February 23, 2005

Hi Gary,

Here it is. A happy mother rocking already with the baby. We are totally happy with the chair. The only bad news was that French customs were much more expensive then expected (533 euros, which is about twice the amount you mentioned initially; this is something you have to know for future transactions!).

[ Ouch! I get an estimate for duties and taxes from my agent and forward that amount to people in another country who are considering a purchase. The customs and duty charges on previous shipments to France have been accurate. Apparently, however, it is impossible for me to get a firm and correct quote for duties and taxes to every country, every time. This experience makes me reluctant to estimate duties and taxes on an international shipment.
— GW]

Thanks for the efficiency in processing it all so as to make it available on time. And congratulations for the design: being born in Canada at a time when rocking chairs were very popular, I can tell you this one is really, really, well done.

All the best
C. M.

Paris, France

December 06, 2004

Gary,

They just delivered the rocking chair, and it is perfect! Beautiful! Wonderful!

You warned me it would be a different color than the other cherry rocker you made me (#629 in 2000), but the contrast was surprising. My older chair is a beautiful rosy color now and I had never realized how it had changed. Now that I know, it will be fun to watch the progress of the new chair.

The delivery folks were a joy to work with — very friendly setting up the delivery date, and excellent service when they arrived.

My two grown daughters will no longer have to fight over who "inherits" my rocker. I just hope they don't decide to bump me off so they won't have to wait!

Thank you again for such a wonderful addition to the family. Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays or whatever applies . . .

S.K.

Ft. Worth, Texas

December 01, 2004

Gary,

We are very pleased with the rocking chair. It's extremely comfortable for M., and looks great in the nursery.

The shipping company delivered the package without problems, except for a tear in the bottom of the box, that resulted in no damage. We are still waiting on the baby, but I'm sure that the chair will meet with the baby's approval, too!

Thanks very much,
R.D.

Washington, D.C.

August 05, 2004

We did get it and we love it! We spent the evening acting like kids attempting to share a new toy — "it's MY turn . . ." It's more comfortable than I even imagined, and I'm really glad we got the footstool too. I just entered my third trimester, and kicking my feet up is a good thing right now! The delivery guy was on time and very courteous, so that worked out well too. I imagine you'll be hearing from us at some point when we decide we need a "his" to go with this "hers" chair. Thanks for everything. It was a pleasure working with you.

N. and K. J.

San Francisco, California​

July 30, 2004

Dear Gary,

Thank you for the fast delivery of the chair. A. and I love sitting in it already.

We've put you on our announcement e-mail list — so you'll know who the third beneficiary of the chair is when she or he comes.

All the best to you and your family. Happy house building!

Take care,

M.M.

New York, New York

July 21, 2004

Dear Mr. Weeks,

The chair was delivered as scheduled, and arrived in perfect condition. We are most pleased with the rocker in terms of comfort, beauty, design and workmanship. The joints are immaculate, a delight to the hand, and the grains as nearly symmetrical as human art could achieve. It is everything I hoped, and then some.

Many thanks,

J.A.

P.S. — My Weeks cherry rocker reminds me of a rosewood desk by Sam Maloof that I had a chance to buy for $800 about 40 years ago. I have often regretted my inability to afford that desk, which would now be a museum piece, but I expect the sting to fade in the enjoyment of your magnificent chair.

Bloomington, Indiana

July 03, 2004

Gary,

Received the Terrell Side tables yesterday. They are fantastic! Your shipping containers are as well thought out as are the pieces you make. They arrived perfectly and are beside my bed with the rocker and footstool at their side. Being an old woodworker, I can say that your work is impeccable and exquisitely done. Thanks again. They will become heirlooms someday.

C.F.

Omaha, Nebraska​

June 17, 2004

Gary —

I am thrilled with the chair! It arrived in perfect condition (not even a mark on the box) and was very easy to unpack. My husband (who is 5'9") and I (at 5'2") have both found the chair to be comfortable as well as beautiful. Thank you!

L. B.

Oakland, California​

February 10, 2004

Hi Gary,

I just had a very exciting morning. The Plycon guys delivered the dining set today, a whole week early! I have to tell you that I am floored with your expert craftsmanship. A huge thank-you to your entire team. I only had a few moments to admire the satin smooth finish and enjoy the heft of the chairs before setting off to work, but dinner tonight will be a treat. I am extremely pleased with the set.

All the pieces were very well protected and everything seemed snugly wrapped. In fact, the delivery guy took quite a few minutes unraveling each piece. I only want to add that the delivery guy did ding one of the arm chairs. After unwrapping the chairs in the truck, he grabbed two chairs and tried to get them into the house all at once. Unfortunately, when he came up the porch steps, one of the chair tops banged into the ceiling overhang of the covered porch. I was rather disappointed with his carelessness, and I just wanted you to be aware of it. I'm not sure if this was an isolated incident with the particular delivery guy, or a mark of company, Plycon. I suggested that he bring in the rest of the pieces one at a time, which he did. Other than that, the delivery went very smoothly.

As for the ding in the chair back, I ran a barely-damp cotton cloth gently over the ding a couple of times, and got the white paint off. Can I use some lemon oil to get the luster back? Or should I hold off, until the chair cures a bit? The ding is very shallow, and about the width of a grain of rice. It isn't particularly noticeable (now that the paint is gone), but I just want to treat it right, and keep it protected.

Let me know what you think.

Thanks for the help,

C.C. (1 happy girl)

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C., I am delighted that you like your furniture and dismayed at the careless delivery. I have a simple repair that you can do to make the chair arm good as new; I just regret that you have to do it.

I am leaving for the day and will send more tomorrow.

Sincerely yours,

Gary

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

C.,

I hope dinner last night was a treat. Have the dinner party invitations gone out?

Rereading your note, I see that the ding is on the back of an arm chair, rather than the arm of the arm chair. Anyway, I can mail a repair kit to you with instructions, oil, and sandpaper. You can use a clothes iron and a damp cloth to drive steam into the compressed fibers, swelling them back to the surface. The following day, you can lightly sand with a very fine grit and apply a bit of the hand-rubbed oil finish that we use. You will need to lightly sand and re-coat on a subsequent day to get the sheen back. I am upset to put this on your plate, but it is not difficult or very time-consuming. The other options are:

1. Do nothing and consider that the first ding in the Charlene era of this long lasting furniture came too early.

2. Say to me: "Gary, you promised that the furniture would be delivered as new; I am hesitant to make this repair. Will you do it for me?" I will have it brought to me; I will repair it, and return it.

I hope you remain a "happy girl." I will do my part to keep it so.

Sincere thanks and regards,

Gary

San Mateo, California