About a month ago I received a package from Icon Coolers with a 50 gallon cooler and some sweet swag! What I knew was that this was going to be the center piece of many parties, camping trips and outdoor adventures. What I didn’t know was that I would dream up a plan for a mobile party cart that would take back yard parties to the next level. As a maker, I’m pretty sure most things I see these days I want to build or build something to make it nicer.
The other thing I didn’t know is that after 2 months of testing, my mom would be told there was a 95% chance she had stage 3 lung cancer, and would need prompt surgery to remove it. The night I got that call, I had just bought the lumber for this cooler cart. Life can often toss sour grapes at us at any time, and having positive and productive outlets for stress is imperative to your own well being. For me, my faith, family, woodworking and softball with my friends keeps me grounded.
That night, I did what many of us do, I got my kids in bed and jumped into the shop for some creative stress relief. I had already spent some time sketching out (terribly at best) a design with function and style in mind. So I went to work building a custom cooler cart, and maintaining my sanity after the recent developments. That night I spent about 4 hours in the shop, working past midnight, sweating in the 80 degree heat, accomplishing these goals.
At the end of the night, the frame of the cooler cart was complete and I had spent some time taking a break from reality. When I woke up the next morning, hoping yesterdays news was just a bad dream, realizing it wasn’t I had something in the shop to remind me that things would get better. I knew it could be a long road for my mom, my dad, and my entire family, but we all needed to stay positive.
A couple weeks have passed, the cooler cart is already a hit at my house. Its function bringing joy, knowing its full of possibilities and leading to many a memory. More importantly, on Friday, despite a 95% chance she was facing stage 3 lung cancer, the surgeon removed what was a terribly calcified infection. As I watched my dad inform my mom post-op that she didn’t have cancer, a moment I will never forget, I was reminded that life is short. Fill your coolers with drinks, your hearts with joy, and celebrate each other.
Here are some links to the pictures of my cooler cart.
In the early spring I was asked by a friend to solve a problem. You see, this friend lives on a corner lot, with a fairly short chain link fence. When you spend time enjoying your backyard you want some privacy. So he and his wife asked for some privacy Garden Planters. He wanted them tall enough and large enough to let he and his family enjoy a nice meal without feeling like the whole neighborhood was joining the feast. The framing of this planter is put together entirely using the K4 Pocket hole system by Kreg jig and 2 1/2 Blue Kote screws designed for indoor/outdoor use. This Planter was done using treated lumber, once it dries, it can be painted or stained. If Cedar is available in your area that would be a wonderful option as well. Using only 4- 2x4x10’s, 13- 6 foot Dog Eared fence posts, 1 piece of Lattice and some screws you can add this nice piece to your backyard oasis. So whether its privacy or adding another spot to cultivate your green thumb, make sure to check out my plans which are sponsored by Kreg Jig at BuildSomething.com.