While we attended a coin show today, the contractor dropped off building supplies at the shop. He starts work tomorrow.

SO EXCITED!!!

The owners of some nearby property decided to merely fill in a ton of cracks on the asphalt rather than resurface the whole thing. As I looked out the window, I mentioned to Poohbare that it turned out to be quite an intricate design. I then wondered aloud how it would look from an aerial perspective.

He glances over and simply says "Smaller."

*blink blink*

Good point.

There's nothing more we can do at the shop until the contractor does the build-out and painting later this week. Outside it's in the 60s and sunny.

So... I'm off to buy plants and play in the dirt while I have the time.

xoxo
HP

My dad was a long-haul truck driver for close to 40 years. Poohbare and I drove a measly 700 miles yesterday. We took shifts behind the wheel. I dunno how Dad did it -- or how ANYONE can do it day in/day out. We're exhausted.

Hats off to those of you who drive for a living. Ya got way more stamina than we do.

xoxo
HP

My big accomplishment today was taking 3 naps. Didn't cook. Didn't clean. Didn't work on shop-stuff. Didn't do diddly squat.

Poohbare and I went out to a late lunch/early dinner then took Spawn to the movies. Good stuff.

xoxo
HP

I have long held the belief that one of the true tests of a relationship is working on projects together. If this is indeed accurate, we are proving to ourselves daily how right we are for each other. We're a good team. The last three showcases went together in record time and a substantial amount of the cleanup is done.

We're taking a 700 mile one-day buying trip on Saturday. That should be lots of fun. (<<<sarcasm font) Actually, it's sounding better and better. We need to get the heck outta Dodge for a day and it'll give us time to brainstorm and figure out the next phase of the game plan.

A glance at the calendar informed me that our target opening date is one month from today. EEEEK!

xoxo
HP

It's only Wednesday, right? Oy! It's been a long week. Good, but long. Monday the carpet cleaning guy was at the shop at 7:30 a.m. We didn't want to have the noise disturb the doctor next door or his patients, so we set the appoint for the rugs as early as we could. Shortly after he left, the contractor showed up to go over a few final details. We worked on cleaning the used rotatory display cases we got on the cheap and tidied things up before leaving.

Tuesday the phone lines were to be installed "between 8 and 12." At 11:30 they called to say the tech was running late and would arrive between 1-2. Ok. We zipped over to the shop making our signs, approved the proofs, ordered posters and window lettering, and while there the tech called to say she was almost at the shop. Hurried back there to meet her and about ten minutes later the second tech showed up to do the internet install.

This morning we were back bright and early putting together bookcases while waiting for FedEx Freight to arrive with four new showcases and the cash register kiosk. We got the first showcase put together and realized how old and achy we were. We started to clean up some of the packing materials strewn around the floor, but said the heck with it. There's gonna be lots more mess tomorrow when we put together the other three showcases, so we'll just pick it all up at once.

The contractor should be starting work on Monday and we'll need to have all this stuff tarped and taped, but at least it'll be put together and ready to set in place as soon as the paint is dry.

Sure does feel good to see it all coming together! And now... sleep.

xoxo
HP

Yesterday, while driving down the road with Spawn and her BFF, the BFF asked if it was legal to drive naked.

Me: Uh... no.
BFF: What if you have on a fig leaf?
Me: Still no.
Spawn: Where do you even FIND a fig leaf -- I mean who grows figs around here?
Me: Doesn't matter -- still illegal.
Spawn: What about on top? Could you wear pasties? Wait. Are they pasties or pastries?
Me: They are pastries.
BFF: Really?
Me: Yes. Pastries. Smaller chested women tend to go for mini cupcakes or small donuts. The frosting works as an adhesive. More buxom women use bagles, Danish or even full coffeecakes.
BFF: OMG I never knew that. Wait. Are you serious?
Spawn: Yes. Yes, she is serious.
BFF: Wow.

At that point, all I could do was lean my forehead against the window and try to breathe while the tears of silent laughter ran down my face.

AH-CHOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

Oops. Sorry if I got snot on your screen.

Poohbare and I are trying to figure out if we caught some sort of bug or if it's just simple exhaustion. Egad! We've zonked out before 7 p.m. several nights this week. I'm fighting to stay up til at least 9 tonight. Ain't gonna happen, but I'm trying.

We decided to push the store opening back one week to May 18th. I was seriously freaking out about stuff not being able to get done by the 11th. Heck, the new doors won't arrive and be installed til May 9th! There's a lot that can't be done until they are in place and wired for the alarm system. The 11th was just cutting it too close for comfort. I'm breathing much easier knowing there's an extra week to do stuff.

We also had a long talk about all the stuff I was dealing with. He was handling the financial aspects and I was taking on everything else. Now that the money is in place, he's able to refocus and take the pressure off me. WHEW! I think he finally understands that there are many things that require lead time. We gotta make the decisions and place the orders NOW for things to arrive when they need to.

It's all falling into place one piece at a time.

xoxo
HP

P.S. Thank you again for your words of support.