After returning from our beach break, I went on a reading binge:

• Learn to Weld: Beginning MIG Welding and Metal Fabrication Basics – Includes techniques you can use for home and automotive repair, metal fabrication projects, sculpture, and more
• The Complete Book of Woodworking: Step-by-step Guide to Essential Woodworking Skills, Techniques and Tips 
• RHS Small Garden Handbook: Making the most of your outdoor space (Royal Horticultural Society Handbooks)
• English Cottage Garden
• The Complete Gardener: A Practical, Imaginative Guide to Every Aspect of Gardening

I was scared off welding but have embraced woodworking as a practical hobby, while gardening is a life-long pursuit.

Above is my first woodworking project for 2023, a solid workbench for the garage, which will be a great workshop. I decided to follow the design from the book, relying on the experience and wisdom of the author, even after reviewing many alternate designs on YouTube which is a fabulous resource for woodworking ideas, tips, and instruction.

The second project will be to add shelving to the garage walls. Having lots of free time here, I’ve watched many videos on YouTube to help me decide on the design, which although simple there are many options to consider. One goal is to move tool storage from the shed to the garage.

Part of planning these projects is developing material lists so that I can order the lumber for delivery when I get home. Another aspect is considering construction techniques and identifying new tools to purchase. So I have been window shopping on the Amazon, Home Depot, and Lee Valley websites, comparing products, prices, and filling shopping carts ready to hit the buy button.

We return to Garden Bay on March 21 and it will be time to start seeds for the vegetable garden. It is my turn this year to grow food so that has been another project to plan. I will place my seed order soon so that it arrives when we do.