Friday began with our usual optimism and this time we were not totally disappointed. The water that had by now been pouring in our workshop had been stopped. But we still did not know when we'd be allowed in our workshop and neither did the fire department. Our enthusiasm on Friday was dampened on Monday when we found out that over the weekend pipes froze and burst and another foot of water poured into the shop. By this time we have been asking ourselves, "will this misery ever end????"
During all this sturm und drang, we're still open for business. We're working out of our home, Starbucks, our yard, wherever we happen to be when that call or email comes in about a project. We're fully committed to completing all the projects that were on our docket prior to the fire. To that end, we have set up a makeshift shop where we have our yard. Not all of our tools and equipment are at hand but we're managing. Conditions are a little rough but we come from a tough stock and will make do until we find a new shop to hang our tools.
Yesterday morning we were told that there would be no access to the building until an engineer deems it safe to go in. While it was certainly frustrating to us, we understand that after a fire like that in such an old building, safety has to be the number one issue. We went to the fire department to get the fire report and pleaded with them to let us go in to get some of our materials and tools. They gave us exactly a half hour and escorted us and even helped us move some things out. We are eternally grateful to the Yonkers Fire Department for their help. They will again assist us when the time comes for us to get all our paraphernalia out of that space.
We are also so grateful to all the people who have contacted us to help - friends, family, neighbors, clients. We're especially humbled and touched by all the strangers who have reached out to us after seeing our Instagram and FB posts. People have offered a day of help when moving out our stuff, which we will need to take them up on. Others have been offering us legal, real estate and insurance advise, all of which we are heeding. Most important, people who have suffered the same fate have been reaching out to us about their experiences and their advice on how best to move upward and onwards. All are welcome!
We feel encouraged and empowered and looking to build a better and more productive work environment.
Adversity introduces a man to himself.
-Albert Einstein
Blacklumberjack
NYCitySlab LLC