He’s short. He’s furry.  And, he’s a fairly decent writer.

No, I’m still going to write Tom’s Workbench… you don’t get off the hook that easily!

Instead, I want to take this space to wish a very happy anniversary to my wife, Rhonda.

Yes, on a hot July Saturday afternoon 17 years ago tomorrow, we exchanged our vows at a Catholic chapel that was originally built just outside of Washington, D.C. in 1741.

She is the silent partner in the Tom’s Workbench team who offers encouragement, good advice and the level-headed reasoning that I frequently lack.

I love you, Rhonda and I couldn’t have done it without you!

As sung by an American Legend himself, Ray Charles.

Everyone in the States, have a happy and safe Independence Day.

Bell from Coast Guard Cutter ‘Blackthorn’ returns to Largo

With this being Memorial Day weekend here in the United States, it’s only fitting that we take some time out to honor those servicemen and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

Back in 1980, the US Coast Guard cutter ‘Blackthorn’ collided with the freighter Capricorn in the mouth of Tampa Bay, killing 23 crew members. This was one of the deadliest disasters in Coast Guard history and a moment of Tampa Bay history that will never be forgotten.

A local military museum has now built an exhibit that enshrines the ship’s bell for visitors to see and remember the sacrifice made that dark night.

The article also happens to have been the first written by my wife Rhonda for the St. Petersburg Times .  Way to go, Rhonda.

Due to the number of comments and inquiries about the latest Shop Monkey article, Wood Magazine has posted the content – in its entirety – at their site.

Happy reading…

For all of you Wood Magazine subscribers (and those who may like to get the occasional copy at  the news stand), the Shop Monkey returns!

Yes, the editors of  Wood must be gluttons for punishment, because they had me back again for a new edition.

Be sure to check out page 16 of the December 2009/January 2010 edition (can you believe that we are now writing the numerals 2010?) .  There, I have a what I hope you consider an interesting discussion about the level of precision required in woodworking.  It’s named, appropriately enough, Precisely how Precise?

If you want to read even more Shop Monkey input, why not check out my blog over at the newly-revamped Wood Magazine forum website?  The new forum software makes it easier than ever to navigate the content and read the input from your favorite bloggers.

Yes, you can even read my content if you have nothing better to do…

The current schedule for the Shop Monkey right now is that the columns will appear in every other edition (the next one is scheduled to appear in the spring).

Now, no more monkey business… back into the shop!