Thanks Pearl Drums. My motivation is to create something cool for a friend, a memory of a shared experience, plus to learn how to do it. This hobby reminds me of when I was learning to tie flies a decade ago. So many techniques and materials to learn about and gather. Screw ups become lessons, and, in this hobby, firewood:) I love it!
I never considered the blue to be rot. Not what I consider rot, but I guess if a bit of insect or fungi got in there, it would compromise the integrity. New lesson learned!