The two Seasons….of Minnesota!
Anyone who is from Minnesota and is reading this has heard the expression that there are two seasons in Minnesota, one being Winter and the other being Road Construction. Well, at PGC ,we have been feeling the effects of the latter quite a bit the past couple of months!
Today the tides are changing. Not only are the skies a clear, sunny, beautiful blue color, but Barb left the office and a few minutes later called to inform us that the County Rd 36 ramp to Hwy 101 South is FINALLY OPEN! Can you sense my excitement? 
Thankfully, we will not longer have to detour our customers around the road construction and mess that comes with it. Now it will be much easier and convenient for them to visit our showroom Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. 
Now lets just hope the other dreaded season doesn’t come too soon!
Feel free to share…
Angie
Posted in Business, Company on June 13th, 2008 by Angie | | 0 Comments
Granite Countertops: Seamingly Beautiful!
One of the questions we get asked by our customers is, “Will my countertop have seams?” This is a good question, but the answer varies from job to job and may vary from room to room. Most seams are dependent on overall slab length and layout of pieces. Some other factors that may come into play include material strength, or design of the actual room. If a customer has selected a more fragile stone, making a larger piece may not be an option because there might be more of a possiblity of the stone breaking. Room designs such as low ceilings, stairs, or doors can also deter the possiblity of making some runs in one piece. Sometimes to accomodate a homes structure, a piece that would normally be made as one, would instead need to be made into 2 pieces.
At PGC, we always do our best to minimize the number of seams, and make them as tight as possible. In fact, with some finer grained granite countertops that we’ve installed, the seams have looked almost invisible. Keep in mind…granites that have more flow and movement to them that require seams will be more obvious.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Granite, Seams on June 12th, 2008 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Granite Countertops—Spotlight On Colors
It amazes me when I think about the number of color choices our customers have when it comes to granite countertops. When we started PGC, in 1996, color selections were much more limited. Over the years however, quarrying techniques, equipment, and technology have greatly improved, allowing for increased slab production. Today there are literally hundreds of colors to choose from, each with its own unique color tone and pattern, or movement and flow.
It is always exciting when we receive in a granite shipment with another color we haven’t fabricated, or seen before. It just adds to the list of beautiful colors to share with our customers.
Following are some photos of just a few of the many unique choices available:
Color: Silver Spark/Silver Galaxy
Color: Mascarello
Color: Delicatus
Color: Cooper Gold
Color: Comet
Color: Hurricane
Color: Black Storm
Color: Blue Palidium
Color: Cafe Imperial
Color: Cafe Brown Satin Finish
Color: Sucuri
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Granite on June 10th, 2008 by Barb | | 4 Comments
Rhubarb Crunch
Here’s a good recipe to try for some summer fruit. It is easy to make and tastes great.
Rhubarb Crunch
1/2 cup butter softened
1 cup plus 3 tbsp flour divided
1/4 cup powdered sugar
2 eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
2-1/2 cup chopped rhubarb
Vanilla ice cream
Preheat oven to 350 degress. In mixing bowl, combine butter, 1 cup flour and powdered sugar. Mix until ingredients are fully combined and pat dough into lightly greased 8-inch square baking pan. Bake crust at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Remove pan from oven.
In mixing bowl, beat eggs with granulated sugar, remaining 3 tablespoons of flour, baking powder and salt. Stir in rhubarb and pour over baked crust. Return pan to oven and bake 35-40 minutes. Cut into 9 squares and serve hot with vanilla ice cream. Makes 9 servings.
Enjoy!
Barb
Posted in Cooking in your kitchen on June 6th, 2008 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Kindness—Pay It Forward!
The other day, on my way to work, I stopped at a local Starbuck’s for a cup of chai tea. I placed my order in the drive-thru, and pulled ahead to pick up my purchase. When I rolled down my window, to pay, I was told, “Don’t worry about it. The car that was ahead of you already paid for your tea.” In disbelief, I made the server repeat what he said. I responded with, “Wow! What a good samaritan.” I had no idea who the person was, if it was a man, or woman, young, or old. I guess it really didn’t matter, but it sure made me feel good and was a great way to start my day. It is funny how the simple act kindness can have that effect.
In fact, according to Dr. Wayne Dyer, internationally renowned author and motivational speaker, “Research has shown that a simple act of kindness directed toward another improves the functioning of the immune system and stimulates the production of serotonin in both the recipient of the kindness and the person extending the kindness. Even more amazing is that persons observing the act of kindness have similar beneficial results. Imagine this! Kindness extended, received, or observed beneficially impacts the physical health and feelings of everyone involved!”
Amazing! Isn’t it? So do your part and give this “kindness thing” a try. You’ll be glad you did!
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Uncategorized on June 5th, 2008 by Barb | | 0 Comments
