How's It Going?

Since opening Martic Store a little over two months ago, many have asked us, "how's it going?" I'm really not quite sure how to answer this question. Usually, I just go with the expected answer, "It's going well." But there is so much more to it. Here are some of my thoughts about this venture that we have embarked on.

First, I can't say enough good things about the employees that we are fortunate to have. Every one of them is so conscientious and hardworking. We could not have asked for a better crew to have working for us.

The community has embraced us also. I cannot think of one negative comment (except disappointment from a few that we don't carry tobacco) that we received. Time and again, customers expressed appreciation to us that the store is operating again and for the excellent job that we are doing.

We have had a few challenges as well. We quickly learned that ice is a high demand item. After running out a time or two, we finally got our outside ice freezer operating and stocked it full of ice. Hopefully that will last for a long time. We have also had some problems keeping bread on hand. We had a wonderful delivery man/supplier who unfortunately had an accident that will put him out for several months. He has not been able to find a replacement and the result has been that our bread shelves are bare. This has been disappointing but it isn't our fault and there is not a lot we can do about it.

Probably the biggest challenge that we face is changing the mindset of the community to view our store as a place to shop for discount groceries and not just for quick convenience items. I totally understand that concept because that is how I always used the store as well, when it was in operation before. I only stopped when I needed one or two items and it could save me a trip to the grocery store at the Buck. We are hoping for the store to bring in enough revenue that we will be able to use the profits to help fund the food pantry. I still think that this will happen and we just need to be patient and continue to get the word out about our discount groceries.

I could name some other minor inconveniences, like cranky freezer doors that don't want to open, and steep steps to climb up and down multiple times a day, but overall I would say that our opening months have been a success.  Considering that we are completely new to the retail business, I think we have done an okay job.

How will things continue with the store in the future? I have no idea. But I trust in God's master plan and it will be interesting to look back on this venture in a few years and see the way God has led us. In the meantime, I am going to enjoy the ride and try not to stress.J

Camping (Sort of)

The camper

Last Friday afternoon Steve and I drove out to Shippensburg to spend some time with Jay and Kristen and family. Jay owns a chicken farm there and was getting the chicken house ready for a new batch of birds that was coming on Saturday. They had taken their camper out on Wednesday and set it up on a grassy area near a small woods. When they extended an invite to us to join them for one night we gladly accepted. I had never seen the farm and was happy for the opportunity to finally get a chance to see it firsthand. The family that lives there and collects the eggs was on vacation so we had the place to ourselves.

When we arrived, Jay was working in the chicken house trying to get some stubborn feeders to work so Steve went to help him and give him moral support. This pretty much consumed their evening, but in the end they were successful so that was a blessing. It would not be good to have chickens arriving and feeders not operating.

After supper, the children happily showed me around the farm. Alexis and Lydia and I walked, and Mark rode his tricycle the whole way around the chicken house. I enjoyed the tour inside the house as well. Being in a chicken house always brings back good memories. When I told the children that I grew up on a chicken farm and collected many eggs in my day, they were surprised. It reminded me that I should talk more about my childhood to my grandchildren. Unless I tell them what my life was like, how will they ever know?

Kristen was helping some in the chicken house so she wondered if I and the children wanted to get a campfire going and roast marshmallows. I think she was amused by my panicked look. When it comes to fires, I have always left Steve make them and really have little if any experience at making one. Unlike my father, I do not enjoy fires. In fact, they make me very nervous. Kristen assured me that Alexis knew how to make one and she would help me. I was doubtful that a six year old would be very helpful but she surprised me. She set about laying the wood in a pile and then she instructed me to pick up small sticks and told me where to put them in the pile. We added paper and lit it. The most difficult thing was lighting the lighter. I am very challenged when it comes to using lighters but fortunately Kristen showed up to help me with that. The result was not too bad. We had a fire and were able to roast a few marshmallows although most of them were eaten without ever seeing a fire. Hannah kept stuffing them in her mouth and I tried to keep the bag away from her but she always managed to find it and add another one to her stomach.

Waiting to roast marshmallows

Hannah and the bag of marshmallows :)

We slept pretty well, considering it was in a camper. I will take a camper like they have any day over sleeping in a tent. There was plenty of space for all of us and with the air conditioning running it was very comfortable. 

The morning was busy as the trucks arrived with the chickens. We watched the activity for awhile but soon left the experienced crew to themselves to do their work. After breakfast, the children entertained Steve and I with their antics on the trampoline that was in the front yard. Steve even joined them.

Big, scary Lydia :)

Mark obligingly poses for the camera

Later in the morning, Kristen and I took the kids to a park. Playgrounds are always so much fun for kids and this one also had a sand pile with sand diggers which was big hit for all of them but especially for Mark. On the way back to the farm we picked up pizza and the men joined us for lunch.

Soon after lunch Steve and I headed home. It was a very short "camping" trip but one that we enjoyed very much. It is always great to spend time with family!

Goodbye 15 Troy Drive

A small crowd gathers before the auction begins.

On Friday, May 20, the family gathered one last time at 15 Troy Drive. This would be the last time that we would drive up to this house and walk through its doors. 

Doris had brought Mom down earlier in the afternoon and they had spent one last afternoon walking around the property, pulling a few weeds and looking through the empty rooms. By 6:00 the auctioneer had arrived and soon the rest of the children made their appearance as well. As the 7:00 hour approached, more people joined us in the front yard. Some grandchildren came as well, to bid farewell to the only place that they will ever remember as being home to Grandpa and Grandma. 

Mom and some of her children watch the bidding while Lydia photo bombs my picture :)

The auction started at 7:00 and although there were not many people there and the bidding was slow, in the end the house was bought by a young couple from Dad and Mom's church. It was a nice ending to a place that we all loved. Knowing that it would be lived in by a family that knew Mom and Dad somehow made it a little easier. They have young children and in my mind it seems fitting that the laughter of children will fill the rooms. Dad would have loved that and I know Mom does too.

Time never stands still and I suppose we really wouldn't want it to, but it is always hard to close such a big chapter in one's life. Mom is doing so well with moving on with her life and accepting each day as it comes. I am so proud of her. It is time for this house to make new memories with the people that will be living in it. Thankfully, we will always have in our hearts the memories of times shared with family in this beloved home.

Goodbye 15 Troy Drive. I will miss you.