Running with sharp pointy things...

Years ago I gave Mr. a bagel slicer, a circular saw, and a few other tools for Christmas. He decided to try out the bagel slicer and promptly sliced a gash in his finger. (We have also had other mishaps with knives, scissors, lawnmower blades and other sharp pointy things including a wine cork remover. Those are stories for another day, but suffice it so say, sharp pointy things are dangerous - especially in our house. We keep most sharp objects under lock and key.)

I threated to take the tools back and just resort to hiring people to do the home improvements we needed to make. He talked me out of it and proceeded to learn how to use the tools with Grandpa's help and extreme patience. Mr. had 10 thumbs when it came to tools and home improvement projects...


Fast forward almost 20 years...

Mr. is not a home improvement whiz, but he can do almost anything he puts his mind to. He skips most major plumbing and electrical repairs - he knows his limitations and isn't afraid to admit them. As a matter of fact, he's come a long way in 20 years. He can take the tractor apart and put it back together - to running - without any extra pieces left over. He can patch a ceiling - drywall, joint compound, etc. He can paint with the best of them. And - he can demolish anything that needs to be demolished. Now, that's a skill!

This past couple of years he has been begging for a chain saw. We have lots of downed trees that need to be hacked up and burned in our wood stove. He can hear them calling his name every time he goes outside. Last summer, a friend of ours spent a couple of days sawing up some of our logs, but this year... this year is different. The friend has offered to give Mr. chainsaw lessons. In a very weak moment on Sunday, I agreed.

On Tuesday - before I could change my mind - Mr. stopped at our local chainsaw store - yes, we have one - and after much time with the staff, purchased the recommended beautiful orange chainsaw, orange safety chaps, orange and gray leather gloves, and orange helmet. Blaze orange - it's definitely Mr.'s color. It's hot, I tell you...

The lessons start either this weekend or next.

I'm nervous... very nervous.