New York or BUST.

We are very much small town folks as evidenced by the teeny town of Yarrow where we choose to live and work. From time to time I do travel however and enjoy seeing the sights when I do. Today I was to have been on a plane bound for New York to partcipate in a workshop. I was looking forward to the trip with great anticipation. I had scheduled a little extra time with the hope of doing a few 'New York' things while I was in the area. I'd love to see the Statue of Liberty. The Empire State building had definite appeal as did the Chrysler Building. And who can not go to New York without going to Times Square and seeing all of the signs and displays. A ride on the subway system would have also been a very different experience that I definitely wanted to try.

With the arrival of Hurricane Sandy this past week everything was called into question, but the organizers of the workshop kept in touch and as things returned to normal where the workshop was to be held they decided everything was still a go. This morning as I was gathering the last of my things to head out the door to the airport the phone rang. Power was out once more in Hackensack with no clear idea or promises of when it would be restored. They had decied that the workshop was to be postponed to a later date. The New York workshop and my sight seeing there would have to wait. Today was a bust. I unpacked my things and took the day off.

-grampa dan

Take time to be silly. (in moderation)

Today, Saturday dawned gray and soggy, a real frog choker, not a day to do much of anything outside with Phoebe. We had to be creative as we didn't want to simply stay inside. After a little thought we decided it was the perfect day to head into town to have a coffee and a donut with my dad (phoebe's great grampa). I had a coke of course. Phoebe opted for an ice cream cone instead. I questioned her about the possibility of her getting cold. Her reply as 'No problem grampa, I have my parka on!' I could certainly see  the logic in that argument. She got her ice cream and finished it too.

On the way home Phoebe and I went sight seeing up at Cultus Lake. It was very quiet up there with not a single tourist to be found. Even the locals were snug in their homes, out of the heavy rain. We went for a short walk and looked through the fence at Giggle Ridge and then, just for fun, went seven and a half times around the traffic circle in grandma's car. Phoebe wanted to go ten times...  but her grampa is a man of moderation.

I hope you take the time to have a little fun today.

-grampa dan

First splash of color

Today we started in on the painting of the sun and letters of the Sunshine Homes sign. Bec and Sarah did the bulk of the painting today. The sign instantly began to come to life as the color went on. It will get a few more coats of paint over the next couple of days including some warm blends to make the sun jump out and shine. Once the top is done the bottom rockwork will be cured enough to get it's coats of color as well.

-grampa dan