Without words, where would one be in the world of communication?!
And speaking of communication …
well … as all my good buddies know, I've been lacking in that field this past year. That's not to say I haven't tapped in occasionally to view all the fantastic productivity that continues to flourish in LumberJocks!
But timing is everything, and my timing's been way off … with virtually very little time to sit and chat with you all. So taking this opportunity (
having at this moment a small window of time!), I shall endeavor to fill you in on what's been a rather hectic year.
Shortly after my very last posting (the Marquetry wine box) ... my 94 year old father began his downward struggle with life. Dad and I rode a roller coaster of major proportions while his body fought off invasive infection. He survived … but in doing so, his semi-independent lifestyle came to an end. His once very sharp mind, gradually floundered. And his strong heart kept him living when all he wanted to do was die!
Between caring for Dad, summer company, family commitments … with hubby remaining in Vernon at our cabin because we were trying to sell it after 36 years of summer life there …
time for much else just didn't exist. Although I do have to say that I did manage to preserve sanity by slipping into my workshop,
and was thankful for those very brief moments of reprieve … to build this …
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Unfortunately I've not had the opportunity to do anymore woodworking since then … but eventually everything will slip back into place!
With Dad in extended care and taking a valiant stab at life again, Bill and I took ourselves off to Snowbird-land in Blythe, California!! What fun we had, starting renovations on our newly acquired but antiquated park model …
AND the revamping of a tool shed will soon become of my
Intarsia workshop!! (My excuse for ongoing lack of communication? ... just not enough hours in the day!!)
We flew home for Xmas … had a wonderful time with family and friends. Dad seemed great, until just before our departure back to Blythe January 8th. My father peacefully and painlessly slipped away to join Mom, January 11th. As all arrangements had been made previous to our Blythe lifestyle, Dad was well tended to, while we remained in Blythe until mid-March. With Dad's death … communication suddenly came to life!! ... sending out his obituary and replying to the flood of condolences received. All the while Blythe renovations continued on.
My little workshop is taking shape! But, of course, my lack of communication to you all continued on. Again the excuse of too few hours … yada, yada, yada!
Home again … life was filled with Memorial plans and dealing with Dad's estate, then the interment for both Mom's and Dad's ashes (their Marquetry ash urns):
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Then we were back into cabin life … really tough, eh?! We don't have internet at the lake.
More excuses for lack of communicating! And yes … we're still in cabin-selling mode (just in case anyone's interested in our cabin on Okanagan Lake!)
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So … "excuses" told … life carries on,
as it always does! These next two week at home will be chaotic with family commitments before heading back to life "off the grid" until our cabin sells or we close up again in September.
Believe me when I say I've missed you all! But I have enjoyed (whenever time allows and access is available) viewing everyone's projects. I may not write again until life feels more settled … and I'm back into my workshop creating again. But right now I'm shouting out a very big
HELLO!!! to you all … and wish you lots of wonderful hours within your own workshops.