A Few Years Ago

I think that Joseph was 13 when we did this. I was to travel from Texas to Tulsa, Oklahoma to demonstrate hand tool woodworking at the Woodworking Shows' show, a three-day event I used to enjoy. It was mainly to promote my classes in Elm Mott in Texas, just south of Dallas and north of Waco. I asked Joseph if he would keep me company and he jumped at the idea of a road trip for four days. I also wanted something additional that we could do together as we were there at the show with a bench and hand tools so I cut the wood for this compact version tool chest I called a traveling version of my larger Joiner's toolbox.

Throughout the weekend and between demonstration times we worked jointly on the various dovetails and mortise and tenons. Woodworkers gathered around as we worked and whatever I did Joseph followed doing exactly the same or indeed and exact opposite. By close of show on Sunday evening we had the toolbox completed, replete with handle, hinges, hasp and magnetic catch. All that was left to do was apply the finish.

The other day I saw it in his home workshop and remembered the days we were together. How does the song go? Ah, yes, "Memories are made of this!"