1st creeker visit..

[Michael James]

Made it up to quad cities and met Joe Meirhaughe who lived probably less than 5 miles from my father in law's farm. I was not prepared for Joe's level of commitment to woodwork of all types and esp., turning.
Everything from tiny, miniscule to huge as in photo attached. My wife got so excited she had to go get her sister who went gaga over it all!
Wonderful time yacking wood and turning. I found out "wood grows on trees up in Illinois.... " and Joe was plenty kind in making sure I had several nice chunks of cherry and walnut to bring home, oh and a cedar round. There was a storm that took out a lot of trees from several cemetaries, and when we went to see me mum in laws resting spot I snagged a nice little piece of Maple with hopefully more than a little spalting to make a nice desk piece for lil missies desk.
I've been invited back to visit Joe's turning club and hang out which I certainly intend to do when I can orchestrate that trip. Thanks Joe and Linda for all your hospitality and generosity. (I got a pen made by Linda too!)
mj left, Joe right, wood turings everywhere!

[Tony De Masi]

Very cool Michael. Creeker visits are indeed a special treat. Congrats.

Tony

[John Hart]

Nice write-up. Creeker visits are what make the world go round.

[John Keeton]

Having seen some of Joe's work posted here on the creek, a visit to his shop would have to be a blast! Did you learn how to do all those acrylic colors??

[Pete Jordan]

That looks like you guys had a lot of fun! I see Joe has gotten a good start on his
Christmas ornaments

[David E Keller]

Looks like a lot of fun. Thanks for posting.

[Richard Madison]

Good one Michael. Yeah Pete, gotta love that ornament hanger.

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Congrats Guys!

[Bernie Weishapl]

Congrats. Creeker visits are the best.

[Joe Meirhaeghe]

Made it up to quad cities and met Joe Meirhaughe who lived probably less than 5 miles from my father in law's farm. I was not prepared for Joe's level of commitment to woodwork of all types and esp., turning.
Everything from tiny, miniscule to huge as in photo attached. My wife got so excited she had to go get her sister who went gaga over it all!
Wonderful time yacking wood and turning. I found out "wood grows on trees up in Illinois.... " and Joe was plenty kind in making sure I had several nice chunks of cherry and walnut to bring home, oh and a cedar round. There was a storm that took out a lot of trees from several cemetaries, and when we went to see me mum in laws resting spot I snagged a nice little piece of Maple with hopefully more than a little spalting to make a nice desk piece for lil missies desk.
I've been invited back to visit Joe's turning club and hang out which I certainly intend to do when I can orchestrate that trip. Thanks Joe and Linda for all your hospitality and generosity. (I got a pen made by Linda too!)
mj left, Joe right, wood turings everywhere!

Michael
Glad you had a good time here in the Illinios Quad Cities.
Linda & I really enjoyed your visit too. I whished we'd had more time though. I would have loved to gotten you to our turners club.
www.qcwoodturners.org
We'll be sure to get there next time your in the area.
Looking forward to seeing what you turn from the walnut, cherry,maple & cedar. Be sure to post some pic's when you get it turned.
Joe
Also Thanks for the turned pen & gifts you brought us.

[Steve Schlumpf]

Thanks for sharing the story! Always great to hear of Creekers getting together!

[Jeff Nicol]

MJ, It looks like Joe has got some sonar emitting bug eating vessels hanging around the shop! How did he get the wood crossed with those little flying critters? Looks like you had fun and I know one day you and I will meet for some woodturning talk!

Thanks for sharing the smiles!

Jeff

[Allen Neighbors]

Its great to see pics and hear about Creeker visits!! Thanks for posting.

[Michael James]

John K,, there was too much to absorb to get into the acrylic process. I was sold on the need ($$$) to get the right tools to do the hollowing stuff, and to do it right. I think at this point, I know where I want to go, and that is small, not tiny, hollow forms. So, mini monster is on order, and I'll be looking for that lil delta vs in the late fall. ($$$$)

Jeff N. What, we're gonna talk turning??? You're the reason I fell into this rabbit hole / vortex thingy, (read $$$). I'll be cleaning your shop for tips and tools! I'll show up with a 5lb can of folgers and we'll go from there.

Joe, again thanks. From the cabinets, furniture, even the lamps from high school, I think you can use any descriptor you want. Artist, craftsman, ?? And your dedication to your turning club and teaching others is humbling to me. Add, "and a doggone good guy" and I don't know what else to say.

Everybody on and off the radar thanks for your support, donations, inspiration, patience, etc.
Best regards to all.....
Michael