Christmas 2020 is fast approaching, and we would like to give you an update on how we are doing. 

After deciding to pause the business in May, we all made the difficult decision to find work elsewhere. We are pleased to report that all our team have found meaningful employment. This includes Lynn and myself with Lynn finding employment at a local accounting firm and myself having had a stint at a metal roof manufacturer and most recently at my brother’s high end kitchen cabinet business. With travel being non-existent, it is nice to get up every day with a sense of purpose.  

The events of the past year have certainly humbled us. It has also helped us appreciate the gifts that are all around us. Connection to family and friends, good food, our home and going for a walk outdoors. All have played their part to help get us through this difficult time.

We would also like to show our appreciation for our Chief Health Officers and our government leaders in Atlantic Canada. They made difficult decisions every day to keep us safe. When you look at the Covid-19 cases outside our region and around the world, you can’t help but feel lucky we live where we do. 

Looking ahead, we do see some hope with the vaccines being distributed. We are encouraged that we will be travelling again in the future, but we are also aware that it will take some time for travel to return to previous levels. Where we travel and how we travel will be a new normal. Initially, travel will be close to home before we venture out internationally. We have so much to learn about what the travel environment will look like but we will return when we can safely do so. I will be getting geared up in the new year to look at out our product line-up for the next couple of years.

On a personal note, we did celebrate a special occasion in October with the arrival of our first grandchild. We would like to introduce Lillian (Lily) Sarah Garnhum, new addition of our daughter Sarah and her husband Ben. Nana and Grampy are smitten and cherish the Lily cuddles as much as we can. Christmas will be a special time for us this year.

We also have a new four-legged member of the family. Flirt, an Alaskan Malamute, joined us in June coming from PolarBreeze Alaskan Malamutes in Thunder Bay. Flirt is 3-years-old and in some ways is still a puppy. She like long walks, eating and lots of belly scratches. Now that our business is back in our home, she will be our official greeter taking over from Taz who passed away in 2018.

This Christmas season will be much different than in the past. Our Christmas message to you is to make sure you take care of yourself and your loved ones. It has been an extremely tough year on everyone but we are hopeful for a brighter future. We encourage you to find something to be grateful for no matter how big or small. Check in on family and friends to make sure they are doing OK. Heed the advice of the medical professionals. Wash your hands, wear a mask and keep 6 feet apart. And most of all, be kind to each other. Stay safe. 

Merry Christmas

John and Lynn