Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Part two building a new office


Then at last we were granted our occupation permit and The big fellow was expecting a fight and had tensed himself ready to do battle. The last inspector arrived and simply signed off with out a whimper. He left and my dearest gladiator deflated and had to wobble home to rest.

The big move began the next day and now we are as snug as a bug in a rug. The office staff is sighing and fondly gazing out our windows at the ever changing sky.
Our first office weekly meeting happened in Ben’s office and after wards he crowed “ “WOW They all fit into my office” . It is lovely having a real kitchen complete with plenty of drawers.
We kept as much of the landscaping as possible. Of the seven apple trees we were able to save my favorite one. It stands about two and a half feet tall it survived all earth moving equipment dry weather and rabbit relocation. It stands proudly at the back of the property reminding us of the past as well as the future in this prime location.

We have been blessed by the land and the folks who lived here before us. As well as our terrific staff and families who depend on us now for work and support. It has been quite an adventure and we had a terrific group of young people who worked for us just to complete this project. This is our future and I am proud to say we are in great hands.
SO now you now the rest of the story. …..Where has the Wild Hair Queen been?

Where is the WIld Hair Queen










Meanwhile back at the office


At last at last after many months of blood sweat and lack of sleep we were able to begin the move into our new office. It was nearly a year ago on Labor day weekend when The big guy spotted a delightful piece of property for sale. He had been searching for about 3 years for just the right location. One of those places that must have space for both office and tools and tools and more tools for all our repair work for the cranes in our state as well as surrounding areas.
On a whim we decided to go see this place. Fell hard for it as it fit all of the requirements or would fit after some of that hard work I mentioned before. It was a charming place and had been a family home and small farm like yard. The folks renting it had been delightful care takers.













There were 7 apple trees and a bountiful garden in the rich abundance of harvest. Old time varieties of flowers and shrubs surrounded the ground, chickens clucked and apples shine. Here sat this jewel in the middle of warehouses the last bit of the old valley . The house is built of deep burgundy bricks. And the inside was in perfect condition just needed a fresh coat of paint and ADA requirements. We now have a kitchen, plenty of built in storage and room for each office employee as well as windows.. What a treat after being in a large metal building when you did not know if it was day or night.

The outside was a rather daunting challenge. First we had to work out all purchasing requirements unending blah, blah, blah and then the economy went sideways.. Fun, NOT. At last at the end of February papers were finally signed. City permits were required and that is an entirely other blog. I must wait until I can find the humor in the process.

Then we began the heavy duty work. We gave most of the plants away and uprooted those we wanted to save and replanted in a holding area. Big boy machines arrived and earth moving began. Large piles taller than the house surrounded us. Out went the Free Dirt sign. We were swarmed by folks. The dirt is terrific fine as silk and delightful to grow anything in. Three solid days of filling the beds of strangers pickups and trailers ensued till at last our dirt plies were reduced to the amounts needed for our project. Trenches were dug and all wiring needed was placed underground. Water hookups, new electrical panels and a large storm water drainage pond were created. Sounds like a simple thing but it was very complex and complicated. Then the parking lot was created a new sign and the landscaping surrounded our new home. AND

THEN>>>>>>
the inspections and inspectors to please all of the city requirements.
Throughout all of this I was providing lunch everyday to our crews and sometimes dinner as we would work into the evening until there was no more light, as well as keeping our business running at the old location and juggling all different duties required. Our Staff was excellent and have proved themselves to be winners in my book. I really appreciate all of the things they did to carry on in difficult circumstances. As well as work has been down for us but we have been able to retain everyone and they were able to learn some new skills in office building. One said to me he would be happy when our regular work picked up as his fanny was dragging after working at the new office.