Today was the day when I tried out the electrics and smoke machine on the small locomotive feature for the Sign Invitational Challenge. Lacking experience in smoke machines I quickly learned it is important to size them according to how much smoke is required. We didn't need much for this small locomotive. We got a whole lot! The machine we had acquired was apparently just a little oversize and literally filled the room with smoke in a flash. It was impressive but not quite what I had in mind. A few modifications are obviously needed. This is how we learn. :)
Iron butterfly
As part of the ride feature/sign we are building, an iron butterfly which will be perched on an upper branch of the tree. Yesterday the giant bug got it's wings. Since it is a mechanical bug the wings are 'actuated' by faux hydraulic cylinders which protrude from the bug's back and attach to the wings Everything is built in sections to facilitate powder coating, shipping and reassembly. There will be some hand sculpting and painting as well to bring out the full character of the creature. It's going to be a fun piece when it is finished and will be unlike anything we've built previously.
Family celebration at work
Our family enjoys working together every day. Each of us plays an important role in the creation of everything we build. Together we are much, much stronger than we would be separately. Ideas are shared and critiqued, and made much better in the process. We all have each other's backs all through the day, encouraging, helping and simply enjoying each other's company while we work. We laugh a lot every day. It's something I am truly grateful for - every day.
Each time a birthday rolls around we celebrate with a cake of some kind. Today, Phoebe spent the morning whipping up a spectacular confectionary creation for her uncle Peter. As is our custom, the cake was shared with all of the crew at afternoon break. And it was good! Happy birthday Peter!
