WORK AND PLAY

If you recall a while back, we were making a large, red, concrete and glass vase for a client.  It is finally in her house and although this picture dosen't do it justice I just wanted you to see it in place.  Her entire house is a gallery of concrete art.  One day I will use an entire blog to post pics of all the work we have done there.  In the mean time here is a photo of the vase..

stands nearly 4 feet tall

After work it was time for some fun.  Canyon's high school football team had their home opener against my old high school, Sioux City East.  The thing I love about Waukee football is that they draw incredible crowds.  Here is my friday night lights picture.

another thousand spectators between me and the bleachers

I was torn on which team to root for, but ultimately I have to root for Waukee.  In this next video Waukee has the oppertunity to clinch the win with a touchdown..

The game came down to the final minutes, but Waukee held on to win.

At work we had a sealer malfunction on a client's top.  We went out and removed the bad sealer and will apply a new sealer next week.  It is really a unique bar and we want it to be perfect.

sealer removed and ready to be refinished

After work I stopped by my sister's and helped her remove her old carpet.  I would like to say at this point that if you are a carpet layer, please use a few less nails when putting down the tac strip.  I'm pretty sure strained a muscle trying to get the devil teeth seperated from the oak floor boards.  Sweating and bleeding I took this photo for your enjoyment.

the room seemed a lot larger to me

The next day at work I got to install a couple intregal sinks.  Here is a pic of one of them..

looking ultra sleek

Afterwards it was time for some relaxation.  Robyn found the ultimate spot to relax when we went to Menards.

I would hate to see the Goliath that belongs to this chair

We picked up a few items we needed for home and then she asked if I could use a new grill. (hint: the answer is always yes)  Robyn said now was the time because they are closing out.

cool new toy for her oldest child...  me

Our next stop was Wal-mart.  We had to get new work pants for Canyon.  I was delighted to see the Wiener mobile in the parking lot.  I asked how you get a job driving this sweet ride.  I was told you have to be able to cut the mustard so you don't get in a pickle.  No, really,  that's what they said.  But having a razor sharp wit I quickly responded.  I said this is a job I would relish.  I wasn't hired.  They even made me sing the Oscar Meyer Wiener song before they would give me a wiener whistle.  What a bunch of bologna.

Robyn dosen't look as excited as me

Our final stop was McDonalds to pick the boys up from work.  Hai brought me out what I believe was his first ice cream cone.  You be the judge..

some might call it art

The following few days at work we poured the 100 sq. ft. kitchen I had formed.  Here is a sequence of pics showing the process.

Very fine glass laid out to simulate viens

carefully pouring in the concrete

demolded after setting up, waiting to be flipped

flipped onto carts and beginning grinding

I will post pics of the completed project later.  It should be a spectacular kitchen.

Through-out the week I have been in touch with my friend that I have been posting about.  His turmoil continues and even compounds but I was able to get him a new devotional and just last Friday, it seems it was written just for him.  I hope he takes it to heart, but actually it  is for everyone who feels overwhelmed.  Give it a quick read...

words to live by

He has asked to go to church with us tomorrow and I have already called pastor Tom and arranged a meeting with him.  He is excited to get together and I have a feeling this could be a moment that has the potential to change lives.  

Something else that I would like to share is this,  last Wednesday at the bar it was getting near time to close and only a few people were in the bar, when a regular walked in with his new girlfriend.  I didn't know her but she was open and friendly. I found out her name was Susan.   One of the other regulars, an odd fellow with few friends began to talk to me about spirituality.  His personality is such that he drives people away when he is really grasping for attention.  His name is Danny.  I mentioned that I went to Point of Grace and that I was a christian.  Susan overheard and said she was from Waukee and attended Waukee Christian Church.  From out of the blue Danny asked if we ever said prayers for people.  Susan was quick to respond and jumped to his side.  She grabbed his hand and told me to come over too.  I don't know why but I hesitated.  Danny commenced to tell us that he had recently tried to commit suicide.  My heart skipped a beat and I rushed to his side also.  I offered that he should never have to go down that road.  I said maybe he was focusing on the bad things in his life and so they were being magnified.  I asked him to place his focus on Jesus and let Him be magnified instead.  Then Susan said a prayer for Danny and I could see his spirits being lifted.

It was wonderful to be there and witness Christ in action, I only wish I had the obvious Christ like reaction that Susan had.  I also hope that Danny can somehow see the hope that Jesus offers.

In closing, I thought it was neat that a pair of turtle doves are nesting just outside our living room window.  I can't imagine hunting these little birds for food, but that is what has been made legal in Iowa.  I will with-hold my address for the safty of these two birds (that ironically are used to symbolize peace).

Dosen't really look that tasty to me

Peace

Dan