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To all my LJ friends

4K views 54 replies 48 participants last post by  mafe 
#1 ·
To all my LJ friends

I just wanted to let you all know that I am now back on-line and looking forward to renewing our dialog. I have missed sorely being a part of LJ over the last year. I have turned my LJ email notifications back on and to my surprise found quite a few messages from LJ friends that I have yet to reply to. My apologies and I will get back to you shortly.

My sad story (No crying please)
As you might recall, I was finishing up my wooden gear clock project just before last Christmas. I was hanging it on the wall in our den when something went very wrong with my back. I have been having serious back problems most of my life, but progressively worse into my old age. I was diagnosed with a degenerative condition which was not possible to operate. This left me sitting most of the days in my recliner. I also have arthritis and just sitting around put me into pretty bad shape, so bad that I now find it very difficult to move around and especially to walk even short short distances.

I haven't improved physically a whole lot in the past year, but I have learned to cope with it better after a rough time, but only recently have I had any interest in woodworking or doing anything at all in my shop. Last month I decided that I would try to do some easy scroll saw projects so I could mainly sit while working. I got a basket pattern and made 6 woven baskets for the ladies in the family. That worked out real well so I looked around for some other simple projects and found a motorcycle with sidecar puzzel project from Make CNC and I made 6 of those for the men in the family. These projects kick-started my enthusiasm to return to woodworking. The motorcycle was just flat cut-outs using plywood, but I did have to prepare some solid maple stock for the baskets, so I learned to drag my shop stool with me to the bandsaw and the drum sander and of course to my workbench to prepare the patterns. Anyway, it seems that I can still make stuff, but I get tired out pretty quick, so I am hoping that this might improve and that I can become more active with time and exercise.

I hate to post just words, especially ones filled with self-pity, so I have included some photos of my not too interesting projects just completed in time for Christmas.

Motorcycle puzzle approx. 120 pieces
I painted the edges of the plywood with acrylic water based paint to hide the plywood layers. It is otherwise unfinished.
Wheel Creative arts Sculpture Wood Art

Vehicle Tire Wheel Automotive tire Motor vehicle

Wheel Vehicle Motor vehicle Rim Automotive wheel system


Woven Baskets cut from a single board except for the vertical strips.
Comfort Wood Basket Wicker Hardwood


In closing I want to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year!! and I hope that I am welcome back.

Thanks for reading.

Mike
 

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#2 ·
To all my LJ friends

I just wanted to let you all know that I am now back on-line and looking forward to renewing our dialog. I have missed sorely being a part of LJ over the last year. I have turned my LJ email notifications back on and to my surprise found quite a few messages from LJ friends that I have yet to reply to. My apologies and I will get back to you shortly.

My sad story (No crying please)
As you might recall, I was finishing up my wooden gear clock project just before last Christmas. I was hanging it on the wall in our den when something went very wrong with my back. I have been having serious back problems most of my life, but progressively worse into my old age. I was diagnosed with a degenerative condition which was not possible to operate. This left me sitting most of the days in my recliner. I also have arthritis and just sitting around put me into pretty bad shape, so bad that I now find it very difficult to move around and especially to walk even short short distances.

I haven't improved physically a whole lot in the past year, but I have learned to cope with it better after a rough time, but only recently have I had any interest in woodworking or doing anything at all in my shop. Last month I decided that I would try to do some easy scroll saw projects so I could mainly sit while working. I got a basket pattern and made 6 woven baskets for the ladies in the family. That worked out real well so I looked around for some other simple projects and found a motorcycle with sidecar puzzel project from Make CNC and I made 6 of those for the men in the family. These projects kick-started my enthusiasm to return to woodworking. The motorcycle was just flat cut-outs using plywood, but I did have to prepare some solid maple stock for the baskets, so I learned to drag my shop stool with me to the bandsaw and the drum sander and of course to my workbench to prepare the patterns. Anyway, it seems that I can still make stuff, but I get tired out pretty quick, so I am hoping that this might improve and that I can become more active with time and exercise.

I hate to post just words, especially ones filled with self-pity, so I have included some photos of my not too interesting projects just completed in time for Christmas.

Motorcycle puzzle approx. 120 pieces
I painted the edges of the plywood with acrylic water based paint to hide the plywood layers. It is otherwise unfinished.
Wheel Creative arts Sculpture Wood Art

Vehicle Tire Wheel Automotive tire Motor vehicle

Wheel Vehicle Motor vehicle Rim Automotive wheel system


Woven Baskets cut from a single board except for the vertical strips.
Comfort Wood Basket Wicker Hardwood


In closing I want to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year!! and I hope that I am welcome back.

Thanks for reading.

Mike
Mike, So nice to hear from you again. I've missed you. Those projects are first class work as you have always done. Maybe your coming back will motivate me to do some posting again too. I always enjoyed being in touch with people that like to make stuff from around the world. Merry Christmas.
 

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#3 ·
To all my LJ friends

I just wanted to let you all know that I am now back on-line and looking forward to renewing our dialog. I have missed sorely being a part of LJ over the last year. I have turned my LJ email notifications back on and to my surprise found quite a few messages from LJ friends that I have yet to reply to. My apologies and I will get back to you shortly.

My sad story (No crying please)
As you might recall, I was finishing up my wooden gear clock project just before last Christmas. I was hanging it on the wall in our den when something went very wrong with my back. I have been having serious back problems most of my life, but progressively worse into my old age. I was diagnosed with a degenerative condition which was not possible to operate. This left me sitting most of the days in my recliner. I also have arthritis and just sitting around put me into pretty bad shape, so bad that I now find it very difficult to move around and especially to walk even short short distances.

I haven't improved physically a whole lot in the past year, but I have learned to cope with it better after a rough time, but only recently have I had any interest in woodworking or doing anything at all in my shop. Last month I decided that I would try to do some easy scroll saw projects so I could mainly sit while working. I got a basket pattern and made 6 woven baskets for the ladies in the family. That worked out real well so I looked around for some other simple projects and found a motorcycle with sidecar puzzel project from Make CNC and I made 6 of those for the men in the family. These projects kick-started my enthusiasm to return to woodworking. The motorcycle was just flat cut-outs using plywood, but I did have to prepare some solid maple stock for the baskets, so I learned to drag my shop stool with me to the bandsaw and the drum sander and of course to my workbench to prepare the patterns. Anyway, it seems that I can still make stuff, but I get tired out pretty quick, so I am hoping that this might improve and that I can become more active with time and exercise.

I hate to post just words, especially ones filled with self-pity, so I have included some photos of my not too interesting projects just completed in time for Christmas.

Motorcycle puzzle approx. 120 pieces
I painted the edges of the plywood with acrylic water based paint to hide the plywood layers. It is otherwise unfinished.




Woven Baskets cut from a single board except for the vertical strips.


In closing I want to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year!! and I hope that I am welcome back.

Thanks for reading.

Mike
Glad your on the mend, Merry Christmas
 

Attachments

#4 ·
To all my LJ friends

I just wanted to let you all know that I am now back on-line and looking forward to renewing our dialog. I have missed sorely being a part of LJ over the last year. I have turned my LJ email notifications back on and to my surprise found quite a few messages from LJ friends that I have yet to reply to. My apologies and I will get back to you shortly.

My sad story (No crying please)
As you might recall, I was finishing up my wooden gear clock project just before last Christmas. I was hanging it on the wall in our den when something went very wrong with my back. I have been having serious back problems most of my life, but progressively worse into my old age. I was diagnosed with a degenerative condition which was not possible to operate. This left me sitting most of the days in my recliner. I also have arthritis and just sitting around put me into pretty bad shape, so bad that I now find it very difficult to move around and especially to walk even short short distances.

I haven't improved physically a whole lot in the past year, but I have learned to cope with it better after a rough time, but only recently have I had any interest in woodworking or doing anything at all in my shop. Last month I decided that I would try to do some easy scroll saw projects so I could mainly sit while working. I got a basket pattern and made 6 woven baskets for the ladies in the family. That worked out real well so I looked around for some other simple projects and found a motorcycle with sidecar puzzel project from Make CNC and I made 6 of those for the men in the family. These projects kick-started my enthusiasm to return to woodworking. The motorcycle was just flat cut-outs using plywood, but I did have to prepare some solid maple stock for the baskets, so I learned to drag my shop stool with me to the bandsaw and the drum sander and of course to my workbench to prepare the patterns. Anyway, it seems that I can still make stuff, but I get tired out pretty quick, so I am hoping that this might improve and that I can become more active with time and exercise.

I hate to post just words, especially ones filled with self-pity, so I have included some photos of my not too interesting projects just completed in time for Christmas.

Motorcycle puzzle approx. 120 pieces
I painted the edges of the plywood with acrylic water based paint to hide the plywood layers. It is otherwise unfinished.
Wheel Creative arts Sculpture Wood Art

Vehicle Tire Wheel Automotive tire Motor vehicle

Wheel Vehicle Motor vehicle Rim Automotive wheel system


Woven Baskets cut from a single board except for the vertical strips.
Comfort Wood Basket Wicker Hardwood


In closing I want to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year!! and I hope that I am welcome back.

Thanks for reading.

Mike
Good to see you back! Hope you find ways to spend more time in doing the things you like to do! Happy Christmas and best wishes! BTW. That motorcycle looks awesome!
 

Attachments

#5 ·
To all my LJ friends

I just wanted to let you all know that I am now back on-line and looking forward to renewing our dialog. I have missed sorely being a part of LJ over the last year. I have turned my LJ email notifications back on and to my surprise found quite a few messages from LJ friends that I have yet to reply to. My apologies and I will get back to you shortly.

My sad story (No crying please)
As you might recall, I was finishing up my wooden gear clock project just before last Christmas. I was hanging it on the wall in our den when something went very wrong with my back. I have been having serious back problems most of my life, but progressively worse into my old age. I was diagnosed with a degenerative condition which was not possible to operate. This left me sitting most of the days in my recliner. I also have arthritis and just sitting around put me into pretty bad shape, so bad that I now find it very difficult to move around and especially to walk even short short distances.

I haven't improved physically a whole lot in the past year, but I have learned to cope with it better after a rough time, but only recently have I had any interest in woodworking or doing anything at all in my shop. Last month I decided that I would try to do some easy scroll saw projects so I could mainly sit while working. I got a basket pattern and made 6 woven baskets for the ladies in the family. That worked out real well so I looked around for some other simple projects and found a motorcycle with sidecar puzzel project from Make CNC and I made 6 of those for the men in the family. These projects kick-started my enthusiasm to return to woodworking. The motorcycle was just flat cut-outs using plywood, but I did have to prepare some solid maple stock for the baskets, so I learned to drag my shop stool with me to the bandsaw and the drum sander and of course to my workbench to prepare the patterns. Anyway, it seems that I can still make stuff, but I get tired out pretty quick, so I am hoping that this might improve and that I can become more active with time and exercise.

I hate to post just words, especially ones filled with self-pity, so I have included some photos of my not too interesting projects just completed in time for Christmas.

Motorcycle puzzle approx. 120 pieces
I painted the edges of the plywood with acrylic water based paint to hide the plywood layers. It is otherwise unfinished.
Wheel Creative arts Sculpture Wood Art

Vehicle Tire Wheel Automotive tire Motor vehicle

Wheel Vehicle Motor vehicle Rim Automotive wheel system


Woven Baskets cut from a single board except for the vertical strips.
Comfort Wood Basket Wicker Hardwood


In closing I want to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year!! and I hope that I am welcome back.

Thanks for reading.

Mike
welcome back !

glad you are finding some time to get into some woodworking again

we may be slower
but the joy is still here

have a great christmas
and a enjoy the new year
 

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#6 ·
To all my LJ friends

I just wanted to let you all know that I am now back on-line and looking forward to renewing our dialog. I have missed sorely being a part of LJ over the last year. I have turned my LJ email notifications back on and to my surprise found quite a few messages from LJ friends that I have yet to reply to. My apologies and I will get back to you shortly.

My sad story (No crying please)
As you might recall, I was finishing up my wooden gear clock project just before last Christmas. I was hanging it on the wall in our den when something went very wrong with my back. I have been having serious back problems most of my life, but progressively worse into my old age. I was diagnosed with a degenerative condition which was not possible to operate. This left me sitting most of the days in my recliner. I also have arthritis and just sitting around put me into pretty bad shape, so bad that I now find it very difficult to move around and especially to walk even short short distances.

I haven't improved physically a whole lot in the past year, but I have learned to cope with it better after a rough time, but only recently have I had any interest in woodworking or doing anything at all in my shop. Last month I decided that I would try to do some easy scroll saw projects so I could mainly sit while working. I got a basket pattern and made 6 woven baskets for the ladies in the family. That worked out real well so I looked around for some other simple projects and found a motorcycle with sidecar puzzel project from Make CNC and I made 6 of those for the men in the family. These projects kick-started my enthusiasm to return to woodworking. The motorcycle was just flat cut-outs using plywood, but I did have to prepare some solid maple stock for the baskets, so I learned to drag my shop stool with me to the bandsaw and the drum sander and of course to my workbench to prepare the patterns. Anyway, it seems that I can still make stuff, but I get tired out pretty quick, so I am hoping that this might improve and that I can become more active with time and exercise.

I hate to post just words, especially ones filled with self-pity, so I have included some photos of my not too interesting projects just completed in time for Christmas.

Motorcycle puzzle approx. 120 pieces
I painted the edges of the plywood with acrylic water based paint to hide the plywood layers. It is otherwise unfinished.
Wheel Creative arts Sculpture Wood Art

Vehicle Tire Wheel Automotive tire Motor vehicle

Wheel Vehicle Motor vehicle Rim Automotive wheel system


Woven Baskets cut from a single board except for the vertical strips.
Comfort Wood Basket Wicker Hardwood


In closing I want to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year!! and I hope that I am welcome back.

Thanks for reading.

Mike
Wonderful to have you back. Have missed your posts. Praying for your recovery. Miss the Dragons too! Merry Christmas friend.
 

Attachments

#7 ·
To all my LJ friends

I just wanted to let you all know that I am now back on-line and looking forward to renewing our dialog. I have missed sorely being a part of LJ over the last year. I have turned my LJ email notifications back on and to my surprise found quite a few messages from LJ friends that I have yet to reply to. My apologies and I will get back to you shortly.

My sad story (No crying please)
As you might recall, I was finishing up my wooden gear clock project just before last Christmas. I was hanging it on the wall in our den when something went very wrong with my back. I have been having serious back problems most of my life, but progressively worse into my old age. I was diagnosed with a degenerative condition which was not possible to operate. This left me sitting most of the days in my recliner. I also have arthritis and just sitting around put me into pretty bad shape, so bad that I now find it very difficult to move around and especially to walk even short short distances.

I haven't improved physically a whole lot in the past year, but I have learned to cope with it better after a rough time, but only recently have I had any interest in woodworking or doing anything at all in my shop. Last month I decided that I would try to do some easy scroll saw projects so I could mainly sit while working. I got a basket pattern and made 6 woven baskets for the ladies in the family. That worked out real well so I looked around for some other simple projects and found a motorcycle with sidecar puzzel project from Make CNC and I made 6 of those for the men in the family. These projects kick-started my enthusiasm to return to woodworking. The motorcycle was just flat cut-outs using plywood, but I did have to prepare some solid maple stock for the baskets, so I learned to drag my shop stool with me to the bandsaw and the drum sander and of course to my workbench to prepare the patterns. Anyway, it seems that I can still make stuff, but I get tired out pretty quick, so I am hoping that this might improve and that I can become more active with time and exercise.

I hate to post just words, especially ones filled with self-pity, so I have included some photos of my not too interesting projects just completed in time for Christmas.

Motorcycle puzzle approx. 120 pieces
I painted the edges of the plywood with acrylic water based paint to hide the plywood layers. It is otherwise unfinished.
Wheel Creative arts Sculpture Wood Art

Vehicle Tire Wheel Automotive tire Motor vehicle

Wheel Vehicle Motor vehicle Rim Automotive wheel system


Woven Baskets cut from a single board except for the vertical strips.
Comfort Wood Basket Wicker Hardwood


In closing I want to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year!! and I hope that I am welcome back.

Thanks for reading.

Mike
Well thats the best NEWS I have seen in a long while.

Santa has given me an early Christmas present yee ha

I too have missed your input I feel kinda silly now as I have been PMing other LJs I even tried telephoning you and all sorts of other attempts (which I guess you will find eventually) to restore contact.

No worries mate your most certainly welcome back!!

Love your latest creations And Merry Christmas take it easy on the Maypole dancing during the festive season
 

Attachments

#8 ·
To all my LJ friends

I just wanted to let you all know that I am now back on-line and looking forward to renewing our dialog. I have missed sorely being a part of LJ over the last year. I have turned my LJ email notifications back on and to my surprise found quite a few messages from LJ friends that I have yet to reply to. My apologies and I will get back to you shortly.

My sad story (No crying please)
As you might recall, I was finishing up my wooden gear clock project just before last Christmas. I was hanging it on the wall in our den when something went very wrong with my back. I have been having serious back problems most of my life, but progressively worse into my old age. I was diagnosed with a degenerative condition which was not possible to operate. This left me sitting most of the days in my recliner. I also have arthritis and just sitting around put me into pretty bad shape, so bad that I now find it very difficult to move around and especially to walk even short short distances.

I haven't improved physically a whole lot in the past year, but I have learned to cope with it better after a rough time, but only recently have I had any interest in woodworking or doing anything at all in my shop. Last month I decided that I would try to do some easy scroll saw projects so I could mainly sit while working. I got a basket pattern and made 6 woven baskets for the ladies in the family. That worked out real well so I looked around for some other simple projects and found a motorcycle with sidecar puzzel project from Make CNC and I made 6 of those for the men in the family. These projects kick-started my enthusiasm to return to woodworking. The motorcycle was just flat cut-outs using plywood, but I did have to prepare some solid maple stock for the baskets, so I learned to drag my shop stool with me to the bandsaw and the drum sander and of course to my workbench to prepare the patterns. Anyway, it seems that I can still make stuff, but I get tired out pretty quick, so I am hoping that this might improve and that I can become more active with time and exercise.

I hate to post just words, especially ones filled with self-pity, so I have included some photos of my not too interesting projects just completed in time for Christmas.

Motorcycle puzzle approx. 120 pieces
I painted the edges of the plywood with acrylic water based paint to hide the plywood layers. It is otherwise unfinished.
Wheel Creative arts Sculpture Wood Art

Vehicle Tire Wheel Automotive tire Motor vehicle

Wheel Vehicle Motor vehicle Rim Automotive wheel system


Woven Baskets cut from a single board except for the vertical strips.
Comfort Wood Basket Wicker Hardwood


In closing I want to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year!! and I hope that I am welcome back.

Thanks for reading.

Mike
Great to hear form you Mike. Sorry to hear about your back problems. You don't seem to have lost any of your skill and flair though judging by the project photos you posted above. Very impressive work my friend.
 

Attachments

#9 ·
To all my LJ friends

I just wanted to let you all know that I am now back on-line and looking forward to renewing our dialog. I have missed sorely being a part of LJ over the last year. I have turned my LJ email notifications back on and to my surprise found quite a few messages from LJ friends that I have yet to reply to. My apologies and I will get back to you shortly.

My sad story (No crying please)
As you might recall, I was finishing up my wooden gear clock project just before last Christmas. I was hanging it on the wall in our den when something went very wrong with my back. I have been having serious back problems most of my life, but progressively worse into my old age. I was diagnosed with a degenerative condition which was not possible to operate. This left me sitting most of the days in my recliner. I also have arthritis and just sitting around put me into pretty bad shape, so bad that I now find it very difficult to move around and especially to walk even short short distances.

I haven't improved physically a whole lot in the past year, but I have learned to cope with it better after a rough time, but only recently have I had any interest in woodworking or doing anything at all in my shop. Last month I decided that I would try to do some easy scroll saw projects so I could mainly sit while working. I got a basket pattern and made 6 woven baskets for the ladies in the family. That worked out real well so I looked around for some other simple projects and found a motorcycle with sidecar puzzel project from Make CNC and I made 6 of those for the men in the family. These projects kick-started my enthusiasm to return to woodworking. The motorcycle was just flat cut-outs using plywood, but I did have to prepare some solid maple stock for the baskets, so I learned to drag my shop stool with me to the bandsaw and the drum sander and of course to my workbench to prepare the patterns. Anyway, it seems that I can still make stuff, but I get tired out pretty quick, so I am hoping that this might improve and that I can become more active with time and exercise.

I hate to post just words, especially ones filled with self-pity, so I have included some photos of my not too interesting projects just completed in time for Christmas.

Motorcycle puzzle approx. 120 pieces
I painted the edges of the plywood with acrylic water based paint to hide the plywood layers. It is otherwise unfinished.
Wheel Creative arts Sculpture Wood Art

Vehicle Tire Wheel Automotive tire Motor vehicle

Wheel Vehicle Motor vehicle Rim Automotive wheel system


Woven Baskets cut from a single board except for the vertical strips.
Comfort Wood Basket Wicker Hardwood


In closing I want to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year!! and I hope that I am welcome back.

Thanks for reading.

Mike
A smile on my face, heard from Mike today! :)

So good to read a post and comments from you. Awesome bike and basket, too! Sorry to hear about the pain, and welcome back!
 

Attachments

#10 ·
To all my LJ friends

I just wanted to let you all know that I am now back on-line and looking forward to renewing our dialog. I have missed sorely being a part of LJ over the last year. I have turned my LJ email notifications back on and to my surprise found quite a few messages from LJ friends that I have yet to reply to. My apologies and I will get back to you shortly.

My sad story (No crying please)
As you might recall, I was finishing up my wooden gear clock project just before last Christmas. I was hanging it on the wall in our den when something went very wrong with my back. I have been having serious back problems most of my life, but progressively worse into my old age. I was diagnosed with a degenerative condition which was not possible to operate. This left me sitting most of the days in my recliner. I also have arthritis and just sitting around put me into pretty bad shape, so bad that I now find it very difficult to move around and especially to walk even short short distances.

I haven't improved physically a whole lot in the past year, but I have learned to cope with it better after a rough time, but only recently have I had any interest in woodworking or doing anything at all in my shop. Last month I decided that I would try to do some easy scroll saw projects so I could mainly sit while working. I got a basket pattern and made 6 woven baskets for the ladies in the family. That worked out real well so I looked around for some other simple projects and found a motorcycle with sidecar puzzel project from Make CNC and I made 6 of those for the men in the family. These projects kick-started my enthusiasm to return to woodworking. The motorcycle was just flat cut-outs using plywood, but I did have to prepare some solid maple stock for the baskets, so I learned to drag my shop stool with me to the bandsaw and the drum sander and of course to my workbench to prepare the patterns. Anyway, it seems that I can still make stuff, but I get tired out pretty quick, so I am hoping that this might improve and that I can become more active with time and exercise.

I hate to post just words, especially ones filled with self-pity, so I have included some photos of my not too interesting projects just completed in time for Christmas.

Motorcycle puzzle approx. 120 pieces
I painted the edges of the plywood with acrylic water based paint to hide the plywood layers. It is otherwise unfinished.
Wheel Creative arts Sculpture Wood Art

Vehicle Tire Wheel Automotive tire Motor vehicle

Wheel Vehicle Motor vehicle Rim Automotive wheel system


Woven Baskets cut from a single board except for the vertical strips.
Comfort Wood Basket Wicker Hardwood


In closing I want to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year!! and I hope that I am welcome back.

Thanks for reading.

Mike
It's so nice to see you here on LJ's again Mike. I've been wondering what happened to you. From time to time I looked for you when polking around LJ's. And this morning to my surprise there you are once again!
I'm very sorry to hear about your health issues but I'm happy to hear you are keeping your chin up and you have a positive attitude. Prayers are coming your way in hopes for a quicker recovery.
The projects you posted are really nice. I think your side car motorcycle is super cool and is my favorite. I hope to see these projects you have posted here and many more on the projects page! I'm sure everyone would love to see them.

Now that you are back….you've made my Christmas an even better one!

Merry Christmas to you and yours Mike!
 

Attachments

#11 ·
To all my LJ friends

I just wanted to let you all know that I am now back on-line and looking forward to renewing our dialog. I have missed sorely being a part of LJ over the last year. I have turned my LJ email notifications back on and to my surprise found quite a few messages from LJ friends that I have yet to reply to. My apologies and I will get back to you shortly.

My sad story (No crying please)
As you might recall, I was finishing up my wooden gear clock project just before last Christmas. I was hanging it on the wall in our den when something went very wrong with my back. I have been having serious back problems most of my life, but progressively worse into my old age. I was diagnosed with a degenerative condition which was not possible to operate. This left me sitting most of the days in my recliner. I also have arthritis and just sitting around put me into pretty bad shape, so bad that I now find it very difficult to move around and especially to walk even short short distances.

I haven't improved physically a whole lot in the past year, but I have learned to cope with it better after a rough time, but only recently have I had any interest in woodworking or doing anything at all in my shop. Last month I decided that I would try to do some easy scroll saw projects so I could mainly sit while working. I got a basket pattern and made 6 woven baskets for the ladies in the family. That worked out real well so I looked around for some other simple projects and found a motorcycle with sidecar puzzel project from Make CNC and I made 6 of those for the men in the family. These projects kick-started my enthusiasm to return to woodworking. The motorcycle was just flat cut-outs using plywood, but I did have to prepare some solid maple stock for the baskets, so I learned to drag my shop stool with me to the bandsaw and the drum sander and of course to my workbench to prepare the patterns. Anyway, it seems that I can still make stuff, but I get tired out pretty quick, so I am hoping that this might improve and that I can become more active with time and exercise.

I hate to post just words, especially ones filled with self-pity, so I have included some photos of my not too interesting projects just completed in time for Christmas.

Motorcycle puzzle approx. 120 pieces
I painted the edges of the plywood with acrylic water based paint to hide the plywood layers. It is otherwise unfinished.
Wheel Creative arts Sculpture Wood Art

Vehicle Tire Wheel Automotive tire Motor vehicle

Wheel Vehicle Motor vehicle Rim Automotive wheel system


Woven Baskets cut from a single board except for the vertical strips.
Comfort Wood Basket Wicker Hardwood


In closing I want to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year!! and I hope that I am welcome back.

Thanks for reading.

Mike
Best post on LJ this year!

As you can see Mike lots of us were worried about you. It was a real treat to see the notification this morning that you had posted. Not such good news about your back but as we all know, getting old ain't for sissies. :)
I'm so glad you are coping well enough to enjoy life such as it is and are able to get into the shop and to get back online.
Of course I am impressed with the motorcycle and the baskets, good work under any conditions and an inspiration under yours.

Welcome back my friend!
 

Attachments

#12 ·
To all my LJ friends

I just wanted to let you all know that I am now back on-line and looking forward to renewing our dialog. I have missed sorely being a part of LJ over the last year. I have turned my LJ email notifications back on and to my surprise found quite a few messages from LJ friends that I have yet to reply to. My apologies and I will get back to you shortly.

My sad story (No crying please)
As you might recall, I was finishing up my wooden gear clock project just before last Christmas. I was hanging it on the wall in our den when something went very wrong with my back. I have been having serious back problems most of my life, but progressively worse into my old age. I was diagnosed with a degenerative condition which was not possible to operate. This left me sitting most of the days in my recliner. I also have arthritis and just sitting around put me into pretty bad shape, so bad that I now find it very difficult to move around and especially to walk even short short distances.

I haven't improved physically a whole lot in the past year, but I have learned to cope with it better after a rough time, but only recently have I had any interest in woodworking or doing anything at all in my shop. Last month I decided that I would try to do some easy scroll saw projects so I could mainly sit while working. I got a basket pattern and made 6 woven baskets for the ladies in the family. That worked out real well so I looked around for some other simple projects and found a motorcycle with sidecar puzzel project from Make CNC and I made 6 of those for the men in the family. These projects kick-started my enthusiasm to return to woodworking. The motorcycle was just flat cut-outs using plywood, but I did have to prepare some solid maple stock for the baskets, so I learned to drag my shop stool with me to the bandsaw and the drum sander and of course to my workbench to prepare the patterns. Anyway, it seems that I can still make stuff, but I get tired out pretty quick, so I am hoping that this might improve and that I can become more active with time and exercise.

I hate to post just words, especially ones filled with self-pity, so I have included some photos of my not too interesting projects just completed in time for Christmas.

Motorcycle puzzle approx. 120 pieces
I painted the edges of the plywood with acrylic water based paint to hide the plywood layers. It is otherwise unfinished.
Wheel Creative arts Sculpture Wood Art

Vehicle Tire Wheel Automotive tire Motor vehicle

Wheel Vehicle Motor vehicle Rim Automotive wheel system


Woven Baskets cut from a single board except for the vertical strips.
Comfort Wood Basket Wicker Hardwood


In closing I want to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year!! and I hope that I am welcome back.

Thanks for reading.

Mike
So glad to see you're still with us Mike I was very concerned when I didn't get a PM back from you. I'm so sorry to hear about your back pain, poor Bob aka Grizzman suffered from terrible back pain for years before we lost him but had found a new device that seemed to give him relief the last few months.
I'm so glad you're able to get back in the shop, your baskets and Motorcycle puzzle are way cool great job.

As woodshaver said
"Now that you are back….you've made my Christmas an even better one!"

Your in my prayers Have a wonderful Christmas my friend
 

Attachments

#13 ·
To all my LJ friends

I just wanted to let you all know that I am now back on-line and looking forward to renewing our dialog. I have missed sorely being a part of LJ over the last year. I have turned my LJ email notifications back on and to my surprise found quite a few messages from LJ friends that I have yet to reply to. My apologies and I will get back to you shortly.

My sad story (No crying please)
As you might recall, I was finishing up my wooden gear clock project just before last Christmas. I was hanging it on the wall in our den when something went very wrong with my back. I have been having serious back problems most of my life, but progressively worse into my old age. I was diagnosed with a degenerative condition which was not possible to operate. This left me sitting most of the days in my recliner. I also have arthritis and just sitting around put me into pretty bad shape, so bad that I now find it very difficult to move around and especially to walk even short short distances.

I haven't improved physically a whole lot in the past year, but I have learned to cope with it better after a rough time, but only recently have I had any interest in woodworking or doing anything at all in my shop. Last month I decided that I would try to do some easy scroll saw projects so I could mainly sit while working. I got a basket pattern and made 6 woven baskets for the ladies in the family. That worked out real well so I looked around for some other simple projects and found a motorcycle with sidecar puzzel project from Make CNC and I made 6 of those for the men in the family. These projects kick-started my enthusiasm to return to woodworking. The motorcycle was just flat cut-outs using plywood, but I did have to prepare some solid maple stock for the baskets, so I learned to drag my shop stool with me to the bandsaw and the drum sander and of course to my workbench to prepare the patterns. Anyway, it seems that I can still make stuff, but I get tired out pretty quick, so I am hoping that this might improve and that I can become more active with time and exercise.

I hate to post just words, especially ones filled with self-pity, so I have included some photos of my not too interesting projects just completed in time for Christmas.

Motorcycle puzzle approx. 120 pieces
I painted the edges of the plywood with acrylic water based paint to hide the plywood layers. It is otherwise unfinished.
Wheel Creative arts Sculpture Wood Art

Vehicle Tire Wheel Automotive tire Motor vehicle

Wheel Vehicle Motor vehicle Rim Automotive wheel system


Woven Baskets cut from a single board except for the vertical strips.
Comfort Wood Basket Wicker Hardwood


In closing I want to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year!! and I hope that I am welcome back.

Thanks for reading.

Mike
It's good to see you here again.
 

Attachments

#14 ·
To all my LJ friends

I just wanted to let you all know that I am now back on-line and looking forward to renewing our dialog. I have missed sorely being a part of LJ over the last year. I have turned my LJ email notifications back on and to my surprise found quite a few messages from LJ friends that I have yet to reply to. My apologies and I will get back to you shortly.

My sad story (No crying please)
As you might recall, I was finishing up my wooden gear clock project just before last Christmas. I was hanging it on the wall in our den when something went very wrong with my back. I have been having serious back problems most of my life, but progressively worse into my old age. I was diagnosed with a degenerative condition which was not possible to operate. This left me sitting most of the days in my recliner. I also have arthritis and just sitting around put me into pretty bad shape, so bad that I now find it very difficult to move around and especially to walk even short short distances.

I haven't improved physically a whole lot in the past year, but I have learned to cope with it better after a rough time, but only recently have I had any interest in woodworking or doing anything at all in my shop. Last month I decided that I would try to do some easy scroll saw projects so I could mainly sit while working. I got a basket pattern and made 6 woven baskets for the ladies in the family. That worked out real well so I looked around for some other simple projects and found a motorcycle with sidecar puzzel project from Make CNC and I made 6 of those for the men in the family. These projects kick-started my enthusiasm to return to woodworking. The motorcycle was just flat cut-outs using plywood, but I did have to prepare some solid maple stock for the baskets, so I learned to drag my shop stool with me to the bandsaw and the drum sander and of course to my workbench to prepare the patterns. Anyway, it seems that I can still make stuff, but I get tired out pretty quick, so I am hoping that this might improve and that I can become more active with time and exercise.

I hate to post just words, especially ones filled with self-pity, so I have included some photos of my not too interesting projects just completed in time for Christmas.

Motorcycle puzzle approx. 120 pieces
I painted the edges of the plywood with acrylic water based paint to hide the plywood layers. It is otherwise unfinished.
Wheel Creative arts Sculpture Wood Art

Vehicle Tire Wheel Automotive tire Motor vehicle

Wheel Vehicle Motor vehicle Rim Automotive wheel system


Woven Baskets cut from a single board except for the vertical strips.
Comfort Wood Basket Wicker Hardwood


In closing I want to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year!! and I hope that I am welcome back.

Thanks for reading.

Mike
Welcome back, you were missed.
 

Attachments

#15 ·
To all my LJ friends

I just wanted to let you all know that I am now back on-line and looking forward to renewing our dialog. I have missed sorely being a part of LJ over the last year. I have turned my LJ email notifications back on and to my surprise found quite a few messages from LJ friends that I have yet to reply to. My apologies and I will get back to you shortly.

My sad story (No crying please)
As you might recall, I was finishing up my wooden gear clock project just before last Christmas. I was hanging it on the wall in our den when something went very wrong with my back. I have been having serious back problems most of my life, but progressively worse into my old age. I was diagnosed with a degenerative condition which was not possible to operate. This left me sitting most of the days in my recliner. I also have arthritis and just sitting around put me into pretty bad shape, so bad that I now find it very difficult to move around and especially to walk even short short distances.

I haven't improved physically a whole lot in the past year, but I have learned to cope with it better after a rough time, but only recently have I had any interest in woodworking or doing anything at all in my shop. Last month I decided that I would try to do some easy scroll saw projects so I could mainly sit while working. I got a basket pattern and made 6 woven baskets for the ladies in the family. That worked out real well so I looked around for some other simple projects and found a motorcycle with sidecar puzzel project from Make CNC and I made 6 of those for the men in the family. These projects kick-started my enthusiasm to return to woodworking. The motorcycle was just flat cut-outs using plywood, but I did have to prepare some solid maple stock for the baskets, so I learned to drag my shop stool with me to the bandsaw and the drum sander and of course to my workbench to prepare the patterns. Anyway, it seems that I can still make stuff, but I get tired out pretty quick, so I am hoping that this might improve and that I can become more active with time and exercise.

I hate to post just words, especially ones filled with self-pity, so I have included some photos of my not too interesting projects just completed in time for Christmas.

Motorcycle puzzle approx. 120 pieces
I painted the edges of the plywood with acrylic water based paint to hide the plywood layers. It is otherwise unfinished.
Wheel Creative arts Sculpture Wood Art

Vehicle Tire Wheel Automotive tire Motor vehicle

Wheel Vehicle Motor vehicle Rim Automotive wheel system


Woven Baskets cut from a single board except for the vertical strips.
Comfort Wood Basket Wicker Hardwood


In closing I want to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year!! and I hope that I am welcome back.

Thanks for reading.

Mike
Welcome back Mike, glad to have you back. Merry Christmas.
 

Attachments

#16 ·
To all my LJ friends

I just wanted to let you all know that I am now back on-line and looking forward to renewing our dialog. I have missed sorely being a part of LJ over the last year. I have turned my LJ email notifications back on and to my surprise found quite a few messages from LJ friends that I have yet to reply to. My apologies and I will get back to you shortly.

My sad story (No crying please)
As you might recall, I was finishing up my wooden gear clock project just before last Christmas. I was hanging it on the wall in our den when something went very wrong with my back. I have been having serious back problems most of my life, but progressively worse into my old age. I was diagnosed with a degenerative condition which was not possible to operate. This left me sitting most of the days in my recliner. I also have arthritis and just sitting around put me into pretty bad shape, so bad that I now find it very difficult to move around and especially to walk even short short distances.

I haven't improved physically a whole lot in the past year, but I have learned to cope with it better after a rough time, but only recently have I had any interest in woodworking or doing anything at all in my shop. Last month I decided that I would try to do some easy scroll saw projects so I could mainly sit while working. I got a basket pattern and made 6 woven baskets for the ladies in the family. That worked out real well so I looked around for some other simple projects and found a motorcycle with sidecar puzzel project from Make CNC and I made 6 of those for the men in the family. These projects kick-started my enthusiasm to return to woodworking. The motorcycle was just flat cut-outs using plywood, but I did have to prepare some solid maple stock for the baskets, so I learned to drag my shop stool with me to the bandsaw and the drum sander and of course to my workbench to prepare the patterns. Anyway, it seems that I can still make stuff, but I get tired out pretty quick, so I am hoping that this might improve and that I can become more active with time and exercise.

I hate to post just words, especially ones filled with self-pity, so I have included some photos of my not too interesting projects just completed in time for Christmas.

Motorcycle puzzle approx. 120 pieces
I painted the edges of the plywood with acrylic water based paint to hide the plywood layers. It is otherwise unfinished.
Wheel Creative arts Sculpture Wood Art

Vehicle Tire Wheel Automotive tire Motor vehicle

Wheel Vehicle Motor vehicle Rim Automotive wheel system


Woven Baskets cut from a single board except for the vertical strips.
Comfort Wood Basket Wicker Hardwood


In closing I want to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year!! and I hope that I am welcome back.

Thanks for reading.

Mike
Dear Mike,

So glad to see you back here on LJ. Many times I have thought of you and wondering what exactly was going on. Yes I new of your artrites but seeing nothing here on LJ for a long time made me anxious. I apreciated your encouragement and missed it, but who knows that this will hapen again in the future.

I wish you all the best old tough buddy!
 

Attachments

#17 ·
To all my LJ friends

I just wanted to let you all know that I am now back on-line and looking forward to renewing our dialog. I have missed sorely being a part of LJ over the last year. I have turned my LJ email notifications back on and to my surprise found quite a few messages from LJ friends that I have yet to reply to. My apologies and I will get back to you shortly.

My sad story (No crying please)
As you might recall, I was finishing up my wooden gear clock project just before last Christmas. I was hanging it on the wall in our den when something went very wrong with my back. I have been having serious back problems most of my life, but progressively worse into my old age. I was diagnosed with a degenerative condition which was not possible to operate. This left me sitting most of the days in my recliner. I also have arthritis and just sitting around put me into pretty bad shape, so bad that I now find it very difficult to move around and especially to walk even short short distances.

I haven't improved physically a whole lot in the past year, but I have learned to cope with it better after a rough time, but only recently have I had any interest in woodworking or doing anything at all in my shop. Last month I decided that I would try to do some easy scroll saw projects so I could mainly sit while working. I got a basket pattern and made 6 woven baskets for the ladies in the family. That worked out real well so I looked around for some other simple projects and found a motorcycle with sidecar puzzel project from Make CNC and I made 6 of those for the men in the family. These projects kick-started my enthusiasm to return to woodworking. The motorcycle was just flat cut-outs using plywood, but I did have to prepare some solid maple stock for the baskets, so I learned to drag my shop stool with me to the bandsaw and the drum sander and of course to my workbench to prepare the patterns. Anyway, it seems that I can still make stuff, but I get tired out pretty quick, so I am hoping that this might improve and that I can become more active with time and exercise.

I hate to post just words, especially ones filled with self-pity, so I have included some photos of my not too interesting projects just completed in time for Christmas.

Motorcycle puzzle approx. 120 pieces
I painted the edges of the plywood with acrylic water based paint to hide the plywood layers. It is otherwise unfinished.
Wheel Creative arts Sculpture Wood Art

Vehicle Tire Wheel Automotive tire Motor vehicle

Wheel Vehicle Motor vehicle Rim Automotive wheel system


Woven Baskets cut from a single board except for the vertical strips.
Comfort Wood Basket Wicker Hardwood


In closing I want to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year!! and I hope that I am welcome back.

Thanks for reading.

Mike
WELCOME BACK Mike :<))
 

Attachments

#18 ·
To all my LJ friends

I just wanted to let you all know that I am now back on-line and looking forward to renewing our dialog. I have missed sorely being a part of LJ over the last year. I have turned my LJ email notifications back on and to my surprise found quite a few messages from LJ friends that I have yet to reply to. My apologies and I will get back to you shortly.

My sad story (No crying please)
As you might recall, I was finishing up my wooden gear clock project just before last Christmas. I was hanging it on the wall in our den when something went very wrong with my back. I have been having serious back problems most of my life, but progressively worse into my old age. I was diagnosed with a degenerative condition which was not possible to operate. This left me sitting most of the days in my recliner. I also have arthritis and just sitting around put me into pretty bad shape, so bad that I now find it very difficult to move around and especially to walk even short short distances.

I haven't improved physically a whole lot in the past year, but I have learned to cope with it better after a rough time, but only recently have I had any interest in woodworking or doing anything at all in my shop. Last month I decided that I would try to do some easy scroll saw projects so I could mainly sit while working. I got a basket pattern and made 6 woven baskets for the ladies in the family. That worked out real well so I looked around for some other simple projects and found a motorcycle with sidecar puzzel project from Make CNC and I made 6 of those for the men in the family. These projects kick-started my enthusiasm to return to woodworking. The motorcycle was just flat cut-outs using plywood, but I did have to prepare some solid maple stock for the baskets, so I learned to drag my shop stool with me to the bandsaw and the drum sander and of course to my workbench to prepare the patterns. Anyway, it seems that I can still make stuff, but I get tired out pretty quick, so I am hoping that this might improve and that I can become more active with time and exercise.

I hate to post just words, especially ones filled with self-pity, so I have included some photos of my not too interesting projects just completed in time for Christmas.

Motorcycle puzzle approx. 120 pieces
I painted the edges of the plywood with acrylic water based paint to hide the plywood layers. It is otherwise unfinished.
Wheel Creative arts Sculpture Wood Art

Vehicle Tire Wheel Automotive tire Motor vehicle

Wheel Vehicle Motor vehicle Rim Automotive wheel system


Woven Baskets cut from a single board except for the vertical strips.
Comfort Wood Basket Wicker Hardwood


In closing I want to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year!! and I hope that I am welcome back.

Thanks for reading.

Mike
Great to hear from you Mike. This is one of the best posts I've seen in a long time. Almost thought we lost you until I saw somewhere you were having a hard time. Glad to see you managing the pain and getting around again.
The baskets and motorcycles are a super comeback. You will always be on my A list. Hope things get even better for you soon.
Merry Christmas my friend.
 

Attachments

#19 ·
To all my LJ friends

I just wanted to let you all know that I am now back on-line and looking forward to renewing our dialog. I have missed sorely being a part of LJ over the last year. I have turned my LJ email notifications back on and to my surprise found quite a few messages from LJ friends that I have yet to reply to. My apologies and I will get back to you shortly.

My sad story (No crying please)
As you might recall, I was finishing up my wooden gear clock project just before last Christmas. I was hanging it on the wall in our den when something went very wrong with my back. I have been having serious back problems most of my life, but progressively worse into my old age. I was diagnosed with a degenerative condition which was not possible to operate. This left me sitting most of the days in my recliner. I also have arthritis and just sitting around put me into pretty bad shape, so bad that I now find it very difficult to move around and especially to walk even short short distances.

I haven't improved physically a whole lot in the past year, but I have learned to cope with it better after a rough time, but only recently have I had any interest in woodworking or doing anything at all in my shop. Last month I decided that I would try to do some easy scroll saw projects so I could mainly sit while working. I got a basket pattern and made 6 woven baskets for the ladies in the family. That worked out real well so I looked around for some other simple projects and found a motorcycle with sidecar puzzel project from Make CNC and I made 6 of those for the men in the family. These projects kick-started my enthusiasm to return to woodworking. The motorcycle was just flat cut-outs using plywood, but I did have to prepare some solid maple stock for the baskets, so I learned to drag my shop stool with me to the bandsaw and the drum sander and of course to my workbench to prepare the patterns. Anyway, it seems that I can still make stuff, but I get tired out pretty quick, so I am hoping that this might improve and that I can become more active with time and exercise.

I hate to post just words, especially ones filled with self-pity, so I have included some photos of my not too interesting projects just completed in time for Christmas.

Motorcycle puzzle approx. 120 pieces
I painted the edges of the plywood with acrylic water based paint to hide the plywood layers. It is otherwise unfinished.
Wheel Creative arts Sculpture Wood Art

Vehicle Tire Wheel Automotive tire Motor vehicle

Wheel Vehicle Motor vehicle Rim Automotive wheel system


Woven Baskets cut from a single board except for the vertical strips.
Comfort Wood Basket Wicker Hardwood


In closing I want to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year!! and I hope that I am welcome back.

Thanks for reading.

Mike
Hey Mike, fretted some about you, and then another LJ told me you were having medical issues. I understand about the back, since I have had my share of back issues over the years. But mine aren't the result of arthritis, so they are not getting worse.

I am behind on posting projects, and I suspect it won't happen until after the holidays. But somehow, you managed to make and post some. Very cute items, Mike.

Look forward to talking with you and seeing more of your great projects.

Keep on moving, and keep on doing things. The more you move and flex your joints, the better you will do.
 

Attachments

#20 ·
To all my LJ friends

I just wanted to let you all know that I am now back on-line and looking forward to renewing our dialog. I have missed sorely being a part of LJ over the last year. I have turned my LJ email notifications back on and to my surprise found quite a few messages from LJ friends that I have yet to reply to. My apologies and I will get back to you shortly.

My sad story (No crying please)
As you might recall, I was finishing up my wooden gear clock project just before last Christmas. I was hanging it on the wall in our den when something went very wrong with my back. I have been having serious back problems most of my life, but progressively worse into my old age. I was diagnosed with a degenerative condition which was not possible to operate. This left me sitting most of the days in my recliner. I also have arthritis and just sitting around put me into pretty bad shape, so bad that I now find it very difficult to move around and especially to walk even short short distances.

I haven't improved physically a whole lot in the past year, but I have learned to cope with it better after a rough time, but only recently have I had any interest in woodworking or doing anything at all in my shop. Last month I decided that I would try to do some easy scroll saw projects so I could mainly sit while working. I got a basket pattern and made 6 woven baskets for the ladies in the family. That worked out real well so I looked around for some other simple projects and found a motorcycle with sidecar puzzel project from Make CNC and I made 6 of those for the men in the family. These projects kick-started my enthusiasm to return to woodworking. The motorcycle was just flat cut-outs using plywood, but I did have to prepare some solid maple stock for the baskets, so I learned to drag my shop stool with me to the bandsaw and the drum sander and of course to my workbench to prepare the patterns. Anyway, it seems that I can still make stuff, but I get tired out pretty quick, so I am hoping that this might improve and that I can become more active with time and exercise.

I hate to post just words, especially ones filled with self-pity, so I have included some photos of my not too interesting projects just completed in time for Christmas.

Motorcycle puzzle approx. 120 pieces
I painted the edges of the plywood with acrylic water based paint to hide the plywood layers. It is otherwise unfinished.
Wheel Creative arts Sculpture Wood Art

Vehicle Tire Wheel Automotive tire Motor vehicle

Wheel Vehicle Motor vehicle Rim Automotive wheel system


Woven Baskets cut from a single board except for the vertical strips.
Comfort Wood Basket Wicker Hardwood


In closing I want to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year!! and I hope that I am welcome back.

Thanks for reading.

Mike
Glad to have you back, Mike! I have missed your posts and projects.
 

Attachments

#21 ·
To all my LJ friends

I just wanted to let you all know that I am now back on-line and looking forward to renewing our dialog. I have missed sorely being a part of LJ over the last year. I have turned my LJ email notifications back on and to my surprise found quite a few messages from LJ friends that I have yet to reply to. My apologies and I will get back to you shortly.

My sad story (No crying please)
As you might recall, I was finishing up my wooden gear clock project just before last Christmas. I was hanging it on the wall in our den when something went very wrong with my back. I have been having serious back problems most of my life, but progressively worse into my old age. I was diagnosed with a degenerative condition which was not possible to operate. This left me sitting most of the days in my recliner. I also have arthritis and just sitting around put me into pretty bad shape, so bad that I now find it very difficult to move around and especially to walk even short short distances.

I haven't improved physically a whole lot in the past year, but I have learned to cope with it better after a rough time, but only recently have I had any interest in woodworking or doing anything at all in my shop. Last month I decided that I would try to do some easy scroll saw projects so I could mainly sit while working. I got a basket pattern and made 6 woven baskets for the ladies in the family. That worked out real well so I looked around for some other simple projects and found a motorcycle with sidecar puzzel project from Make CNC and I made 6 of those for the men in the family. These projects kick-started my enthusiasm to return to woodworking. The motorcycle was just flat cut-outs using plywood, but I did have to prepare some solid maple stock for the baskets, so I learned to drag my shop stool with me to the bandsaw and the drum sander and of course to my workbench to prepare the patterns. Anyway, it seems that I can still make stuff, but I get tired out pretty quick, so I am hoping that this might improve and that I can become more active with time and exercise.

I hate to post just words, especially ones filled with self-pity, so I have included some photos of my not too interesting projects just completed in time for Christmas.

Motorcycle puzzle approx. 120 pieces
I painted the edges of the plywood with acrylic water based paint to hide the plywood layers. It is otherwise unfinished.
Wheel Creative arts Sculpture Wood Art

Vehicle Tire Wheel Automotive tire Motor vehicle

Wheel Vehicle Motor vehicle Rim Automotive wheel system


Woven Baskets cut from a single board except for the vertical strips.
Comfort Wood Basket Wicker Hardwood


In closing I want to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year!! and I hope that I am welcome back.

Thanks for reading.

Mike
O BTW Mike I like the motorcycles.
 

Attachments

#22 ·
To all my LJ friends

I just wanted to let you all know that I am now back on-line and looking forward to renewing our dialog. I have missed sorely being a part of LJ over the last year. I have turned my LJ email notifications back on and to my surprise found quite a few messages from LJ friends that I have yet to reply to. My apologies and I will get back to you shortly.

My sad story (No crying please)
As you might recall, I was finishing up my wooden gear clock project just before last Christmas. I was hanging it on the wall in our den when something went very wrong with my back. I have been having serious back problems most of my life, but progressively worse into my old age. I was diagnosed with a degenerative condition which was not possible to operate. This left me sitting most of the days in my recliner. I also have arthritis and just sitting around put me into pretty bad shape, so bad that I now find it very difficult to move around and especially to walk even short short distances.

I haven't improved physically a whole lot in the past year, but I have learned to cope with it better after a rough time, but only recently have I had any interest in woodworking or doing anything at all in my shop. Last month I decided that I would try to do some easy scroll saw projects so I could mainly sit while working. I got a basket pattern and made 6 woven baskets for the ladies in the family. That worked out real well so I looked around for some other simple projects and found a motorcycle with sidecar puzzel project from Make CNC and I made 6 of those for the men in the family. These projects kick-started my enthusiasm to return to woodworking. The motorcycle was just flat cut-outs using plywood, but I did have to prepare some solid maple stock for the baskets, so I learned to drag my shop stool with me to the bandsaw and the drum sander and of course to my workbench to prepare the patterns. Anyway, it seems that I can still make stuff, but I get tired out pretty quick, so I am hoping that this might improve and that I can become more active with time and exercise.

I hate to post just words, especially ones filled with self-pity, so I have included some photos of my not too interesting projects just completed in time for Christmas.

Motorcycle puzzle approx. 120 pieces
I painted the edges of the plywood with acrylic water based paint to hide the plywood layers. It is otherwise unfinished.
Wheel Creative arts Sculpture Wood Art

Vehicle Tire Wheel Automotive tire Motor vehicle

Wheel Vehicle Motor vehicle Rim Automotive wheel system


Woven Baskets cut from a single board except for the vertical strips.
Comfort Wood Basket Wicker Hardwood


In closing I want to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year!! and I hope that I am welcome back.

Thanks for reading.

Mike
Welcome back! Even with all that age and back and stuff you still make nicer stuff then many of us :)
 

Attachments

#23 ·
To all my LJ friends

I just wanted to let you all know that I am now back on-line and looking forward to renewing our dialog. I have missed sorely being a part of LJ over the last year. I have turned my LJ email notifications back on and to my surprise found quite a few messages from LJ friends that I have yet to reply to. My apologies and I will get back to you shortly.

My sad story (No crying please)
As you might recall, I was finishing up my wooden gear clock project just before last Christmas. I was hanging it on the wall in our den when something went very wrong with my back. I have been having serious back problems most of my life, but progressively worse into my old age. I was diagnosed with a degenerative condition which was not possible to operate. This left me sitting most of the days in my recliner. I also have arthritis and just sitting around put me into pretty bad shape, so bad that I now find it very difficult to move around and especially to walk even short short distances.

I haven't improved physically a whole lot in the past year, but I have learned to cope with it better after a rough time, but only recently have I had any interest in woodworking or doing anything at all in my shop. Last month I decided that I would try to do some easy scroll saw projects so I could mainly sit while working. I got a basket pattern and made 6 woven baskets for the ladies in the family. That worked out real well so I looked around for some other simple projects and found a motorcycle with sidecar puzzel project from Make CNC and I made 6 of those for the men in the family. These projects kick-started my enthusiasm to return to woodworking. The motorcycle was just flat cut-outs using plywood, but I did have to prepare some solid maple stock for the baskets, so I learned to drag my shop stool with me to the bandsaw and the drum sander and of course to my workbench to prepare the patterns. Anyway, it seems that I can still make stuff, but I get tired out pretty quick, so I am hoping that this might improve and that I can become more active with time and exercise.

I hate to post just words, especially ones filled with self-pity, so I have included some photos of my not too interesting projects just completed in time for Christmas.

Motorcycle puzzle approx. 120 pieces
I painted the edges of the plywood with acrylic water based paint to hide the plywood layers. It is otherwise unfinished.
Wheel Creative arts Sculpture Wood Art

Vehicle Tire Wheel Automotive tire Motor vehicle

Wheel Vehicle Motor vehicle Rim Automotive wheel system


Woven Baskets cut from a single board except for the vertical strips.
Comfort Wood Basket Wicker Hardwood


In closing I want to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year!! and I hope that I am welcome back.

Thanks for reading.

Mike
So good to hear from you! Moving slower is okay - at least you are moving:)

The projects look great.
 

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#24 ·
To all my LJ friends

I just wanted to let you all know that I am now back on-line and looking forward to renewing our dialog. I have missed sorely being a part of LJ over the last year. I have turned my LJ email notifications back on and to my surprise found quite a few messages from LJ friends that I have yet to reply to. My apologies and I will get back to you shortly.

My sad story (No crying please)
As you might recall, I was finishing up my wooden gear clock project just before last Christmas. I was hanging it on the wall in our den when something went very wrong with my back. I have been having serious back problems most of my life, but progressively worse into my old age. I was diagnosed with a degenerative condition which was not possible to operate. This left me sitting most of the days in my recliner. I also have arthritis and just sitting around put me into pretty bad shape, so bad that I now find it very difficult to move around and especially to walk even short short distances.

I haven't improved physically a whole lot in the past year, but I have learned to cope with it better after a rough time, but only recently have I had any interest in woodworking or doing anything at all in my shop. Last month I decided that I would try to do some easy scroll saw projects so I could mainly sit while working. I got a basket pattern and made 6 woven baskets for the ladies in the family. That worked out real well so I looked around for some other simple projects and found a motorcycle with sidecar puzzel project from Make CNC and I made 6 of those for the men in the family. These projects kick-started my enthusiasm to return to woodworking. The motorcycle was just flat cut-outs using plywood, but I did have to prepare some solid maple stock for the baskets, so I learned to drag my shop stool with me to the bandsaw and the drum sander and of course to my workbench to prepare the patterns. Anyway, it seems that I can still make stuff, but I get tired out pretty quick, so I am hoping that this might improve and that I can become more active with time and exercise.

I hate to post just words, especially ones filled with self-pity, so I have included some photos of my not too interesting projects just completed in time for Christmas.

Motorcycle puzzle approx. 120 pieces
I painted the edges of the plywood with acrylic water based paint to hide the plywood layers. It is otherwise unfinished.
Wheel Creative arts Sculpture Wood Art

Vehicle Tire Wheel Automotive tire Motor vehicle

Wheel Vehicle Motor vehicle Rim Automotive wheel system


Woven Baskets cut from a single board except for the vertical strips.
Comfort Wood Basket Wicker Hardwood


In closing I want to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year!! and I hope that I am welcome back.

Thanks for reading.

Mike
Welcome back Mike. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
 

Attachments

#25 ·
To all my LJ friends

I just wanted to let you all know that I am now back on-line and looking forward to renewing our dialog. I have missed sorely being a part of LJ over the last year. I have turned my LJ email notifications back on and to my surprise found quite a few messages from LJ friends that I have yet to reply to. My apologies and I will get back to you shortly.

My sad story (No crying please)
As you might recall, I was finishing up my wooden gear clock project just before last Christmas. I was hanging it on the wall in our den when something went very wrong with my back. I have been having serious back problems most of my life, but progressively worse into my old age. I was diagnosed with a degenerative condition which was not possible to operate. This left me sitting most of the days in my recliner. I also have arthritis and just sitting around put me into pretty bad shape, so bad that I now find it very difficult to move around and especially to walk even short short distances.

I haven't improved physically a whole lot in the past year, but I have learned to cope with it better after a rough time, but only recently have I had any interest in woodworking or doing anything at all in my shop. Last month I decided that I would try to do some easy scroll saw projects so I could mainly sit while working. I got a basket pattern and made 6 woven baskets for the ladies in the family. That worked out real well so I looked around for some other simple projects and found a motorcycle with sidecar puzzel project from Make CNC and I made 6 of those for the men in the family. These projects kick-started my enthusiasm to return to woodworking. The motorcycle was just flat cut-outs using plywood, but I did have to prepare some solid maple stock for the baskets, so I learned to drag my shop stool with me to the bandsaw and the drum sander and of course to my workbench to prepare the patterns. Anyway, it seems that I can still make stuff, but I get tired out pretty quick, so I am hoping that this might improve and that I can become more active with time and exercise.

I hate to post just words, especially ones filled with self-pity, so I have included some photos of my not too interesting projects just completed in time for Christmas.

Motorcycle puzzle approx. 120 pieces
I painted the edges of the plywood with acrylic water based paint to hide the plywood layers. It is otherwise unfinished.
Wheel Creative arts Sculpture Wood Art

Vehicle Tire Wheel Automotive tire Motor vehicle

Wheel Vehicle Motor vehicle Rim Automotive wheel system


Woven Baskets cut from a single board except for the vertical strips.
Comfort Wood Basket Wicker Hardwood


In closing I want to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year!! and I hope that I am welcome back.

Thanks for reading.

Mike
Mike, it's good to see you back on LJs again. Sorry to hear about the physical difficulties but hopefully you will find that the more activity you safely accomplish the better you will feel.

The two projects you completed to mark your return to woodworking are excellent and better than many things done by those of us who are "fit"...

Don't be a stranger, you've got a lot of people who care about you in this community.

Herb
 

Attachments

#26 ·
To all my LJ friends

I just wanted to let you all know that I am now back on-line and looking forward to renewing our dialog. I have missed sorely being a part of LJ over the last year. I have turned my LJ email notifications back on and to my surprise found quite a few messages from LJ friends that I have yet to reply to. My apologies and I will get back to you shortly.

My sad story (No crying please)
As you might recall, I was finishing up my wooden gear clock project just before last Christmas. I was hanging it on the wall in our den when something went very wrong with my back. I have been having serious back problems most of my life, but progressively worse into my old age. I was diagnosed with a degenerative condition which was not possible to operate. This left me sitting most of the days in my recliner. I also have arthritis and just sitting around put me into pretty bad shape, so bad that I now find it very difficult to move around and especially to walk even short short distances.

I haven't improved physically a whole lot in the past year, but I have learned to cope with it better after a rough time, but only recently have I had any interest in woodworking or doing anything at all in my shop. Last month I decided that I would try to do some easy scroll saw projects so I could mainly sit while working. I got a basket pattern and made 6 woven baskets for the ladies in the family. That worked out real well so I looked around for some other simple projects and found a motorcycle with sidecar puzzel project from Make CNC and I made 6 of those for the men in the family. These projects kick-started my enthusiasm to return to woodworking. The motorcycle was just flat cut-outs using plywood, but I did have to prepare some solid maple stock for the baskets, so I learned to drag my shop stool with me to the bandsaw and the drum sander and of course to my workbench to prepare the patterns. Anyway, it seems that I can still make stuff, but I get tired out pretty quick, so I am hoping that this might improve and that I can become more active with time and exercise.

I hate to post just words, especially ones filled with self-pity, so I have included some photos of my not too interesting projects just completed in time for Christmas.

Motorcycle puzzle approx. 120 pieces
I painted the edges of the plywood with acrylic water based paint to hide the plywood layers. It is otherwise unfinished.
Wheel Creative arts Sculpture Wood Art

Vehicle Tire Wheel Automotive tire Motor vehicle

Wheel Vehicle Motor vehicle Rim Automotive wheel system


Woven Baskets cut from a single board except for the vertical strips.
Comfort Wood Basket Wicker Hardwood


In closing I want to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year!! and I hope that I am welcome back.

Thanks for reading.

Mike
So glad you are back. I love your scroll saw work.
 

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