Giving Thanks

The past year has been a difficult trying time for us.  In November, 2010, we had a heater fire in our brick and mortar store.  Thankfully, nobody was injured.  We did  have soot and smoke damage.  We were fortunate to have excellent insurance coverage.  However, the logistics at times were overwhelming.  Both Mike's Sporting Goods and Embroidery Fashions Boutique eCrater stores had to be put on hold.   All the inventory in our brick and mortar store  had to be counted and removed from the premises and placed in storage pods.  The inside of the store had to be gutted and renovated.  During the renovations, our brick and mortar store was open and we were trying to keep our business a float during an economic down turn.
Many times, friends, family and even customers would try to console us by saying you have insurance.  Yes, we have insurance; but, it is not as simple as it sounds.  It was a fiasco from the beginning. We ended up hiring a public adjuster to represent us in the negotiations with the insurance company.  A little over a year later the claim is still not completely settled.
We are very thankful for the encouragement, support and friendship of the eCrater Stores Network community.  We are thankful for the help of our family who have volunteered hours of their time to help us.  We are thankful for our customers who have supported us. We are not completely restocked and restored; but we can see the light at the end of the tunnel.  And for that we are very Thankful.

Surviving- ESN Scavenger Hunt

Hurricane Irene paid us a visit this weekend.  We experienced high winds, torrential downpours and even a tornado warning.  The tornado was the scariest of all because it touched down about 3 miles from our house.  Our power went out and is not supposed to be fixed before Sunday.  We were fortunate though, our neighbor was so kind and shared his generator with us.  On Monday, after going to at least 7 stores, we were able to purchase a generator.  We consider ourselves one of the lucky ones because we didn't have extensive damage to our house or property. 
Today, the sun is shining, life continues and the clean up begins.

On to the eCrater Stores Scavenger Hunt and my picks for this week.

Checking in with Bargain Express I found a craft book that I could have used during the blackout.  The Simply Handmade book has 365 easy craft projects. Since I am not much of a crafter, easy is good - very good.

Visiting Eccentric Thrifter I chose The PREDATORS Wolf puzzle.  I thought 1000 pieces that should keep the hubby busy for awhile.

Stopping by Barb's Bargain Reading Corner is always a treat.  I found Angel Falls, a romantic thriller, by Nora Roberts. A Nora Robert's book is just right for a Sunday afternoon reading session.

There are so many unique items listed on the eCrater Stores Network. Membership is open to shoppers and eCrater store owners.

Comfort Food - Italian Style

Yesterday was one of those days. You know the Murphy's law kind of day.  What can go wrong; did go wrong.  Traffic on I-295 was worse than normal.  Customers were waiting for us when we pulled into the parking lot.  Ok- that's not such a bad thing.  Our blank t shirt order was wrong.  The embroidery machines were acting up.  And some much needed inventory still has not arrived.  Finally, it was 4:00pm - closing time.  On the way home, we decided to go out to dinner.  What I needed was some good ole comfort food - Italian syle comfort food.  We headed to one of our local Italian restaurants.
That's when things changed.  The spaghetti and brocolli rabe was just what I needed.  And the coolest  part - the restaurant even featured a Frank Sinatra singer.
All in all it was a pretty good ending to a crappy day.