August 2004
Blueberry Breakfasts are a regular happening at
the Bluffhouse where we prepare a scrumptious morning meal for guests in the Tree
House Suite. (The photo shows our young berry helper in the berry patch
this summer.) Here's a pancake feast using the blueberries picked on the local
Amish farm: Thaw blueberries and a
dd
to a favorite pancake batter. When pancakes are finished, top tthem with blueberry syrup.
To prepare, combine in a sauce pan
1-1/2 cups of blueberries (fresh or frozen), one cup sugar, one cup water, two
tablespoons of cornstarch. Cook until the berries pop, usually in about 5
minutes. All together, it makes for a regular blueberry hill morning!
September song. Come
September, leaves begin to crisp, local parish picnics begin, fis
h
are biting, and the air takes on a new character. The wooded hills beckon once
again. Plenty of September dates available right now, as we had
previously blocked the month. Open days are more scarce in October, but
some still remain. Don't wait to plan your Fall getaway!
Try our newest accommodation.
It is mobile, but very delightful and comfy. But it's not yet on-line or on the web
site calendar. The Eagle is a brand
new 28 ft. RV that has everything you would want. Queen bed,
entertainment center, corner shower, lots of windows, full kitchen. We
secluded it under a big cedar tree near the horse pasture where you'll find
the usual campfire, picnic table and lawn chairs. You may 
want one
of your own; or maybe experiment with RV living. No dogs or smoking; maximum two
people please. Full access to
all the activities at Rock Eddy Bluff Farm. Until we get it on line, just call
us for some placid days here at the Bluff. It will be available
beginning in October.
Outdoor tips. Having a
cookout and being bothered by mosquitoes? Try this: Put
some water in a white dinner plate and add just a couple of drops of Lemon Fresh
Joy dishwashing soap. Set the dish on a porch or patio. Not sure what
attracts them, the lemon smell, the white color, or what, but mosquitoes flock
to it, and drop dead, or fall into the water, or on the floor within about 10
ft. How about gnats? This seemed to work on the occasion
we tried it: Simply rub a laundry dryer softener sheet on you face and
arms.
Interesting Vacation ideas. Many of our
guests have gotten off of the worn tourist tracks and found unique and
delightful places to spend some R&R time. In fact, we get many of our
travel ideas from guests. If you have taken a particularly enjoyable
and perhaps a little off-beat vacation, we'd l
ove to hear about it. Just
sent us a quick email Click Here. Perhaps we
can
list some of those ideas next newsletter. We would also like to share our most recent
outing:
The Hurtigruten coastal steamers venture
up the coast of Norway, re-supplying small maritime villages and also treating
the passengers aboard to some of the most spectacular scenery in the
world. A full twelve days are needed to depart Bergen, steam up over North
Cape and as far as the Russian border and then return. The trip features
spectacular fjords, scenic islands, narrow passages, and quaint coastal villages. Interested? This American company can book the
voyage http://www.coastalvoyage.com/main04/
Wildlife Update. Our long-time bald eagle neighbors
have three fledging in the Eddy. Screech owls have begun calling at
night. We have tons of hummingbirds for your viewing at the Bluffhouse.
They'll begin heading south soon, as will most of the migrating birds.
The deer will be in velvet soon and there are plenty of them. There are
loads of crawdads in Clifty Creek for kids to catch. The coyotes will be
singing at night. Oddly, we have had a large number of Chuck Will's
Widows this year. This bird is a cousin to the Whipporwill and 
sings
mostly after dusk and just before daylight. Wild turkeys have been
everywhere. We love our wild friends.
Plain People Nearby. Many of
our guests have enjoyed visiting the Amish settlement located
nearby. While it is small and has only a few commercial businesses, some
farms have eggs and vegetables in season, even preserves. We and our
guests picked loads of blueberries in late June and early July at Monroe Miller
Farm. Annie Yoder sells plants at her greenhouse. The Roman Miller
family has several endeavors. They manufacture outdoor furniture from
eastern red cedar, they sell pasture raised chickens, and also market beef
raised without chemicals. You'll find more information on them Here.
Questions or need directions? Let us know.
When will the log cabin be finished? That is the
most common question we hear. Answer: Maybe this fall! We are
in the finishing stage now. We'll announce the name soon, along with the
weekend winner.
Thank you too! "I could use a
couple of whopping spoonfuls of this medicine. Nothing seems to heal the
spirit quite like nature. To bad so many of us decide it is something we
can forego. Thank you for this beautiful place." Laurie W,
Denver, CO. We appreciate being appreciated!
From the Ozark hills,
Tom & Kathy Corey
1-800-335-5921
