Picture Perfect Memories

It's nice to see guests taking pictures of the Inn and gardens to capture memories of their visit to Asheville, North Carolina. Of course we are always available to snap a shot of a couple together, since we know how often we come back from a vacation with lots of scenery photos and an occasional picture of each other posing by a tree or waterfall.

With digital cameras being so pervasive, it's easy to just click away. Our photo card is at capacity and I try to occasionally download pictures to the computer or share with friends on Facebook. But rarely do we actually print photos any more. Recently when I was composing a photo album for a big family reunion to celebrate my parent's 65th wedding anniversary, I became overwhelmed by how important these memories are to save and share with the next generation. My brother also compiled hundreds of photos on a disk with music to span the decades. Some pictures of our childhood I had never seen before.

And during the anniversary party, I was struck by an emotional moment that surprised me. The gathering totaled over 55 guests, mostly family, but also dear friends, neighbors and those special individuals my parents have known for years. After dinner and the champagne toast, my dad invited everyone to pass the microphone to each table and say a few words as an introduction. At first I thought, uh-oh, this is going to last forever... but quickly found so many fun and interesting things each guest had to say.

The most memorable was from a woman who was there with her husband and two young children, and her message was filled with admiration. She has provided household help for my parents for a long time. She said that while she had not previously met the family members, she felt like she already knew us. She explained that twice a month she would dust the cabinet that held the family pictures; she would clean each picture frame and carefully place it back on the shelf. Like many families, my parents proudly display photos to include all the grandchildren and great-grandchildren on one particular cabinet. After a baby is born, a spot is cleared for the new arrival. This woman has lovingly taken care of the family pictures for years, and at this gathering her family was finally able to meet our family that she knew so well.


So we hope you treasure the pictures of your life. Try to find time to print them or compile them into an album, so they don't just exist on your computer hard drive. At the Inn we are never too busy to help capture a photo of you with your special someone, whether it's on the front porch, with the dogs or in the garden. And at Hill House Bed & Breakfast we always appreciate being part of your picture perfect memories.

The picture above is a family visit years ago with my parents, sister and nephew -- you probably recognize the steps to the Inn's front wrap-around porch. And here we are with our daughter, son-in-law and baby Katelyn leaving my parent's Arizona home a few weeks ago.

Maisie's Story

Now that we have two Golden Retrievers, we are getting accustomed to new daily routines. Bailey has been a part of the family since she was a puppy, so knows her job at the Inn very well. Maisie is 5 years old and we just adopted her a few weeks ago. They are both so sweet and gentle, but two dogs can take up a lot of hall space when visiting with guests! Just the other day someone asked "what made you decide to get another dog?". Well, it wasn't a situation where we were actively searching for a dog. Rather this beautiful red dog with soft brown eyes was searching for a home. Every dog has a story, and Maisie's will steal your heart!

I first met Maisie (then referred to as Mama Dog) when she was in foster care early December with a litter of puppies. The farm where I board my horse is peaceful and spacious, and the owner is very active with the Asheville Humane Society. She routinely fosters dogs and their puppies until they are old enough to be adopted. Of course you can't help but fall in love with puppies, but from the day I met her I knew that Mama Dog was very special.

Each week I watched the puppies grow and Mama Dog become more confident and playful with the other dogs on the property. When it was time, the puppies were taken to the adoption center and quickly found new homes. But Mama Dog didn't have a home. The shelter was a scary place and she refused to eat when she was there. So Elizabeth, the farm owner, kept her for another week when a big snow storm hit the area.

About that time Bailey was scheduled to have some tests performed at the vet hospital. I knew we couldn't think about adopting until we heard about Bailey's prognosis. If it was serious, we would not put her through the stress of a changing household. So I kept my fingers crossed. First that the vet would bring us good news about Bailey, and second that the sweet red dog would find a good home. Happily, I got both of my wishes!

I contacted Elizabeth and asked if we could keep Mama Dog for the weekend to make sure the girls got along. I picked her up that Friday and we would make a decision by Monday. The greeting between the two dogs was uneventful, so we went inside and they both quickly fell asleep. Boy, that was easy! When our visitor woke up I sat with her on the floor. She inched very close and gently put her head on my chest. I put my arm around her to hold her and pet her, and with her eyes closed I felt her exhale into my ear. Yes, this sweet dog had found a home. Our home. Within days we decided on the name Maisie.

Bailey likes being a big sister, but you know how it is with sisters -- you have to share everything -- her toys, her favorite sleeping spots AND her Mom & Dad. But Bailey is very patient and seems to understand. Maisie is quick to exit whenever a door opens, and Bailey has the funniest expression as the little one darts in front of her. At this point all I can say is, 'we're working on that'. But Bailey seems genuinely happy, and she's more playful and eating better than ever.

As we spend time together I learn more about Maisie. She's a talker and makes all kinds of funny sounds, and wiggles her whole body when excited. She loves attention and if you go to pet Bailey, you'll likely find the red-headed dog under your hand! We go on long hikes and she enjoys wooded trails. I think she probably lived in the country before since she is puzzled why a leash is always needed when we go outside. And when we walk down the street, she's alarmed that cars travel so close to the sidewalk. But she's learning to trust me, learning that when I leave I will always come back.

Both Bailey and our first Golden, Brandy, were from breeders. We always knew we would get another dog at some point, and I would occasionally check out Golden Retriever rescue sites. But sometimes wonderful things happen when you least expect it. So if you are thinking about a new pet, check out your local shelter. The look in the animal's eyes will speak volumes. They prefer not to share their past, and of course they are nervous about the present, but their eyes will tell you a story about their future. And Maisie's future has just begun.


A special note from Bailey: "I'm learning that little sisters pay attention to everything!!! Dad found Maisie on top of the kitchen table at home the other day. He was so surprised! I didn't have the heart to tell him that I was just reminiscing with her about when I was a puppy." Yes, the picture to the right is Bailey many years ago...

A Golden 2011!

Big News at Hill House! We have adopted another Golden Retriever and named her Maisie. She's a sweetheart with a beautiful dark red coat. Maisie recently had a litter of puppies and once they were all adopted she needed to find a forever home. What better place than with us?!

Bailey seems happy to have a little sister and is quickly showing her how things are done at the Inn. I think Bailey has always wanted an assistant and Maisie is taking lots of notes. Goldens have that natural talent to melt your heart and make you want to pet them. They both sit nicely, look gently into your eyes and take turns getting attention from our guests.

Right now Maisie follows me everywhere, and Bailey doesn't want to miss anything so she follows Maisie. It's like a little train going down the hall. But we are quickly getting into the routine of being a 2 dog family. I'm sure the neighbors are chuckling at me walking the dogs together, trying not to get tangled in their leashes. Luckily they don't pull or do anything silly, but some days I feel like a third hand would be nice to have.

We'll be updating the website soon with new pictures, so come visit us -- our girls would love to spend time with you!!!

A Slice in Time

October is always a busy month for us and the weeks go by so fast. We always enjoy meeting new guests and LOVE to see the familiar smiles of return guests joining us at the Inn. Over the years we've have the opportunity to learn about significant life events happening with our guests. Just this week one couple who has stayed with us several times shared they are expecting their first baby in March. Since our daughter is also due with our first grandchild in March, I felt like a proud grandmother-to-be. Another couple now has a 1-year old daughter since we saw them last.

In the past few days there were honeymooners staying with us and several anniversaries being celebrated as well. What a great job we have! We get to share the excitement of these wonderful occasions. But babies are quite special. Sometimes couples visit Hill House for their 'baby-moon', their last getaway before the sleepless nights begin. Other times it's the first trip away since the birth of their child. New parents are sometimes a little nervous about leaving their little one, but I can assure you the grandparents or other family members taking over at home treasure every minute.

We are always honored when a guest comes back to Asheville to stay at our Inn. We know we all have certain places that are memorable and special, and there's a feeling of comfort in returning again. Sometimes it's about the occasion being celebrated, but many times it's about how a place makes us feel. And for us, it's truly memorable when these special slices in time are shared with us!

Changing Seasons

It's hard to believe that September is almost over and October is right around the corner. October is one of the peak months in the area due to the fall colors and we stay very busy. We can already feel the weather change and the days getting shorter.

We are still serving breakfast on the front porch and hope that the morning temperatures cooperate for a few more weeks. Everyone loves the front porch! One day last week the fog was so thick I was nervous that the guests may be too chilly. But we're in the mountains, so most guests just added a sweater or light jacket. Then about 9:15 that morning, the fog started to clear and the breakfast conversation continued with happy faces. The light filtered through the trees and the birds were flying from branch to branch. Being so close to downtown Asheville, it's amazing how peaceful our front porch can be. It's a great way to start your day... and a great way to end it as well.

Each evening the porch is the place where several guests enjoy some wine and conversation, another guest may be reading and maybe another couple is playing a serious game of Chinese checkers. That's a nice part about our Inn. You can seek the company of others if you'd like, or find a quiet spot to read or nap. The hammock offers a a perfect resting spot -- if the squirrels don't bombard you with nuts from above. We used to think it was just coincidence, but those squirrels in the trees love to take aim!

So with October on it's way we'll plan to share pictures of the beautiful colors in the area. We hope to meet a lot of new guests and welcome return guests back to Hill House.

Here's how the tree on the side yard looked in previous years. Beautiful! It's a large tree with lots of leaves. But this is the classic fall shot -- clear blue skies, cool mornings and mild temperatures during the day. And yes, Bill will be spending lots of time in the yard come November collecting all those leaves that fall to the ground...

Butterfly Bailey

Most of the time Bailey is so low-key, people wonder if she ever moves from under the dining room table. But recently she was a bit full of herself and created a little mischief. Who, me?!!!

We were having a very busy everning where it seemed everyone showed up to check-in at the same time. I was helping one couple, Bill was helping another, guests were waiting in the parlor and on the front porch. Mellow Miss Bailey wandered through to say a quick hello then headed down the hallway. From the Parlor I heard one of our guests tell Bailey 'No, No, No!!!'. Uh-oh... I'll be right back.

As I turned down the hall, I see her head in someone's bag pulling out pieces of paper towel and shredding them. I quickly escorted Bailey to the office and went back to the guests. Trying to use a calm voice, I asked if there was anything important in their bag. Our guest's eyes got big and she dashed toward their belongings, 'Oh no, I hope she didn't get...'

My first thought was... it wasn't jewelry was it?! No, the treasured piece was safe. Our guest had found these colorful butterfly wings as a head-piece to give to a friend. Bailey thought maybe they were for her. So, of course, the next morning before breakfast Bailey had to pose for a picture with the butterfly wings. Our fun-loving guests captured the moment for all to enjoy.

P.S. She likes socks too!!!

Sunday Pancakes

Okay, this story isn't really about pancakes, but rather family traditions and routines we all cherish. For those of you who have stayed with us previously, our Sunday tradition is typically to serve our popular Creme Brulee French Toast. It's definitely the most requested recipe of any dish we serve.

This story is about little things people can look forward to and enjoy in these busy times. We just returned from a trip to California to visit our daughter and son-in-law, family and friends. We pack a lot of socializing (and eating) into a week and we love every minute of it! There's one family friend that I've known since I was a teenager and we always make a point of visiting with her. She's now in her 90's, lives on her own in the same house and still a bundle of energy. Quick witted with a bounce to her step that is quite impressive at her age.

As we visited, she shared stories of her travels of when her husband was alive and the neighbors that still live on the street. Clearly everyone on the block keeps on eye on her and help as they can. She's always interested in what's happening at the Inn and the breakfasts we prepare. She shared that she usually only eats oatmeal and raisins for breakfast (maybe those oatmeal commercials are on target -- she's in her 90's!!!). But every Sunday she treats herself by cooking pancakes, bacon and coffee. She'll prepare a nice dinner each Sunday evening as well. At that moment I realized how important those weekly rituals are... to treat yourself to something special... to take care of yourself... to look forward to another Sunday with pancakes.

Her house is always immaculate with a nice sparkling pool in back. Bill asked if she still swims and she responded with bright eyes and a smile, 'yep, I took a dip just last month'. In the next breath she confided that her dip was a little unexpected as she reached for something at the edge of the pool, lost her balance and fell in! Not only that, it was the deep end! Then she chuckled that she made her way to the shallow end and managed to get out. With no one in sight, she peeled off the wet layers and likely walked into her house regally, like nothing had happened. Our dear friend definitely has a sense of humor.

So in closing, think about the little things you look forward to each week. Then promise to never stop doing them. And when you can, take a little time to help a neighbor who lives alone, a senior citizen without family, or actually hand-write a note to someone you haven't seen in a long time. Those moments will last a lifetime.