Baby has NEW SHOES

Baby Has New Shoes

We have a Trail Lite trailer that we just used last month on our camping trip to Colorado.  We got this after Gordon experienced a very heavy and wet snow while using our old tent in the mountains.  No more tenting!  Anyway, we bought the trailer used and found it went through tires. 

We bought a new set 2 years ago and put less than 3,000 miles on them and the tire's inside edge was worn almost to the belting. Terrible!  Gordon did a little measuring and found the axle was bent.   A little research on the Internet revealed this was a common problem with rubber torsion axles.  We also found there was no fix other than replacement.  

Well, Gordon jerked out the old axle (strained back ate aspirin). Found he had to have an axle tailor made.  Hauled it down to a axle specialty shop and had it measured and then unloaded it on the scrap iron pile on the farm (reinjured back).  Got the new axle and waited a weak for the back pain to subside and guess what?  The axle Didn't fit.  

NO problem!  1 1/2 inch angle iron, 1/2 inch bolts and a MIG welder and WAA LAA..    He made a few modifications.  Husband and WIFE rolled it into position and it slid into place; "like sliding a sock over a chicken's lip."  Axle is in, new tires are on:  BABY has NEW SHOES!  

Nest Cleaning

We have hanging flower baskets on the porch and its necessary to water them every other day.  My "other chores" include feeding the fish, filling the bird feeders and watering the rest of our flowers. While enjoying a cup of coffee on the porch I  noticed a sparrow would land on the hanging basket and crawl in the foliage.  I took a closer look and found it had a nest which had 2 eggs.  I quiet watering and in a few days, the eggs hatched and eventually they fledged and flew off.  

The plants had died from lack of water and I took the basket down and examined the nest.  What I found was interesting and provided a "lesson."   Few would actually say they enjoyed "house keeping": however, if you were a bird you would find literally distasteful. 

Upon close examination, I found the inside of the nest remarkably clean.  However, there was a thick ring of bird droppings that surrounded the nest.  The only way those would have gotten there is by the parents cleaning and discarding their offspring's waste with their beaks.  I wonder if birds can spit?  

Wonderful People!

One of the great pleasures of running a Bed & Breakfast is the nice people you meet.  It gives you a whole different perspective of American folks than what the news portrays.  Linda and I both worked with the Public in our previous careers; we like and enjoy people.

We feel breakfast is a special meal; it is at home.  We eat with our guests and few get-away without telling us about the jobs, their families and their hobbies.  We've found conversation is an important feature of our business.  Breakfast generally takes a minimum of one full hour and often last 3.  Often, it takes another pot of coffee to finish up. 

On several occasions, we've had guests come down stairs in the evening to simply visit and often that produces a bottle of wine from someone.  The most recent bottle was shared with Boris and Theresa, a charming couple from Canada.  They stayed several days and by the time they left it felt we had known them for years.  

They surprised with a going-away gift: two bottles of wine an a beautiful holder.

Thanks; from Boris and Theresa

Most of our guests are older, our age or retired.  Yesterday we hosted a young lady from Chicago for a couple of days.  She was in her early 20's, charming and had come for a friend's wedding.  We normally find our younger guests less "talkative" but that wasn't the case here.  We had a two marvelous conversations over breakfast. It was a real treat.

We have guests books in each of our rooms for guests to leave messages.  Those are normally the first things we look at to get an idea if they had a good time.  Occasionally, we even find a "tip" on the dresser.  Today, after Kristina left we went up to start cleaning and found a "Display of Gifts" that included the sign:"Friends are Life's Greatest Gift".   How very true!

Kristina: Thank you Very Much!

     We certainly don't expect this.  When someone is this kind and generous, its a wonderful reward.  Kristina, we'll enjoy the tea, coffee, chocolates, Friends sign and your thoughtful words.  Thanks; Gordon and Linda.

Lilies are Beautiful this Year!

It's nearing the end of July and we're experiencing the most wonderful weather; sunny and cool.  The lilies love it!  

Oriental Lily; Oft's Bed & Breakfast

 Three years ago we planted Oriental Lilies next to the pool and this year they really bloomed.  Coolness, no wind, and generous watering and they are beautiful!  

Tiger Lilies; Oft's Bed & Breakfast

Grandma Nancy had Tiger lilies planted on the northeast corner of the house where its cool and moist.  When we were remodeling I transplanted a few next to the pool and they love it!  What a beautiful year for flowers.  We had to share.  

Ford Model T's Rule!!

The Centennial Model T Club had a road rally and picnic in Bennington's Centennial Park which is located a block from our home.  Linda and I got to drive our 1918 Model T pickup to the park.  Three other "Ts" were there along with a room full of great people and good food. 

This was our first introduction to this club and we offered the women a tour of our home, they graciously accepted.  While they were enjoying the tour, one of their husbands drove his 1911 Ford over to the house for some photos.  What a beautiful car!

1911 Ford Model T and the 1910 Oft-Gordon House

Interesting Guests

A beautiful 1938 (?) Ford.  Richard and Verna were entered in the Ford V8 Club 50th Anniversary Celebration.  The car rally was driving from the East Coast to Reno, Nevada.  The route was along the Lincoln Highway.  The couple were from Ames, Iowa.

The Wonderful Morel!!

There is a regular cult of morel mushroom hunters and I'm one.  When temperatures start to rise in the spring and reach 90 degrees; some of us come down with morel fever.   It happens every years as we get the uncontrollable urge to wonder out into the woods.    Last year I went out several times and only got a few along with a case of poison ivy!  

This year the morel crop was unbelievable!  My brother is the "morel scout" and he gave me a call and said: "they are here!"  He was right!  Linda and I went out and we got about 10 pounds worth.  We breaded quite a few up and froze them and now we're serving them with our breakfasts.  Guests love them!

An Oft's B & B Breakfast Special; Morels, bacon and eggs.

 This is my favorite breakfast and one that guests love; Maple cured bacon, eggs with cheese and morel mushrooms.