Stuck-In-the-House- Saturday

 Due to a Freezing Rain Alert (and some laziness) I plan on a low profile relaxing day. I was browsing some of my old files and photos going back to the 1890's and found a few of interest.

My home town, Kenora, was originally called Rat Portage, due to the migration of muskrats , or so the story goes. The town fathers decided that this was not a very attractive name and so changes it to Kenora, Taking the first Two letters of Keewatin, a village three miles away, the NO  fron Norman, another village about 1 1/2 miles away and the RA from Rat Portage. My Dad claimed seniority over his friend due to the fact that he was an "original citizen", being born in Rat Portage in 1903, and his friend was born in Kenora, the same year!

 It's hard to believe that my Dad was born the year the Wright Brothers first flew! Look what's happened in 2 generations with flight!

The picture below was of the Rat Portage Fire Department in 1895.My Great-grandfather was A.R Holland and another relative E Donkin

An old obituary

 Now, a picture of cuteness, me, at age 3 in 1947. Did I say I was humble too?

 My Grandfather on my mother's side, James Bruce.

 My Great grand father on my Dad's side who came over from Coventry, England in the 1890's, plus his sons who came with him.Arthur was my Grandfather. They homesteaded near Bird's Hill Park in Manitoba, but their timing was off and the had to leave the land. They almost starved the first winter. Arthur moved to Rat Portage.

Well, I guess that's enough reminiscing for now.

It is a shame though, that a person may know his parents and grand parents, but anything beyond them is largely unknown and forgotten.

Back to Carving After a 11 Year Lay Off

Wood carving is a nice, relaxing hobby. I did it for years until the horses, Acreage and other things took up my time.

I found the free plans for this vice on the internet. It cost a total of $20 plus change. I was not sure if it would be sturdy enough, but my fears were unfounded. It can be rotated to any angle and any position.

 I purchase 2 blocks of Bass wood from Saskatchewan via the internet. I was hoping for Tupelo Gum, but it is short supply right now for some reason. The wood received was first class, wal dried, and free of flaws. It is not as easy to carve as Tupelo, but I am not in any hurry.

 Here is the block mounted on the vice with wood starting to be removed.

Carving is not that hard,. You just picture the bird inside the block and remove the wood that does not belong!

 A band saw would be easier than a power chisel, but again, I am not in a hurry.

 Here is about 3 hours of chiseling. The next part will be the side profile. This will be a 2 piece carving with the head being carved and added later.

I will try not to bore you with too much detail. Today I am a little excited to be back at it.
This will be a Northern drake Shovel Bill