Shabby

Saturday, July 6, 2013

A Wing and a Prayer





Special new finds often come from some of the most unlikely places and events. Take for instance a routine dentist visit.  Not necessarily a time for prayer (unless you are like me and have high anxiety). So to calm my nerves and soothe the inevitable, our favorite dental assistant chatted with me about this and that in an attempt to distract me from what lie ahead. Funny how topics of conversation evolve.

"Since you've both retired, are you able to keep up with refinishing projects and get out to antique a little more?  she asked.  " Indeed we are, even with the daily humidity and rain we've had".  Drool bib centered on my chest, leaning the chair back, she continued " do you think you might take a look at an old chapel bench I've had for decades"; gloves and mask now donned. " It's a bit weathered, but it was from my dads church and I'd love to have it restored".  "Sure, we'll come around one Saturday afternoon and take a look..........,"  one filling later, I mumbled from numbed lips " I'll call you next week".

After a week of torrents of afternoon and evening rain, and a 4th absent of any firework spectaculars, we headed to our favorite Saturday Flea Market, knowing full well the it might be a slim venue due to the holiday weekend and weather.  Of course, after years and years of frequenting this locale - we were correct.

Might be tricky here
Quick thinking and being nearby, we made a call, and headed to look over to examine the church bench.  What a charming little chapel sized pew bench.  A good amount of sanding, some repair needed, but certainly salvageable.   A "before the holidays requested completion" was determined and worked for us with our present inventory schedule.  Loaded up it headed to the Barn.  I'll bet it's heard it's share of church hymns raised on Sunday mornings and Wednesday church meetings - and so   "In the Sweet By and By" this pew bench will be restored.  Don't forget to check back on this when the weather is cooler and the leaves are turning, and of course stop by the Barn anytime to see all the work in progress - there's always coffee on.
Dovetailing in need of repair
Nice detail



Original color - maybe ?