[norson]

As many of you know Dutch Elm disease is attacking and killing some beautiful Elm trees. But to guys like me there's a small "benefit" - dead branches, stripped of their bark, rot and fall away. And to date I've made quite a few canes from those branches.

Fairly recently a young man was visiting, saying within a few weeks he was headed for Minnesota for a family reunion. His uncle, a woodworker (that got my attention) was having back problems and wanted to know if I would sell one of my canes.

That's all I needed to hear - walked over to the cane stand and handed Cane #97 to him - as a gift.

I have found great joy in giving stuff away.

 

[Batakali]

Always a pleasure to read your posts! I know you do it for joy of making someone happy but I,and I'm sure many others, would gladly pay for one.

 

[norson]

Thanx for your observation and comment. There is so much history I could relate but will refrain.

(You could thank me later!)

In 2003 I found the joy of hospital volunteering and many times said I now found what I was born to do. Tues of this week I donated a hand made 100% wood truck (with cargo) to our local Salvation Army. The young clerk looked inside the bag and grinned - I asked him to please find it a good home and he agreed. I wonder if maybe his kids played with it that evening.

In March of this year I found/ordered/received a 5-speed gear shift knob to some day, hopefully, use for a cane. I'm prone (maybe not a good word) to skin cancer so go to the dermatologist 2-3 times each year for check ups - and have a full body scan scheduled for next month. Last time there he asked me to make him a cane. If all goes as planned (and it's close) I'll take him Cane #102 - Red Alder - FIVE SPEED STICK SHIFT. It's my current plan to post pics, of course.

(And that was brief, neb? Get a grip!)

 

[Rodney]

Very nice Neb!

So far I've given away only one cane. Not a lot, but it's a start.

It helped me realize that a good looking walking stick is more than just a walking aid to the person who receives it.

Rodney

 

[Batakali]

I love it! I'm planning a move in near future (hopefully) and decided that I just can't take ALL my sticks. In the process of wondering what to with them I suddenly remembered the local VA hospital. So once I find if it's possible and\or wanted they will be receiving some of my better sticks. Maybe I can do a little bit to serve for them.

 

[norson]

I highly recommend calling before making the trip - I found it almost impossible to give my canes to our wounded heroes because of Govt regulations and the filling out of paperwork. That may also be true with the V.A.

-neb

 

[Batakali]

That's what I'm worried about. Still worth a try tho'

 

[Rodney]

Good idea. If the VA doesn't want them maybe the local senior center will?

Rodney

 

[norson]

And here he is with his cane.