Fellow Galoots,
Esther's bio 2.0 posting caused me to search the archives for my original
bio; and, of course it is also missing. I've been on the porch since its
construction in 12/95 and my original bio seems lacking when compared to
more current submissions. So here is a newer, expanded version.
[WARNING...extreme verbosity ahead]
I am, as my sig shows, Director of Endowment for Southern Methodist
University in Dallas, Texas. My job is to monitor the activity of the
University's 30+ investment managers. I am also responsible for the
operation of two mutual fund type investment vehicles the University uses to
manage its endowment. The truth be known, I mostly fight fires while my
staff keeps things up & running. I am 49 and have been married to a most
understanding SWMBO (Gail) for 29 years. We have two adult children and are
just beginning to enjoy the benefits of an empty nest. I live in what used
to be the country, on the edge of Dallas. My shop is a separate 22' x 22'
building that is mine, and mine alone . In addition to my obsession
with woodworking & tools, I enjoy gardening, listening to both classical and
C&W music (weird huh), reading mysteries, and of course, playing with my
computer. I have a small farm a couple of hours East of Dallas that is thick
with oak, hickory, sassafras, and dogwood. My dream is to retire to the farm
and spend my days "piddlin in the shop".
My dad is a big DIYer, and I was swinging a hammer or mixing concrete on
weekends from the age of about six. I clearly remember discovering an old
coping saw in the basement, where I spent many an hour making plywood
cutouts of everything from my sisters silhouettes to pictures from MAD
magazine. Most of my p*w*r tools were purchased over twenty years ago.
Until I started reading neanderposts on rec.ww, the only hand tools I had
were a 70's model Stanley Handyman smoother (heavily used, but not worth a
damn), some Sears chisels (great for opening paint cans), a Sears crosscut
saw (like new - seldom used), and a lot of hammers (all good quality IMHO).
But I have seeeeeen the light. My assemblage of good usable hand tools is
ever growing, and so is my ability to use them properly. I have nothing
against being described as a collector, but my inclination is to tools that
I wish to use. I have attended three or four SWTCA meetings and I really
enjoy the opportunity to see, fondle, and talk about old tools and their use
with people of similar interests.
My projects are mostly DIY oriented. I have only attempted a couple of
furniture projects over the years. Although they were successful, a lack of
confidence and time kept me on small, simple projects. I now have the
confidence and desire for larger pieces, but like most of us, time is still
a scarce commodity. At least that's my story and I'm stickin' to it. In the
last year or so I have mostly been making small boxes, signs, vases, pens,
bottle stoppers, tool handles, etc. As you can tell, I love my lathe (though
it has a tail, it is over twenty-five years old).
Well, I warned you about the verbosity didn't I? And this is the edited
version 8^)
Mike
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Mike DeLong Voice: (214) 768-2802 |
| Director of Endowment Management Fax: (214) 768-3786 |
| Southern Methodist University Internet: mdelong@m... |
| 6425 Boaz Lane Suite 202B |
| Dallas, TX 75275-0193 |
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------+
--
Mike
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Mike DeLong Voice: (214) 768-2802
Director of Endowment Management Fax: (214) 768-3786
Southern Methodist University Internet: mdelong@m...
6425 Boaz Lane Suite 202B
Dallas, TX 75275-0193
|