After retiring from the US ARMY, I moved to my wife's home country of South Africa. It took a while to figure out what to do with my time, and became interested in woodturning after seeing some pieces online. I became addicted to it in April 2022 after buying my first lathe. Started turning bowls for utility purposes, but I have become somewhat obsessed with open and closed hollow forms. The art side of turning holds my interest. The great part of living in Africa is the easier access to exotic hardwoods. I have only turned about 6 different species of American timbers, but spalted Hard Maple is so nice to turn.