I do like a compliment.

When we worked on the great room, after much comparison and thought, we decided on native willow for the fireplace facade and the nine-foot bookcase.

Our carpenter selected and planed the wood himself, and created raised panels for both. I finished them in linseed oil, with all the concomitant work - sanding, wiping, finishing, four times over.

Today, when he came by to pick up experimental ribs from the smoker, he checked the finish. "It might be time to put another coat on."

"You'll have to keep Lucy. That means more sanding and mineral spirits."

"No, you don't need to sand. This is nearly gun-stock smooth."

Nice. He's still wrong.