A Puzzling Journey - Part I

First, a PROLOGUE...

What started as a self-indulgent little section in my monthly newsletter gradually turned into something more personal. It's a behind-the-scenes log of how I went from military signals officer to full-time puzzle maker.

I’ve decided to give these entries a permanent home here, so curious minds (and maybe my kids in the distant future) can trace the path I took, one confusing step at a time. Consider it a meandering origin story. These posts aren’t tutorials or marketing fluff. They’re more like journal pages… a bit rough around the edges, occasionally rambling, but honest.

If you're wondering how Mercury fits into all this, or what possessed me to build temples with hidden gears, and where I plan to go from there, read on.


PART I - So, Why Mercury?

Originally part of the November 2024 edition of the Mercurius Newsletter.

Vimy monument in Kingston

ATIS Coin

I’ve served for over 24 years in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), within the Communications and Electronics (C&E) branch, often called the Signals branch. I began as an Aerospace Telecommunications and Information Systems technician (a long, fancy title meaning I fixed and maintained radars, radios, computers, and networks), and now serve as a Communications and Electronics Engineering officer, after earning a degree in astrophysics.

C&E Branch Crest In the comms trades, the Roman god Mercury, known as Hermes in Greek mythology, or simply “Jimmy” to Branch members, is the patron and insignia of Signals branches across Commonwealth countries. He has always held a special place in my career. Quite literally: he’s the figure on my trade badge and the cap badge on my headdress.

Mercury Woodworks Logo As I retire next year and transition fully into puzzle design and craftsmanship, I chose the name Mercury Woodworks and adopted the title The Mercury Woodworker to honor those years of service. My first series of sequential discovery puzzle boxes, starting with The Mercurius Temple, draws deeply from that mythology, merging obscure myth-inspired concepts with modern twists. Which, to be honest, I’ve also taken some liberties with.

I suspect there will be some kind of Mercury reference in most, if not all, of my puzzles, even if it’s tucked away in a corner, waiting to be discovered.

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  • A Puzzling Journey - Part III

    What began as lockdown woodworking slowly turned into a passion for mechanical puzzles. Each design brings a new challenge and each build gives me a real sense of purpose.

    A Puzzling Journey - Part III

    What began as lockdown woodworking slowly turned into a passion for mechanical puzzles. Each design brings a new challenge and each build gives me a real sense of purpose.

  • A Puzzling Journey - Part II

    After years in military tech and space ops, I turned to woodworking as a hands-on outlet, something tangible to balance out the untouchable world of monitors and satellites.

    A Puzzling Journey - Part II

    After years in military tech and space ops, I turned to woodworking as a hands-on outlet, something tangible to balance out the untouchable world of monitors and satellites.

  • A Puzzling Journey - Part I

    In the comms trades, the Roman god Mercury, known as Hermes in Greek mythology, is the patron and insignia of Signals branches across Commonwealth countries.

    A Puzzling Journey - Part I

    In the comms trades, the Roman god Mercury, known as Hermes in Greek mythology, is the patron and insignia of Signals branches across Commonwealth countries.

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