The Groomsman's Knife

Jensen, Bob, Jared

Previously I wrote about Gen and Jared's wedding.  So here's the prequel.  About 6 weeks before the wedding Bob and I were  in bed, and I got a text.  It was Gen and Jared asking if Bob could make knives for his groomsman gifts.  The New York show was 4 weeks away.  Bob was really pushing to get ready for New York.  As I have done often, I read the text to Bob who was snuggled in under the blankets.
"Did you hear me?"  I asked.
"Yes, I'll figure it out in the morning" he said muffled by the quilt.
OK
I turned off the light and pulled up the covers.  Just like an episode
of Desi and Lucy--Bob turned on his light a second after I had shut mine.  He sat up.  Reached for his robe, and put on his slippers.  Buddy got up, rather excited about all this unexpected late night commotion.
"What are you doing?" I asked.
"I'm going out to the shop to see if I have enough materials to make 8 knives."  he bellowed, as he often bellows.  Buddy followed him into the shop.
Within minutes he was back.
"Text them back: black textured carbon fiber handle, model 7,  with a sterling dragon on the handle, in a wood box with my logo engraved. " 

Before we left for NYC the knives were finished in pieces.  I was given the job of cutting out the carbon fiber handles on the diamond ring saw.  I love this saw.  I also loved having a small part in them.  Bob ground all the blades before we left for NY.

Each Knife had the Groomsman's initials on the blade.

2 Rakishly Handsome Superstars!

Table Place Cards and "The Knife"

Jensen happily posing with a Terzuola!

At dinner Jared went from Groomsman to Groomsman delivering the knives.  Jensen was at our table.  Before he received his, another Groomsman came to the table to show him his knife.  Jensen oohed and aahed, and when the man walked away Jensen hung his head: "I wish I got a knife" he murmured into his plate.  Moments later Jared came to our table and gave Jensen his knife.  The expression on his face and Bob's face watching Jensen get his gift made my evening.  Bob rarely gets to see someone get a knife he has made as a gift.  As the evening went on-Bob, Jensen and the other crew guests at our table had some pretty colorful conversation.  Bob was so pleased that the guys were so pleased.  

Bob and I have been so impressed by Gen & Jared's stellar behavior as actors in real life.  Believe me, I have seen plenty of actors behaving badly.  These 3 young adults are what the movie biz  calls: "Number 1 on the call sheet."  Meaning, they are the stars of the TV shows they are on.    Now Jensen was added to our pedestal with Gen and Jared.  The time was brief that night at dinner.  We felt proud to know these people and call them our friends. These 3 restore old folks faith in the human race.   Bob felt honored to make the knives for this occasion. Bob made a 9th knife: "just in case." Well, as you can imagine the first ones came out perfect.  I bet you will see him carrying #9!

Below is the reason for all this.  "G & J" we ♡♡♡ you.

Thanks for reading.  I'm still amazed that you do.

xo

Suz

Oh Harpy!! The Birds Of Prey

Who knew that just outside of Boise Idaho we would find a treasure: "The World Center For Birds Of Prey?"  I had seen the sign for it on our way to Sun Valley.  It looked like my kind of place.  As luck would have it we took the "short way" from Sun Valley to the Boise Airport.  We had a couple of hours to burn and Bob was happy to indulge my  bird obsession.  So after driving through dense fog, listening to the "anything Bob" radio station.  We wound our way behind the Boise Airport to Flying Hawk Lane.  The home of the Peregrine Fund.

 

  

  

I had been reading parts of "Wesley the Owl" given to me by my friend and colleague Barabara Slobodian  out loud to Bob. We had enjoyed Stacey's account of living with a baby barn owl.  Learning more factoids that were explained by a scientist, as well as an animal lover.  The first thing we came upon was a wall of owls.  How apropos!! 

Birds of prey include: Eagles, Vultures, Falcons, Kites, Owls, Osprey, Hawks, Buzzards and Kestrels.  They are "raptors" that kill with their powerful talons.  Some of the largest birds, and a few of my favorites.  I have loved vultures since they were portrayed in cartoons from my childhood.  Turkey vultures having a redish pink bald head and a seemingly fur trimmed collar on their coat of feathers.  And my all time favorite the Harpy Eagle.  Who when threatened raise their large feathers on top of their head. To me looks comical, not ominous.

  

Above a Turkey Vulture.

Outside there was Bateleur Eagle, and I had never one seen live.  I spoke to the him...as I always do to birds and he came closer, turning his head and giving me the "single eye."  When I raised my camera to take his picture he opened his massive wings as if to say: "look at these."  Indeed, I was impressed.  His red markings and blue eyes were dwarfed when he spread his wings. 

Below the handsome Bateleur Eagle. 

  

Above is a Harpy who was startled by a screaming kid outside her cage.  One of the volunteers, Julie gave us a brief personal tour.  I fantasized about missing our plane and staying with my newfound feathered friends.  Every hour they bring out a live bird.  For me, it doesn't get better than that.  The "bird of the hour" was a Peregrine Falcon.  He was shy, and not really used to being handled.  New to the Center the falconer said: "he needs more socialization."  I don't think the bird agreed.  

Look at that face!  Stunning, handsome, noble, and those eyes!  I could have looked at him for hours.  In the picture here you can see he liked looking at me too.  Different reasons no doubt.   I stuck my head in the "Children's Room" just long enough to try on the bird eyes, beak, and feather headband.  What a look eh?  Bob thoroughly enjoyed our feathered friends.  He proudly donned a hat with a harpy on it from the gift shop. 

For more information on The Peregrine Fund: http://www.peregrinefund.org.  

Thanks for reading.  I'm still amazed that you do.

xo

Suz