Friends,
Lee Grindinger’s name came up in another thread. He helped me a great deal with carving issues a while back, so I asked if anyone knew how to contact him. Buster came through with an email address, which worked. Lee answered me within a few hours. He was happy to know that he still has friends on Knots. I know that he has lots of friends here, so I am pasting his message here, as he suggested.
If you want to contact him, his email address is;
Mel
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Wow…, Hi Mel! Upon receiving your email I went to Knots to have a look. I’m flattered and surprised. It’s gratifying to know I helped a few people out and I appreciate hearing it. In retrospect I got a lot more out of that forum that I gave. I thought about posting directly in the thread but would be unable to attend for the followups that are necessary in forum conversations. I’ve retired from furniture making and Ruthie and I are living as gypsies now, our time in the Virgin Islands will end within a year then it’s on to the next adventure. Here’s article I wrote about retiring,
http://www.woodshopnews.com/index.php/component/content/article/63-archives/497582
Pass in on to my Knot’s friends if you like. Please convey my best
wishes to everyone who recognizes my name there and express my gratitude tothem for providing me with such fun and comaraderie over the years. My furniturecarver website is still up and I intend to change the homepage to announce my retirement and provide links to the “hidden” pages like the “Selecting Carving Tools” page and the EMC chart. While retired from furniture making I am busy with my new career, currency trading.
Be well Mel, it’s awfully nice to hear from you, please feel free to post any or all of this to my friends at Knot’s.
Lee
Measure your output in smiles per board foot.
Replies
Thanks kindly Mel... as I often wondered the where-a-bouts of Lee. He had more than hinted he was getting out and moving on for months before he suddenly was "gone with the wind". I am sure I am not the only one other than you who did wonder even though I knew he was most likely live and well marching to the beat of another drummer.
Again.. thanks as that is one of life's mysteries that has actually been solved without the usual flying disc theories that accompany them. Virgin Islands.. huh.. Probably a door to door Vaseline salesman down there and doing well. ha.. ha... ha.. ha.. ha..
Regards...
Sarge..
Good on ye Mel,
I don't recall conversing with Lee here on Knots but have read a great deal about him and have been to his WEBsite several times. He was/is an inspiration to me on my journey into carving.
It sure would be great to hear from him and perhaps see some of his latest work. Yeah I know, he says he retired but I bet he still cuts.
Thanks,
Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
Thanks for that, Mel.
Lee and Ruthie are special people. One of the most memorable trips of my life was when I decided, last minute of course, to hop in my truck the day before Montanafest and join in on the fun. Before leaving, I was at one of the more stressful points in my life. My wife suggested I go, and she actually contacted Lee via email to see if I could attend last minute. I drove straight through from Chicago to Livingston, Montana, and got there about an hour after the festivities started on Friday. To say the least, I had an absolutely wonderful time, and Lee and Ruth were terrific hosts. When the weekend was over, I went through Yellowstone Park (Lee and Ruth lived just 20 miles north of the entrance to the park), and just completely relaxed and recharged the batteries.
I'm very happy that they are doing well, and miss Lee's contribution to this site. Seeing his carving work first hand was a humbling experience. Absolutely stunning furniture.
Lee, if you see this thread, thanks for the memories, my friend.
The very best,
Jeff
Here's a few pictures from Lee's place.
Jeff,
The Montanafest was worth the drive from the Windy City. Sounds like it was a lot of fun. From the pictures, it looks like the entire population of Montana ( ~28) attended.
I won't bother Lee now while he is in the Virgin Islands, but when he returns, I'll write and ask where he will be living. If still in Montana, I would like to stop out and see him. I go to a conference in Big Sky, Montana in early March, each year.
MelMeasure your output in smiles per board foot.
Mel
The last time I conversed with Lee was earlier this year. He left me with the impression that he and Ruthie will be living abroad for quite some time. If you find out otherwise, I would love to know.
Montanafest was a fantastic event, and I am glad I attended. Most of the folks that attended were acquainted through the Woodcentral Forum. One of these days, I would love to put together a similar gathering for Knotheads. It would be quite the experience.
Jeff
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