Wandering America
April 2007 Part I
| It's Time to Question Our Sanity Some days I think we were born stupid and losing ground ever since. For some unknown reason and in our infinite wisdom we decided to go to Michigan and celebrate Easter with our relatives, what on earth were we thinking. Our plans when we began fulltiming were to get out Michigan before winter began and not return until after winter was gone. Well, Michigan 2, Pattersons 0. It managed to snow three days before we left in October and starting snowing again when we arrived on April 5th. The temperatures dropped into the twenties staying there for three days and it continued to snow off and on for over a week. We had expected 40's and 50's but not below freezing temperatures. Sheeeeesh!!!!! It's always nice to see relatives even if their lips are blue. At least there was a nice fire in the fireplace to cuddle up to in the evening. During the day we took care of some more "projects". This time it was refinishing the sink covers and remodeling the entertainment center to accept a new Sharp Aquos LCD HD television along with our VHS/DVD player. We were looking to accomplish two things by getting the new TV, one was to reduce weight and the other was to enhance our movie watching capability. We enjoy renting movies and watching them at home in front of our fireplace while eating a bowl of pop corn and sipping a glass of wine.   Other things that needed to be taken care of before we headed east for our summer of workamping were doctor appointments and an annual meeting to review our oldest son's housing arrangements. While in Harbor Springs for doctor appointments we visited the Plant that Darrell had managed. It was good seeing all of his co-workers and touring the plant. Darrell was a stickler for organization and it was good to see that they have continued to maintain the orderliness and not revert back to the "cluttered" work areas. Then it was onto Morley, MI where we met up with our "seasonal" friends at MeCosta Pines Campground. Mary from MeCosta Pines e-mailed us on Thursday morning (the 12th) stating that they had received 8" of snow and was wondering if we were still planning to come. Judy called her back saying that we would be there in the afternoon to which she stated that they "would plow out our site for us". Now there's a phrase you don't want to hear very often while RVing. We got together with the "hardy souls" who were willing to brave the cold and "winter camp". As usual we did a potluck dinner on Saturday evening and reminisced about the "good old days" when the sun shined and temperatures were warmer. As always there was lots of laughter and a great time was had by all.  We visited the company that Darrell retired from to see if they were able to function without him. They were doing just fine so he can continue to sleep well in the future. Again they had continued implementing the initiatives that were started while he was there. It is good to know that your work is not in vain. We went to lunch with a few of them and had a great time visiting. Then it was time to head south again to thaw out. Next year our relatives and friends won't be seeing the whites of our eyes until the fourth of July and only then if the meteorologist promises not to use the "S" word in any of his/her forecasts!!!!! R&M Design As we travel we look for the unusual one-of-a-kind type of places. In Holly, Michigan there is a small home business by the name of R&M Designs that manufactures unique wood products. What makes them unique is the type products they manufacture as well as the various woods that are used in the process. The owners, Warren and Shirley Lindsay, have been designing, manufacturing, and selling their wares for over twenty years.  They market their
goods at the Michigan Renaissance fair, a booth at the local farmers market, and at various craft fairs. Meticulous
detailing and
dedication to quality are trademarks of R&M Designs.
While
observing Warren sanding a pencil holder he stated that most
people would consider it completed after sanding with 120 grit.
But not him, he still had 180 grit, 220 grit, and 400 grit
sanding to go before using
a leather strap for polishing. When he was finished the product
shined without any liquid finish, but it really shined
after the treatment was applied. One of those pencil holders made
its way to our computer desk. 
Making a wooden pencil holder requires cutting rings out of various
woods, then gluing them together along with the base, putting them on
a lathe for the sanding process, applying the finish, plugging
the hole in the base which is used attach it to the lathe, and then a final
inspection with finishing touches. The woods
consist of Oak, Maple, Perdeuk, Walnut, Beach, and Purpleheart.
This is just one of
their fine products. They make wooden clipboards, cutting boards,
cars, trucks, rubber-band guns, push toys, name trains, and other
various "name" products, to mention a few. The wooden names are one of their most
popular items.The shop is located behind their home which is on a five acre parcel of land. It is made up of a "storage room" where rough lumber is stored and dried, a "saw room" where the rough wood is prepared, a "work room" where the products are cut out, drilled, routed, and sanded, and a "finishing room" where painting and staining are accomplished. Warren does all of the cutting, drilling, sanding, etc. while Shirley does the finish sanding, staining, painting, and packaging. They share the duties of working the various booths at the craft fairs, the farm market, and the Renaissance. So, if you find yourself at any of these locations and see the R&M Designs sign you can know that each and every product is made to last with the "quality built in".       Friends Along The Way
These are some of our "Seasonal" friends, the "hardy souls," from MeCosta Pines Campground (MPC). We always enjoy our times together while sharing food and drink - sometimes more drink than food!! |
