My Life as a Maine Innkeeper

Maine Shrimp

2012-01-11T13:41:00.000-05:00

One of the best things about the quiet season in Maine is that Maine Shrimp's Season fall during this time. I love seafood and Maine shrimp, although small, are a wonderful, sweet delicacy that are great in a variety of recipes. Amy cooks them up for in pasta or on top of pizza. They are also great in chowder and Downeast Magazine has a great recipe. Of course, to get them at their freshest, you'll have to come for a visit!

Our Window Garden

2012-01-08T18:50:00.000-05:00

During the warm months, we have a wonderful garden at the Benjamin F. Packard House. I love laying under the rhododendren bush and watching the butterflies and hummingbirds frolick among the flowers. The garden was put to bed many months ago, but Amy did bring in a couple plants indside and they are flourishing in the kitchen window.

The rosemary is actually doing better inside than it did in the summer heat. Amy also dug up two Gerber Daisies, cut them way back and potted them. Their leaves are now sprouting up and enjoying the warm afternoon sunshine.

Complimenting these plants are the Christmas cactus with a few blooms left (it actually bloomed at Thanksgiving this year) and a Amaryllis which will hopefully bloom soon.

Watching the plants thrive and bloom gives us hope for an early spring on the dark winter days.

It is the Wicked Quiet Season

2012-01-04T11:26:00.000-05:00

Just a quick reminder from me that it is the Wicked Quiet Season here at our B&B which means wicked good prices. Rooms are either $100 or $120 a night and that includes a gourmet breakfast and afternoon tea in front of the wonderful fireplace in the gathering room. Of course you get to be greeted by me which is always the highlight of the stay (well, at least, for me it is!)Give us a call and book a room soon - Wicked Quiet Season ends March 31st.

Mr. January 2012

2011-12-30T10:49:00.000-05:00

Normally when I write this blog I like to highlight all that is going on at the B&B and all the wonderful stuff that Amy and Mark are doing, but today's entry is a little different. I am proud and pleased to announce that I have earned this year's title of "Mr. January" in the official Bergamasco calendar! I was so excited when I found out. Amy and I kept it a secret from Mark and suprised him with a copy of the calendar for one of his Christmas gifts. I think it was his favorite gift! The calendar is put out by the BSCA (Bergamasco Sheepdog Club of America) and proceeds go the the BSCA rescue fund. This picture of me is the one that made the calendar.

I met Santa!

2011-12-10T13:49:00.000-05:00

Today Santa made a special visit to our local pet supply store, Wags n Whiskers, to meet and greet the local canine population. (Yes, cats were welcome too but I really don't like to give them attention.) I was one of the first through the door to have my picture taken with the big guy!

Christmas Decorating - It's Finally Done!

2011-12-09T16:58:00.006-05:00

I didn't think Amy and Mark would ever get done with all the Christmas decorating this year. Yes, they started earlier than in years past but it took them until today to finally be finished. Although the wait is worth it - the B&B looks great! Lots of lights and greenery both inside and outside to welcome guests. There are 9 trees downstairs and each of the common rooms' tree has a theme. The parlor is all done in white and silver with a little blue in some of the ornaments.

The dining room with its deep cranberry walls looks stunning all done up in gold and green. The gathering room and library are a bit more informal with a Santa tree

and a grouping of three snow trees. Little touches abound with Amy using some of her antique serving dishes to hold shiny ornaments or an old pottery bowl with red and gold marbles adorning the coffee table. They even put three smaller trees in the kitchen bay window so I can enjoy them while I have my breakfast in the morning. Now if we would only get a little snow the season would be complete.
If you want to see more pictues, go to our Facebook page and look at our Christmas 2011 album.

Extra Special Extras

2011-11-15T20:16:00.000-05:00

Here at the Benjamin F. Packard House we offer guests the opportunity to add to their stay with Extra Special Extras. These include wine and cheese in the room when you arrive or served in front of the fire, a special arrangement of flowers for the room or an individualized order of chocolates from the Bath Sweet Shoppe waiting for you when you arrive. You can even schedule a late check out as an extra if our reservations allow. All you need to do is select which or all that you would like and discuss it with Mark and Amy when you make your reservation. They will individualize your selection to match your needs and have it waiting for you!

Fall Chores at the B&B

2011-10-25T08:36:00.000-04:00

The fall chores are piling up - just look at those leaves

and that pile of wood.

Despite the fact we only have two small birch trees in the garden, the patio quickly fills with leaves. I am not much of a raker but I do enjoy laying in the leaves since they cushion the bricks a bit. Stacking the firewood is another big job this time of year. A cord was just delivered this morning and Mark is hard at work stacking it. I can just picture the warm fires in the Great Room fireplace this winter - sometimes I sneak in and lay next to the fire. We also have the garden to cut back and the patio furnture and garden decorations to put away. I am thinking we will be very busy in the coming weeks!

Get Away for the Holidays

2011-10-02T18:31:00.000-04:00

It is hard to imagine but the holiday season is right around the corner. Here at the Benjamin F. Packard House we are already booking up for the Thanksgiving Day holiday weekend. What a great idea to get away for a long weekend to relax, unwind and take in all Bath has to offer. Think about it - a relaxing stay at our B&B with gourmet breakfasts and afternoon tea in front of the fire in the great room, Thanksgiving dinner at one of the great local restaurants (no clean up for you) and experience Bath's kick off to the Christmas Season with all the events planned for Friday and Saturday. You may even get your Christmas shopping done early! Start a new tradition and spend your holidays with us.

Fall Foods

2011-09-23T17:49:00.000-04:00

Fall has arrived and so have the wonderful fall breakfast that Amy and Mark cook up each morning. Featuring all the great autumn ingredients like apples fresh from the Bath Farmers' Market, raspberries from our own garden,

pumpkin and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg - yes, the kitchen and house smell heavenly each morning. They even grill up a chicken and apple sausage that is one of my favorites. Never one to get bored, Amy is always trying new recipes like the recent apple crostata

and her grandmother's oatmeal bread. Do you have a favorite breakfast meal or recipe? We would love to hear about it - let us know by commenting on my blog.

The Leaf Peepers are Coming

2011-09-08T14:50:00.000-04:00

The official calendar end to summer, Labor Day weekend, as come and gone but the beautiful summer weather continues in midcoast Maine. Along with the start of the "fall" season come the Leaf Peepers! Amy and Mark are getting lots of calls for rooms in mid September to the end of October for people coming to Bath and the surrounding area to view the wonderful colors of the fall season. It is hard to predict when the colors will peak but the state does take a stab at it with a website and map that visitors can use to plan their trip around when foilage will be at its best. There is also another great site to help guests plan driving tours and fall activities. So if you are planning on coming this fall - better call soon as we are booking fast and we know you don't want to stay anywhere else!

Hurricane Irene

2011-08-28T08:36:00.000-04:00

Hurricane Irene is almost here and I am NOT happy. I hate rain and wind! Even though she will probably get downgraded to a tropical storm, I still get scared and then keep Amy and Mark up all night or have to be right next to them all day. They put away all the stuff on the patio and the rain is beating down hard on the plants. We are going to have an awful lot of clean up come Tuesday. I just hope Irene blows through quickly and I can get back to my normal B&B life.

Dog Days Pics

2011-08-24T15:23:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to share some of the shots we took at Dog Days this past weekend. There were lots of dogs entertaining the crowd and I was quite impressed with the silly dog tricks. Maybe I'll enter next year!

My Favorite Day!

2011-08-18T15:47:00.000-04:00

My favorite day in Bath is fast approaching - Dog Days - will be celebrated on Sunday, August 21st. Part of Front Street in downtown Bath will be closed off so we can walk freely with our masters and not worry about traffic. The local shop owners will have stuff for sale out on the street with some featuring stuff just for the four legged shopper. The brave dog, Keylo, that serves in Bath's police department will do a demo of his work and we can have a portrait taken by Soggy Dog Designs and the Creative Turtle

There is also a Silly Pet Tricks contest but I don't think I will be entering that one. The day will conclude with an outdoor concert at the gazebo in City Park featuring "The Natives are Restless". The picture is from last summer's Dog Days festivities and shows one of my many admirers. I can't wait until Sunday!

Taking Me Back to My Roots

2011-08-10T15:32:00.000-04:00

I was certainly soaking up my Italian heritage this morning as all the guests were speaking Italian during breakfast. One couple, who live in the U.S. but are of Italian descent like me, were enjoying the company of other guests who hail from Milan, Italy. They sounded like they were having a wonderful time talkng and laughing and translating for Amy as they shared their vacation stories. As many of you may have read in this blog, I am an Italian Bergamasco sheepdog although many of our guests from that region have never seen one of my breed - I really am a rare find!

All the Great People...

2011-07-25T21:02:00.000-04:00

July is almost over and I have been so busy with guests I haven't kept up on my blog. I have met so many great people in the past couple months and got to say hello again to some old friends. There was the lovely couple who spent their 40th anniversary with us last year and came back this year for their 41st celebration. And the great couple from New Jersey here hunting for treasures at the many antique shops and flea markets throughout the midcoast. Of the newlywed couple who spent the last night of their honeymoon with us before heading home. With the unusually hot and steamy weather, many guests were wilting and wondering if Maine is always that hot but our Atlanta guest just kept moving and said it felt like home. As for me, the hot weather did me in but I still had energy to greet all the wonderful people who come through the doors and make them feel welcome at my B&B.

Bath Heritage Days

2011-06-29T17:02:00.000-04:00

The excitement is building in downtown Bath for the city's annual festival - Heritage Days. This is four days filled with tons of activities throughout the downtown. It all kicks off on Friday with the Sunrise Rotary's Chicken BBQ which, of course I do not get to attend, and live music at the Gazebo. Throughout the weekend and into Monday, you can hear live music on two stages, shop at the Craft Show, take in all the art at Art in the Park, or cheer at the Fireman's Muster or the Strongman Competition. The Pattend Free Library also holds their big Book Sale this weekend, the antique car show shuts down Front Street on Sunday and the Independence Jam happens at the Skatepark. The big 4th of July Parade is Monday at 11 a.m. - this is my favorite event because Mark and Amy always take me to the parade to watch. Sometimes they even share some food with me from one of the many food vendors in the park. Since we are the City of Ships there is even a boat parade following the more traditional parade. The weekend festival wraps up with fireworks on Monday - not my favorite event - all that noise but I do enjoy the rest of the celebrating!

Summer in Maine

2011-06-18T16:58:00.000-04:00

I've been lazy, hanging out in the garden and napping away my days in the sunshine. That's how life is here in Maine, especially in the summer. We move at a slower pace - take time to enjoy "the way life should be". Yes, I have responsibilities -greeting guests, giving just the right amount of attention and helping with breakfast and tea clean up - but somedays I pretend I am the one on vacation and take the time to just soak up my surroundings and relax at this beautiful, peaceful Bed and Breakfast that I call home.

House & Garden Tour

2011-06-06T09:43:00.000-04:00

Bath is a buzz with excitement over this coming Saturday's House Tour of Achitectural Gems and Hidden Gardens organized by Sagadahoc Preservation Inc. This is the 9th annual tour and is sponosored by Bath Savings Institution and Down East Magazine. New this year is the Honorary Chair - Steve Thomas, award winning televsion star and former host of This Old House. Mr. Thomas will be giving a lecture at 8:30 a.m. before the start of the 10:30 a.m. tour. The tour always features great Bath homes and gardens with interesting achitectural details and lovely plantings/flowers. The homeowners work hard to have their properties in top shape (I know since we were on the tour 2 times, once for the house and the other time for the garden!) and local businesses work with the homeowners on staging and setting the perfect scene. There are lots of extras this year with the tour - "Stay, Play and Dine" packages, box lunches and much more. Check out SPI's website, get all the details and purchase your tickets. Don't forget to book with us if you are going to spend the weekend!

Finally Done!

2011-06-04T17:44:00.000-04:00

I didn't think she would ever finish but Amy finally finished the front garden and urns today and, if I do say, she did a fine job. Check out all her hard work!

and Finally - Number 1 - Breakfast, of course!

2011-05-25T15:22:00.005-04:00

I know you have all been waiting for the number 1 reason to stay at our B&B versus the big box hotels and that reason is BREAKFAST. Amy and Mark really outdo themselves, not just the food which is great, but the experience of breakfast. Sitting down at a table set with a white table cloth and cloth napkins, relaxing and treating yourself to something that does not happen in your everyday life. The experience really begins as the smell of our locally roasted coffee from Carpe Diem wafts up to your room. Coffee is ready in the dining room at 7:00 a.m. for all those guests who need that morning jolt or who want to get a cup and curl back up in bed for awhile. Since guests have picked their dining time, Amy and Mark prepare each breakfast to order. Not like at the large hotels where the eggs have been sitting in a warming dish for an hour! But before you even think of your hot entree, treat yourself to the buffet set up and ready for you in the dining room. Organic yogurt, our own granola made here at the Packard House, fresh fruit and the morning's baked good. Yes, we bake everything in house. Muffins, scones, cinnamon rolls, bagels, our famous Blueberry Gateau
and all the bread used with the breakfasts are baked right here - usually first thing in the morning! So add these wonderful smells to the coffee and you know even before you come down the stairs you are in for a treat. Now you are seated, have made your selections from the buffet and Mark appears to offer you a choice of 5 different juices to go with your breakfast. While you relax and look at the morning headlines or talk with other guests, Amy and Mark are busy in the kitchen cooking up the morning's entree.
These vary widely from French Toast made with our homemade cinnamon bread to crepes with strawberries and cream or maybe a savory filling of spinach, ricotta, mushrooms and a little feta cheese. Or how about our Poached on Toast with grilled homemade English Muffin Break topped with grilled ham, poached eggs, a little cheddar cheese and fresh herbs from our garden. We try very hard not to serve guests the same thing twice when they make their return visits but sometimes they loved it so much they make a request.
These are our top 5 reasons to stay at a bed and breakfast, especially our B&B, what are some of yours?

Number 2 - It Begins with a Warm Welcome

2011-05-19T08:35:00.005-04:00

There is something special about the warmth and hospitality at our B&B and it begins when you are greeted at the door. Amy or Mark (and me, of course) are always there to greet you in person and show you to your room. Upon your arrival, they answer any questions and explain how breakfast is served at the Packard House - this is one of the most frequently asked questions along with how early can a guest get coffee. Each room has a breakfast card which guests fill out and put in the dining room. The card allows guests to pick from four different dining times, choose a full or continental breakfast, lets the innkeepers know their coffee/tea preference and detail any food allergies. It also reminds guests that coffee is always ready by 7:00 a.m. in the dining room along with the local paper and the New York Times. The wonderful hospitality continues once guests are settled with complimentary afternoon tea served in the warm months on the patio or in colder weather in front of a fire in the Gathering Room. Time for dinner and need a reservation or ideas? Menus of local restaurants are available to look at to help a guest choose and Amy and Mark will happily make reservations. Upon their return from dinner, guests find their beds have been turned down and a pitcher of ice water, glasses and chocolate covered blueberries awaiting them in their room.
Waking up to the intoxicating smell of locally roasted coffee in the morning, you are greeted in the dining room and breakfast is cooked and served by your innkeepers. Need to find that out of away hike, best lobster shack or special place to get local products? Amy and Mark are filled with information and will help you map out your day's adventure with local maps and brochures.
So whatever you are looking for in your vacation - the innkeepers at the Benjamin F. Packard House will welcome you and help you make your stay in Bath and midcoast Maine just what you want!

Number 3 - What Wonderful People!

2011-05-06T08:12:00.005-04:00

Sorry for the delay in keeping up with my blog and the list of the Top 5 Reasons to Stay at a B&B, especially ours. I was a bit distracted waiting for an addition to the family - Amy and Mark's great nephew (my cousin) was born yesterday so now I can get back to my job - sleeping in the sun, blogging and greeting guests.
So the 3rd best reason to stay at a B&B - the people!!! Our guests come from all over the United States and the world, bringing a variety of experiences, languages and vacation ideas with them and this all comes together in the dining room at breakfast. Talking with each other, sharing plans and adventures that each has had while visiting Bath and midcoast Maine shapes each guests stay into a unique experience. Guests often find out that this is a very small world we live in. I remember we had one couple visiting from Germany and also a family staying with us from New York. While everyone was at breakfast and talking they discovered that the gentleman from New York had recently given a lecture at the law firm where the woman worked in Germany! Or the time the couple showed up from Essex, England and were staying 2 nights. The next night a couple comes to the door looking for a room also from Essex, England. Seated together the next morning for breakfast they discover they only lived about 20 minutes apart! I also enjoy when guests come back from a day out exploring the sights and share all their stories with each other over afternoon tea on the patio. I get to hear about what they did, how cold they think the ocean is even in the middle of the summer and where they found the best lobster. And lastly, it is not just the wonderful guests here at the Packard House but also the wonderful dog!

justBEcause

2011-05-02T10:30:00.006-04:00

A break in my count down of the Top 5 Reasons to Stay at a B&B to tell you about something else that happened here at the Packard House. Amy and the justBEcause group got together this past Saturday for another project - this time decorating pots and planting pansies for a local nursing home. Before they go off to be delivered this afternoon, I took a couple pictures for you to enjoy.

This group gets together at random times to do something for someone others "justBEcause". Since it is spring they decided to brighten up Winship Green nursing home with some pretty posies. I enjoyed having them all over on the patio on Saturday while they decorated and potted since I got lots of attention too!

Number 4

2011-04-30T09:55:00.010-04:00

Here I am, back already with the Number 4 Reason to stay at a Bed and Breakfast (particularly our B&B) - You get to stay in a Historic Home! Many B&B's are located in historic homes and ours also has the added feature of being located in Bath's Historic District. Experience the charm of our antique house with hardwood floors, a beautiful staircase that takes you to the second floor, original windows and unique woodwork. No cookie cutter rooms where everything looks the same - each is unique and has charms all their own. For example, the Gathering Room (one of the common areas where guests can kick back and relax) features a large working fireplace that used to serve as the kitchen cooking area back in the day. Amy and Mark can also tell you a bit about the Packard family who built the house and their descendents lived here until 1985. In addition, being in the Historic District gives the added benefit of being able to walk the neighborhood and look at all the great historic architecture. We even have maps and a podcast available so you can take a guided tour of the area. Lastly, despite being only a short walk to the downtown, we are on a nice, quiet street so whether you are sitting on the patio in the afternoon or sleeping in your comfortable bed you can truly relax and escape.

Why Choose a B&B?

2011-04-27T16:08:00.007-04:00

People out in the world who meet Amy and Mark often ask them "Why stay at a B&B? We always stay at hotels." We think there are a lot of reasons to choose a B&B over the large chain hotels but decided to give you the top 5 reasons.

Number 5 - Originality - We are unlike any other. From our individualized guest rooms (each with its own unique decor) to comfy common rooms you can stretch out in and truly relax to our antique house itself you quickly realize you are not in a big box chain hotel. The decorations are antique and one of a kind. Artwork in the common areas and guest rooms is original (see photos) and photographs reflect the history of the house. And I am a true original! Many B&B's have dogs on the premises but we don't know of another that has an Italian Bergamasco sheepdog as their official greeter and blogger.

Want to know the rest of the top 5? Well, stay tune to the next couple blogs to find out.

You asked, We answered

2011-04-12T18:46:00.003-04:00

A lot of people ask what we do in the off season and when we do not have guests. I would like to say Mark and Amy kick back and relax but that is not the case. Take today for example, after running errands down in Portland to stock up on supplies for the upcoming busy season, Mark spent part of the day putting up the shutters that they painted over the weekend while Amy continued to clean out the winter debris from the garden. She also planted some pansies in the urns on the front steps. Then they spent time building up the rocks along the front driveway garden to help prevent dirt running off when it rains hard. I have included some pictures of them hard at work and the fruits of their labors and, of course, a pic of me doing what I do best - supervising!

Tanks A Lot!

2011-04-02T13:10:00.004-04:00

Once again I am writing about gas prices and how they affect your vacation plans. Now in a previous blog I taught you all about the math and hopefully you learned that the rising prices really do not add that much more to your vacation budget. But just in case I haven't swayed you yet, I have talked Mark and Amy into running a Tanks A Lot special for guests who stay with us. This special offer gives you a $10 gas card when you stay one night, a $20 gas card with a two night stay, $30 with three nights and I guess you can do the math from there! It is just a way for all three of us to say thanks for choosing us and we appreciate your business. Please remember that you must mention this special when you book your room and it is not good with any other offers or discounts. So I am standing by to greet you when you arrive and will have your gas card waiting!

Wedding at the Inn

2011-03-19T18:34:00.006-04:00

We had our first wedding at the Benjamin F. Packard House on Friday morning! What excitement! The bride and groom performed their vows flawlessly in front of a crackling fire in the gathering room. Afterwards, in the dining room, champagne and a chocolate wedding cake were enjoyed by the bride, groom and her parents who served as witnesses. Everything looked lovely and everyone looked so happy. I am so glad I got to watch from the kitchen - it was my first wedding too.

Doing the Math

2011-03-15T09:25:00.005-04:00

Everyone in the tourism business is talking about rising gas prices and if this is going to deter people from taking vacations. I have been thinking about this and did a little math to show people that their vacation costs will not be out of control just because gas has gone up. Let's pretend you are coming to Bath from the Philadelphia area, approximately 445 miles, and your car gets 25 mpg. When gas prices were around $3.00 it would have cost you $54 in gas. With gas prices now at $3.60 it will cost you $65. So the difference is only $11 one way which really is not bad. All things in perspective as Mark likes to say!

Welcome Mud Season

2011-03-05T09:15:00.003-05:00

We are all ready for the ice to melt and Mud Season to take over our lives here in Maine. Mud Season is an interesting time - that time when winter is over but spring isn't here quite yet. To celebrate this special season, Amy and Mark have developed a Mudder of a Deal package which helps guests get into the mud spirit. Check out this package at our website, maybe it is just what you are looking for to revive yourself during this dreary time of year!

Cookies and Community

2011-02-09T10:25:00.004-05:00

Back in December I told you about Amy's holiday cookie baking for a local food pantry. Well that idea exploded at the neighborhood New Year's Eve Fiesta and our neighbor, Michelle, took the idea and ran with it! Now a new group, Just BEcause, has formed and they held a Valentine's Day Cookie Swap with a Twist. Michelle explains the concept wonderfully in her blog, but basically Michelle and Amy got together to plan with another neighbor, Kate. They invited a bunch of neighbors to bring 50-60 cookies to our house where they bagged them up in cute holiday bags with pretty twine and specially made tags (thanks Michelle!). Of course, we served a special Valentine's Day cocktails and had appetizers to complete the afternoon. Everyone had a great time and they took some time to brainstorm future projects. It is a neighbors looking out for neighbors concept - something that is sometimes lacking these days but not here in Bath! My contribution - well of course I cleaned up all the crumbs left on the floor after everyone left!

Winter Beach

2011-02-01T14:54:00.002-05:00

Yet another monster snowstorm is on the way but Amy and Mark decided a trip to Reid State Park and the beach was the order of the day. I stayed home on my warm bed and watched the snow from the window. They did take lots of pictures to share with me which I am passing on to you. The beach is gorgeous any time of year.

Views from the Windows

2011-01-21T16:01:00.005-05:00

Another snow storm today so I am inside but it sure looks pretty outside so I took some pictures to share with you. You can see once the storm passed there was a bit of sun peeking out over the rooftops on Pearl Street.

My Walk Around Bath

2011-01-11T15:32:00.004-05:00

A beautiful winter's day and I got to go for a little walk around town. Check me out at all these great downtown Bath spots - the Gazebo in City Park, overlooking the Kennebec at Waterfront Park, by the clock at Front and Centre Streets and in the newest store downtown - the Winter's Gone Alpaca Store! They did make quite a fuss over me.

Exploring the Peninsulas

2011-01-05T16:03:00.003-05:00

Maine is such a great place to explore and for Amy and Mark this happens in the off season since there just is no time in the summer and fall. Yesterday they took a trip down one of the peninsulas which, in this case, is a series of islands connected by bridges. First is Great Island, then Orr Island and then Bailey Island. To get to Bailey Island you pass over the Cribbstone Bridge which was recently renovated this past summer. It is much smoother now but still narrow enough that is makes you think you will brush the car coming in the opposite direction. At the end of Bailey Island is Lands End and the Giant Steps. It was quite cold out but a little walk was in order and the ocean is beautiful no matter what the season. As in a lot of places along the Maine coast, they saw lobstermen working despite the cold and Amy and Mark took a little time to act silly and enjoy the great day. Pictures are posted on our B&B Facebook page and I have added a couple here for you to see.

The Winning Recipe

2010-12-23T13:06:00.003-05:00

Last month, the Benjamin F. Packard House B&B sponsored the Dreamland Theater movies here in Bath. At each of the two movies shown, there was a drawing to win one of our famous baked goods. The first winner has yet the claim his prize, but the couple who won at the second movie are picking up their winnings today. Each winner gets to pick from a choice of three baked goods. Being that the second couple is vegan, Amy needed to make some adjustments to the choices to meet their dietary needs but she found three good recipes and they chose the Pumpkin Pecan Braided Bread. It turned out wonderful and the house smells of toasted pecans and cinnamon. Luckily, it is a big recipe and makes two loaves so hopefully there will be some leftovers for my breakfast tomorrow.

Family Traditions

2010-12-21T09:36:00.006-05:00

Mark, Amy and I are far away from family (it is a 11 hour drive) but they like to keep the family traditions alive especially at the holidays. Just the other night they went into downtown Bath for open house night and looked at all the wonderful lights and decorated shop windows then out for pizza at The Cabin. When Amy was a little girl, her whole family would go look at the store windows in downtown Erie, PA and then for pizza at Luigi's. This year they created a Maine version of that family tradition. Another yearly event is how Amy, Mark and I spend Christmas Day. Even when we lived in PA, Christmas Day was for the 3 of us. We stay in our pajamas all day (if guests are here they do dress to serve breakfast and then get back in the pj's for the rest of the day) and watch old holiday movies. Christmas dinner is always special (lamb this year!) and they always make sure I get a little. The one big tradition that Amy learned when she was just a little tyke is giving back during the holiday season. Whether it is sponsoring a family in need with gifts for Christmas morning (something her family back in PA still does every year), dropping toys in Santa's bag in Bath or, this year, baking cookies to bag up and distribute at a local food pantry, it brings them such joy to give to others. Now I just need to think of another way to give back besides barking a Merry Christmas at everyone who walks by the house!

Christmas Decorating

2010-12-11T13:23:00.006-05:00

The Christmas decorating is all done. Amy put the finishing touches on it this morning and from my perspective it looks great. We have 4 trees downstairs, one in each of the common rooms and each have their own theme; green and gold in the dining room, silver and white in the parlor, Santa in the gathering room and snowmen in the library. There are lots of little touches too, things Amy and Mark have collected over the years - it definitely is very festive. Add the warm, crackling fire in the fireplace, some Christmas carols and settle in for the season. Now Amy is working on decorations for Sagadahoc Preservations Solstice Celebration on the 18th. In keeping with Solstice traditions, she is doing a very natural theme in silver and white to reflect the colors of winter. There will be white lights and silver stars in the "sky", swags with "snowballs", large displays of greens and birds nest symbolizing new life as the centerpieces on the cocktail tables. From what I hear, this is always a fun party and gives people a break from all the holiday rush. Unfortunately, no dogs allowed but maybe someday that will change. Until then, I will enjoy the decorations at home while I curl up in front of this fire.

A New Pet Store in Town

2010-12-01T13:15:00.004-05:00

Downtown Bath is always fun to visit when Amy and Mark take me for a walk. I get to look in all the store windows but rarely do I get to go in. Once in a while they take me in the bank or the library but only if it is going to be quick. I get a bit excited with all the attention and these places allow well behaved dogs only. But now things are different. There is a store downtown just for me - Wags and Whiskers! We walked down on Sunday so I could check it out. Unfortunately we missed the visit and pictures with Santa but I did buy myself (okay, I had to borrow money from Amy) a cool ball to play with. I posted a picture of me at the store so you can see how happy I am. They have all sorts of great stuff and I saw those chicken treats that I get once in a while at home so I am thinking they have been shopping at Wags and Whiskers without me. Anyway, when you're in Bath, check it out. It is a great place to buy your best friend a suprise for when you get back home.

It is the quiet season

2010-11-20T15:49:00.004-05:00

The quiet or off season has started. Last weekend was our last big weekend of having a no vacancy and now things have definitely quieted down. You would think I would have more time to blog then but I have been working hard helping Amy and Mark get the gardens to bed for the winter and cleaning up all the leaves. You would think that with only two small birch trees on the property there would not be too many leaves but with neighbors' trees and wind there are always plently to rake and bag. Most of the patio furniture has been stored away so more room for me to run around and with it being cool out - I kinda enjoy having the patio to myself. If the outside is looking a little bare, the inside is in full bloom. The Christmas cactus is flowering (a little early but it has never really bloomed at Christmas time) and Amy is experimenting with bringing herbs in over the winter. So far so good but may have to move them so they can have more sunlight during the day. We are all adjusting to the time change and the fact it starts getting dark here around 3:30-4:00 p.m. but that is what candles are for - create a warm glow inside. Just the time of day to take a break and curl up with a good book or, for me, a comfy nap.

The Big Fall Weekend

2010-10-07T12:46:00.006-04:00

Well the big fall weekend is here - Columbus Day. There is a lot going on in Bath this weekend with Autumnfest. There will be a great Maine made craft show, the Farmers' Market, Citizens' Involvement Day, music, scarecrow making and lots more all happening downtown on Saturday. The weather looks like it is going to cooperate so there should be a good turnout. The Columbus Day weekend also marks the end of the season for two favorite eating places - Fat Boys Drive In and their unbelievable frappes (we called them milkshakes back in PA) and Five Islands and that wonderful lobster. Yes, we still have lobster year round but there is nothing like sitting on the dock at Five Islands and scarfing down a lobster and onion rings. I guess being open only on a seasonal basis gives us all something to look forward to through the winter and mud season. Our cool little city of Bath, of course, does not shut down and we are a year round town. There are lots of things still going on throughout the fall and before we know it all the activities for An Old Fashioned Christmas in Bath will be gearing up. So don't put away those thoughts of a getaway to Maine just yet - we are here, we are open and I am waiting to greet you when you arrive.

Yeah the dog sitter's coming!

2010-09-28T08:01:00.004-04:00

Many guests ask Amy and Mark what they do to get away and how that happens since they have a B&B to run. Well, they are actually leaving for a couple days - my cousin (their neice) is getting married this weekend so they are off to Ohio. So what happens here while they are gone? Well, I get spoiled rotten by the dog sitter, Cindy, who comes and spends the weekend with me and the B&B is closed for a couple days. Yes, there are inn sitters out there but Amy and Mark are a bit picky about how things are done around here so to save them undue stress worrying about what is happening back at the homestead while they are away, it is just easier to close down. They get a nice break after a busy summer season and before all the leave peepers hit town for the fall, and I get Cindy. She is an awesome dog sitter -she spoils me rotten (not like that doesn't happen on a daily basis)and also takes good care me with feedings, fresh water and lots of play. So as much as I miss them when they are away, I know I will be well taken care and they will be back soon!

She loves her Orbiter

2010-09-24T15:24:00.005-04:00

Owning a bed and breakfast is a lot of work. Having me as a pet, I hate to say it, just adds more work on top of that. I do not shed a lot but I have a tendency to bring in half the outdoors with me - leaves in the fall, mulch in the spring, wet paw marks, dirt from under my favorite tree - and all this does not make Amy happy or make the kitchen floor look too good. But she had found a solution and she loves it - The Oreck Orbiter. This machine washes the kitchen floor, the hardwood floors in the rest of the house and the carpet in our living quarters. It is so easy to use - on the kitchen floor she just sprays a little hot water mixed with a little Meyer's all purpose cleaner and then the machine does the rest. The carpet gets a dry shampoo so no waiting for it to dry and it is not harmful to pets (that's the most important part). The cleaning really never ends with me around but at least Amy has found a way to make life a little easier. If you want to find out more, they are online at http://www.oreck.com/Orbiter-Multi-Purpose-Floor-Machine

We keep getting greener

2010-09-11T16:04:00.003-04:00

We work hard at our B&B to be as "green" as we can. We compost, use environmentally friendly cleaners, use energy saving light bulbs and take our reusable bags when we shop. This season we have added two more "green" initiatives - in room recycling containers for each of the guests rooms and environmentally friendly amenities. Our new amenities are all enriched with organic aloe vera, require minimal packaging and the bottles are fully biodegradable - plus they smell and work great! Our guests have been commenting on them since we made the switch and all of the feedback has been positive. The guest room recycling baskets have also received attention from the guests who appreciate, not just the fact we recycle, but we make it easy and convenient for them to do so. Amy always says that innkeeping is all in the details - and these are just two small details we have made a part of our bed and breakfast to make the guests' experience more comfortable and to make the world a little greener.

Black Eyed Susans

2010-09-03T16:36:00.003-04:00

It has been hot and dry in Maine but the Black Eyed Susans are taking over the garden and thriving despite the heat. Amy has them planted in all of her gardens and loves using them for cut flowers on the dining room tables, in the guests' room bouquets and in vases in the common rooms. It is a fitting tribute to her grandmother, Nana, who, I am told, always had a bouquet of Black Eyed Susans on her kitchen table during the summer months.

Dog Days in Bath

2010-08-22T14:54:00.004-04:00

Today was the first Dog Days in downtown Bath and I got to go! Merchants set up booths along Front Street selling all sorts of cool pet stuff and many of them were also giving out treats. Of course, picky me, didn't accept anything (I do love my peanut butter biscuits which I get every night). I did gets lots of attention and made lots of noise so the other dogs would know that I was there. I hope Bath does another Dog Days - it was lots of fun for me.

Blueberry Gateau

2010-08-16T16:04:00.002-04:00

As promised by Amy, I am posting the Blueberry Gateau recipe. The guests this morning loved it! I, of course, enjoyed this morning's bacon more than the gateau but everyone has their breakfast favorites. This recipe has been written up in the Washington Post, Detroit Free Press and the Sarasota Times! Enjoy!

Benjamin F. Packard House B&B
Blueberry Gateau

1 Cup plus 1 t flour
1 t baking powder
½ t salt
1 stick of butter (4 ounces), softened
1 Cup sugar
¼ t vanilla
2 large eggs
2 Cups blueberries, rinsed and drained or thawed and drained if frozen
1 t lemon juice

Preheat oven to 350.

Lightly grease a 9 inch springform pan or cake pan with cooking spray and dust with flour. If using a cake pan line the bottom with parchment paper before spraying and dusting.

In a small bowl, combine 1 Cup flour with the baking powder and salt, set aside.

Using an electric mixer on medium to high speed, combine the sugar, vanilla and butter until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time and continue beating until well blended. Reduce the speed to low and gradually add the flour mixture. Beat until smooth. Pour batter into prepared pan.

In a medium bowl, combine the berries with the remaining 1 teaspoon of flour and the lemon juice. Spoon the berry mixture over the batter.

Bake for 1 hour or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cake cool in pan for 10 minutes. If using springform pan, run knife around edges of the cake to release before you remove sides. If using cake pan, slide thin knife around edge and invert onto cake rack. Transfer to platter berry side up.

Hot, Humid and Happy

2010-07-19T08:39:00.003-04:00

Well it has been hot and humid here in Maine which is a bit unusual since this type of weather usually doesn't last this long. Despite this weather, I have been happy -lots of guests fussing over me and long afternoons of being lazy under the pine tree on the patio. This is our busy time of year, beginning in July and through the end of October so Amy and Mark are in the thick of it but enjoying the new people passing through and the guests who return year after year. We just had a nice young couple return for their second anniversary after spending their honeymoon here! A nice sweet deal for returning guests is the 10% off Amy and Mark give them on the room rate. My patio has been busy with guests enjoying tea in the afternoons and sitting out in the evenings when it cools down to listen to the quietness and relax after dinner at one of Bath's great restaurants. Our B&B is truly a relaxing getaway whether you are staying for one night or for a week - a nice calm port in the middle of the vacation whirlwind.

Happy Anniversary

2010-07-01T09:17:00.003-04:00

The three of us cannot believe it - it has been 5 years to the day since we opened the doors of the Benjamin F. Packard House Bed and Breakfast. From those frantic six weeks we had to get the place ready to open with buying furniture, bedding, decorating and planning to our first guests (I'll never forget them Amy let them bring their little dog in for the night) to updating bathrooms and other off season projects and finally to all the great guests who have graced our doorstep in the last five years - it has been wonderful. Besides the business, living in Bath has just enhanced the last 5 years. This is a fabulous "little city" to live in. Our neighbors and friends are great, the downtown is vibrant and there is always something happening. This weekend is the big Heritage Days Celebration with a craft fair, chowder/chili cook off, boat parade, carnival, live music and, my favorite, the 4th of July parade. Amy and Mark usually take me along and I am quite the hit with parade watchers - maybe someday they will actually ask me to be in the parade! Of course, there will be fireworks too - but I stay home for those. You could say I am not a fan of the fireworks. So Happy Anniversay to us and to all our past guests, our family and great friends who have supported us and helped make this all possible.

It is the waiting that is hardest

2010-06-11T15:33:00.003-04:00

People ask all the time about what it is like to be an innkeeper. Amy and Mark tell them how it is a lifestyle not just a job and it is not for everyone. All three of us love it - meeting new people, hearing about other people's travels, telling people about Bath and what a cool little city we live in, and of course, all the attention I get. The hardest thing about innkeeping is the waiting... waiting for guests to arrive, waiting for guests to come down to breakfast (for me personally waiting until they are done with breakfast to see it any leftovers will make it in to my dish)and on nights when we are not full, waiting to see if we will get guests who have not booked ahead. Good thing we have a comfortable place to wait! Here I am sitting by the garden gate waiting for guests (or anyone else who stops by to say hello)!

Afternoon tea is served

2010-06-02T15:09:00.005-04:00

At our B&B we try to do everything possible to make our guests feel welcomed and relaxed. Everyday at 4;30 p.m., tea is served for the guests. When the weather is warm and sunny, tea is served on the patio. Guests can relax on the comfy furniture and soak up the sun and the beauty of the gardens. Hot tea is served with a variety of ever changing goodies - maybe brownies today and Mexican wedding cookies or fresh herb scones and jam, local cheese with fresh fruit - whatever strikes Amy's fancy. If tea is not your thing, she will gladly get you a glass of lemonade or maybe a complimentary glass of wine to go with that local cheese. Most people do not take the time to stop, relax and treat themselves, but at the Benjamin F. Packard House we believe they should. So come for a stay and spoil yourself a little - you will be glad you did!

Perfect Day for Baking Bread

2010-05-19T19:26:00.004-04:00

Today was chilly and rainy - I hate going outside in this kind of weather - but it was the perfect day for baking bread. Amy bakes all the bread that is served to our guests. She makes wonderful cinnamon bread which she slices thick and makes into french toast or an English muffin bread that she toasts and serves topped with ham, poached eggs and cheese and a classic wheat bread which goes great with the frittatas. She makes many different kinds and is always trying new ones or adapting old recipes but today she made my favorite - Italian bread. Being of Italian heritage, of course, I love this one. For Amy, who used to work in the Little Italy section of Erie, PA, it is a reminder of the smell of baking bread early in the mornings which filled the air and enticed her to buy bread for her breakfast. She has finally settled on a recipe that reminds her of that bread from Erie's Little Italy and our B&B was full of that delicious smell today. It is quite a long process with all that rising time but well worth the waiting. I took some pics throughout the day so you can see the product from beginning to end. Too bad I can't send a taste through the blog - it came out perfect!

The Best Granola

2010-05-18T08:03:00.002-04:00

Every morning when we have guests I help Amy and Mark get breakfast. They always put out a buffet with the items for the continental option and this always includes the Packard House Granola. Of course, my contribution to any of this set up is cleaning up anything that falls on the floor, but I can attest to how good the granola is, and if it is any indication, most guests ask for the recipe. Since Amy provides the recipe to any who ask, I am not breaking any secrets here by posting it. It keeps in the freezer and you can just take out what you want so it last a long time. Enjoy!

Packard House Granola

3 cups rolled fashioned oats
1 cup wheat or spelt flakes
1 cup sunflower seeds, raw
1 cup sliced almonds
1 cup oat bran
¾ cup canola oil
½ cup pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup soy protein powder (optional)
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup packed brown sugar
1 cup pumpkin seeds

Combine oats, wheat flakes, oat bran, sunflower seeds, and almonds in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly; use your hands if necessary.

In a separate bowl, combine the canola oil, maple syrup and vanilla mixing well. Pour over the dry ingredients and mix making sure it is well coated.

Stir in protein powder and salt and mix thoroughly.

Bake at 325 degrees on a 13x18 inch baking tray coated with non-stick spray for 35 to 45 minutes, or until golden, stirring once or twice during the baking.

Crumble in the brown sugar as soon as the granola comes out of the oven and sprinkle on the pumpkin seeds, mixing so the sugar begins to melt. Cool it on the tray.

Store in a tightly sealed container in the freezer for maximum freshness.

2010-05-07T13:47:00.003-04:00

Amy and Mark finally got the new garden ready for planting. Last Sunday, Mark turned over all the sod, then on Tuesday he rented a rotatiller and they both worked hard tilling the soil and removing the big clumps of sod, raking, tilling some more and more raking. The finished garden looked great to me - lots of place to dig. Of course they won't let me any where near it. Looking forward to the Bath Garden Club's Annual plant sale on Saturday, May 15th so they can fill the garden up with perennials. It will add nice color to that side of the house but I still think it would be better just to leave it unplanted and leave me in it to dig to my hearts content. Oh well, a dog can dream!

My Day in the Tub

2010-05-02T17:19:00.000-04:00

Not My Best Day

2010-05-02T17:11:00.005-04:00

It was bath day today - and I am not talking about a celebration of where we live but the fact I had to get my yearly bath. Amy and Mark took me to a "do it yourself" place which was having a fundraiser for the local animal shelter. The volunteers washed me (with help from Mark) for a $20 donation. Not a bad deal for them but not great for me. I hate baths! Even more humiliating was Amy taking pictues which I am sure she will post to my blog. Oh the indignities I suffer in order to be a good innkeeping dog.

I LOVE Attention

2010-05-01T11:12:00.003-04:00

What a morning! It is Mayfair in Bath and Amy took me for a walk to Library Park where a lot of nonprofits from Bath were having yard sales. Lots of people so that meant lots of attention for me. I heard Amy and her friends talking that they should sell me! "Pet Lupi for a dollar!" I am all for that plus I would be raising money for a good cause - Sagadahoc Preservation Inc. or SPI. Maybe next year they will really do it and I will just be in heaven.

New Gardens

2010-04-27T15:52:00.003-04:00

You can definitely tell spring is here when Amy and Mark start working outside every chance they have. Sunday was no exception. With the patio garden coming up and pretty much set with perennials, they have started working on the front of the house and creating a new garden on the side by the garage. This will leave less lawn to mow and also create a pretty sight when guests park in the driveway. Sunday was spent ripping out a very stubborn evergreen at the corner of the house by the drive. Between digging, cutting with a chain saw and a regular saw and the strap hooked to the Explorer to pull on the bush it finally came out. For once, Amy and Mark were dirtier than me after playing in the garden. I really should have taken some pictures. They also starting removing some sod for the side garden and I know Amy is much anticipating the Bath Garden Club's plant sale in May. They have decided on some larger trees for the front including a PG Hyderangea and a Weeping Cyprus for the corner. A couple more decisions on plants, lots of digging and hard work and it will be finished. I'll post pictures then - I am sure they will appreciate that more than pictures of dirty innkeepers from the Sunday experience.

Spring Cleaning

2010-04-24T09:51:00.003-04:00

Amy is certainly gearing up for the season with all this spring cleaning - curtains washed and ironed, new bedspreads and quilts purchased and the smell of Murphy's oil soap in the air. Then Mark and Amy even did some spring cleaning on me. I had to sit for 2 hours the other night while they worked on my hair - saying I need to look good for the guests! I was getting a little rumpled looking and did gets lots of positive comments when we took a walk Friday so I guess it was all worth it. But all this means we will be busy, busy, busy soon and I can't wait.

2010-04-15T15:46:00.000-04:00

The season's starting early

2010-04-15T15:41:00.003-04:00

I was on a brief vacation - no I didn't get to go anywhere just Amy and Mark but I did get a cool dog sitter, Cindy, to come and stay with me. She does like to spoil me rotten and I pouted a bit more than I was feeling just so I could get some extra attention. But Amy and Mark are back from their little trip and work has begun again. Although it is only mid April - the patio is back open for the season with the comfy furniture, the tinkling fountain and the garden starting to bloom. I am really trying to not step on the plants coming up but I do love to walk in the garden. I must say it is looking quite good and is a great place for guests to relax, put up their feet and enjoy afternoon tea. I'll try and contain myself and not beg too much for a little tea treat for myself. Hope to see you soon relaxing on our patio.

Forcing Spring

2010-03-26T09:00:00.006-04:00

After many great days of warm weather and the garden beginning to peek through - it has turned cold and gray again today. But Amy has a solution to keep spring alive. She noticed that a branch of her magnolia tree was half broken when she was out on one of the warm days. And no, I did not do it. The tree is out front and I am not allowed out there much since there is traffic. Anyway, she brought the branch in and stuck it in water and now the flowers are beginning to emerge. It is slow but will look great once they bloom. I posted a pic so you can see how far along they are - hopefully it will bloom for Easter - that would make Amy very happy.

The Kitchen is Finished!

2010-03-16T14:21:00.006-04:00

After months of hard work (well not necessarily me doing the work) the kitchen is finished. Yes, there are still the details but overall the big work is done - painting, floor installation - and it looks great. I am happy to report the new floor is just as comfortable for me and my favorite spot to lay in works just as well with the new floor as with the old. I have posted some pictures so you can see the new colors but it is better to visit in person to get the full effect of what has been accomplished. I finally can lay in peace in the new digs but the weather has turned warm and sunny so I am spending much of my time outside on the patio. Lots of big sticks have come down with the last big storm and the wind this past weekend and I am doing my best to help clean them up. I noticed Amy putting fencing in the garden so that must mean plants are beginning to peek through - I can be a bit clumsy and step on them when they are small so she does her best to protect them early in the season. I so do love the garden in the spring to she has her work cut out for her. I'll be out all week in the good weather so I will be posting some signs of spring next.

The Trials of Renovation

2010-03-11T10:30:00.002-05:00

At first I didn't understand why my masters where so frustrated by the kitchen renovation but then the floor went in and now I get it. It is taking much longer than the contracters said and that makes my life a bit uncomfortable. The kitchen and the back stairs are my domain but not for the past week. I have either had to be outside (thank goodness the weather is good) or go with Amy to run errands, go to her part-time job (luckily they like dogs there) - it will be nice to be able to lay of the finished floor and to have all the stuff back where it belongs. They say they will finish today - I am hopeful and will post pictures if this really happens!

The things I put up with to look good!

2010-02-25T10:22:00.003-05:00

What I do for this place! Last night I spent 2 hours getting my dreadlocks done so I can look good for the guests. Granted they were a bit tangled and could use a brushing - but I hate having this done. Mark holds me while Amy works on my hair and I let them know I don't like it by whining the entire time. And they got them done just in time for all this rain. My dreadlocks take a long time to dry so I don't get to stay out too long and when it is coming down this hard I don't like going out at all. Actually, the wind is scarying me a bit so I think I will stick close to Amy and our guests all day. The guests staying in the Packard Room absolutely love me and make such a big fuss everytime they stay - I really look forward to their visits!

What is a welcome?

2010-02-20T17:09:00.002-05:00

After all these years I think I finally figured it out - barking from the upstairs window and at the garden gate is not the "official" welcome Amy and Mark are looking for from me. I wondered why they always were correcting me or bringing me inside from the garden. I think I need to tame it down or have an "official" welcome - cute me, ready to be patted and fussed over - and my own version which involves a lot of barking. I need people to know I am here. And I need to let those other dogs in the neighborhood, especially the ones that walk by, that this is my house and yard! Not that people can really miss me - sometimes they think I am a rug on the patio and then I get up and start moving and scare them a bit. Imagine, someone thinking I am scary. That is pretty unheard of in my world.

Been watching a lot - out the window at the neighborhood happenings (it is pretty quiet) and the t.v. A lot going on there with the Olympics (way to go Maine's Seth Westcott) and the big dog show. Of course, my breed, Bergamasco Sheepdogs, are not accepted by the AKC so we are not allowed to show off at the big event but I do always root for the herding/working dogs. We must stick together.

Back to work -guests arriving so I will try to tone it down.

Make Everyday Romantic

2010-02-12T13:31:00.005-05:00

Even I enjoy a romantic Valentine's Day and I am a cuddler by nature so hopefully some cuddling is on the agenda for this weekend. But any day can be romantic if you just put a little thought into it - you don't have to wait until the calendar falls to February 14th. A little note in a briefcase, doing that daily chore that your significant other always does (like feeding the family pet), or setting a pretty table for dinner can make a big impact and let someone else know you are thinking of him/her. At our B&B my owners work hard to make guests' weekends romantic, especially on Valentine's Day, and they always say it is in the little things, the details. Take this romance basket that comes with the Valentine's Day Package - packed with little things - a romantic CD, traditional candy hearts, a potted miniature rose, champagne glasses and a gift certificate to one of Bath's great restaurants. Nothing over the top - just a few small gifts to add to the stay.

Our B and B Kitchen Remodel

2010-02-09T20:10:00.003-05:00

My owners were very busy today with the continuing remodel of the kitchen. I stayed upstairs in our living quarters away from the noise and dust. I heard the sledge hammer on the tile floor (good thing that is gone it was so slippery when I came in with wet feet) and when I went down for supper it was all gone. Amy got the kitchen almost all painted - just a couple touch ups and the radiator to do plus the last of the cupboard doors to finish. I am loving the new colors and I think guests will too. Of course, this coming weekend they will have to forgive the unfinished floors as the new one will not arrive for a couple weeks at least. Good thing my hair provides good padding to lay on the wood floor boards that will be our floor for the next couple weeks. I've posted some pictures so you can all see the new colors!

I'm Back at Work - Innkeeping!

2010-02-06T09:52:00.002-05:00

I've had to shake off that lazy attitude and get back to work with guests here this weekend. My innkeeping duties never end. Greeting guests is my favorite part of the job; they make such a fuss over me and my dreadlocks. Amy cooked them one of my favorite breakfast this morning - the Packard House version of Croq Madame. She grills homemade English Muffin bread then tops it with warm ham, poached eggs (poached for exactly 3 minutes to make them perfect), fresh grated cheddar cheese and chopped parsley. Unfortunately there were no leftover this morning so I was left out. Sometimes being the innkeeper is tough!

Maine Innkeeping in the Quiet Season

2010-02-03T08:53:00.003-05:00

I am lazy in the quiet season, that time from when all the tourist leave at the end of October until they return in May. Oh there are some guests filtering in and out on the weekends at the B&B but it is much quieter during the winter. My owners, of course, are busy. Amy and Mark try to get all the maintenance done during this time and I am not much help with those things. They are currently painting the kitchen to get ready for the new kitchen floor. I tried helping and now have some paint in my dreadlocks which will probably never come off. The new floor will be nice - I love laying in the kitchen when breakfast is going on - I get lots of attention ("Lupi get out of the way - do you have to lay right in front of the refrigerator?) and you never know when a piece of bacon might be left over and come my way. Amy will be doing some things today to get ready for the big romantic holiday weekend coming up - we'll see if I can offer her some help with that or maybe I'll just curl up in front of my window on my comfy bed and dream of the coming season when everyone will be making a big fuss over me!