Owner: Innside Innkeeping in Montana URL:http://fishcreekhouse.blogspot.com Join Date: Sat, 10 Nov 2007 20:07:09 -0600 Rating:0 Site Description: Journal of running an inn in Montana. Horsekeeping, housekeeping and of course some recipes. Come on inn! Site statistics:Click here
A Long Ways from Long Island- 2008-03-04 21:25:00 Oh deer... we're a long way from Long Island
.. When I was a little girl we lived in a suburb of NY . The parental units would take us every summer to a country hotel complete with wrap around porch and tons of acreage in upstate New York.. The Pine Hill Arms where all the guests knew each other and it was more like an annual family reunion. I've lived on or near Long-guy-land a good portion of my life (with stops along the way on the "left" t coast) until d moved to to the" last best place" aka Montana 3 years ago t o live out my Pine Hill dream of the bed and breakfast. am often in awe that by the grace of G-d, I've realized my childhood dream of moving to Montana and opening up a bed and breakfast, where folks can come enjoy, relax and be at home away from home. Having had worked in
Kindling Kindness 2008-03-03 12:03:00 One kind word can warm three winter months."Author:Japanese Proverb Winter wont exist gracefully it seems. Tis about 30 degrees with wind. I am very ready for spring here . I did ride though Picken who has just recently come off the "injured reserve" list. Riding out solo in the wind, she had a "mare moment" or would htat be several mare moments where she got anxious, nervous, whinnying a bit.. Got her feet moving, firmly but kindly reminded her of her "contract" :) and she settled down. Love, compassion, kindness, joy, friendship , honesty came to mind to my mind be it with our horses or humans as it were. It's the beacon of Christianity. I can honestly say however that I am a huge hypocrite. Can someone honestly not get mad at the person that cut them off on the freeway? Can a person co Read more:Kindness
Running Free 2008-02-25 17:55:00 Ah G-d's creatures . I love to see them while I am running. They are mysterious and bashful,wild and proud. Sometimes I 'll just stop and watch them play with each other. They seemed to share a special bond. I always felt a bit afraid for Manker dog at first , but they were big enough not to ever be threatened. Their whinnies are oddly comforting. This picture takes me back to a time in my life when life was a little less crazy and a tad bit more wild, with few responsibilities. Sometimes I think that I am like this horse, running with a wild streak in me, forever young and forever free.
I'm Singin' in the Barn 2008-02-23 18:31:00 Yesterday as I was tacking up GaZi for a ride , I started singing to take my mind off the little bit of pre-ride anxiety I tend to get. (What side of the corral did he wake up on anyway)? It seemed to me that as long as there is oxygen flowing to the muscles in my legs, there is really no reason why I would have to stop. The song of choice invariably is a combination of prayer and the never ending desire to control the mind. . Of course, this comes back to my why. There is no reason that I had to ride right then. To get more in shape? For a disciplined mind? I’m already pretty disciplined. To challenge myself? ? Well, that’s a good motivation, but it’s not like I would die if I didn’t do it or something I've found it's sometimes what I 've dubbed my "profile in courage". Can I brav Read more:Singin
She's Gone Country 2008-02-18 09:38:00 Makin' the move to Montana... we done gone country and as they say "praise the L-rd and pass the ammunition".. Thank G-d we did While I was initially reluctant to "virtually" re-build our inn from afar, my gut instinct on our builder and his crew were spot on... Trustworthy, dependable and way fun to be around. A good omen. We devised the monthly very left coast to -Montana drive tour... First we broke it down into two days, and finally got the world and Olympic record for doing it in 14 hours. But I digress. On these drives I recall thinking how different , almost "foreign" these farm landscapes and the life was to me. What in heck were all these cars, trucks, tractors and storage stuff on that piece of land? But I've come to find out that the landscapes are a language all their own a It Read more:Country
The Sweet Smell of Success 2008-02-18 08:37:00 To laugh often and much;To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.This is to have succeeded.- Bessie Stanley We’re all looking to succeed, in our own individual ways, and we’re all looking for nuggets of wisdom to pave the way. .We wake up every morning in search of those "ahas".. Sometimes optimistic little catch-phrases work; other times, a new insight or conversation sparks that day’s adventure.And it is an adventure. That’s why we’re out there figh Read more:Success
, Smell
, Sweet
B&B Barnstormin 2008-02-15 11:49:00 What does not kill me, makes me stronger.Friedrich Nietzsche, Twilight of the Idols, 1888German philosopher (1844 - 1900)I thought of this quote this morning as I slowly made my way out from under the covers attempting to arise and shine with minimal pain induced in the arm. Simple things that you do without thinking now require scheduling on my Ical. I 'n the quest to find ways of doing things that will cause the least amount of screaming, I find myself vascillating between "what an unprecedented opportunity for creativity " to down right frustration and tears.Dan went down to get the horses today since it's still pretty icy (though warm) while I managed a comfort food breakfast of Blueberry Buckwheat Pancakes - easy on the arm. - Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. courte
An Innkeeper's Valentine 's Day Wisdom 2008-02-14 10:16:00 Dust if you must.But wouldn’t it be better to paint a picture,or write a letter, bake a cake, or plant a seed. Ponder the difference between want and need. Dust if you must.But there is not much time,with rivers to swim and mountains to climb! Music to hear, and books to read,friends to cherish and life to lead. Dust if you must.But the world’s out there with the sun in your eyes,the wind in your hair, a flutter of snow, a shower of rain. This day will not come round again. Dust if you must.But bear in mind, old age will comeand it’s not kind. And when you go, and go you must,you, yourself, will make more dust. Remember, a house becomes a homewhen you can write “I love you” on the furniture. Here's wishing you are loved Read more:Valentine
, Wisdom
A Kingdom for My Horse 2008-02-10 09:27:00 "A horse gallops with his lungs,Perseveres with his heart,And wins with his character."- TesioHow often do I run into obstacles?How does competition affect my strategy?How often do I get discouragedWhat makes you give up?How bad do you want it? Read more:Horse
, Kingdom
Valentine Values 2008-02-08 08:32:00 I'm growing older but not upMy metabolic rate is pleasantly stuckLet those winds of time blow over my headI'd rather die while I'm living than live while I'm dead- Growing Older but Not Up - Jimmy Buffet I think far too many people don’t celebrate life; myself included. I tend to be to be the person who never used their good dishes unless it was some super duper special occasion. Never broke open the good bottle of wine I bought. Always thought I would be happier if I had more money, better car,blah blah.. Waiting for the proverbial "someday"... Since we've replanted here in Montana, I can see myself switching. I still don’t use my good dishes every day but far more than the average person. I mean they are just too pretty to not! This PBS aired Frontier House had a huge influence Read more:Valentine
, Values
Horse Tails-PUB 2008-02-05 11:26:00 "I get up every morning determined to both change the world and to have one hell of a good time.Sometimes this makes planning the day difficult" -E.B. White If you want to watch G-d laugh, have a plan... especially with your horses. They dont know from schedules... all their is is now... Another great lesson they teach me. I think G-d teaches great lessons through his animal kingdom I like quotes, phrases and mottos, because they can contain wisdom and lessons in a few words. . They're no good unless you share them. Which brings me to another in my sometime series. The 10 Commandments from the spirit of Horse
s1. Thou shalt trot a mile in your fellow man's hooves. If you treat everyone you meet as if they are hurting in some way, you'll be right most of the time.2. Thou shalt remember: y Read more:Tails
This Spud's for You 2008-02-01 12:10:00 he U.N. has officially declared 2008 "The International Year of the Potato." According to the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization, the world will need to increase food production by about 60 percent to meet the needs of the growing population. And the potato can help in this fight against hunger and poverty. The potato is nutritious, offering many vitamins and fiber, yet they contain no fat, cholesterol or sodium. Potatoes also have the highest protein content of any root vegetable. Thw International Year of the Potato aims to raise the profile of the potato, promoting its production and consumption, with hopes of increasing food security around the world. IYP also hopes to focus attention on protecting potato diversity and creating solutions for sustaining farming networks, as family f
It Takes Strength to Take a Risk 2008-01-29 08:52:00 Trust me I'm going somewhere with this.I saw this creature enroute to town today after my ride on Great Picken. What strength he displayed out there solo without a buddy in sight. Even more so, since horses are very much herd animals, truly exemplifying risk and courage in his world. Never know when a predator will come up behind him and eat him.Courage is like a muscle. Just as you wouldn’t run 10 miles your first week out - you don’t have to begin building courage by running the NY 'Thon . (Though, it'd be the safe and scenic way to see the 5 boroughs.) People often think that courage has to be big. Like sky-diving- which i've done, When you set your stake that high, then you never have to approach it. You simply get to say, “Hmm, I must be a chicken.” I'm talking about
A Creature of Habit 2008-01-22 08:32:00 Its cold and its getting colderIts gray and white and winter all aroundAnd oh I must be getting olderAll this snow is trying to get me down Theres a fire in the corner slowly dyinSometimes I just dont feel like goin onAnd yet I know its more than worth the waitingFor another chance to see the summer sun Come on, shine on me!- John Denver I confess.. I'm a creature of habit. A certain amount of routine focuses me and keeps me on purpose. Being an innkeeper .. it's a different experience each day which I love (otherwise i'd go nuts), I find a routine within that dichotomy though works and helps keep my head above water. And here where temps are a brisk -15 and snow, John Denver's lyrics keep runnin' through my heard. But press on regarless is part and parcel of what energizes me and are the Read more:Habit
, Creature
GaZi Makes Hay 2008-01-21 09:23:00 I was thinking about how fast time goes by, we're a little more than two weeks into 2008 ; so how many of those news years resolutions are still in play? And suddenly, there he was, GaZi-man, dipping his hay in his water bucket. "Hey," I said with exasperation. "Why do you do that"? "Hay," he said. "I like it wet and soggy and dripping and messy. And it turns the water green. I like that." "You don't like that," I countered. "You just do it to irritate me." At just that moment this bright idea hit me. "I want you to make a New Year's resolution that you won't soak your hay in your water bucket any more." "Why would I want anything to do with a revolution?" Gazi questioned. "Not revolution; a resolution. A resolution is a decision to a future action. Such as," I explained, "resolving not
Timeless Trees 2008-01-20 17:46:00 We renovated or log home on some property that is densely wooded. The trees are mature trees and most of them are very tall. When the wind blows, you can see and hear the trees sway. The most gigantic ones have huge roots since they are right down by Fish Creek which flows peacefully through our place. It's a place of serenity, the space of grace. In a recent sermon, our rabbi used the analogy of the strength of trees and their deep roots in how we should be firmly planted in our faith. Watching these trees through the changing seasons has reminded me of a few truths. The Lord built a lot of flexibility in to those trees. The reason that they don't break is because they are flexible. We must be flexible with the storms and changes of life, too. It's best to bend 'cause if we dont, well th Read more:Trees
, Timeless
Opportunity Comes Knocking 2008-01-17 19:22:00 Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. Christopher Robin to Pooh A. A. Milne quotes Winters in Montana call for resiliency, in constitution and bodyStatements about resiliency: Resiliency is about who you are while stress management is about what you do.Resiliency occurs on a continuum (it's not an either/or proposition).Resiliency is related to a person's overall growth and development.Our level of resiliency (at that moment) is evident in how we respond to a stressor.Resiliency grows through healthy resonses to stressors.So, how we handle the storm not only reveals our current level of resiliency, it also can build it upEvery problem/challenge is really an opportunity in worth clothesI once had a boss w Read more:Opportunity
Clean Cleaning Up 2008-01-10 09:59:00 In the kitchen, that is. A subject near and dear to your intrepid innkeeper's heart. thirteen of 'emCoffee StainsTo remove a coffee stain from fabric or a rug, try one of these methods:* Dip a white cloth into a beaten egg yolk and rub the yolk into the stain. Then rinse with clear water.* Work denatured alcohol into the stain, then rinse with water.* Apply a solution of 1/2 teaspoon mild detergent in a pint of water. Blot with a white towel. If the stain remains, apply a 50-50 solution of water and white vinegar and blot.Clean
ing.htm">Cleaning
Kitchen CountertopsUse a mild dishwashing liquid for plastic lamination and rinse well afterwards to prevent residue from getting on food.Cleaning Vinyl FloorsMop with a mild detergent and wait awhile to allow it to penetrate the ground-in dirt. Don't mix cle
The Circle of Life 2008-01-05 12:24:00 I'm constantly amazed how things suddenly come to you, generally in the oddest of places. I know mine come to me a lot when I am riding or running .., and I think “aha... a G-dincidence. !” I get all excited and can’t wait until the later hours come when I can sit down a write my little heart away. But often times the almost perfectly synced words that came so easily in my head hours before, are sunk down, back in in the recesses of my brain But the theme of the circle of life is clear as day Like with Picken... we took her to see tthe "great and powerful" Sid, a well known vet in this state. Normally a quiet odd sort, we seem to get on just fine, joking and giving me the scoop on what exactly he's doing in his equine balancing procedure. I feel so much better that Picken's energy c Read more:Circle
Unlocking Keys to Innkeeping 2008-01-04 11:00:00 As 2007 ends, reflecting on our bed and breakfast business; things that went well, things that could have been let's say handled differently to make a better new year for our guests upcoming. Without further adue:Most folks select B&B for a special occasion getaway. They are looking for romance, luxury, elegance, relaxation, and comfort, in an environment that promises to provide all those things and more.Gracious hospitality, feeling like you're at home; without having to do the dishes! Although most innkeepers have only a tiny fraction of the branding budgets of the big guys, many of the principles are the same when it comes to branding your Internet presence: Key 1. Use the KISS technique (Keep it Simple, Stupid). Most bookings now occur thru the Internet . A key website should b Read more:Unlocking
Bloom Where You're Planted 2008-01-02 17:14:00 Ralph Waldo Emerson said: "For everything you have missed, you have gained something else." I love this quote and imagine this idea synonymous with my mother's favorite saying, "Bloom
where you're planted." This has become her token saying and usual answer to my constant query: "How will I know if I am following the perfect path for me?"Perfect seeds to plant this holiday season.1. It's not what happens to you but how you perceive it that determines how you will deal with the situation.2. Behind every difficult person you meet, there's a lesson to be learned.3. Rather than saying, "Why is this happening to me, you say, "What can I learn from this?"4. Trust that everything in life is temporary and that going through different cycles is part of the process. Translation: Life will get better
Merrious from Montana 2007-12-27 09:25:00 Christmas is a time for Love; a time for Joy and Peace;A time to trim the Christmas Tree and a time to stuff the geese.It's a time when we can come together, however far or near;To shed a little hope into a world of sorrow and fear. Yet Christmas could be all year 'round, if only we would tryTo gently wipe an old man's brow or soothe a baby's cry.If we could smile throughout the year as we do on Christmas Day;Just think what happiness we'd shed along life's way. To give a gift of Hope to one who otherwise has none;To be a Friend to somebody whom everyone else has shun.To be Forgiving of our faults, and of our sisters and our brothers;To Live in Peace and Harmony with ourselves and with each other. Ah, don't you see that Christmas is m Read more:Montana
A Doggone Good Holiday to You 2007-12-23 21:20:00 If you think the holidays are a whirlwind time for you, just imagine how confusing this time can be for your pets. Our four-legged friends may also be overwhelmed by all the new decorations to investigate, smells to figure out and extra people coming and going. They can also pick up on the anxiety of family members. If you're stressed, your pet might be, too. When planning your holiday festivities this year, keep a few things in mind to keep your pets healthy, happy and safe. Foods are probably one of the most tempting things to your pets. Their noses are highly sensitive and can smell the holiday goodies from the other end of the house. Turkey and other poultry bones are dangerous choking hazards and the fatty drippings are much too rich for them. Uncooked yeast bread dough can cause a si Read more:Holiday
Giving Gifts.. Just BeCause 2007-12-20 09:00:00 Just beCause ... and Just in Time .. because it's a good cause.. some great last minute gifts that'll really spread good cheer. Git 'r done online in the name of a family member or friend and you'll still have time to print an email receipt and put it under the tree. • UNICEF's Gift of Life - UNICEF works to help the millions of children are malnourished because deadly droughts have decimated already thin food supplies, particularly in the Horn of Africa. Malnourishment and unclean water contribute to nearly half of all child deaths each year. UNICEF provides clean drinking water and nutritional supplements . $15-$100 can provide hundreds of oral hydration salt sachets and high-energy biscuits and other food to children who need it most. Give Just BeCause • America's Second Harvest - A Read more:Gifts
, Giving
The Best Things in Life Cant be Found at the Mall 2007-12-15 07:57:00 Several months ago, as my husband and I were turning out of a parking lot in Butte, a bumper sticker on the car in front of us caught my attention. On the fender of the car just ahead was the slogan, "The Best things in Life Aren't Things." Food for thought this holiday season It's true, I thought-and worth bearing in mind. The most valuable "things" in life are the intangibles. At its deepest core, life isn't about what we acquire and own. It's is a spiritual exercise rooted in virtue, principle, spirit, faith, community and emotion. Life is a loving collaboration among family, friends But, in today's consumer culture, in which advertisers tell us that "diamonds are a girl's best friend," and mall signs proclaim that "happiness is just a matter of finding the right st
Purim Power 2008-03-11 08:53:00 During Purim
, Jews celebrate the bravery of Queen Esther with good cheer and lots of food. Works for me. This year the four-day Jewish festival of Purim or the Feast of Lots falls on 20-24 March, 2008, The Festival of Purim celebrates the story of Esther (also known as Hadassah), as related in the Book of Esther (or the Megillah). The story is set at a time when the Jews had returned from Babylonian captivity and built the Second Temple in Jerusalem, and lived under Persian Rule. The ruling King is called Ahashverosh .When Ahashverosh is presented with the virgin Esther, he is so struck by her beauty that he appoints her his Queen. In the meantime the wicked vizier, Haman, advises the King to annihilate all the Jews in the empire. By seeming coincidences, Esther saves her people by gainin
Making it in Montana 2008-03-07 08:50:00 When I was a little girl and we lived in a suburb of NY , our parents took us every summer to a country hotel complete with wrap around porch and tons of acreage in upstate New York.. The Pine Hill Arms where all the guests knew each other and it was more like an annual family reunion. Located inthe Adirondack Mountains... there were tons of hiking trails and a river flowed through the property. They had the quintessential fountain shop Duddy's, where we'd go for our mid-afternoon chocolate shake and where my love for Lindt chocolate was born. The combination of the owners, other guests, the good ol' fashioned German food, I think reminded daddy of a gentler time; a life he once knew. I loved the trees and the quiet. I loved swinging on grapevines over the river and learning to skip rocks Read more:Montana
Running Free 2008-03-14 17:55:00 Ah G-d's creatures . I love to see them while I am running. They are mysterious and bashful,wild and proud. Sometimes I 'll just stop and watch them play with each other. They seemed to share a special bond. I always felt a bit afraid for Manker dog at first , but they were big enough not to ever be threatened. Their whinnies are oddly comforting. This picture takes me back to a time in my life when life was a little less crazy and a tad bit more wild, with few responsibilities. Sometimes I think that I am like this horse, running with a wild streak in me, forever young and forever free.
Customer "No" Service 2008-03-15 09:05:00 As an innkeeper, customer service is our lifeline. You never get a second chance to make a first impression Regardless of your business. it's the customer silly. So I 'm hyper sensitive when I come across someone specializing in customer "no" service..Questions you want to ask the person who repeatedly — and boy do I mean repeatedly — keeps either delaying the completion date of your barn or keeps giving you the same pat answer... "read the fitting guide" til it sounds like a broken record? 1. Was it something I said?2. Am I too nice?3. Am I not nice enough?4. Do I remind you of someone you hated as a child?5. Do I talk too fast?6 Are you just not as smart as you look?7. Is your tape measure all-metric? That would explain quite a bit.8 . Are you on medications that make it difficult Read more:Customer
, Service
Friday Fixings at Fish Creek 2008-03-20 19:50:00 Friday's are shaping up to be a fun type frenzy here. I guess it's all how I hold it.. some days it's easier. Here's how I got there. Besides, Shabbat, Fridays invevitably mean last minute cleaning for weekend guests... amen another full house of shooting clinic guests with final menu selections and preparation. Add that to the other ranching type chores, horsekeeping and it's a gig. But I wouldnt have it any other way. Even the most accomplished and well organized cooks sometimes go to the cupboard and find that whatever they needed desperately and immediately is not there. Some of us live close to a grocery store and we can nip out, whilst for others it can be quite a challenge. Below are a few very common ingredients for which there are substitutes. Some of the most commonly used ingred Read more:Friday
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