Expanding Horizons

It has been an exhausting project, much bigger than we first recognised but somehow we manage to keep sane and keep smiling through.  And thanks to some quick thinking on our feet, constant tests of our endurance and the occasional smidgeon of much needed luck in places, we are getting there.  Little by little what started out as a micro-shop just inside the front door, selling ice creams and drinks, has expanded lately to a half-pint milk bar cafe in the first quarter of the original shop.  We are still working on the back area and the kitchen continues to cause us headaches (we discovered what lay behind the cooker the other day), but we are increasing our menu by one new item a week as well as our milk bar shop front.  And the town is embracing the return of childhood favourites such as choo-choo bars, wizz fizz and wagon wheels.  The front window now gives an indication of what is to come with the revival and it is looking good.

Our little communal table seats eight and on Fridays when the ladies of Lockhart come in for morning tea, we expand it to fit as many as 20!  And our little Blue Bird book shop is contributing to the cause...every book bought here goes back into the renovation project.  I am using my librarian background to promote reading and book groups in Lockhart.

And then there is the occasional function like the time the Woodhaven Hostel residents came for Christmas and enjoyed a morning tea of reminiscing at their old haunt, The Blue Bird Cafe.  The floor had just been laid at that point and we spent the morning preparing and polishing it to invite the oldest residents of the town in for a cuppa, a bit of festivity and a sneak preview of things to come.

So I think we can safely say that we are on our way and able to offer coffee, tea and hospitality to the town and those travelling through.  We are proud of our progress so far.  There is still some way to go before it is fully operational but stop by for a sandwich, a muffin or an old fashioned milkshake when you are next in Lockhart.  You will be pleasantly surprised at the progress.