Winnipeg in April, I have been here often this time of year for sporting events, the people are very friendly and interesting and always talkative. The lady who made my noodle box yesterday asked me how I felt about the city and of course the weather. It is interesting here this year, because not only has it been a wet cold winter, but the river has risen immensely, and hotel rooms are almost unavailable (somehow we only had one for 8 instead of 2 rooms on arrival). Many, many people are out of their homes due to flooding and as well the ice pieces that have hit and destroyed some homes. There are signs of it on the streets and in the parks, as the grass has become unsettled mud, and the drains are overflowing in many parts of the city. Due to these conditions the city seems very bland compared to other years where the plants and the trees are just starting to bloom. But I could also see the big opportunity that I am also seeing at home and that is maintenance of the awnings, shades and canopies all over the city. We are in the process of adding maintenance and cleaning to our services, and Winnipeg has even more possible customers that Victoria. But back to Victoria, over the next couple months we will be out giving possible customers ideas on how to rejuvenate, change, and maintain their canopies...I am looking forward to getting out in the community and seeing old and new customers and creating more relationships... well I am off to the airport in a few hours, until next time.

Here comes the SUn

Wow, the sun shone for at least half of the day, here in Victoria. It is a hopeful site, that weather across the globe will improve with each day. When your business is weather related it is always good to see the sun, so that we need the shade. Awnings, for your home, really do add an extra room to the house. Great for sitting, entertaining and dining in the great outdoors. Our house, like many has been one project after another, we did major renos in 91 and then again in 97. With each reno we really have improved the living space for all 6 of us. Our deck grew from 10 - 12 feet last year, and I have to admit that my husband Jamie was so very accurate in that decision. Two feet made a big difference, with the addition of two lateral arm awnings for shade and for some whether protection we have see kids sleeping on the deck, and many a great meal out there. Recently we have been redoing an awning over the sliding glass door on below the deck. Without it the rain of the season has made entering that part of the house very wet and soggy.

People often ask about the 5 year warranty on our products, and if they need to be replace within 5 years. As I have said over and over again, 5 years is a minimum for any of the colors, and based on history of our business, many, many products last up to 15 years. A variety of factors will effect the life of the product, amount of sun and or rain, as well as fuel emmissions and tree debrie can shorten the life of the product. There are specific cleaning solutions that can be used, as well as waterproofing solutions, but be very careful to use correct ones as not to comprise your warranty.

Well I am off to sit on the deck and enjoy the view, with our eldest on the very last day of her term at UVIC, relax...