08 October 2008

Six Months and Still Smiling ...

Well, can you believe it. Dairy House and I have been 'an item' for 6 months already. And what a 6 months it has been. Bearing in mind I had that awful virus for the first 3 months I suppose it's hardly surprising that I don't know where the time has gone.


However, we seem to have achieved ... namely introducing 8 new dealers on taking over; redecoration of the areas most in need of a facelift; moving the sales desk and opening up an unused door to make a new entrance; painting the heavy internal black iron RSJs a soft sage green, with the external doors painted to match; agreeing to change the telephone provider and deciding to set up broadband so that I can work on the Dairy House and Vintage to Victorian websites in quiet moments when I'm there, and a number of other things I can't think of at the moment. In addition I'm so pleased to be able to tell you that in these 6 months footfall has increased to such a degree that I sometimes don't get to take the first bite of my lunchtime sandwich until 3 pm, and our monthly sales have exceeded those of 2007 in every month except September, which was just slightly lower. October has already shown amazing promise and all the dealers seem happy with their lot. For their sakes I hope this fantastic trend continues. There has been a real buzz over the last few months, and it has all surpassed any expectations I may have had. There's still a lot to do, but it all takes time ... and energy!!


I haven't had a chance to take any photos recently, but I'll post some soon. I'm beginning to think about what we can do to make it Christmassy. I don't want to go OTT as it could be too much of a shock for both the dealers and our customers, but I think we should have a tree and a cauldron of mulled wine bubbling away on the woodburner.


Meanwhile, it's Giant Flea time again and I've suddenly realised I only have tomorrow afternoon and Friday afternoon free to sort stock and load the car. I thought I might take a selection from my collection of vintage birthday, wedding and Christmas cards; I've washed and ironed some recently acquired linens to take, but as far as the rest is concerned it might just be a surprise when I unpack the car and set up my stall.

Here are a few of the cards




9 comments:

Amanda and Tim said...

Wow well done you for 6 incredible months I bet you are so happy!! ]Those cards are lovely :o) Have a good weekend!

BusyLizzie said...

Congratulations on all you have done so far!
I am looking forward to paying a visit very soon.

LinenandRoses said...

Congratulations on six months! One of these days I will get down there to visit! Life has just been rather hectic lately. It all sounds very lovely though. I think you should definitely have a Christmas tree and I can imagine the smell of the mulled wine making it feel very Christmassy.

Hen said...

I'm so glad to have discovered your blog, especially as I find you have a shop not a million miles away from our cottage in Somerset. Now that's a trip I have to make! Is there a big fair on somewhere soon?
Best wishes
Hen x

Niki Fretwell said...

Hi Sue,
I'm so glad that all of your hard work has paid off for you and all the dealers at DH. Congratulations on your first 6 months as boss! Here's to many more....cheers to you, with a glass of that mulled wine, please!

Hope to see you Sunday,
Niki x

Country Bliss said...

Congratulations on your first 6 months, the cards are so beautiful.
Yvonne

The fabric of my life said...

Congratulations Sue. I had no doubt that DH would be a success under your talented ownership. May you go from strength to strength my dear and I'll have a sip of that mulled wine with you. See you Sunday :-)

Redwoodhouse said...

so very wonderful to hear of your success so far, and with Christmas coming I hope you drink many a glass of mulled wine with happy customers. My Mr, and I are going to pay a visit soon perhaps we'll wait untill the Christmas tree is up.
Jan

Sal said...

Well done Sue!!
I love the cards too ;-)