Pens and Poets

Tonight was the local chapter of the American Association of Woodtuners meeting in Charlotte. Meeting in a secluded metal building with nothing but the sounds of airplanes flying over head on approach to the local airport, we collectively froze our buns off. The building, while not immense, is large enough that heating would be far too costly and the cement slab floor conveys the cold with stunning efficiency.

The meeting was a focus on spherical turnings. An interesting demo followed by all the attendees who brought an item sharing a little info about it. I brought a few of my roughly turned lidded boxes, a pen, and a few bowls. All in all, it was a good time.

Raymond and I stopped by The Grape Vine in Baxter on the way south and I had a few of my new favorite beer 'The Poet'. While from a bottle, a very good stout made by the New Holland Brewing Company. A mildly dark stout with enough solidity in the head to leave a ring on the glass indicating each swallow. It's not often a man finds a beer that he'll actively seek out in the future, so I consider this a good outing.

While we were there I ran into a friend from high school, Kevin Lavender, who I haven't seen in more than 15 years. Time, it waits for no man. So many years passed, so much living under our belts but a little conversation and we're right back in High School.

This was not a bad day. Lydia was vested as the single parent tonight, but she managed to make it through and I'll be repaying the favor tomorrow night. Wonder what I'll be posting about then...