Today was a calm relaxing day. It was wonderful. For the last two weeks it seems like we have not stopped. Either The Carpenter has been working extra hours or we have had some scheduled event…usually both. For a while it felt like the world swirled around me like a wind storm and I was just trying to keep it all straight.  Spring Break became a time to catch up on things. (though I made sure we had one field trip day to the Dungeness Spit.)

On top of the crazy we had some major equipment issues. Luckily, The Carpenter had just finished a large round of clothespins and product availability was never an issue. However, Five main pieces of equipment decided to go kaput in the last three weeks. AGH! Three out of the five are now up and running again (or replaced) and two are in process with a solution on the horizon.

This is our big stack of wood ready for the planer

One of the machines to die was our planer. This is a very important machine in the Clothes pin making process. Planing wood is the first step. Since the old planer was worked to death we can’t complain too loudly. It did a good job for a long time. Well, out with the old and in with the new. Here is the new planer:

Our awesome friend working on the planer

 It is a good machine and should last a long while.  Plus, it’s my favorite color 😉 We had to put a hose on it that leads to a large garbage can to catch the shavings. Without it those shavings fly a good 30 feet!

In case you are curious, the shavings don’t go to waste. A friend of mine uses them in her chicken nesting boxes.  I using the rest in my garden pathways and in my rabbit hutch.

It is a wonderful machine. Thank you to all who made an order this last month and helped us purchase it. March ended up being record breaking sales month. 

Today we also assembled and packaged about 1,000 clothespins.

Assembling clothespins often takes place while I watch tv in the evenings but today we made it a family affair. These are my favorite clothespin assembly times. We all sit around the table, put on some music, talk and laugh together. Before you know it, we had them all done and everyone had a great time.

Assembled clothespin sets. See our lovely new labels… Soon Kevin’s Quality Clothespins will be heading to the local retail market. One more large upgrade from our goal. Hoping April is another record breaking month.  If you want to help us reach that goal visit our store to order some of your own Kevin’s Quality Clothespins or make a donation.

I find it amazing that through this business adventure God has so clearly taken care of us and the needs of the company.  It is not always easy and most of the time you can’t distinctly see the hand of God leading you. Many times  (well always) you have to walk in faith.  I always know and believe that He is there, but He has shown Himself clearly through this journey. We are deeply blessed.

Thank you for joining the adventure,

The Frabjus Lady