Remember I said that it was trying to snow on Saturday? Well we got a bucket-ful!
Woke up to about 15 inches of "white stuff" and promptly went out and shoveled the driveway....got to get rid of it some how! Tempertaure hovering around minus 5 and a windchill factor of of around -12....made for a very cold morning here in "paradise"!
Posted all my letters, met with Leigh Davies our laywer over a legal matter, had to replace my rear tires as they were worn out and installed a pair of snow tires.....
Got hme around 1:30 PM and I am now sitting at my computer expounding on all the great things that have happened over the past few days. It has been exciting to say the least!
But in spite of the weather we are really looking forward to having a Merry Christmas...I seldom drink but I might be coaxed into a wee drop of Scotch on Christmas Eve. We will see!
Monday, December 15, 2008
Saturday December 13th, 2008
Must be our lucky day! Trying to snow! You want a white Christmas? Move to the North Pole!
For me? I don't care if I never see another snowflake again!
Visited with mother this morning, she didn't recognize me, not until I knocked on the wall in the bathroom after about 30 minutes of trying to tell her who I was.
She said that she thought someone was wanting in and I should open the door, it might be "Jim". I played along and opened the door, stuck my head around the corner and watched her eyes widen as she "recognized " me....she said "I knew that was you"....well the last half hour was better than the first! We had a nice visit.
For me? I don't care if I never see another snowflake again!
Visited with mother this morning, she didn't recognize me, not until I knocked on the wall in the bathroom after about 30 minutes of trying to tell her who I was.
She said that she thought someone was wanting in and I should open the door, it might be "Jim". I played along and opened the door, stuck my head around the corner and watched her eyes widen as she "recognized " me....she said "I knew that was you"....well the last half hour was better than the first! We had a nice visit.
Friday December 12th, 2008
Wrote out Christmas cards all day yesterday, didn't know we knew so many people!
Dropped a checque off for Clyde today, also the invoices for the two adjoining roofs.
Started to snow today, supposed to come down heavy over the next couple of days, just finished that roof job in time!
Tonight we are going to Lake Cowichan for dinner with Lynn & Leighton Nutt, I like visiting them, they have the cutest damn dog, she is a Jack Russell and for some insane reason wants to jump up and all over me! Love it! If we ever decide to have a dog I will insist that we get a Jack Russell!
Dropped a checque off for Clyde today, also the invoices for the two adjoining roofs.
Started to snow today, supposed to come down heavy over the next couple of days, just finished that roof job in time!
Tonight we are going to Lake Cowichan for dinner with Lynn & Leighton Nutt, I like visiting them, they have the cutest damn dog, she is a Jack Russell and for some insane reason wants to jump up and all over me! Love it! If we ever decide to have a dog I will insist that we get a Jack Russell!
Tuesday December 9th, 2008
The cleanup wqent well, we dropped all the old flashing off the roof, lowered down the pails of garbage and then went for coffee.
The scrap metal flashing matewrial went to Harper's scrap yard while the pails of roof felt etc, went to the garbage dump.
Gave Clyde a ride home and finished by 1:30 PM....
The scrap metal flashing matewrial went to Harper's scrap yard while the pails of roof felt etc, went to the garbage dump.
Gave Clyde a ride home and finished by 1:30 PM....
December 8th, 2008
Monday morning, bright and early and cold! Installing the new perimeter flashing and screwing down the brackets and clamps etc..
Re-installed the aluminum flashing on the "front" roof's north side, this was removed to enable us to get under the old flashing. For some reason the old flashing was left on, this created a couple of problems. The biggest problem was the use of "tar" as a sealant, "tar" has no flexibilty and once it has "hardened" it cracks wide open. There are a number of "caulking" compounds that have up to 400% stretchability, simply put it means that the elasticity will allow extensive expansion and contraction due to heat and cold weather conditions.
Screws were used to ensure that overlapping joints were securely fastened.
All work is now complete and tomorrow is cleanup day.
Re-installed the aluminum flashing on the "front" roof's north side, this was removed to enable us to get under the old flashing. For some reason the old flashing was left on, this created a couple of problems. The biggest problem was the use of "tar" as a sealant, "tar" has no flexibilty and once it has "hardened" it cracks wide open. There are a number of "caulking" compounds that have up to 400% stretchability, simply put it means that the elasticity will allow extensive expansion and contraction due to heat and cold weather conditions.
Screws were used to ensure that overlapping joints were securely fastened.
All work is now complete and tomorrow is cleanup day.
December 5th, 2008
Picked up the new flashing today, cost a few bucks more than anticipated but looks great. We will install on Monday, the perimeter is completely sealed and looks great!
My assistant Clyde, is busy developing new muscles, the pails of product (55 lb each) only have to go up about 16 feet, we use a rope and they are "bombed up" hand over hand. Clyde is a great guy and never complains.
We went to Hi-way Rental's building and cleaned the roof of debris and cleaned the drains. We have a contract to do this twice a year, it is a preventive maintenance feature that we provide to our customers, at a cost of course!
My assistant Clyde, is busy developing new muscles, the pails of product (55 lb each) only have to go up about 16 feet, we use a rope and they are "bombed up" hand over hand. Clyde is a great guy and never complains.
We went to Hi-way Rental's building and cleaned the roof of debris and cleaned the drains. We have a contract to do this twice a year, it is a preventive maintenance feature that we provide to our customers, at a cost of course!
December 3rd, 2008
What a job! Stripped off the old flashing and commenced with the sealing process. The entire roof mat along the side wall was wide open, why roofers can't do their job properly is beyond me!
One plugged drain and you have flooding inside the wall below, who is responsible?
Had a great meeting with Allan W., he is putting together an application for compensation for an old Army wound, happened in Korea in 1954. I believe that it will take awhile to get a response, Government agencies are not known for their expediency!
One plugged drain and you have flooding inside the wall below, who is responsible?
Had a great meeting with Allan W., he is putting together an application for compensation for an old Army wound, happened in Korea in 1954. I believe that it will take awhile to get a response, Government agencies are not known for their expediency!
December 2nd, 2008
We have finally completed the roof repairs on the "front" roof portion and now will concentrate on the "back" roof area.
This will require removing all the old flashing that has deteriorated over the years and replacing with new galvanized flashing. Once that has been completed we will completely seal the perimeter. The tenant below has reported a number of leaks along the inside walls, we will eliminjate that problem over the next few days.
Paul of Millstone Sheet Metal has quoted on the cost of new flashing and we have been given the go-ahead by the building owner.
This will require removing all the old flashing that has deteriorated over the years and replacing with new galvanized flashing. Once that has been completed we will completely seal the perimeter. The tenant below has reported a number of leaks along the inside walls, we will eliminjate that problem over the next few days.
Paul of Millstone Sheet Metal has quoted on the cost of new flashing and we have been given the go-ahead by the building owner.
November 28th, 2008
Damn cold work on the roof job, can't seem to keep warm, working in water that is laying along the sides. We have removed the old flashing and sealed the perimeter of the "front" roof, what a miserable job. The roof mat was bent out and had set in that position due to the placement of the outer flashing, once that was removed we sealed the mat and glued it back to the wall. Concrete pads 12" X 12" were placed against the sealed mat to ensure a tight bond.
We will take Friday off and enjoy a "long" weekend.
We will take Friday off and enjoy a "long" weekend.
November 18th, 2008
Back at work! Time to make some money before Christmas rolls around. Started on a roof repair job for Gurski Management. The building is located in downtown Duncan and is in a poor state of repair.
Repairs are going to consist of removing the flashing around the perimeter and sealing the existing roof mat and attaching to the walls, this will prevent water from seeping down under the mat and into the premises below.
Extensive damage occured last year due to openings and plugged drains. At least we know how to correct that.
Repairs are going to consist of removing the flashing around the perimeter and sealing the existing roof mat and attaching to the walls, this will prevent water from seeping down under the mat and into the premises below.
Extensive damage occured last year due to openings and plugged drains. At least we know how to correct that.
November 15th...Municipal Election Day
Well it is all over, the votes have been counted and the voters have chosen to re-elect the current Mayor. They have also elected two new Councillors, Joe Thorne & Tom Duncan, it is hoped, and we pray, that they will step up to the plate and do a fine job.
I was not totally disappointed with the results, however, I was extremely disappointed with the voter turn-out. To think that less than 30% (28.2%) turned out to vote, while 71.8% couldn't bother, what apathy! There had better not be too many complaints over the next three years!
Anyway it was a rewarding experience for me, I managed to meet up with a lot of old friends and shared stories with some of our past aquaintances, it was most interesting.
We now have to get on with the rest of our lives and forget about politics, that was the last time for me!
I was not totally disappointed with the results, however, I was extremely disappointed with the voter turn-out. To think that less than 30% (28.2%) turned out to vote, while 71.8% couldn't bother, what apathy! There had better not be too many complaints over the next three years!
Anyway it was a rewarding experience for me, I managed to meet up with a lot of old friends and shared stories with some of our past aquaintances, it was most interesting.
We now have to get on with the rest of our lives and forget about politics, that was the last time for me!
Friday, November 7, 2008
Friday November 7th, 2008 Update
Wow! What a frenzied past two weeks, meetings every day with campaign members, door-to-door campaigning, meeting business people and listening to their "horror" stories....and trying to reassure them that if I am elected there will be some dramatic changes in City Hall.
Matt Leeming, Allan Waddy, John Keating, Melissa de Graf, Art Bozer, Jim Painter & Ron Hill have been doing a great job of getting the word out. Matt has been out with me every day knocking on doors and distributing brochures, Allan has been speaking with business people and everyone has been phoning residents to get support.
It is very apparent that change must come if the City has any hope of being a force in the Valley. We not only must work towards providing the best service for our residents but develop a more vibrant, better place for people to shop. We must pursue development opportunities and provide incentives for developers that will increase our tax base, we must try to hold the line on taxes for the benefit our taxpayers.
Our Council must be "pro-active", they must bring in new ideas and be prepared to discuss issues publicly. They must be prepared to listen to the ratepayers and work with them, both residents and businesses alike.
Remember, "change will not come unless you change the way you vote".
Watch for more news and viewpoints about the election.
Matt Leeming, Allan Waddy, John Keating, Melissa de Graf, Art Bozer, Jim Painter & Ron Hill have been doing a great job of getting the word out. Matt has been out with me every day knocking on doors and distributing brochures, Allan has been speaking with business people and everyone has been phoning residents to get support.
It is very apparent that change must come if the City has any hope of being a force in the Valley. We not only must work towards providing the best service for our residents but develop a more vibrant, better place for people to shop. We must pursue development opportunities and provide incentives for developers that will increase our tax base, we must try to hold the line on taxes for the benefit our taxpayers.
Our Council must be "pro-active", they must bring in new ideas and be prepared to discuss issues publicly. They must be prepared to listen to the ratepayers and work with them, both residents and businesses alike.
Remember, "change will not come unless you change the way you vote".
Watch for more news and viewpoints about the election.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Election News Update, Friday October 24/08
Well, things are starting to get interesting, more and more signs are going up and more and more people are trying to "out-guess" each other as to who the next Mayor will be!
I certainly hope that it is myself, I have a number of items and issues that require addressing, not the least of which is downtown parking, shopping hours and store closing. One of my pet peeves is the lack of policing during the day and also evening hours.
An issue that must be addressed is the lack of new development within the city core. Not enough is being done to attract developers interested in multi-family housing.
Another item that requires serious consideration is Regional Policing, how would it affect Duncan City and would there be savings over the present policing costs.
On October 29th there will be an "all-candidates" debate at the Equinox Restaurant, this debate is sponsored by the DBIAS and will feature ideas and issues pertaining to the downtown area.
More to follow:
I have been advised that the Trail Side Pub & Restaurant in Lake Cowichan is up for sale...asking $875,000.00, this facility is a winner for the right entrepeneur. Building is over 3800 sq. ft., 150 feet of waterfront with docks and swimming raft, fabulous views and a 65 plus seat neighborhood pub! What could be better! Even has a positive cash flow! See the photo at upper right.
If you want more information just drop me a line at pacepro1@shaw.ca
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Wednesday Oct. 15th, 2008
Great! The Federal election is now history and we can get on with the job of campaigning for Mayor.
Brochures will be out on friday, signs are made and ready to have placed at strategic locations around the city. Can't miss these babies, bright yellow background with medium blue lettering, what an "eyeful"!
Have had some calls from some of my Native friends, want to vote for me and do some canvassing door to door with brochures. Sure makes one feel good to know that there are people who appreciate you and want to help.
Tomorrow we start in earnest to get committee volunteers organized and start our visits to downtown businesses.
Brochures will be out on friday, signs are made and ready to have placed at strategic locations around the city. Can't miss these babies, bright yellow background with medium blue lettering, what an "eyeful"!
Have had some calls from some of my Native friends, want to vote for me and do some canvassing door to door with brochures. Sure makes one feel good to know that there are people who appreciate you and want to help.
Tomorrow we start in earnest to get committee volunteers organized and start our visits to downtown businesses.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Thursday October 9th, 2008
Invited to an early meeting with members of BNI, an organization comprised of business people. The meeting started at 7 AM and was very well attended, some 30 members attended. The organization is designed to allow business people to exchamge ideas and information about their products and services.
I was pleased to be able to introduce my company, Pacific Horizon Consultants, and explain what we did in the roofing and coating line. It was a most interesting and informative meeting.
Later in the morning Asley a reporter from the Citizen Newspaper interviewed me by phone regarding my decision to run for Mayor.
I e-mailed the reporter from the Cowichan Leader expressing thanks for the coverage in the Wednesday paper and stating I was not impressed with the photo used.
The rest of the day was spent on a tar & gravel roof, prepping and getting ready for a coating to be applied today. I will be traveling to Nanaimo tomorrow to seal a leak in the Nanaimo North Town Center roof, (formerly the Rutherford Mall).
More news tomorrow.
I was pleased to be able to introduce my company, Pacific Horizon Consultants, and explain what we did in the roofing and coating line. It was a most interesting and informative meeting.
Later in the morning Asley a reporter from the Citizen Newspaper interviewed me by phone regarding my decision to run for Mayor.
I e-mailed the reporter from the Cowichan Leader expressing thanks for the coverage in the Wednesday paper and stating I was not impressed with the photo used.
The rest of the day was spent on a tar & gravel roof, prepping and getting ready for a coating to be applied today. I will be traveling to Nanaimo tomorrow to seal a leak in the Nanaimo North Town Center roof, (formerly the Rutherford Mall).
More news tomorrow.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Federal all-candidates debate, Oct. 7/08
Attended the all-candidates meeting at the Cowichan Theatre last night, not much new coming out, basically the same old stuff, promises of more spending, tax cuts, drug control and a crack-down on pushers....a good turnout though, estimated some 500 people turned out.
Had meetings with a few downtown business people yesterday, many are not happy with the lack of action downtown. Those that I spoke with along the T/C Highway are even more unhappy, the Provincial Govt. Highways Dept. is threatening to close off left turn access lanes to their businesses, we cannot let that happen. These businesses rely heavily on driveby traffic, to curtail access would be a catastrophe.
Improvements can be made to facilitate a much faster flow of traffic on the T/C, during busy times it takes approximately 15 to 18 minutes to get from Beverly St. to the Silver Bridge, I will be working on that one!
More stuff tomorrow.
Had meetings with a few downtown business people yesterday, many are not happy with the lack of action downtown. Those that I spoke with along the T/C Highway are even more unhappy, the Provincial Govt. Highways Dept. is threatening to close off left turn access lanes to their businesses, we cannot let that happen. These businesses rely heavily on driveby traffic, to curtail access would be a catastrophe.
Improvements can be made to facilitate a much faster flow of traffic on the T/C, during busy times it takes approximately 15 to 18 minutes to get from Beverly St. to the Silver Bridge, I will be working on that one!
More stuff tomorrow.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Municipal Election, City of Duncan
I have decided to throw my hat into the ring for the office of Mayor for the City of Duncan....
It has been a number of years since I served in that position, however, I feel there are some issues important to the residents of Duncan that need addressing.
Many streets have been neglected, new development has come to a standstill, there are environmental issues that have to be addressed and there must be more dialogue with our neighbors to the South & North Cowichan Municipality.
I want to implement a program that benefits all citizens, not just the business people. We must work to create a more vibrant, safe and healthy community.
My pledge is to work hard to bring about a positive future for our children & our grandchildren.
It has been a number of years since I served in that position, however, I feel there are some issues important to the residents of Duncan that need addressing.
Many streets have been neglected, new development has come to a standstill, there are environmental issues that have to be addressed and there must be more dialogue with our neighbors to the South & North Cowichan Municipality.
I want to implement a program that benefits all citizens, not just the business people. We must work to create a more vibrant, safe and healthy community.
My pledge is to work hard to bring about a positive future for our children & our grandchildren.
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