Croaker and Croakee

We had guests this weekend at Cripple Creek Bed and Breakfast Cabins who determined that there were two bull frogs in the area. They named the deeper voiced of the two Croaker and the other Croakee. Actually Dean came up with another name but darned if I can remember what it was! They relaxed on the porch in the rockers, listened to those frogs speak to each other and enjoyed temperatures much cooler than those they left behind in NC. Frogs not your thing? How about birds, trees, cooler breezes, and rocking chairs? We have a porch waiting for you.

Until next time

Donna

Living Libraries

I heard the term Living Libraries awhile ago on NPR. Yes, I have joined the ranks of the “old folks” who listen to NPR at times. In fact, I have read several wonderful books after listening to author interviews there.

As I love libraries and reading, the term living libraries caught my attention. A library to me is almost sacred ground. I believe it, and the books it holds, should be revered with great respect. It is full of knowledge and information, just waiting for someone to come upon it.  

Do you know a living library,  someone with many life experiences? Maybe a grandparent, an older uncle or aunt? Our older adults have such a wealth of knowledge and information about what life was like “way back when.” Our last WWII vets are certainly living libraries. What about someone who grew up in another culture? Do you know a current or former firefighter? Paramedic?  Nurse? Coal miner? Homeless person? Are you a living library?

Memories only last for as long as the last person who has them. Take some time to ask a living library about what they have experienced. Take some time to make some memories of your own.

Until next time.

Donna

Honey – Do – Lists

Honey-Do-Lists. We all have them. Many times a honey-do-list is made up of the ordinary tasks we do at home everyday. Cook supper, make the bed, do a load of laundry,  weed the garden, empty the dishwasher and so on. Added onto that list are the extras such as pick up the dry cleaning, grocery shop, take the car in for repairs, take the kids, pick up the pet at the vet, and on and on.

At Cripple Creek Bed and Breakfast Cabins there are no honey-do-lists. None. Nada. What there is however, is a large whirlpool tub to soak in, a king size bed to rest in, and porch rockers to relax in. It may be difficult to comprehend a life without “the list.” But believe me, it exists. It exists for as long as your stay here. Life without the list is wonderful. You should give it a try.

Until next time.

Donna

Wild Ripe Blackberries

The wild blackberries are ripening quickly in Southwest Virginia! I get such a kick out of going to the edge of my yard and being able to pick them. I easily pulled off 4 cups on Thursday. Well, that’s how many made it into the house anyway. The land surrounding the cabins at Cripple Creek Bed and Breakfast Cabins is loaded with blackberry bushes just waiting for you to pick and eat!

Until next time.

Donna

Afternoon Storms

This summer has been extremely hot already, something I was not prepared for. But here in the mountains of Southwest Virginia there is a solution to that. Many afternoons and evenings a short lived storm blows through cooling the temperature to more than tolerable. Some storms bring rain by way of a few sprinkles, and some produce strong winds along with thunder and lightening. Although they pass quickly these are a magnificent gathering of light, and color, and sound enhanced by the opportunity to feel the wind and watch the erratic movements of the trees and the blowing of the grasses. Afterwards, we are usually left with a breeze and much cooler temperatures which last throughout the remainder of the evening. Wouldn’t you love lower humidity and cooler temperatures? Cripple Creek Bed and Breakfast Cabins has a big porch with comfortable rockers waiting for you. Come and sit a feel the breezes. Maybe you can observe one of Mother Nature’s performances with us.

Until next time.

Donna

FLYING FLOWERS

Flying flowers?  Close your eyes for a moment. Picture a familiar flower garden. Does it look like the flowers are flying at times?  Must be butterflies! 

I had never heard the term Flying Flowers for these fragile, beautiful creatures until Ellen Reynolds from Beagle Ridge Herb Farm told me about her Butterfly House. I just had to go see it.

Within minutes I was hooked. I am a very visual learner now and got to witness the life cycle of butterflies first hand. It was amazing to observe what voracious eaters the caterpillars were. I literally watched whole leaves being devoured in preparation for the caterpillar building a chrysalis, which is where it transforms into a butterfly. I watched brand new butterflies spreading and warming their wings for the first time. Watching butterflies in flight has always filled me with a sense of peace and quiet, as well as wonder. It’s amazing when one sits on your hand!

Ellen is such a great teacher and she obviously is doing what she loves. Visit her web site at www.beagleridgeherbfarm.com. Better yet, go visit her!

 It’s good to be back on the blog.

Until next time.

Donna

Black Bear seen at Cripple Creek Bed and Breakfast Cabins

A recent guest informed us that upon returning to Cripple Creek Bed and Breakfast Cabins one evening they witnessed an adult black bear and 3 cubs (yes-3 cubs)  on the edge of our property. Due to their  fear of humans and not appreciating the car headlights, the bear quickly entered our woods.

When we moved to Southwest Virginia several years ago we were told that black bear had been reintroduced to the area mountains and that one would occasionally be seen traveling through the area. We have seen at least one each year since our arrival and I am always in awe of the magnificant animal. Welcome back!

Until next time

Donna

Dark face of a storm

         

Mother Nature puts on an awesome display of change as seen from Cripple Creek Bed and Breakfast Cabins

Spring at Cripple Creek Cabins speaks for itself

Mother’s Day gift

Even though today is Mother’s Day, it is not too late to tell her how special she is by sending her to Cripple Creek Bed and Breakfast Cabins for some quiet, peaceful R&R. There are no meals to cook, dishes to wash, beds to make. There is however a porch with rockers, a whirlpool tub, soothing music and breakfast delivered to her at her cabin. Cripple Creek Bed and Breakfast Cabins does have gift certificates to eliminate the trials of planning for someone else. Just keep us in mind, not only for Mother’s Day but any special occasion.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the Moms who make the world a better place.

Donna