MANTEL CLOCK

This Arts n Crafts Mantel Clock is my latest project. 

Cindy and I were sitting with our laptops doing our own thing when I came across this clock design on Pinterest. I immediately showed Cindy and we both agreed that we liked it. So I visited the website it came from and ordered the plans.

It was fun to make. I believe it turned out great.

The hardest part was staining it. I decided that staining can turn out nice but it is messy and you have no guarantees it will turn out how you envisioned it.

My wall-art wooden geared clock really looks nice but at the moment it does not work. Having said that I continue to tinker with it and plan to start a different design wooden geared clock pretty soon. 

A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN FEBRUARY

Today is Saturday, February 17 and it is beautiful outside.
It is a day of warm 55 degree breezes with a clear blue sky.

I had a bad cold for most of the week and didn't really feel good enough to get out. By today I felt like I needed to get out. So out to lunch at Fazolis and then for a walk along the South Platte River which winds its way through Littleton a 10 minute drive from home.

Cindy and I love walking here along the river. Along with the river there are a couple of lakes to enjoy. There are almost always bikers and hikers out strolling the same paved trail we are on. 

Today we saw a number of bikers and hikers. There were also fisherman trying their luck. A few had waders on and stood out in the midst of things. There were ducks to see, shimmering water, a rabbit or two, brown vegetation and a bit of snow in the shadows  but a promise of new life to come once the Spring comes. It is still February after all.

It felt good to get out.

JACKSON EVERETT THOMPSON

It certainly is true that babies come when they are ready and usually not before.

Grandson #4 or grandchild #7 better known as Jackson Everett Thompson decided it was time finally to come and introduce himself to his family but he certainly was a bit stubborn about it. 

His due date was Feb. 2. Well, I put Feb. 2 in my calendar to remind me of his birthday since babies come when we want them to come, right? He decided not to come then. Back home from the hospital Laura and BJ went. They waited and waited and still no Jackson. He wasn't ready. Teachers at Lily and Ben's school were asking, "do you have a baby brother yet?" and the answer was "not yet." Laura and BJ conferred with the doctor and decided that  they would give him a few more days to make up his mind BUT he was going to come that next weekend.

So back to the hospital Laura and BJ went. I should mention that Cindy and I were babysitters for the other grandkids while everyone waited.

Finally on Saturday, Feb. 10th at 9pm, Jackson was ready. He came and has already made himself at home.

Welcome to the family Jackson. We love you.

Ben & Lily are so proud.

Ryan is curious.

Grandpa J is getting comfortable.