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Gotta love it. Had no problems after the fall a couple of days ago...today my hip aches. No pain, just aches. Think I will take it easy rest of today. Friends of mine came over today that we haven't seen in 6 years and while walking them down to the other store, discovered my hip when walking ached a little. Not worried, will take it easy til Tuesday when I have to haul boxes out to the garage.
Looked at the post before the last one. Posted at the end of Pennsic last year. Haven't been horribly active here. Have to admit, usually post the more serious stuff here. Stuff I wouldn't necessarily want all and sundery on FB to know. Or I would be concerned about hurting/worrying friends and family. But this is a good place since I think pretty much one person may read it. If more than one, they don't comment, lol. Good place to vent etc
I see I was going to make plans to see an orthopedist. Welp, that never happened. Instead money went to working on my teeth. This year alone spent about 5k. No dental insurance.
Another friend (non SCA) that is ex Air Force just got a shot in knee and recommended her Ortho. Problem is she probably has the same type of insurance as my other military friends. Concerned mine won't cover it. When I lived in Mass, my insurance was great...never had to worry. In PA, not so much, had to have my Onc fight for chemo treatments so totally paranoid right now about what my insurance will cover or Medicare. Will look into this after Pennsic. Don't think I could get an appt pre Pennsic and even if I could not sure what type of pain I would have after the shot and for how long. Better the pain I know, than the pain I don't know. So willing to hobble this Pennsic :)
Hope to be better chatter-wise here. Now back to lugging boxes to the third floor - just two and boxes down from the third to the first floor - just two. For today.
I see I was going to make plans to see an orthopedist. Welp, that never happened. Instead money went to working on my teeth. This year alone spent about 5k. No dental insurance.
Another friend (non SCA) that is ex Air Force just got a shot in knee and recommended her Ortho. Problem is she probably has the same type of insurance as my other military friends. Concerned mine won't cover it. When I lived in Mass, my insurance was great...never had to worry. In PA, not so much, had to have my Onc fight for chemo treatments so totally paranoid right now about what my insurance will cover or Medicare. Will look into this after Pennsic. Don't think I could get an appt pre Pennsic and even if I could not sure what type of pain I would have after the shot and for how long. Better the pain I know, than the pain I don't know. So willing to hobble this Pennsic :)
Hope to be better chatter-wise here. Now back to lugging boxes to the third floor - just two and boxes down from the third to the first floor - just two. For today.
Plodding along boxing books and putting them out on the platform in the garage. So far everything is slowly coming together....but hark, I should not have said that.
Got a phone call from a lady that was going to help me out at Pennsic. She is most likely going in for gall bladder surgery, poor thing. How long that will take her out of the picture, who knows. Had that a few years ago and while it was just an in and out procedure..I was under the weather for a few days. Told her if she is able to make Pennsic at all, play it by ear working for me. If she feels like it (she doesn't need the money, thank goodness) fine but if not hang around her camp.
Kendrick will help me set up the Book wagon day of Landgrab. We wil stay either one or two nights in the Book wagon and when things are ready will put up our camp down below. Then he leaves Sunday or Monday to come back to Cashtown to work.
Noodling out how to get food to me during the day. Think Lyds and Coll (from Auntie Arwen's) can get lunch to me. Dinner, will play it by ear. Loath to leave the booth. Will see who is about camp that can ferry din din to me. If not, will get stuff from the food court. Not thrilled being short on help but will do what I can. Kendrick will come back the Monday of War Week so things will be better. But still more than a little jittery with the amount of people we will get coming in for 50th. Plus I am dealing with a new credit card system. Haven't used it used. Waiting for a customer to experiment on before Pennsic. Paypal talked me into doing the Zettle system they have - their old one was just fine by me.
Starting to get the Pennsic crazies.... Happy and excited but at the same time want to find a hole to hide in.
Got a phone call from a lady that was going to help me out at Pennsic. She is most likely going in for gall bladder surgery, poor thing. How long that will take her out of the picture, who knows. Had that a few years ago and while it was just an in and out procedure..I was under the weather for a few days. Told her if she is able to make Pennsic at all, play it by ear working for me. If she feels like it (she doesn't need the money, thank goodness) fine but if not hang around her camp.
Kendrick will help me set up the Book wagon day of Landgrab. We wil stay either one or two nights in the Book wagon and when things are ready will put up our camp down below. Then he leaves Sunday or Monday to come back to Cashtown to work.
Noodling out how to get food to me during the day. Think Lyds and Coll (from Auntie Arwen's) can get lunch to me. Dinner, will play it by ear. Loath to leave the booth. Will see who is about camp that can ferry din din to me. If not, will get stuff from the food court. Not thrilled being short on help but will do what I can. Kendrick will come back the Monday of War Week so things will be better. But still more than a little jittery with the amount of people we will get coming in for 50th. Plus I am dealing with a new credit card system. Haven't used it used. Waiting for a customer to experiment on before Pennsic. Paypal talked me into doing the Zettle system they have - their old one was just fine by me.
Starting to get the Pennsic crazies.... Happy and excited but at the same time want to find a hole to hide in.
Survived Pennsic. Wasn't sure I would be able to walk up and down from camp 4 times a day to the Book Wagon. But with the help of a cane, I was able to plus taking NSAIDs in the morning and evening.
Plan on seeing an ortho soon. Have to get off my butt to do it. Have stiff and painful knees, back and hips. Hopefully there is something that can be done.
I am trying to swim.
Kinda have the dismals until I deal with this. Some might be after Pennsic blues....altho the rest is helpful.
Plan on seeing an ortho soon. Have to get off my butt to do it. Have stiff and painful knees, back and hips. Hopefully there is something that can be done.
I am trying to swim.
Kinda have the dismals until I deal with this. Some might be after Pennsic blues....altho the rest is helpful.
Having a hard time getting to sleep so thought I would come here and vent as it is. Having a bit of a hard time this past year or so. My knees are causing me issues and I am tired a bit. I will get them checked out, need to find a doctor that is covered by my issues. Kim has same insurance as I do, altho hers is gold standard since it is for military. So not sure what will be covered if anything. Have put this off for too long. I am not walking - either my knees are stiff or painful and now they are weakening because I am not using them as much as I should. I do go swimming but haven't been for a couple of months. But hope to on Friday.
But worrying on this has kept me from sleeping so thought I would talk it out here. Family is not on here and only a very few people even look at my postings here. That is ok, mostly just want to vent or talk when Facebook is not a good idea.
Luckily my shows have started up again. I always sleep so much better at events and am in a better frame of mind. Don't worry as much. I don't share this with Chris. He has been with me through my two bouts of cancer. What he would say is what I already know...that I need to exercise more. The swimming I enjoy, walking about not so much. He doesn't like not being able to fix things. Just listening isn't his forte. Not really mine either so I understand.
Have to admit I am concerned about Pennsic, walking from camp to the Book Wagon. I will have a cane so that won't be as bad. And maybe it won't be as bad as my mind is making it out to be. Usually, I do a fair amount of walking 4 trips from camp to the Wagon and then the distance to/from whatever class I want to go to. But haven't done that for 2 or 3 years now. Chris will be with me the first few days to help with set up, then he is going back home til Tuesday of War week. We have two shops to watch now and he isn't as much of a camper as I am.
I am getting older - 71 now - and I feel it, and don't like it at all. Have to make sure I get to bed at a reasonable hour or I have a hard time getting to sleep or staying asleep - like now. Have to sort this all out. been thinking about a friend of mine Bex Latimer, who died a while ago at the tender age of 90 odd. Maybe I should read the book she wrote. She wrote a poem in the 70's that I have, on turning 70. See if I can get some insight on dealing with this all.
But worrying on this has kept me from sleeping so thought I would talk it out here. Family is not on here and only a very few people even look at my postings here. That is ok, mostly just want to vent or talk when Facebook is not a good idea.
Luckily my shows have started up again. I always sleep so much better at events and am in a better frame of mind. Don't worry as much. I don't share this with Chris. He has been with me through my two bouts of cancer. What he would say is what I already know...that I need to exercise more. The swimming I enjoy, walking about not so much. He doesn't like not being able to fix things. Just listening isn't his forte. Not really mine either so I understand.
Have to admit I am concerned about Pennsic, walking from camp to the Book Wagon. I will have a cane so that won't be as bad. And maybe it won't be as bad as my mind is making it out to be. Usually, I do a fair amount of walking 4 trips from camp to the Wagon and then the distance to/from whatever class I want to go to. But haven't done that for 2 or 3 years now. Chris will be with me the first few days to help with set up, then he is going back home til Tuesday of War week. We have two shops to watch now and he isn't as much of a camper as I am.
I am getting older - 71 now - and I feel it, and don't like it at all. Have to make sure I get to bed at a reasonable hour or I have a hard time getting to sleep or staying asleep - like now. Have to sort this all out. been thinking about a friend of mine Bex Latimer, who died a while ago at the tender age of 90 odd. Maybe I should read the book she wrote. She wrote a poem in the 70's that I have, on turning 70. See if I can get some insight on dealing with this all.
Musings...
Jun. 14th, 2022 09:24 pmI have been doing an event a month for the past couple of months. SCA and a Larp event. I will have Pennsic at end of July.
The last few years I have noticed I am tiring a bit more easily and arthritis in my knees and back has been acting up. Think it is getting better but uncertain.
We have been setting up my 12 by 12, Book Wagon and 18 by 18, wedge tent at specific events. Think I will stop doing Aethelmearc War Practice as a vendor event, just go and fix the Book Wagon and enjoy the denizens of Tortuga. Will give the Larp one more chance because I did have fun.
Pennsic I will not have Kendrick except for the first two days, and last 4 or 5 days. Think I have folks slated to help but past experience has me a bit doubtful whether they will come through. Folks have good hearts but they also have stuff on their own plates. Posting this here cause I am fussing. Want also to help a friend at Troll for 50 but not sure I will have the energy.
Things will get better, I was feeling even more concerned a few months ago. Days like this I am feeling every year of my 71 years. But I dearly love my vending and my SCA events. Gonna make it happen.
The last few years I have noticed I am tiring a bit more easily and arthritis in my knees and back has been acting up. Think it is getting better but uncertain.
We have been setting up my 12 by 12, Book Wagon and 18 by 18, wedge tent at specific events. Think I will stop doing Aethelmearc War Practice as a vendor event, just go and fix the Book Wagon and enjoy the denizens of Tortuga. Will give the Larp one more chance because I did have fun.
Pennsic I will not have Kendrick except for the first two days, and last 4 or 5 days. Think I have folks slated to help but past experience has me a bit doubtful whether they will come through. Folks have good hearts but they also have stuff on their own plates. Posting this here cause I am fussing. Want also to help a friend at Troll for 50 but not sure I will have the energy.
Things will get better, I was feeling even more concerned a few months ago. Days like this I am feeling every year of my 71 years. But I dearly love my vending and my SCA events. Gonna make it happen.
Have been busy lately and forgot all about listing on Dreamwidth. There isn't alot to make note of.
We have bought 3 or 4 collections of books recently and have been going nuts trying to price them, put some of them in brodart jackets and pack a number for Gulf Wars. Tomorrow we will be going and picking up our last of the first collection. Textile books are taken care of. When I get back from Gulf Wars, we have enother large collection to pick up. Kendrick will get a collection in the next two weeks (without me) in NC. Doing a culling so that I have someplace to put the books. There are 20 boxes that are duplicates - remaindered- that are going to the third floor over the next week.
Health is good. Knees are same but better. Back is alot better. My arthritis is wierd, hurts like holy hell for a couple of years, then lessens a little or in some cases...goes away. I was very seriously worried about doing Gulf Wars...still am. I am 71 and broken, Christoff will help me put up the pavilion. Kendrick doesnt go to Gulf Wars...he has a Civil War show at that time he wants to go to.
Starting to schedule shows/events. Excited!!
We have bought 3 or 4 collections of books recently and have been going nuts trying to price them, put some of them in brodart jackets and pack a number for Gulf Wars. Tomorrow we will be going and picking up our last of the first collection. Textile books are taken care of. When I get back from Gulf Wars, we have enother large collection to pick up. Kendrick will get a collection in the next two weeks (without me) in NC. Doing a culling so that I have someplace to put the books. There are 20 boxes that are duplicates - remaindered- that are going to the third floor over the next week.
Health is good. Knees are same but better. Back is alot better. My arthritis is wierd, hurts like holy hell for a couple of years, then lessens a little or in some cases...goes away. I was very seriously worried about doing Gulf Wars...still am. I am 71 and broken, Christoff will help me put up the pavilion. Kendrick doesnt go to Gulf Wars...he has a Civil War show at that time he wants to go to.
Starting to schedule shows/events. Excited!!
Waiting for the Call the Midwife special to come on so that I would post here :)
Christmas has been very lowkey. We did not get a tree...a number of places were sold out and well, not in the mood. The past month we have been out every weekend celebrating the holidays with friends one weekend, my family another and Chris's family last weekend. We took little bags of canned goods to various friends and neighbors. Sortof a tradition for the last four years. Some neighbors gave us gifts in return which wasn't expected but still treats to have over the next few days is nice.
I made two lasagnas. One was a pumpkin lasagna (never made before), it was more a breakfast or desert lasagna. Had leftovers from that so made what I call a Mexican lasagna because it was somewhat spicey with taco seasonings. Chirs baked up a ham, also cooked up some brussell sprouts, grated carrot and onion, cucumber salad. Metha made a cherry tart. We had a very nice Christmas Eve dinner.
Christmas day was low-key. We did just what we want to do. We opened a few presents. We don't need much so don't get alot of gifts for each other. I got my yearly allotment of Dr Bronner's soap and some Oregon Chai tea. He got some Ferrero Roche chocolates, handmade tea coasters, and a tea strainer. Did a Zoom call with some of his relatives that we did not see. He gamed most of today, I got the last of my romantic silly, Christmas movies in...only watch those in December. No work of any sort was allowed. We nibbled on as much as we wanted, drank chocolate milk as much as desired. Ate leftover ham sandwiches and lasagna. No work including cooking was allowed. Just playing. Kitties were cuddled on the couch or their basket.
We watched the movie "Belfast " together. It was very good. A coming of age story in a heavily Protestant area during the late 60's. Very thought provoking. But now for something a little lighter.
I hope that everyone has had good holidays with loved ones :)
Christmas has been very lowkey. We did not get a tree...a number of places were sold out and well, not in the mood. The past month we have been out every weekend celebrating the holidays with friends one weekend, my family another and Chris's family last weekend. We took little bags of canned goods to various friends and neighbors. Sortof a tradition for the last four years. Some neighbors gave us gifts in return which wasn't expected but still treats to have over the next few days is nice.
I made two lasagnas. One was a pumpkin lasagna (never made before), it was more a breakfast or desert lasagna. Had leftovers from that so made what I call a Mexican lasagna because it was somewhat spicey with taco seasonings. Chirs baked up a ham, also cooked up some brussell sprouts, grated carrot and onion, cucumber salad. Metha made a cherry tart. We had a very nice Christmas Eve dinner.
Christmas day was low-key. We did just what we want to do. We opened a few presents. We don't need much so don't get alot of gifts for each other. I got my yearly allotment of Dr Bronner's soap and some Oregon Chai tea. He got some Ferrero Roche chocolates, handmade tea coasters, and a tea strainer. Did a Zoom call with some of his relatives that we did not see. He gamed most of today, I got the last of my romantic silly, Christmas movies in...only watch those in December. No work of any sort was allowed. We nibbled on as much as we wanted, drank chocolate milk as much as desired. Ate leftover ham sandwiches and lasagna. No work including cooking was allowed. Just playing. Kitties were cuddled on the couch or their basket.
We watched the movie "Belfast " together. It was very good. A coming of age story in a heavily Protestant area during the late 60's. Very thought provoking. But now for something a little lighter.
I hope that everyone has had good holidays with loved ones :)
Wanted to do WoW but it was cancelled and was concerned about WoTCW. It was a long jaunt. So didn't do it. Decided on a very small local event that was only an hour and half away. Twas very disorganized. But we made do. Then it rained most of Saturday. Decided to leave at 8 pm, both of us had had it.
Think with wee events, if I do them, will have to be able to set up my merchant booth inside and put up a small tent to sleep in.
But also have to start thinking about how much more I want to vend. Pennsic will always be a must - I do well, plus we have the Book Wagon and helpers. Unfortunately I am 70 years old, have aches and pains in my back, hips and knees and my husband is a little bit better.
I am planning on doing Gulf Wars because I said I would and want to but I will have no help outside of Christoff who has generously offered to set up my pavilion. Basketman used to do it but getting older has hit him too so he is no longer setting up pavilions.
Kinda feeling sorry for myself these days and worried....
Think with wee events, if I do them, will have to be able to set up my merchant booth inside and put up a small tent to sleep in.
But also have to start thinking about how much more I want to vend. Pennsic will always be a must - I do well, plus we have the Book Wagon and helpers. Unfortunately I am 70 years old, have aches and pains in my back, hips and knees and my husband is a little bit better.
I am planning on doing Gulf Wars because I said I would and want to but I will have no help outside of Christoff who has generously offered to set up my pavilion. Basketman used to do it but getting older has hit him too so he is no longer setting up pavilions.
Kinda feeling sorry for myself these days and worried....
Peaks out and up
Feb. 11th, 2021 08:59 pmBusy with business. Doing fairly well. Selling alot of books on EBay til the shows start up again, and maybe even after.
Our second shop is up and running. Looks very fine! We should have a grand opening after Covid settles down. Kendrick works up there in the afternoons, binding books and hoping a stray customer will walk in :)
Busy with the Fire Department again. We do mostly take out for our fundraisers. Don't make as much but still do fairly well.
Health is fairly good. Have knee issues and teeth issues. Teeth are getting working on. Both of us have had our first Covid shot :)
Our new kitties are well kitties. Getting into everything. Shy about the petting thing but snuggling near us at night and following us during the day.
Our second shop is up and running. Looks very fine! We should have a grand opening after Covid settles down. Kendrick works up there in the afternoons, binding books and hoping a stray customer will walk in :)
Busy with the Fire Department again. We do mostly take out for our fundraisers. Don't make as much but still do fairly well.
Health is fairly good. Have knee issues and teeth issues. Teeth are getting working on. Both of us have had our first Covid shot :)
Our new kitties are well kitties. Getting into everything. Shy about the petting thing but snuggling near us at night and following us during the day.
Covid 19 meme
Apr. 17th, 2020 04:12 pm1. Are you an Essential Worker? According to the Gub mint...no. Altho the Gubmint seems to think selling beer is an essential business but not a bookshop. Well, they changed a little, now you can't go into liquor stores.
2. How many drinks have you had since the quarantine has started? Lots of chocolate no booze
3. If you have kids... Not possible
4. What new hobby have you taken up during this? None really, doing catchup with work stuff. Working in the garden. Doing prep for the new old shop we will be buying next door. Talk about timing.
5. How many grocery runs have you done? Every other week
6. What are you spending your stimulus check on? Not sure but probably will try and support other small businesses with it.
7. Do you have any special occasions that you will miss during this quarantine? All my SCA events! Meeting with my family, meeting with my husband's family
8. Are you keeping your housework done? Sortof. Shop is really getting done and organized. After that is done, will start on house.
9a. What movie have you watched during this quarantine? Jumanji 3, a zombie spoof move, onward? We are renting online movies on the weekends
9b. What are you reading right now? a book on the history of Castles in Ireland
9c. What video game are you playing? Dark Ages of Camelot
10. What are you streaming with?
11. 9 months from now is there any chance of you having a baby? Impossible
12. What's your go-to quarantine meal? Mac and cheese or meat loaf
13. Is this whole situation making you paranoid? Nope...just have more time to do stuff, not a bad thing. The money thing will hit me...eventually
14. Has your internet gone out on you during this time? Nope.
15. What month do you predict this all ends? This go around August or September but like the Spanish Flu, it will come back.
16. First thing you're gonna do when you get off quarantine? Go to SCA events! Well Fuddruckers with a couple of friends...we usually did that twice a month.
17. Where do you wish you were right now? Right here...
18. What free-from-quarantine activity are you missing the most? SCA events
19. Have you run out of toilet paper and hand sanitizer? Nope, we were well stocked even before it hit
20. Do you have enough food to last a month? Yup, always have a good stock also have canned food.
2. How many drinks have you had since the quarantine has started? Lots of chocolate no booze
3. If you have kids... Not possible
4. What new hobby have you taken up during this? None really, doing catchup with work stuff. Working in the garden. Doing prep for the new old shop we will be buying next door. Talk about timing.
5. How many grocery runs have you done? Every other week
6. What are you spending your stimulus check on? Not sure but probably will try and support other small businesses with it.
7. Do you have any special occasions that you will miss during this quarantine? All my SCA events! Meeting with my family, meeting with my husband's family
8. Are you keeping your housework done? Sortof. Shop is really getting done and organized. After that is done, will start on house.
9a. What movie have you watched during this quarantine? Jumanji 3, a zombie spoof move, onward? We are renting online movies on the weekends
9b. What are you reading right now? a book on the history of Castles in Ireland
9c. What video game are you playing? Dark Ages of Camelot
10. What are you streaming with?
11. 9 months from now is there any chance of you having a baby? Impossible
12. What's your go-to quarantine meal? Mac and cheese or meat loaf
13. Is this whole situation making you paranoid? Nope...just have more time to do stuff, not a bad thing. The money thing will hit me...eventually
14. Has your internet gone out on you during this time? Nope.
15. What month do you predict this all ends? This go around August or September but like the Spanish Flu, it will come back.
16. First thing you're gonna do when you get off quarantine? Go to SCA events! Well Fuddruckers with a couple of friends...we usually did that twice a month.
17. Where do you wish you were right now? Right here...
18. What free-from-quarantine activity are you missing the most? SCA events
19. Have you run out of toilet paper and hand sanitizer? Nope, we were well stocked even before it hit
20. Do you have enough food to last a month? Yup, always have a good stock also have canned food.
Musings....
Mar. 25th, 2020 09:45 amHave been cleaning the shop, organizing the books. Doing the niddly stuff that when the business is open to the public...usually gets put the the wayside for when I have time.
And I have time now.
My eBay store, which in normal times, is a little bit of money and a lot of aggravation now is main source of income. Luckily eBay has waived listing fees for March and April for eBay stores, except for final value fees when an item is sold. Have 700 odd items up now and will be listing more each day til our shows/events get up and running again. March's shows have/were canceled. We have one show in April towards the end which might still be held but not holding our breath. So far this month we have done 1/6th what we usually make at shows during the month of March. We are very happy that at least that is coming in!
Discovering more and more people now are buying on-line, were very concerned that business would die completely. 39 years ago (opened the shop in 1985), I used to open the doors to the shop...advertise a bit and do business. In the 2000's, the computer age reared its head and had to a adapt. Bookshops that didn't adapt died. Got rid of the good location on a main drag rental, and eventually bought a house with a storefront. Not as much foot traffic, but started selling on line.
Started doing book-shows then until they got way too expensive. Now pretty much do SCA events which are our bread and butter, sell online, do militaria shows - my husband specializes in Civil War and Military History books. The shows have now been cancelled for March and April probably.
So have to develop a Plan B. We have a webiste, sell on eBay and will probably sell on search engines as soon as we get organized enough and have enough stock online. So very different from opening the doors....And while it is a pain, my ability to get better books is much different. Then you relied upon folks coming in to sell, the Bookman's magazine and a very occasional book auction. Now I rely still on folks coming in to sell, Bookman's magazine is out of business now, book auction's happen once or more a month and I buy alot on line. I now have books I dreamed about having back in the day. So while there are alot of negatives about the computer age, there are more positives. I buy books sometimes from Latvia, sell books to Australia. The quality has definitely gone up.
Welp, need to get books ready to mail off and put more stuff on eBay. I hope everyone is doing well and adapting to the temporary new normal. Hugs from afar!
And I have time now.
My eBay store, which in normal times, is a little bit of money and a lot of aggravation now is main source of income. Luckily eBay has waived listing fees for March and April for eBay stores, except for final value fees when an item is sold. Have 700 odd items up now and will be listing more each day til our shows/events get up and running again. March's shows have/were canceled. We have one show in April towards the end which might still be held but not holding our breath. So far this month we have done 1/6th what we usually make at shows during the month of March. We are very happy that at least that is coming in!
Discovering more and more people now are buying on-line, were very concerned that business would die completely. 39 years ago (opened the shop in 1985), I used to open the doors to the shop...advertise a bit and do business. In the 2000's, the computer age reared its head and had to a adapt. Bookshops that didn't adapt died. Got rid of the good location on a main drag rental, and eventually bought a house with a storefront. Not as much foot traffic, but started selling on line.
Started doing book-shows then until they got way too expensive. Now pretty much do SCA events which are our bread and butter, sell online, do militaria shows - my husband specializes in Civil War and Military History books. The shows have now been cancelled for March and April probably.
So have to develop a Plan B. We have a webiste, sell on eBay and will probably sell on search engines as soon as we get organized enough and have enough stock online. So very different from opening the doors....And while it is a pain, my ability to get better books is much different. Then you relied upon folks coming in to sell, the Bookman's magazine and a very occasional book auction. Now I rely still on folks coming in to sell, Bookman's magazine is out of business now, book auction's happen once or more a month and I buy alot on line. I now have books I dreamed about having back in the day. So while there are alot of negatives about the computer age, there are more positives. I buy books sometimes from Latvia, sell books to Australia. The quality has definitely gone up.
Welp, need to get books ready to mail off and put more stuff on eBay. I hope everyone is doing well and adapting to the temporary new normal. Hugs from afar!
Life is....interesting
Mar. 18th, 2020 11:02 amWe have had to shut down the shop for at least two weeks. At least 3 of our shows have been canceled. I am looking into new and different ways of selling our books. very scary! Am not computer literate. Husband is but some of his knowledge of social platforms is outdated at this point. We have very little income coming in at this point but have a cushion.
We are still buying the space near us. The price is so low, even with what is going on, we would be stupid not to. We will still have a cushion. We were going to hire folks to paint etc but with the time off and need to conserve some money, we will do the painting ourselves most likely but hire folks to repair the roof, electrical and plumbing fixes. These costs were factored into our decision. I imagine none of this will be able to be started til another month is past.
We have to get a lawyer that deals with real estate (this is a private sale), home inspection, title inspection, title insurance and the lots surveyed. The lots might be a tad muddy in line delineation so good to have it on paper. Our neighbors are really neat but down the line if they sell the other two properties, be good to have everything in writing. Yes, we know this is a BAD time to do this. But we had discussed this before COVID 19 had hit with the neighbors. And our elderly neighbor is having a hard time financially and could use the money. The building has been in disrepair, she would have lost money fixing it up and then selling it for appraised value. The family is beyond ecstatic we are taking it on. Restoring a historical building that was beloved by them and beloved by us is the best thing.
We are still buying the space near us. The price is so low, even with what is going on, we would be stupid not to. We will still have a cushion. We were going to hire folks to paint etc but with the time off and need to conserve some money, we will do the painting ourselves most likely but hire folks to repair the roof, electrical and plumbing fixes. These costs were factored into our decision. I imagine none of this will be able to be started til another month is past.
We have to get a lawyer that deals with real estate (this is a private sale), home inspection, title inspection, title insurance and the lots surveyed. The lots might be a tad muddy in line delineation so good to have it on paper. Our neighbors are really neat but down the line if they sell the other two properties, be good to have everything in writing. Yes, we know this is a BAD time to do this. But we had discussed this before COVID 19 had hit with the neighbors. And our elderly neighbor is having a hard time financially and could use the money. The building has been in disrepair, she would have lost money fixing it up and then selling it for appraised value. The family is beyond ecstatic we are taking it on. Restoring a historical building that was beloved by them and beloved by us is the best thing.
Good news!
Mar. 11th, 2020 10:40 pmWe met with the neighbors a second time and we agreed upon a price. Now we will get a lawyer involved to do title searches etc plus get lines of our property surveyed. Protecting ourselves against future new neighbors. Have seen some real horror stories.
The building is about 7000 sq feet. This will be in addition to the shop we have now.
Goin got GW and we will probably get it in stone soon after.
Crossing fingers that the final hurdle will be coming up soon. There is a lot of work ahead to get the building back into shape but it is really worth it.
The building is about 7000 sq feet. This will be in addition to the shop we have now.
Goin got GW and we will probably get it in stone soon after.
Crossing fingers that the final hurdle will be coming up soon. There is a lot of work ahead to get the building back into shape but it is really worth it.
We met with the owner. He gave us a VERY reasonable price for the building. Sturdy building that needs a bit of work but nothing horrific. Large area in attic that can be turned into an apt down the line. He is getting with the family to make sure the offer is ok and also to get info on expenses...light, gas, water etc. We would have a business renter - school bus company - that would cover the taxes owed on shop at least.
Chris tried very hard not to get excited. He is very cautious in finances as am I but my motto "Opportunity never knocks at an opportune time" , plays big time here. Can't really have things written in stone until we find out how badly we get dinged for inheritance taxes here in PA. So starting to finish up taxes so we can get this in stone.
Hoping this goes through. First hurdle is down - the price. Now to figure out how to make it work.
If this does work out, he would move his bindery over there and his books on the Civil war/Militaria. We would also probably do a consignment shop of a sort in either/both of the two buildings.
Chris tried very hard not to get excited. He is very cautious in finances as am I but my motto "Opportunity never knocks at an opportune time" , plays big time here. Can't really have things written in stone until we find out how badly we get dinged for inheritance taxes here in PA. So starting to finish up taxes so we can get this in stone.
Hoping this goes through. First hurdle is down - the price. Now to figure out how to make it work.
If this does work out, he would move his bindery over there and his books on the Civil war/Militaria. We would also probably do a consignment shop of a sort in either/both of the two buildings.
Scared and Excited :)
Feb. 26th, 2020 04:30 pmCan't get to sleep so writing about this here. Can't on FB because nothing have been ventured yet....but....
A month or two ago, at the Fire Hall, a member told us that a neighbor of ours was selling the three properties next to us. One of which is an old store from the Civil War period. They were thinking of selling it to a bus company proposing that they tear the old store down for a larger parking lot. However, they wanted their mom to be able to live in her house for the rest of her days. The bus company turned them down. I was beyond horrified that the old shop was going to be torn down.
Both of us thought about this old shop a lot...and I broached the subject of us possibly buying it, turning it into a Civil War Bookshop, consignment place etc. Chris didn't shoot my idea down. So I will contact them tomorrow and see if they would be willing to sell the old shop and if so, for how much. The bus company rents out the addition in the back and I do not have a problem with them continuing to do so.
So basically we are going to try and figure out if we can do this. We do not plan on moving, the old shop is just two doors down. Our town has not changed much since the early 1900's, which makes it a very visually appealing place. But very few people - 492 with us - and prices for real estate is fairly low. The family has owned the buildings there since the 1970's, if not earlier since everyone in town seems to be related somehow!
Update : Talked with the neighbor on the phone. They are willing to sell the old shop alone - relatives are living in the other two houses. They will have a family powwow and come up with a price. Both of us are skeered…
A month or two ago, at the Fire Hall, a member told us that a neighbor of ours was selling the three properties next to us. One of which is an old store from the Civil War period. They were thinking of selling it to a bus company proposing that they tear the old store down for a larger parking lot. However, they wanted their mom to be able to live in her house for the rest of her days. The bus company turned them down. I was beyond horrified that the old shop was going to be torn down.
Both of us thought about this old shop a lot...and I broached the subject of us possibly buying it, turning it into a Civil War Bookshop, consignment place etc. Chris didn't shoot my idea down. So I will contact them tomorrow and see if they would be willing to sell the old shop and if so, for how much. The bus company rents out the addition in the back and I do not have a problem with them continuing to do so.
So basically we are going to try and figure out if we can do this. We do not plan on moving, the old shop is just two doors down. Our town has not changed much since the early 1900's, which makes it a very visually appealing place. But very few people - 492 with us - and prices for real estate is fairly low. The family has owned the buildings there since the 1970's, if not earlier since everyone in town seems to be related somehow!
Update : Talked with the neighbor on the phone. They are willing to sell the old shop alone - relatives are living in the other two houses. They will have a family powwow and come up with a price. Both of us are skeered…
Still doing well with my maintenance treatments for NHL. So have been going to SCA events!
My Mom's property sold. Very mixed feelings on this. We couldn't afford to keep it, was too expensive. Very fond memories. I visited it last year, will not this year because already it is changing. Cleaned up etc. A lot of her stuff is gone. My nephews and nieces have been visiting to say goodbye. Positive thing is that some folk's mortgages, college tuition payments will be paid off which is what Mom and Dad would have wanted. Fond memories, how the family will cope with our mainstays being gone is another story.
Most of my brothers and sister have children and see them becoming more insular. Not sure how often we will get together outside of weddings of various nieces and nephews. We went to one in June and had a fantastic time! Life will change and does change.
Will not be as financially strapped as I was most of my life. But will have the money put away for expenses in getting older plus want to have some to take care of my husband for his old age. It is weird, actually talking about getting new clothes (mundane) and taking a vacation (not SCA) once or every other year.
Still trying to process this. But means I can buy books for my shop without fretting!
My Mom's property sold. Very mixed feelings on this. We couldn't afford to keep it, was too expensive. Very fond memories. I visited it last year, will not this year because already it is changing. Cleaned up etc. A lot of her stuff is gone. My nephews and nieces have been visiting to say goodbye. Positive thing is that some folk's mortgages, college tuition payments will be paid off which is what Mom and Dad would have wanted. Fond memories, how the family will cope with our mainstays being gone is another story.
Most of my brothers and sister have children and see them becoming more insular. Not sure how often we will get together outside of weddings of various nieces and nephews. We went to one in June and had a fantastic time! Life will change and does change.
Will not be as financially strapped as I was most of my life. But will have the money put away for expenses in getting older plus want to have some to take care of my husband for his old age. It is weird, actually talking about getting new clothes (mundane) and taking a vacation (not SCA) once or every other year.
Still trying to process this. But means I can buy books for my shop without fretting!
Haven't posted for a bit
Apr. 2nd, 2019 09:36 amBut all is well, knocks on wood. On Maintenance with Rituxin for my cancer. Will have a PET Scan next month.
Busy! In March did Gulf Wars....sales were under expectations but not awful awful. Had a lot of fun but was happy to get home. gained 3 lbs because of all the wonderful pastries from Gode Bakery.
We have decided to drop some of my husband's Civil War shows, not getting as much activity. Altho he is getting a number of folks wanting him to repair books, do paper restoration. While we will continue selling Civil War material, we will put a larger focus on the bookbinding aspect of the business. Plus I want to try hypeing that up with my SCA events so he can make sales.
April will be busy...going to my niece's bridal shower this weekend, will drop off some books Chris repaired, possibly buy some books, visit with some friends and family.
Going back down to NC the end of the following week to pick up some books in NC
Then prep for a paper show in Allentown.
May looks slightly more quiet, which we will need. Both of us want to do some yard/house work
We have adopted our elderly next door neighbor Metha. She has no family except for an estranged sister that she has not seen in many years. We bring over extra food that were may have an abundance off. She does the same thing. Chris fixes stuff there, mows her lawn (if the other neighbor doesn't get to it first), snowblows her driveway. We clean up her yard and help her, um, go through the millions of boxes that she has in her house to put out for garage sale or donate.
We have been making friends in the neighborhood and trying to play more. Still involved in the volunteer Fire Dept as fundraisers.
We are working on our new website and trying to improve the shop and the house.
Life is good!
Busy! In March did Gulf Wars....sales were under expectations but not awful awful. Had a lot of fun but was happy to get home. gained 3 lbs because of all the wonderful pastries from Gode Bakery.
We have decided to drop some of my husband's Civil War shows, not getting as much activity. Altho he is getting a number of folks wanting him to repair books, do paper restoration. While we will continue selling Civil War material, we will put a larger focus on the bookbinding aspect of the business. Plus I want to try hypeing that up with my SCA events so he can make sales.
April will be busy...going to my niece's bridal shower this weekend, will drop off some books Chris repaired, possibly buy some books, visit with some friends and family.
Going back down to NC the end of the following week to pick up some books in NC
Then prep for a paper show in Allentown.
May looks slightly more quiet, which we will need. Both of us want to do some yard/house work
We have adopted our elderly next door neighbor Metha. She has no family except for an estranged sister that she has not seen in many years. We bring over extra food that were may have an abundance off. She does the same thing. Chris fixes stuff there, mows her lawn (if the other neighbor doesn't get to it first), snowblows her driveway. We clean up her yard and help her, um, go through the millions of boxes that she has in her house to put out for garage sale or donate.
We have been making friends in the neighborhood and trying to play more. Still involved in the volunteer Fire Dept as fundraisers.
We are working on our new website and trying to improve the shop and the house.
Life is good!
We decided (as in the Meany family) not to hold Christmas or Thanksgiving this year. Strange, while I am a tad wistful, not horribly. Miss my relatives but not the very long drive there, now. First holidays without Mom.
Decided to celebrate Christmas Eve with three neighbors that were on their own and went over the day before to another neighbor. Neighbors we didn't know stopped over, which was very nice. Made pot roast and various assorted sides plus desserts. Dropped off cookie baskets to those neighbors that went out of their way to welcome us here.
It was a good holiday. Somewhere I picked up some gastro bug that has had me lay low and couch bound. Started feeling a tad normal today but cancelled plans for dinner out tomorrow. Lots of fluid, yogurt have been consumed. Must be feeling better....the hash that Chris was eating looked mighty tasty tonight.
We gave out very few presents....gave him two Firefly games and a book. I got underwear, Dr Bronner Almond soup and a monthly international candy box subscription. Watched tv all day, all I could do while Kendrick played video games since I was feelin poorly
Hope to be feeling better by NYE and hope weather is ok then too...plan on going into Gettysburg. Weekend after that we will go visit his sister, a friend or two and go to an auction in CT/MA
Then Atlantia 12th Night, where we will see our SCA friends!
Decided to celebrate Christmas Eve with three neighbors that were on their own and went over the day before to another neighbor. Neighbors we didn't know stopped over, which was very nice. Made pot roast and various assorted sides plus desserts. Dropped off cookie baskets to those neighbors that went out of their way to welcome us here.
It was a good holiday. Somewhere I picked up some gastro bug that has had me lay low and couch bound. Started feeling a tad normal today but cancelled plans for dinner out tomorrow. Lots of fluid, yogurt have been consumed. Must be feeling better....the hash that Chris was eating looked mighty tasty tonight.
We gave out very few presents....gave him two Firefly games and a book. I got underwear, Dr Bronner Almond soup and a monthly international candy box subscription. Watched tv all day, all I could do while Kendrick played video games since I was feelin poorly
Hope to be feeling better by NYE and hope weather is ok then too...plan on going into Gettysburg. Weekend after that we will go visit his sister, a friend or two and go to an auction in CT/MA
Then Atlantia 12th Night, where we will see our SCA friends!
A few days ago we had to put our kitty Tila down. Now we are concerned because his brother is having a hard time. He is crying all the time and looking for him.
Luckily we are both home so we can soothe him occasionally. But worried about him. Checked info on line and will try not to leave for overnights for awhile and talk to him. Have some overnights planned for shows but Chris can go without me for the time being.
Keeping an eye on him....but have to admit I am stressed out and missing Tila too but at least I know he has gone to a better place. Grimmy doesn't understand.
This year has been a f-king roller coaster. Our move, Mom's death, opening the shop, finding I had cancer, finding after chemo that there are no hot spots for the time being, Tila's death
Luckily we are both home so we can soothe him occasionally. But worried about him. Checked info on line and will try not to leave for overnights for awhile and talk to him. Have some overnights planned for shows but Chris can go without me for the time being.
Keeping an eye on him....but have to admit I am stressed out and missing Tila too but at least I know he has gone to a better place. Grimmy doesn't understand.
This year has been a f-king roller coaster. Our move, Mom's death, opening the shop, finding I had cancer, finding after chemo that there are no hot spots for the time being, Tila's death
