Delmar DustPan

There is a gender related theory that every man is a Carpenter and every woman is a Cook. As we know that is an incorrect theory as once again I have proven it's falsehood in building a bookshelf. To give the reader an insight into my lack of carpentry skills; when I was in Wicomico Senior High School in the 1950's the woodworking instructor, Mr Nicholas Guilliano, said on my presentation of the final woodworking project for the year "You know Howard this is the last year Woodworking is a requirement, after this year it is an elective and you will never have to take woodworking again". Guilliano was obviously a prophet, as over the last 40 some years I have made a mess out of a lot of lumber. Never less there is a corner of my house in which a small bookshelf would fit and the dimensions were such that I would have to have it built or build it myself. What is a bookshelf but a couple boards nailed together? After a day or so of cussing, banging, and bleeding it is complete. I will admit it is crude looking, however it fits well in my 90 year old house in which nothing is plumb, level, or square. As a result of my lack of skills in the manual arts I have the utmost respect for masons and carpenters. They must have the most fulfilling jobs of any of us. Long after they have passed away their works lives on. I am sure after I have passed away my daughters will look at this bookcase and wonder why I would ever build something like this.