Life is oftentimes bittersweet. The realisation that we had to close our beloved Pie Shop, The Daily Pie was one of those bitter times. While we packed and cleaned we had a constant knot in our throats. One day, Sarah and I went up to the shop, intending to take pictures and write descriptions for the sale of equipment. (I had been up there previously, alone on a few occasions, just wanting to 'think'. I was adjusting myself to the prospect of no longer having the shop). As she approached the pie display fridge, (which we endeavoured to keep choc-full of ample pies, beautifully arranged) she took a step back and declared "...it feels like I'm selling my soul.."
This little heart-declaration caused us to postpone the photo session until... well.....we still haven't returned for that, but we will.
There is so much that goes on behind the scenes in the hospitality industry. I knew straight from the start, that we would never have been as successful if it wasn't for the help of a VERY DEAR FRIEND of ours, fondly known as "Cheffy". He helped us regularly, without return or promise of return. He is generous of heart, methodical, punctual, reliable - a perfectionist and a true gentleman. The unsung hero (to us, anyway).
And so, it is farewell to the old, as the promise of something new breeds unpredicted, yet sweet excitement!
Showing posts with label The Daily Pie. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Daily Pie. Show all posts
Wednesday, 18 January 2012
Wednesday, 3 August 2011
Signage
The Machinist had disappeared from his 'post' as pie filler and I wandered outside to see where he was and what he was doing, so that I could haul him back and chain him to the stainless steel bench. Alas, he was talking with a Highway Patrol officer. "Oh no!", I thought (the usual 'what's the matter now' feeling you get when any type of Policeman enters your premises, even though you're not guilty of anything he could possibly be there for). On closer earshot, I learned that we had been 'officially informed' that we were not allowed to put our signage for the pie shop out on the Highway.
And so now begins the tedious task of many communications with bureaucracy....
And so now begins the tedious task of many communications with bureaucracy....
Monday, 4 July 2011
Not On My Lounge!
A long time ago, when I was pregnant with my Emma-Lee, the Machinist and I went shopping for a bed. We came home with a brand new lounge and dining room suite, but no bed. We've kept both suites in immaculate condition over the years and are still in possession of them to this day. However, I've always longed for a leather lounge set; two doubles and two triple seaters, - in dark brown (of course). Earlier this year, the Machinist bought us a new leather lounge. To cut a long story short, the two two-seaters were taken to the Cafe, and placed in front of the combustion fire, to sit on and linger with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate.
Today, after the Machinist had put the Cafe signs out on the highway, we sat together with Sam, and his girl, Hayley. A young woman walked over to the leather lounges, plonked her baby down on one of them and proceeded to take the baby's pants off and change its nappy.
I couldn't take it any more. I had to get up and flee to the kitchen. This week, the two seaters will be removed from the Cafe and taken back home, where they belong.
We have no changing table. We have no parents room. It is a FOOD establishment. Whatever happened to changing your own child in your own car?
Which leads me to the next train of thought....
There are a lot of young women today - young mothers who carry on as if they are complete heroines for actually giving birth to and raising a child. Some of them think they can turn on fertility (or lack of it) like a light switch, at their own whim.
Mothers of old never abused this blessing of child bearing and rearing. They were honourable and would never impose their motherly duties on anybody.
Just saying....
Signing off,
(A wee bit) Cranky in Collector....
Today, after the Machinist had put the Cafe signs out on the highway, we sat together with Sam, and his girl, Hayley. A young woman walked over to the leather lounges, plonked her baby down on one of them and proceeded to take the baby's pants off and change its nappy.
I couldn't take it any more. I had to get up and flee to the kitchen. This week, the two seaters will be removed from the Cafe and taken back home, where they belong.
We have no changing table. We have no parents room. It is a FOOD establishment. Whatever happened to changing your own child in your own car?
Which leads me to the next train of thought....
There are a lot of young women today - young mothers who carry on as if they are complete heroines for actually giving birth to and raising a child. Some of them think they can turn on fertility (or lack of it) like a light switch, at their own whim.
Mothers of old never abused this blessing of child bearing and rearing. They were honourable and would never impose their motherly duties on anybody.
Just saying....
Signing off,
(A wee bit) Cranky in Collector....
Monday, 25 October 2010
Where the Sun Shines
When life gets hectic, and work piles up and the to-do list is overwhelming, it is a luxury and a comfort to gaze through the trees into the paddocks beyond. Grassy fields that could tell stories (if they could talk) of vagabonds and bushrangers, as well as immigrants who strived to make a new home on them.
How fortunate to own this view - directly across from the Shop!
Tuesday, 27 April 2010
Strength in Weakness
It's constantly amazing to me, how we get through things in life.
A week ago, things looked daunting. The Machinist had to go for an operation, Granny had to go for an operation, there were the prospect of long weeks ahead, full of events for The Daily Pie.
Who would roll pastry with me? Who would bake pies with me? Who would marinate and braise and slow cook meat fillings with me? How could I take care of these two loved ones at the same time?
The washing machine broke down, the water pump played up and the electricity at the Shop was constantly tripping...
There was a multitude of other things, too.
And yet....
My family pulled together and we got through it all....
The annual Pumpkin Festival is on this weekend, and we are expecting thousands of visitors to our tiny village of around 250. We will be baking meat pies, sweet pies, pumpkin pies and serving pumpkin soup. Pumpkin fever rages high, and I am tempted to enter a pie in the Pumpkin Pie competition.
If there's time for such frivolity!
A week ago, things looked daunting. The Machinist had to go for an operation, Granny had to go for an operation, there were the prospect of long weeks ahead, full of events for The Daily Pie.
Who would roll pastry with me? Who would bake pies with me? Who would marinate and braise and slow cook meat fillings with me? How could I take care of these two loved ones at the same time?
The washing machine broke down, the water pump played up and the electricity at the Shop was constantly tripping...
There was a multitude of other things, too.
And yet....
My family pulled together and we got through it all....
The annual Pumpkin Festival is on this weekend, and we are expecting thousands of visitors to our tiny village of around 250. We will be baking meat pies, sweet pies, pumpkin pies and serving pumpkin soup. Pumpkin fever rages high, and I am tempted to enter a pie in the Pumpkin Pie competition.
If there's time for such frivolity!
Sunday, 18 April 2010
Caring for the Sick and Injured
"Hey, Babe, do you know any other guy who'd weld and machine during the day, after an early morning stint rolling pastry and making pies, only to return later that evening and help clean down the kitchen?"
"No, Babe. You're the man. You're. The. Man".
I feel so badly for the Machinist. Remember this story, where the Machinist was larking about with Number One Son and badly hurt the back of his leg / ankle? It turns out that the Machinist has actually broken his Achilles tendon. The ultra sound shows that it is only hanging on by a few 'threads', and very flimsy threads at that. Furthermore, there is a blood clot in the Machinist's lower calf and he is insistant that he '...ain't going on Warfarin*tm. Not that rat poison!...'
And I certainly can't blame him.
He's been helping us so much at the Cafe. We get there early (..ahem...) We roll, form and fill the pies by hand, then the Machinist and I drive in convoy out on the highway, where we leave his utility with a massive Daily Pie Cafe sign on the back (we're not allowed to leave fixed signs on the highway). Then the Machinist goes home, supposedly to get off his bad leg. He doesn't, though. Well, not all the time. He's busy quoting on machining jobs, making calls, costing etc. He makes things for the Cafe and fixes things and does repairs and maintenance on the house, Workshop and grounds.
Last week, I took mam for cataract surgery. The next day, she had a follow up appointment with the surgeon. In the same week, I went with the Machinist to the hospital where we waited over 8 hours to see a doctor. Good has come of it, though, and to cut a long story short, his tendon surgery is scheduled for next Wednesday. Mam also has follow up consultations next week, but one of the girls will take her into town. After placing food orders, I'd like to focus on helping the Machinist get well again.
We've got public holidays and a festival coming up in the next couple of weeks. Big days for the Cafe and staff (us). One day at a time, though.
By the grace of God go I...
"No, Babe. You're the man. You're. The. Man".
I feel so badly for the Machinist. Remember this story, where the Machinist was larking about with Number One Son and badly hurt the back of his leg / ankle? It turns out that the Machinist has actually broken his Achilles tendon. The ultra sound shows that it is only hanging on by a few 'threads', and very flimsy threads at that. Furthermore, there is a blood clot in the Machinist's lower calf and he is insistant that he '...ain't going on Warfarin*tm. Not that rat poison!...'
And I certainly can't blame him.
He's been helping us so much at the Cafe. We get there early (..ahem...) We roll, form and fill the pies by hand, then the Machinist and I drive in convoy out on the highway, where we leave his utility with a massive Daily Pie Cafe sign on the back (we're not allowed to leave fixed signs on the highway). Then the Machinist goes home, supposedly to get off his bad leg. He doesn't, though. Well, not all the time. He's busy quoting on machining jobs, making calls, costing etc. He makes things for the Cafe and fixes things and does repairs and maintenance on the house, Workshop and grounds.
Last week, I took mam for cataract surgery. The next day, she had a follow up appointment with the surgeon. In the same week, I went with the Machinist to the hospital where we waited over 8 hours to see a doctor. Good has come of it, though, and to cut a long story short, his tendon surgery is scheduled for next Wednesday. Mam also has follow up consultations next week, but one of the girls will take her into town. After placing food orders, I'd like to focus on helping the Machinist get well again.
We've got public holidays and a festival coming up in the next couple of weeks. Big days for the Cafe and staff (us). One day at a time, though.
By the grace of God go I...
Tuesday, 30 March 2010
I'm A Cafe Owner
Well.....
Weeks of blur have passed. We're seeing through the fog and REALLY getting organised. Owning a cafe is nothing like you imagine before you open. Each day is tiring, because you're not only preparing, cooking and baking food, but you have to put your 'business brain' on, and think of the patrons. What they would like to eat, what they would like to see, how they would like to feel in YOUR establishment. Because really, without customers, the business wouldn't be. It is truly a service, and one that demands a theatre in it's own right. It doesn't matter what is going on behind the scenes; - as long as the whole, complete experience is 'just right', there lies the reality of it all.
There have been a few evenings, when the Machinist and I, when all is quiet and clean and scrubbed and packed and swept and mopped, - sit and reflect on all that has transpired. We tell each other "...we're cafe owners...did you ever THINK this would be?"
And yes, - it's true.
We pinch ourselves....
We are truly grateful and excited and challenged yet rearing to continue and develop and grow. The whole experience is so emotionally packed, that you feel like one of the stars on awards night....
"I'd like to thank so-and-so and so-and-so" and "...we're amazed..." and "...it's been an awesome journey..."
Etc. etc.
The Machinist and I are the pie-makers and bakers. We mix and roll and fill pie pallets and cover them with rough puff pastry. Our black aprons are lightly dusted with plain and baker's flour. We do a happy dance when we see the pie tops rise like souffle's through the window of the trusty old pie oven. We also do a lot of high fives, but the tone of the kitchen can change in a minute, resembling a kitchen akin to Ramsey's, if things go wrong.
Sometimes, the girls pop their heads in and ask "...can you keep it down in here. We have customers..."
Customers!
We. Have. Customers.
This weekend is the 'Easter' weekend and we are expecting a lot of passing motorists. Fish pie is on the menu: a seafood marinara filling boasting a piped mash 'hat', which we will serve with mesclun salad and a wedge from a BIG FAT LEMON. I will also make some fruit flans and apple pies - nice and plump and runny.
Mmmm....
Right now, though, there is a multitude of ordering to be done, and if I don't fall asleep at the computer, bobbing forward and cracking my head on the screen, I hope to do some paperwork, too.
Oops! There goes my floppy head!
Weeks of blur have passed. We're seeing through the fog and REALLY getting organised. Owning a cafe is nothing like you imagine before you open. Each day is tiring, because you're not only preparing, cooking and baking food, but you have to put your 'business brain' on, and think of the patrons. What they would like to eat, what they would like to see, how they would like to feel in YOUR establishment. Because really, without customers, the business wouldn't be. It is truly a service, and one that demands a theatre in it's own right. It doesn't matter what is going on behind the scenes; - as long as the whole, complete experience is 'just right', there lies the reality of it all.
There have been a few evenings, when the Machinist and I, when all is quiet and clean and scrubbed and packed and swept and mopped, - sit and reflect on all that has transpired. We tell each other "...we're cafe owners...did you ever THINK this would be?"
And yes, - it's true.
We pinch ourselves....
We are truly grateful and excited and challenged yet rearing to continue and develop and grow. The whole experience is so emotionally packed, that you feel like one of the stars on awards night....
"I'd like to thank so-and-so and so-and-so" and "...we're amazed..." and "...it's been an awesome journey..."
Etc. etc.
The Machinist and I are the pie-makers and bakers. We mix and roll and fill pie pallets and cover them with rough puff pastry. Our black aprons are lightly dusted with plain and baker's flour. We do a happy dance when we see the pie tops rise like souffle's through the window of the trusty old pie oven. We also do a lot of high fives, but the tone of the kitchen can change in a minute, resembling a kitchen akin to Ramsey's, if things go wrong.
Sometimes, the girls pop their heads in and ask "...can you keep it down in here. We have customers..."
Customers!
We. Have. Customers.
This weekend is the 'Easter' weekend and we are expecting a lot of passing motorists. Fish pie is on the menu: a seafood marinara filling boasting a piped mash 'hat', which we will serve with mesclun salad and a wedge from a BIG FAT LEMON. I will also make some fruit flans and apple pies - nice and plump and runny.
Mmmm....
Right now, though, there is a multitude of ordering to be done, and if I don't fall asleep at the computer, bobbing forward and cracking my head on the screen, I hope to do some paperwork, too.
Oops! There goes my floppy head!
Sunday, 21 March 2010
Welcome to My Manufactory!
I've missed blogging.
Then again - I've missed a lot of things.
No matter. This is a new chapter for all of us. I have to smile at the sheer variety and fullness life has to offer. On any particular day I could be doing the washing, making business calls, typing out quotes for the Machinist, grocery shopping with the Grands, cleaning commercial equipment, MAKING AND BAKING PIES, working at the local winery, ordering or picking up food for the cafe, mindlessly checking Facebook, holding metal sheets in place with the Machinist, sweeping and mopping the shop's kitchen floor, having a photo shoot at the Shop, dropping off marketing cards...The list goes on.
All of our children are hands on deck today. The Machinist and Son are doing the final touches to the cafe tables, as well as 'knocking up' some more pie tins and customising the baker's rack. The girls will be up at the cafe, unwrapping packets and boxes of coffee, sugar and tea, as well as arranging 'their' counter space. They'll also be doing the last of the painting; the toilets. We are using a deep purple colour called "Double Bass" by Dulux (same as the rear wall behind the counter).
We're all full of aches and pains. This is back-breaking work! The Machinist's leg / ankle is still troubling him. I suspect he has broken a bone, but I'm no doctor. I've booked him in to see our doctor AFTER the opening. Emma has fallen arches, so she is hobbling around, too - also putting her treatment off for 'later'. I think for all of us, though, the sheer strain of constantly lifting, carrying and moving is taking it's toll. Not to mention the long hours and late nights. Won't it be lovely when we're open and life is routine? Maybe a lot of work still, but nevertheless - routine.
I hope to update the pie blog soon, with pictures of pies, the kitchen and cafe, along with media releases. I'm hoping that on Tuesday of next week, we can mainly clean and titifilate the place up. Now that will be exciting...
Then again - I've missed a lot of things.
No matter. This is a new chapter for all of us. I have to smile at the sheer variety and fullness life has to offer. On any particular day I could be doing the washing, making business calls, typing out quotes for the Machinist, grocery shopping with the Grands, cleaning commercial equipment, MAKING AND BAKING PIES, working at the local winery, ordering or picking up food for the cafe, mindlessly checking Facebook, holding metal sheets in place with the Machinist, sweeping and mopping the shop's kitchen floor, having a photo shoot at the Shop, dropping off marketing cards...The list goes on.
All of our children are hands on deck today. The Machinist and Son are doing the final touches to the cafe tables, as well as 'knocking up' some more pie tins and customising the baker's rack. The girls will be up at the cafe, unwrapping packets and boxes of coffee, sugar and tea, as well as arranging 'their' counter space. They'll also be doing the last of the painting; the toilets. We are using a deep purple colour called "Double Bass" by Dulux (same as the rear wall behind the counter).
We're all full of aches and pains. This is back-breaking work! The Machinist's leg / ankle is still troubling him. I suspect he has broken a bone, but I'm no doctor. I've booked him in to see our doctor AFTER the opening. Emma has fallen arches, so she is hobbling around, too - also putting her treatment off for 'later'. I think for all of us, though, the sheer strain of constantly lifting, carrying and moving is taking it's toll. Not to mention the long hours and late nights. Won't it be lovely when we're open and life is routine? Maybe a lot of work still, but nevertheless - routine.
I hope to update the pie blog soon, with pictures of pies, the kitchen and cafe, along with media releases. I'm hoping that on Tuesday of next week, we can mainly clean and titifilate the place up. Now that will be exciting...
Sunday, 7 March 2010
We've Set a Date!
The pie shop is coming along nicely. It has been a long, hard haul, but now we have an opening date: Thursday, the 25th March 2010. It's rather scary and exciting naming a day and date, which is a HUGE committment.
Getting the equipment into the kitchen was the easy part. What I find so tiring is carting various items from our home kitchen to the shop kitchen and organising them. I don't think you truly know how you want your working space until you're actually using it on a regular basis. We've been making a supply of pastry, - puff and shortcrust for the pies and storing them in the freezer. It's a good thing to have backup products. Tomorrow, there'll be more mixes and test pies in the making...
This evening, the Machinist called me "...come and help me with Bob, Babe. He's cut his foot really bad and the blood is dripping all over the place.." Our 'Miracle Dog' decided to jump over the deck fencing for his toilet duties. He can get over, but he can't get back upon the deck. He has been chewing the deck post, which holds the gate brackets (that the Machinist made to keep the dogs out of the big yard). In a desperate effort to get back with his pack, he has jumped, caught his back paw and cut it wide open. We've bandaged him up the best we can. For tonight. Tomorrow, we'll have to take a closer look and assess what needs to be done. It's the last thing we needed to happen...
We are all so weary and I wanted this to be an exciting post, but it's 11.45pm and I'm really tired.
More later....after all - as my mam says "...tomorrow is another day..."
Getting the equipment into the kitchen was the easy part. What I find so tiring is carting various items from our home kitchen to the shop kitchen and organising them. I don't think you truly know how you want your working space until you're actually using it on a regular basis. We've been making a supply of pastry, - puff and shortcrust for the pies and storing them in the freezer. It's a good thing to have backup products. Tomorrow, there'll be more mixes and test pies in the making...
This evening, the Machinist called me "...come and help me with Bob, Babe. He's cut his foot really bad and the blood is dripping all over the place.." Our 'Miracle Dog' decided to jump over the deck fencing for his toilet duties. He can get over, but he can't get back upon the deck. He has been chewing the deck post, which holds the gate brackets (that the Machinist made to keep the dogs out of the big yard). In a desperate effort to get back with his pack, he has jumped, caught his back paw and cut it wide open. We've bandaged him up the best we can. For tonight. Tomorrow, we'll have to take a closer look and assess what needs to be done. It's the last thing we needed to happen...
We are all so weary and I wanted this to be an exciting post, but it's 11.45pm and I'm really tired.
More later....after all - as my mam says "...tomorrow is another day..."
Tuesday, 16 February 2010
Orthopterous Blattidae
I like to keep my 'eye' on property sales. I like to keep my 'eye' on auctions, too. I wasn't always like this. Experiencing the ups and downs of business leads you to really think before you buy anything at all. Not like before we inherited debt. One of my favourite auction sites covers so many things, but my favourite sections are the Hospitality and Catering (wonder why?) as well as the AFP (Australian Federal Police - the items that are stolen, recovered and not claimed).
Snowmaster has a good reputation for commercial kitchen equipment. To my delight, I spotted two underbench 4 door fridges for auction from some unfortunate person / people's liquidation sale. I cannot disclose here what amount we actually paid them for, but let me just say, a fraction of the cost of their true value.
The Machinist and son had to go and remove the fridges from the closed-down cafe, in one of Canberra's upbeat malls. They were there at least three hours, as each buyer had the responsibility of removing their own purchases on a set day between set times. My men were prepared; angle grinders, hammers, trolleys, plyers, screwdrivers - and a large amount of male grunt. It was hot and humid and my men were sweaty, but verile. Thank-you-very-much. Their male grunts turned to groans, however, when they started moving greasy, filthy, sticky kitchen equipment around to uncover colony after colony of -
COCKROACHES!
"Babe, if I had a dollar for every cockroach we saw, we could pay off our mortgage"
For the past three days, 4 family members (including the Grands) have been cleaning the two underbench fridges. I won't go into how filthy they were, else you might catch something just by reading about it.
Grandpa had the task of removing thickened food grease from the fridge motors - armed with an old pastry brush, a screwdriver, a knife and dry steel wool. He unscrewed several electrical boxes within the motor to uncover even more life; survivors of severe dowsings of Mortein*tm.
Granny, passing yet another can of pest spray to me: "Make sure you have no crawlers on you, Grandpa. That's it, shake you pants. Those creepers make me ill..."
The result of all our high pressure spraying, bleaching, scrubbing, and pest control is a couple of new-looking, highly shined, fresh smelling fridges, which, when adorned with the Machinist's creative metal art, will become The Daily Pie's front counters.
Resourcefulness!
Snowmaster has a good reputation for commercial kitchen equipment. To my delight, I spotted two underbench 4 door fridges for auction from some unfortunate person / people's liquidation sale. I cannot disclose here what amount we actually paid them for, but let me just say, a fraction of the cost of their true value.
The Machinist and son had to go and remove the fridges from the closed-down cafe, in one of Canberra's upbeat malls. They were there at least three hours, as each buyer had the responsibility of removing their own purchases on a set day between set times. My men were prepared; angle grinders, hammers, trolleys, plyers, screwdrivers - and a large amount of male grunt. It was hot and humid and my men were sweaty, but verile. Thank-you-very-much. Their male grunts turned to groans, however, when they started moving greasy, filthy, sticky kitchen equipment around to uncover colony after colony of -
COCKROACHES!
Any of numerous orthopterous insects of the family Blattidae, characterized by a flattened body, rapid movements, and nocturnal habits and including several common household pests.
"Babe, if I had a dollar for every cockroach we saw, we could pay off our mortgage"
For the past three days, 4 family members (including the Grands) have been cleaning the two underbench fridges. I won't go into how filthy they were, else you might catch something just by reading about it.
Grandpa had the task of removing thickened food grease from the fridge motors - armed with an old pastry brush, a screwdriver, a knife and dry steel wool. He unscrewed several electrical boxes within the motor to uncover even more life; survivors of severe dowsings of Mortein*tm.
Granny, passing yet another can of pest spray to me: "Make sure you have no crawlers on you, Grandpa. That's it, shake you pants. Those creepers make me ill..."
The result of all our high pressure spraying, bleaching, scrubbing, and pest control is a couple of new-looking, highly shined, fresh smelling fridges, which, when adorned with the Machinist's creative metal art, will become The Daily Pie's front counters.
Resourcefulness!
Thursday, 28 January 2010
Familiar Roads
Some time ago, a ferocious gust of wind blew the tarpaulin off the cold display fridge we had bought for sweet pies, and with it - the front curved glass. It was a dark morning, when I went up to the shop and found scattered, shattered glass lying around the base of the motor. The Machinist had to make a template and post it to a glass repair business in Sydney. Today, we went to pick up the new piece of curved glass. We also intended to purchase pie warming ovens and perhaps even a freezer (for the right price), and what did we come back with? Just a new piece of curved glass for the cold display fridge.
But....
We also returned with a lot of information regarding kitchen equipment, brands and warranties, and I am more confident, focussed and resolved in what needs to be done and bought; - knowledge which is more valuable than a few minutes of an accomplished salesman's charms and an unplanned purchase, even though the price was very attractive.
Taking the trip with the Machinist along the familiar highway caused me to reminisce about the many times I had travelled alone, or with the children, either dropping our recently manufactured commercial trolleys off for zinc-coating or picking them up. We would often go to the 'city movies' either after the drop off, or while waiting for finished products. Precious memories and trips that we may never make again, as many of the businesses we dealt with are either closed down or have moved, and beautiful souls who are now Young Adults and have their own committments and general busy-ness.
This evening is one of melancholy and I fear I am being a silly old sentimental bear (or old fool!). Is this pure exhaustion or common emotion indiginous to business owners. Or both?
But....
We also returned with a lot of information regarding kitchen equipment, brands and warranties, and I am more confident, focussed and resolved in what needs to be done and bought; - knowledge which is more valuable than a few minutes of an accomplished salesman's charms and an unplanned purchase, even though the price was very attractive.
Taking the trip with the Machinist along the familiar highway caused me to reminisce about the many times I had travelled alone, or with the children, either dropping our recently manufactured commercial trolleys off for zinc-coating or picking them up. We would often go to the 'city movies' either after the drop off, or while waiting for finished products. Precious memories and trips that we may never make again, as many of the businesses we dealt with are either closed down or have moved, and beautiful souls who are now Young Adults and have their own committments and general busy-ness.
This evening is one of melancholy and I fear I am being a silly old sentimental bear (or old fool!). Is this pure exhaustion or common emotion indiginous to business owners. Or both?
Monday, 4 January 2010
An Organiser's Dilemma
Woke at 3.26am this morning. Who needs an alarm? Our son, Sam, starts work in town (temporarily, as part of our BIG plan) at 5am and the Machinist or myself drives him in. Sam will be staying at a friend's house for his 3 days 'on'. When I ask the Machinist 'who will be taking Sam tomorrow?', he always responds "Whoever is awake". Well, that's an easy one; - it's always me that's awake - before the cock crows (not that we have a cockerel - just very generous hens). The Machinist has this knack of being able to spring out of bed at the last minute, wash his face and ready in a flash to take his turn by driving Number One Son into work. This talent never fails to make me smile...
I cannot go back to sleep until the Machinist has returned home - safe and sound - and use this time for reading or blogging. One of this morning's 'visits' was with a gal I've known for years - who wrote about her recent malady: an 'organising bug'. Now I know this may sound freakish, but I LOVE to organise and clean. It brings me great peace when I know where things are. However, at the moment, I have to shut my eyes to disorder, as this is what I see each day, as I enter the room which I now use as an office for both businesses; our old schoolroom:
These are the smaller items we've collected for the pie shop. Some of them are brand new, some second hand. Some are great bargains off Ebay. I can't wait to move them to the Shop and free up so much space here at home.
I cannot go back to sleep until the Machinist has returned home - safe and sound - and use this time for reading or blogging. One of this morning's 'visits' was with a gal I've known for years - who wrote about her recent malady: an 'organising bug'. Now I know this may sound freakish, but I LOVE to organise and clean. It brings me great peace when I know where things are. However, at the moment, I have to shut my eyes to disorder, as this is what I see each day, as I enter the room which I now use as an office for both businesses; our old schoolroom:
These are the smaller items we've collected for the pie shop. Some of them are brand new, some second hand. Some are great bargains off Ebay. I can't wait to move them to the Shop and free up so much space here at home.
Sometimes, I can't remember what we have stored in all of these boxes. I know what we still need to purchase, though.
Well, at least I can see the mixing bowls, a few pie pallets and the cash register. Ka-ching!
All the larger equipment is kept either in the barn, on our back deck, out the front of the Machine Shop or inside the Machine Shop. The Machinist and I have this 'knowing', that soon, very soon... we will be rewarded with our respective 'work areas' and lots of space back again...
Can't wait!!
Thursday, 3 December 2009
The Main Players
Since the twentieth of November, we've had three birthdays in our family, which have kept us running, organising and scratching for gift-money. Firstly, the Machinist. I love this pic of him. My verile, hands on, get-the-job-done man (if you know what I mean). Gulp. We celebrated his birthday poolside.
Secondly, my dear dad - aka - Grandpa, who just turned 84 and still has an active mind - especially when it comes to his favourite topics: Politics and Christianity. (He's knowledgeable in most things, but those two are his first-loves).
Finally, my middle child, Sarah-Mechelle - aka - Miss Marple. Let's just say she has a knack for figuring things out. My homegirl just turned 21 and she still doesn't have a key to our (front) door. Please don't hate me for putting your pic on my blog, Poppet. Love you. Mean it.
There's still two more family members to go before the end of the year, but I'll be sure to embarrass feature them here on the Machinist's Wife's blog.
Oh, and in addition to our birthday-busy-ness, we've also been working on the Shop. More pics of that to come tomorrow....
Monday, 16 November 2009
Pie Love
"I was just wondering if you had an estimated opening date?
Myself and several mates regularly ride our motorbikes to Goulburn on weekends and would love to use your pie shop as our mid morning / lunch stop for food and drinks. Often we use the Bush Ranger hotel, but prefer to use this as our return stop on the way back to Canberra.
Looking forward to seeing you guys in business!!
Cheers"
~ Cranston ~
Myself and several mates regularly ride our motorbikes to Goulburn on weekends and would love to use your pie shop as our mid morning / lunch stop for food and drinks. Often we use the Bush Ranger hotel, but prefer to use this as our return stop on the way back to Canberra.
Looking forward to seeing you guys in business!!
Cheers"
~ Cranston ~
Tuesday, 20 October 2009
Interest In Pies
The other day, all geared out in chef's uniform, I was filling in my time sheet, head down, totally focussing on dates, hours started and finished, total hours etc, when I heard a chap's voice enquiring about the local pie shop.
"What do you know about The Daily Pie?", he asked the barman. "Every time we pass through town, I can see that progress has been made on the building, and there is a sign saying 'Opening Soon', but it's still not open. When do you think it will open?"
The barman went into dumb-mute mode (he's a lovely chap), looked over at me and replied "You'd better ask the chef".
Now the delayed opening date of our pie shop is a tender, emotional subject and I know and understand that the locals are wondering and becoming impatient. I cannot blame them for this. For a split second, my heart was heavy and I had no idea how to respond without going into a Great Explaination and 101 Reasons Why The Pie Shop Isn't Open Yet, but I refrained, lifted my head, looked the guest directly in the eyes and said "Good help is hard to find these days, especially in a small town like ours".
And thus, the awkward-ness dissipated with laughter, and that familiar nod of understanding...
Oftentimes, less is MORE.
"What do you know about The Daily Pie?", he asked the barman. "Every time we pass through town, I can see that progress has been made on the building, and there is a sign saying 'Opening Soon', but it's still not open. When do you think it will open?"
The barman went into dumb-mute mode (he's a lovely chap), looked over at me and replied "You'd better ask the chef".
Now the delayed opening date of our pie shop is a tender, emotional subject and I know and understand that the locals are wondering and becoming impatient. I cannot blame them for this. For a split second, my heart was heavy and I had no idea how to respond without going into a Great Explaination and 101 Reasons Why The Pie Shop Isn't Open Yet, but I refrained, lifted my head, looked the guest directly in the eyes and said "Good help is hard to find these days, especially in a small town like ours".
And thus, the awkward-ness dissipated with laughter, and that familiar nod of understanding...
Oftentimes, less is MORE.
Monday, 19 October 2009
It's Off to Work I Go!
I've been job hunting.
Work has been merely trickling into our Workshop, and it seems that the (alleged) economic state of affairs has caused many to fear, and thereby - cease ordering.
Our children have been job hunting, too. It is a bitter-sweet time. Bitter because after 21 years of self employment, I am back in the workforce, along with the children, and the cosy, secure life we all grew to love and depend on - a life working from home, albeit fugacious, has been interrupted.
For now, anyway.
"Keep your eyes on the prize", I remind them. (The prize being our Pie Shop).
'Tis a sweet time, because in hardship, there is a newfound bonding. Oh, and laughter still lives here. In large doses.
"I'll be the stay-at-home-dad", the Machinist teases. "Only there'll be nobody at home but me".
Work on the Shop building is still of paramount importance, but there are a number of modifications to be made which require two or more pairs of hands and that is difficult, seeing as those pairs of hands are busy helping (and earning) elsewhere. Shift work, both in the workforce, at home, and the Shop is the order of the day.
I will continue to cook at the local hotel and when required, also work at a bakery in town. How appropriate is that!
Work has been merely trickling into our Workshop, and it seems that the (alleged) economic state of affairs has caused many to fear, and thereby - cease ordering.
Our children have been job hunting, too. It is a bitter-sweet time. Bitter because after 21 years of self employment, I am back in the workforce, along with the children, and the cosy, secure life we all grew to love and depend on - a life working from home, albeit fugacious, has been interrupted.
For now, anyway.
"Keep your eyes on the prize", I remind them. (The prize being our Pie Shop).
'Tis a sweet time, because in hardship, there is a newfound bonding. Oh, and laughter still lives here. In large doses.
"I'll be the stay-at-home-dad", the Machinist teases. "Only there'll be nobody at home but me".
Work on the Shop building is still of paramount importance, but there are a number of modifications to be made which require two or more pairs of hands and that is difficult, seeing as those pairs of hands are busy helping (and earning) elsewhere. Shift work, both in the workforce, at home, and the Shop is the order of the day.
I will continue to cook at the local hotel and when required, also work at a bakery in town. How appropriate is that!
Sunday, 20 September 2009
The Plumber and the Gardener
This is the Machinist, working on the plumbing in the ladies toilets at the Shop. It's the first time he's ever had to do any plumbing himself, but being a man who can figure things out, he can't help but have a go at almost anything with "trade" attached.
For more updates on what the Machinist and our family have been doing at the Shop, take a peep here.
This is an area of my office and I'm not *game* to show you the rest at this time. It is a hive of planning and preparation and LOTS of paperwork.
While the Machinist has been busy plumbing, I've been busy carting this woodchip off the back of the ute, in an effort to lay mulch on the garden beds before its too hot
A view of the herb bed, emerging from its winter's rest, waiting to be mulched and planted.
Curious hens, waiting to see the results of the BIG MULCH -
Sunday, 6 September 2009
Friday, 28 August 2009
The Daily Pie Blog
From hereon my intentions are to continue updating progress on the renovations to our Pie Shop bricks-and-mortar building, as well as our Test Kitchen escapades on a new blog - namely - The Daily Pie - http://www.thedailypies.blogspot.com/ . If you wish, check there regularly. Updates from my daughter, Sarah's point of view can be viewed on her blog - http://www.middlepaw.blogspot.com/ .
We are truly grateful for your support and encouragement!
Sincerely,
In Pies,
Helen, Emma-Lee and Sarah-Mechelle
(The Machinist and Samuel-son's talents will be showcased later at the Shop)
We are truly grateful for your support and encouragement!
Sincerely,
In Pies,
Helen, Emma-Lee and Sarah-Mechelle
(The Machinist and Samuel-son's talents will be showcased later at the Shop)
Friday, 21 August 2009
Progress on the Inside
KITCHEN
New, false ceiling. To the right - cafe / gallery. To the left - toilets. 
Doorway leading to scullery & kitchen
CAFE / GALLERY
Standing behind counter. View to right.
Standing behind counter. View to left (you can see the entry to the toilets)
Standing behind counter - looking directly in front
Standing behind counter looking directly in front.
Standing behind counter looking to the right.
Looking at area where counter will be built.
Looking at where the counter will be built (rear wall of shop)
Rear wall of shop - note the beams holding down lights.
There's the steps which once led to what is now the Grand's Cottage.
Direct view of back wall. Counter will be built in front of this.
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