Carrolton's New Panda Express

Woody is well known for his enthusiasm to help out at Parkway when ever needed. Today's assignment was to go to the newest Panda Express in Carrolton, TX. The Superintendent that is working this project has been sick all week. Today equipment was delivered to the site as well as Simpson ties and lumber. While Woody overlooked the concrete work being completed and steel erection, I took the time to catch up on computer work. It was a beautiful and sunny day and the winds were not as harsh as they were earlier in the week.

We enjoyed seeing Jason at the site. His company was erecting the steel. Woody & I hadn't seen him since the McDonald's Littlefield job. He's pictured here supervising the work being done.

This Panda Express is located at George Bush & Old Denton Rd. Directly, next door is an Arby's already open for business that was also built by Parkway.

Setting Up Shop

We returned last night from Littlefield. This morning we got ready to go to work. Before we could make it to the job site, Michael Sawyers called us into the Lewisville office. We went in and got some detailed info regarding our new project. We also had to make some calls for bids. We were all finished at the office by noon. We grabbed some lunch then headed out to the job site. Once there we continued the process of setting up the office. This includes setting up office equipment and preparing for services to be started. Best of all it means unloading all the tools and office equipment and supplies from the truck and rv. Although we'd planned to stop around four, we worked until 6pm. I guess we are both just excited about the upcoming project. Today the site is only dirt. In a few weeks the frame work for the new McDonald's will be in place.

In Honor of Charlie

Into all our lives must enter sadness so that our joys can be experienced more greatly.

Our trip to Littlefield turned out to be touched with sadness.

While we are setting up our RV at the Waylon Jennings RV Park and preparing to meet my family for dinner, down the road Charlie Brown, a Senior at Littlefield High School is preparing to go to Lockney to watch his school mates play basketball. He arranged to take the afternoon off from work. He picks up his cousin, Crystal, and the twins, Tara & Kara. But Charlie I can almost picture never being the one to think only of himself, made a couple of stops on his way out of town. First, he picks up a box of soft drinks and some ice to take to his friends already at the game. Then, he stops in at the McD's for some take along food. The group set off to the game. Knowing these students, I'm sure they were happy, laughing, and talking along the way. Probably anxious to get there and cheer on their team.

Sadly, they never made it. Due to overcorrecting while driving the car was reported to have rolled over and Charlie and Crystal were ejected from the car. The twins are recovering at the hospital and are expected to fully recover. Charlie and Crystal have gone on to their eternal rest.

Initially the news filled me with sadness. As last night went on, I finally was able to feel the joy and happiness of having known Charlie. I was blessed to have had him in a Spanish class I substituted last year. I'd witnessed Charlie at several church events when we'd travel to see Jesse Duplantis. I remember him as someone extremely mature for his age with a great work ethic. He's one of those big guys with even a bigger heart. My joy is that I was blessed to have known Charlie. Crystal was Charlie's cousin. This family lost two in the blink of an eye.

If you are able please contact First United Bank in Littlefield to make a contribution to the funeral fund for these teenagers.

Happiness is Lubbock, TX in my rear view mirror...

Or in our case, happiness is Lubbock, TX on our GPS! Here is a rear view of us hauling our home/rv to our next location. Today, the location is: Littlefield, TX. It's time for the follow up medical visit we'd promised Dr Lentz to keep if he released me last week.

This morning we went to work over at Taco Bueno in Plano, TX. Pete Hamm is the official superintendent. He's currently in California working on another project so we've been helping out at this location. We met the plumbers, Taco Bueno manager, and the stripers at the building this morning. Because of the light rain the stripers will have to hold off painting the stripes on the parking lot.

Pre-Preliminary Work....

Check the grounds.

Where will the electric come from?

Where will the silt fence go?

How much dirt work will be required?

Any surveyor markers?

How about phone service?

Who will be the subcontractors?

And where will we put the coffee pot?

Today was largely spent on looking for answers to these questions and setting up the trailer.

SUPER BOWL 2008

Eli Manning is a Mississippi boy....Woody Gibson big time Mississippi boy. Need I say more? Happy day in the Gibson home with the NY Giants winning the game. And what a game!

We decided to watch the game at home. Woody cooked ribs on the grill, brought a Mardi Gras cake, and made some delicious out of this world homemade HOT WINGS!

Overall a GREAT day!

MARDI GRAS KING CONTENDER

Is it the Mardi Gras King or is that Woody Gibson? It's a Contender for Mardi Gras King, Woody Gibson! This photo is out in front of the American Airline Center at Victory Plaza. We went out to see the Mardi Gras parade and check out all the festivities. All in all it was a great adventure. We opted to take the TRE (train) from Irving to down town Dallas. The train station is only a mile from where we have the RV; so it's very convenient. We arrived at 5:00pm just as the Mardi Gras kicked off. We walked around and finally ended up at the House of Blues. We got on the waiting list, which was a two hour wait. Since the parade was scheduled to start at 7:30 we decided we may need to find some where else to eat. We walked a little further and found a TGIF. We had a ten minute wait there. As soon as we were seated, the pager Woody had been given at the HOUSE of BLUES begin to light up and start buzzing. Figures. We enjoyed our dinner at TGIF. But the service was SLOW and it was 7:15 before we left there. We walked back over to the HOUSE of BLUES and gave them their pager before making our way to the parade. The parade was great, but a bit slow. Woody was excited to catch beads being thrown by the parade participants. I wasn't trying to catch them at all. So what happens? I got beads thrown in my direction. I never saw them coming. Ended up with them thrown right in my face....PAINFUL! and Funny! After the parade we listened to a live band playing some Mardi Gras tunes and slowly begin making our way back to the train depo. On the way we saw the famous GHOST BAR. Paris Hilton had been there only yesterday. The line outside the bar was long. We then went back through Victory Plaza and watched them do the news outside the ABC studio. When we arrived at the depo it was packed. When our train arrived it was clear that everyone was waiting on the same train. it was standing room only...packed tight. at 11pm we arrived back at the West Irving depo and drove one mile back home. What a great day. Tomorrow is Super Bowl.

Job Trailer Delivered

The day is off to a great start. First they delivered the Port-O-Let on the furthest end of the construction site. So far in fact that it was on someone else's property. Then they delivered the job trailer. But we had no time to set up because today is the Annual Parkway meeting. So we watched them set the trailer and then we left. In the picture you can see the Port-O-let. Woody tied it to the end of the truck and I pulled it to the trailer. Oh, what fun.

At the meeting they served us a catered lunch before the meeting. Then the owners reviewed 2007 Financial and Project Excellence reports. After a break, they continued with the goals for 2008 and changes in the Project Excellence program.

Woody was tickled that they recognized him for his Grand Slam on the McDonald's Littlefield project. But Woody and I were most pleased when Michael Sawyers was recognized for five years of dedicated service with Parkway and for being a PROJECT EXCELLENCE TOP PRODUCER. It was wonderful to meet the Project Managers and all the owners. We also had the opportunity to see Ryan Elmer, our Chili's Project Manager.

Taco Bueno, Plano, TX

The building is complete, but the hold up is the transformer so the building can have permanent power. Then it's a matter of final inspections. As usual there are a few final touches that need to be completed. Woody and I have spent this week emptying the job trailer, getting the trash enclosure finished, plumbing work, and trying to get the parking lot strips painted on. We met with Dan an ACM for Taco Bueno while there. After some work and reveiw, we had lunch together.

McDonald's Coming to 635 & Beltline Irving, TX

Woody & I drove over with Michael Sawyers (Project Manager) to what will be our new home away from home, the job site for McDonald's in Irving. It's at the corner of Beltline and 635. A shopping center is newly constructed and a hotel is in the process of being constructed. Looks like all four corners has new construction going on.

A job trailer will be delivered along with a port-o-let. We'll have to have electric and phone service. A number of JOB ID signs will have to be put up and a SILT FENCE. Then we can begin the dirt work. Dirt work at this site will take ten to fourteen days. Finally, we'll begin the construction of McDonald's.

PARKWAY Construction & Assoc WANTS YOU....

Anyone that knows Woody knows that he is a walking Parkway Commercial. Ever call his phone? He answers, "Parkway Construction, Woody speaking."

Personally, I think he's waiting for them to assign him the official name of Woody Parkway!

It's wonderful working with Woody. He's always ready to be a team player and he gets that nervous, excited feeling at the onset of each new project. And if you are keeping up with our blog you already know that the last few months have been all about team playing.

A quick recap of what's happened since the Littlefield McDonald's: We set off for Phoenix, AZ to help start an Oceanaire. We got as far as New Mexico and turned around to come finish some new items at McDonald's Lfd. Then we headed to the office in Lewisville. We made a trip to Mississippi. From there we headed to Santa Barbara to help out with a Ruth's Chris Steak House. We left there for Lubbock, TX to help finish up a McDonald's on 82nd St. Back to Mississippi from there for the Thanksgiving holiday. After that Woody helped out at the Lewisville office in estimating. Then we left very SUDDENLY for Albuquerque, NM to reimage the Chili's.

Sound interesting. Is this the type of work that you can do? Looking for a work family that rewards you for producing quality work? Parkway Construction and Associates offers their job superintendents with quality support staff, excellent benefits, and a managing staff with a great work ethic. Interested? Send us an email and we'll give you the information you need to make the contacts to get you started on the road to building with Parkway.

Some say hospitalized...I say SPA!

We arrived in Littlefield on January 17, 2008. The weather was cold. And although it was not snowing and we were no longer in the mountains the air felt COLDER than the cold we experienced in Ruidoso, NM. The first two nights in town, we visited my sister one night and my brother the next. Each night we were in the company of all my brothers, sisters and their spouses, along with my parents. But each night I felt exhausted at the end of the evening and had a horrible headache. The next morning I awoke with fever and extreme pain. I slept most of the day and had no energy. My fever refused to break. Somehow we got through the night. I felt exhausted. The next day my mother and sister came to help with cleaning and to bring food. I still didn't feel better. That evening, they finally took me to the emergency room. After some injections and medication, I was sent home. Next morning, Woody went and made an appointment at the clinic for me. Once the Dr examined me, I was sent over to the hospital. We'd hoped that I'd stay the night and be able to be released the next day, but it took a bit longer. The long days and nights of the ABQ, NM job had finally caught up to me. When I was awake I'd find Woody at my side, looking rather worried. When the Dr came in, I'd remind him that Parkway, McDonald's and Michael Sawyers were waiting for our arrival in Dallas. Finally the Dr released me Friday. While I dressed and showered, Woody went and packed the RV. He picked me up at the hospital. I slept and when I woke up, we were in Dallas. Thank you to Mary Jane, Patti, Liz, Lena, Mom, Linda, Marisol, Mary, Danny and Woody that kept me company in the hospital. And a special thanks to Dr Lentz, the nurses and staff that got me back on track so soon.

Next Stop: RUIDOSO, NM

General Manager at Chili's on Coors Blvd, Albuquerque, NM, Steve Szanto gave us a thumbs up when we mentioned to him that we were thinking of stopping at Ruidoso, NM for a couple of days of R&R on our way back to Parkway offices in Lewisville, NM. STEVE, THANK YOU! Great trip and wonderful scenery. We arrived in Ruidoso, NM on the 15th of January and went straight over to the Rainbow Lake RV Park. We'd stayed there before when we had set out for Phoenix, AZ. We stayed two nights. On the 17th we headed for Littlefield. TX for some continued rest. Woody and I are both in need of lots of rest and a little down time. The night of the 16th it snowed softly all through the night. It was cold, but the rv park had tall fencing that provides a shield from the cold air. It was warm and comfy in the rv.

Final Notes: CHILI'S

The electricians got the new lighting installed in the bar area. The blue lighting around the bar is now fully operational. Chili's remained open the entire time the building was being re-imaged. The seating area in the bar now accomates the handicapped easily. Before leaving I stained the bar tray holder and Woody installed under the bar lights to allow easy access for the wait staff.

Goodbye, Chili's Bar & Grill

We passed the final inspection. Currently, Woody is on a ladder painting a few places that needed to be finished. We will be picking up our certificate of completion before lunch and faxing all final papers to our PM, Ryan Elmer.

Michael Sawyers, PM, called today....and it is confirmed that our next project will be in Irving, TX!

So, we will finish here today and then go home after lunch and pack it up. We'll plan to do an overnight between here and TX. Then we should arrive to the Lubbock area on Wednesday! Then we'll make our way to Irving to begin our new project.

We want to thank the Chili's General Manager and his assisting managers for all their cooperation. And along with them, their staff that really gave us a home away from home throughout this project. We've met some great people.

Also, thanks to Dennis Blanford for the welding work on the canopies featured throughout our blog.

Welcome to Chili's Bar & Grill

We shouldn't have been surprised, but none the less we were. Friday didn't work out as smoothly as we hoped. We passed the electrical inspection yesterday! That left only three things: fire inspection, final inspection, and sign off on punch list. The first final inspection at 10am didn't go so well. They had four issues that would require the electricians, ADT, and the fire sprinkler company to make a few changes. Woody and I had to go eight miles to get a lock for the PIV. Eight miles, 8 miles, no big deal, right? Well, that turned out to be an adventure since we didn't know we had to go until 5pm. So the eight miles turned into an one hour and ten minute trip due to 5 o'clock rush hour traffic. But again TEAM WORK saved the day! All companies sent their guys over and by 7pm the fire marshal came out to inspect again. WE PASSED. The final inspection however was rescheduled for Monday morning. The electrician finshed all the remaining items on the punch list. So as soon as we pass our final inspection with the City on Monday the General Manager will sign off on the punch list. Tomorrow or Monday, Woody & I will need to install the bar tray holder at the bar and paint a couple of new electrical lines. At that point we will be able to leave Chili's knowing we've done a complete and excellent job. Project Excellence? We hope so. This is a new contract between Chili's and Parkway, so we'll have to see what the bottom line is on this one. For now we have to pay another week at the RV park and hopefully we will leave Tuesday morning.

Michael Sawyers called. Our next assignment is Irving, TX. We are doing a ground up McDonald's!

Last Days at Chli's ????

Today is busy. Electricians, fire sprinkler technicians, ADT, fire marshal, and final city of ABQ inspector!!!! Thank goodness for great organizational and scheduling skills! From the onset of driving onto the site, we've been busy. At the end of the day we are hoping to pass electrical, fire and final inspections. If all three pass then we get a final sign off on our punch list from Chili's General Manager.

What this all means, is not just turning over a building that is re-imaged. It means turning over a building that has been re-imaged by Parkway standards. This means 100% sign off on a punch list and the city giving us a certificate of completion.

This also means that leaving to our next destination is right around the corner. Our rent expires today for the RV site. If all goes as planned, we will pay another couple of days to get us through the weekend. That gives us the weekend to pack, rest and come to the restaurant another couple of times to be sure all is running and operating.

Michael Sawyers where are you sending us next? Ready or not we just may be headed your way. Hope you know of a place near the office to go get a good juicy thick steak. We wouldn't dream of being in town and not dining with you.

As we reach the end we can only hope our PM and Sr PM are satisfied with the work we've accomplished here. The photos tell the story. This Chili's Bar & Grill transformation has been a real learning experience.

(At the time of this post, we have passed our electrical inspection and have about 85% sign off on the punch list.)

Sunshines on Chili's 0419

So we are down to the last of it. The electricians are back to finish all the lighting, electrical and sign issues. They are determined to pass the electrical inspection that is now scheduled for Thursday. It's going to be a great day because #1 the sun is shining and #2 the electricians are on site with the sign company giving a full team effort in completing all necessary items. The painters were able to leave around lunch with their painting punch list signed off. The Chili pepper on the front will need to be removed, re-wired, and re-installed today. We've brought back a piece of equipment to insure the job can be safely completed. Meanwhile, here is another before and after to give you a glimpse of all that we've accomplished.

Chili's Dining Atmosphere

Next time you take a drive in Albuquerque make sure to drive by the Chili's on NW Coors Blvd. At night the building is illuminated by the rope lighting around the building. It's very colorful day or night. Upon entering the bright colors make the atmosphere light and easy. Here are some before and after pictures of the interior. As a whole the restaurant is really beautiful and we are glad to have had this experience. It's been a task to do this re-image without interfering in the daily operations of the business. The success is due in large to the great TEAM WORK and support.

Final Touches at Chili's

Woody made some adjustments, changes, touched up and just got right down to it with the final punch list. From carpentry, painting, electrical, and plumbing, he did a little of it all. Came in to find a leak in the building caused by some electrical work that took place over the weekend. So out goes Woody in the rain, up on the roof to repair the leak. Then it was time to install a couple of plate covers that were called to be replaced. The access door for the plumbing at beverage bar was also replaced. That's how the day started and continued. Manual labor must of wore him out because by evening time he was snoozing in the recliner. Those final touches do make a difference however. The day was cold and wet with rain off and on all day. It's snowing 30 miles north of Albuquerque. We're hoping for sunshine since the painters arrive tomorrow. Top pic shows the finished product. The close up is of Woody's carpentry skill installing a final touch. Last pic shows the product before final application.

Electricians Lighting Up CHILI'S

Electricians arrived yesterday to complete items to pass the electrical inspection. In addition five lights are needed to be added to the front canopy per plan. A variety of interior and exterior lighting issues will be addressed. Inspection is due on Monday. They say the third time is a charm. We're hoping for the best.

The landscaper has also arrived today to complete the landscaping and cleaning of the premises. He will be seeding areas of the lawn that are worn. With snow expected in the next couple of days, seeding may not help.

Pics: Notice the difference the exterior rope lighting makes.

Chili's Re-image 2008 Albuquerque, NM

Today, Ryan Elmer, PM, & Mr Creditt of Brinkers went through one final inspection of the Chili's to list any final detail items that need to be completed. The painters will need to come back out to touch up and make a few paint changes. The electricians will be coming back out to complete items that are incomplete and some electrical change orders. The landscapers are behind schedule but should be finished this weekend. Aside from that, Woody is going to finish a few other detailed items. All in all it was not so bad. The store overall looks FANTASTIC!!! But it's a Parkway project and good isn't good enough. So we'll spend another week here waiting for final City inspections and turning this into an EXCELLENT job.

Pic: Before & after of the hostess stand

View of Stone Mason's Work

First, note the red bench that replaces the black benches. This offers a colorful exterior that continues to the interior of the restaurant. This particular stone column is to the right of the TO GO entrance.

Picture on the left shows the stone column at the main entrance. Below the overall picture it is visible how the column tied in nicely to the existing stone facing. The stone mason was an Albuquerque stone mason that we met while we were here.

Re-image at Chili's Nears Completion

This picture shows a view of the exterior with fresh paint and goose neck lights removed. The bottom picture shows the building before the re-image.

Today, we are working on completing the final items that were listed on the punch list. Ryan Elmer, the PM, and Brinkers will be here tomorrow to do what we hope will be the final walk through.

We have been blessed to work with a GREAT GM and Chili's managers at this location. It's been a real team effort. Today the electrician is here. And the electrical inspector just arrived. We are also waiting for the fire marshal. After that we can call for the final inspection. Thankfully, the sun is shining today and we are able to more easily finish outside work. The landscaper just arrived to finish his final items.

Albuquerque Mountain Snow

We took today off and headed out for our holiday. We finally got a chance to do some shopping at the Cottonwood Mall here in Albuquerque. Then we went up the mountain. It's been so cold and snow is on the mountain. HEY, MICHAEL SAWYERS....you'd be so proud of us, we finally used the 4 wheel option!!! WOW! The road was windy and curvy and covered with snow and ice.....IT WAS A BLAST. A jeep lost control and almost took out the driver's side fender. We ended our day with dinner at Furr's Buffet...Woody's favorite. Hope everyone enjoyed an exciting and joyous first day of the year.

HAPPY NEW YEAR.......Welcome 2008

We'd like to thank all of you that have kept up with us through our website. This year has been a very blessed year for us. This is a pic of us at the Grand Canyon when we stopped by on the way back from Ruth's Chris Steakhouse in Santa Barbara, CA. We hope you will all be blessed and prosperous in the new year.

At Chili's we are progressing and should be checking out by the end of the week! Anyone in town should drive out to the Cottonwood Mall and take a look and the Chili's lit up at night.