A weekend to test our mettle. (def: a: vigor and strength of spirit or temperament b: staying quality : stamina)

Yes, it was a weekend where we would test the organization. Could we pull off two shows on the same weekend. Our 4th annual Antiques at Elm Bank, in Wellesley MA and our weekly SoWa Antiques Market. Of course we'll do it and even if we don't, maybe we can fake it to look like we did. Well, I'm here to say, we didn't have to fake it. We started on Wednesday with a couple of helpers to measure and mark the fields and gardens of the Elm Bank reservation, the home of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society. We continued on Thursday to supervise the tent company as they erected the many tents for the almost 100 dealers who would exhibit on the weekend, and we directed the showcase company as they delivered into place the 17 showcases that would house wonderful collections. Porters would come in Thursday afternoon to assist some of the dealers inside the two buildings on the grounds. On Friday there would be a short training session for the staff who would register and direct the remaining dealers would arrive to move in. Every year, I must bring in new employees to lend a helping hand. Thanks to Craig's List, I'm always able to find people who are looking for this type of work. There's not a long inerview process, so it really boils down to the few words of introduction in the return email. "Hi, I'm available" just doesn't cut it. I always have to cancel the ad within 24 hours because of the deluge of responses....one advantage of high unemployment though I'd much rather have full employment. I'm happy to say that both shows went off without a hitch thanks to a great staff, especially Charna and Dennis. Charna wore two hats helping in Wellesley, Friday and Saturday then to SoWa for the load in early Sunday morning then back to Wellesley for the day and into the evening for the load-out....a long 15 hour day, what a trooper she is. She definitely gives this small organization a professional shine. This business is so much fun, especially when you have great people making you look good.