Just wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.

It's a bit odd to be planting a garden and decorating for the holiday in the same day... Guess there will be lots of things to get accustomed to here in the deserts of California.

I got my CarveWright machine on January 8th of this year. Prior to that, I had spent quite a bit of time just watching what was going on in the forum and basically kept my ears open for a sign that now was the time to buy me a machine.

One of my new years resolutions was to get involved with the internet and put together a way to help me with my hobby and make a couple of bucks to help offset the cost of that hobby.

Wood Carving Machine Tips was born!!

I haven't looked back on that decision, other than to realize just how important a number of people have been to help me realize that goal and new years resolution. Thanksgiving is almost upon us and I think that NOW is a good time to thank those that have been so good to me.

• Rusty at Mac Compatible Web Cams. He has been my mentor and teacher and continues to guide (and sometimes badger) me into getting done what needs to be done. There is no way I could have even come close to what I have online without his help.
• Joe Lovchik of CarveWright's marketing department. Thanks for your kind words of encouragement and your offer to help me in any way I may need. That offer means a lot to me - especially in these early stages.
• Michael Tyler of CarveBuddy.com. Michael, you were the first person from outside my little world that introduced yourself, sent me inspiring compliments and continue to send people my way and never ask for anything in return. You are one of the nicest people I have met during this endeavor. I can't begin to thank you enough.
• Tommy of CompuCarveWright.com. I want to thank this gentleman too, for suggesting people come visit my site and watch my tutorials. I am grateful to your recommendations.
• I want to thank the hundreds of subscribers that have signed up for my tip newsletter and who continue to challenge and support my efforts.
• And most of all, I want to thank the CarveWright forum members. You folks are great and the support you give to all of us is without measure.

Thank you EVERYONE and I wish you a great ThanksGiving.

I got to wondering today if there are any other guys having the same challenge that I’m having...

I don’t know how many times ideas for using the Carvewright have crossed my mind. This is the first summer since I purchased my machine, and finding time to use It doesn’t come easy.

There are so many tasks vying for my time. Stuff like mowing the lawn, weeding the garden, cleaning the gutters, going to the beach, having a picnic - who can find time to carve (tic).

Too hot to work outside today so I took to the cool basement and worked on an even cooler wood carving project.

The weather channel is predicting even more rains for the area. All the stations have declared a flood watch for the entire southern part of the state.

As a safety precaution, I decided to bring all my good tools up out of the basement and place them out of harms way.

I have to say that with all the nice weather lately, it's a bit hard to get down into the basement workshop and do some carving.

We've waited all winter for nice days like these and even though I love to create with my new tool, the outdoors is getting the lion's share of my free time.

Usually the memorial day weekend is a rainy one and I had thought I might be able to find a few minutes to get back to the CW. Ha, just like all the other great plans of man, cosmic energy decided differently. Not that I'm complaining cause I'm not. Just that the idea of making some great carved project will have to wait for another day.

I hope you had a great Memorial Day!