Cabin Fever Broke Today

Okay, no more whining about the snow after a day like today. Mid 60s with plenty of sunshine. I got ole Bessy back today too and she's running like new again. I ended up putting about $550.00 in new parts on her and she's loving it. Now I have to sell more stuff to pay for it, so visit my shop at www.woodentreasures.etsy.com and buy lots of stuff!

So, remember I was talking about having a new engine put into my Jeep Cherokee. How excited I was at the thought of having a like new engine in it and how it wasn't really all that expensive to do it? Well, the old engine is sitting side by side on engine stands next to the new one. I stopped in today to see how things were going and watched some of the process. I was amazed that someone could take all this stuff apart and put it back together again.

Anyway, when they took the old engine out they found several things that needed to be repaired. First, the exhaust manifold has a few cracks that need to be welded to fix it ($30.00) to make it right. The coil ($40.00) is cracked and needs to be replaced. The catalytic converter ($90.00) is rusted and has stuff inside that rattles and of course has to be replaced. And one of the motor mounts ($12.00) was cracked and needs to be replaced. So the bill just got almost $175.00 higher. But I try to put a positive light on things and I'm glad they found these things and can replace them while everything is all apart rather than having to spend a LOT more money to replace these one at a time with everything together. With any luck this is all they'll find that needs to be fixed. Keep your fingers crossed!

Bessy gets a new engine

Way back in 1993 I purchased the only new vehicle I've ever owned. There was a year end closeout sale on Jeep Cherokees at the local dealership. I went in, looked, negotiated, and drove away in a brand new, cherry red Jeep Cherokee 4x4 SUV. In the last 18 years it has provided me with unending loyalty and reliability. Recently though she began to show some signs that things weren't right. Her oil pressure started to drop a bit, and she started to leak a little oil, and was burning a bit too. I grew concerned and made an appointment with her at the engine doctor. We discussed her habits, how I drove her etc. After a check-up he stated that with nearly 300,000 miles she was getting pretty tired and worn down. And that he didn't know how many more miles she had left in her. I was deeply saddened by this news as you grow attached to something after that long a period of time. It is a love/love relationship. I've taken very good care of her, and she in turn has been very good to me. He suggested I start looking around for a replacement vehicle just in case.

Well I did some soul searching, thinking back on all the great memories we shared together. I decided there was no way I was going to spend money on someone else's junker only to be in the same boat again probably in a short period of time. With Bessy I know what I have and aside from her engine everything else is in wonderful condition.

So I called the best engine rebuilders I know and ordered a newly remanufactured engine for her. It cost me just under $1,750 delivered and is being installed today. The new engine comes with a 7 year/70,000 mile warranty which is unheard of today. The cost of installation is $650.00 which includes all new belts, hoses, an O2 sensor, and brand new Sylvania Silverstar headlights. So for $2,400 she has been given a new lease on life. Where can you find a used car for $2,400 that you will have any confidence in it lasting for 70,000 miles? Trust me you cannot find such a car out there.

I look forward to spending many more years behind the wheel of this loyal friend.

Cabin Fever

Well I have to admit, even though the snow is beautiful I'm ready for spring. My shop is unheated so I have to bundle up to go to work to try to keep warm. Have you ever tried to hold onto a 3/4" diameter, thin slice of wood and sand it wearing mittens? Trust me it's no easy task. But I'm old and stubborn so I persevere. But I long for the spring when I can take my work outside in the fresh spring air. We're expecting more snow this week. Heck, I moved to North Carolina to get away from all the darn snow!!! If this keeps up I am seriously considering buying a snow shovel. But know if I do it will never snow here again. It's just how my luck runs. OH, I stumbled on an etsy shop today I just had to share with ya'll. It was like opening my first lingerie catalog back as a young boy and getting all excited. The shop is feathercreations.etsy.com with all of the items handmade by Carmen. Her shop has inspired me to consider coming up with a way to model my buttons in a similar fashion. Perhaps tie some onto the hair of my chest? I'll have to give it more thought. But I loved all of the feather items in Carmen's shop and encourage you to check them out. Okay, lunch is over. Time to bundle back up and head to the shop.

I Do

"I Do"

Those two little words seem innocent enough don't they?

A beautiful bride standing at the altar
looking into the eyes of the man she will love forever. Gently he takes her hand
into his. They exchange their vows, and finally say to each other...."I do".

Ceremony complete, everyone
heads to the reception which is where I come in.

This time of year, and on
through the fall I am kept very busy creating handcrafted wooden place card
holders for the wedding tables. These simple yet elegant holders are a
focal point on the tables. Most couples use one on each table to designate the
table number. Others purchase one for every guest and print small cards
with their names so they know exactly where they're seated.


The photo above shows some of the more elegant holders I
offer. These were cut from an absolutely stunning red oak tree which had fallen
of all places right behind my house on the edge of the woods. Beautifully
spalted, the colors just take your breath away. The heart shaped wire are
handmade by Lisa and she does a fabulous job making these. These take a
lot longer to make than some shown below. But I think for something as special
as your wedding day spending a few extra dollars should be allowed.

Shown above are my best sellers. Simple, yet elegant in design.
The spiral wire design will hold a larger paper stock than the hearts just by
the virtue of the design. I offer an upgrade in the wires to a heavier gauge for
a small charge per piece. This offsets the extra cost of the heavier wire stock.

If you think you might be interested in some of these for your upcoming wedding head to my shop http://www.woodentreasures.etsy.com/ and click on the wedding goodies tab on the right. Please be aware that I have already had to turn down some orders because the soon to be wed did not plan far enough in advance to purchase these. For small orders (10-30 holders) it's usually less than a week to have them in the mail. For larger orders more time is required. If I am not 100% sure I can fill your order on time I will not take the order. I would feel horrible if I were not able to fulfill my end and leave your wedding tables void of my holders. So come to the shop and take a look around.

You might even spot the handcrafted cufflinks I make. Absolutely perfect gift for the groom to give to his mates, dad, and future father-in-law as a pre wedding gift

MARCH MADNESS IS BACK!

Beginning today and going through the end of March I will be posting one item in my Etsy shop www.woodentreasures.etsy.com that will be priced so low you'll think I've gone just absolutely insane! Today's item has already been listed. Take a look if it's not already sold.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42338690

Well it rained here most of the weekend which was great for my mums, but not so great for getting any yard work done! It now looks like the weather is going to clear up and the temperature is going to drop this week. I think the knitters and crocheters are starting to gear up for this fall and winter as button sales are picking up in my etsy shop http://www.woodentreasures.etsy.com If you knit or crochet please stop by as my shop is overflowing with beautiful handcrafted tree branch buttons. If you happen to read this blog post and do buy some buttons please include a note in the checkout letting me know this. I would greatly appreciate it.