Release time and some photos of the sawmill.....

We had Release Time this past Thursday.   It was the 4,5, 6th grade turn....but when we got to school the one teacher insisted it was the 7-8th grade turn.  We didn't argue --- it really didn't matter.  They are doing the same lesson material --- so we were OK with either group.   The 7th and 8th graders are all girls.  Maurice, the one boy decided he wasn't going to come anymore......???? was it because he was overwhelmed by the female population - we don't know.  They CAN be a giggly bunch  :)

The following pictures were taken Thursday.  One girl was missing.....

                                          Ty (Tiana), Sierra, Charlee, Taylor, Faith, and Caitlyn

They wanted a "silly" picture --- We wanted a "nice" one ---- we were both happy.  We had studied hard in the book about "temptations"..... and now they wanted to play "Ring on a String".....one of their favorites.  They were all done with the String Art craft we had worked on ---- so we just had fun for a while and enjoyed some banana bread.   They're a pretty special group of girls.

Gary is getting closer to having his sawmill a reality. I was thinking I had written about this project --- but I didn't find anything. ??? A sawmill on the prairies of South Dakota ?!?!?!?    Well, it has been a dream of his for years -- to have his own sawmill.  He is just about there.   He found plans in  the "Farm Show" Magazine.  Sent for them....and has been working on it for some time now.  Today he is working on the "runway" - the track for the logs to lay on.  All parts and pieces have come from here and there - a few had to be purchased but many were just  laying around....some came from neighbors.  He is still pondering on the motor.....a neighbor has one - but it weighs about 200 lbs.  -that's a bit much but he might give it a try.   If you can't figure it out - what's what -- give him a call or email him.  He'd love to tell you about that steering wheel....where it came from........and the trouble he had finding two spare tires that were the same diameter....

.............And I have one of my 1st "happy customers".  I told Don S. that I would be willing to refinish his kitchen table.  I didn't get a "before" picture - so I can't really brag much at all.   But it does look a LOT better than it was before.  There were lots of spots where the finish was gone and the wood was turning grey.  I just did a lot of sanding - re-stained it and .....success.  I used a different type of varnish than we usually use.....it's a "rub on".  You just rub it on with a cloth and then there is no worry about brush marks or runs.   Works really nice!!

Winter is still busy at it.  Today was windy and cold.  Tomorrow is supposed to be worse.  We are thankful for a warm home and also the fact that the electricity has stayed on all winter so far.  That's always a plus!!  We look forward to spring and long warm summer days.....but no use in dreaming too hard.

Have a good day.
Gary and Barb