Life Goes On

I just noticed that it has been 3 weeks since my last posting. I wish I could say that things have been too busy around here, but alas, not the case.

It was hunting season and I got out 4 times. I saw 6 deer. 3 were Mule deer and I didn't have a draw. The others were a doe Whitetail and two fawns. I didn't want to in effect kill 3 deer, so I passed

The weather has been miserable, with everything, from rain, to snow, to a mixture and black ice. Not much fun being outdoors in that!

I did spend some time carving in my man cave in the garage. I got this American Wigeon to the paint stage after 3 months. Another month and I may have it finished.

In the meantime, Life Goes On!

Finally, It's Done!

I have been a bad blogger in that I haven't posted for some time. Lots of excuses, bad weather, winter blahs, etc. but nothing really good for an excuse.I did take the time to work on and finish my eagle head. It was more of a job than I figured. However, it is done.

At times I think I should have left it just burnt.

It is Done!

The Green Wing Teal with feather detail burned in

 More detail.

 Final paint scheme. Not sure what bird to do next?

Coming Along

Blue Winged Teal

Well, another one is finished and on the shelf in the living room. This one took about 30 hours to do. I am planning on a really detailed northern Pintail for the next carving. The carving will have to fit into rainy days around lawn cutting, garden building, house re-shingling etc.

 It looks like it's going to be a busy summer!

Bits and Pieces

It appears that we are getting into spring, finally. The temperature was +10 today, forcast for +12 and +14 for the next few and then into double digits for the next few weeks. Yeah!

There were only two geese in the field today and they did not look happy. 

 As a matter of fact, they were not happy when Daphne put the chase on them. She could keep up with them for about 150 yards.

 This one kind of penned herself (himself) in, and had very few places to go.

 During the in between weather, i cleaned out the bird houses in preparation for the Tree Swallows return.
I have also been poking away at this carving that will be a Blue Winged Teal over the next few weeks. I am awaiting the arrival of the glass eyes from Saskatchewan.

Update On the Carving Project

Due to requests from several people, here is an up date on the carving process. It's easy. Picture the bird inside the block, and remove that wood that doesn't belong. :-}

 It takes a while to get the excess away with a power chisel seeing how I don't have a band saw (yet).

 This is the time consuming work, but what the heck, I'm retired and have lots of time, right?

 The home made carving vice works great, and I can set the bird at any angle or position. $20. Thanks, Internet!

Now it is starting to look like a Shoveler Drake, Sort of.

 The body is almost ready for the second level of carving.

Da bea, da beah, that's all folks, for now! :-}

The Man Cave is Ready!

My winter hide away is now ready except for a door latch and a small heater. I built the 8X10 foot inside addition so that i would have a warm place to do some woodcarving and reloading without having to heat the entire garage.

 This outside cold area will be for doing any building that does not require heat, such as working on the truck or car.

 Pretty soon i will be making sawdust and shavings in this cozy little space. I will still be able to get my truck inside, and more importantly, Elaine's car.