Thanks for the address, Richard. We'll definitely try it. Patti, what does Dave do now? You must have told me, but I don't remember. And what would you like to see him doing next? I guess most people work in the same job (or field) all their lives, but a change could be good. Maybe I'm not the one to give advice in work matters--I haven't worked since I've had kids! But I call my writing my work--even though it doesn't pay much. Or anything!

The Wine Spectator is a great magazine. I have read it for years! Sounds like you are doing something with the wood anyway. Keepit up and as everyone else says, you will succeed in more ways than one!! Tonight I'm over in Bay St Louis, MS at the Magic Casino. Fab dinner buffet. Walked th grounds and going to retire soon. (go to bed that is, ha ha) I'm not much of a player but enjoy watching others. Things are getting a bit crazy busy at work and think we're onto something BIG. Its exciting. With this come problems and with that comes my place so I'm happy. I say I don't gamble but actually I have all my life in different businesses and this time is go for broke. Scares ya a bit but its a thrill too.

Pat, Wow, retirement......hm...... are we that old yet? haha. Dave'll do fine in something. Change is good as long as the proper attitude is kept and between the both of you it will be great. Don't put yourself down. You may not have considered yourself the financial anchor but you are an anchor, stability, wisdom, and willingness to learn new places and things and cope with lots else! Go for it!

"...Valentino passes the rest of the field of Italian restaurants in the United States like a Ferrari in the fast lane of the autostrada..." - Wine Spectator

Valentino
3115 Pico Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90405
310-829-4313

Have fun!

My woodworking set-up is marginal right now. I will send you photos of some things, if I am able to make them. I am working on a folding screen design and an outdoor dining table with umbrella.

Valentinos? I've never been there. Maybe I should check it out. (Or did you make it up?!) Can I order a coffee table from you?

Lori, How about Valentinos in Santa Monica? They have 200,000 bottles of wine to pick from- they have food too! I could present a lecture on "Wine Rack Construction Tips".

Now that sounds good! Just let us know the name of the restaurant, and we'll be there!

I looked at excerpts of "Do What You Love" on Amazon and can understand why Avi likes the book. My problem is that I love a lot of things. I guess that means I should find a way of becoming an international travelling furniture maker that gives luncheon addresses at really good Italian restaurants.

Designing furniture sounds good to me! And a little more down to earth than all this electronic stuff, which is way beyond me. Avi has a book called, "Do What You Like and the Money Will Follow." He's a strong believer in that. I am, too. Two of our kids are musicians, and we've been encouraging them to continue with their music and bands because that's what they love doing. Not much money coming in yet, but we think that, with persistence, it IS possible. They're definitely making progress. In the meantime, my daughter also works with Avi (besides being in 3 bands), and my son gives guitar lessons to kids (besides writing most of the music for his band). I know there are a lot of sceptics out there, but we still have hope that it's possible to "make it" in music!

Patty, I can relate to how Dave and you feel. I hope my next career is the one that satisfies me the most, as well. From what little I hear around the office, I probably won't be forced into my next career during the next round of lay-offs that is being planned, but working here means never knowing. It takes about 15 minutes when it happens- no warning- not even time to pack a box- you're gone. Packing a box requires special arrangements to come back after hours.

I designed a dining table this weekend that I like. I will try to complete the design and build one over the next couple of months. Who knows, maybe it will lead to something . . . .

Richard, your ARE and always were a creative person with great ideas. If thats what you want. GO FOR IT. Its never easy at first but you WILL be happy and successful doing something you enjoy and are good at. Success is measured in many ways and not unfortunately always in greenbacks. Someone tlad me about your works in the Smithsonian. Seems to me you need to hook up with someone whom is a great marketer. You create and they would market.... off you go!!! Now, in that case VT is the address to have. Its known all over the world as an artists haven. Start working into it as you prepare for possible oblivian at your present work. Hope you had a great holiday!

Richard if working in wood is your passion and it can keep you "afloat" so to speak, it sounds like a wonderful way to spend your time. There's nothing like being in charge of your own day. that's for sure. It would be great if more of us could find our passion and make that work for us. But the life styles we live and the way the American system works often gets in the way of that. So many things do really.

Dave is retiring in the next 5 years. We have no idea what that will bring us. He's trying to decide on his next career. I'd like it to finally be the thing that brings him the most satisfaction instead of the thing that pays the bills. Working in education I'm not all that helpful when it comes to the financials. We've always been very lucky that Dave had the job security he did. Though it's moved us around a little more than we like we haven't had to worry about whether or not he would have a job. Dave's the one who thinks and plans for the family's future and makes sure that's covered. Heaven knows I'm no help there. My contribution is to keep us garden mulch!