Bucky's payback

I love to tease and also get my fair share in return.

Almost twenty years ago I painted some murals in 29 Palms, California. We met many fine folks when we were there. One of those people was a sheriff name Bucky. He loved to play elaborate practical jokes and I was the recipient of a great one. We all had a good laugh and I promised that one day I would get even.

Back in 2003 when we were planning the expansion of Giggle Ridge, the project was to include some themed bumper boats. I decided the mascot for that attraction would bear my friend's name as payback. Bucky was a beaver. But things changed... the project died and sadly a short time later, so did my friend Bucky.

When the project came alive again this year I decided to keep that promise I had made to my friend. The name stuck to the bumper boat pool.

But I'm not done yet for I still owe my friend Bucky. I decided to add the Bucky beaver theme to the Wave Swinger ride as well. It will be built on the island in the middle of the bumper boat pond.

I'll get the last laugh yet.

-grampa dan

Hiring process

From time to time we hire new people. I find it an interesting process. While many around me complain that good people are hard to find I have never felt it to be that way. Good people are always coming to me. Fantastic people.

The peope I look for are not necessarily artistically talented. That surprises many people. Instead I look for young people who are motivated, who have strong goals and dreams. My job as an employer is to help them towards these goals for as long as they are with us. Their task is to help me with my dreams. It's a fair trade and it works every time. I know these people won't be with me forever. Some move on in a short time, while others are with me for a number of years as they go to school or work on their training.

Today TJ started with us. He was sent by his sister who will hopefully begin work with us soon. Both young people have definite goals and dreams - my kind of people.

TJ quckly discovered that building cool things is often just plain hard work. He also discovered we love to tease and we laugh a lot at our workplace. I think he found he was instantly thrown in the deep end... but it won't be long until he is one of the gang and dishing it back.

It's my wish that this experience will be one of the best memories of his working life. I'll be doing my best to make it just that.

-grampa dan

Another summer adventure with Phoebe

At the beginning of each summer season Phoebe and I put together an adventure wish list... four or five places or things we would like to do before summer ends. The Blue Heron Nature Preserve always makes the list as does the Abbotsford International Air Show. This year we added visits to Hell's Gate Airtram, Capilano Suspension Bridge and a fish hatchery.

Last weekend was the airshow which we enjoyed immensely. The weather was perfect, a little cooler than normal but still warm and sunny. Today was the day to visit Capilano Suspension Bridge. www.capbridge.com We had a leisurely lunch together, then explored all sorts of fun things, walked high in the trees, explored the cliffs and swung above the river on the enormously long and high suspension bridge. We had some ice cream and delicious chocolate mousse too.

It was another wonderful adventure.

-grampa dan