September is already here and normally I would be writing this newsletter from a hotel room in Denver, Colorado, shopping away for new inventory to bring back for you to see at our 15th Annual Fall Denver Trunk Sale in October and to restock our store for our 4th quarter holiday shopping extravaganzas we have every year. Like many aspects in our lives Covid19 virus has changed this picture for us. But you know, change is good and like so many other things we are finding that this change may actually make things better for both you and us.

We have been forced to rethink how we buy inventory as I do not think it is safe enough for us to tackle a trip to Denver and two weeks of possible mass exposure. The Denver International Gem and Jewelry Show has also changed as the majority of vendors are not traveling just yet, so they are making video options available for us to shop their warehouses to select our goodies instead. Those that do not have video options are sending pick boxes for us to examine and select items that are of interest. It's actually very exciting in that 1-Amanda, Michael and I don't have to stand and walk on dirt and asphalt for 8 hours a day for two weeks and 2-wow these people really have huge warehouses stuffed full of items they don't bring to the Gem Shows. OMG! So, needless to say we are shopping daily still and spending what money we can to restock our inventory, although we are sitting down while we do it!

As you know, we were also forced to rethink how we can present our new merchandise you would normally enjoy previewing at our Annual Trunk Sales. Because of the forced limitations of occupancy while practicing physical distancing, we are getting creative about ways we can exhibit so much product in a shopping environment that limits attendance. Previously, we've always tried to showcase our new purchases in a fairly detailed newsletter prior to our annual Trunk Sales. In addition to extending our normal 4 day Fall Denver Trunk Sale this year, we will also be creating new ways we can showcase and allow purchases of specially priced and one of a kind unique pieces online with a pickup option. So, it'll be especially important to watch for our 15th Annual Denver Trunk Sale detailed newsletter next month so you will be one of the first to grab those unique one of a kind pieces our Trunk Sales have always been known to provide.

Even though our lives have changed so much in the past 6 months, some of Mother Nature's activities will still keep consistent even if the weather doesn't. No matter how we are forced to change, or choose to change, there will always be a Fall Solstice or Autumn Equinox in September and this year it happens on September 22nd at 9:31am EST. On this day there will be equal amounts of day light and night time as the sun falls exactly over the equator. Yay!! Fall is coming...cooler weather is just ahead. Speaking of which, I was always told the fall leaf colors were due to weather conditions changing and getting cooler. Come to find out, leaves change color because of the amount of daylight and photosynthesis, not because of colder weather. So it seems in spite of Covid19, the leaves will still be changing with or without us wearing masks or physical distancing.

September also always brings Labor Day observance and celebrations. This day was created to recognize social and economic achievements of us, the labor force, and a tribute to the contributions we have all made to the strength, prosperity and well-being of our country. Now, more than ever, we have reason to celebrate the capability of even being able to have a labor force and/or jobs to sustain our lives. This year brings a whole new appreciation to Labor Day so lets celebrate safely and be extra thankful.

Please everyone, stay safe and healthy.