What's Up with You?

[aynet]

Just wondering how it's going for everyone.
Business is picking up again now for us. I think the hurricane (Gustave/Ike) recession in south Louisiana has passed. Our housing market is still holding pretty steady, just not moving as fast. If you want a job here, you can get one. It just might not be the one you "wished" for....
Our concrete biz is doing well again --- scheduled through the end of March and going on appointments regularly. We've added overlays to our repetoire, so that gives us another avenue for making money. We hope to get into the countertop stuff soon too. Does anybody else do that?
Our other biz, the retail store, isn't doing so great, but we are only a few months old and people need to learn about us still. Check it out at www.c-cultureinc.com
It's unique! I'll be working on the website more and adding the line of jewelry I make for sale their soon.
Our eldest is getting ready to graduate HS in May. So, life is a-changin'. He'll be doing a "senior-trip/mission project" with some of his buddies this summer in Costa Rica. And, he'll start college in the fall. Golly! They grow up fast!

So, what's up in your lives?

[alexwright]

I was listening to Rush Limbaugh the other day and he was stating that V.P. Biden had said about Louisiana people losing 400 jobs per day.Which was very incorrect and anyhow Rush was saying that Louisiana of all the states was fairing the best. I can't recall all that he said but I immediately thought about you guys and remembered when I talked to Bobby that things were picking up for ya'll. That's good to hear and hopefully your store will pick up as well. Nice floors. Good to hear that your doing overlays and countertops soon. I am still getting calls which is good but not many signings.

[NS'Creter]

Well, I'm kinda shut down for now but you all know that story. I have every intention of rebuilding the biz. With no advertising whatsoever I had over a dozen serious inquiries since the fall for indoor work. I've had to pass on them, but the market is developping. Glad that it's starting up for you again Tenya and I checked out the store site. Very neat stuff! A little more time is all that's needed there...it will catch on. Alex has the perseverance of the Energizer Bunny...I admire that and believe that it has to break for you Alex. I'm not going to tell Dennis's story for him, I can't explain it all anyway, but I hope that he gives an update. He and I keep in touch with email and he's got some things happening...very cool.

[alexwright]

I got a call today for a re-seal that I bid the other day. I start that on Monday, if God is willing. It's the coping around the pool and some copings on some walls and stones on walls and some bands or borders. Anyhow small but it all counts. Never know it may lead to some others. If not now come summer when everyone is wowing about the pool area. Turned another bid in today. Hopefully that will be next but not holding my breath as we know. Like I said I've put in numerous bids in and given some very fair good prices and in some instances it's not that my price is so low if you will it's just that for anyone to do anything else from what I have offered the price can only go up. On one it's just doing cuts, tile pattern in 45 degree and with a 6" band all around pool area. They already have colored concrete and just looking to add a little extra to the look without all the maintenance. The other, the patio is all broken up in to 3'x3' 4'x4' pieces and I would just stain them different colored browns and cut into flagstone where cracks are at. The only other option is ripping it out and re-pour. It's the same thing I am going to do for an uncle in Texas to his driveway. He's ecstatic about it and can't wait. To be honest neither can I. I have'nt done it but I know it will work and look awesome. I am going to do some more work on my sidewalks and experimenting as well. Another job is acid staining and also cutting a 12" border and cutting into "slate" pattern. The only way some people can beat me on price is just staining it but they are trying to also mask some cracks and my ideas no one can beat pretty much.

[alexwright]

Still alive, just like everbody else looking for work and working a little here and there. Be in touch later.

[Lindy]

In times like these, we have to get out our shovels and dig for gold (business) ... I wish everyone the best in their "mining" endeavors and hope that you hit the "mother lode."

Lindy

[NS'Creter]

Our buddy Dennis, in Iowa, is havin' a great response. I gotta get him on here to share his experiences but part of bein' busy is bein' busy. Keep on keepin' on folks.

I think that I've arrived at a decision. Given the fiascos of the last 2 summer seasons and my ever declining health...I will not be trying to operate the biz this season. It was not an easy decision to make but I'm afraid that it is the reality. I do still have intentions to pick it up and rebuild at some time however.

[alexwright]

Sorry to hear about that but, good to hear your determination. I am in the same boat but because I am applying at different places and trying to get some steady money coming in. It has been very tough for me out here and it is getting very hard to bid because the prices are everywhere out here and that is what everybody is basing on right now. If I get hired anywhere that is it for me for the time being. Unless I can get someone to do them for me or help me. Right now I am doing that for a friend that works at the post office. He went back to the post office and I am doing his job for him in a different county 45 minutes away while he delivers mail. I am still getting calls but price is the big factor out here and I can't keep gambling with my bills this way. Something steady would give me some breathing room yet, take my time away. I would like to get a night job but, I'm at the point where any job will have to do pretty much.