What a story. I missed who your unexpected guests were...but the important part is your cutting... no pictures though.
Oh, don't stick your hand in the lion cage or hand the monkey a peanut, he might be mean.
I just enjoyed reading about your experience.
One thought is you are using wood times three for one piece.
Why not make the sacrifice boards are good enough to give them away when finished?
Well Fish, Both are super looking. The vase has a little Egyptian look.
The bandsaw piece is beautifuly finished, whatever it is.
I sand till it's done or I am.