T'was the day before Christmas...

On our last (optional for staff) workday before Christmas Peter, Marty and Dimitry came in eager to do some work. The first order of business was to drag a few of the finished pieces out of the shop. The sign tree was first and we all held our breath as the piece approached the door. But there was no need to fear and it slipped through with a bit more than an inch to spare.

just cleared.png

The trestle with the mine car was next. Even though the piece was large it fit out of the door easily. Then we hooked the forklift to it to lift it onto the trailer. Slow and easy was the game plan and it worked well on the second try. The first time it hung over the sides a little far and so we rehooked and tried one more time.

lifting trestle onto trailer.png
lifting trestle onto trailer 2.png

With the pieces out of the shop there was only one thing to do. Peter fired up the welder and started work on the next humungus piece. I'll be showing pictures of that after Christmas!

peter the welder.png

There's only one sleep left before Christmas morning. Merry Christmas all!  :)

-grampa dan

Two days to go and starting to party!

Today everyone was in high spirits and eager to finish the projects before the Christmas break. With a little creative re-arranging we managed to squeeze two more large pieces into the shop. Tomorrow we'll begin moving out the pieces at last with two more large frames ready to move in.

overfull shop.png

I also got the first of the paint on the gold mining logo on the water tank. It looks pretty cool and already a hundred and fifty years old.

lettering on tank started.png

We knocked off a little early for a potluck supper in the house with the whole crew and their significant others and families. We were twenty two at the dining room table. A good time was had by all. We ate real fine too! I sure appreciate each and every one of these delightful and caring folks!

crew at table.png

Only two more sleeps until Christmas. :)

-grampa dan

Almost Christmas...

As Christmas quickly approaches there are plenty of distractions from work. Secret shopping errands need to be done. Presents need wrapping. The fridge needs stocking with all kinds of good things and decorations need to be hung. As usual, just before Christmas I'm up well past midnight. The post date will read Monday while I'm still operating in Sunday night mode.

At our house the Chrismas tree happens after the last December birthday which isn't until just before Christmas. By that time everyone is definitely in the mood. We have one more day of work with the full crew and then a dinner with them all. It's going to be fun.

The small snowfall last week was the perfect introduction to the Christmas season.

rail truck in the snow.png

Three more sleeps until Christmas.

-grampa dan