I’ve been really busy around here with all the nice and generally warm weather we’ve had until recently. There was some major repair work needed on the barn that houses our work and driving horses, goats, hay and grain storage. I still have a bit more to do, but am anxious to be getting back into the shop to fulfill orders and produce heirloom quality furniture.

I guess I don’t match the typical furniture maker of our day, but rather of yesteryear when farming and related activities took the forefront during the warm months of the year, and carpentry and shop work on the wintry days. Although I do manage a lot more time in the shop than that, when we lived in the Old Order Mennonite settlement in Rich Hill, Missouri years ago, that was the standard practice still.

I am very grateful for the experience in many ways, and reflect on them often when at work with the workhorses in my horse powered shop. I’m also very grateful for all of you my customers who have supported me in my vision for a sustainable lifestyle and future for the next generations as well as for our own wellbeing. May you each have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with your family and friends!