Sunday, May 23, 2010
Gus Macker
Too bad you are not here today. It is summer weather! Very odd for May, but so nice!
I'm baking M & M oatmeal cookies even though it is so warm, even though the stove is an antique and unreliable, so the cookies have turned once or twice during baking.
If you were here, you could have one.
Friday, April 23, 2010
April and Open and Happy
All the locals in Ludington are excited that the Badger starts sailing May 28. On sailing day, there is a Badger train ride that goes around town for the little kids, a fire hose send off, a crowd down at the dock waving and drinking coffee. We all feel proud that the Badger was recently placed on the National Register of Historical Places, right along with the Statue of Liberty and the Grand Canyon.
We’re open—it seems a few weeks before most motels nearby. I attribute that to our eagerness to get started. We’ve had fun decorating the rooms; new bedspreads and carpet and little touches that give each room a character of its own.
Debbie, my partner, has moved to Ludington full time. The interesting fact about her is that she is a tax expert with the IRS, keeping our motel books clean and proper. No Enron or Citybank here
We’ve got the waterfall running. We’ve got the wolfhounds on duty. And we’ve got Paul Schoenharl, my husband, on board to do man things. He’s even made himself a man cave in the basement. He’s an antique dealer, so if you have an antique you’d like an opinion on, just bring it along—if it isn’t too big!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Spring is near
Bird Festival May 14-18.
First sailing of the Badger, May 28th.
“No fishing license” weekend June 13th-14th.
And golfing starting in April: we have a golf package with Hemlock golf club, a highly rated course.
I’m eager to show of the rooms, which have new carpet, and vintage spreads.
Keep in mind we love to do conferences and retreats.
Right now my husband Paul is restoring our kitchen to its 1930 style. He’s put in an elegant 1930 Estate gas stove with deco features and little legs!
Friday, October 23, 2009
Winter Closing
I had two rooms booked last night—both left notes that they loved their rooms and would be back. Debbie and I hope that next season we see many of you and lots of new guests. Our goal is for you to have a wonderful experience. We think many of the little touches do go to that end: we’ve got soft blankets, new sheets and towels and – as of this winter—new carpet. The whole setting of the rooms, though, remains vintage retro all the way. That will never change.
It’s hard, though, to close up the Blue Spruce. I love this work and hope through it I can shine for God.
In early 2010 I’ll be posting some bird news. Bird watching is big here in the spring, so if you interested in birds, look for our spring special packages. Fishing will be good in the spring too—nice hungry fish, eager to eat, but not to be eaten (the sad life of a fish). And walking the trails on the look for wildflowers is always a treat.
Next up is Thanksgiving—and you’ll be at your home and I’ll be my Ohio home in the country. I will pray a prayer of thanks for all the joy my guests have given me this year.
During the winter I will finish my novel, Murder by Mother-in-law. Fortunately, it’s fiction.
Blessings to you.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Guest Comments from Summer of 2009
~Cozy, clean, cute, convenient to the lake. We will definitely come back and tell our friends.
~Thank you so much for letting us stay at your lovely motel. We really felt right at home and we loved your dogs, Shane and Rory. We loved walking the dogs and it was a special privilege to get to.
~It was wonderful to stay again after the Blue Spruce was shuttered for so long. Room 1, our room, is even cuter now. Try to keep the prices as reasonable as possible for all of us aging travelers. (Muriel’s note. We sure will!)
~It would have been enough for the place to be just be spotless, but you’ve done so much more here. Little touches—the honor system snack counter in the office. The make-up towel in the bathroom. The paper mat in the shower. These show you have trust in your patrons and a keen eye for what they might need during their stay. There is nowhere else I’d rather stay then here. I only wish you were in every city I visit.
~Really enjoyed our stay. Clean rooms and very personable owners. Look forward to reading one of Muriel’s novels. Best of luck with this adventure.
~I appreciate the cleanness and neatness of the room! I gave it the “white Kleenex test.” Also the Christian books, poem on the wall—all lend to a very peaceful atmosphere. Nice talking with you—and loved the great breakfast. I took 4 of your information cards to give to others. Keep up the good work. God be with you. (I so much believe God is with us, for He is our focus.)
~Thanks for having us share your world for a brief (two weeks would be better) time. We look forward to a future stay.
~What a pleasure to have warm, private room to land in at 11:30 p.m. and then to be treated to a great breakfast in a real kitchen, dining room, and a breakfast nook. Thanks for the interesting conversation at breakfast. May the Lord bless your dreams here and continue to provide for you. We will plan on coming again to see you.
~An instant time portal to a cozy, warmer world. A place where you’re asked to wash before dinner, something warm is always ready in the kitchen. People sit on porches and doors are never locked. Soft, starched, clean linens feel warm and dry after a day in the sand and the sun. If there is a clock it can be ignored because time only follows the sun and moon. (Muriel’s note: I love the poetic thoughts)
~I am so lucky to have found your lovely place. It is so unique and it has a very welcoming atmosphere. Thanks for the thoughtful gestures, such as waters waiting on the desk for us thirsty fishermen coming off the lake. See you next summer.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Fall Barn and Historic House Special
There is a special event on October 10, the Barns and Byways Tour, a look through 8 barns east of Ludington. In addition, there is a drive map past centennial farmhouses, a horse and plough event, and a host of activities at the White Pine Village.
On October 9, a Friday night, Paul Schoenharl will speak about barns and farm houses for my guests at the inn. He’s connected with historical preservation in Ohio and has, in addition, been involved in barn restoration.
Our special pricing for this weekend event will be $150 for two. This includes barn tour tickets, Paul’s speech on Friday night, and a continental breakfast on Saturday with fresh fruit—etc.. Tax is not included in pricing.
Paul loves old houses and barns, more than most people on earth, so I think you will find him uplifting and fun.
If you are a single or if you are a large group, wishing the apartment, pricing will be adjusted for you.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Sunny Day and Happy Owners
This morning a woman called asking what was our cheapest price for a room. That's when I totally realized that providing a cheap room and cutting thin on amenities is not our vision.
We want the retro charm, the better towels, the modern I-net, the cozy breakfast in our thirties dining room. We aren't the cheapest in town, but we are still very affordable. August rates are: $89 for 2.
My arm is now in a cast. I type one handed--a pain.
My thought is--hurry up and come to us in Ludington where there are now blueberries all over the place. And where the sun shines over the deep blue lake.