Remember how I said I wanted the snow to stop? Well, here in Parry Sound it did! The sun came out, the snow started to melt, and things were lovely...except that it's been dropping down to -20 celsius at night! This means that all the lovely snow on the hill at the back of the house is melting, and running down the hill....and stops dead at the back of the house. It has created a lovely skating rink literally outside the back door of 40 Bay Street Bed & Breakfast! And, when it really gets going, it forms a river that flows down the side of the house, as you can see in this picture. And, to add insult to injury, because the sun is so warm, all the build-up of ice and snow off the roof has come down - and in HUGE chunks, that are too big for me to lift out of the way, now totalling blocking the path. So now, instead of shovelling, I'm outside spreading salt with everyone else! Oh well, at least the sun is shining!
Friday, February 27, 2009
I have good news...and bad news!
Remember how I said I wanted the snow to stop? Well, here in Parry Sound it did! The sun came out, the snow started to melt, and things were lovely...except that it's been dropping down to -20 celsius at night! This means that all the lovely snow on the hill at the back of the house is melting, and running down the hill....and stops dead at the back of the house. It has created a lovely skating rink literally outside the back door of 40 Bay Street Bed & Breakfast! And, when it really gets going, it forms a river that flows down the side of the house, as you can see in this picture. And, to add insult to injury, because the sun is so warm, all the build-up of ice and snow off the roof has come down - and in HUGE chunks, that are too big for me to lift out of the way, now totalling blocking the path. So now, instead of shovelling, I'm outside spreading salt with everyone else! Oh well, at least the sun is shining!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
What's the difference between a B&B and a hotel - Part III
I had an e-mail from one of last summer's guests about this series of blogs who reminded me of a discussion we had had...Martin had asked me if I viewed 40 Bay Street Bed & Breakfast as a business, where I also lived, or if I viewed it as my home that I opened up to guests? He also noted that I hardly thought about it, answering quickly that I opened up my home to guests; and treated people staying here as such, not as a business. (Let's not tell my accountant that!)
When I originally decided to do blogs about the differences between hotels and B&Bs, it was to help people who had never stayed at a B&B to understand some of the differences they could expect between the two types of accommodation. And in doing so, I guess I overlooked one of the key differences! So, what do we do to treat you as a guest? Our libraries of books, music and pillows; the opportunity to eat breakfast when you would like it, and a choice of what to eat, our conceigiere service and advice on what Parry Sound and area has to offer are just a few of the little details that set us apart.
So, I guess we'll never win the award of entrepenuer of the year award, but at least we'll sleep well at night, knowing we've tried our best to make your stay the best you've ever had at a B&B!
When I originally decided to do blogs about the differences between hotels and B&Bs, it was to help people who had never stayed at a B&B to understand some of the differences they could expect between the two types of accommodation. And in doing so, I guess I overlooked one of the key differences! So, what do we do to treat you as a guest? Our libraries of books, music and pillows; the opportunity to eat breakfast when you would like it, and a choice of what to eat, our conceigiere service and advice on what Parry Sound and area has to offer are just a few of the little details that set us apart.
So, I guess we'll never win the award of entrepenuer of the year award, but at least we'll sleep well at night, knowing we've tried our best to make your stay the best you've ever had at a B&B!
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Daybreak over Parry Sound
This picture shows just one of the many reasons why I like to get up early....I think Parry Sound is beautiful any time of the day, or season!While things are relatively quiet at 40 Bay Street Bed & Breakfast (we're using the time to renovate the kitchen!), I just realized that in another 3 months, the house will be filled with returning and new friends, another reason to get up early and look forward to another beautiful day!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
What's the difference between a B&B and a hotel - Part II
Why, the level of service, of course!?! We know that one of the reasons people keep coming back to stay at 40 Bay Street Bed & Breakfast is the attention to detail that you receive from us - starting with your very first contact with us. Because breakfast is a key part of staying at a B&B, we always ask if there are any dietary requirements we need to know about. With Susan's background in Food & Nutrition, and Chef Simon's experience in a variety of kitchens we can provide vegetarian, vegan, salt and citric-free, gluten, lactose and wheat-free menus.
In order to provide the best breakfast possible, we encourage people to bring their own breads, and/or milks - we have a guest fridge for keeping things cool if required. In addition, this contributes to our guests' health and well being...it's no fun being away from home and sick because you ate something you know you shouldn't have!
In order to provide the best breakfast possible, we encourage people to bring their own breads, and/or milks - we have a guest fridge for keeping things cool if required. In addition, this contributes to our guests' health and well being...it's no fun being away from home and sick because you ate something you know you shouldn't have!
Friday, February 6, 2009
What's the difference between a B&B and hotel?
Well, first off, I have to say - the breakfast! In Parry Sound, the hotels tend to include a continental breakfast with their rate. Here at 40 Bay Street Bed & Breakfast, the breakfast is included in the rate also - but our breakfast includes starting out with fresh fruit, yogurt, homemade granola, juice and baking fresh from the oven. After that, we serve a hot course; generally your choice of an egg or non-egg dish accompanied by homemade toasted bread, jam and served just the way you like it! Of course, throughout the meal there is all the organic coffee and teas you can drink. Hmmmm, how would you like to start your day?
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Our most requested breakfast recipe
The number one 40 Bay Street Bed & Breakfast breakfast recipe our guests' request is for Susan's wild berry muffins:
1/4 cup softened margarine
1/2 cup white sugar
1 egg
3/4 cup milk
1/2 tsp vanilla
1&3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup mixed wild berries, or blueberries (fresh or frozen)
Cream margarine & sugar, stir in egg, add milk and vanilla and mix well. Combine dry ingredients, toss berries in to coat with flour, and add flour mixture and berries carefully into liquid, only stirring until barely mixed. Spoon into greased muffin cups (makes about 9 muffins) and bake 400 degrees for 20 minutes. Serve warm and enjoy!
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