From: Jim Pugh <pughjse@yahoo.com>
Date: December 23, 2010 8:05:50 PM EST
To: "pughjse@yahoo.com" <pughjse@yahoo.com>
Subject: Christmas letter
Christmas letter
2010 has been a busy year for Ely And me. We started off with our trip to San Francisco on New Years to meet the Bernards, Sarah and Heath. We only spent 5 days there but had a great time. The Bernard's trip was cut short after the death of Blanche. She will be remembered by all.
We returned to work and a lot of snow! The blizzard in February produced about 2 Feet of snow. Our business at ely's to go continued to grow. Soon it was time to take our Summer vacation. We,and by that I mean the Pugh's, the Rose's and the Miller's decided to vacation together in Charleston, SC. Lia was staying with us at the time so she traveled with us and, the poor girl, had to put up with my humor.
Weeks later after returning from our trip we received visitors from Texas, the Templin's. Then the Levy's from France, then Owen and Isaac, because it wouldn't be right to miss out on all that fun with cousins. It was hot but it made for a great time. Now you all know the size of our house so you can imagine what it was like trying to find a place to sleep. It all worked out and as far as I know everyone survived and loved the time together.
During all that family time a decision to expand ely's was suggested. those family get togethers are dangerous. We began negotiations to lease a small area in the existing plaza we are currently in. This meant we would become independent of The Bread Chef. Now I'm not prone to believing in destiny or things like "it was meant to happen, but the series of events that happened next are extraordinary. People learned of our expansion and came forward wanting to help, financially. Some were friends and others were just customers. The most helpful contributor to our new venture came from the family.
In October we took a long weekend and went to NY to meet Lily,Michel,Sarah and Heath. We all stayed at The Ace Hotel, A very interesting hotel. Once again we had a great time. It was in NY that the Bernard's offered to help ely's move forward. We had come to a point of accepting help from an outsider and giving up some control until Michel and Lily offered to help us obtain financing. It was an extraordinary gesture and one we are most thankful for. I guess you could say we have gone global!
We are moving along with our new venture and hope to be in after the New Year. I'll send pics of our progress soon. Ely and I will spend Christmas in Columbus with the Roses. The Millers will be with us after the New Year.
We hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Ely and Jim
Sent from my iPad
