Monthly Archives: September 2009

Interesting Guests

Senior Citizens

September 26, 2009 – 10:28 pm

In the twenty years of being an innkeeper, we have hosted many groups of friends, relatives, wedding parties and business groups. This is a post about a group of friends from southern Ohio who chose Whispering Pines Bed & Breakfast for their annual getaway. And this is the first such group we have had since I’ve begun to blog.

They call themselves “seniors”, but in reality they are as vibrant and productive as any younger folks. They claim to be in their 70′s something – to Bill and I they look like 60′s something and act even younger. In fact Ruby and Harry are still hold hands. For two days they have been laughing, talking, playing games, drinking wine, planning dinner and running around having fun. This year they stayed fairly close to home, but in the past they have chosen Las Vegas, Florida, Chicago and houseboating on Lake Cumberland. We’re glad they stayed at our inn on this early fall weekend.

Gail & Judy is the only couple who is actually retired but keeping very busy and the other two couples still work jobs they love. Audrey and Jim own and operate a kennel, Harry runs a luxury aircraft auction and Ruby works for an e-business company. I believe this is what keeps them young at heart. They have 14 children between them, 31 grandchildren and 6 great grand children. This alone keeps them busy.

We enjoy having groups at our bed and breakfast. There is ample space inside and out for them to gather and not interfere with other guests.

If you are planning a getaway with your friends, we invite you to visit Whispering Pines. Call me toll free at 866-452-5388. I’ll be delighted to help you plan your stay. We can even arrange massages for the ladies and clay shooting for the men. We’ll look forward to meeting you.
Hope to see you soon,
Linda
Whispering Pines Bed & Breakfast
——————————-

Permalink | Comment (0)
Recipes

Delicious Peaches

September 20, 2009 – 10:26 pm

Locally grown peach season is over but the memory of the sweet taste will remain with us until next year. We had the most delicious peaches this season from Bauman Orchards; bright, juicy and perfect for my favorite recipe that I would like to share with you. I love to serve fresh peach shortcake to my unsuspecting guests in the morning. Someone always asks “shortcake for breakfast?” My answer is “we always begin with dessert”. When this is served to our overnight guests, talking ceases and we begin to hear oohs and aahs. Those are the sounds we love to hear in the kitchen.

In reality this dish is prepared with healthy breakfast ingredients – well sort of. I take fresh soft, but not squishy, peaches and slice very thin. Toss in a little sugar and a shake or two of good cinnamon; let sit until ready to plate, about 1 hour or so. To serve, slice biscuits in half, place 8 – 10 peach slices on top of the bottom layer, scoop a nice size dollop of vanilla yogurt on top of the peaches and cover with the top of the biscuit. Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh mint, reapberries or red strawberries for a beautiful presentation.

I have included my recipe for buttermilk biscuits. So be prepared for next seasons peaches to serve to your family and friends for your own rave reviews. And why not plan a visit to Whispering Pines during peach season and I’ll make them for you. Do you have a favorite peach recipe?

3 c. flour
2 T. sugar
4 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
3/4 c. chilled butter, cut into 1/4 inch pieces
1 c. buttermilk

Preheat oven to 425. Place all dry ingredients in food processor and pulse a few times to combine. Drop in the chilled butter and pulse 10-12 times until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add buttermilk and pulse until moistened, about 10-12 times. Do not over mix. Drop biscuits onto ungreased baking sheet. Bake until golden brown, about 12-15 minutes. Makes 12 delicious biscuits.

Hope to see you soon,
Linda
Whispering Pines Bed & Breakfast
——————————-

Permalink | Comment (0)
Special People

Flower Delivery

September 14, 2009 – 3:55 pm

Over the years we have met many special people doing special things. I would like to introduce you to Stella, a lovely woman we met several years ago.
When you think of having beautiful red roses delivered, you probably would think of one of many online resources. However, since we offer a few add-on packages that include roses in the guestroom, we have been purchasing our flowers from Bud’s Flowers, our local florist. They do lovely flower arrangements and are delivered to my door step each and every time.
Stella is the special delivery person; rain or shine, summer or winter, and she always delivers with a smile. She was called in to help several years ago by her daughter, Betty, who owns the shop. Stella is 90 years young and drives her own car. She is a beautiful, vibrant woman who appears to be in her mid 70′s. I’ve posted a picture of Stella – what do you think? I always try to chat with her but sometimes she has to hurry home to mow the lawn. Stella is truly an inspiration – proof that you never have to stop when the years catch up.
Do you have an inspirational story of someone over 90? I invite you to share it in my blog under comments and I’ll look forward to reading it.
Hope to see you soon,
Linda
Whispering Pines Bed & Breakfast
——————————-
Permalink | Comment (0)
Things to do

Yankee Peddler Festival

September 5, 2009 – 12:14 am

Everyone loves a good festival on a cool crisp day in September. The Yankee Peddler is in its 37 year and this is one of the best. Bill and I have tried to go every year, but this year is far too busy for us so we’ll have to wait until 2010. The festival is so large and so popular that it is held on 3 weekends in September – 9/12-13, 9/19-20, and 9/26-27. Located at Clay’s Park in Canal Fulton it’s an easy 45 minute drive from the Inn.

It’s easy to spend the entire day. You’ll immediately notice the enticing aroma of barbecue chicken and turkey legs wafting through the festival as you stroll the grounds. There are artisans from all over the U.S., Canada and as far away as Scotland and Ireland.

Over the years we have purchased many unique items that we have used at the Inn or are on display. We bought a metal sculpture of an adorable swinging frog from Anderson’s Metal Sculpture. One year we purchased a wonderful hand weaved throw from an artisan who travels from Scotland to Ohio for this event. You’ll discover a large array of pottery and jewelry and wonderful antique looking game boards. If you have attended this festival in the past, send me a comment about the unique item you found and couldn’t live without.

It’s always fun to discover a new artisan and to admire the craftsmanship you see at this show. For us it will have to wait until next year, but if you can attend you will have a great day. And while you’re there, why not stay at Whispering Pines for a night or two.

Hope to see you soon,
Linda
Whispering Pines Bed & Breakfast
—————————–

Permalink | Comment (0)
Things to do

Alpacas

September 1, 2009 – 12:38 pm

There are so many neat things to discover in and around the Atwood Lake Region. Recently we took a delightful tour of an Ohio Alpaca Farm located about 5 miles south of Whispering Pines.
Our daughter, Rachel, was visiting from Glasgow Scotland where she is in her 5th and final year of Vet school. Although she has worked on many large animals, she had never seen an Alpaca. So she was excited when Kathy, who owns the farm, guided us through 100 or so of these cute, furry and friendly animals from Peru. There were new babies and older ones of every color and size and they all wanted to be near us and hum. They are adorable gentle animals and their fur is as soft as cashmere and warmer than wool – pure luxury. We learned their history, their habits, and especially how valuable and expensive Alpacas are to purchase. Kathy specializes in buying and selling and recently purchased one for $150,000. Many of her animals have taken championships in the showring. It was amazing how many blue ribbons were hanging on the walls and on shelves. We all had such a good time and of course Rachel wanted to take one back to Scotland with her!
When you are visiting Whispering Pines Bed & Breakfast, call Kathy to set up a time for your own personal tour. Her enthusiasm is contagious. Coffee Pot Farm, named by her father, is one of the largest in this part of the country.

Hope to see you soon,
Linda
Whispering Pines Bed & Breakfast
——————————-

Permalink | Comment (0)