Jake's turn in the wood shop

Jake came home from Albany and spent some creative time in the wood shop. 

He is making a heart shaped keepsake box.  Top, middle and bottom to become the box.

He cut out the middle the band saw.

He is gluing the middle part back together because he had to cut it open to cut out the center.

 Someone looks happy creating.  It is rumored that he likes to cook too.  :)

Now the box is glued and sanded and ready for some finishing touches.

He added some wood burning and varnish for a lovely keepsake box.

Wood shop FUN starting the process for cutting boards

The strips of wood are cut and glue is added.

Each strip of wood has the glue smeared evenly before they are clamped together.

Wood strips are clamped together and left to dry.

And yet, another.

These boards are finished drying and ready to go through the planer.  Anyone need a cutting board or two or seven?  LOL

Jake WON GOLD!

Philadelphia, PA - Jason Morris Judo Center (JMJC) athletes Brad Bolen (22), Hannah Martin (22) & Jake Stromecki (21) all captured titles in their respective divisions at the Liberty Bell Classic in Philadelphia, PA over the weekend. Overall the JMJC claimed a total of 9 medals. Bolen added this win at 66kg to his gold last week at the Ocean State International which should be a good confidence boost for the Pan Am Championships next weekend in Guadalajara, Mexico. Bolen picked up the $350 first prize money. Bolen will join teammates Nick Kossor (60kg) and Kyle Vashkulat (100kg) on the US team that will be competing in the Pan Ams. Martin moved up to 63kg from her normal 57kg weight class and won the gold. Stromecki (100kg) won his first Liberty Bell going 3-0 on the day. Cammi Kaichi (23) won a silver at 57kg as did Natalie Lafon (30) who was in 52kg. Brice Rudat (21) earned a silver medal in the 90kg novice category while Pete Stanley (27) won a silver in the 100kg novice division. Ethan Stanley (24) closed out the JMJC medal count by winning a silver in +100kg novice and a bronze in the +100kg elite division

Papa Jim's Wood Shop & a few signs of Spring

 Peter & I painted a sign that Papa Jim cut for us to make for his wood shop.  This is some serious artistry going here.  :)

Papa put it up so you can see it when you enter.

We've taught Peter that you always sign your work and he did but wanted to add one more thing...he added LOVE all on his own.  On the count of three....awwww.  LOL

Jim has been working 7 days a week and nearly 12 hours a day lately.  He actually got out to his wood shop (MUCH NEEDED creative outlet) last weekend for a few hours.  Yay!  Behind those sheets is an amazing cherry wood shelf that he is waiting to varnish for Sarah, Mike & Peter.  Final picture will come soon.

 Look what we found when we went for a walk today...

...and another!  Oh, be still my heart !

Seriously, be still my heart.   :)

Big news and some daily stuff...

Jake Stromecki took second place after being away due to surgery!   Check out that smile!

In this photo: , Natalie Lafon, Ethan Stanley, Christie Anne Woosley, Jake Stromecki, Hannah Martin, Peter Stanley, Brad Bolen (photos) , Kyle Vashkulat


JMJC Win 13 Medals at Ocean States
Providence, RI - Athletes from the Jason Morris Judo Center hauled in 13 total medals including 9 Gold at the Ocean State International Judo Championships in Providence, RI over the weekend. The Ocean States in the third leg of the Zebra tour with the first two being the the Starrett Cup and Pedro's Challenge and the last stop being the JMJC's own Morris Cup X at Burnt Hills High School May 14, 2011. Brad Bolen (Burnt Hills), Harrison Hatton (Charlton), Natalie Lafon (Clifton Park),Hannah Martin (Burnt Hills), Ethan Stanley (Clifton Park), Pete Stanley (Clifton Park), Kyle Vashkulat (Clifton Park) & Christie Woosley (Gloversville) all walked away with Gold medals in their respective divisions. Bolen (22) went 4-0 in the 66kg weight class to capture the title along with the $250 first award. Martin (22) was sharp all day winning two Golds claiming the 57kg and 63kg divisions. Among Hannah's victories was one over #2 ranked Hana Carmichael who had won the previous five meetings between the two. Lafon (30) posted a 3-0 mark on the day winning all of her matches by ippon to win the 52kg category. Ethan Stanley (24) was a double medalist taking a gold in the +100kg novice division then picking up a bronze in the elite +100kg weight class. Pete Stanley (26) continued to improve taking a Gold in the 100kg novice division. Hatton (17), a Burnt Hills High Junior picked up a Gold winning the brown belt 66kg division. Woosley (18) was a double medalist taking a gold in 70kg and bronze in the 78kg category. Vashkulat (20) cruised through the +100kg division keeping his hopes alive to capture all the Zebra tour events to claim the $1000 bonus for doing so. Kyle would be only the second athlete to win the Zebra tour in it's five year history joining JMJC's Nick Kossor (25) who accomplished that feat in 2009. Jake Stromecki (Burnt Hills) looked very good in his first tournament back from reconstructive shoulder surgery and won a silver medal in the 100kg weight class. Krystal Defibaugh (16) form Galway closed out the JMJC medal count winning a bronze in her first tournament in the 15-16yrs. 57kg division.

 Of course I have to add a picture of our newest member of the Stromecki homestead, Bella

On a clear day...blue sky and sunshine!  Snow?  what snow?  Our crocus and daffodils were all starting to pop out of the dirt before this last spring snow.  I think there is a sassy redheaded mother nature sitting back with her feet up, sipping on a perfect margarita and having the last laugh.  :)

I really don't mind the snow when the sun is shining, well, most days anyway.

With this new job I have of training this wonderful little puppy I was trying to find some natural dog training treats and I discovered this recipe on DogAware.com.  I tried the tuna recipe and Bella LOVES them.  I did the recipe in the food processor and they whipped up quick.

I put half of them in the freezer and the other half in a glass jar in the fridge to grab as needed.  I will keep ya posted on the progress of the training...lol

Another batch from the wood shop

Well, sorry that I haven't been blogging much...Jim said that he thought I said I was "back"  LOL  well, life is full and vibrant and keeping me busy to say the least.  This is a box of clip boards that Jim made from scrap wood.  I am thinking of putting them on etsy to see if there is any interest.  Currently, you can find them at Shoppe On Main in Newfane along with his wonderful cutting boards.

She's baaacckk...

A hint that the "winter blues" might be over!  I just got a new pocket digital camera, Nikon Coolpix S8100.  I love my big gun camera but for quick shots...this is my new darlin.
See you SOON!