Projects

Stories and thoughts about the many things I’ve built, handcrafted, or envisioned

One of my many hand-carved wooden creations.

A Monumental Task

This morning I decided to undertake a monumental task I had been putting off for months. I screwed up my courage and tackled cleaning up the mess on my desk. After bracing myself with a second cup of coffee, I waded into it. [Read full article]

Unless It Has Cats

Two weeks ago, CBS Sunday Morning broadcast a story about the village of Hobart, New York, which has become known as the “Book Village of the Catskills.” It has a population of 441 residents but has several book stores and has become a tourist destination thanks to a local entrepreneur named Don Dales. Originally there was one used bookstore in the village and several abandoned buildings, which Don thought should be saved. So he bought them in 2005 and made them usable. [Read full article]

Take a tour of my business website

Throughout my career as a professional craftsman and woodworker, I’ve designed and built all sorts of one-of-a-kind products for my customers, from custom signage and branding to landscape structures, kitchen furniture and bread boards, and liturgical art and church furniture. You can see many of them at my business’ website: thedesignfactory.online.

Our Glorious Vegetable Garden

It seemed innocent enough. Purchasing two small patio tomato plants already with small green fruits in April. They would provide enough for a few tasty sandwiches, and some greenery on the front deck. But these two plants got Mary and I to thinking. So much for simple ideas… [Read full article]

The Value of Infrastructure Investment

Blogger’s note: I sent this letter to President Obama and several members of congress in 2014. Attached is a diagram of most of the major elements that go into the repair, replacement or construction of a new highway bridge. I drew this in an effort to show how many businesses, products and people are needed to complete this type of infrastructure project. [Read full article]

Further Thoughts on the Value of Infrastructure Development

I have been listening to Congress dither for years, and now more fervently, about the cost of the Federal Government funding of all things deemed necessary. For certain there are differences in what is deemed critical, what is necessary, and what is thought discretionary. But the bottom line thinking really should be: Will there be a positive return on the investment? [Read full article]