Toengineer

I spent several weeks in a saddle shop about 40 years ago in Oakdale, Ca. The Saddle maker, I think his name was Bordona but I can't remember its been 40 years ago I said, taught me how to tool and lace and do all sorts of leatherwork and I swept and cleaned his shop. I worked leather for about 3 years then quit when I found out about girls and sports. I recently bought some tools on Ebay and did some practice work on some scraps and the family was surprised that I was so good. I guess they thought I was BS'n them. I took the scraps to a local leather store to get their opinion and they said it looks like I had been doin' it for years. So I bought more tools and I guess I'm back. It's hard to remember all that I was taught but that will come in time. I also have a blacksmith shop and a full woodworking shop. My regular work is that of a Civil Engineer and Land Surveyor.

Here is an UPDATE:

With the help of Bruce Johnson I found out the Saddlemakers name was Boren. A little research I did turned up that his name was Jim Boren and he passed in 1992. A section of the wall of the saddle shop which had the prices on it is now in the Oakdale Cowboy Museum. The memories of the 3 years or so I went to sweep the shop and learn the trade came back when I saw the wall.