It seems most people in the Lincoln Village market believed the email:
"Due to changes in the structure of Husqvarna Viking,the Stitching Post will no longer be a Husqvarna Viking dealer in the Dayton & Columbus markets.
Effective today March 7, 2009, ALL of the Stitching Posts inside the Joann stores are CLOSED. "
Business almost totally dried up, two days we had zero sales. When customers came into JoAnn's and saw us there they were extremely surprised and full of questions. It got to the place I sounded like a tape recording.
Yesterday and today interviews were held. We will be informed tomorrow (Friday, if we are hired and where we will be working). Today, (Thursday) we boxed up our location and all is gone except the large fixture that couldn't be removed yet. It feels surreal; the ownership change, the closing of our location, the uncertainty of the future employment.
Many, many customers have expressed their disappointment, but more so, many have been so kind in their comments of appreciation of my service to them. As I took names and addresses for the new data base, many insisted that I personally let them know where I was going to be working. Many gave hugs and one even called me in tears and told me she was already praying for my husband and I in this transition. The JoAnn's employees have been unbelievable, what a wonderful 'family' of friends I have there; so many expressed sadness in seeing us leave and gave hugs, phone numbers and email addresses. I was made to promise, repeatedly, that I would let them know where I was going. I was encouraged to fill out a job application with them so they could 'keep me.' I didn't realize how deep our relationship had become. I am truly blessed.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
What next?!?
Rumors have circled for months about The Stitching Post. Friday evening, close to time to go home I got a phone call that The Stitching Post and Husqvarna Viking (Sewing Machines) were no longer partners.(A fifty year partnership). Saturday morning VSM would be our (my) new employer. The cash register wouldn't work. Many of the supplies couldn't be sold......And on and.......including an email sent from the president of The Stitching Post that said all stores inside JoAnn's were closed. This caused a lot of concern for our customers.
Included in the stack of papers of instructions on our new procedures, was a job application. We needed to get it filled out and to headquarters by Tuesday. After 30 days, we can interview for continued employment.
Oh, did I mention, one of the papers said that our location and one in Dayton would be closed within two weeks?
Today all the thread,(including the thread needed to demo machines) needles and all other stitching post merchandise was removed--boy does it look empty.
Included in the stack of papers of instructions on our new procedures, was a job application. We needed to get it filled out and to headquarters by Tuesday. After 30 days, we can interview for continued employment.
Oh, did I mention, one of the papers said that our location and one in Dayton would be closed within two weeks?
Today all the thread,(including the thread needed to demo machines) needles and all other stitching post merchandise was removed--boy does it look empty.
Friday, February 27, 2009
continued...
We finally made it to New York--- slip sliding in the motel parking lot, which had wonderful mounds of snow, piled high--very high from the non stop snow of Western New York. If time wasn't so tight and proper clothing had been brought along, it would have been a great experience for the grandchildren, alright, the grandsons, to climb and play on that snow.
In our connecting motel rooms that the wonderful son-in-law and reserved for us, Jackson decided it was time to focus attention on him again. I am sure Tim was seriously considering getting rid of that connecting door. Four adults was 3 too many trying to get a melt down five year old to calm down. I decided to remove one adult and get on to the point of the trip---
I put my coat back on and made the 4 mile drive to my sister Becky's home where the family had gathered to rest and recover in the time between the two calling hours. Every seat was taken, but I did manage to find the kitchen the lunch fixings that a great friend of my Dad's had provided, and some of my brother-in-laws coffee.
Most of the males of the family were gathered around the computer checking out a gun show, I opted to find my new grand niece and add to the job of spoiling her. She didn't complain one bit. She is quite a miracle--having open heart surgery when only days old.
The family return to the Falconer Funeral Home, where quite a large group of extended family and even more friends gathered to say good-bye to my Dad. Emotions don't allow me to share more right now--it was heart warming to see so many people come out on a very cold, very snowing night to spend time with our family.
Karin, Tim and their three came in shortly. (Kristen opted to not come, as Aurora developed a slight case (as my Dad would say) backdoor trots.) Esther Faith promptly circled the room and the hall, tempting her limits and her brothers patience. My Uncle Jimmy (Dad's sole surviving sibling) proudly told all interested what miracle Esther Faith was. Karin got a wonderful picture of Esther Faith hugging my Mom. Check it out on her blog.
After calling hours (and a couple more bordies) we tried to wind down and settle down for the night. Again, I as sure Tim had second thoughts on a joining rooms.
Morning found bright sunshine on the diamond studded snow. An absolutely beautiful sight. The sidewalks, that were so well cleaned the night before had soft, gentle drifts in them, snow dusted the pines at the edge of the parking lot, and all the plowed up snow was candy coated with fresh whiteness.
We feed the children at the in house breakfast, it wasn't bad, but I am not sure all the children would agree with me. Tim and Karin found themselves running on empty as they closed the breakfast before they finished exercising. But we did find a Tim Horton's and took care of every ones needs.
to be continued...
In our connecting motel rooms that the wonderful son-in-law and reserved for us, Jackson decided it was time to focus attention on him again. I am sure Tim was seriously considering getting rid of that connecting door. Four adults was 3 too many trying to get a melt down five year old to calm down. I decided to remove one adult and get on to the point of the trip---
I put my coat back on and made the 4 mile drive to my sister Becky's home where the family had gathered to rest and recover in the time between the two calling hours. Every seat was taken, but I did manage to find the kitchen the lunch fixings that a great friend of my Dad's had provided, and some of my brother-in-laws coffee.
Most of the males of the family were gathered around the computer checking out a gun show, I opted to find my new grand niece and add to the job of spoiling her. She didn't complain one bit. She is quite a miracle--having open heart surgery when only days old.
The family return to the Falconer Funeral Home, where quite a large group of extended family and even more friends gathered to say good-bye to my Dad. Emotions don't allow me to share more right now--it was heart warming to see so many people come out on a very cold, very snowing night to spend time with our family.
Karin, Tim and their three came in shortly. (Kristen opted to not come, as Aurora developed a slight case (as my Dad would say) backdoor trots.) Esther Faith promptly circled the room and the hall, tempting her limits and her brothers patience. My Uncle Jimmy (Dad's sole surviving sibling) proudly told all interested what miracle Esther Faith was. Karin got a wonderful picture of Esther Faith hugging my Mom. Check it out on her blog.
After calling hours (and a couple more bordies) we tried to wind down and settle down for the night. Again, I as sure Tim had second thoughts on a joining rooms.
Morning found bright sunshine on the diamond studded snow. An absolutely beautiful sight. The sidewalks, that were so well cleaned the night before had soft, gentle drifts in them, snow dusted the pines at the edge of the parking lot, and all the plowed up snow was candy coated with fresh whiteness.
We feed the children at the in house breakfast, it wasn't bad, but I am not sure all the children would agree with me. Tim and Karin found themselves running on empty as they closed the breakfast before they finished exercising. But we did find a Tim Horton's and took care of every ones needs.
to be continued...
Friday, January 23, 2009
Philippians 2:13
It is God who works in you to will and
to act according to His good purpose.
Because God orders our steps,
we can always be assured that
there is enough time in each day
to do His will.
Please note: the story will continue...
I'm just not ready yet--
emotions-- and time to process them.
Susie
to act according to His good purpose.
Because God orders our steps,
we can always be assured that
there is enough time in each day
to do His will.
Please note: the story will continue...
I'm just not ready yet--
emotions-- and time to process them.
Susie
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Uneventful trip...
NOT!!!!
We left, a caravan of two, pretty much on time. Everyone ready for the trip, in spite of the cause of the trip.
Not far from home I heard a noise I wasn't familiar with and mentioned it to Kristen. But, being the one who always 'hears new noises', and has been mostly ignored through the years, I continued on. Conversation continued on. The noise continued on.
And on, till it was a noise you hoped was someone else. But it wasn't... It was me, with a very flat tire in the far left fast lane, following the trooper in front of me. Quickly I weaved through Columbus morning traffic, over to the brim of the road. Only miles from home with a smoking flat. I dare say some smoke was exiting my ears. Kristen quickly called the trooper to return.
As Tim crawled under my van to remove a wet, dirty donut, spare tire, I prayed that it wasn't flat and that Tim would be safe. We thought he had called for a police car with lights to warn other drivers. He hadn't, but God had. In the form of a Columbus snow plow, who sat behind us protecting the wonderful son-in-law.
Tim knew of a tire shop just up the road, where another hour of time was added to our road trip. Inside the shop I let the manager know just how important it was to get our family moving. Also, I didn't want the tires that were on sale, or that gave him the best sale of the day. I wanted the tires he would put on his sister's van. Tires that he would want his kids, grandkids, Mother etc riding on in the snow belt of Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York. This, while Tim stood there with that look on his face that said, "Don't mess with Mama, cuz when she is done with you, you will deal with me." One hour later, and $ 313.00 on a credit card I drove next door to Frisch's and rescued the waitresses from my grandchildren.
We traveled fairly well, until Jackson decided enough is enough, it is time to focus on him. This trip wasn't his idea, he wants out of it, funerals are boring, and life would be more fun if he was with his Daddy. Hm-m-m-m.... A phone call with Papa and a stop for lunch helped.
By now we definitely are driving in snow belt country. And Aurora (road trips are not in her top ten list of things to do) got a back ache. A bad back ache. A crying back ache. Another stop to try using the bathroom, everyone please....
Back to driving, after a moment or two of fun and concern. The rear tires decided to go ahead of us and we did a donut, stopping near the deep, hard snow plowed to the edge of the entrance ramp. No problem. I just backed up and turned around. My only concern was that two tractor trailers were on the ramp behind us. But all was well, I thought. Kristen decided that Jackson needed to know about the brodies that her parents did for the entertainment of herself and her siblings. And Jackson decided he need to let Papa know. But he didn't tell Papa all of it, only that it was fun...
TO BE CONTINUED.......
We left, a caravan of two, pretty much on time. Everyone ready for the trip, in spite of the cause of the trip.
Not far from home I heard a noise I wasn't familiar with and mentioned it to Kristen. But, being the one who always 'hears new noises', and has been mostly ignored through the years, I continued on. Conversation continued on. The noise continued on.
And on, till it was a noise you hoped was someone else. But it wasn't... It was me, with a very flat tire in the far left fast lane, following the trooper in front of me. Quickly I weaved through Columbus morning traffic, over to the brim of the road. Only miles from home with a smoking flat. I dare say some smoke was exiting my ears. Kristen quickly called the trooper to return.
As Tim crawled under my van to remove a wet, dirty donut, spare tire, I prayed that it wasn't flat and that Tim would be safe. We thought he had called for a police car with lights to warn other drivers. He hadn't, but God had. In the form of a Columbus snow plow, who sat behind us protecting the wonderful son-in-law.
Tim knew of a tire shop just up the road, where another hour of time was added to our road trip. Inside the shop I let the manager know just how important it was to get our family moving. Also, I didn't want the tires that were on sale, or that gave him the best sale of the day. I wanted the tires he would put on his sister's van. Tires that he would want his kids, grandkids, Mother etc riding on in the snow belt of Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York. This, while Tim stood there with that look on his face that said, "Don't mess with Mama, cuz when she is done with you, you will deal with me." One hour later, and $ 313.00 on a credit card I drove next door to Frisch's and rescued the waitresses from my grandchildren.
We traveled fairly well, until Jackson decided enough is enough, it is time to focus on him. This trip wasn't his idea, he wants out of it, funerals are boring, and life would be more fun if he was with his Daddy. Hm-m-m-m.... A phone call with Papa and a stop for lunch helped.
By now we definitely are driving in snow belt country. And Aurora (road trips are not in her top ten list of things to do) got a back ache. A bad back ache. A crying back ache. Another stop to try using the bathroom, everyone please....
Back to driving, after a moment or two of fun and concern. The rear tires decided to go ahead of us and we did a donut, stopping near the deep, hard snow plowed to the edge of the entrance ramp. No problem. I just backed up and turned around. My only concern was that two tractor trailers were on the ramp behind us. But all was well, I thought. Kristen decided that Jackson needed to know about the brodies that her parents did for the entertainment of herself and her siblings. And Jackson decided he need to let Papa know. But he didn't tell Papa all of it, only that it was fun...
TO BE CONTINUED.......
Monday, January 12, 2009
Off to New York
Calling hours are Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9. The Funeral is Wednesday at 1.
And of course they are calling for snow during our drive time. I really would like to be at both calling hours, but I am afraid the weather won't let that happen.
Also, Dwight will be alone for two days. I will pray alot and worry almost as much. Oh, yes, I know the clique, "Why worry when you can pray?" I am a women, after all, it is in our make up. A couple neighbors know I am going and will be keeping an eye on him.
And of course they are calling for snow during our drive time. I really would like to be at both calling hours, but I am afraid the weather won't let that happen.
Also, Dwight will be alone for two days. I will pray alot and worry almost as much. Oh, yes, I know the clique, "Why worry when you can pray?" I am a women, after all, it is in our make up. A couple neighbors know I am going and will be keeping an eye on him.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Ecclesiates 3:2
a time to be born and a time to die....
and Dad's time has come
this evening he slowly stopped breathing
and left us
without him
and now it is time for us to weep
to hold each other and share our loss
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