Glad to be here

[virwil]

Good evening to all of you. About 18 mos. ago I retired from pastoral ministry after 35 yrs. I'm now 63 yrs. old/young(?). I am a disabled vet from the results of injuries gained in Viet Nam that have come back to hount me in these last few years. I had thought about wood carving but when working 50-60 hours a week there just never seemed to be time to learn.

About two and a half months ago I found the Duneland Woodcarver's Club online. They meet every Tues. morning in Portage, IN. I joined and several of the men and women in the club have been graciously helpful each week in helping me learn the techniques of carving. The club is made up of some friendly and caring people.

My first two projects are kept only for me to see. My third is actually not too bad. I carved the characture figure, "Dilmer." I got his face a bit too fat for the rest of his body but I'm going to show it to the other carvers tomorrow morning.

I have been married to same beautiful blonde for almost 43 yrs. now. We have two daughters. One is married to a Navy Chaplain and the other is married to a pastor and they live in Ohio and have our granddaughters. Our daughter who has a Navy chaplain husband lives in Washington State. they will be moving to the east coast in the end of July and will be much closer. At least we can drive that distance in a day or two.

I have become the Chaplain of the DAV chapter I am a member of. I enjoy all the pastoral care I can give to the other vets or their families while in the hosp. and other types of caring ministry, but I do not miss the buildings, boards and budgets of pastoring.

Anyway, I'm glad for the privilege of being here and being a part of a great group of people known as Duneland Carvers.

[bigEd_H]

Hello and welcome to the forum and to a very enjoyable hobby. You will find that the gracious and friendly members of your local carving club are but a small example of the carving community at large. The members here are just as friendly and gracious. If you have any questions about tools, techniques or just about anything you will find many good answers.

Also, we like to share pictures.

[Riverman]

Hi and welcome to the group!
Bob

[Ron T]

Hello and welcome! There's a great group of carvers here who will be happy to help you. Just ask.

[hwallen48]

Welcome lots of great people and ideas here!

[SlowMover]

Welcome to the forum, read a lot of the old posts and look at the carvers galleries to lear a lot that will aid you in your carving. Enjoy your new hobby.

[Donsexton]

Hello and welcome to the gang.

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Welcome to the forum.

Dave

[Mr. Chips]

Welcome aboard.
Be sure and posts some pics of your carvings.

Randy

[Robert Cahill]

Let me add my welcome also