That is a very cool piece. I work with several people in the New Orleans area and I'm sure they would all like to see something beautiful come from that mess.
Nice job, there is a satisfaction of using hand planes. Some people claim it's from getting to know the wood better, but I think its from the sweat that pour into the wood.
This is a nice table. You certainly earned your commission on this one. The natural edge and the spalting add details to the table that create visual interest.
great job!!! since you did so much by hand--now I wish you had some phtos of the parts as they were being built…like the tenons and stages of planing…just a thought…beautiful piece…