Came home this evening, expecting another grueling battle with computering, but came home to the most pleasant surprise!!!

Kathy Marshall decided to ship the most beautiful piece of mesquite I've ever had the opportunity to turn. That's no small deal, since my brother in San Antonio has given me nice pieces out of his firewood pile any time I visit Texas.

But this piece....Holy smokes. Clean, big, check-free, gorgeous color 12X12X6.

Cherry used to be my favorite wood to turn....but over the years, mesquite took its place. I love it for the smell, how nicely it cuts, how nicely it dries, and the end result is usually a beautiful unique grain, found no where else.

I've already decided....I will cut it in three pieces One tall all-mesquite vase. And two smaller vase bodies for multi-species pieces.

Thank you Kathy. You made a very difficult day end in delight.

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