Lige

I had been woodworking since childhood, over 40 years, when I discovered NYW in late 80's. Thought I knew a little about the craft, but Norm taught me so much over the years. Being a Pharmacist I had to work most Saturdays, and would only get to see the show about once per month. My wife gave a VCR and recorded the shows for me. Then later a TIVO. Thanks to technology I haven't missed to many with all the PBS reruns. Even if the PBS and DIY have been mostly reruns for the past few years, I will miss Norm on Saturdays. Always the highlight of my week. It would be hard to estimate the hours and tools I have invested in because of Norm. But, boy ole boy, what a ride! What a joy to have lived in an era when you could really appreciate a show because the gentleman you were watching truely enjoyed what he was doing, and being able to share it with all of us. Gosh Norm, it will take a lot of getting used to not visiting with you on Saturdays, but I have enough recordings to last a lifetime, and plans that I have purchased over the years which I hope to complete now in my retirement. In my 68 years I haven't encoutered many who whave have had the positive impact that Norm has been able to impart to so very many. Thank you Norm, may God bless you and your famiy. I will never walk into my shop and look around that I don't think of you, and say a prayer for you. Thanks.

My introduction to woodworking(carpentry) was by my Great Uncle who was a carpenter. He first taught me how to build 'rabbit gums' in late 1940's, then in the early 1950's I helped him build 4 100 foot chicken houses on my dad's farm. I was the 'gofer', but learned to hammer and saw. My uncle was illiterate, could not read or write, but was a master carpenter. At the end of the week when my dad would ask him what he owed him for the week, he would take out his framing square and calculate to the penny his wages. Even though he couldn't read, he was a magician with that square. I have always regretted that I did not show more interest and have him teach me the nuances of the framing square.