(August 2003)
(August 2003)
We emphasize
breakfasts here at the Bluffhouse for our guests in the Treehouse
Suite. Even
guests in
our self catering cottages
folded into
surrounding hills are known to spring for lavish
breakfasts of their own making. Breakfast sets you up for a day on
the river or hiking up the creek; they are a little luxury to start your country
getaway. Here is a breakfast website that assures you will never lack for
interesting breakfast recipes. Take a look at http://www.mrbreakfast.com/
Days away from
work. As Americans, we have only a fraction of
the vacation days of other countries. According to a report from the
Union Bank of Switzerland, the average American gets 28 days off a year. That
compares to an average of 47 days in Europe, or 2-1/2 more weeks than we get
here. Workers get 41 vacation days in Amsterdam, 59 in Berlin, 65 days in
Sydney, and 82 in Mexico City. Virtually the only cities where workers take
fewer vacation days than we do are in the Far East--only 20 days off in Tokyo,
or19 in Seoul.
Conclusi
on: Americans work harder, longer and probably
enjoy life less. Notice the frantic pace we assume while on a
holiday, as if we are trying to fit as much recreation into the shortest possible time. Who wants to lead
the
revolt for more time off? Meanwhile
resolve to make every one of your days off both relaxing and renewing.
Postcards from America. Care to receive on-line postcards depicting the travels of one young couple as they traverse the country? They can brighten your day and maybe give you the wanderlust also. Check out http://www.postcardsfrom.com/ Refusing to wait until retirement to travel and enjoy life, Pricilla and Ken quit their jobs, bought a truck and travel trailer and started their journey. You can share their travels and adventure vicariously by adding your name to their postcards list.
Fog sneaks into
the valley beneath us during the night as the weather cools in early
autumn. The first hint of fall is a certain tartness in the first
days of September as skies gain a deeper blue, and in the woods Virginia creeper vines and sumac begin to color. Most mornings, a blanket of fog lies along the course of the
Gasconade River, filling the valley to its brim with fluffy whiteness. These are
the days when a whiff of change comes to our hills.....a scent of newness,
anticipation, a waning of summer. Morning coffee in hand, it is a
time to wake up gently, observe the new day unfold and see the fog lift from the
valley beneath you. Gradually the vista comes into view -- the farmhouse and the
past
ures and
layered hills beyond. The year is winding down into autumn. The long
wait is nearly over.
Getaway with your
pet. Guests at Rock Eddy Bluff Farm enjoy bringing their pets
with them on their getaways to the country. So far we have had many types
of dogs, a few cats, llamas, and numerous horses. Regarding dogs, (our most common
guest) we have only a few simple rules: 1) They must stay off of the furniture
and beds. It's best to bring the dog's own bed along. 2) They can't
be left alone in the cottage/cabin unless they are in a crate. 3) Maximum
two dogs per accommodation.
We are genuine lovers of dogs ourselves, so
we understand how important it is to bring your canine buddy with you to roam
the woods, swim in the river, or just enjoy each other's company. Pet
friendly accommodations are increasing throughout the country.
http://www.petfriendlytravel.com/index.html
We want you to
come to the bluff for your days off! But, we know that is
not always possible, especially in the fall when folks usually book well ahead.
Getaways are
darned important in our view, so if you can't find availability here when you
need it, don't just stay at home.
Try this website for some great Missouri "days off" ideas. http://www.bbim.org.
You'll find 
B&B's, guest houses, and delightful accommodations tucked into
every corner 
of the state.
"City lights to starry nights"
reflects the choices of inns you'll discover.