The April/May stamped concrete class proved to be an action-packed intense three days.  The class started off with a classroom overview on the theoretical side of the business.  Topics included concrete mix design, form setting, sub grade preparation, color hardeners, integral color and acids stains to name a few.  After the morning classroom session, the group of 15 students and Bob placed and seamless texture skin stamped 9 yards of concrete using tinted liquid release.  It was an interesting installation since we also included a wood grain stamped border around the perimeter in a different color hardener application while at the same time, using a contrasting color in the main field area. After a successful application and a bit of lunch, Bob and the students poured an additional 6 yards of concrete covering pattern stamping with powdered release. Whew, we had some tired students at the end of day one. 

Day two started off with the students placing, finishing and stamping their own panels to the sum of roughly 9 yards of concrete.  The afternoon session consisted of pouring and stamping a set of stairs while capping the day off with some decorative score cutting on the previous days seamless texture installation. Day three was not quite as dirty as the two previous days, but the amount of information covered was equally as intense as the first two days.  The class learned patching and detailing techniques as well as how to acid stain stamped concrete.  Why stop there?  The panels including the stairs and stained section were finished off with a light coat of sealer.  Great job guys!!  A special thanks to Brickform for your support and John Tutunjion for being a part of our class.

With no rest for the weary (literally). Bob consults with some local clients for the day at DCI's facility.  This firm was having some jobsite concerns with the art of applying skim coat material.  After a day of tune-ups and practice they expressed their satisfaction and that they now realized a few of the problems they were experiencing on this commercial application.

Bob and Lee Ann head West for a surprise birthday party for Bob's Mom Mary Lou and a much-needed couple of days off.  They started off flying in to the San Francisco airport on Friday the 4th. 

On the way to Napa Valley for some wine tasting they are able to pay friend Fu Tung Cheng a visit.  After a wonderful education on tea at fu Tungs tea shop and plenty of sampling, Bob and Lee Ann were able to pay a brief visit to the last day of Fu Tungs concrete countertop class.  Wow!  There was some incredible work.  Thanks a bunch for the visit Fu Tung!  After several bathroom stops they finally make it to Napa Valley for a couple of days of great wine tasting and a beautiful motorcycle ride through the mountains (not while wine tasting).

Sunday afternoon Bob and Lee Ann surprise "Mom" Harris at a restaurant where she did not know they would be.  After serving her water and setting her silverware down, she finally realized who it was.  After some tears and hugs, we had a great visit with the West-side family.  Thanks Nancy and Lori for everything and we love you Mom!   

Bob flies to Chicago for the day to give a seminar on Decorative Concrete to this interesting group.  The CSPA has many different divisions, one of which is the "polishes group".  After a great two-hour session and some interesting conversation, back in a cab while being whisked back to the airport.

Bob and Lee Ann conduct final edit on staining DVD.  Wait until you see this 5-hour plus DVD. It flipping rocks!!