OK. I am back. Sorry for the delay, but I have been in a whirlwind, or maybe you could call it a tornado.
"To me old age is always fifteen years older than I am." I wish I could take credit for that statement since I am turning 60 this month, but I will have to give the credit to Bernard Baruch.
At thirty I thought I had my life mapped out. At forty, I found out I was wrong and had taken some wrong turns. At fifty, I cried and thought everything worth happening was over, and found out that it was the best time of my life. At sixty....so far it has been sad. My best friend of thirty years, passed away due to cancer and my dear friend, Katherine, had a stroke and is in rehab. What am I going to do? Don was always there when I needed to vent about work, and Katherine tended to the flowers, told me what was a weed and what not to pull up because it was a real plant. She kept everything watered and ready for the next event, be it guests or a wedding. And she didn't yell at me when I went crazy with the Round-Up.
Just got back from an assignment in Guntersville. What a beautiful place. The scenery, the mountains, the trees are beautiful. There is not a lot to do unless you are into water sports, but if you want to rest and just get away, I recommend that you make your reservations now for the January Conference. ß-link to Conference info) There are boat rentals at the Guntersville Boat mart. And many good recommended places to eat, such as Top of the River, El Camino, Winzells Oyster House, Garners Bar B Que for ribs, and the Blue Parrot Lounge. There is also an outstanding buffet on Sunday morning at the Lodge. Deb Stone has tentatively agreed to do the Aspiring Innkeepers, and I think Bonnie is going to do the Innsitters. We will also have the ServSafe class. I recommend this if you haven't done it already. It will be required soon. Very informative. These three classes will be held on Sunday. I don't mean to bore you with repeating all of this every newsletter, just trying to keep you informed so you can make your plans.
Several of the men are interested in playing a round of golf on Sunday. We are hoping to come up with something special for the ladies while the men golf. I know that Boaz is supposed to be a great outlet mall. However, when I was there about a year ago, things looked pretty slow. I will talk to the Chamber and see what is happening. You know, if the girls don't want to shop, maybe we can come up with an art project or a cooking class. Any volunteers?
Mary Hightower of Columbus Street Inn in Fayette, was kind enough to share her Chocolate Chip Banana Split Pancake Recipe with us this month. Thank you again, Mary. This sounds like a dessert for breakfast. My kind of meal.
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 Tbs. sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cups milk
2 Tbs. butter, melted
1 tsp. vanilla
1 large banana, chopped
1/2 miniature semisweet chocolate chips
Sliced fresh strawberries
Sliced bananas
Whipped cream1. Heat griddle to 375 degrees or heat skillet over medium-high heat; spray with nonstick spray.
2. Beat eggs in large bowl with wire whisk until lightly beaten. Beat in flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, milk, butter, and vanilla. Stir in chopped banana and chocolate chips.
3. For each pancake, pour batter by slightly less than 1/2 cupfuls onto hot griddle or skillet. Cook about 1 1/2 minutes or until puffed and dry around edges. Turn; cook other sides until golden brown.
4. Layer 3 pancakes on each plate, placing strawberry and banana slices in between pancakes. Top with whipped cream and a fanned strawberry. (Layers look really pretty when staggered instead of straight to allow the strawberry and banana slices in between to "peak out.")
Also, Mary wanted me to mention that everyone is invited to her son's wedding. (You are so brave.) The bride and groom’s names are Bethany Johnson and Mark Hightower. It will be Friday, August 29 at 7:00pm. The ceremony and reception will be held at Piney Grove Freewill Baptist Church in Beaverton, Al. (See photos of Mark & Bethany and invitation.)
Sorry guys, I messed up once again, had a beautiful newsletter and lost it to cyberspace. Oh, well. Maybe I can improve on this one......
It is so hot outside; I guess I don't need to remind anyone of that fact. It feels good to sit down in front of the laptop and vent a little. There is a wedding tomorrow and the ladies are out front decorating the arbor and probably wishing it were December. Whoever decided summer was the time to have a wedding!!!
Actually all of mine were winter months except one, and that didn't last either. Oh, well. I do believe it is going to rain. Now that is going to be a trip. The last wedding I hosted, it rained also. Can't control Mother Nature. I keep trying to tell everyone that, but no one listens.
Well, I should know the news by heart, but I had better check my notes, just to be on the safe side. For starters, the Garden Path Inn is still for sale and would be a wonderful opportunity if you are looking to get into the business. Alexandria and RJ's is still open for business. Saw Kim and Randy today, and everything is going well. Sweet Gum Bottom and Camellia House have had busy summers thus far, and we hope the trend continues. Laura Oswald's daughter, Lindsey, appeared in the LBW College summer production of The Boy Friend, which was produced by Kathy Dowdy. The show was August 1 and 2nd at the Dixon Theatre in Andalusia.
Just a brief mention of the July Board Meeting and a chance to throw in some pictures of all the beautiful people. There was a lot of input and creativity as well as willingness to participate in the work of BBAA. Sheila & Ira Chaffin, Cobb Lane B&B, were gracious hosts. Their home is fabulous. If you haven't seen it you need to take the time to "drop Inn ".
The next Board meeting is planned for Tuesday, October 14 at the Lake Guntersville State Park Lodge.
Just a reminder to update your webpage on the BBAA website for the 2009 Brochure. All the info in the brochure will be taken off of your BBAA Webpage.
Congratulations to Bay Breeze. They were written up in Southern Breeze as being "eco" friendly. We all need to be aware of the environment and the issues we face today. Let's take an example from Bay Breeze.
A dear correspondent, someone who always sends a friendly note, just celebrated her 40th birthday with her family in Destin. She stopped in with a friend and had tea at the Smith-Byrd House on her way down. Beth and Dave are up and funning, I mean running. Congrats to them and to the fab 40's
Can anyone give me any info on Larry Fidel, President of AHA and ARA? As you probably know he was in a car accident in June and underwent surgery at USA . Please remember him and his family in your prayers. Here is a link to a site that’s been set up for news about Larry: http://www.alabamarestaurants.com/index2.cfm
Now, more info on the Murder Mystery Parties.... The party is held around 6pm . It takes about three hours to complete. You could serve appetizers during the first act, dinner between acts two and three, and dessert when it is finished. The preparation involves communicating with the participants to get them their assigned parts and give them a chance to assemble their costumes. The invitation gives them the info they need to get ready. It is apparently a tremendous amount of fun with laughs galore. Please contact JoAnn Frazier from Mistletoe Bough Bed and Breakfast if you need more information.
One of our own, Suzanne Haley, owner of Roses and Lace B&B in Ashville, underwent surgery on the 4th at St. Vincent's Hospital in Birmingham. She was resting comfortably Tuesday morning and was planning on being released that afternoon to return home. She will be undergoing chemotherapy, also. Please keep her in your prayers and I'm sure she would appreciate your notes of encouragement. Suzanne's e-mail is Suzanne@20roselane.com
Well, this is the end of another newsletter. I had my doubts if I was going to get it out. First with that noose of depression, I call it a noose because that is what it feels like, or maybe an albatross. And then with the whole cyberspace thing, what was that all about. What can I say....life goes on. We have worked diligently all year, so whether we sit on the beach, take a tour of the USA or of a foreign country, or simply stay at home this summer, stop for a moment to remember, to be aware of what makes you feel happy. Create and think of good memories, the possibilities, the rewards, and being in touch with family and friends.
Happiness does not depend on outward things,
but on the way we see them.
Leo Tolstoy