You have probably seen them.  Slices of logs made into chargers.  I liked them.  I loved them.  I wanted them.  I dreamed of them on a rustic table contrasted with a touch of silver.

Neighbor behind us had a large tree cut down.  I saw it on the curb.  Number One Son was with me.  I convinced him to help me load it into the trunk.  It was so-o-o- heavy.  I did not think we would ever get it into the trunk.

Next problem.  How does one cut the log into slices for chargers?  (Duh, with a saw.)  But where?  We certainly did not have a saw that would cut a fifteen inch diameter log.

I remembered seeing a sign for a woodworking shop on Coit Road.  Number One Son and I headed over to the shop fully expecting they would be able to slice our log.  NO SUCH LUCK.  They mainly sell tools. But the good news was – they had a couple of names for us to call.  One was in Stephenville, and I did need to go see Aunt Lois, so I called Mr. Jones.  Yes, he could do it.

Ever-Lovin’ and I loaded heavy log into the Tahoe.

On the road again for another adventure. – I told you I am easily pleased.  (In my mind, who wouldn’t want wood slice chargers, and travel four hours round trip to have the log sawed?  But, I do understand if you don’t.  Really I do.  I know I am beyond normal.)

Meanwhile back to the story.  It was a beautiful fall day – a good day for a drive in the country.

And when we finally found Mr. Jones and his mill, it was in the country.

The friendliest little beagle greeted us.  He was such a cute puppy.  (This precious puppy was killed last week by another dog. Makes me sad.)

You remember how heavy I said the log was.  We moaned and groaned to lift it into the trunk.  Mr. Jones picked it up like it was a toothpick (almost). Sweet Mother of Pearl, that man is strong.   I guess he is use to hauling logs.

There were problems with my plan – nothing is ever easy.  There is so much more to making wood slice chargers than I ever imagined.  Before the wood can be finished, it has to be dry – real, real, real dry, and you have to heat it to kill insects whose habitat (second grade word) is the log.  My log would take a month of Sundays to dry, and then it would need to be planed, heated, sanded, and stained or varnished.

While talking about the problems with my idea, I noticed a pretty slice of wood on Mr. Jones’ workbench.  It was finished and beautiful.  I told him that is what I wanted. (Sorry, no picture.) He explained that that piece of wood was mesquite.  How can I get mesquite I ask?  ( I didn’t know they grew as big as trees.  In Andrews, they are mesquite bushes.)  Well, maybe he could find a piece for me.  Ever-Lovin’ was beginning to think this was a better option, and I agreed.  We ordered the wood slice chargers, and hoped for the best.

Since we had made the trip to Stephenville, we decided to have Mr. Jones slice our log.  (Maybe I could use it someway.)  The process was very interesting.  Mr. Jones took measurements, and secured the log in the saw.

Ever-Lovin’ could explain this much better.

And then he began to saw slices of the log.  The saw cut through that big log just like it was butter.  It was amazing.

 

These are our slices.  I kept the thick slice thinking that perhaps I could use it as a riser on a table.  It will take these logs more than a month of Sundays to dry.  Mr. Jones loaned us spacers to put between the logs so they can dry.  I might use these slices unfinished, it they ever dry.

As we were leaving, Mr. Jones noticed a mesquite log in his yard that would work for the chargers.    This log was old and dry – and I could have chargers sooner rather than later.  How good was that?

I had hoped to have the chargers for Thanksgiving, but it was not meant to be.

Rest of the story –  yesterday Mr. Jones came to Big D, and delivered the chargers.  I do love them – worm holes included.  Now I am hoping to set a comfortable rustic table for Christmas.  In Paula Deen’s 2012 Christmas Family Traditions magazine on page 60 there is a table setting using wood slice chargers.  Gives me some ideas.

I have been playing with them some today, and wonder what to do – tartan or Spode Christmas Tree plates, or maybe a mixture of both?.  I will call in my friends, and they will help.  Will keep you posted.

Were these chargers worth the trouble and the expense?  Probably not – but I do love them.  And I especially love the adventure.

Blessings to you and yours,

Yesterday’s post – A Firm Foundation – did not go out to the email subscribers.  If you would like to read it, it is on the Lanabird web page.  (lanabird.com).  I guess there are gremlins.  Thank you for reading.  I do appreciate and love you!