Sometimes Life Just Happens

Greetings!

Well, we returned from our "working vacation." It was fun and exhausting! Only one glitch occurred in our absence: an afternoon tea had to be cancelled. Unfortunately, I was unable to reach the guest hostess to inform her of a delay encountered at the Orlando airport. This combined with a health challenge concerning one of our sons made it impossible for us to host the tea. Although the guest provided a number, there was no answering machine and I forgot to bring along her cell phone number. As a result, I could not leave a message until the morning of the tea. A message I later learned she did not receive.

I bring this up for one reason: Whenever you make a reservation with us, be sure to provide contact numbers with a voicemail/message option. Unless a life is on the line, someone will contact you if there is a problem. We will attempt to reschedule your tea if that is what you want.

Sometimes life just happens and we have no control. Flights are cancelled. Delays happen. Children become ill. Family members die. This has been our last three weeks. So, if you stopped by the store and found us closed, now you know why. This week brings another death and another funeral to our family's doorstep. We will attempt to keep the store open, but we hope you understand if the hours are adjusted.


Most of the time, our customers come first. Sometimes though, life just happens. We appreciate, in advance, your patience.

Peace.
Kori

Updates and Tidbits

Greetings!
I just realized it's been a while since I posted news and information. So, this is a "catch up" posting! I hope it finds each of you feeling happy and healthy!

Spring has been a busy time for us. We hired employees: Kathy, Spencer and Colin. You may run into them at the Courthouse downtown, in the store, making a delivery or at the Omaha Farmers Market where we are a season vendor. They are learning about tea, are enthusiastic and helpful so we appreciate your patience as they develop their knowledge of our teas and processes.

We are members of GrowNebraska. This organization promotes products made in Nebraska. Our custom tea blends were recently evaluated by a panel of five judges and will now be available across the state! We also had an opportunity to showcase our teas a few weeks ago at the state Capitol. Senator Harms invited GrowNE members to an open house to bring greater attention to Nebraska-made products.

Our blends are available at: Scheels, Wohlners Grocery, The Omaha Farmers Market and The downtown Courthouse (beverage only at this time.)

Last Saturday we participated in the first annual Black Business Expo. It was a great event! It allowed us an opportunity to network with other minority-owned businesses while showcasing our tea lines. You may have read a brief article about it in the Sunday World Herald. It really did not do the event justice. One business that stood out to me was WomenCrafters. The founder, Vicky Muli displayed hand-made bowls, artwork and hats by women from Uganda. Another vendor, Afromaha.net displayed samples of their graphic art. It was fabulous! The owner is even putting together African-American children's coloring books. Very cool! And, if you ever need a clown for an event, IMA Clown does amazing face painting! We are looking forward to participating in an even larger event next year!

Next Saturday (6/9) I will participate in a panel for the Money Matters Program. The event is sponsored by the National Coalition of 100 Black Women. The panel includes female/minority-owned businesses in Omaha. It should be an informative and enlightening day! There are workshops and a keynote speaker. It's all about financial fitness for the ladies.

Our store hours are a bit strange as we continue to train Kathy, Spencer and Colin. For now, we are open M-F 11:15 a.m. - 6 p.m. and closed on Saturday/Sunday. We will accept reservations for Irish Afternoon Tea on Saturday, but will be closed to the public. This is a temporary arrangement. Please check our website for updated hours.

The store will be closed June 11 - 15, 2007 for a much needed break. We understand that this may be an inconvenience and apologize in advance.

And, one final bit of news that will impact the store: We are expecting our second child at the end of summer. This will likely impact our hours and more specifically, my hours. So, if you are trying to reach me, please know that I will return your call as quickly as possible. Kathy, Spencer and Colin will be able to answer most of your questions by then!

Until next time...enjoy the summer! And, remember we have the best iced tea and blended lemonades in Omaha!

Peace,
Kori