Author Archives: tbavendam

As we were getting to know each other, Craig was clear that he did not cook. I shared that I could cook but because I still had impaired taste and smell I had a limited menu. For myself, it wasn’t worth spending much time preparing what I couldn’t enjoy. Also I told him I ateContinue reading “A “maturing relationship””

Just before Memorial Day, Craig took his trailer to Nashville to deliver finished pieces furniture to schools for Nashville Tools for Schools. When they dropped this unstained picnic table off, the principal wanted to know if they would haul away the one they were replacing (below). Craig thought it would be a great project forContinue reading “Unintended Consequences”

Sunday when we finished working on the terrace we had compacted several layers of gravel between the pasture fence and the poles knowing we wanted to add gravel to near the top of the poles. When Monday rolled around we were exhausted and our hands were aching so we thought we would not come backContinue reading “A test of our terrace”

My newly discovered enjoyment of gardening (speciifically weeding) came to an abrupt halt with the big downpour on May 26 that washed out the driveway for the 4th time this spring. Our attention turned to starting the terrace project that we had talked about needing to do. We had planned pm expanding our deck andContinue reading “A metal heart”

We dog sat for Brady and Carli this weekend and Craig finally got to witness their very unique style of play which started in September of 2022. Their play centers on Carli humping Brady – sometimes doggie and sometimes missionary position and often with Carli’s head or leg in Brady’s mouth. They wrestle a bitContinue reading “Dog play”

A week ago we were still digging post-holes and laying in the first layer of telephone poles and we were just entering the extreme heat wave. Tonight we are looking at the completed 2 layers of telephone poles with 11 posts. While the heat was challenging, the shade and fans and lots of diluted GatoradeContinue reading “What a difference a week makes!”

Digging post holes today provided Craig with ample opportunity to reflect back on the many post holes he dug with Grandpa Clarence on his grandpa’s cattle ranch in western Kansas. Craig never really understood what “hubs of Hell meant” and Grandpa Clarence wasn’t inclined to explain. There were plenty of roots and rock to dealContinue reading ““This dirt is harder than the hubs of Hell””

I am still trying to figure out if Craig’s statement was positive statement or not. He does appreciate my help – mostly. My need to figure out the next step in the process when I don’t understand the process is challenging for Craig at times. When I try to just wait for instructions my mindContinue reading ““You provide a new perspective on the construction process.””

Last Saturday after suffering with poison ivy for nearly 3 weeks, I finally felt all of my spots were dry/healed enough that I could use sunscreen without risk of spreading it. So I applied sunscreen and wore a sleeveless shirt out to do some weeding and wood chipping, At some point I noticed the weedContinue reading ““Don’t be doin’ dumb shit””

Last week Craig took his 16 foot trailer into Nashville to help with delivery of several Nashville Tools for Schools projects. While delivering a new picnic table to one school, the principal asked if the old table could be hauled away. Craig recognized that the table was easily salvageable and decided it was a goodContinue reading “Advancing carpentry skills”