Upcycled Small Blanket Chest

Maker of Shaker reproductions and custom designed Shaker furniture, Shaker boxes, and woodenware. Whenever possible we use wood repurposed from shipping crates and pallets. Every summer we also show at the Lansdale Farmers' Market in Lansdale, PA (http://www.lansdalefarmersmarket.org/) on Saturdays from 9AM to 1PM.

Over the last few months, due to circumstances beyond my control, I have struggled to meet deadlines and complete projects in a timely manner. First let me apologize for not completing your work as promised, and please allow me to explain why. So, here goes.

One of the reasons that I originally became a craftsman was as a result of dealing with a chronic illness. In early 2000 I was diagnosed with third stage Lyme Disease. The blood tests showed an incredibly high bacteria level in my blood and numerous spinal taps and scans (CT’s, MRI’s, PET’s and SPECT’s) showed a lot of neurological damage. In addition, Lyme also causes a lot of physical damage and the symptoms are similar to those of chronic fatigue, ALS, MS, peripheral neuropathy, and fibromyalgia (to name a few) all rolled into one. Plus, Lyme is immunosuppressive and leaves one open to any little germ that wanders by. The doctors estimated that, based on the test results, I’d had Lyme for at least 20 years, probably much longer. By late 2001 I was forced into accepting early retirement and the fact that I was disabled. Being a bank VP became a fond (if occasionally foggy) memory.

Over the years, because I have been able to work at the times when I am feeling my best and, by not necessarily adhering to a 9-5 schedule, I am able to be fairly productive. Occasionally, however, my illness takes a nasty turn and knocks me off my feet for more than a day or two at a time, but I am usually able to keep working.  Nevertheless, after having recovered from a particularly nasty bout of pneumonia in November my immune system was weakened more than originally thought, leaving me more vulnerable to contract a double whammy of the flu and pneumonia in March, despite having had a flu shot (for flu A, but I contracted flu B, naturally). According to Abington Memorial Hospital, in April there was a new flu epidemic and their hospital was filled to capacity with flu patients, one of which I was for most of the last half of the month. Fortunately, I am on the road to recovery, but it has been a slow journey.  I am, finally, starting to get my feet back under me.

I apologize for the delay in completing your projects as promised. Please know that we are getting back on track and I will be finishing all jobs as quickly as possible. I genuinely appreciate your patience and understanding during this unfortunate delay. If you have any questions, or concerns, please feel free to contact me.