FIRE IN THE SKY

The day after Canyon's surgery it was business as usual.
Thursday it was back to work.  A couple of weeks ago we had just finished up a big out door bar.  The client liked our work so much he hired us to reseal the stamped concrete around his pool.  Now that part of the story isn't as big a deal as the next part.  He also contracted us to resurface his professional sized tennis court.  When I say it is professional sized you may not understand what that means, but it is ginormous.  The job may not have been as tough if it wasn't for the heat.  Thursday highs reached 98 degrees with heat indexs around 110.

I almost get a heat stroke from just looking at this pic

His court had a sport court surface and he said the ball didn't bounce right.  Sport court is rubber panels that fit together like a jigsaw puzzle.  That had to be removed.  I did not participate in the removal, but I was called to go unload the trailer at our warehouse.  You say what's the big deal.  Well, we have a large trailer and I opened the side door to see what we were dealing with.

I couldn't get it closed

Here is a photo of the trailer after we had unloaded one pallet of sport court.

It wasn't stacked very neatly

We unloaded eight pallets (stacked neatly) five feet high.  All from one tennis court!

Friday the temps went over 100, heat index of 115, humidity off the charts.  On this day I helped the asphalt crew, well I sort of helped.  I was out there all day and I probably said "I'm too old for this crap" several dozen times.  Here is a quick video so you can see the size of this tennis court.  Keep in mind that some of this equipment is used to lay streets.

We had to lay out 30 sheets of 3/4 inch plywood for the dump trucks full of asphalt so they wouldn't damage his lawn when they drove on it.  When everything was done, me and the new kid had to pick up the plywood (each sheet weighs about 50 pounds), carry them to the truck and load them.  I can tell you that it wasn't the most fun I ever had.  I couldn't wait for the end of the day.  I'm too old for that crap.

But 5 o'clock did roll around and it was off to home.  My mom and dad were coming down to spend the night, then they would head out to my brother's lake side cabin for the fourth.  Robyn and I couldn't go because we had expected to have Canyon recuperating from surgery and we offered to work.  However, on Saturday Canyon was feeling fine so they took him and one of his friends with them to the lake.

"OUR" vacation starts now

And what is the first thing you do on vacation?  I'll show you...

Yeh, that is good times.  But it wasn't all work and no play.  We went out to dinner at a nice resturant and ate on the patio.  While we were waiting for our food my former boss and good friends, John and his wife Mary showed up so we asked them to join us.

Name drop warning..  Superstar Ed Wilson in the background

We talked about old times, learned a little about wine, and John shared a story about Robyn's brother Mike that may come in handy someday.  After dinner John graciously offered to pick up the tab, which I pretended to decline, but quickly handed the check to him.  Then Robyn and I headed home to catch some z's.  I was extremely tired, I think from all the sun the past few days.

Sunday, we skipped church.  I know, I know, that is so unlike us.  We forgot to set the alarm,.. I mean the sun was in my eyes,.. I mean the dog ate my homework....  Alright, we got no excuse but we will watch the service online.   So after sleeping in we got some chores done and started preparing for our small group outing that evening.  We were all meeting at the I-Cubs game.  One from group got us all free tickets from his work.  We decided to meet around four and do some tailgating before the game.  Robyn made brownies while I cut up fruit for a fruit salad.  Check it out..

We packed a cooler and it was off to the game.  We got a great spot in the corner of the parking lot.  Here are some pics for your enjoyment.

room for everyone and everything

plus room for games

save room for dessert

It took these guys two tries, but they got it spelled right

Then it was game time.  We had a little trouble locating our seats.  An usher pointed them out for us.

just below the lighted yellow sign

The guy that got the tickets apoligized and said he thought the seats were actually inside the stadium.

But we didn't let that dampen our spirits.  We had a spectacular view of the sunset.

beautiful

And I think everyone was having a good time.  I asked everyone to wave for a photo, and as you can see in this next picture, the guy in front considered himself part of 'everyone'.

The gal in the red shirt (Dee Dee) really liked her seat 

And with the I-cubs leading by two, the Zephers had two on with two out when I caught this video.  Here are some sounds of the game for you...

The Cubbies went on to win the game (something the big Cubs have trouble doing) and we went back out to our tailgate spot to watch the fireworks.  It started to sprinkle lightly, but we all thought to bring umbrellas.  

Oh my gosh!  Someone cover the cookies!

I hate to leave you hanging for the fireworks, but my blogger is acting up and won't let me post anymore videos or pics.  So I will continue this post this weekend.  But as a teaser this is what you have to look forward too...

Fireworks of course...

Jungle adventures..

Car crashes..

Old made new...

And a clue to your destiny.

Until that time,

Peace

Dan