One more tree

Each day one more piece of the giant jigsaw puzzle is put into place. Although the work done each day is relatively the same, sometimes the changes we see are subtle and other days it looks like a big deal. Today it looked like a big change.

Peter and the crew were working on one of our gateposts in the driveway. Today the concrete was applied and the carving was skillfully handled. I was busy for the most part in a number of meetings and at my design desk. My hands-on efforts were not required for the Pete and the crew did a marvelous job.

A gate is critical on our property. Security is not the primary issue. It is a matter of privacy as people can't seem to keep themselves from driving up our driveway to get a good look if they are able. It happens many times each day if the gates are left open. But, like the house and shop we simply couldn't settle for ordinary looking gates and posts. They had to be just a little over the top and also match the house.

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The carving looks great with wonderful details like the hearts snuck into the design in a number of places. The hole through the center is for the paper boy to stuff the news paper, saving him a bunch of steps to the house.

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Once the tree is all painted up we'll plant some flowering vines to grow up to the top and then spread their foliage over our sculpture bringing it to life in the process. It's going to be pretty cool when it's finished. Well done crew!

-grampa dan

Gateway to the future

With only a few days now left before the wedding preparations are in full swing. Concrete sidewalks and decks around the yard are in place. The driveway sports fresh pavement and most areas of the house exterior are now complete. The last of the sod comes tomorrow and a few last flowers and shrubs will follow. But not just yard work is being done. There are of course some special preparations being made to ensure Hailey and Peter's day is extra special. One such item is a stone portal which will be moved to their property after the wedding. For the ceremony it will serve as the backdrop for the celebration. Last week Peter and the crew were busy welding, wiring and mudding the giant structure. It was allowed to cure over the weekend and today the painting process was begun.

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Tomorrow we'll carefully fill in the soil and tamp fresh sod around the base to make it look like the arch has been there forever. Excitement is building as we make the final preparations for the big day.

-grampa dan

Pictures of completed park - part one

Each time I am able I go back into Cultus Lake Adventure Park to take pictures of the completed project. Because of the different angles of the sun and the many trees that surround the park the light is always changing. In the last couple of weeks I have managed to get some good pictures.

The first pictures are of the three signs on the Western building.

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Just inside the eastern entrance is a giant balloon photo op. Guests love to climb up into the basket and have their pictures taken as a rememberance of the good time enjoyed in the park.

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With the landscaping in place it dresses things up nicely around the Buckin' Bronco loading platform

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Across the walkway is the Happy Horse Saloon.

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I'll continue to post more pictures next time.

-grampa dan