Hello friends and family,
I’m back! I am finally getting my previous energy back after lung surgery, then chemo treatment. I have had a difficult time, recovering from it all. The doctor said the chemotherapy could affect me for months . . . He wasn’t kidding! Well, I think I’m close to recovered. Just in time to move house! Oh Boy!
Sue and I are in the process of buying a new (used) house in the same area (Sterling Heights, MI USA). It’s in the Lakeside Subdivision. The lake is across the street. The neighborhood is quiet and diversified. We’ve met some neighbors and feel pretty comfortable there. The house is a 2430 square foot quad-level built in 1978. Way newer than some of the houses we’ve looked at (a 1920’s house in Utica with a door leading out to the roof (no railing). The house smelled and felt like grampa Daley’s house in Highland Park, MI. Even the basement was the same.
The new house will need some improvements. We feel the price is a bargain because it had one owner who lived there until they had to go to Hospice and did very little improvements. Everything has a ’70’s/’80’s vibe. Other similar houses are selling for much more in the neighborhood We plan lots of upgrades as soon as we can move in. Closing should be on or around August 11th.
In the meantime, I’ve been trying to finish the two projects I started last year. A Custom Precision Bass for my cousin, Florida bassist John Tschirhart. The poor guy has had to listen to my excuses for why it’s taking a year to finish. I’m fortunate that John is very patient and understanding. I think that’s a Tschirhart trait.
SOON, JOHN! SOON . . . !
The other project is moving a lot faster, probably because I don’t require it to be perfect. Although, it’s pretty darn close to perfect. Nobody but me or someone with a magnifying lens will see the imperfections I let slide on this one. If/when I sell it, I hope the buyer doesn’t read this blog . . .
Oh! It’s a 3/4 Upright Bass. I finished polishing it and installed the hardware and strings, today. Holy $&!+! The upright bass is a lot of work! I stained it by hand, just like all my custom instruments. Then added layers of shellac. Then sanded. Then more shellac and more sanding . . . Rinse and repeat . . . I don’t remember how many times. I did a lot of it outside and made it an exercise routine with all the rubbing (wax on, wax off) and bending and stretching involved in the tasks. I think it was worth it. My doctor says I look better and the bass really looks stunning if I do say so myself. Wait till you see the John Tschirhart Precision Bass when it’s done!
I have included pictures, including the results, so far of my cousin’s bass. I may finish it very soon.
Thanks for reading. Please, please, stay safe. Wear a mask when appropriate. Don’t take any chances with your health and life and above all, the health and lives of your friends and loved ones. Please be smart about when to wear a mask or not and GET THE COVID-19 VACCINE OR SPEAK TO YOUR DOCTOR IF YOU BELIEVE YOU SHOULDN’T FOR HEALTH REASONS . . .
Love to all,
David T
p.s. Comments are very welcome. You can comment at the end of this article.
So glad to hear your energy is back Dave! Exciting news on the new house. You are so talented – the bass is beautiful – such detail.
So good to hear that you are getting more energy! It sounds like you are going to need it with the projects planned for your new home. Congratulations to you and Sue! Your work done with the bass instruments is impressive! Sending love to one of my favorite cousins!!
Good on you Dave! And to the family for many years to come my friend.
David–that upright is incredible-what a labor of love! You are an amazing craftsman. And glad to see you returning to health!
Thanks, Al. That means a lot to me.
If you check out the “Ozzie in Music and Pictures” page from the Home Page you will see pics of and hear our mutual (unfortunately deceased) friend Jay Ricketts. In my opinion, he MADE that band. We worked 5-6-7 nights a week throughout the 70s. I miss my friend . . .