Recently, the outpouring of emotion for the end of the Sam Maloof and James Krenov era really caught my attention. And when Norm Abram announced that the New Yankee Workshop had come to the end of its run, the genuine affection and sadness that were expressed was noteworthy and significant. Reflecting back, I just couldn’t help feeling, “Come on, what am I … Chopped Liver?” I mean geez, I am still here and up until recently, was not planning on going anywhere. But then I thought to myself … self … I am going to get a little bit of this action going as well. So, I am pleased at this time to be announcing the “Rob Johnstone Retirement Sweepstakes!” Think of it like one of those “name the day when the car falls through the ice” contests. Each of you will have the opportunity to buy, for the very reasonable cost of $10.00 plus shipping and handling (total price $19.95), a date on the calendar that you think will be my retirement day.

As soon as I receive more than $287,642 in entry fees (which is how much I will need to fully fund my Roth IRA according to Josh, my tax guy), I will retire. Then you guys can go on and on about how great I was and how woodworking will not be the same without me. What’s in it for you? Just wait! The person who has guessed closest to the actual date of my retirement will win three Woodworker’s Journal T-shirts, 4 eight by ten glossy photographs of me in actual woodworking poses and a copy of my upcoming booklet “The Sayings of Woodworker Rob,” complete with an admiring forward by Chris Schwarz, author of the CD, “The Best of Christopher Schwarz.”

A sweet deal for all involved!