a NEW TessaClogs.com and a new world - wow

screen shot from tessaclogs.com

We opened up our new TessaClogs.com to the public on Thursday, April 2.  We still have a lot of work to do on it but realized it truly is so much better then our old site that we decided to cut the ribbons and open the doors.  Best comparison is like building a house and you need to get moved in and will get it all fixed up over time.  

We want to thank everybody for showing us your love!  We are all in this together.  Big Virtual Hugs to everybody.

The Manning family wishing everybody happiness and health.  

Also - Svea wanted to say hi and remind us to keep washing those paws.

Chris, Tessa, Axelina, Amalia, Aiden & Svea

end of January 2020 - still not used to typing writing 2020

2020

How long does it take to get used to the new year?  Rambling here but still - 2020?  I was just getting used to 2019,  2020 just seems wrong and I'm feeling a bit mature as I type this new year.  Our first and oldest daughter will be 21 this 2020 - what...…., where did that time go.  I still remember carrying her in my arms like a person may carry a football.  This was our first so just couldn't believe that a new born baby can be so small.  Now, it only makes sense right - a 7 pound little precious, well for daughters 2 and 3, I had a little more experience.

working on Southwest Women's Oncology custom clogs

You all know, we make our Tessa Clogs right here in Minturn, Colorado.  Here is a shout out to Southwest Women's Oncology, Dr. Karen Finkelstein, Gabriela Gonzalez and entire staff.  You folks are the best!!  We made 24 pair of custom clogs for these fabulous professionals.

Southwest Women's Oncology

OK - we have had our same web site for a LONG time.  It is well - old and tired (maybe looking and feeling like myself on a day or two).  I wish that it was a classic and timeless site but that is not the case.  If you are actually reading this blog - "good on ya" - besides the web site changing, our prices will be changing also.  So - get your Tessa Clogs soon and save some dough.

working copy of NEW tessaclogs.com

Speaking of dough - I've been trying to be the baker here in the mountains of Colorado.  I'm loving it but that does not mean my bread is turning out.  My objective has been to make the perfect sour dough loaf - hard crust with a chewy interior.  I have had many² failures.  I promise you, when I get that perfect loaf, I will be taking a photo and sharing.  This whole process is definitely harder than say making chocolate milk or mac & cheese from a box.  I know my main issue - we have a cold house.  Today is trial number, well, many² so today I've been using a heated cooler to try and keep a warm environment.  We will see it that works and I'll let you know.  Any tips appreciated.

addendum:  02/05/20 - sourdough is looking good - family says it tastes good also

Besides getting used to 2020, making a new web site and baking bread - Tessa has been teaching me to make clogs.  I am still the super novice apprentice but hoping that within the year I will have made one from start to finish.

What else can I share that will be on the webosphere for ever - how about a couple of photos of us in our happy place.  Cheers all - Clog Guy

Happy New Year

Happy New Year - greetings from our family to yours.  

the Manning's (aka, Tessa Clogs / Swedish Clog Cabin entourage)

not too late - Get a Gift Certificate for a pair of Tessa Clogs

It is not too late - get a gift certificate for a pair of Tessa Clogs - we can get it to you electronically - print it up and your good to go

Happy Holiday Everybody!

Tessa Clogs Gift Certificate - perfect, for that last minute extra

from our family to your - thanks so much for you support over the years

celebrating time with family - hugs everybody

Holidays are Here - well they're close

You all know - we make our clogs locally here in the lovely diamond in the rough gem of Minturn, Colorado.  Just a couple of miles from Vail or Beaver Creek.  These houses are lived in year around unlike some of the modern castles you see in our neighboring towns.

Minturn, Colorado  81645

This is an aerial photo of our town where we work and live - pretty cozy huh?  Our factory is located off the photo (about 2 inches at this scale) on the bottom about 2 city blocks north (yes, the top of this photo is south so the bottom is north).  Where we live is about in the middle of the photo.

We are lucky - life is simple here but we live simple also.  It sure can get hectic in life if you make it - trying to keep up with what advertisers say you need.  Do you need that George Foreman grill?  What about the new and improved skis or bike that is out this year?  No - period.  My skis/bike are 10+ years old - do I want a new pair - heck yeah - do i need a new pair or a bike - probably not.  At least currently, I'm able to keep up with most on my old stuff and when I can't - not sure I'll be able to blame it on the equipment - it might just be this old body (but you always blame the equipment and not the engine right?) - HA

new classic - Astrid

So - we sell and make Tessa Clogs.  Do you need a new pair - maybe, do you want a new pair - for sure! :-)
We are proud to say, your Tessa Clogs will last a long time, this is true.  If you take care of them they could be in your wardrobe for years.  Like any article of clothing, you wear it and it does have a lifespan.  Wear your Tessa Clogs hard and proud, we can and will make you a new pair.

Speaking of Tessa Clogs and the Holidays - PLEASE, order as early as you can to guarantee a holiday delivery.  These elves will be working hard but "Life moves pretty fast, if you don't stop and look around once in awhile you could miss it".  Hugs all - Clog Guy

Winter is here - NOT ready for it

Most of you know, we live at 8,000 feet, here in the central mountains of Colorado.  Snow comes early and lasts late.  If you don't like snow, you better not be living here.

It is now November 1st, our yard is covered - truly and Really.?.  We love snow, we love to play, ride and ski in it.  BUT - I don't like snow when it comes in October and last till April.  Most of you also know, we like to be outside - I like to ride bikes and it is pretty darn tough to ride when the snow is on the road - heck, you can't even really run once the snow hits the trails unless you don't mind running in mud constantly. 

Wow - 1st world problems here.  Boo Hoo - we have to deal with weather :-)

We had all of the family home and together last night - that doesn't happen very often as time keeps rolling on.  But it was only a night as today, 2 have peeled off to hit the desert in UT and participate in a off road running race in Moab.  3 of us are here together for one more day, then 1 will peel away back to college which leaves 2 of us.  I and the middle daughter will still be around and trust me, will find something to do - not sure what - baking?  I don't think it'll be running being that middle daughter still has cross country running going on. 

I like beer.  Yep - a simple sentence with a period.  I have to say as I was picking up our oldest in

Denver yesterday - I stopped at the Bierstadt Lagerhaus.  All I will say is - everybody needs to find this place and try a Slow Pour Pills.  Truly and Absolutely Delicious - if a picture is worth a 1000 words well check my fresh tasty didn't last very long and get me another Slow Pour Pills.  Interesting enought - it takes about 6 minutes for this beer to be poured so if your thirsty, you need to order another one as soon as you get your first. 

Cheers Everybody -

Family, Friends, Working, Playing and Living Life

on top Mt. Massive

We are all working hard to support family and life.  I'm sure it is not just me but many of us sometimes wonder or worry about the what ifs.  As I now am old (ok maybe mature) I try not to stress about the unknown future.  It tends to usually always work out.  In my instance, the best way to not worry is to get out side and sweat.  Make the muscles and mind sore.  I promise you that if you get outside for an hour, get the heart rate up and make something of a goal - you will for that time NOT be concerned of the unknown future.  For me, i usually need to get into a zone, meaning putting some stress on the body where I'm having a good hurt (breathing hard, heart rate up, sweating and maybe having a hard time talking while in this zone).  

epic Ride - Holy Cross Crusher

It is hard, where do we find the time.  Where do i find the time to type this blog that some folks will read.  MAKE IT - your mind, body and soul will appreciate it.  Too many people suffer from bouts of worry and sadness - getting outside and sharing adventures with family and friends will help.  Cheers

mountain biking outside of Avon, Colorado