I have never been diagnosed with ADD but I do have distractions that take me off task.  It sometimes feels like I am that little kid in Family Circus ©.

When it is time to go to sleep at night, as an Innkeeper, we need to double check everything is locked up and shut down the house.  That means, leaving our quarters, assuring the step lights are on, the overhead lights are off, the door is locked, music is off, etc.  Sometimes it is a positive thing to be a little OCD to assure everything is just right so guests feel safe and comfortable as they rest!

But other times, the distractions are a little bit of a nuisance for me.  I can get a lot done, but it’s because I learned to be efficient in my movements and multi-task.  For example, carry up things that need to go upstairs up when you are headed up the stairs; or make a trip to town count by combining all errands.  But just this week, this efficiency of movement strategy almost backfired.  I had decided to precook some sausage for the next mornings’ breakfast casseroles (recipe included below!). I put the meat on the stovetop turned on medium.

Doolittle was outside so I went out to call him.  I noticed that the chairs were disarray by Marthy’s Creek and there were a lot of leaves blocking the flow of water.  I started pulling some leaves out by hand and Doolittle appeared and was chasing them.  I decided I needed to get in the garage and retrieve the blower to help with this task.  I blew all of the leaves back into the yard and tidied the patio.  I recalled I had left the deck door open when looking for DooLittle so I went back in that way to be sure to close it behind me.  Oops!  The house was smoky and the sausage was well done! Distractions!

All was ok and we didn’t need to call the fire department. Only the bottom layer of the sausage was well done!  The chickens loved it!  I was able to preserve enough for the breakfast casseroles!

This Spring, what are your distractions?  Do you consider them good distractions, therapeutic distractions, or a negative distraction?

In the meantime, enjoy making this totally simple breakfast casserole:

Bedford Landings Little Italian Casseroles

Spray non-stick cooking spray in small ramekins. Preheat oven 350 degrees.
Cook ground sweet Italian sausage (cooked not burned!)
Can of mixed tomatoes and peppers (like Rotel)
Grated Cheese of your choice
2 eggs per person
Cream – about 1/4 cup
Worcestershire sauce – a few sprinkles

Cover bottom of ramekin with cooked sausage.  Spoon on two tablespoons of mixed tomatoes and peppers, add grated cheese. Cover with egg and cream mixture. Sprinkle on some Worcestershire sauce and bake until eggs are set (not jiggly). It will take about 25 minutes. Set on a cookie sheet in the oven in case they rise beyond the dish!  Serve with salsa on the side.

Now, speaking of distractions.  In the time I have been working on this little blog post, I have put in a load of wash, taken a load from the dryer, lost – then found my phone, greeted someone at the door, and taken a phone call. It’s hard to stay focused but sometimes that’s ok.  We are getting it done here at Bedford Landings!

Next blog…will be about Jack’s new project.  He’s building a boat!

So let’s wind up 2021!  It was only slightly better than 2020!  But here we are.  We have made memories, we have stories to tell, gifts that keep on giving, and the spirit of the holidays in our hearts.  Or do we?

We put this little video together to show some of the highlights of decorating the Christmas tree for the B & B.  The tree got presents wet, ripped the paper, and broke ornaments.  Today we were just glad to be rid of the Christmas Tree that kept bringing us surprises.  What I could not capture was after we took it down, Jack loaded it on the truck to take to the dump. Half of it fell out into the road and he had to backtrack to discover it and return to the dump!

Enjoy this brief glimpse and may 2022 being us peace and good will!

The Christmas Tree that Kept on Giving. 

If you are seeking a relaxing evening on New Year’s Eve, we have three rooms still available to be reserved.  The tree is now gone so no worries there!  See our website for details. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The leaves are turning, there is a slight breeze, the chickens are molting,  we have winterized the jet ski, the water has turned chilly, and it is Fall, y’all!

First as an update, Doolittle has been “accidentally” packed into more overnight bags than I can mention.  He is growing so much, however his ears always peek over the sides of any suitcase and we discover him!  He is 5.5 pounds and as rowdy as ever.  He sure loves our guests and they love him.  I just took this photo today.  Check it out!  Believe me, he doesn’t miss a trick!

Speaking of Fall, there are many fall activities right here on the lake.  Next weekend (November 6) is the Chilifest.  It is held behind Bridgewater Plaza.  Attendees may taste each chili and vote on their favorite chili and their favorite themed booth. There are arts and crafts besides the chili.

Some folks love to hike.  The State Park is just minutes from our house.  However, it flat scenic trails don’t offer challenging enough trails, try the Peaks of Otter or McAfee Knob. Both are within in 40 minutes driving distance of Bedford Landings. Jack and I hiked to the top of Sharp Top at Peaks of Otter about 12 years ago.  It is beautiful but tricky with rocks and roots (tripping hazards) but you will feel a sense of accomplishment if you make it!

 

 

The Holiday Boat Parade is Sunday November 7 from 6-8 pm.  Led by the Virginia Dare cruise boat, others join in and decorate their boats.

Santa and the Elf on the Shelf will be hanging around Bridgewater Plaza shortly after Thanksgiving.  It’s always fun to have the children find the hidden elves!

Here at Bedford Landings, we will bring in a tree after Thanksgiving and take a few days to decorate it.  Each room will be lit for the holidays and most mornings Jack builds a fire.  Positive holiday spirit will fill the air, goodwill and peace will be found in this home.

 

Bedford Landings Bed & Breakfast is proud to present your new vacation therapy (dog) puppy!  Weighing in a 3.5 pounds, Doolittle will greet you with his friendly wag and maybe a slight piddle of excitement when you arrive.

He has been quite entertaining and our guests are falling in love with the house dog!  We have had him now only 4 weeks and he has developed quite the helpful personality.

I encourage you to watch this little Doolittle video I put together of his helpful antics!

Now tell me that’s not the cutest dog ever!!

I am sorry, but no we are not pet-friendly as every dog has it’s own personality, habits, and shedding issues.  Instead, we invite you to love on Doolittle while you are here!

James Harold Doolittle (December 14, 1896 – September 27, 1993) was an American military general  and aviation pioneer who received the Medal of Honor for his daring raids on Japan during World War II. He also made early coast-to-coast flights, won many flying races, and helped develop instrument flying (Wikipedia.org).

Doolittle was the first to envision that a pilot could be trained to use instruments to fly through fog, clouds, precipitation of all forms, darkness, or any other impediment to visibility; and in spite of the pilot’s own possibly convoluted motion sense inputs.

And these reputable actions are what I have been trying to explain to our newest addition to the family, Doolittle DeBord-Phillips. My friend, Mischelle said, “Just let me bring the puppies over for you to meet and see what you think.”  (She knew) Who can refuse an adorable puppy!

We went through multiple iterations of naming the pup, even asking people on Facebook for suggestions.  Biscuit and Bacon were top contenders, but we wanted a term that had to do with flying rather than breakfast…so we settled on Doolittle and it is growing on us although sometimes shortened to Doodle!

We have had Doolittle now for 2 weeks and he has really grown more and more comfortable.  Weighing in (at his first vet visit) at 3.8 lbs, he is NOT housebroken yet so any tips are welcomed!  Just look at the comparison of these photos taken 2 weeks apart.

We do think he will be a great B & B dog.  He has been friendly and played with all guests who have tried to interact.   Dogs have long been called “Man’s best friend” but they truly are a family’s best and loyal friend in times of need.  So many people determined it was time for a dog during the COVID lock down and study after study have found that pets provide a therapeutic benefit to reducing stress and providing comfort.  Bedford Landings is NOT pet friendly.  So, you can’t bring your dog, but we are making an effort to provide a great dog to interact with while you are here.

Bella gave us many years of comfort before she crossed the rainbow bridge in October 2020.  It too us awhile to determine what type of hypoallergenic dog to get.  Hopefully Doolittle will grow and learn the expectations that we have for him and maybe just like James Harold (“Jimmy”) Doolittle, he will be able to navigate the many guests and seasons to come!  Welcome Doolittle!!