10/30/2022
Hello, We have finally dug ourselves out from under hundreds of dirty, stinky blankets and I'm here to say we survived our 14th year in business. I want to thank all our loyal customers, new customers and their horses that make ECLS a successful necessity.
Even though the rush is over we continue to work year around. We don't have routes for pick-up this time of year, as it's just not cost effective but you are always welcome to drop off here at the laundry, as many folks do. Although, if you have 10 or more blankets we are happy to do a pick-up at your barn.
This year presented us with lots of mud packed blankets, caked on mud that had to be broomed or broken off before blankets could be put into our machines. A few of these same blankets came out looking as if they could use a second wash and of course a few did get a second wash because the quality control officer, (that's me) was just not satisfied.
Then there were the blankets that looked as if half the horse was still attached to the inside. Hair, hair everywhere, I may have even inhaled some of that hair and I'm still finding hair in odd places! Did you know white haired horses shed 10x more than any other horse? And if the excessive hair is not vacuumed it will pollute all other blankets it's washed with...don't ask how I know this.
Then there were the blanket repairs that had us asking if the horse survived the accident? I'm always honored when someone thinks I can proform the miracle it would take to repair some blankets.😄 I know sometimes folks send such blankets and want me to determine whether they are worth fixing or not...I get it!
Let's talk about fleece coolers. Those coolers are not designed for turnout nor should they be left on a horse in a stall with wood chips or horses that are shedding out like wholly mammoths...no, no, never!! Jennie, my loyal help and myself have decided to get counseling this winter to deal with anger issues toward fleece coolers and the random outbursts we've been experiencing when we see photos of fleece coolers on horses in the SmartPak catalog.😵💫
As we slow down, regroup, reorganize, restock and rethink, we can honestly say, all in all, it was a good year! We did our best and in return we are able to sleep at night, well there are those recurring nightmares but even those are starting to become less and less.
I also want to thank my team, Jennie and Lori, who wrangle all that dirt and dust and rarely cough and complain. To my Mom, Nancy, who sometimes meets with customes when we are out picking up or delivering. And my four grandkids, 7 and under, Knox, C**t, Vivi and Webb that seem to show up and want to clean velcro, tag blankets and just hangout and watch me sew.🤔 I couldn't do it without all of you.
If you need us we are here and look forward to seeing all of you and talkin' dirt again in a few short months. Until then, be safe, be kind and happy holidays. Cheers!🥂
