A Block of Wood and Block of Mind
December 2nd, 2009I took the entire Thanksgiving week as vacation, and dedicated it to doing things around the homestead that I’ve been putting off. I’m sure that doesn’t sound like the ideal vacation to most of you, but for me? It was heaven.
I cleaned and organized the refrigerator, two freezers, and all the pantry shelves. Bernie and I made jerky, pepperoni, and bologna and smoked them in the smoker. We also processed a deer that a friend gave us. I finished almost every single Christmas gift I was working on, and made soaps and lotions. And I cooked and baked. Oh Lordy, did I ever cook and bake.
And, although I intended to take several pictures and make several posts on this blog during that week, you can see that was one task I did not even come close to accomplishing. Somehow, in all the excitement and busyness of my vacation, I actually had a very difficult time deciding what I should write about. My mind just hit a block, and I could not imagine how to make anything I was doing even slightly interesting enough for you to read about! I guess that happens from time to time. And rather than let it drag out, I’ve decided I’m not going to really blog about what I’ve been doing. Instead, I’m going to blog about what Bernie’s been doing…..
Remember that big block of cedar that Bernie and our neighbor were cutting on the saw mill a while back? Well, there were a few nice sized pieces that didn’t quite make a board, but were too nice to trash. And the other day, Bernie surprised me by presenting me with these.
He hand carved these kitchen utensils for me!
He did use some power tools to finish them, but the vast majority of it was done by hand. And I just LOVE them! I will drench them in vegetable oil, then wrap them in tin foil, and leave them to soak in the oil for several days before using them. I have cutting boards that are about 15 years old that we made from pieces of an oak from my parent’s property. I treated them with oil in the same manner and they are still great cutting boards. Occasionally, I retreat them with the vegetable oil and wrap in tinfoil for a few days - but honestly, not very often. The oil soaks into the wood very deeply.
Bernie also took the time to make himself a little present.
I just love how he made the lid so that the middle actually fits down inside the box.
What Man-Cave would be complete without a nice, hand made box to house a couple of guns?
And do you know what the most interesting part of all this is? Bernie does not really enjoy working with wood. He doesn’t think he’s very good at it. I beg to differ with him. Those kitchen utensils are beautiful, and they will be a wonderful addition in the kitchen. I’ll treasure them always. The box he made is very pretty - and I think most people would pay good money for such a nice box.
Bernie’s block of wood is gone now, and I’m hoping my block of mind is gone as well.
December 2nd, 2009 at 4:21 pm
What wonderful utensils and box! Bernie is most definitely good at wood crafting! I bet you were thrilled with your new kitchen tools. Sounds like both of you had a very productive week. Isn’t it a great feeling to get so much done?
December 2nd, 2009 at 4:27 pm
SWEEEEEEEEEET!! Bernie is so awesome! Maybe next summer he can host a man camp? Kind of like those fantasy rock band camps but with more “fix and make stuff around the house, recycle that pile of @#$%Q! he’s been saving FOREVER” activities?
Wooden spoons are on my Christmas list. I don’t have nary a one in my kitchen. Whenever we go over to mom’s to cook/hangout I always find myself using her wooden spoons and spatulas. But I don’t really want new ones…..I want hers! LOL I had to wait my entire life (well, up to 37) before I got her metal mixing bowls, not sure if I can wait that long for her spoons!
December 2nd, 2009 at 6:15 pm
Here goes B man again, showing off his mad manly skills with a chunk-o-wood and a couple of hand tools. I am glad to see that you are recognizing his talents, and building him up on your blog. He is such a sweetie pie honey bun! And, what the heck? I could have used your energy at my house last week…. Christmas break you better come here and organize my house, and cooking would help too! smooches heifer!
J.
December 2nd, 2009 at 7:29 pm
I think that sounds like an awesome vacation… I love organizing and the sense of fulfillment you have afterwards!
I’m going to agree with you re: Bernie’s talents. Amazing! And yes, people WOULD pay good money for those boxes! Beautiful kitchen utensils… that’s one talented hubby you have there!
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:27 pm
Awesome utensils!! Bernie certainly does have talent in woodworking. I would pay good money for that box! It’s beautiful and I know it has the lovely smell of cedar, too. Glad you had a nice week of vacation. Take care…
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:54 pm
Oh my goodness, those utensils are GORGEOUS! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: that Bernie husband of yours is quite the talented guy! I’ve not seen utensils made of cedar before - do they smell good? Will they hold up to cooking and such? You guys are a great team - look at that list of all that you accomplished on your week “off”.
I bet the doggies loved having you around.
December 3rd, 2009 at 9:47 am
Oh I can just smell the cedar now. I am totally impressed with the utensils. Hah! Lucky you and kudos to you for cooking and cooking. I would so love to have the time to cook and put stuff in the freezer for future use. Anyways, one can dream. The box that Bernie made himself looks kinda like a little cedar chest i had as a child, man I still can smell it and he has such talent. you know that does remind me that my hubby made his mom a table over the summer, she wanted to buy it for like 500 bucks but he said Mom, i can make it and it will be free (all she wanted was to have like a pedestial and have a glass top made just for it to rest on it) gosh it took him forever to sand and then he put this shiny stuff but don’t know how to spell it, but it was impressive and he used cedar also. I just love to smell it, so fresh and clean.
How are the chickens doin? Duke?
December 3rd, 2009 at 10:32 am
Are you kidding me? NOT good working with wood? Cmon Bernie, those utensils are amazing. Simply gorgeous. And the treasure box is beautiful.
Okay, but really? About that sawmill lesson thats waiting for me….is being able to make utensils part of the plan? I mean, if I pass the lesson will this just come naturally to me? Cuz, wow. If so, I really need to find some trees.
December 3rd, 2009 at 11:24 am
You know, those wooden spoons would sell ….
I am coveting that cedar box!
December 4th, 2009 at 4:04 am
Bloody hell, Bernie so should put more of that amazing talent to use…… the utensils are just gorgeous and the box, well the box is to die for… and he says he aint no good with wood? well, wood as in tree wood LOL
Sounds like you have a brill week…….. your posts are never boring, unlike my rubbish LMFAO
x
December 4th, 2009 at 9:54 am
Wow! What a thoughtful hubby!! Those items are gorgeous and I can smell them from here.
December 5th, 2009 at 5:48 pm
Good job Bernie on the kitchen utensils and box. I’ve never seen better looking stuff come from a “pro” so I think you did good.
BTW, I would love to have the recipe for pepperoni. I didn’t care for the taste of the last recipe I tried.