End of phase one, start of phase 2!

            Well, today was the last day that Barb will be here to help me learn all the tricks to making the Flaming Star products. With her expertise and time we both feel like I have a pretty good handle on how to make everything in the product line now. How fast I make them will only increase with the number of them I make.

            She leaves for home early tomorrow and I get to finish up three halters before starting the process of loading up our trailer for 2 weeks away from the shop. I have potential orders from France as well as here nearer to home. Just waiting on them to figure out exactly what they want.

            The next two weeks will be used to recoup some much need time with my wonderful wife, and other family members. We will end the time at the Rendezvous before heading home to start on all the new orders. I will have stuff with me to work on while away, but won’t be spending 10-12 hours a day on them like I have the last couple months.

            Now starts the process of research and development for the new products I want to add to the Flaming Start Expedition gear line. Rifle, bow , and fishing rod carriers that will quick attach/ detach from the Flaming Star pack saddle system. Have always wanted a system to attach my float tube to my pack system as well. Bungee cords do the job, but they are not all that user friendly and it only worked on the one tube design. I want something more universal in design.

            If you have ever wanted something specific for your packing system now is the time to send me the idea. I’m not going to guarantee that I’m make them a production item, but I might. Big or small, complicated or simple, let me know what you are thinking and I’ll give it a go!

Learning the right mix

            It has taken some time, but I’m starting to learn the right mix of time for sewing things for Llama Hardware and doing wood working. At least a mix that is working for now. I have made a few small projects on the Rock Rabbit Enterprise side and have a couple more to do once the supplies show up.

            On the Llama Hardware side, the big order is finished and I’m working my way through the remaining orders. I have my first event coming up next weekend, an auction here in Montana. I won’t have much in the line of product to sell, but I’m making a couple dozen halters for the people doing the auction and will have a catalog (printed at home, not a “professional” printed one. I am thinking the face-to-face contact will be worth enough to make the 2 hour drive worthwhile.

            Barb and I start on the last complicated item to learn on Monday and I hope those go easy so I can complete the last of the back orders before heading out in mid June for a week’s vacation (planned before we purchased the business) and then the Llama Rendezvous in Estacada Oregon. I hope while I’m there I get to renew some old friendships with people I knew when I still owned llamas and was attending other Rendezvous, and get to  make some new friends that were not into llamas at the same time we were.

            Along with getting back into the llama world, I am being pulled back into the writing business. I’m working on an article for Leave No Trace for The Back Country Llama that will appear in the fall issue.

            Funny how the direction of our lives makes twists and turns, and spin back on its self if you give it enough time.