Sara's CBG

My Sister is on Facebook!

Peace and blessings to my wonderful sister.

Dad's Victrola

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Dad was by a long since gone vernacular, “a cool dude”. He, by occupation was a “builder”; he built roads, warships, and houses.  He had little time for “projects”, what some of us now refer to as hobbies but always made time for his children. He took great pride in his work, yet even as a youngster, I understood that his basic credo was family, the work was a means of providing for his family. It was the basis of immense pride for me, then and now.

Somewhere along his life journey; he bought, was given or bartered for an old Columbia Granfonola, a Victrola by another name. Of course it didn’t work, our economic means dictated that we often obtained the frivolous things we wanted by fixing something that was no longer of use to someone else. A life lesson, I think. I asked for the record player when Dad passed away, it has made several moves with me and has been on my “to do” list for many years.

New Year’s resolution, 2012:  Listen to some good old blues on Dad’s Victrola. Maybe some Robert Johnson, Pine Top Perkins or the like, does it really matter?

Project status: The problem has been identified; a broken mainspring. This particular player has a 4-spring motor; that is approximately 60 feet of springs. Sixty feet of nasty, greasy coiled steel just waiting for an opportunity to reach out and give the uneducated (that’s me) a big black greasy kiss.  The springs are now out and sitting on my workbench awaiting the much needed cleaning and I still have both eyes, all my fingers and no blood was shed. I have located a source for a replacement spring…stay tuned in…

James 1:2

My Introduction to DiGiorgio Guitars

  A 1964 DiGiorgio No. 32.  Rescued from the scrap heap, it was one of those projects the owner planned but never got around to. It was in very poor condition, the top had several cracks and was separating from the body at the lower bout.  I cleaned it up, cleated all the cracks and re-glued the top, adding quality strings and a proper set-up.  
  How does it sound? This little gem rocks; with a beautiful full bodied tone (if texture had sound, think warm maple syrup), surprising volume and exceptional playability.
  So, I am one of their newest fans and would love to hear your DiGiorgio story.

Bovine Anatomy 101

August 3, 2011 - A conversation on the front porch between Grady (my grandson) and myself. Grady: Why is Sally (the dog) by the fence? Papa; she went out to see the bull pass by. Grady; Where? Papa; right there. Grady; That doesn't look like a very good bull. Papa; Do you know what a good bull looks like because that one is a very good bull. Grady; Really? Papa; Yes, didn't you see that set of wheels? Grady; They have wheels?  A very big eyed Grady ran off to see the wheels on the bull. End of conversation...

Posted with his Mother's permission.

The Windmill Man

In Memory of Norman Luther Finch

May 10, 1917 - November 5, 1994  

At a place amid fields of tall grass and days of a fourteen hour sun, his life's journey began, his race was set to run.  
  Loving parents taught him the things he knew, West Texas values; honest, tried and true.  He learned how to walk and when to make a stand, a simple beginning for the windmill man.
  He was many things to many people; a son, a brother, a life mate, a father, a grandfather then great, a friend to all who knew him with a heart the size of our state.  
  But, oh those windmills, he loved each and every one, the brand didn't matter or even if they would run.
  He loved them all, both old and new, he found strength in their endless cycles and even their quiet times - he loved those too.
  The black disease took his body as his family held him near, we prayed for his spirit and now hold his memory dear.
  Gone but never forgotten and finally boots that fit, a king's ransom I'd gladly pay for one minute more, just to talk and sit.
  Dad, how I grieve at your passing, no one left I must impress, but joy for you, joy for you, no more pain or suffering, only peace and rest.
  Now your days are spent in heaven, listening to the angels sing, always we will cherish the feelings that our memories of you bring.
  And now, according to God's master plan, there is only peace, a special peace, just for the windmill man. 
                                                                                   

                                                        I love you Dad,

                                                             Arnold

                                                        May 10, 1995

"Gran Puro" in progress

Look for this one on Etsy!