Wednesday, February 29, 2012

It's Raining, It's Pouring

Day 60 - 38° - rainy, damp - Spring Meadows Park

I love to hear the sounds around me as I walk, so I don’t have an ipod. Besides, if I had music playing in my ear, how could I possibly think about my blog.

Today was rainy and damp. It took some motivation to get out there with my umbrella and boots. So I imagined myself as part of the cast of Glee when they did their rendition of Singing in the Rain http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyR0J8bgmgo and off I went.

I must say, it was a great walk (except that Molly got wet and muddy!). When I walk in the rain, I love to listen to the different sounds that the rain makes; the drizzling on my umbrella, the splashing around my feet as I walk through puddles, the drip, drip of rain falling on the tress, the spraying sound the cars make on wet streets and the rushing water in the creek. It is a beautiful mix of sounds. And most often, I am out there alone with nature surrounding me.

What do I suggest to the guests when it rains during their stay at the Red Cardinal B&B? In the warmer weather, I invite them to sit on the front porch and relax with a book or their kindle and enjoy some homemade refreshments. If they want to go out, I tailor their trip to suit their interests - antique stores, wineries, museums, shopping for something unique, or best of all I suggest they take a ride around the area. I tell them that you never know where you will see a rainbow!

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Market Cross Pub

Day 59 - 52° - Sunny, mild Thornwald Park
Day 58 - 52° - Sunny, mild Spring Meadows Park

I was running a few errands in Carlisle today and decided to go over to Thornwald Park and see if there was a trail around the park. There is a short loop, and a few people were using the trail as it was a lovely day for a walk.

There is an amphitheater at the park and during the summer the Carlisle Parks and Recreation hosts a number of free concerts. We have attended a few over the years and have thoroughly enjoyed the outdoor setting and the variety of music.

I was getting a quick walk today as Billy and I wanted to get to the movies and see some of the Oscar Nominees. We saw Hugo and War Horse, and wanted to see The Artist or Moneyball, but they weren’t playing in the local theater. So we decided to go downtown to the Market Cross Pub.

The Market Cross Pub is one of our favorite downtown restaurants. We haven’t been there in a while, and Billy was looking forward to having some of their chicken wings.

When we arrived, we were surprised that there was a waiting list. What could possibly be happening at the Pub on a Tuesday? As it turns out, on every other Tuesday, the Pub has a “glass night”. A customer orders the "beer of the night" that has its logo on the glass. The customer keeps the glass after having the drink. I was surprised that so many people wanted a beer glass!

The couple ahead of us explained “glass night”, and when their table was called, they invited us to join them. They were only going to have the beer and get the glass. We had a lively conversation with “Ziggy” and Kristen. Billy had chicken wings, and I had a cranberry pecan chicken salad. It turned out to be a fun time.

The Market Cross Pub has an extensive assortment of beers, including their own which they brew on the premises. You can check out the pub at http://www.marketcrosspub.com/.

CHEERS!

Monday, February 27, 2012

Carlisle Expo Center

Day 57 - 42° - Sunny, mild - Spring Meadows Park
Day 56 - 35° - WINDY, sunny - Spring Meadows Park
Day 55 - 38° - rainy - Spring Meadows Park

Walking in the past few days has been wonderful. The weather has been so mild, except for Saturday when the winds were howling. Even Molly, my border collie, was reluctant to go out on Saturday.

We had a lovely couple as our guests this weekend. Makar and Vanessa came from New York to attend the Big East Racers Expo. This event was all about GoKarts. This is what I find so interesting about operating our B&B. I have guests with interests that are vaguely familiar to me and I get to learn about their “fun” times and hobbies.

The event was being held for the first time at the Carlisle Expo Center. The center is located near the Carlisle Fairgrounds and most often has activities related to the car shows. I decided to look up the website (www.carlisleexpocenter.com) and see what other events were happening. I found the following:

The Eagle Arms Gun Show is being held this weekend (March 3 &4), the Eastern National Antique Show and Sales on May 4-5 & Nov 16-17 (www.easternnationalshows.com); the 3rd annual Celebrate the Book Festival on October 20, and the Fall into Fine Crafts will be on October 27-28 www.ybcrafts.org

There is always something to do in and around Carlisle. Make a reservation at the Red Cardinal B&B and Billy and I will be more than happy to plan a day that suits your interests.

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Celebration of Life

Day 54 - 55° - Sunny, Beautiful, Spring Meadows Park
Day 53 - 52° - Sunny, Spring Meadows Park
Day 52 - 44° - Sunny, Nashua NH
Day 51 - 42° - Cloudy, Nashua NH
Day 50 - 48° - Sunny - Spring Meadows Park

This week, I traveled with a friend of mine to Nashua, NH. We were attending a memorial service for Jenny’s, son-in-law. During the past few days I had the time to reflect on this trip and many tangential thoughts popped into my head.

First, I had a wonderful trip with Jenny. It was time to be with a friend and enjoy each other’s company. The conversation during the 8 hour trip went on at length, and we talked a lot about Michael, her son-in-law. This 3 day trip made me realize the importance of friends and the need, especially in difficult times, of companionship.

Second, there was Michael, Jenny’s son-in-law. Michael was 54 and died of Lou Gehrig’s disease. I didn’t know Michael, but I learned about him during the “Celebration of Life” service that was held at his church. Michael was a man of honor, integrity and a Christian. The church was filled with people from all walks of life who were touched by this one person.

I thought about the wonderful guests whom we have had at the Red Cardinal B&B. I wondered how these doctors, professors, authors, missionaries, architects might have touched the people in their lives.

Third, I thought about our accommodations. We booked a hotel room in Nashua. It was a ‘typical” room - clean and comfortable with a non-descript view from the window. The amenities were minimal and no complimentary breakfast was included. I thought about this lodging in contrast to a stay at the Red Cardinal B&B. When our guests arrive, they are warmly greeted by Billy and me, and offered a beverage and/or a homemade treat. The setting is more like home as the rooms are individually decorated and the views from the windows are more scenic. In the morning a hot cup of coffee is waiting and a hearty breakfast.

It was a whirlwind trip. I am glad that I went to support Jenny, but I happy to be home at the Red Cardinal B&B. Now it is time to get ready for guests who will arrive tomorrow.

Saturday, February 18, 2012

DANCING

Day 49 - 44° - cloudy, windy - Spring Meadows Park
Day 48 - 40°- sunny, mild - Spring Meadows Park
Day 47 - 32° - cloudy, windy - East Hartford, CT
Day 46 - 40° - cloudy - Spring Meadows Park

Dancing is such a fun and healthy way to spend time together or with friends. If I could, I would dance every day of the week. I love ballroom dancing and have taken workshops over the years for a variety of dances. I never get tired of learning new steps.

Since I was young, I have danced at home with my sisters, with friends at high school and college “mixers”, at parties and weddings. My husband has been seen dancing in the aisles of the local food store. We danced on the altar at our wedding. Dancing is a part of our lives. It is so creative and lots of fun.

When we moved to Carlisle, we found dancing a great way to meet new people, to spend time with one another, and to socialize. The best part of dancing is that you can dance at any level from beginner to advanced and enjoy yourself to the fullest. In many dancing situations, other dancers are more than happy to help you with a new step.

We are very fortunate to have many dance opportunities in and around the Cumberland Valley. Ballroom Dancing appears to be very popular in this area.

There is the GREEN DOOR (http://www.centralpaswingdance.org/) where the Central PA Swing Dance Club meets every Tuesday and Saturday. It is a great place for young adults to get a lesson and practice some moves. It is open to the public.

The Carlisle Parks and Recreation Dept has dance lessons and a dance the second Saturday of the month. (http://www.carlislepa.org/)

There is Always Time for Dance in Camp Hill (http://www.atfdance.com/)

How about Agape in York (http://danceatagape.com/)

Frank Hancock is a local dance instructor who makes ballroom dancing instruction simple and fun. He has taught many, many couples in the area to dance. (http://hancockdance.com/)

I have a network of friends who keep me posted on dance events from Lebanon, Harrisburg, York, Waynesboro, and DC. There is no shortage of places to dance.

If you would like to get your feet wet, we can give you a basic lesson at the Red Cardinal B&B. When you make a reservation, tell us that you would like a lesson. We would be more than happy to oblige!!

LET’S DANCE!!! Can’t you just picture yourself now in Dirty Dancing or Grease or Flashdance or in Michael Jackson’s Thriller!!

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

LOVE is not for the faint of heart

Day 45 - 51° - Sunny, Mild - Immaculata University
Day 44 - 38° - Cloudy, Damp - Lerew Road

Today is Valentine’s Day and thoughts of love abound. We are delighted to have guests throughout the month who will celebrate the holiday with us.

Today on my walk, I was thinking about “true” love. I spent the day with my parents who recently celebrated their 70th anniversary, and the passage from 1Corinthians 13:4-7, 13 came to my mind.

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful and endures through every circumstance….Three things will last forever - faith, hope, and love - and the greatest of these is love.

Love never gives up, never loses faith. “True” love is hard work. It is not for the faint of heart. Love has many days of ups and downs, moments of joy and sorrow, but in the end, through perseverance, this is the love that endures.

I am blessed with many people in my life who exemplify the meaning of “true love”. There are my dear friends and family members who have celebrated over 30 & 40 years of marriage, and continue to enjoy life and each other.

There are the innkeepers in my B&B Association who open their doors every day to new people with warmth and a hearty welcome.

There are the guests that Billy and I have had the pleasure to host at the Red Cardinal B&B. Guests who come as strangers, but often leave as friends.

There are my siblings who go out of their way to help others.

There are women like Rose, who passed away this week, who give every bit of themselves to family and friends.

There are my SIL and best friends who have walked with me a long, long way and kept on singing as we walked.

There is my husband, Billy, whom I love very much.

And there is Jesus, the best example of “true” love.

Happy Valentine’s Day to the real lovers of this world.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

CELEBRATION

Day 43 - 28° - Sunny, cold, very windy - Spring Meadows Park
Day 42 - 28° - Cloud, very cold - Lerew Road
Day 41 - 38° - Cloudy, cold - Spring Meadows Park
Day 40 - 32° - Snow on the ground, sunny, cold - Spring Meadows Park

This was another weekend of celebration with guests and friends. We celebrated Valentine’s Day, 2 birthdays and an anniversary.

We were delighted to have as our guests this weekend, Arlene and Darren from Pottstown, PA. Darren planned a special weekend for Arlene, and I am happy to say that Carlisle had some great places so he could spoil his lovely wife. She was treated to a massage at Body & Sole, dinner at Rillo’s and Aya Japanese Steak House and a late night movie. In between the busy schedule, we gave them a swing dance lesson and hope they could use it in the future.

Darren made me aware of Arlene’s acid/gluten free diet, so I tailored the breakfasts to suit her dietary restrictions. Arlene and I had an interesting conversation about the hidden ingredients in food that affect many people. I took the opportunity to explore some new (to me) aisles in the local grocery store.

I was able to add poached pears with blueberry sauce, tapioca pudding, spice cake and sweet potato cakes to the basic country breakfast of eggs and "turkey" ham. I used tapioca flour instead of white flour and a lot of spices. I hope Arlene enjoyed the breakfast as much as I enjoyed preparing it.

They are avid photographers and though the weather wasn’t entirely conducive to great pictures, they did find a few subjects of interest around the B&B. Molly, of course, is everyone’s favorite. I look forward to seeing some of the photos on FB.

After breakfast, Billy and I said good-bye to Arlene and Darren and readied ourselves for a Sunday afternoon with friends. Our dear friends, Doris and Lance were celebrating their 40th anniversary, Doris and Bob, her brother-in-law, were celebrating a birthday and we all celebrated an early Valentine’s Day.

It was a great way to spend a cold and windy February weekend.


February isn't over yet, so why not make a reservation at the Red Cardinal B&B for the special person in your life. It is a simple way to say "I love you".

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show

Day 39 - 32° - Light snow - River Road
Day 38 - 44° - Sunny, mild - Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show

I am still thinking about the Eastern Sports & Outdoor show.



Yesterday, Billy and I drove over to the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, to see the Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show. This is the first time we have attended this event and were surprised at the size of the show. Every square foot of the complex was filled with booths, boats, trucks and vendors.

There were the fishing hall, power sports hall, archery hall, wild, wild, west hall and the guides & outfitters hall. It was amazing. I didn't realize how many people and how many products are connected to world of outdoor sports.

I am not an avid hunter or fisherman, but the show held my interest. A couple of booths that caught my attention were Hunt of a Lifetime, which sponsors hunting and fishing trips for youngsters with life-threatening illnesses, and Hunts for Healing which organizes outdoor challenges for injured soldiers returning stateside.

There were several booths with beautiful outdoor art work and unbelievable taxidermy displays.

If you love the outdoors, fishing or hunting, then you must visit this show. It runs for a week - 2/4-2/12. http://www.easternsportsshow.com/.

You still have time to book your stay at the Red Cardinal B&B and visit the show. If not, then make you plans now for 2013.

Monday, February 6, 2012

A Whirlwind Weekend

Day 37 - 48° - Sunny, mild - Spring Meadows Park
Day 36 - 38° - Sunny, mild - War College Golf Course
Day 35 - 36° - Overcast, mild - Letort Spring Run Trail
Day 34 - 42° - Sunny, mild - Spring Meadows Park

Billy and I had a glorious weekend. We enjoy having guests, and when the guests happen to be good friends, the combination is perfect!

Early in the week, Billy and I started preparations for company with the routine house cleaning and food shopping.

I had 2 breakfasts and a dinner planned for the visit. When the menus were set, and the welcome mat ready, we received our guests. Of course, Molly was the most excited part of the welcoming committee.

Maureen and Jim have been our friends for over 30 years and we looked forward to their stay. We included them in the Red Cardinal B&B Valentine Special and went dancing on Saturday evening to the music of the Dave Winter Band.

Sunday morning, after a breakfast of eggs, ham, home fries, cranberry coffee cake and a fruit cup, we all agreed a walk was in order. We went over to the AHEC/Army Golf Course trail. Jim and Billy used the AHEC trail to walk and talk about history; Maureen and I used the golf course loop to walk and “talk”!

That evening, we headed off to Fiddlers restaurant at Mayapple Golf Course to watch the Super Bowl! We met up with several friends, and the Fiddlers management provided a complimentary buffet during the game.

On Monday morning, we finished up with pancakes topped with maple syrup, homemade sausage, and maple walnut coffee cake. It was a wonderful visit, and in addition, I got to celebrate my birthday all weekend.

As I mentioned above, we enjoy company at the Red Cardinal B&B. So make a reservation now. Don’t forget during February, if you stay 2 or more nights, we will give you basic ballroom dance lessons.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Civil War Re-enactor

Day 33 - 42° - Sunny, windy - Spring Meadows Park

Today there was a 20° change in temperature! However, it was still a beautiful day in February for walking.

A few weeks ago, Billy attended a Civil War re-enactment workshop in Gettysburg. The American Living History Education Society sponsored the program. http://www.alhes.com/ The speakers, who come from a variety of professional backgrounds, brought alive such people as a Union General, a Calvary Soldier, a Politician, a Military Medical Doctor, a Spy and a Civilian Lady.

Since we have moved to Carlisle, Billy has become interested in the Civil War and re-enacting.

Today, we went over to the Ridgeway library at AHEC (US Army Heritage and Education Center) to begin research on a civil war cavalry officer. We started with the last name of Hawver.

The staff at the library was very helpful and guided us through the library holdings and how to begin our search. Their holdings and other resources are extensive. If you are into military history or any type of military research, this is a place you would want to visit.

This is the 150th anniversary of the Civil War and many events are scheduled in the area with the major events in Gettysburg in 2013.

If you are a re-enactor, a spectator or researcher, we invite you stay with us at the Red Cardinal B&B. We are centrally located to many historical places.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Valentine Special - Reminder

Day 32 - 61° - Sunny and breezy - Spring Meadows Park

Today I am beginning the second month of my goal to walk every day during 2012. It is 61° outside and I am walking without a coat and hat. At last, I don’t look like Ralphie’s little brother in “A Christmas Story”. What a wonderful way to keep motivated!

Today is February 1st, and I am thinking about our Valentine Special - Romance and Dance. Billy and I are giving basic ballroom dance lessons to anyone who makes a reservation for 2 or more nights this month. I am so excited because we have a couple coming because of the special!! I hope we get more reservations by guests who want to learn to dance.

So, if you know anyone who is looking for something different to do on Valentine’s Day, pass on the information about our special. Suggest that they check our website at http://www.redcardinalbedandbreakfast.com/

Billy and I enjoy ballroom dancing. We are fortunate that there are several places in the area where we can dance; many of these places have "live" music which is a great. We have met some terrific friends through lessons and dances.

If you make a reservation at the Red Cardinal B&B and take the lesson, we can also suggest a place to “practice”. So don’t be shy - after all you might be going to a wedding sometime soon or you might want to “impress” your friends.