A Norman Rockwell Kind of Day ...

I woke up to a winter wonderland this morning. What a beautiful sight. The snow had started to fall in the pre-dawn hours, and by breakfast time all outdoors was under a thick and fluffy blanket of white. A fire was crackling in the dining room fireplace to add to the ambience. One of our guests described it just right. "It's a Norman Rockwell kind of day." "Or, Currier and Ives," someone else chimed in.

Breakfast started with Pears Poached in Wine and Spices. The morning's temptations included Pineapple Banana Coconut Muffins, Pumpkin Pancakes with Pure Maple Syrup from a nearby farm and Hearty Sausage Links. Nearly everyone lingered over breakfast and just one more cup of coffee ... and another ...

This would be a perfect day for a sleigh ride at one of the nearby farms. Yes, it's February, and not Christmas, but these perfect Winter days are to cherish and enjoy. After all, isn't that why we plan a getaway?

May all your days be merry and bright ...

Valentine's Day!

I found myself commenting to my assistant, Sarah, this afternoon that today has been the best Valentine's Day ever. Now this may seem odd, I being without a beau at this moment, but this isn't about me. It's about celebrating Valentine's day at the Tidewater Inn. I now have an excuse to indulge our guests with whatever special touches I choose - and being a romantic at heart, this is my holiday for sure.

We had a full dining room for breakfast this morning. Early risers and late sleepers both, and everyone's frame of mind seemed as bright as the sunshine that streamed through the front bay window. Baked pear halves snuggled side by side on a pool of custard to start. Together the two halves formed a heart on the plate. Our morning baked goods included crescent hearts with red sugar crystals and pecan orange sticky buns whose aroma as they baked was enough to lure anyone out of bed, no matter how comfortable.

Today's arriving guests were all coming to celebrate Valentine's day. What fun it was to prepare their rooms, each according to the special package they had reserved for themselves: Truffles from Madison Chocolates, my gourmet Chocolatier neighbor down the street; champagne on ice, with champagne flutes and white lace napkins; chocolate covered strawberries ... mmm; a heart-shaped glass bottle filled with bath salts for the cottage jacuzzi; bouquets of long-stemmed red roses; heart lace doilies on each bed with chocolate hearts; keepsake gifts. Such fun to prepare each individual guestroom. I can see I'm going to have to invest in a digital camera. I would so love to show you photos right now.

My last bit of fun has been to help a gent to plan his Valentine getaway for this weekend. He made a great effort on his own but said he "struck out" when he tried to make dinner reservations. I promised I'd find him a special place. Elizabeth's Cafe at Perfect Parties came through for me (http://www.perfectparties.com/diningin.html). They had a spot open for dinner Saturday night. "He'll take it," I said. I know they are going to be so pleased to have discovered Elizabeth's. They'll be back again and again. I'm sure of it.

Welcome to the Tidewater Inn, Madison CT

First Post February 2008