Well, it seems there are no end to surprises. We were set to leave for Wyoming tomorrow. Then last week I got a phone call from a ranch owner. He needed a cow-boss. After 4 sessions of visiting we concluded last night. This morning I canceled the Wyoming job. It was only for three months and this job is full time. We had hoped that we would get some orders during the local rodeo. That didn’t happen. The price of fuel is too high and people just don’t have the money to spend. Other Lumber Jocks have told me that the same is happening to them. While I regret the demise of Owyhee Design, I had a lot of fun and built some nice things. The best part is that I got to meet a lot of great Lumber Jocks. I’m working on the last project for both shops now and will be finished today. I’ll photograph it and post it soon.
The new job is forty miles south of Jordan valley. The ranch is in Oregon and Idaho and covers somewhere between 60 and 100,000 acres of range land. There are lots of Juniper trees and several lakes in the area. We will live up there from March 15th to November 15th and be in our own house here for the winter. The ranch has it’s hay ground and feed lots just west of Jordan Valley. If you get on a topo map look for the Three Forks of the Owyhee river. The ranch runs south and east from that point. Some of the maps mark the headquarters, Circle Bar Ranch. Some might think this is a giant step backwards but to me it is more like going home. When the generator shuts down at night it is so quiet that you know you are alone and you can see a million stars. Juniper is a great smell both as trees and smoke from a wood stove. If you’re out our way, stop by. The latch string is out and the coffee is hot. Carleen sets a dandy table and you’re welcome to spend the night. I forgot to mention, there’s no computer up there. I’ll check in once in a while when I’m down here. Good luck, boys and have a great summer. I know I will.
-- Thos. Angle






















29 comments so far
TomK
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504 posts in 773 days
posted 554 days ago
Have a great summer, Thomas! We’ll look forward to hearing all about it in the fall.
-- If you think healthcare is expensive now, wait until it's free! PJ O'Rourke
Damian Penney
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1030 posts in 890 days
posted 554 days ago
Good luck Thomas, sorry to hear we won’t be seeing any projects or posts from you this summer.
-- I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it. - Pablo Picasso
DocK16
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712 posts in 986 days
posted 554 days ago
May God bless you both with good health and happy trails
-- DocK, WV
Douglas Bordner
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3427 posts in 963 days
posted 554 days ago
Nights under the big sky, and time in the saddle. Good for you, Tom. My best to Carleen. I assume your snail mail will catch up to you at the Circle Bar. Have a safe, serene and productive summer.
-- "Bordnerizing" perfectly good lumber for over a decade.
dennis mitchell
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3791 posts in 1213 days
posted 554 days ago
That sound like where we should have our picknik…Best of luck to you both!
-- http://www.woodsongsfurniture.com
gbvinc
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540 posts in 845 days
posted 554 days ago
Sounds like a plan! Thos., snag me a couple of Juniper trees while you are there!
FlWoodRat
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589 posts in 808 days
posted 554 days ago
best of luck with the new adventure..
-- I love the smell of sawdust in the morning....
Scott Bryan
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20780 posts in 721 days
posted 554 days ago
Thomas,
Every job change I have ever had was met with some anxiety since largely we tend to be creatures of habit who prefer to maintain the status quo. But every change has always ulitimately benefited me both from a personal aspect, in that I was forced into a new situations and had to improve my flexibility, and from a growth standpoint. It sounds like your are eagerly looking forward to this change and this should be similar to a paid vacation.
You will be missed but we will look forward to seeing you in the fall.
-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.
Zuki
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1234 posts in 976 days
posted 554 days ago
Take it easy Thos.
-- The significant problems we face cannot be solved by the same level of thinking that created them
Todd A. Clippinger
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5655 posts in 998 days
posted 554 days ago
Good luck to you guys. You never know the contacts that will be made and what opportunities may arise out of those. You may end up doing an occasional creative project that you will get to enjoy.
The only sad part for me is that you won’t be closer to my neck of the woods. I am sure that we will get to hook up one day though.
-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com
Bob #2
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3055 posts in 920 days
posted 554 days ago
Tread lightly partner and have a good season.
I’ll be your story writer come fall.
I wish I could go with you.
Bob
-- A mind, like a home, is furnished by its owner
Lee A. Jesberger
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3710 posts in 878 days
posted 554 days ago
Hi Thomas;
Well it sure sounds like fun. I guess this means you’ve gone full circle now huh?.
I’m glad to hear that you have found something full time, that you enjoy doing.
Have a great summer, and look forward to your reports on the return trip.
Lee
-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com
clieb91
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682 posts in 834 days
posted 554 days ago
Thomas, That sounds like an awesome way to spend the summer and early fall. Enjoy ourselves out there and we’ll look forward to hearing from you now and again.
CtL
-- Chris L. "Don't Dream it, Be it."
ND2ELK
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6229 posts in 673 days
posted 554 days ago
Hi Thomas
You and your wife have a great summer. Nothing wrong with a change. Sounds like you will be in a beautiful area doing what you like to do. My thoughts and Prayers go out to you and your family.
God Bless
tom
-- Mc Bridge Cabinets, Iowa
ND2ELK
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6229 posts in 673 days
posted 554 days ago
Hi Thomas
You and your wife have a great summer. Nothing wrong with a change. Sounds like you will be in a beautiful area doing what you like to do. My thoughts and Prayers go out to you and your family.
God Bless
tom
-- Mc Bridge Cabinets, Iowa
Al Navas
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289 posts in 774 days
posted 554 days ago
Thomas,
It is change that many times brings us the best memories. I wish you and your wife a wonderful time, and hope to hear from you soon.
-- Al Navas, St Joseph, MO, http://sandal-woodsblog.com
gene
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2165 posts in 783 days
posted 554 days ago
Tom,
Man, do I really hate to hear this. I know that you have a plan that will work for you. I’ve missed your posts sense I have gotten back in the swing of things and wondered where you have been. keep safe and best of luck to you and your wife. You have my e-mail address, so keep in touch. Enjoy the time in the saddle! I’ll keep you both in my prayers.
-- Gene, a Christian in Virginia
Thos. Angle
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4013 posts in 861 days
posted 554 days ago
Thanks for the kind words, Gang. See ya later.
-- Thos. Angle
dalec
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580 posts in 787 days
posted 554 days ago
Thos, Thanks for your involvement with us LJs, your comments. Best wishes in your new endeavor. Keep in touch.
Dalec
Napaman
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3492 posts in 976 days
posted 554 days ago
Thomas…we will miss you…but when we all look up at the sky at night—-we will be looking up at the same stars (you will just see a heck of a lot more)...Good luck and I look forward to hearing what a great summer you had riding the range…
-- Matt, Napa, CA...fun is beautiful...just trying to have some fun...
Dorje
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1767 posts in 896 days
posted 554 days ago
Enjoy! We’ll look forward to your upcoming project post and your LJ check ins!
-- Dorje (pronounced "door-jay"), Seattle, WA
jockmike2
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7356 posts in 1145 days
posted 554 days ago
man thos, i’m getting all welled up. you and the mrs. have a great time, be safe, and ride with god. may he watch over and protect you, until your return. happy trails and god blless. mike
-- Mike. mwurm13@yahoo.com
Karson
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25811 posts in 1299 days
posted 553 days ago
Thomas: Good luck on your new job. I know you’ve been well trained for the job. Have a great summer.
-- What happens in the workshop stays in the workshop. No wait that doesn't sound right. Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com †
Texasgaloot
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467 posts in 599 days
posted 549 days ago
Well, Thomas, there could be worse things; like 95 degrees a week straight here in Central Texas! Our prayers go with you, and we are confident that this is just another season—we’ll be looking for you in the fall!
-- There's no tool like an old tool...
MsDebbieP
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14181 posts in 1059 days
posted 543 days ago
may the .. something something something.. my words aren’t quite as poetic as yours Thomas!
We’ll be missing you until you can come back and set a spell again :)
Enjoy your “going back home” :)
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
Grumpy
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14932 posts in 750 days
posted 543 days ago
And here’s me thinking you were on holidays Tom, enjoy.
-- Grumpy - "Always look on the bright side of life"- Monty Python
Dick, & Barb Cain
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7045 posts in 1198 days
posted 524 days ago
It sounds like you’re going to be doing something that you really love!
Have a great summer, & take care.
-- -** You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream ****************** Dick, & Barb Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1
Napaman
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3492 posts in 976 days
posted 508 days ago
HOPE ALL IS GOING WELL…if you get a chance…let us know how things are going…
-- Matt, Napa, CA...fun is beautiful...just trying to have some fun...
Grumpy
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14932 posts in 750 days
posted 506 days ago
Sounds like the Aussie outback Tom. Lucky you.
-- Grumpy - "Always look on the bright side of life"- Monty Python