Monday, August 29, 2011

Philip Jones Photographer

http://philipjonesphotos.com/

In 1977 I went to England with the Ontario Youth Concert Band and stayed as a guest in Philip's parents home. Philip turned out to be a pretty good fellow and we've stayed in touch for all these years.  Even in the very olden times Philip was keen on taking photos.

He has got very good at it.

Check out it site and see what I mean.
cheers,
ian

Monday, August 22, 2011

How we all start out.

Clara and Opa, five days old. Clara that is.
For the general information of my readers.  Clara and I started out in the world at nearly the same size.  When she is 53 I don't expect she will be 6ft.1 in. tall, and 265 lbs. So, just because we started out the the same size doesn't mean we must end up the same.
Legend has it that I also had blue eyes as a tiny baby.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

New Face of the Blog

Do you like this?
I have my doubts about it, let me know if it is easier to read or not.
cheers,
ianw

extra large dominoes

   When Eva and I were in Spain we went to a store that featured products much like Ikea but Spanish.  There were many interesting things to see, one of which was these dominoes.
   The dominoes were about 5 inches long and were then suitable for playing with outside or would be good for little people that play on the floor or back deck as readily as play on a table.
    I was thinking of making some, is there anyone out there that would like a set, for a reasonable price?  With things like this it is always much for time efficient to make a couple of sets at a time.

Monday, August 15, 2011

Clara

Oma and Clara Ocean Solaris Jackson
Clara for a great Canadian athlete, Clara Hughes  http://www.clara-hughes.com/

Ocean because when Kieran was asked what the baby should be called he said ocean.  He had been on holiday with Mommy and Oma to Mexico where he played very happily in the ocean.


Solaris, she is her Daddy's little ray of sunshine.


Jackson, family name.


Everyone is well and thriving.  She was born at lunch time yesterday and should be coming home today.



Tuesday, August 9, 2011

The Best Part of Wood Working

   The Village Carpenter, Kari Hultman http://villagecarpenter.blogspot.com/ is one of my favourite bloggers and recently she wrote a blog about the best part of the woodworking project process. It appears that once again Kari and I are on the same page.  She talks about the planning stage of the project, the time when she can think and dream about what might be as being her favourite part of the project.


  I don't want to take anything away from the pleasure experienced when the project is done and the family member or customer is pleased and smiling.  There is certainly few pleasures that can complete with the joy I felt yesterday re-assembling the crib I made 2 years ago to accommodate   the next grand baby. (see blogthetoolstore.blogspot.com for details).  But there is a wonderful set of feelings that come with the imaging and planning stages of a project.  While I imagine what I'll build and what it will look like I am not constrained by the mighty forces of reality or gravity.  The merciless clock does not enter to the imaginary stages and everything is hand cut joinery and fully carved.


  Ultimately the project is built and it always incorporates some of the fantastic imaginary plans and dreams.  Occasionally the project disappoints, but not often, usually I learn something new and always my skills are improved. Maybe that is the best part of wood working?