I 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.
