Clean Caboosy

You know that satisfying feeling you have when your house is clean? Well, WE HAVE IT. The caboosy has been gutted, revealing a way bigger, way brighter, way more exciting space. Beer cans? Gone. Wasps? Moved on. We can now see what we are working with and really get planning.

Did we gut it ourselves? We wish we could say we did but we are thankful and excited to have an awesome contractor, Brent, working with us. There are just some things professionals have to do. The caboosy had lead paint and had to be sprayed down after everything was removed. It also had a touch of asbestos (fear not- it's all gone now). We can’t believe how much of a difference seeing the space makes.

Ok, this is not a technical measurement but here we go… it is WAY bigger than a food truck. It is slightly smaller than a trailer. Are you with us? It will have ample room for the bar and kitchen set up as well as some storage. We are working on an interior design concept next.

We did make some interesting discoveries when stripping her down to her core. There was definitely a fire at some point in the caboose. We would love to think that it was caused by bank robbers chasing the train or something glamorous. More likely it was from the coal burning stove that was kept in the caboose to keep the crew warm. We discovered the ventilation latch right about where the char was. Nancy Drew has nothing on us.

The ceiling has gorgeous wood that we can keep. The floors we are still thinking about- there are good spots and bad spots but a complete replacement might be the best way to go. This is not the place to cut corners. What have we learned so far? A LOT. We are spending our savings on the least glamorous of things (can you say gravel?); however, it will all be worth it in the end.

We spent last weekend at the Mermaid Art and Craft Fair in Bay St Louis. We sold out of jars (all but 10) on the first day! I mean ya’ll, what a rush. The jar hustle is in full effect. We met so many folks this weekend and had such great feedback about the project. I mean if Mississippi is not full of the nicest people?! Tomeka was organized making the banner and tent look fab and selling with a smile. Ailsa’s only child syndrome was in full effect, making everyone stop and listen about the caboose even if they were walking at a brisk pace in the other direction.  Not a day goes by where we think the caboosy should live anywhere except the Mississippi Gulf Coast.  What’s next? Well, we are close to signing on our lot and can’t wait to tell ya’ll about the town we have chosen. The Mayor is already on Board!

Thanks for being on this journey with us.

Be Sweet. Stay Juicy.

Tomeka and Ailsa