Tuesday, January 9, 2018

Keeping Busy in Minnesota Winters

Hello. Thanks for joining me today. I thought I would share a little about the importance of keeping busy with something constructive in the cold winter. While I love winter and the beauty of the season, I didn't just fall off the pumpkin wagon. There are some aspects of winter that can damage the psyche if we don't try to be productive. If you don't have anything to do, and you live in an isolated place in the country, you might just lose your marbles.

I think of winter as the opportunity to get away from the work I must do, to embrace the work I like to do. You must have an interest and you must see positive results. One of the things I've enjoyed is woodworking, refinishing and simple projects around the house. Here is a table I worked on last year. It was a wreck, but I'm happy with the results. I made a new tabletop and replaced the drawer front and hardware.


I built this red oak bookcase three or four years ago at the Eagle Bend High School in an evening adult class that was held during the winter. It was fun to go and talk to others interested in the same things as I am and to complete something that I could use and have some pride in.


A small chair that belonged to my Grandma Thompson. I used some leftover deck stain and distressed it with some craft paint, then a clearcoat and a new seat.


Birds are important to me, and I made this picture from a Fleet Farm Store birdseed bag, when they still sold feed in paper bags. I refinished an old frame from a rummage sale.


As you can see, winter is the time to get things done in the house. Summertime is too busy with the garden, mowing and upkeep outside, and also planning what I can get done when the snow flies! Thanks for visiting.




11 comments:

  1. I'm impressed with the refinishing and woodworking you've done. Also the framed birdseed bag, that was a great idea!

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    1. Thanks Granny Marigold. Now I hope to tackle an old rocking chair, but having my doubts, ha.

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  2. Love how you have framed the old birdseed bag, it looks wonderful. Impressive wood projects.

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  3. Beautiful pieces. It's a wonderful skill to be able to build such nice things.

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    1. I wish I had a better space to work on them. Maybe this summer!

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  4. You obviously have a lot of talent; an eye for what looks good and the hands to create beautiful pieces. I, too, love to work with my hands and need to have a "product" to show for my efforts. Looking forward to seeing more of your creations!

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    1. Thanks Mama Pea. Always the hardest part for me is to quit thinking so much and just get started!

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  5. We all have to do something to survive the Minnesota winters. It was fun to see your woodworking projects:)

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  6. I'm pleased to have discovered your blog via your visit to mine. I'm a firm believer in 'projects' especially now in retirement. it seems important to have something with a visible result [beyond the usual chores]I have a table similar to yours which I rescued years ago--mine could use another refurbishing. I like what you've done with the bird seed bag!

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