“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”
― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
With the changing of the leaves come changes in the season, the colors, the weather, clothing, people, and attitudes, We tend to make more comfort-type foods like soup and warm breads. We build more fires and light more candles. We drink hot chocolate and deep red wines. We snuggle under the covers a little longer and dig out gloves and scarves. At Bedford Landings we are making some changes too. These are things that we had in mind all along, but with the season slowing down a bit, we are finding more time to attend to these things.
We installed the LED lighting in the Great Room. They provide lights for the upper level as well as give a nice glow below. Thanks again to the Koontz’s for their assistance with this.
Jack also installed the ceiling fans on the front porch and has built a firewood storage area under the deck by the guest hot tub. I brought in the plants from outside just before we had Scott the Painter stain all the porches and decks. Then Charlie English (ProSiding) completed the Maple siding on each side of the chimney. Previously, the siding ended at the vent and it was painted around those small windows.
The sun direction has shifted and I can see every bird splatter and failed effort to clean the windows. So next week we are having all of the windows washed inside and out. I have also ordered shades for the breakfast room. This time of year, the guests are blinded by the sunshine at breakfast, so we hope to remedy that soon!
Just last weekend, we visited with each grand child. The oldest, Jaxon, was the inspiration for my new children’s book. Entitled Cloudy with a Chance of Dreams, Jaxon seem pleased with the outcome and being featured in this book about a dog, a bike and an airplane. Here he is reading it for the first time. You can purchase them at Bedford Landings for $10 or online (Click on this link)
After a nice vacation, we are settled in for our Fall and Winter guests. Since we cherish our family time, we probably won’t ever host B & B guests during Thanksgiving or Christmas. Instead we block the rooms for our 3 adult children, my brother, his 2 adult children and an assortment of wives, husbands, partners and grandchildren. All other times, including New Year’s Eve, are great times to come enjoy the fireplace and the cozy theatre room or hot tub this chilly winter.
We do have a few new test kitchen recipes including the one I will share today. Jack and I have tasted the Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal and soon our Fall guests will enjoy it…maybe tomorrow! Here it is for your enjoyment, just in time for Thanksgiving.
Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal
2 cups of oats (quick oats are ok and long cooking oats just take longer to cook)
1 ¼ cup of almond milk (can use regular)
¾ cup of canned pumpkin
2 T. pumpkin pie spice
¼ cup brown sugar
pinch of salt
Stir together and microwave 2-3 minutes on high or cook on the oven Then, select from the following as stir-ins or toppings: Butterscotch chips, pecans or walnuts, white chocolate chips, or cool whip. I probably will beat an egg white on high to fold in as well to make the oatmeal light and fluffy!
So as you change with the seasons and enjoy the Thanksgiving harvest, ponder these wise words and don’t forget those who chip in to prepare the feast!
Drink and be thankful to the host! What seems insignificant when you have it, is important when you need it.
Franz Grillparzer
What could be better at this time of year? Pumpkin pie for breakfast! I always have almond milk on hand and just happen to have the rest of the ingredients. Will try it tomorrow. Thanks for sharing. Your new book with real-life scenarios and great illustrations will be fun to read with my grandson.
We need to get over there to check out all the changes/additions to your WONDERFUL B & B !!!!!! Love you guys!!! Have a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving! What a terrific year you all have to be thankful for!!!!
What's fun about this B&Bis they continue to experiment and try new things to make their hospitality even better.. Bring me some of that pumpkin pie oatmeal. Yum!