I recently got the chance to watch a BBC nature documentary, Unexpected Wilderness, also known as The Wild Places of Essex. Instead of focusing on huge expanses and "untamed" wilderness, it focuses on small wild areas. There are forests sandwiched between highways, mud flats, and overgrown areas. When people envision wild places, they often overlook areas like this that are right under their noses. Programs like this are helpful to remind us that nature and beauty can be found in urban areas.

Update: Here is a video clip from the show.

The Wild Places of Essex from AGB Films on Vimeo.

Tags: outside

I searched for a long time to find a sewing machine that would be suitable for stitching leather. I had little luck finding an affordable option, but I eventually remembered an antique Singer sewing machine that my mother had. It was made in 1908, and before my mother had it, it belonged to one of her aunts. It wasn't pretty to look at anymore, since it had rusted a bit and the wood had deteriorated, but the mechanical parts still worked. It seemed like an ideal option, since it was a family heirloom that could be put to good use. Also, it could handle heavy fabrics and leather due to sturdy construction and working under manual power.

My step-father, Joe, restored the wood and cleaned a good deal of the rust off. Now it needs a drive belt and some leather sewing machine needles. After that, I can start testing to see how well it will work on leather and some high tech fabrics that I want to experiment with.

In addition to the sewing machine, I also received my father's desk. He inherited it from his grandfather, John Rogers. It is at least 65 years old, and probably a bit older. With the desk, I also got some things that my father stored in it: an antique compass, his pocket watch, and various drafting tools.

Tags: shoes