On New Year’s Eve, my step-grandson, Tony, was fatally stabbed to death. Details are still sketchy but it appears that the student-housing block was having a New Year’s Eve party and after midnight things turned horrible. We are still numb and in shock at this senseless death of a wonderful young man. We send our prayers and hearts of Tony’s family in Massachusetts and elsewhere and truly wish we could do something to make their pain (and ours) less.

Meanwhile, back on the homestead, life continues, although with much less joy. We have an unfinished roof projecting into our greenhouse, off the living room. It’s covered only with black ice-and-water shield and it’s pretty ugly. I’d wanted to finish it with hand-split shakes but they are SO expensive and it never got done. Will had made a knife blank for our friend Eric, who is experimenting at making knives, and had a piece of that old broken leaf spring left over. He also had several large cedar logs left from when he built fence on the new forty acres. Things started clicking and he tried the knife Eric had made for him, which is really like a foot long sturdy Samurai sword, on one of the rounds cut from the cedar logs.

Leaf-spring

It made pretty shakes although was slower than using a froe. A froe is expensive and that is why we don’t have one. BUT there was the leftover piece of leaf spring and Will cut it to length, leaving the eye on the end, sharpened it, made a handle from some ash we have stockpiled for firewood (and other uses). Now, a few hours later, he’s out splitting shakes like mad with our new froe. With the long handle, the shakes pop right off the blocks of wood. And, as you can see, they are pretty, too.

making-shakes

Shakes

It’s getting dark so I’ve got to go do chores. Life goes on even on the darkest of days. — Jackie

52 COMMENTS

  7. I am a wannabe homesteader, but most of all, a lifelong reader of every sort of writing. You are, without a doubt, my favorite author. My heart goes out to you and Will. This life is so hard, and we all must try and carry on and find joy in the things we love. I love your spirit and your gift of sharing all your knowledge with all of your readers. Only time can lessen our sorrows.

  8. So very sorry for your loss, Jackie & family! Thoughts & prayers to you and yours…and big hugs.

  10. So very sorry for you and your families loss. So hard to understand why people can be so cruel. Dear God may your hand of comfort and peace be upon the family and friends of Tony, and may you help them con’t to live life with only the good memories to stand out and may justice prevail upon the ones who were responsible for this senseless crime, in Jesus name Amen.

  13. Deepest sympathy to you and Will and your families. The shakes are very nice. You both continue to inspire us.

  15. Deepest sympathy to you, Will and your family. Keeping you all in my prayers. Love the shakes.

  16. So sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.You and Willl are so handy. The shakes are so beautiful. I wouldn’t have thought you could make them by hand. Such nice work. You are both so talented.

  19. So sorry to hear of Tony’s death. Prayers being said for you and the whole family. Years ago My friend Betty’s sister Linda was killed. There was no reason, and although it was over 50 years ago I still think about it. The only reason given was she wouldn’t go out with the fellow who killed her. I know that not only her family was affected but so was his. His mother was devistated, and there was nothing she could do or could have done to prevent it.
    I hope the rest of 2013 is one of blessings for you and all your family.
    I have a garden shack that is covered in cedar shakes , also the roof. I love it. Our neighbour taught me how to make shakes and I made a few to replace some that had worn out. I used a dark stain so they wouldn’t show up mixed in with the old shakes and it blended in pretty well.

  20. My condolences to Will, you and Tony’s family. Such a senseless loss of life.
    Prayers for your family from me.

    And Will does such nice work. The shakes are very pretty.

  21. I’m so terribly sorry for the loss you and your family has suffered. Praying you will be comforted and blessed in this time of sadness.

  23. Our prayers are with you. My son-in-law recently lost his dad. He was beat to death for $10 american in Mexico. So many senseless deaths. We have come to the conclusion that we need to move to some property sooner and we will homeschool our Grandchildren.

  27. So many tragedies happening in our country. I am so sorry Tony was one of them. May the Holy Spirit comfort you and give you peace. Your memories can’t be taken away and can be a source of comfort.

    My seed catalogs have started arriving. Spring is around the corner.

  29. I’m so very sorry to read about the death in your family. I am praying right now for that perfect peace for all of you.

  33. I’m so sorry for your loss. I wish I had the words to say to ease the pain, or that I could at least offer a shoulder to cry on. I’m afraid a virtual hug is all I can offer right now.

  37. Jackie and Will I hope that you can feel the big old hugs I’m sending your way. There are truly no words for such a senseless tragedy.I know that Tony’s parents and you and Will are still in shock, a few prayers,a few tears and lots of hugs and happy memories will help to ease the pain.My deepest sympathy.

  38. Your entire family is in my prayers….and I really mean that. How awful to loose a young man in this senseless way.

  39. So sorry to hear of Will and your loss..I am praying that the Holy Spirit will comfort you both in this time..Work always has a way of heiping to heal…Love to the both of you ..MA

  43. ‘I’m sorry’ seems so ineffectual, but I am so sorry for your terrible loss. Many people will be praying for you and Tony’s family.

  46. Jackie, I am so sorry for your loss. Words aren’t sufficient at such a time but our thoughts and prayers are with you. Yes, life does go on even if subdued. Your shakes are beautiful. Kudos to Will.

  47. So sorry for your loss and saying a prayer for you. Thank you for taking time to share more of your wisdom with us.

  48. Life lost in this way is such terrible tragedy. Words are entirely insufficient. Hopefully someone will come alongside each grieving person and sit quietly, hold their hand and let them cry (yell, talk) or whatever is needed. I am so very sorry.

  49. I know it doesn’t make it any easier, but the thoughts of all your readers are with you. You make us feel like a part of your extended family, and I’m so thankful you share so graciously with all of us. Best wishes and take care.

  50. Our prayers and condolences go out to you on your loss. It is so hard when someone you love is the victim of a random, senseless act of violence. We are hoping that your 2013 will get better. As to the shakes you are indeed fortunate that Will is so handy and I am betting those shakes will be beautiful once up : ).

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