How many times have you used the old clichés to mark the passing of time; ‘Where did the time go?’, ‘My how time flies!’, ‘I don’t remember when time seemed to past so quickly’, and so many more? This summer marked our ninth year as a Bed and Breakfast, and it sure did pass quickly. As I work my way through the daily chores in each room I try to think back to when we first opened the doors for our guests.
There have been improvements to our guest rooms. In an old house wiring needs to be upgraded and in the beginning we didn’t realize what would happen when three hairdryers were all used at one time! Bathroom fixtures have been upgraded, oh yes, and a bathroom added since we’ve opened our doors. Bedding has been improved for guest comfort, and we are using ultra soft Comphy sheets for better sleeping. Next on the upgrade list in guest rooms will be improved HD cable features.
There have been changes to the common rooms as well. If any of you remember, or if you haven’t been here, you will notice we like to “collect” things, particularly unique antique and vintage items. And, of course, these items are artfully displayed, changed for the seasons, and at times replaced with newer old décor. When I look back at photos of the rooms from the nine years of hosting, I notice that furniture in the beginning was sparse, and now the rooms have a more comfortable, relaxing feeling. Just this week guests walked through the door and said, “We’re Home!” That saying never gets old when we hear that feeling expressed by our guests, we hope to make guests feel comfortable.
Our kitchen, where the food magic happens has seen multiple changes. Some years back, Warren built a new island with an oak butcher block top. This was the final phase of remodeling without destruction of the character of the original kitchen. How did we ever work together in the kitchen, and plate the dishes without this? But our favorite, and pride and joy is the stove purchased two years ago. 
Six burners, convection oven, and wow, we’ll never cook on electric again! So much for our favorites in the kitchen, our guests just love all the new recipes I try and keep adding to the repertoire. (Who else gives a thumbs-up for Pintrest? wink, wink)
Eleven years ago I was asked to allow my gardens to be a part of the Secret Garden Tour, what?? What a chore, we really hustled to make the property presentable, after construction and getting ready for a bed and breakfast bulldozed about two-thirds of our acre. Since then I found out that gardens are constantly being changed, and weeds sometimes get the best of us. We’ve added fruit trees, berry bushes, and herbs hoping to be able to offer fresh, in season food for breakfast. Last summer’s addition of a waterfall feature is absolutely my favorite change to the property. Although, it took a year to complete the pergola and landscape around the waterfall, it is already an oasis for guests to relax and enjoy.
I don’t think I’ve even begun to recall all the changes during the last nine years, and I can only imagine what the next nine years will bring. The best part of running a bed and breakfast business those years are the wonderful people we’ve met. There are no regrets and we hope you will visit us again soon.
