tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18514097029309397712024-03-18T23:38:48.009-04:00My Life as a Maine InnkeeperThoughts and comments on being an innkeeping dog in Maine.Lupi at the Benjamin F. Packard House B&Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06984906005339556772noreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851409702930939771.post-81445386529305190312012-06-04T10:21:00.000-04:002012-06-04T10:21:12.536-04:00A Busy May and an Upcoming MilestoneIt
appears that I have been lazy with my blogging duties but in reality I have been
busy helping Amy and Mark with the spring gardening and with our
guests. Yes, the busy season is upon us! The garden is now all in
order - new plants planted, mulching done, some vegetables planted - and
all is looking great. Although with this recent rain, I am sure we are
going to have some weeding in the near future. We have had two full
weekends with Bowdoin College graduation and a early June wedding. All
the guests were fantastic and we enjoyed meeting guests new to our
B&B and catching up with returning friends. Of course, everyone
made a fuss over me.<br />
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And
in less than one month it will be our 7th Anniversary. We opened on
July 1, 2005 and time has certainly moved quickly. It is amazing to see
all the changes we have made through the years and to look back on all
the great people we have met. To celebrate we are offering guests 7%
off their room rate in July when they wish us "Happy Anniversary" when
making their reservation. The discount only applies to July bookings
and rooms are filling quickly so make your plans today!Lupi at the Benjamin F. Packard House B&Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06984906005339556772noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851409702930939771.post-6258216957941689982012-04-27T09:03:00.000-04:002012-04-27T09:03:39.250-04:00An Inside Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjbWq2rxnmtPYZwjuzQiTq_V5wvSqkA0rh_6IDyFfPmpeFuXCogDBCRImTLKoB-t5iRKYMHQjxOOW1n97IVFsi_5p4F-f_xhF2GbVcgQlloC7WN8NlvRcD8iGcJSzF8Gaj_0DhWMt84oU/s1600/Garden+2012+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjbWq2rxnmtPYZwjuzQiTq_V5wvSqkA0rh_6IDyFfPmpeFuXCogDBCRImTLKoB-t5iRKYMHQjxOOW1n97IVFsi_5p4F-f_xhF2GbVcgQlloC7WN8NlvRcD8iGcJSzF8Gaj_0DhWMt84oU/s200/Garden+2012+002.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
Mark, Amy and I have been working outside in the garden to get everything ready for the busy season but today is looking like an inside day. The rain is falling, skies and gray and, unfortunately, I hear wind is forcasted for later today and lasting through the weekend. I am not a fan of wind. Well I will make the best of it and curl up on my cozy blanket and take a long morning nap. I heard something about bread baking this afternoon so maybe I can help with that. Here's to a cozy, dry, unwindy weekend for all of you.Lupi at the Benjamin F. Packard House B&Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06984906005339556772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851409702930939771.post-2479809618214782422012-04-24T10:43:00.000-04:002012-04-24T10:51:13.865-04:00Blueberry MuffinsAmy posted on the B&B's Facebook page yesterday and created a demand for a Blueberry Muffin recipe. She doesn't give out recipes often but I have highjacked this recipe to post for all of you who wanted it. The muffin recipe is from the book <i>Dishing Up Maine</i> by Brooke Dojny.<br />
<br />
Martha's Marvelous Blueberry Muffins <br />
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2 C all-purpose flour<br />
1/3 C sugar
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1/4 C packed light brown sugar
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2 t baking powder
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3/4 t salt
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3/4 C whole or low fat milk
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2 eggs
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5 T unsalted butter, melted
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1 C blueberries - fresh or frozen
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Preheat oven to 400. Grease a 12 cup muffin tin with butter or line with paper liners.
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Set a medium mesh sieve over a large bowl and measure the flour, sugar, brown sugar, baking powder and salt into the sieve. Using your fingers or a wooden spoon to push the flour-sugar mixture through the sieve. This removes the lumps from the brown sugar and blends the dry ingredients.
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Whisk together the milk, eggs, and melted butter in a small bowl. Pour the egg mixture into the flour mixture and stir gently just until the dry ingredients are moistened. Do no overmix or the muffins will be tough, the batter should still look slightly lumpy. Fold in the blueberries.
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Spoon the batter into the muffin tins, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
Bake until the muffins are golden brown and springy to the touch, 18-22 minutes. Cool in tin for 5 minutes before removing. Serve warm.
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<br />
Now I noticed Amy put in more than a cup of blueberries and I had a muffin this AM which she split in half and toasted for me and it was still wonderful. So experiment and enjoy!Lupi at the Benjamin F. Packard House B&Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06984906005339556772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851409702930939771.post-34423168840538923022012-04-12T17:08:00.000-04:002012-04-12T17:09:07.148-04:00Banners Over BathEvery spring Main Street Bath sponsors a public art dispay called Banners Over Bath. Anyone can pick up a canvas for a small fee and paint a banner to go with that year's theme. The banners are then displayed downtown on the lampost to brighten up the downtown during the rainy, sometimes muddy, spring in Maine. This year's theme celebates Bath's status as one of ten semi-finalists in the national Great American Main Street competition - a competition which we won! I took a walk downtown and took a few pictures to show you but you can also see the banners <a href="http://visitbath.com/2012-banners-over-bath/">here</a> or, better yet, take a trip to Bath and see them in person. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqW6uCqh7THXlyRJZKlyCwzy8yWb3QEMS0WgCLTy5pONVONQtTkEv6LXryWK2QCIP1GVk27S6riI4Hg29ivu-y5oCKPviTLnflqh9mxXkqxgMPEx_P1fA0NSxd4TjTlYXmFfYtguFUyaQ/s1600/Banners+Over+Bath+2012+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="200" width="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqW6uCqh7THXlyRJZKlyCwzy8yWb3QEMS0WgCLTy5pONVONQtTkEv6LXryWK2QCIP1GVk27S6riI4Hg29ivu-y5oCKPviTLnflqh9mxXkqxgMPEx_P1fA0NSxd4TjTlYXmFfYtguFUyaQ/s200/Banners+Over+Bath+2012+004.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmuW4f1kueDLnGd7wbLFGesVeHcQC89giOiiGpZt1lP0sHWAHdZPP9goAUABsoKcrZVGcAlM9EsES_u-LO1zkm73bdqc48LlKorCDo7SBGv-WyQa4f2ObEzhFQNN7llME8gCV-k695ZDo/s1600/Banners+Over+Bath+2012+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="200" width="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmuW4f1kueDLnGd7wbLFGesVeHcQC89giOiiGpZt1lP0sHWAHdZPP9goAUABsoKcrZVGcAlM9EsES_u-LO1zkm73bdqc48LlKorCDo7SBGv-WyQa4f2ObEzhFQNN7llME8gCV-k695ZDo/s200/Banners+Over+Bath+2012+001.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFGRzSyUSjRzdlPNtu5VBnur5PB6pgjbGXPc7x9ADWMf2OzYOAWdP8oSFKHg-RAf3kZz379cn4iBAnfvR4f8lvoaKgC9Z1LXWxzrx9wHhDs0NgrlhAFHDa5o9zc1c5_wThttr-VEQWm0M/s1600/Banners+Over+Bath+2012+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="200" width="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFGRzSyUSjRzdlPNtu5VBnur5PB6pgjbGXPc7x9ADWMf2OzYOAWdP8oSFKHg-RAf3kZz379cn4iBAnfvR4f8lvoaKgC9Z1LXWxzrx9wHhDs0NgrlhAFHDa5o9zc1c5_wThttr-VEQWm0M/s200/Banners+Over+Bath+2012+003.JPG" /></a></div>Lupi at the Benjamin F. Packard House B&Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06984906005339556772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851409702930939771.post-63541552834606775162012-03-15T16:30:00.001-04:002012-03-15T16:32:16.612-04:00Everthing's Coming Up Green<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4-iK_u_d7F_o5xrVbKfHaJP8_pVWyjJuiOrDBuAvUYNpPmKppcfB71sitYeNRx92fc0BZSn80SGpNtjbpPbKUGfvI7hrOrFZd28xxZ_mOObl_icBdjOSitVr99iLBsugluCWUue97dKI/s1600/forsythia+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4-iK_u_d7F_o5xrVbKfHaJP8_pVWyjJuiOrDBuAvUYNpPmKppcfB71sitYeNRx92fc0BZSn80SGpNtjbpPbKUGfvI7hrOrFZd28xxZ_mOObl_icBdjOSitVr99iLBsugluCWUue97dKI/s200/forsythia+001.JPG" /></a></div>
An unexpected early spring and St. Patrick's Week (Yes, here in Bath the celebrating goes on for a week) makes my whole world look like it is turning green! The Snowdrops and Crocus are sprouting and blooming in the garden. The buds on the Magnolia tree keep getting bigger and bigger with all the warm sunlight and Amy has forced some Forsythia in a vase at the front door. The weather has been unseasonably warm with more warmth and sunshine in the forecast and that means lazy days on the patio instead of on my bed in front of the window. I will love this spurt of spring even when the weather turns cold and blustery again in the next couple months and we know it will - we live in Maine!
Like I said, we are also celebrating St. Patrick's Day here in Bath with Bath Blarney Days! The fun includes a big parade, a soda bread baking contest, lots of special sales downtown many relating to all things green and the highlight this year, Bath's Blarney Ball. The committee has been hard at work planning this great event with live music (Big Chips Trio), dancing, light refreshments, door prizes and more. I really wish I could attend but I know Amy and Mark will give me a full recap of the party and maybe some pictures - which of course I will share with you. On top of all of that we will make our guests welcome and comfortable, cook fabulous breakfasts and make sure everyone enjoys a bit of the Irish this weekend.Lupi at the Benjamin F. Packard House B&Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06984906005339556772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851409702930939771.post-27911191039473487602012-02-15T12:34:00.000-05:002012-02-15T12:36:13.458-05:00Romance and CompanionshipIt is the season of love and we have had a lot of couples taking advantage of a romantic getaway to Bath and our B&B. They love the quiet and curl up in front of the fireplace to relax and unwind from the stresses in everyday life. They stroll downtown and browse the local shops bringing back a bottle of wine from <a href="http://www.acooksemporium.com/">Now You're Cooking </a>to share before dinner at <a href="http://www.solobistro.com/">Solo Bistro</a> or one of our other <a href="http://visitbath.com/business_subcategory/dining/">great restaurants</a>. All this has me thinking that maybe I need a companion too! Mark, Amy and I watched the Westminster Dog Show this week and I saw all those wonderful breeds strutting their stuff for the judges. Of course, no <a href="http://www.pastore-bergamasco.org/IBSA_frame.htm">Italian Bergamascos </a>were there but that is okay - we know we are in a class by ourselves. But seeing all those dogs makes me think a little "mini me" would be a wonderful addition to our family. Now I just need to convince Amy and Mark that I would help train and keep a youngster in line. Wish me luck and if all goes well I may have help with all the greeting and blog writing in the future.Lupi at the Benjamin F. Packard House B&Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06984906005339556772noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851409702930939771.post-8248722533661045462012-02-08T15:19:00.000-05:002012-02-08T15:19:17.008-05:00We Have the Top Three!During these quiet months I get some time to catch up on my sleeping and reading and I recently looked at Trip Advisors' survey on U.S. lodging trends. The survey found that the top three amenities that travelers look for are (1) WiFi access (2) Breakfast included with the booking and (3) Guest loyalty points. Here at the Benjamin F. Packard House we offer all three! WiFi is available throughout the property and is free of charge. Breakfast is, of course, included as we are a bed and breakfast and we also offer complimentary afternoon tea. Our breakfast also go above and beyond the standard fare at the chain hotel buffet with homemade pasteries and breads, made to order entrees that are not cooked until you come downstairs at the time you have chosen and request for special dietary needs honored and accomodated without fuss. For the Guest Loyalty Points - we don't give you a card to punch or require a certain amount of stays, we make it easy and always offer our returning guests 10% off their room rate. Just let us know you previously stayed with us and we will adjust your bill accordingly. It is always nice to know that what we offer is what travelers are looking for and I am sure in the next survey that a great greeting from a handsome Italian sheepdog will be the top trend that guests are looking for in their lodging choice!Lupi at the Benjamin F. Packard House B&Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06984906005339556772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851409702930939771.post-5255819032312916932012-02-01T16:22:00.000-05:002012-02-01T16:23:54.094-05:00Put a Little Romance in your Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJ9kMO8OUPrXDmd3_Tvsa1fsAPB3fmIA6wO7oO8GWRThfM7p-ke4lgbwTnWPEI1WThduMju18MpCA9xJLk_eNdrr4lU0VFfpvzZB4pOfVT_tTT4WfWUgnSk3XYQpldSOrC22nRQ5ZOdI/s1600/valentines_day_chocolate-11818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="143" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJ9kMO8OUPrXDmd3_Tvsa1fsAPB3fmIA6wO7oO8GWRThfM7p-ke4lgbwTnWPEI1WThduMju18MpCA9xJLk_eNdrr4lU0VFfpvzZB4pOfVT_tTT4WfWUgnSk3XYQpldSOrC22nRQ5ZOdI/s200/valentines_day_chocolate-11818.jpg" /></a></div>That time of year is back when all thoughts turn to love and romance. Of course I am talking about Valentine's Day and the whole season that surrounds it. The 14th of February falls in the middle of the week this year so people actually have two weekends to plan a celebration. What are you thinking of...flowers, a nice bottle of bubbly, chocolates, romantic music? You can actually do all of these and in one great romantic getaway - our B&B! Amy and Mark offer a <a href="http://benjaminfpackardhouse.com/">Valentine's Day Package </a>that includes a lot of great extras for an extraordinary price and the rate on a second night is unbelievable! So check out the package and give us a call to book a room. (You can also just call and book a romantic getaway without the package and have a great time!) And, as always, I will be here to greet you when you arrive.Lupi at the Benjamin F. Packard House B&Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06984906005339556772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851409702930939771.post-50850811132161567592012-01-11T13:41:00.000-05:002012-01-11T13:42:55.455-05:00Maine ShrimpOne 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 <a href="http://www.downeast.com/strong/maine-shrimp-gunsts-recipe-season">recipe</a>. Of course, to get them at their freshest, you'll have to come for a visit!Lupi at the Benjamin F. Packard House B&Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06984906005339556772noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851409702930939771.post-25023131135678046982012-01-08T18:50:00.000-05:002012-01-08T18:50:18.087-05:00Our Window GardenDuring 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.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhop9pZTzb5SQ_Ru1UVKZ-mLg5XJEItriprH5pX1kA4_MvD2h730eNW_8HMMGGzcayf0SQNPX3zLS4WdMXpARlDOpoNh84wmVAD-E5VIc2r1j_qWKCTz2ISMUI8LcEJYKcj-dJbC1uiVvc/s1600/indoor+garden+january+2012+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhop9pZTzb5SQ_Ru1UVKZ-mLg5XJEItriprH5pX1kA4_MvD2h730eNW_8HMMGGzcayf0SQNPX3zLS4WdMXpARlDOpoNh84wmVAD-E5VIc2r1j_qWKCTz2ISMUI8LcEJYKcj-dJbC1uiVvc/s200/indoor+garden+january+2012+001.JPG" /></a></div>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.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbkljuQAEGLmt3-Y0Itn1SOtf71P-xV7zUEQaRQ59Elmm8GMt-u5uv2wVSMFqyekFSwtbbJaaSTtgMbas1UBBASmq9oDfMcpsQQ2LoTdQ-ygoIVQKxjwkT6dLvwHj0KLKbemYje5qz81c/s1600/indoor+garden+january+2012+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbkljuQAEGLmt3-Y0Itn1SOtf71P-xV7zUEQaRQ59Elmm8GMt-u5uv2wVSMFqyekFSwtbbJaaSTtgMbas1UBBASmq9oDfMcpsQQ2LoTdQ-ygoIVQKxjwkT6dLvwHj0KLKbemYje5qz81c/s200/indoor+garden+january+2012+003.JPG" /></a></div>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.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHGAN3OWPBXMa15rpZ95ZSofZk4nmjs-teN-D9RHZg8qU5hgiVTa6b-gwZAMZk1biqvKYjmxSuO8YmIwimH6YXcHJIZM8YVdx8vmcI6Z4EBbo5OqT1dU2YzcOmqcPxDzdpKXxLG4u4VaM/s1600/indoor+garden+january+2012+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHGAN3OWPBXMa15rpZ95ZSofZk4nmjs-teN-D9RHZg8qU5hgiVTa6b-gwZAMZk1biqvKYjmxSuO8YmIwimH6YXcHJIZM8YVdx8vmcI6Z4EBbo5OqT1dU2YzcOmqcPxDzdpKXxLG4u4VaM/s200/indoor+garden+january+2012+006.JPG" /></a></div>Watching the plants thrive and bloom gives us hope for an early spring on the dark winter days.Lupi at the Benjamin F. Packard House B&Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06984906005339556772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851409702930939771.post-29084308045835730192012-01-04T11:26:00.000-05:002012-01-04T11:26:26.654-05:00It is the Wicked Quiet SeasonJust a quick reminder from me that it is the Wicked Quiet Season here at our B&B which means <b>wicked good prices<i></i></b>. 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.Lupi at the Benjamin F. Packard House B&Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06984906005339556772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851409702930939771.post-67121943606233700232011-12-30T10:49:00.000-05:002011-12-30T10:49:45.227-05:00Mr. January 2012Normally 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. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhdRopxno1K0hB9DOEUi1ZLol2lDv10FFG4b1lQcBiImGu-KqZ-P7wDJ2n_assoUzAcCx1-AKVqdt7buAxSgKzCEZ5b_tL5skNoNbC69ocqzTHzKZmVsnrqXWRILRHyoJplweG578GPpY/s1600/100_0807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhdRopxno1K0hB9DOEUi1ZLol2lDv10FFG4b1lQcBiImGu-KqZ-P7wDJ2n_assoUzAcCx1-AKVqdt7buAxSgKzCEZ5b_tL5skNoNbC69ocqzTHzKZmVsnrqXWRILRHyoJplweG578GPpY/s200/100_0807.JPG" /></a></div>Lupi at the Benjamin F. Packard House B&Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06984906005339556772noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851409702930939771.post-15661637357352492502011-12-10T13:49:00.000-05:002011-12-10T13:49:07.505-05:00I met Santa!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2sZ3KA7mOdE6_0tT6zvO0BJYxH8l5MtwdXl_wmr1FCPgahkU2IFZNv32nr9Y_UP5pmvosoR10lFaqDa9qyzhOrEOJbAJaWPSPTRlHxScCE0-8D88xtmpmXtJXhmOZt13G_g0tlk7N_TU/s1600/Lupi+meets+Santa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2sZ3KA7mOdE6_0tT6zvO0BJYxH8l5MtwdXl_wmr1FCPgahkU2IFZNv32nr9Y_UP5pmvosoR10lFaqDa9qyzhOrEOJbAJaWPSPTRlHxScCE0-8D88xtmpmXtJXhmOZt13G_g0tlk7N_TU/s200/Lupi+meets+Santa.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Today Santa made a special visit to our local pet supply store, <a href="http://www.bathwags.net/">Wags n Whiskers</a>, 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!Lupi at the Benjamin F. Packard House B&Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06984906005339556772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851409702930939771.post-59869123299761839492011-12-09T16:58:00.006-05:002011-12-09T17:07:52.326-05:00Christmas Decorating - It's Finally Done!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.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbuj4LCDfNEWJdcGLiaov6gYFOU7BhNOqthu8tpxiFsPpPfWcIPcoQIIxcNiAITKliJKk-gUPXFUhMUwLxbG2t8Sy_ibJHxzR6UxklKYcAO2KDB95gzCgy2gFE4xtHvJ-6ctRa3zgqw-0/s1600/Christmas+2011+062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbuj4LCDfNEWJdcGLiaov6gYFOU7BhNOqthu8tpxiFsPpPfWcIPcoQIIxcNiAITKliJKk-gUPXFUhMUwLxbG2t8Sy_ibJHxzR6UxklKYcAO2KDB95gzCgy2gFE4xtHvJ-6ctRa3zgqw-0/s200/Christmas+2011+062.JPG" /></a></div>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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj53RBzE76aJN1ezoTpiflxM_vxJ7ceJxXoKeSBirLkyxMfr6NFkoz2ZK2fm3kdF1W4r3g4RRcdX51If-NB2Dl7npH4ZWQzAhy_JWodw7sTqmYXUXaN6nSAHyDZW1QVcz1F4b1nYEhyiH0/s1600/Christmas+2011+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj53RBzE76aJN1ezoTpiflxM_vxJ7ceJxXoKeSBirLkyxMfr6NFkoz2ZK2fm3kdF1W4r3g4RRcdX51If-NB2Dl7npH4ZWQzAhy_JWodw7sTqmYXUXaN6nSAHyDZW1QVcz1F4b1nYEhyiH0/s200/Christmas+2011+010.JPG" /></a></div>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. <br />
If you want to see more pictues, go to our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150460480466252.404532.195897581251&type=1#!/media/set/?set=a.10150460480466252.404532.195897581251&type=1">Facebook page</a> and look at our Christmas 2011 album.Lupi at the Benjamin F. Packard House B&Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06984906005339556772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851409702930939771.post-86002297960580306592011-11-15T20:16:00.000-05:002011-11-15T20:16:44.802-05:00Extra Special Extras<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHo6Sj9-YTPpGCEf03YdjVWQORvPKeIT0L0WdDjq2J29v-kNnFxClZK1KLM-7aJr0XBDEyMUUfUaLiv2d4AE-FhKoTMwvdYLBR5Z07luWaZjMmDNSpqT73f_Jzhyphenhyphen0DRi5y7TTnq_hS8vk/s1600/Extra+Special+Extras+Blog+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHo6Sj9-YTPpGCEf03YdjVWQORvPKeIT0L0WdDjq2J29v-kNnFxClZK1KLM-7aJr0XBDEyMUUfUaLiv2d4AE-FhKoTMwvdYLBR5Z07luWaZjMmDNSpqT73f_Jzhyphenhyphen0DRi5y7TTnq_hS8vk/s200/Extra+Special+Extras+Blog+005.JPG" /></a></div>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 <a href="http://bathsweetshoppe.com/">Bath Sweet Shoppe</a> 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!Lupi at the Benjamin F. Packard House B&Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06984906005339556772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851409702930939771.post-39201542065692220032011-10-25T08:36:00.000-04:002011-10-25T08:36:35.069-04:00Fall Chores at the B&BThe fall chores are piling up - just look at those leaves <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1q6rtteQ7Isl_y8M4zu5a9RAYVoeEh_aHjWQYZ3dyW-QO3OsrzyZ8OFG669ip_spH6h779QnJjCvW6IO-WPNVJQ0c4bpXw2PpZOwPra5Ln8q-0d9RLTRCYOuyrHlgvYTAnRY-Jztd8rs/s1600/doughnuts+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1q6rtteQ7Isl_y8M4zu5a9RAYVoeEh_aHjWQYZ3dyW-QO3OsrzyZ8OFG669ip_spH6h779QnJjCvW6IO-WPNVJQ0c4bpXw2PpZOwPra5Ln8q-0d9RLTRCYOuyrHlgvYTAnRY-Jztd8rs/s200/doughnuts+001.JPG" /></a></div>and that pile of wood.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-lcD34eXpyrM_pUTdskNdSx5AUjjrsErpK3FQl_MAvSouafxHv5qry6Z3J30NnT9aJHqsOkF0P5Ew5yJOTwmOFLb0a95vnobxEMCXu1M0ef_AQzeG7y5sAk_wibcIowcFhQU7zAk7SA/s1600/wood+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-lcD34eXpyrM_pUTdskNdSx5AUjjrsErpK3FQl_MAvSouafxHv5qry6Z3J30NnT9aJHqsOkF0P5Ew5yJOTwmOFLb0a95vnobxEMCXu1M0ef_AQzeG7y5sAk_wibcIowcFhQU7zAk7SA/s200/wood+001.JPG" /></a></div>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!Lupi at the Benjamin F. Packard House B&Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06984906005339556772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851409702930939771.post-14515258961251511562011-10-02T18:31:00.000-04:002011-10-02T18:31:31.193-04:00Get Away for the HolidaysIt 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.Lupi at the Benjamin F. Packard House B&Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06984906005339556772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851409702930939771.post-63719306128595756172011-09-23T17:49:00.000-04:002011-09-23T17:49:04.114-04:00Fall FoodsFall 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, <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7cRzhKOQ-HRr2vs0DH-UnrXU8KAL06H8h455tMtR4hwrsZfF9hkphADcztZmnzhEZoD9pu5chmjZ4rs3pKc1VVp-IyJRGbQQB6pkmqtrj8zXBnGHyA7ff-_jer0ba7hpmglP9oBJ-Udg/s1600/raspberries+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7cRzhKOQ-HRr2vs0DH-UnrXU8KAL06H8h455tMtR4hwrsZfF9hkphADcztZmnzhEZoD9pu5chmjZ4rs3pKc1VVp-IyJRGbQQB6pkmqtrj8zXBnGHyA7ff-_jer0ba7hpmglP9oBJ-Udg/s200/raspberries+003.JPG" /></a></div>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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2XRwvyiA-g_OFLy45PbZfmqOSThu04gjTuPvVQGlkq4kZSKzjfSniOuxuFosuK8ZM4mWpjePgaC9ZDd39dQIAZw28MgqKCmMxVAvfC4nEQ4Zj3bogYOW3lADG3qBBql8UR3_mfdCofKY/s1600/apple+crostata+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2XRwvyiA-g_OFLy45PbZfmqOSThu04gjTuPvVQGlkq4kZSKzjfSniOuxuFosuK8ZM4mWpjePgaC9ZDd39dQIAZw28MgqKCmMxVAvfC4nEQ4Zj3bogYOW3lADG3qBBql8UR3_mfdCofKY/s200/apple+crostata+002.JPG" /></a></div>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.Lupi at the Benjamin F. Packard House B&Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06984906005339556772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851409702930939771.post-36129407274575103572011-09-08T14:50:00.000-04:002011-09-08T14:50:49.063-04:00The Leaf Peepers are Coming<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-bWeDSr5RqbSO04ta8OSCKk3nzLpYtQfGpSHCsgff-gMdlYAR2eX8DTjn-TbV9-by4GtZGEfEhemDrGVwKGM4bapdlMi46K4brqftXhvw_972M5Mifc8Tc6Kz7sd0Em3MIiWeRaP0yw/s1600/Fall+Ride+October+2010+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-bWeDSr5RqbSO04ta8OSCKk3nzLpYtQfGpSHCsgff-gMdlYAR2eX8DTjn-TbV9-by4GtZGEfEhemDrGVwKGM4bapdlMi46K4brqftXhvw_972M5Mifc8Tc6Kz7sd0Em3MIiWeRaP0yw/s200/Fall+Ride+October+2010+015.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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 <a href="http://www.maine.gov/doc/foliage/">website</a> and map that visitors can use to plan their trip around when foilage will be at its best. There is also another great <a href="http://www.visitmaine.com/seasons/fall/">site</a> 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!Lupi at the Benjamin F. Packard House B&Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06984906005339556772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851409702930939771.post-36912913497013094902011-08-28T08:36:00.000-04:002011-08-28T08:36:49.065-04:00Hurricane Irene<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixNUzmQGwClMtoeuuX2pSi7tMbKxdZoPTaH3KbvQ9TuSNUPX55eQPWQbBoqyviYZpBsgrjLPmrkqwEyxxlthZnLLwpFqDz6iYcGGREjDR8qvgGHeaw8ct5CZLOHI6_Z3nf0euriSbwK7A/s1600/Garden+Summer+2011+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixNUzmQGwClMtoeuuX2pSi7tMbKxdZoPTaH3KbvQ9TuSNUPX55eQPWQbBoqyviYZpBsgrjLPmrkqwEyxxlthZnLLwpFqDz6iYcGGREjDR8qvgGHeaw8ct5CZLOHI6_Z3nf0euriSbwK7A/s200/Garden+Summer+2011+002.JPG" /></a></div>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.Lupi at the Benjamin F. Packard House B&Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06984906005339556772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851409702930939771.post-60353302045748469922011-08-24T15:23:00.000-04:002011-08-24T15:23:27.907-04:00Dog Days PicsJust 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!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPn1EfUB9anvs9r-0qRzSdnRpd38XAMfdSW6IkX-ETEQFeFL0Iv0mLPQkqzSiotRXDCXsAdVqRe7Xqfev1ZryUDvYlVVjh8bVXh2APJnob16zBqZ-ChTISgaDnWOnSMXcFpxMI0CWEcPc/s1600/Dog+Days+2011+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPn1EfUB9anvs9r-0qRzSdnRpd38XAMfdSW6IkX-ETEQFeFL0Iv0mLPQkqzSiotRXDCXsAdVqRe7Xqfev1ZryUDvYlVVjh8bVXh2APJnob16zBqZ-ChTISgaDnWOnSMXcFpxMI0CWEcPc/s200/Dog+Days+2011+001.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQAEOs-aqdXWvUv2vxlcx-zuzart2EXVONvEk-IH-52YAJMMBcr5VUT8oF8Rf5Y7dzq0iGCClMS5Md5zXlYUgD4y0_0uC_J99GBLFt4bakLO5OfFVY8nE7J74Ks_Ifa711UitHXOkT1wg/s1600/Dog+Days+2011+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQAEOs-aqdXWvUv2vxlcx-zuzart2EXVONvEk-IH-52YAJMMBcr5VUT8oF8Rf5Y7dzq0iGCClMS5Md5zXlYUgD4y0_0uC_J99GBLFt4bakLO5OfFVY8nE7J74Ks_Ifa711UitHXOkT1wg/s200/Dog+Days+2011+003.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-8HY9LAOZRPMx8D1nvibuaL9Q8PJGZ8U7avsmPtDRP-aYFXX1agex1KX82bjvcr5RX7WPDWPYDSZrhatWrd-yx2XarQVhtI5b1WuMa3KcsmqzttsdJ2qr_tW7yoPkUQAUimbEW0Zrjvg/s1600/Dog+Days+2011+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-8HY9LAOZRPMx8D1nvibuaL9Q8PJGZ8U7avsmPtDRP-aYFXX1agex1KX82bjvcr5RX7WPDWPYDSZrhatWrd-yx2XarQVhtI5b1WuMa3KcsmqzttsdJ2qr_tW7yoPkUQAUimbEW0Zrjvg/s200/Dog+Days+2011+004.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3TaNNvlnKYo92_L44d__48IovcluthKwhhEi8sopDeSNCfm5Henlt4xLGBV9MCtFHZInT220dyh6xjL1JKWQYQ2J91eUgFiyrG1BQ0tI9Clkji0F-Q5x52YxhltVyJFIGKhyphenhyphengC_tGRE/s1600/Dog+Days+2011+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3TaNNvlnKYo92_L44d__48IovcluthKwhhEi8sopDeSNCfm5Henlt4xLGBV9MCtFHZInT220dyh6xjL1JKWQYQ2J91eUgFiyrG1BQ0tI9Clkji0F-Q5x52YxhltVyJFIGKhyphenhyphengC_tGRE/s200/Dog+Days+2011+005.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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Lupi at the Benjamin F. Packard House B&Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06984906005339556772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851409702930939771.post-11603497872388764802011-08-18T15:47:00.000-04:002011-08-18T15:47:38.945-04:00My Favorite Day!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 <a href="http://www.soggydogdesigns.com/">Soggy Dog Designs</a> and <a href="http://www.thecreativeturtle.com/">the Creative Turtle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn9XGAGBbjpx_-yNFeMDR7JBYkQT4O_u8Zl9Am41osM8UIv-valij-i_W0CZ_Mp7q8HGfKBFDtrrYo2WLkvA4hbbglaK699qzoHvFhWWHRnAbv5rW8eKZcSdT9MphMrRDwRELbtdgHMIk/s1600/Dog+Days+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="143" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn9XGAGBbjpx_-yNFeMDR7JBYkQT4O_u8Zl9Am41osM8UIv-valij-i_W0CZ_Mp7q8HGfKBFDtrrYo2WLkvA4hbbglaK699qzoHvFhWWHRnAbv5rW8eKZcSdT9MphMrRDwRELbtdgHMIk/s200/Dog+Days+005.JPG" /></a></div></a> 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!Lupi at the Benjamin F. Packard House B&Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06984906005339556772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851409702930939771.post-56054113932143703022011-08-10T15:32:00.000-04:002011-08-10T15:32:51.238-04:00Taking Me Back to My Roots<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9j-1F4TO1wj5TNHg-OyfOQpcga2NFxXwqclJzPPvlj_dQ3jrs0a1D4lULGqrq4-0vAyH_VLIjt9OdsmYi3xtwlBjZ8ywgnwyfYs1e1J4GJy2mRkGQAL0u4d0OppBzpksi5l7MWOL_gJc/s1600/MC900444594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9j-1F4TO1wj5TNHg-OyfOQpcga2NFxXwqclJzPPvlj_dQ3jrs0a1D4lULGqrq4-0vAyH_VLIjt9OdsmYi3xtwlBjZ8ywgnwyfYs1e1J4GJy2mRkGQAL0u4d0OppBzpksi5l7MWOL_gJc/s200/MC900444594.JPG" /></a></div>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!Lupi at the Benjamin F. Packard House B&Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06984906005339556772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851409702930939771.post-70717312715568568622011-07-25T21:02:00.000-04:002011-07-25T21:02:27.219-04:00All the Great People...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.Lupi at the Benjamin F. Packard House B&Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06984906005339556772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851409702930939771.post-9609118022381843612011-06-29T17:02:00.000-04:002011-06-29T17:02:05.803-04:00Bath Heritage Days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQyhLJW7clorLLyDZHVQrePMvlkZiIGfmylY1B6YTf7y_T3Fv9tMl6depIekcqBw-Kr_khlIVbSO50lDIow59EtYLl2bTv_LYjsjfw4Ajk0S3OSAMtliIzEiGbrC1zOaNounKNaSJtaXY/s1600/DSC_0008+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="134" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQyhLJW7clorLLyDZHVQrePMvlkZiIGfmylY1B6YTf7y_T3Fv9tMl6depIekcqBw-Kr_khlIVbSO50lDIow59EtYLl2bTv_LYjsjfw4Ajk0S3OSAMtliIzEiGbrC1zOaNounKNaSJtaXY/s200/DSC_0008+copy.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The excitement is building in downtown Bath for the city's annual festival - <a href="http://bathheritagedays.com/">Heritage Days</a>. 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!Lupi at the Benjamin F. Packard House B&Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06984906005339556772noreply@blogger.com0