On (or after) my 3rd anniversary

I was in my home page on LJ when I noticed comments congratulating me on my 2nd anniversary … 379 days ago.

Three years.

When I first popped into this site, I had a table saw, circular saw, and a router, and no further ambition than to learn a few more things about woodworking.

Since then, I’ve gained a few more tools, and a few more tips, seen ingenious devices created by ingenious minds, and generally been exposed to an inviting community of people sharing knowledge about a hobby that we all enjoy.

The productivity of some of you astound me; I have another time-consuming hobby ( music ) that is actually my first love (I have a VERY understanding wife), with woodworking being my third (see understanding wife for reference ;-) ).

I have a bench sitting in the garage waiting for a second coat of poly and the slats for the top. I was hoping it would cool down enough tonight to put the poly on, then put the slats on tomorrow and a final topcoat before carrying it out back. It’s currently 89 in Houston with a 10 degree added index factor, so maybe tomorrow morning will be better.

Many of you, in one way or another, have helped get that bench to where it is now; a nearly finished product, with words of encouragement to each other, and me. Knowing that the projects go south with other people is an important part of not giving up and throwing in the towel when you find out you reversed your glue order in the haste to get things done, or the finish may not be perfect on every square inch of the project, but some of that’s against the wall and will NEVER be seen, so quit fretting over it, or the reason dowel joinery works so much better than screws.

All these projects, small and large, long-term and 30 minute, grand and simple, are humbling and inspiring, each in their own way.

So. Thanks for the well-wishes of the past, the comments on projects when they come out, and the body of work that this place has become. Mrs. Debbie and crew, thanks for finding a way to start this, and keep it going. It’s a good work, and you deserve the praise. Here’s to many years to come.

-- Making scrap with zen-like precision - Woodbutchery