[Mike-in-WV]

I'm one of the newer ones around here but have been carving off and on for may years but mostly relieaf carving on gun stocks and things like that. About 2 years ago I got in to carving walking staffs and canes with all sorts of things and now my passion is wood spirits.
I ran construction jobs including the bidding for a large construction company out of Akron Ohio for many years but in 1989 a metal deck collapsed on us and i droped two storys. When I woke up I was buried under concrete and steel and my back was broke in three places along with others things. Took a year of hard work to get around again but they retired me anyway at 43 years old.
Moved to Pleasants County WV right on the Ohio river and started buying and selling properties for hunters and people who liked to fish. Then we moved down here in south central WV and bought a place on top of a mountain and my wife and I live by ourselves up here.50 miles to the nearest Wal mart or big town. Lot's of Deer and other critters in the yard all the time and every now and then a bear comes through to say Hi!. I'm also a traditional bow hunter when my back lets me climb these mountains.
We have seven children and many grand kids in Ohio and WV and they are all doing fine.
Carving is great for me in the winter and my wife loves to read so it works for both of us,Lol. My shop is seperate from the house and it's heated and air conditioned . Nothing fancy but it works for me. My goal is to be able to carve as well as Colin and Coffeeman.
One of the best things about this site is that the master carvers are more than willing to share there methods and ideas with a new carver and they make you feel like part of this "wood carving family", Mike

[Sandyo]

Hi Mike
I too am new to this site. I haven't had a chance to really look around it, but what I have seen so far I like.

I am really sorry about your back - that must have been very difficult to come back from. I admire your inner strength.

I envy how you and your wife live. I can imagine the beauty you would see every day! Awesome.

I have been carving for a few years but have not done any for the past five years due to ill health, environmental illness a.k.a. multable chemical sensitivities.

I love carving santas and hummingbirds.

I would love to improve the faces on my santas so am looking for any help that I can get.

Sandy

[Ron T]

Hello and welcome, Mike. That is one of the best introductions I have read, even though I've only been here a few months.

I'm sorry to hear about your accident, but glad to know you are alive and well, and getting around. Your sense of humor sure is intact.

I'm a stick carver myself, so if there's anything I can help you with, just ask.

Best of luck and enjoy what must surely be God's country.

[kitaye]

Welcome Mike. Sounds like you live in heaven, at least my vision of it.

[Mottles]

Hi Mike, you got it right we are a 'woodcarving family here'. Sounds like you have a nice wife and shop.
Kathy

[Simplyme]

I think Mike posted this back in 2005, so he's probally not new here.

[torpidhummer]

Welcome aboard Mike,you just went up and died then went to heaven,this is the greatest carving forum in the world,thanks for sharing your story.
Oscar

[papasar]

Doesn't anyone check the posting dates????????
Bill K.

[GeorgiaCarver]

Mike, welcome to the forum. You said it well. I am glad you are doing so well after a terrible work accident. I lived in Scott's Depot (Hurricane) for a while. WV is a beautiful part of the world. I miss all those tasty, I mean cute little critters

Greg