The Amazing NOSH!

The beginning of another season, the start of something great and all full of delicious tastes!

Our first Albany Nosh Tour of the season began yesterday afternoon. And yes...it was the best. Beginning as always with a sweet, the black licorice caramels from Victorian Chocolates were delicious as always. Kelly does an awesome job in Lebanon at his chocolate shop. Belgium chocolate with Oregon ingredients makes a great combination.

After a sweet, we begin our tastes with Sybaris and yet again...Matt has truly outdone himself. I still can't remember exactly what it was called because he lost me at "fried pig ears!" Whatever it was, our nosh guests loved it. Raving about the food is kind of the point of the tour but the fact that we get to meat the chefs the restauranteurs and their staff, makes the tour!

Chad at Cappies really stepped out of his comfort zone and prepared something so tasty that people kept asking tons of questions about what it was. Thin slices of beef, braised and served with a few mashers and a mouthwatering reduction so tasty that we were wishing for more.

Novak's of course...as always the best Hungarian taste in the entire state. Serving their famous Chicken Paprikash and of course a sweet. Very sweet indeed and so was the visit from mama and papa Novak.

Oh then there is Calapooia Brewing Co. Wow...what can we say...what a fun ride. Their Class V Burgers, the Reubens that go perfectly with their tots and fries and that beer...well, let me just tell you, all that delicious bar food and beer makes the brewery tour even more fun. Paul...thanks as always...you make us smile!

Taste of Italy/Pizza King is probably our most amazing stop. Many people are unaware at just how much talent is in this pizza parlor. But, when our tour guests experience Ruby, her cooking, her cooking classes and then to taste her delicious Minestrone Soup fresh from her new COOKBOOK, amazing!

Did you know about Brewster's in N. Albany? They have the best drink in town! Their Brewster's Punch is so good that you drink it down so fast before you realize just what you did. And, by then...it hits you like a basket of homemade potato chips served with ranch dressing. Yeah...those are pretty darn tasty too! Thanks Stacey and as always...supurb!

The perfect ending...Boccherini's! Russian cookies made by Matt's sioux chef in cookie molds right from Russia. Delicious little bites and they went perfectly with the Allann Bros. coffee served with them. A special blend for Boccherini's, delicious bites and the end of another very nice ride.

Sweet nosh dreams, lots of photos, smiles, full bellies and our guests asking when the next tour begins. Well...it's April 30th and only have 16 seats left!

Thanks again to ALL of our chefs, restauranteurs, wait staff, tour guides and organizers. Can't wait to do it again!

"My Stay at Bybee's Historic Inn...Jacksonville, Oregon"

Have I mentioned lately how much I love my "volunteer" job with the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild? Well, if not...here goes! I LOVE THIS GIG!!!

I am one half of the OBBG membership team and believe me when I say that it is all about being a "team!" Many of our innkeepers have experience when performing inspections for new inns and re-inspecting those inns that have been members for many years. However, one inn in particular...Bybee's Historic Inn near Jacksonville, OR joined us about one year ago and I could hardly wait to see this gorgeous place. Well, as luck would have it, I had to give this "new member" inspection to a friend, team player and fellow innkeeper. Fred Wickman from the Prospect Historic Hotel-Motel and Dinner House had the divine pleasure of performing this "new inn inspection and I was very jealous!

Needless to say, he was quite smitten with this beautiful inn. A wonderful addition to our organization, a perfect location just outside of Jacksonville and again another reason to brag about OBBG and their awesome list of membership inns!

Performing inspections can take us to many different regions in Oregon and my luck was changing and took me right to Bybee's a few days ago. Not for another inspection but for just a night away and a chance to see the inn. Cousins and friends Tina Marie and Vikki Lynn have done a wonderful job as innkeepers. Their "historical character dinners of the 1800's, unique themed dinners and high tea's for any occasion, elegant romantic getaways, private weddings, receptions, and unforgettable honeymoons," only add to the stunning surroundings that make you want to stay.

Thank you ladies for making our stay just perfect. Your special touch on everything you do made us feel special, pampered and very well taken care of!

Hitting The Trail...just a few miles from the inn!

Who would have known that a college town like Corvallis was so close to a forest that you could actually drive just a few miles from the Oregon State University campus and feel like you were in the middle of nowhere. That's what happened to us last fall when we discoverd the OSU College Forest. Well, I think the forest discovered us because what was supposed to be a 2-1/2 mile hike turned in to a 7 mile trek. Not to mention any names, but someones cell phone GPS was WRONG!

A map probably would have helped too but I try not to complain too much about my sore feet, my sore legs, etc. because it was a beautiful hike and led us on to further adventures. Since last fall, we have discovered that the college forests are set in four distinct forest management themes. There are even-aged, 2-storied, uneven-aged and reserved old-growth stands. I hope you can get a sense of our experience as you view the photos I took as we walked. My favorite area is the old-growth forest. It is a shorter trail that winds you through the most green, gorgeous trail I have ever seen in my life. I felt like we were in a movie scene and it was a stage set because it didn't seem real.

Almost tripped myself a few times trying to see everything and take enough pictures but not too many cause I didn't want to miss out on anything. The old-growth trail is just off the beaten path a bit and is only a .5 mile long and takes only 30 minutes unless you are a gawker like me. Next time I'm bringing lunch! The trail contains Douglas fir trees along with an abundance of other forest finds. And, what is really great about this area, is that even if you are only an occasional hiker, there are shorter and easier trails to hike or walk on. But if you love hiking and want to have a more rigorous work out, you can try Dan's Trail. It climbs 3.0 miles from 700' to 1478' and crosses a historical orchard and even higher up into the climb, you can reach the top of Dimple Hill and view not only Corvallis, but the coast and cascade ranges as well.

To learn more and to obtain a map of the hiking area, check out OSU's bookstore or The Book Bin in Corvallis for the McDonald-Dunn Multiple Use Road and Trail Map.

Don't forget good hiking boots, staying on trails, and bringing a little food and water are always good choices for any length trail you decide to hike.

Hike safe!

Pumpkin Hollow Mill in Albany, Oregon!

A real working mill, a step back at least a couple of hundred years and a shop filled with spectacular finds all brought to you by "Pumpkin Hollow Mill!"

On April 15th, Pumpkin Hollow Mill will open it's 200 year old wooden door and let you step back as you peruse a bit of history. I got a sneak peek a few days ago of this stunning piece of history and had to promise not to give too much away but Linda said I could take a few photos and at least share a little of what she and her husband are cooking up. Their love of American History and Antique Primitives, their 1700's perfect replica old Salt Box style home, Linda and her hubby are taking on this endeavor full force. Stocking this shop with "authentic" primitives, folk art, early needfuls, period lighting, custom furniture and the best part...it's ALL AMERICAN MADE!

So, here is all the info: Pumpkin Hollow at 2710 NW Whispering Oaks Place, Albany 541-936-0847 and the dates of the sale...April 15th, 16th, 29th & 30th, May 6th & 7th from 10-4pm!

A bit of American history, a real working mill, very cool stuff and the setting is stunning right here in Albany, Oregon!

"O...Jackie O!"

Glamour, glamorous, gorgeous and just what we need!

I recently stopped by the Albany Antique Mall downtown to speak with Sharon the antique shop owner and we are working together with a few other folks to put together a very cool event. "A Vintage Apron Exhibit/Betty Crocker 90th Bday Tea/Women's Cancer Research/Fashion Show Bash!" It's a lot to put together, a lot to say and it's going to be smashing!!!

I love this mall. I could just spend hours perusing the isles of lovely things, old books, very cool old fur coats and all the beautiful trinkets that exude glamour. So, it seems this is the perfect place to hold an event like this one. Imagine being surround by vintage clothing as you strut down a dimly lit runway wearing that perfect gown or designer piece that your grandmother just had to have in 1939. Yes...one whole corner of this mall is dedicated to these divine designs. A place where you could lose yourself in the 30's, the 40's and beyond. Hats, shoes and bags to match of course. Faux diamonds for those sexy lobes and a fat ring and thick bracelet to finish the ensemble. Now you are ready!

Follow my blog, follow me on FB or Twitter or even take a look at my Flickr photos as we begin to prepare the runway for your premier all for the sake of Women's Cancer Research!

Have you had your mammogram this year???

Hi friends.

I attended a Pink Ribbon Tea today. I learned from a physician that if you find a lump on your breast, you can flip a coin and have a 50/50 chance of a five year survival rate if that lump is cancerous.

However, a mammogram detection gives you a 98% chance of survival if detected in the earliest stages. These early stages of breast cancer cannot be palpated during your self breast exam.

So, to my darling ladies out there, if you are 40 years old, you should be getting annual mammograms. If you have a family history, begin getting them annually at 30 years old. You are never too old to stop getting them either.

Now...I'm turning 50 this year and not only do I get my annual everything, I get the big "C" as well. And yes...I will blog about that too! And I thank God every day that you only have to have to one of those every 10 years!

A New Inn...Wine Country Oregon!

Have I mentioned how much I love my volunteer job with OBBG???

Well...let me tell you! I get to see some of the most beautiful inns in the entire state of Oregon. And then...I get to write about them.

If you are visiting Oregon, visit Le Puy A Wine Valley Inn then come see us in Albany of course!

“Le Puy is an 8-room, 4-season, destination inn for the Yamhill Wine Valley. The inn strives to exemplify sustainability from the food offered, to the products used, to the care for the environment from the exterior to the interior. Our goal is to provide a superior hospitality experience. Our mission is to be an authentic “eco-inn”. We host meetings, retreats and seminars as well as intimate weddings, anniversaries and reunions. Guests are invited to come to the inn to re-balance themselves with the tranquil setting, good food, spa amenities and fresh atmosphere."

The Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is very proud to add Le Puy A Wine Valley Inn to their growing list membership inns. We strive to bring our guests visiting Oregon the best inn experiences possible and Le Puy is a perfect addition.

Nestled on a hill in the luscious Willamette Valley wine country, Le Puy exudes a peacefullness, a gracefull feel and that gentleness you only get while visiting our Oregon wine country. One could swear they could hear the grapes ripen while they relax and enjoy this region of the state and the guest rooms and common areas of Le Puy furthers the enjoyment with their focus on nature, organic materials and simple perfection that will make your stay refreshing and memorable and ready to plan your next visit!

So, welcome to our newest inn...Le Puy A Wine Valley Inn and to the innkeepers, Andy and Lea. You and your inn are perfect additions to the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild and to Oregon's wine country!

The Inns New Kitchen!

When I first laid eyes on this beast, I was smitten. It was my favorite style of historic home. I love the whole idea of what "bungalow" means, what it exudes and what it feels like. I love that I can sit in any room in this house and wonder about all the families that lived here before us. I often wish I could sit quietly and see Charles and Catherine going about their everyday lives in this home. And with my vivid imagination, it's possible sometimes to go there.

Our home was built in 1908. Just a tad early for its time but nevertheless a statement made by a man with money and the talent for showing off just enough. And "show off" he did! This Robust Craftsman Bungalow is 5600 sq. ft. and it's referred to as a "bungalow?"...seriously?... The definition..."a one-storied house with a low-pitched roof; also : a house having one and a half stories and usually a front porch." and..."A small house or cottage usually having a single story and sometimes an additional attic story."

yes...a bungalow is often referred to as a "cottage!" And for my friends that wonder why we would call this beast a "cottage," well...there's your answer. And, if any of you know me very well, I do love a good joke now and then and around here "normal" is a bad word! Hence..."The Pfeiffer Cottage Inn!" So, it is quite possible that Mr. Pfeiffer was kind of a jokester too and built something that would only bear the word, "bungalow" until someone ventured inside only to realize that the joke was on them when they lost their way trying to get out!

Call it what you want but we love it here and now that we just had our kitchen remodeled, we love it even more. In to organic materials, going with "old is the new green" and the motto, "if it ain't broke don't fix it," homeowners like us that seem to gravitate toward these homes always have a plan. Well, I had a plan anyways and that was to remodel the kitchen. It's pretty much done with a few odds and ends to complete and add but I am planning on making dinner in our new kitchen Sunday evening. My husband and son look upon that idea lovingly and have determined that it is about time for a home cooked meal.

A nice fat roast resting in red wine and hot pepper jam in the crock pot all day, soft rolls, a nice salad of greens, apples and feta along with that bottle of wine we picked up at Ponzi in January!

It's going to be good!

Vintage Aprons and a Quest to Find Cures!

It's amazing what one idea, one vision and several very awesome women can accomplish in just a few days!

Recently while visiting my daughter and her family in Texas, I took two of my grandchildren to the Cowgirl Museum in Fort Worth. While perusing the rooms filled with bridles, saddles, cowgirl duds and tons of info about "real" female cowgirls, we happened upon a room full of vintage aprons. There were rows of them lining the walls, stretching across the room in long diagonal displays and some aprons so fragile that they were framed and displayed behind glass.

Then as usual my mind began to shift into over drive and the impulse to steal yet another idea from someone began to make sense once again. If the Cowgirl Museum in Fort Worth, Texas could pull this very cool exhibit off, well heck, why couldn't we?!

So, yet another brilliant idea stolen, treasured and blabbed about on Facebook and yes...someone else loving the idea and suggesting that we perhaps take this "Albany Vintage Apron Exhibit" a step further.

Can't say too much yet but it looks like we have at least three women, an idea, a location, a few vintage aprons and it looks like Albany will be hosting its very first "For Women's Sake...A Vintage Apron Exhibit and Fashion Show With A Betty Crocker's 90th Birthday Party!" Raising money to help women in our community to get tested for the cancers that affect them, in the places that are covered by an apron!

Plan for now on Oct. 1st at 2pm for our first hopefully annual "Sweets Tea!"

Do you have a vintage apron you would like to exhibit or share at the tea? Leave comments on this blog or let us know if you have any questions or want to be on our committee to plan this wonderful "For Women's Sake" event!