More Of Neighbor Ron’s Ship Yard & A Diorama
This post shows more of my neighbor Ron’s shipyard along with an impressive diorama that he built.
I can’t imagine what kind of skill and deftness of hand it took to create this beautiful diorama, not to mention his skill in building ships.
Ron is in his late eighties and going strong. He has quite a sense of humor and his infectious laugh draws people to his patio like a magnet.
Above is an incredible portrayal of people and animals on a ship that Ron built.
It is yet another form of art, along with Ron’s shipbuilding skills, that is hard for me to fathom someone actually creating.
Sign On The Wall Just Before Entering Ron’s Shipyard:
I guess I missed this sign on my first trip to Ron and Pat’s apartment.
This is in the hallway just before you arrive at the second bedroom. This bedroom is more commonly referred to as “the shipyard.”
Some Background Anecdotes About Ron:
This is the comment Ron left in response to a reader last week. This is his story of how he began building ships in his own words.
As a young boy, I built airplanes. I always thought I would like to build ship models, but I didn’t for many years.
In 1988 I discovered a modeling club in Tulsa, and I started going to their meetings. They were building model ships, strictly wood, no plastic. That’s when I started building wooden models.
I have built over 50 models, and it is a labor of love. I have also restored some models.
My wife loves my ships so that makes it even better. I love her paintings too, and they are mostly nautical. She is also my sailmaker.
We have been married 69 years. Life is good!!!
An Inspirational Couple:
His words about his wife and their relationship are heartwarming. A couple still so much in love after 69 years of marriage.
Imagine all the things they’ve been through together during that time.
They sit in their rockers on their patio and seem so comfortable together as I watch them laughing and talking.
This is a wall in Ron’s shipyard of shelves displaying the ships he has created over the years.
I took a few more photos of their apartment, which is mostly decorated in nautical decor.
They often sit on their patio in their yellow rocking chairs and watch the world go by.
Neighbors often stop and chat. I think this is because everyone is drawn to their friendly demeanor.
You can see one of the yellow rocking chairs through the window in the photo below.
Much of their apartment is decorated in shades of blue, the color of the sea.
Below is a photo of their patio. A ship is on display on the patio wall.
There is a blue birdbath in their yard. They are also avid bird feeders, so there are always birds in their yard.
That’s where I get most of my photos of birds.
Boomer Prepared For Bedtime:
I just had to add this funny photo of Boomer that John emailed to me last night.
He said he walked into the room and Boomer had already prepared himself for sleep.
Boomer somehow arranged those pieces of cloth over himself. He was obviously waiting for John to turn off the lights and go to bed.
In case you’re interested in more about the subject of Ron’s artistry, I found a Facebook group link to Model Ship Dioramas.
And here is a link to Model Ship Clubs of The USA.
Extraordinary talent! The fact that they share the same nautical artistic passions no doubt plays a big role in their marriage of 69 years. The photo of Boomer is adorable!
Maybe there is truth to the thoughts that hobbies and social interaction such as church and volunteer opportunities do add years to your life. Who says we need to live in the old people states when you share such vibrant happy thriving people such as those in your new neighborhood. What a spectacular post Brenda!
Wonder if Ron worked in a shipyard…if you mentioned, I’m just “catching this” for the first time. Wonderful portrayal you did…I feel like I know them now. Fair Winds & Following Seas! franki
Brenda I just had to leave a comment today on how much I enjoyed this pos. Your neighbours are truly inspirational people, I am wowed with the model ships. I also love that blue vase with the flowers!! But the photo that gave me so much joy and a chuckle was Boomer!!! So glad you moved to this wonderful place!!
Those ships are beautiful and Ron is so artistic! Pat does beautiful paintings too! That’s great 69 yrs and counting just like someone I know is coming up on 75 yrs of marriage!
Oh cute, Boomer must of been abit chilly! Lol
WOW, they are beautiful! I scrolled back to take a closer look at them, I love the details and the people. When I was young my dad used to make models of cars and ships, not wood but they were still beautiful.
I will say it again, THANK GOD you moved. You landed in a wonderful place with caring, kind people who have become friends.
It was a lucky break for me that there was an opening here. I still talk to the elderly neighbor there by phone. Actually, I called her this afternoon to check on her.
Wow. You are so lucky to have found such interesting and friendly neighbors..and Boomer, to boot. I agree with you…this art is more than incredible..its unreal. Wow. Their art and love obvious love of life is why it sounds like they are “living the dream” and sounds like very healthy, too. PS..Boomer needs a bigger blankie. :0) … Thanks for sharing. So fun.
They are a wonderful couple. Always laughing and joking. It’s a treat to be around them.
Boomer absolutely adores them. When John and Boomer go on a trip, Ron and Pat babysit John’s birds.
You are blessed with good and interesting neighbors.
I truly am.
Wow! Congratulations on being married for 69 years!
That’s incredible! It’s sad to think that half the marriages today end in divorce. This couple is truly inspiring and talented! And that picture of Boomer is hilarious! I love it.
Your neighbors are so kind to allow you to share their lives with us. We’ve all been enjoying this!
I count myself very lucky to have all these people who I’ve met in the past months.
A delightful and happy post about such a lovely couple. They are a wonderful example of “love”. Their love for each other, their home, their individual hobbies and how the hobbies overlap, nature (birds, plants, etc) and life!
Boomer is obviously a very happy dog – his blankee is perfect. LOL
Enjoy your Saturday, Brenda!
It’s been strangely cold here for the end of May.
What wonderful neighbors you have. Ron and Pat are such a talented couple. Congratulations to them for having been married for 69 years! Love the picture of Boomer!
I’ve never known any couple to have been married that long.
Spectacular! What great artists/craftspeople your neighbour’s are! Thanks for the view into their home. (Love the great dog photo too!)
We live simple lives here. We have our gardens. The birds and squirrels and bunnies. It’s a good life.
Oh Wow, “Awesome” and “Beautiful”. How very lovely for you to have such great neighbors that are now your friends. Oh, and Boomer too! What a cute picture of him, made me laugh. Thanks for sharing today, great post!
Boomer is hilarious! He jumps up in my chair and sits with me.
Excellent craftsmanship, lovely apartment, and even more amazing couple! I can’t believe Ron’s age! He looks 20+ years younger! As does his pretty bride!
Now, on the topic of Boomer!….I will never get tired of seeing pictures of that little guy and his daily antics! Like sweet Ivy…he’s pure entertainment! Tell John to keep ‘em coming!
I sure will!
Brenda, I have enjoyed the stories and pictures that you have shared the last few days. Thank Ron for the story of how he got interested in ship building. It is amazing to see the amazing ships he works on. Our pets sure amuse us! Boomer must have really been tired to tuck himself in! You must be so happy in your new home with the pets, plants and nice neighbors. Have a good weekend!
It’s a little haven of people I’ve come to know. Just a section of apartments with the patios and yards in view of one another. A sidewalk and stone pathway separate us. I’ve come to know my neighbors through gardening and chatting on the patios.
What a lovely blog today, Brenda…and what incredible neighbors to have!! Their marriage is just as stupendous to hear about as their incredible talents!! How blessed you are to now live in such an environment!! Thanks for sharing and to your neighbors too!! (We will have our 50th anniversary this fall…cannot imagine having 69!!)
I know. I can’t imagine knowing someone that long. Much less being married to them.
Ron must have way more patience than I. The detail on the ships is exquisite. The complementary paintings are lovely as well.
He must have phenomenal patience to work with such tiny pieces.
What a wonderful couple your neighbors are. Not only are they extremely talented, but the longevity and happiness of their marriage is lovely to hear about. That Boomer is a cute dog and very entertaining!
They seem very happy together.
Beautiful ships, extremely nice neighbors, and Boomer is one smart dog! Loved this post,
I’m glad you enjoyed it. Boomer makes all of us happy with his sweetness.
Those model ships are just incredible works of art. When I think of the degree of skill, patience and hours needed to create such wonders, I can only shake my head as I contemplate how much dedication and concentration such work takes. It’s just amazing. The ship with what looks like the Templar cross on the sails is just amazing. And the in the first photo that you showed of the two ships, the one on the lower shelf reminds me of the sort of craft one might have seen on the old Erie Canal back in the early 1800s as people from the East moved to the “west” – wagons packed with household items, families and their animals all would have travelled on such flat bottomed boats, a part of our American history. The paintings in the room are beautiful, too. Such talent in that one apartment, it’s awe inspiring. Boomer is one cool dude of a dog, for sure. I can just picture him tugging the blanket on his hind quarters with his teeth to try and get it spread “just so.”
I look at those ships and I just can’t imagine tackling one. Or imagine my fingers being able to work with such tiny pieces.
What amazing skill he has. They sound like such a delightful couple.
You have certainly wound up in a wonderful place! Now you have so much contact with your neighbors. I wonder if they do ice cream socials in the summer? I am very happy for you Brenda❣️
I don’t know. Seems like I recall Ron mentioning barbecues when I first moved here. I landed in a good place. It’s not perfect and was built decades ago. But it’s in a great location and close to everything.
What a precious couple and such talent each have. May God continue to bless this wonderful couple and Boomer.