Decisions, decisions... no problem!

I've learned many important things from Phoebe in the last six years. One of the things I've learned is how to make decisions. If there is a choice, sometimes it is best to take a little of each instead of a bunch of only one. That way you don't miss anything. It works for Phoebe and it works for me too.

Phoebe is enjoying her new tools immensely. Each time she comes into the shop she goes straight to her very own drawer in the toolbox and checks to see the tools are there where she left them. And they always are.

Donna had created some letter decals to label her drawer. To be sure it was perfect Donna made them in three sizes, matching the lettering on the rest of the toolbox drawers, save for the size and color - blue, Phoebe's favorite. It was only right that Phoebe got to choose which version would be on her drawer. I put the decals in Phoebe's drawer for safe keeping. But the last days have been busy and I've only seen Phoebe for brief periods. The decals were forgotten in the drawer.

Today, Phoebe came home from shcool and rushed out to the shop where I was working. I was busy with a client and after saying hello to Phoebe went back to my business. When I went back to talk to her a short while later I noticed she had discovered the decals in the drawer when she checked her tools. She was delighted. The dilemma of which size name to put on the drawer was easily solved. She would simply put on all three. She had previous experience with decals and had no problem peeling off the back and then pressing down the transfer tape until the lettering was secure. She would then carefully peel off the transfer tape, leaving the letters on the drawer. They fit without diffficulty and looked absolutely perfect when she was done!

-grampa dan

Major progress or so it seems

Each day we work hard on the Fox & Hounds Pub project. Progress is roughly the same. But when we can look back at the end of the day and see a major piece ready for paint it sure feels good! Days of preparation and labor suddenly come together and it feels like big progress has been achieved.

Today was perfect weather to sculpt concrete outside. Overcast and yet warm - not hot, the fresh concrete would dry slow allowing us plenty of time to carve it before it became too hard. We were carving brick which tends ot be more labor intensive than anything else. The key is to carve fast and confidently, staying ahead of the curing stone. It is a challenge each and every time.

The brickwork is now complete on the outside. By week's end (weather permitting) we will also cross the sculpted concrete bollards and handrails off the list leaving only the paint to finish.

The outside work on the front of the building is nearing completion. The center portion of the gable is now ready for the large dimensional sign in progress in our shop.

Guests are getting anxious to come in the new entrance and see the work inside. It will only be a little while more...

-dan

New hire.

Today was the first day for Annie - a new employee. With the start of the school year everyone who worked for me went back to school. Sarah, in her third year of University now works only one day each week. Hailey is down to three days each week. Becky is gone to animation school. And Peter who was only with us for two weeks between terms is now back in university. My daughter Rebecca helps out when she can, but she is very busy these days.

I knew it was coming and I was OK with it. But I had to find new help. I didn't take out an ad in the paper or post a job listing online. 

I hear many complain that good people are hard to find. That may be true if you are looking in the usual places. But I have a different tack. I let them come to me. We often get people come up the drive looking for work. Only a few make the cut.

When I interview new prospective hires I am looking for people with dreams. I'm looking for people who are working hard to realize these dreams. These people are motivated and willing to work without fail. I explain our goals for they are simple. My job is to help them realize their dream. Their task is to help me with mine. Hiring these people means I will lose them as they move on down the road. That's perfectly OK in my mind for I love it when people achieve their goals. This is what life should be about.

My hiring methods are pretty relaxed. A resume is nice but not required. Experience is also an asset but not necessary. Often I will turn away those who know lots for it doesn't allow much room for training. I want things done my way. Mostly I am looking for a work ethic and the right attitude. They have to be willing to learn and eager to try new things. I love my work and want to have fun on the job site and as little stress as I can manage. Having the right people helps a lot. I believe those who work for me should also have just as much fun as I. 

Saturday I saw a truck drive up to the firehall across the street. A young lady got out and was in a discussion with the older person with her. I found out later it was her dad. He was obviously in a hurry. She was adamant that she needed to look around. I lost track of them as I went about my business on the other side of the street.

A few minutes later I saw the young lady again, approaching my shop. She had her camera out and asked permission to take some pictures. I had no problem with that. She was awestruck with our work. It turned out she was relatively new to the area, an artist, had some training and was one of the most enthusiastic people I have met. I identified with her immediately. She loved what she saw, but wanted to know how it was made. She touched everything she saw, trying to figure out how it was fashioned and with what material. She was curious. I decided to give her a quick tour of the shop. As she entered the workspace I could tell she was in her version of heaven. She took it all in instantly... the tools, the samples, the building, the projects in various stages of completion. This was her world.

Annie's next comment was expected. It's one I have heard many times before. She said, "I have to work for you. I'll do any job you ask if you teach me how to create this magic."

I explained the job was largely one of hard labor. Hard, dirty, dusty work. Starting pay was low compared to many jobs. The tasks she would be required to do were not glamorous. She understood, We talked a little more about specifics and she was instantly hired.

This morning Annie was waiting when I arrived at the jobsite. She was eager to kick things in gear. I quickly discovered she knew how to handle tools and was able to learn new things in an istant. I framed one side of the fireplace while she matched my moved on the other. There were no straight lines, nothing was level, everything was built by eye. To get it right is far more difficult than most would imagine. Annie was quick as well. Together we accomplished a lot and achieved more than my lofty goals of the day.

Tomorrow we'll see if we can do it again.

-grampa dan