Todd, the "Green" Engineer

Todd and Mom pose for a pic as Todd leaves Ft Smith to go to his summer job in Little Rock. He will be working for Viridian (www.viridianUSA.com) which is a consulting and construction firm specializing in "eco friendly" buildings. They have an interesting list of things you must do if you would like one of them to come and speak at your event. No styrofoam cups, print on both sides of paper if paper is really necessary (email is strongly encouraged) but the one Todd thought was the most interesting was that if beer is served a keg is the way to go! No sense in wasting all those bottles. Yes, I believe Todd will fit in with his employers and enjoy his summer!

We miss you already Todd!!

Mailbox gets a Home Makeover!

The Spain's mailbox was looking pretty shabby. It was time for a little home makeover, or so Suzanne said. Here's the result, built as a late Mother's Day gift. I've always wanted a log cabin....this is as close as I'll probably ever get but at least it has a banjo by the door!
(Note: Click on picture if you want a larger view)

Maxine the One Eyed Wonder Dog!

Maxine Love, known as the "One Eyed Wonder Dog" died several weeks ago and is dearly missed by her family, Trish, Mark and Joe. This scroll saw portrait was created as a gift to Maxine's family in honor of their best friend.

Here also is the original picture it was created from. What a cute dog!!!!

It's a Dog's Life!

Pictures of Socks and Coco...and maybe Sock's sister!!!

Weekend in Little Rock!

These are a few pics we took in Little Rock this weekend. Note in particular the dog friend we met at the dog park. Shelooks EXACTLY like Socks!! We are pretty sure they are brother and sister. They sure played together like they knew each other...rolled around and hugged like old friends. Elle, the girl dog was also a "rescue" and the owner doesn't know the previous history but look for yourself. How could there be another mutt so close to Socks?

We also drove by Viridian where Todd will be an engineering intern this summer. They specialize in "green" buildings so Todd should learn a lot.

Also pictured are the new headquarters of Heifer International located next to the Clinton Library. Brad is standing in front of the visitor's center next door which was one of his deign projects and will be opening soon.

Enjoy the slide show!!! (....and be sure to check back for a video later!)

The Razorback Cello Section '09

 

Not every Razorback team gets a lot of newspaper publicity. Reporters don't come from everywhere to write about how this team is doing...who will carry the load next year and what freshmen are coming in. However, while the annual Red and White football game was being played down the street, the UA Symphony Orchestra combined with the university's Schola Cantorum and the community's Master Chorale performed the Brahm's Requiem at the Walton Arts Center. Needless to say it was gorgeous and of course that was due mostly to the cello team. (Well, DUH! of course!) Guys, you are MY dream team and worthy of praise!!

It is rather hard to believe that the cellist on the extreme left is related to one of the Floppy Bottom Boys pictured in the previous post. Of course he would not claim any musical affiliation I'm sure.

The Floppy Bottom Boys

This is the group you didn't get to hear at Extravaganza 2009. Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on your point of view!) things were running a little late so the Floppy Bottom Boys yielded the stage to others with bigger amplifiers. We had fun anyway....and preserved our ear drums for another day.

Extravaganza 2009

The Westark Area Council's Extravaganza 2009 was a spectacular success. Attended by nearly 2,000 people, the event was held at Ft Chaffee just outside Fort Smith. As you can see by the smiles on the faces in the video everyone had a wonderful time....and the weather was just gorgeous. (not counting the high winds and the electrical storm at night.)

Wood Badge Puzzle Box

This special Wood Badge puzzle box was created for the Wood Badge Reunion at Extravaganza 2009. This as well as the two knives and clocks will be auctioned to raise funds for scholarships for the next course.

The box is cut from a single block of aromatic cedar. A "key" has to be removed to open it and there is a smaller box inside that has two lids to be removed to get to the pair of Scout fleur-de-lis earrings inside.
(Click on the picture for a larger view.)

Old Man Playing Banjo!

Anybody know this old codger?.....saw him in my backyard playin' the banjar!!! Twarn't no good but you kin tell by the smile under the beard he really likes to play! Now, les see.....whar' kin I post this so those two young'uns of his will see it? Better yet, whar kin I post it so his young'uns FRIENDS will see it!!!

SHHHH!! Don't Tell Kevin!

This is the knife and box created for our Extravaganza 2009 chairman, Kevin Overholt....but don't tell him! It's a surprise!!
He was in the Bear Patrol of SR-890, hence the bear on the box.
(Click on the picture if you'd like a larger view)

Wood Badge Items for Auction

Here are the items I have made so far for the Wood Badge Reunion at Extravaganza 2009. Proceeds go for scholarships for the next course in Spring 2010. If time allows I might come up with a few more but the knives have sold well in the past. These are Victorinox Swiss Army knives with the plastic handles pulled off and replaced with cocbolo. The inlays are German silver and yellowheart.