Can't We All Just Get Along :-)

This is an overture to everyone on the subject of spirituality and faith. I ask anyone who looks at this blog to read the essay at the link below with an objective, open mind. You will have an enhanced understanding of why some people embrace atheism. It's all about logic, science, and the difference between faith and god.

http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2010/12/19/a-holiday-message-from-ricky-gervais-why-im-an-atheist/

Exploring Idaho

I decided to take a drive out of Boise on Sunday to see a bit of the surounding country. I went east out of town on Route 21 past Lucky Peak reservoir and toward Idaho City. It was a great drive along winding roads with scenic views of tall ponderosa pines, river valleys, and the surrounding foothills. I took the following photos along the drive.

This is Lucky Peak reservoir, which was made by the US Army Corps of Enginners by damming up the upstream flows of what becomes the Boise River. There are two generating dams east of Boise that regulate the flow oif the river through town. The second photo is looking west from Lucky Peak at the beginnings of the Boise River.

I went on to Idaho City from here. I didn't do any research first or perhaps I wouldn't have bothered... So after about a 30 minute drive on beuatifully scenic mountain roads, I come into a town with a population of 498 (at least that's what the sign said...) Turns out idaho City is an old prospecting town that I'm guessing doesn't look too much different than it did in 1850. As drove down the main street in town, I could picture horse carriages going up & down the street and pulling up to old general stores and saloons.

This place defies description. I saw this building at the end of the main street. It's the equivalent of a one of those theme restaurants you see where the owners give customers crayons and tell them to write anything they want on the walls. Except this is on the outside. I did see a sign for Trailways Bus Lines but I'm not sure it that was real or not.

I'm going to head north next time on Route 55 toward McCall. Can't wait to see what that trip has in store...

Go West Young Man

This is a photo Beth took of the moving truck at the end of a grueling day yesterday.  The fact that they drove the Toyota right onto the truck was a bit of a surprise but I guess it makes perfect sense.  All of Beth's hard work in packing up the house will soon be my problem out in Idaho. The truck is scheduled to arrive at the Boise house on Monday for the off-load.  Then I get the joy of unpacking all of those damn boxes ;-) 

This whole relocation adventure didn't really sink in until I saw this photo.  The reality of seeing all of your possessions on a truck definitely drives the point home!  However, before long, I'll be firing up tools in my new and very much improved shop.  These thoughts alone are enough to make me giggle with excitement like a little kid...I'll post photos of the house and shop when things begin to get settled.

Posted from a wireless device

In the home stretch

Headed back to NY for the weekend to help Beth finish packing up the house before the big move to Idaho.  Movers are scheduled for next Tuesday and Wednesday to load and drive all of our shit cross country.  Thank god for my new company's generosity in picking up our re-lo costs or Beth and I would be faced with some SERIOUS downsizing.  It's amazing how much crap you can accumulate over 15+ years.  It also doesn't hurt to have more square footage than 2 people really need...We both hope this is the last big move we do for the rest of our lives.  This whole packing, purging, and stressing thing is exhausting.  However, there is that big carrot hanging out there and it's a new & exciting lifestyle in Boise! 

Now...if anybody wants a great old house in the historic Hudson Valley in NY, please let me know!

My favorite beer bar in NYC.  Make sure to visit Patrick and the gang whenever you're town.  You won't be disappointed.

Why it's so much fun doing work at DOE sites

I took this photo last week at the Savannah River Site. It's not a joke. It's no wonder that places like this have a reputation for being "no work safety zones." ;-)

Jordan"s Jewelry Box

I started a family tradition a few years ago by making each niece a jewelry box for their 13th birthday. I made the first one for Megan a few years back, and had a few years off before the next niece (Jordan) turned 13. I started he latest one last year (Feb 08, I think), with the intent of delivering it by June. Jordan turned 13 in May 08. Unfortunately, all of this coincided with heavier travel for work and getting occupied with other interests. Before I knew it, I completely missed her birthday and was looking for other milestone dates I could shoot for delivery. Well, I finally finished and delivered it in June when the whole family was together for vacation in Georgia. And it was ONLY 13 months late! Yay me! All beating myself up aside, I'm actually quite happy with how it turned out. Here's a few photos I took of it at Miss Emily's house after I gave it to Jordan.
The box itself is made of a single board of quartersawn white oak with half-blind dovetail construction. The top panel and lift are mahogany and the inner divider is finger-jointed sections of maple, mahogany, and black walnut. The finish is a gloss varnish. I even had a plate engraved to put on the inside. It turned out really great.

The next delivery will be a double set since Jessica and Victoria both turn 13 the same year (about a month apart actually at the end of 2010). Based on this schedule fiasco, I should start on them now. I may need every bit of hat time to get them done. :)