This afternoon I was back in the little town of Chemainus on Vancouver Island where we had lived for about eighteen years. In that time I was involved with many fun community projects including many signs for the downtown businesses. I saw this relic peeking out from the trees and it brought back fond memories. In those days when we saw something that needed doing we just did it, often without official blessing from the authorities. In this case, the parking was down a one-way street and ‘official’ signage wasn’t doing the job. We dreamed up this little sandblasted sign to do the job with style. About that time, Brian Mulroney, the prime minister of Canada was visiting our town and I was offered the chance to meet him. I happily accepted and was told to be in our art gallery where the official entourage was to do a walkabout. On the selected morning I was ready but not in our gallery, but instead hiding behind a planter up the street. I saw the group go into our gallery and Janis greeted them there. Then they came out and just as they crossed the street I stepped out from my hiding place with a trowel in my hand. As they came to me, I dusted off my dirty hand and stuck it out to greet the prime minister, smiled my best smile and asked him if he would do me the honour of laying the cornerstone block on the sign stand. The other dignitaries and security were somewhat taken aback for nothing had been formally arranged. But Mr. Mulroney eagerly accepted the opportunity, much to the delight of the press who were also present. It of course made front-page news. Later, when I talked to our mayor, I jokingly commented about how we no longer needed a permit for the project as it had been endorsed by the highest authority in the land. He didn’t think I was very funny but thirty-six years later that sign is still there and looking fine.