It has been a full week. Rain kept us out of the shop more than I would have liked, but between the dogs, woodworking, the gym, my annual physical, and a few new projects, there was still plenty of progress to celebrate.
Herc and Cash
Cash continues to improve. We have been working on cart training at Home Depot and Lowe’s, and honestly, he has taken to riding in the cart better than walking through the aisles. He gets tired on foot much faster than Herc does.
Herc, on the other hand, genuinely enjoys walking beside me through the stores. Cash would rather ride in the cart and get petted by every person who passes by—and most people are more than happy to oblige.
Two very different dogs with two very different styles: one good girl and one good boy.
In the Shop with Carmona Crafts
This week, I learned how to use a bandsaw. Mr. Ernest had me cutting squares for a chessboard, which was a great introduction. It gave me the opportunity to practice and make a few mistakes on low-stakes pieces before using the saw on something more important.
I also learned how to use the tabletop belt sander. Together, we sanded approximately 64 pieces of walnut and sycamore.
I have to admit, I really like the way sycamore looks once it has been sanded. There is something special about its grain. However, once black walnut is polished, it is hard to beat.
Mr. Ernest also smoked brisket, chicken, fajitas, and jalapeño poppers that were out of this world. Good food, good company, and valuable lessons—it is hard to ask for more than that.
He also gave me a cup with my name on it and a saying that I have not been able to stop thinking about:
“There is no such thing as scrap wood. Everything is usable.”
I agree with that statement more than he probably realizes. Thank you, Mr. Ernest, for continuing to be my coach and mentor throughout this woodworking journey.
A Small Job for a Neighbor
My neighbor, Clabe, recently landed a new job as a hot shot driver and needed signs for his truck.
I cut the pieces from plywood, painted them gray, and applied a shellac finish. Clabe is handling the stickers and installation himself.
It was a small project, but it felt good to put some of my new skills to use while helping someone else.
The Oak Slab
Progress on the oak slab was slower this week because it rained Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and part of Thursday. That left us with only one real day to work on it, but we made that day count.
Most of the bug holes have now been filled using a combination of epoxy, glue, and oak powder. We have also sanded the slab to 180 grit, with 220 grit coming next.
The X-shaped steel legs have arrived, and we drilled the holes into the steel mounting plates and the wooden platform that will attach the legs to the slab. We received some great help at Lowe’s while getting everything lined up and drilled correctly.
The final major decision is choosing which side of the slab will become the top. We want to showcase the face that displays the oak grain at its best.
Building Out the Shop
All the auction equipment we purchased to help build out the wood shop has arrived. Now it is a matter of organizing everything, putting the equipment together, and finding the best place for each tool.
We are also hoping the Kreg jig and saw arrive this week so we can continue building momentum.
Back in the Gym
We made it to the gym four times this week:
- Two lower-body workouts
- One upper-body workout
- One full-body workout
I kept the weights light, focused on completing each movement correctly, and stayed efficient. Each workout lasted about 40 minutes.
That efficiency matters more to me now than it once did. I do not need to spend hours in the gym. I need to remain consistent, train safely, and keep moving forward.
The Annual Physical
I also had my yearly physical this week, and everything looked great.
My blood pressure was 110/70, and I am still waiting for the complete bloodwork results.
Dr. Taylor told me that I look noticeably younger since retiring. He also pointed out that I have lost 52 pounds.
I still have approximately 17 pounds to go, but losing 52 pounds is real, measurable progress. It felt good to hear it acknowledged by someone other than myself.
Sometimes we become so focused on how far we still have to go that we forget to recognize how far we have already come.
The Scooter Project
We also picked up a scooter with a bad battery. Rather than simply replacing the original battery, we are researching whether it can be upgraded.
We still need to learn more about the process, compatibility, and cost, but I will share an update once we determine the best way to move forward.
Small, Steady Progress
This was another week of small but steady progress—in the shop, at the gym, with the dogs, and with my health.
The rain slowed down the oak slab, but it did not stop everything else from moving forward.
More next week.
— Sam & Herc