Welcome back to this week’s Karen’s Corner! Join me here each week to catch up with what I’ve been up to both in and out of work and what I’ve been loving and connect with me on Instagram www.instagram.com/karen.anderson.fossoway
Karen xx
WHAT I’VE BEEN UP TO THIS WEEK
For anyone who’s been reading my (meant to be) weekly rambles for a while, you’ll share my delight and relief (!) that yesterday, I finally opened the Potting Shed Farm Shop and Cafe! Whoop!
As is often the case with the imminent launch of anything new, I had a bit of a restless night’s sleep the night before, an early alarm set and a frantic start to the day BUT come 8am, the sun was shining, the Potting Shed was looking lovely and we were officially open for business!
Despite months of planning and preparing, not having worked in a cafe for almost 30 years has made it hard to imagine what I’d need on day one of cafe ownership. Things I would love to have known ahead of opening were what routines would be good to establish, how busy we’re likely to be and how much stock to buy. Lots of unknowns make for a little touch of worry and I’ve had to make peace with the fact I’m just going to have to work it out as I go and likely make mistakes in the process. Even yesterday morning’s little shift has offered little lessons so I’ll be a pro-cafe-er in no time!
As is always the case, we’ve got lots happening elsewhere on the property too …
Our gardening team is growing with Sally joining Lee next week with the specific task of building the market garden. We’ve not grown quite so much produce this year as we have in the past with various other things taking priority but now that we have the farm shop and cafe to supply as well as our own larders, we really need to up our game. I’m so looking forward to seeing how this part of the estate grows and develops.
In the stables, I’m starting to now think about winter planning. There are still a few jobs that need done after our little re-organisation this summer including getting the saddle racks put up in the new tack room and getting smaller doors made for the stable fronts in the main barn for the smaller animals so I need to find someone to do that. I’m also working on how to staff the days that Iona isn’t here to free me up to do the Potting Shed/Lodge/Admin/Life. The animals (and owners and staff!) are really happy and content in this lovely weather but I’m very aware that it won’t be long until the more wintery weather is upon us so I want to enjoy every last bit of the sunshine but also be as prepared as possible.
John and I are in the process of converting the old tack room in the stables into our brand new office and creative space. We’ve cleared everything and given the walls and floors a wash but we do now have to do a bit of painting and get someone in put up a stud wall to create a little recording area, THEN we can move in the furniture and enjoy our new space. I’ve long believed that environment is everything and this little project is our way of building a dedicated space designed to help us turn our dreams into realities.
Anyway, I’m away out to enjoy the rare sunny evening by walking round the golf course with Callan … Work has been a bit manic these last few weeks so a nice walk and time with my boy is a perfect way to unwind.
Until next week
K xx
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