Archive for the ‘Blue Horse Pets’ Category

Stick Season Begins

Tuesday, November 1st, 2011

We’ve had a wonderful autumn here at the Blue Horse.  It’s been a busy one, and we couldn’t have asked for a nicer group of guests.  Many thanks to everyone who stayed with us during this foliage season – it was truly our pleasure to meet you (or see you again!), and we hope that your travels will bring you back our way.

Today is the first quiet day we’ve had in a long time.  Though I love making armies of gruyere biscuits and towers of cornmeal pancakes, this morning my breakfast preparations were limited to microwaving a bowl of Grape Nuts (delicious with a dab of honey – try it!) and while sorting through the mementos of Snowtober.

Luckily, I was able to take a stroll through Pierre’s gardens last week, little thinking it would be my final snow-free visit.

Though we didn’t don Halloween costumes this year, we were able to have fun with the Snor’s sartorial statements.  Here he is as a jester:

And here he is as Monkey:

And here’s Monkey in a gender-bending ensemble:

Snorri also found a new girlfriend this October.  Her name is Daisy. She’s not so sure about Snorri’s romantical overtures.

But who wouldn’t want kisses from this handsome devil?

We’ve enjoyed our surprise snowfall.

While it’s a smidgen on the early side, I’m pretty much a snow enthusiast until mid-February.  And P.S. – some of the runs on Killington are OPEN!!!

Snow on pumpkins!  Festive!

And, just so I won’t succumb to BHI breakfast withdrawal, here’s a shot of yesterday morning’s dessert breakfast – cardamom french toast with gingered Grand Marnier apples and maple whipped cream.  Enjoy!

How tweet it is.

Wednesday, October 12th, 2011

If you don’t yet follow us on twitter, you may be wondering about the recent happenings at the Blue Horse.

For instance, you may be curious about how much butter we’ve used this week.

Answer: Over twelve pounds, my friends.  Wowza.

And you may be wondering what Ben and Snorri are doing.

Answer: They’re being lazy.  Incurably, predictably, cutely lazy.

Or perhaps you really need to know about our egg consumption.

Answer: The chickens are exhausted.

Mostly, though, I’m sure you want to know about the foliage.

Answer: It’s gorgeous.

Thanks for stopping by to see what’s going on at the Blue Horse.  If you’d like to follow us on twitter (It’s easy!  I promise!), click here to sign up.

MSPCA Party Animals

Wednesday, July 13th, 2011

We had a huge, awesome, fabulous wedding at the Blue Horse last weekend. I’ve got a big post coming up about the shindig, but I first wanted to let our Bostonian readers know about an upcoming benefit for the MSPCA-Angell. If you’re unfamiliar with the organization, the MSPCA-Angell “is a national and international leader in animal protection and veterinary medicine and provides direct hands-on care for thousands of animals each year. Founded in 1868, we are the second-oldest humane society in the United States. Our services include animal protection and adoption, advocacy, humane education, law enforcement and world-class veterinary care.”

The Blue Horse has donated a couple of room nights for the raffle, and the event promises to be a fun evening.

We are proud to support institutions like the MSPCA-Angell.  If you’re in the Boston Area and are interested in joining in the fun, visit the MSPCA-Angell event page for tickets and more information.

Team Glenfiddich

Wednesday, June 29th, 2011

Last Friday, Ben and I attended a fundraiser for Zack’s Place, Woodstock’s community enrichment center.  The theme of the evening was “Highland Games.”

We competed in the games with our friends, Mark Knott and Rachel Hochman; together, we were Team Glenfiddich. Here are a few shots of Mark and Rachel during the first event, trying to wrangle a note from a set of bagpipes.

Avid swimmers, we knew that Mark and Rachel would be able to work some bagpipes.  But try as they might, nary a noise could be piped from those bags.  The judges ruled the bagpipes defunct and awarded us full points for effort. Go Team!

Then it was on to the Wellie toss.

Points were awarded for distance and placement, and the men of Team Glenfiddich did us proud.

Then it was on to the infamous Dress-in-a-Kilt-and-Play-Speed-Croquet event.

In his enthusiasm, Ben tied his belt in an impossible knot, but no points were docked for the breach of dress etiquette.

The men gave another strong performance on the golfing event, while Rachel and I kept the team spirit (and juggled four highballs of scotch – thank you, Dennis).

Though Team Glenfiddich performed well on all major events, Ladder Ball was where our team really shone.

And so Team Glenfiddich took first place at the Scottish Highland games. Well done, Team.

Afterwards, we celebrated at the Tupelo with Jay Nash and Garrison Star.  They put on a fine, fine show, and it was the perfect way to end an excellent day. Thanks, y’all.

In other news, someone turned two last Sunday.

He has appreciated all the good wishes but is really looking forward to the gifts of catnip and jerky that are sure to arrive shortly.

Good Morning!

Tuesday, June 21st, 2011

6:45am

Find Snorri on Monkey’s bed and Monkey under the covers.

6:47am

Water all the newly planted things in front of the inn.  Feel proud of self.

6:55am

Admire Benford’s handiwork.  (He just, like, decided to lay a brick walkway last night, and viola! If he’s not careful, we’re going to start requiring this level of do-it-iveness all the time.)

7:02am

Make very stout french press; steep while checking on the pool and back yard.

7:07am

Water all the newly planted things behind the inn.  Feel proud of self.

7:10am

Notice that rose is thriving in spite of (or perhaps because of!) violent trimming.  Brim with horticultural confidence.

7:12am

Cut fresh peonies for the tables.

(ACP, my friends. Always Check the Peonies.)

(If I were a bug, I’d definitely want to live in a peony.)

7:20 am

Pour cup of coffee strong enough to start a car. Enjoy for 1 minute.

7:22am

Arrange peonies, remembering to ACP.

7:27am

Enjoy breakfast.

7:30am

Prepare breakfast for guests.  Mix dry ingredients for scones and pancakes simultaneously. Do not confuse teaspoons with tablespoons. Use LOTS of butter in scones.

8:25am

Slowly scramble eggs with your left hand; flip pancakes with your right.  Hold the camera with your chin.

9:40am

Serve final table of guests.

10:15am

Dash to physical therapy, smelling of maple syrup and sausage. Be glad that your wonderful physical therapist, Rebecca, doesn’t mind breakfasty aromas. Enjoy outdoor stationary bicycling.  Appreciate glorious first day of summer.

11:30am

Admire village.  Take photos while driving. Feel kindly toward fellow humans.

12:59pm

Blog in good company.

The animals are all right.

Tuesday, June 21st, 2011

Monkey got a haircut.

Très chic! Monkey loves her new ‘do – her fur is out of her eyes, and she doesn’t have to worry about food getting stuck in her beard. She also loves the skirt steak at Melaza.

Snorri did not get a haircut, but he has had several hairballs.

His current favorite spot is at the top of the closet. He can make it up there in two bounds, except for when he misses the top of the highboy.  Nothing is more pitiful than a cat trying to pretend his fall was intentional.

With the animals content, we humans can enjoy the benefits of a 78-degree pool.  Particularly lovely on a cool Vermont evening.