Over the last week I’ve been seeing an increase in the number of posts by Facebook friends on things they are thankful for and thought I’d post my list here on my blog.

Here’s the list:

1.  I am still alive

Yup that’s about it.  How can I say this?  After a doctor calls you on the phone to say, “You have cancer.” all the other things in your life get, as we say in the software business, “de-scoped.” After what I’ve been through this year, treatments, surgery, and related health issues still being alive is about the most important thing to me.

That does run a very close tie with being married to Heather, my best friend and soulmate.  No, I didn’t list her as number one only because if I was dead I couldn’t be thankful for her so I guess I should modify the list:

1. I am still alive
2. Heather

Of course I  should list that I am alive and still able to do things – like playing with the tools in my workshop and making things.  As I mentioned last time, I am making my Christmas gifts this year.  It’s taking a lot of time and in the last couple of days I’ve set off my tendonitis again (too much time at the scroll saw I think) so now I am having to slow down my pace or make simpler projects for people.  If you end up with a photocopy of the thing I planned to make (with a promise to have it completed by summer) I hope you’ll be understanding.

In fact just sitting here writing the post I feel my elbow starting to ache and my forearm start to hurt a bit so I am making this week’s short.  The only real thing that helps my tendonitis is rest, so I my choice is between my normal 850 words and an hour on the scroll saw.

That’s easy.

I wish you all a happy Thanksgiving and here are some pictures of my work in progress for you to enjoy until next time.

These birds are ready to be cut out on the scroll saw.

Here’s what the birds look like after Heather has them all glued up an painted. We just might keep this for ourselves.

The next project to cut on the scroll saw.

All most completed stamp press model.

This is a classic band saw box with marquetry on the top.

The marquetry for the top – acorn with oak leaf. The box is white oak with walnut. Heather did the design and I cut it.

Here is Heather’s painting set up with some projects in progress.

Progress on the last Advent calendar. I’ll be making the doors for this soon.

and here is the completely complete advent calendar. It’s read to be boxed up and gift wrapped!

Look – I made two blocks of wood! Come back next week to see what they really are.