Passing the test

We have an unwritten test for every project that comes out of our shop. To pass this test, someone (not the owner, their employees or family) has to take a picture of our project before we finish the installation. It isn't often we fail. 

Yesterday we were pleased to have a visit from a good friend of mine, Michael Clark of Iledo, Illinois drop in for a visit. He's visted before and the updated signature on the wall of fame in the shop bears witness to that fact. It always pleases me when people from litterally around the world drop in on their travels when they are in the area. Thanks for taking the time to drop in for a visit Michael!!

As Michael toured the shop he jumped in the incomplete logging truck and handed me his camera for a picture. The truck it seems has already passed the test. 

The train engine will get that test today as I deliver it.

-grampa dan

More honors for our projects

Two of our recent projects did really well in the annual Signs of the Times International Sign Contest. There were 237 signs from around the world in the competition. The Mighty Moose Ice Cream sign garnered a second place finish in the 'UNUSUAL' category. The sign also placed third in the Reader's choice category.

In the COMMERCIAL FREESTANDING SIGNS category our Lark Rise Horse House sign also placed in second position.

In a year where most of our energy was spent building our new house it was a respectable showing. We hope to have more entries in next year's event. Congratulations to all of the other entrants. There were some awesome signs to be sure!

-grampa dan

Onward!

After one last day of transferring old files, installing new programs and deactivating old programs on the old computer, and then reinstalling on the new computer and then reactivating once more, everything finally is up and running on the new computer. The only hickups along the way were my ineptitude in all things computer. After a try or two I managed to navigate my way through even the 'toughest' of challenges.

At last I can stop thinking about computers once more and simply get down to the business of designing and creating once more.

Tomorrow looks to be a busy day in the house. The cabinet makers return, and the finish carpenters continue their work. Big Matt carries on with the painting. In the shop little Matt will be busy. Hailey will finish the glazes on the log car.

Once I have everything organized and on the go I'll hook up the flat deck trailer to the truck and begin the journey to deliver the train to Whistle Punk Hollow. It's going to be a fun journey I'm sure.

-grampa dan