Broken Shoe Stable

10/10/2026

A lot of interesting wildlife out there….

10/01/2026

Rainy day ‘Sunshine’ ❤️

09/29/2026

Another beautiful chunk of Black Walnut ready to be put in place as a beam in the newly created kitchen.
The supervisor (Josie) was impressed. She stayed and hung out with me for a couple of hours. She’s good company.

09/25/2026

These two buddies sharing the morning turnout together.
The reason for 90%of the things I do, in one photograph.

09/25/2026

I just love this sleepy little guy.

09/25/2026

About 7 years ago I milled this White Ash after it fell in a storm. After making this ‘beam sized’ slab I put it to one side , in full view of all that nature could throw at it, to see how it would weather.
7 years later and I’m in need of a beam for my kitchen reno. I want a beam in full view as a focal point in the main area of the kitchen.
So, I milled Black Walnut beams , but also dragged this Ash into the shop and began cleaning it up.
I was curious to see what had happened too it after all this time.
When I’m working on these projects I rarely have anything past a very broad plan of where I want to end up. And, NEVER plans or drawings. Just what is in my head.
I’ll try a bunch of different things, styles, designs , colours, until I land one the one I find most appealing to me.
Often the wood itself will decide for me , and, what I think will be perfect for an application often ends up not suitable at all.
So it is with my long forgotten piece of Ash.
I intended to use this beam due to its perfect size and dye it to match the Black Walnut that will be used everywhere else in the room.
However, after cleaning it up and hours of sanding I can’t bring myself to stain it.
Whatever sap was left in its knots has, over time, turned a beautiful and vibrant orange.
Covering that up would be a crime. Seven years of Mother Nature creating a masterpiece should not be messed with.
So, I will have to come up with another project where I can use it.

09/24/2026

09/23/2026

I just gave my boy his Autumn Haircut.
Now, maybe, all of the outdoors won’t keep coming indoors!

09/22/2026

Josie visited Charlie and I and kept us company in the forest paddock annex next to the house.
Looking good wearing her Autumn colours. ❤️