the rocks of Duluth or Grand Haven.

She will never go to the Olympics with that form.

Still,  we managed to get over the thing.  Even with my bike.   And there is no picture of me because I had the camera.   And I look like a Gorilla.  ( at least Gorillas can climb.)








So we managed to sell 5 stockings this week.  We just finished them a few moments ago and will probably mail them later today.  I'm impressed we have sold anything in July.   It makes me consider cleaning up the machines and getting them ready for full production.  Then again, it still may be a little optimistic for that at this time.

Something to look forward to tomorrow.

Hope everyone has a great Weekend.   We are planning on Muscatine tomorrow,   despite the hot weather that is predicted.  At least they have a water fountain to clean,  I mean,  cool Cheryl off.

Panera Origami and How a Cat trains YOU!

I know that there are times when I brag that I have taught the cats how to do various tricks, similar to a dog. You know: Roll over, speak, open the door, climb the tree. However, I'm beginning to believe that the cats are actually training me! Case in point: Red the shop cat. He loves to climb trees and from time to time I take him outside so he can let his inner monkey run wild. However, there are times when he climbs some trees that are a little taller than he can handle. That is to say; the lower branches are too far from the ground. Now I KNOW he is not stranded because cats can fall off a 10 story building and survive. But I don't want my favorite cat to get hurt so how do i get him down without serious injury? I have done this before where I hold up his favorite chair and he jumps into it. Now he EXPECTS me to do it! I believe that he gets stuck up those tall trees on purpose and will wait until I bring out the chair. Cheryl finds it entertaining. On a side note, I'm getting better at the frog origami at Panera. The paper that I have been using is pretty good for them and they are fun to make. The Panera employees love them too!

Finding a home for my Wood Elf...

I found a good home for her! The owners at Culver's have agreed to take her and show her off at their store! They have quite a few carvings inside and when I offered this one, I thought that something like this would be pushing it. You see...most of their carvings are of tropical birds or fish. But after seeing it, She said that they might be able to find a place for it outside in their courtyard. Now all that remains is for them to come and get it with their truck. So if you are in Grand Haven, Michigan in the near future and wonder who carved that Wood elf in the corner...well, now you know!

Anyone Interrested in some carvings?

Quite a bit happened over this weekend but I doubt I will be able to fit it all in this one post. But here it goes.... After another sale on Saturday, I met with a fellow wood worker who processes his own wood. I mentioned a really nice Cherry tree in the back where I have been getting my little carving stash from and he was interested. Well, he came yesterday with two friends, a chainsaw, and a large log mover. He managed to get 5 nice 8ft logs out of the remaining trunk. It's cool to find someone as devoted to wood as that. ( and me! I used to comb the neighborhood for small bits of trees) While taking down one of the trunks, we disrupted a small family of grey squirrels and these really HUGE beetle larvae. I put the larvae out for the pilliated woodpecker. I thought that he would probably be the only one that would appreciate the snack! So at the sale, I got lots of compliments but no takers on the log/tree carvings I have had in the front yard for the past 8 months ( or longer!) So if anyone is interested in a couple of tree carvings that you can toss in the back of a pickup, leave a comment. We live in Grand Haven, Michigan.

Some outdoor carving.

Yesterday I got bored and decided to carve outside on one of the trees. Nothing too difficult, just something to use some of my newest tools on. The weather has been pretty nice lately, and being outside before the bugs get bad is pretty nice. So here she is... Just a face, something I could do in just a couple of hours. Perhaps I'll work on one a little more involved a little later, but for now, the yard is wet with rain and it's just a little chilly outside. Even the shop cat doesn't want to be out there too long. Enjoy the pics!

Some "finished" pics of the Woman with Windy Hair

Yesterday I had to overcome depression when I found out that our small touristy town can't display anything on the sidewalks of the downtown area. Hurray for Government! Protecting the people from shops that might put displays that entice you to shop in their store. Well, initially my plan was to offer these carvings to several of the down town stores to show off a little of my work while making the streets a little more interesting. Assuming that the shops were willing, of coarse. Ah well, the best of plans always have hiccups. So the ladies will have to remain in my front yard for a while longer. I really have no other plans for them. Unless some total stranger offers to buy one off the lawn. That would be nice! So here are the finished pics. Done with lighting and background to enhance the colors a bit ( hopefully) Enjoy! And I hope everyone is having a wonderful week so far

More Folds and Dress

A quick post. Not much to say, I just worked on the folds on her other side. Now it will all be a matter of smoothing out the folds and giving them life. Enjoy the pics!

Folds and Arms.

I didn't get a chance to take many progress pics before the camera pooped out on me. ( batteries) but we got some more at the store today so things are looking better. Anyway, I worked on sanding her down a bit and defining the arms. I just started the folds in her dress, but there is still some things to figure out. We'll keep ya posted.... Enjoy!

Inside carving finally! Full metal Alchemist.

So I finally got her inside last night but she is still heavy and it's quite the challenge to move her around so I can carve on her. Here's how I tipped it over onto the sawhorse. At least after three hours of carving, she is starting to take a little more shape. Still a long way to go. Red the shop cat was nice enough to help me out. Inspecting the log and the tools. I couldn't take the pic of him sleeping on my shoulders while I carved. He just adores me too much sometimes. Oh! And Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood was on tonight. Catch the latest episode on Funimation. The Promised day is coming soon! I wonder how many episodes there are going to be on this series....Enjoy the ending theme!