Well, they say, better late than never!  Who the heck is this "they" person anyway?  What a busy, but great summer it has been.  Let's get busy catching back up on everything that has transpired around this joint.

What a fun and very creative class this turned out to be at our last Kemiko acid stain workshop.  The students came up with some amazing designs ranging from McEscher three-dimensional blocks, a variety of medallion designs, not to mention some free form modern designs on their panels.  The group learned the importance of not only properly preparing the concrete surface prior to the staining application, but the importance of cleaning and neutralizing the stain residue prior to the sealer application.  Other techniques covered in this class included engraving graphics using the Engrave-A-Crete line as well as grouting techniques. Sarge, who is the master at the buff-in wax application, showed the students how to properly apply Kemiko's wax.  Kudos to the students and like always Barb and Sarge, it was great having you here.  We sure enjoy your company!

We were fortunate to be asked back to the Laborers AGC training in St. Charles, IL.  The interesting aspect of this training was the fact we were training the already ACI certified instructors how to properly install high-end decorative concrete applications so they could in turn go back and instruct their apprentices.  The main topics during this intense four-day training included cast in place concrete countertops, skim coats, stamped concrete with both seamless and pattern stamping as well as stained concrete.  This was a motivated group eager to learn new techniques helping them take there training to a new level.  A special thanks to Darrel Daigle as well as the Chicagoland Facility for hosting this special event.  It was a pleasure working with, and training your group!

We received a request to stain some ornamental concrete statuary using Rust-Oleum's semi-transparent water-based concrete stain.  When 50 or so pieces showed up on a flat bed tractor trailer, we knew we had our work cut out for us especially since they had to ship to California two days later for an important meeting.  Everyone at DCI helped out with the staining of these pieces and although it was some pretty intense hours getting them ready, it was also a lot of fun!  Yet another way to effectively use water-based stains.

Role reversal is a great thing.  This was an eventful week of son teaching father all kinds of wonderful scouting techniques. Rob had one of his Boy Scout outings at a beautiful lake in Kentucky.  I was very impressed with all of the scout's skills and must admit, I learned a few skills as well.  Thanks for a great week, but it sure was nice to get back to a real bed!

This was an intense two-days of education, both with classroom and hand-on training for the company Prosoco.  Topics included an overview of the decorative market as well as densifiers and polished concrete.  The firm is an already well-established company dating back to 1939 with custom formulations of specialty cleaners and protective treatments for masonry and concrete. They are coming out with several new products that will make an impact in the decorative concrete arena. Stay tuned, you will be hearing more about Prosoco not only with their new product line but their awesome existing line of products!

This was a wonderful weekend of great fun in Pensacola Florida. We were fortunate to spend a couple of days of relaxing while watching the all mighty Blue Angels perform.  In addition, the red snapper fishing was awesome as Lee Ann's mom Baba and son Rob show. 

Also, I think little Isabella has the upper hand on all of the rest (no, that's not her Bud lite!).