The Dart: Vidalia couple lives life leisurely, bonds through hobbies
Published 12:06 am Monday, October 26, 2015
![Bernice and Ferd Beer hold the wooden Rudolph’s they made while sitting in their his and her Barcaloungers. For the past 30 years, the two have been wood working together, making everything from furniture to Christmas decorations. (Sam Gause / The Natchez Democrat)](https:https://www.natchezdemocrat.com//wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2015/10/102615_Dart1MAIN_web_SG.jpg)
Bernice and Ferd Beer hold the wooden Rudolph’s they made while sitting in their his and her Barcaloungers. For the past 30 years, the two have been wood working together, making everything from furniture to Christmas decorations. (Sam Gause / The Natchez Democrat)
VIDALIA — Bernice and Ferd Beer are like any other married couple, they don’t always get along, and they may not always agree.
In fact, at their house, Ferd has his television in the front room and Bernice has hers in the back room.
“We don’t watch the same things,” Ferd said.
Throughout their 30 years of marriage, though, one thing they could always agree on was a love for woodworking.
When The Dart landed on Susan Circle in Vidalia Sunday, the Beers were enjoying the rainy weather from the comfort of their matching his and her recliners.
But even when it is not raining, that is where they can usually be found.
“We are taking the life of ease,” Ferd said. “We do what we want to do, when we want to do it.”
And when they feel like it, they work on various projects in their backyard wood shed. Projects range from household furniture to Christmas decorations.
They started woodworking early in their marriage after Bernice retired from being postmaster in Clarence, La., and well before Ferd retired from being postmaster in Natchitoches, La.
“We were looking at things to buy in a magazine,” Bernice said. “And we thought we could make that.”
“And for way cheaper,” Ferd said.
So they started making things for around their house, but got more and more into it and started making lawn art.
“We even started going to craft shows,” Bernice said. “But we don’t do that anymore.”
While they have slowed down over the years, the hobby continues to be something they both enjoy.
“It has always been a bonding point,” Ferd said. “I hate to admit it, but she is way better than me at it, but that doesn’t bother me.”
The couple takes great pride in their work.
They are quick to point out the things throughout their house they made and quick to send out to loves ones things they made as gifts.
“We’ve made some nice stuff,” Ferd said. “And we’ve had a lot of fun making it.”