My first day at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch is always a busy one, and this year was doubly so. The JD Transport truck was on site first thing with the load in perfect shape. The Vala’s eager crew were at the ready with the zoom boom and all of the necessary lifting straps, hardware and tools. They guided the truck and trailer into the center of the farm, which is a tricky task with the narrow, winding paths lined with overhanging trees. While they worked their way onto the site, I met with key members of Vala’s crew and the contractors who would be digging holes, grading the new miniature golf site, pouring the concrete and doing the landscaping. I did some initial measuring and marking to get everyone on the same page and in motion, and then hurried back to the truck freight area to start getting our giant pieces off the trailer and staged on the construction sites in various areas of the farm where we will install them over the next few weeks. We spent the balance of the day placing the recent truckload of features, plus a second equal-sized shipment we had delivered last fall. I was provided with a Gator (fancy off-road golf cart) to get around the large farm, which was greatly appreciated because it was 31°C - 88°F and humid. The contractors dug large holes, built forms and installed rebar in preparation for concrete work tomorrow. The progress was amazing! Stay tuned for much more…
Travel day
Today was a day for travel as I journeyed from home to Vala’s Pumpkin Patch in Nebraska. I had a stopover in Denver, where I snapped this picture of the beautiful terminal building. I arrived early enough to do a quick tour of the farm to size up tomorrow’s challenge. It is going to be a busy three days. Stay tuned…
Pirate dino in colour
The Sign Invitational is still eight months distant, but I am making great progress on my pieces. I know from experience that if I wait until closer to the deadline, we will be super busy, and then I will have to rush. Instead, I add a little detail or paint to the pieces when I have a few minutes to spare. Three of my dinosaur-themed signs are now fully assembled and sculpted and are in the painting stage. The furthest along is the pirate dinosaur that will go to X-Edge Tools, one of our sponsors. The base coats are now in place, and I’m ready to begin the glazing. For anyone who wishes to enter the friendly competition, we would love to have you give it a go. Just drop me an email, and I’ll send you the guidelines.
