A Summer for the Memory Books

I don't know about you, but we have had a very nice summer here overall. The weather has been cooperative for gardening, boating and walking the many trails around here. The garden is changing everyday and right now the phlox, cleome, oriental lilies and pee gee hydrangeas are wonderful! For some reason none of my Endless Summer Hydrangeas are blossoming. Anyone else with that problem?

The veggie garden is profuse with grape (more the size of roma) tomatoes, zucchini and of course mint. The dill is ready and the garlic will be shortly behind. Because I left the zucchini checking for a few days I have some whoppers so decided to include a recipe for you, a guest favorite and I served it this morning. 

Butterscotch Zucchini Cake

3/4c vegetable oil                               

2 eggs

1c sugar

1c brown sugar

2 1/2c flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp each salt, cinnamon and vanilla

1/4tsp each nutmeg, ginger and cloves

2c grated zucchini- no need to peel

Mix all together. Grease a 9 x 13 pan and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Pour in cake batter and sprinkle top with more cinnamon and sugar. (Sometimes I skip the bottom layering). Sprinkle a small package of butterscotch chips - or about 1 c.

Bake at 300 degrees for 45- 60 minutes. No need to frost as it is delish without - and I don't often give up the chance for frosting!

Don't forget about the MesabiBike Trail that starts here in Grand Rapids. It is a gorgeous paved trail and was recently repaved in our area!  The bugs are less, the temps are coming down and pretty soon the leaves will start changing. Birders - the birds are starting to come back from up north and the hummers are crazy around the flowers!

On a final note for now, some of you may already know the b&b is for sale. We are no longer with a Realtor and look forward to being able to really sell the physical property and the general business of b&b hospitality. We have so enjoyed these past 12 years and, if we were younger, would relish a few more years. But alas, it is time to pass the torch to others. If you or someone you know would like to be a part of a wonderful way of life in a beautiful home and setting, please contact us - we'd love to hear from you! If you have a reservation with us in the future DO NOT worry, we will give you plenty of notice and since this process takes time, most likely we will still get to enjoy your visit!

Karen

Winter at the Morning Glory

What a winter we have had so far and to think most of the cold weather so far was actually in the Fall! Oh well, it is slowly getting warmer - that is, above zero for more than a day at a time- and the Northland is gorgeous!  Ron and Billy the Dog have been running everyday, well sometimes Ron sits in the truck listening to the news while Billy runs circles around it and I am a fair weather friend who watches HGTV at home while they are out freezing their toochies off!  

We do have a couple of favorite trails we like to hike/snowshoe. One is right on the edge of town at Itasca Community College. There is an old growth pine forest planted behind the experiment station at the back of the college. It is beautiful - most of the plantation is around 75-100 years old and you feel very far away and peaceful in there. The snow hanging on the trees....ahhh.

The other trail is the John RoweMemorial Forest Trail about 10 minutes northeast of town. It is a mix of pines, balsam and hardwoods and we love it all year round. In the fall it was ablaze in orange and red from the maples and birch. The trail is nice and wide and you may even see the occasional critter- deer, coyote, mink.

We have soooo many trails here that we love, those are just two.  

A highlight this winter for us was the hosting of our first guest wedding! It was supposed to be an outdoor ice candle, tree lights, bonfire-lit wedding but with actual temps in the teens below zero made it quickly become an indoor candlelight ceremony in front of the fireplace. Still beautiful! Congratulations to Mike and Jess! Hopefully I will have some pictures for you in the near future.

In the next couple of months I hope to be blogging from the southern regions of the US. We are leaving for a 2 month trip in the motorhome currently waiting for us in Hot Springs, Arkansas and headed to Louisiana, over to Florida (to do some seashell hunting, of course), up to the Charleston area and back home. We have our wonderful inn sitters lined up to take great care of everyone, so head up here to cross country ski, snowshoe (we have 2 extra pair) or take in a wonderful performance at the ReifArts Center. Check out our Theatre Package on Visit Grand Rapids for ticket/room package discounts! This will be the first time we have ever been away from home this long and I know I will miss you all terribly, but I will try to have fun anyway!

Happy Winter!
Karen

Summer Recap - Looking Ahead

It was a very busy summer and fall, thank you to all our wonderful guests! We had people from all over the US, Canada and Europe and it was great to meet or revisit with all of them!

Our summer season started with a vacation for Ron and I and our kids going to Seattle to witness daughter, Jenna’s, graduation from the University of Washington, Tacoma, with a masters in Social Work. We had purchased a motorhome in Pasco,WA last April so we took this opportunity to pick it up and drive it home pulling a trailer with all of Jenna’s worldly possession while she drove her car. But first, we all took a 3-day vacation in the San Juan Islands to unwind and have a good old family time in a great house on the beach! It was so fun!

Jenna has now moved back to Minnesota and works for the Alzheimer’s Association in St. Cloud. It is so wonderful having her so close to home again.

Fast forward to this week after spending a great weekend here with the grandboys, Ron dropped them off and picked up his sister, Jan, to take “the big behemoth” to Hot Springs, Arkansas where it will be stored until we come back to pick it up in February and tour the gulf coast for 2 months. No worries, our wonderful in-keepers Cal and Bonnie will be here to welcome and take care of our guests during our absence. 

Ron left just in the nick of time as the snow started flying up here! Nothing is sticking to the streets yet and hopefully won’t for quite a while. The dalias were gorgeous this year and were flowering profusely right up until yesterday when the 30 degree temps got them. Now time to dig and store. Planted garlic yesterday from bulbs received from some wonderful California guests a year ago. Actually I planted them last winter and these are from the bulbs picked this summer. I was able to plant twice as many this year!

Quick sidebar for a craft idea: I saw the cutest checkerboard painted pumpkins on Etsy the other day. They used artificial pumpkins but I bought a real white (ghost) pumpkin and thought I would paint black squares on it like a checkerboard. Then decorate the stem area with fall leaves, etc, How cute would that be?!

Okay, 2 rooms to clean, pay some bills, take the dog for a walk, do some yard work and craft – maybe not in that order! Have a great day and always be ready to see the surprises and beauty around you!

Karen

Summer in Full Swing

Happy Summer Everyone!

Last month we returned from a family trip to Washington state. We attended the “hooding” ceremony of daughter, Jenna, as she graduated from the University of Washington, Tacoma, with her masters in social work. It was 3 years of hard work and we are so proud of her accomplishment! Son, Terry, daughter-in-law

Amy and grandsons Emerson and Trenton also were there and the next day we all took off for a family vacation in the San Juan Islands. Relaxation, sightseeing and a fun charter fishing trip where we caught a blue ling cod and several rock cod were the highlights.

We had  purchased a class “a” motor home in Pasco, WA in April so took this opportunity to drive it back to Minnesota pulling a trailer with all of Jenna’s worldly possessions. Just before Fargo, ND she got a call with a job offer in St Cloud, MN with the Alzheimer’s Association so she and Ron went there with our new motor home and trailer and I came home with her car. She found an apartment but because it won’t be available until August 1st our motor home is coming in handy as her temporary living quarters. Funny how things just seem to always work out!

So now we're all back in lovely Grand Rapids, greeting guests and enjoying life as innkeepers! Won't you come join us for some summer fun and relaxation? Our doors are always open and Billy would love to meet some new friends.

Karen

Fall Treats and Holiday Shopping at the Morning Glory

Fall is definitely here and what comes to mind in the fall? Cooking with spices! Here is a favorite from my mother's recipe book - we loved it growing up and my guests rave about it!

Apple Cake with Butter Rum Sauce

2 1/2c chopped apples (peel if you want)

1 c sugar

1/4 tsp salt

2 T hot water

1 c flour

1 egg

1 tsp each cinnamon, soda and vanilla

1/2 c chpd nuts- opt.

Mix all together and spread in greased 9" pan. It will be easier to mix if you add the hot water and sugar to the apples first as they juice up a little. Bake at 350 for 45 min to 1 hr.

Sauce: 3/4 c brown sugar and 1 stick margarine or butter boiled together 1 minute. Add 1/4 c cream and heat. Add 1 capful rum flavoring or 2 capfuls rum. Serve sauce over warm cake. Very yummy!

December Shopping Event

On the Saturday, December 1 we will b having an open house/holiday boutique shopping event from 9:00am - 4:00pm with live music and free cider and cookies to celebrate the Morning Glory's 10th Anniversary! We have had such a good time over the past ten years and hope you can come celebrate with us! Each guest room upstairs will be filled with wonderful handmade items from 17 different local artists, along with the music stylings of Anthony Miltich with his son Peter, and sister Helen Miltich Kaul. They will be here from 1:00 - 4:00 singing their hearts out for you! Anthony, Helen and 8 other musical siblings grew up in this house and we are so excited to have them back. 

We hope to see you here!

Karen

A Favorite Morning Glory Recipe

The rhubarb is almost ready and we can hardly wait! I thought I would share one of our favorite rhubarb recipes. In fact, if there isn't any left from a guest breakfast, Ron will pout big time!

Rhubarb Cream Cake

1  2-layer yellow cake mix

4 c. chpd rhubarb

1 c sugar

2 c heavy cream

Make cake as directed on the box and pour into a greased 9 x 13 cake pan. Evenly layer rhubarb over the top, then sprinkle over sugar evenly and last, the heavy cream. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-55 minutes. It will jiggle, but the cake should spring back, and then let it cool a little before cutting. I will often divide everything into two 8" or 9" square cake pans so I can freeze one for later. Let thaw and microwave each cut piece for a few seconds to get those juices flowing again. Absolutely delicious!  

Try it and let me know what you think; or even better- reserve a room on a weekend and request it for our weekend breakfast dessert!

Karen

Grand Rapids in the Summertime - Like Nothing Else

The Grand Rapids area in the summer is absolutely gorgeous and there are so many activities available it will be hard to fit them in just 2 or 3 days, but we'd like to give you an example of what a 3 day, 2 night stay can look like! 

Day 1: Take the day off. Enjoy a leisurely trip here and stop at those places you've always wanted to see, such as that cute antique store or ice cream parlor. Arrive at the Morning Glory anytime after 3:00pm, but hopefully before dark so you can relax and enjoy a meander through our gardens or a walk around the lake close by. Settle into your spacious 2 room suite - maybe take a short nap before heading out to one of many great local restaurants. If you are coming on a weekend, be sure to join us in the living room or on the patio for our wine & cheese social hour from 5:00-6:00pm. Grab a great movie from our extensive collection to enjoy in your suite and then enjoy a comfortable night's slumber.

Day 2: Good Morning! Come and help yourself to a freshly ground cup of coffee or steaming cup of tea. A hearty breakfast is served in the dining room at 9:00am (unless you need it earlier) where you can meet your fellow inngoers for lively conversation and great food. Because there are so many things you'll want to enjoy that day, you probably won't want to linger around too long after breakfast. Then, setup on your Grand Rapid's adventure! 

Maybe visit the Forest History Center that is setup like a 1910 logging camp with period dress interpreters, draft horses with a fascinating history to be told. Or maybe you'll want to hire "Captain Ron" for a 1-2 hour tour of Lake Pokegama in our Classic 1973 Glastron runabout. Bring your swimming suit and ask him to drop anchor at Nesbitt Island for a short swim on a hot day.  Maybe taking a leisurely stroll around downtown is more your style. Grand Rapids won't disappoint with the antique stores, unique shops and eating establishments.

Want to really enjoy the outdoors? Visit the various swimming beaches, or the more than 20 beautiful hiking trails. You're also more than welcome to bring your bike for a ride on the Mesabi Bike Trail that winds through forests, water-filled iron ore pits and prairies. It's a great place for bird watching and exercise! 

Be sure to check these, and many more Grand Rapids adventures by clicking here.

Once you return to the Morning Glory after your fun-filled day, relax and enjoy the patio, living room, or the comfort of your own suite. 

Day 3: Be sure you take this day off too because you won't want to rush back as you'll need to finish that "to do" list you started yesterday, but only after enjoying another delicious breakfast! Check out is at 11:00am but that still leaves plenty of time for a leisurely trip home; that is unless you've decided to stay longer - we'd love to have you!

Summer and fall are our busiest times, so if you are thinking of joining us in beautiful northern Minnesota, please make your reservation as soon as you can to get the suite you really want! And if you need help planning out your "to do" list, just ask me or Ron - we're here to help and to make your visit to Grand Rapids a most memorable one!

We hope to see you soon,

Karen

Spring Is Here!

It was wonderful welcoming in March like a lamb with temps in the upper 60's for days at a time. The bulbs are sprouting out of the ground, all the lakes are open 3 weeks early, the rhubarb is coming up so I can make one of our guest's favorite recipes, and we are hurrying to get the patio ready to welcome guests. But we're not putting away that snow shovel just yet for fear of jinxing it!

We are also getting the outside ready by putting out patio furniture, cleaning up the yard, and putting away winter items. I almost hate to put away that snow shovel though, as it just seems to be tempting the fates for another snow storm...

If you love biking, come on up and try the Mesabi Bike Trail, especially since May happens to be National Bike Month! As soon as the lakes warm up a little we will be starting the weekend Pokegama Lake tours with Captain Ron and our classic 1973 Glastron Runabout.

Take advantage of our Spring/Summer Gas Special and receive $10 off a one night reservation, $20 off a two night reservation, or 10% off three or more consecutive nights with the Multi-Night Special. We look forward to welcoming you to the comfort of the Morning Glory and the beauty of Northern Minnesota!

Karen

Fun Times in February

Ron and I just got back from a great relaxing week in Tucson, AZ, where we enjoyed a hot air balloon ride, hikes in the desert and a night sky visit to Mt. Kitt Observatory. Now I know how to use my binoculars to watch the many birds we have around here. All this time I have been adjusting them incorrectly and what I thought were pine siskins are actually goldfinches with their winter coats on!

What we don't have much of in Grand Rapids is deep snow for snowshoeing or cross country skiing, although Mt. Itasca has a couple of downhill runs and cross country trails that they make snow for and is only 5 minutes away from us.

What we DO have is enough snow for beautiful scenery hiking without the mud, lots of firewood for our living room fireplace, very comfortable 2-room suites to snuggle in with your sweetheart (3 have fireplaces), an extensive movie collection you are welcome to use, and last but certainly not least, great freshly ground morning coffee to go with the hearty, full breakfasts! 

Check out our ValentineRomance Package good for the entire month of February and plan a romantic getaway.

We hope to see you soon!

Karen

Let It Snow - Finally!

Greetings Winter Enthusiasts,

The snow has arrived in Grand Rapids, so we can finally go outdoors and enjoy all the fun of a winter wonderland has to offer.

The Mesabi Bike Trail is one spot we love to frequent. It has an abandoned iron ore pit now filled with water and a taconite "mountain." In the summer you'll find many warblers, hawks and eagles on the trail. So this is a great place for birdwatchers! Not to mention skiers, snowshoers, hikers, and bikers in the warmer weather. The Prairie River is also nearby and looks beautiful in the winter. 

We currently have over 4 inches on the ground. Mt Itasca is about 5 miles east of here and they have a few downhill runs, cross country trails and make snow for both of them. 

If you're visiting Grand Rapids for some outdoor activities, we have maps for over 21 different ski trails from beginner to expert and 2 trails are lit at night. Our Cross Country Ski Package is a great way to stay and play in Grand Rapids. It's available until March 15,2012 and includes a certificate for dinner at the Forest Lake Steakhouse.* We have 2 pairs of extra snowshoes for our guests to use at no extra charge.

We also currently have a Valentines Romance Package running the full month of February. So you can come and enjoy the beautiful white weather, while relaxing at our bed and breakfast with your sweetheart.*

Ron and I hope your New Year is off to a great start and we welcome you to our bed and breakfast if you're visiting Grand Rapids or the surrounding areas for work, or play.

Karen

*No other discounts or gift certificates apply. Cross Country Ski Package and Valentines Romance Package can not be combined.

It's a Great Start to the New Year at Morning Glory Bed and Breakfast

Hello,

Ron and I would like to wish everyone a very Happy 2012 New Year and may it be prosperous (so you can come and see us!), healthy and full of family and fun! 

We'd also like everyone to start doing a "Snow Dance" as we really need it up here! Having little to no snow on the ground means the hiking is still great (especially since there are no bugs or mud), but winter should mean snow and we'd really like to get the snowshoes out.

There are several great performances coming up this month at the Reif Center such as Deer Camp the Musical, Monty Python's Spamalot, Dailey and Vincent, and Ricky Nelson Remembered. Call us for our special Hot Lodging Package rates that provides discounted tickets and room rates.

ALL of February is romance month with our Valentine Romance Package. You can choose any suite, any night(s) for the package which includes flowers, sparkling wine and a dinner gift certificate at our favorite steakhouse - all for only $40 added to the regular suite's nightly rate.* If you find there is a Reif Performance you'd also like to include, we can add on the discounted tickets to your Valentine Romance Package. Give us a call, or visit our website for full details and to make your reservation:
http://www.morningglorybandb.com/specials

We look forward to making some of your best memories in 2012! 

Karen

For Your Holidays: Morning Glory's Ginger Cookie Recipe

This time of year can be very stressful, as we all know! So take some time out of shopping, shoveling snow or listening to "just one more thing for Santa to bring me" requests and make a batch of these great cookies! 

They have been a family favorite at Christmas for as long as I can remember and they have become one of my grown children's and grandchildren's favorites too! Not to mention my guests have been known to enjoy a handful or two...

Serve with a cold glass of milk and listen to nothing but the sound of "mmmmm" coming from these great cookie.

Morning Glory Ginger Cookies

3/4 c shortening (Crisco)

1 c. sugar

2c. flour

2 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

1 tsp ground ginger

3/4 tsp ground cloves

1 tsp salt

1 egg

1/4 c molasses

Cream sugar and shortening. Add the egg, molasses and mix thoroughly. Sift dry ingredients; add to creamed mixture and form into 1" balls. Roll in sugar and bake on greased cookie sheet for 10-12 minutes @ 350 degrees.

The other nice thing about these cookies, other than they taste great, is they travel really well as they've been all over the world! Right son?

Have a wonderful day and take some time to stop and look at something beautiful!

Karen

Grand Rapids Wonderland

Some people groan about the beginning of winter - the cold, the snow, the caution needed when driving. But I see things differently - I see another season of unique Grand Rapid activities for my visitors to enjoy.

Here are just a few of the fun and exciting events ahead, many that we have packages that include room specials and discount tickets for:

• The Reif Performance and Event Center will have The Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol throughout December, as well as other performances. Morning Glory has discounted packages for these events.
• In January The Reif will have Deer Camp the Musical - "You'll laugh your antlers off." Monty Python's Spamalot, The Peking Acrobats, Bluegrass music with Dailey and Vincent, Ricky Nelson Remembered by sons Matthew and Gunnar. And so much more! Morning Glory also has discounted packages for events in 2012.

As for other winter activities, Ron and Billy the Dog have been scouting the woods for great snowshoeing trails. The snow hasn't begun to fall yet (as of the date I'm writing this), but the hiking weather is still great and the lakes are "groaning" as they begin to make new ice. Billy says to come on up as he needs more hikes and more loving!

So while the winter weather can keep us indoors more often, rethink what that "indoors" can be like and head up to Grand Rapids for some fun, the arts, and a warm, welcoming stay at the Morning Glory.


Happy Holidays!
Karen

Welcome to the Morning Glory Bed and Breakfast Blog!

Morning Glory B&B located in wonderful Grand Rapids, MN is about to enter into its 10th year of business and we're excited to be celebrating the end of our first decade with a new website and blog.

Ever since I was in my thirties (a LONG time ago), I have thought of owning a bed and breakfast. Back then it was the romantic notion of owning a big old Victorian house that I could decorate any way I wanted and people would come and pay me to stay there! What a girl's dream!

 

When Ron and I bought our home my outlook was a touch different. We didn't get the big old Victorian house, but we did get a big great house I could decorate how I wanted, albeit a bit differently than I would have in my thirties. And while people do of course pay me to stay here, the financial reward is not my main focus... it has become the gift owning our B&B has brought us - the beauty of learning differences in life and the goodness of people. We have met so many wonderful people that have left an amazing mark on us and hopefully we have done the same. As we have often said, "We wouldn't do this if all it meant was taking care of a house and - it's the great people we meet that brings the most joy to owning our B&B." It is the best job (outside of being a mom) I've ever had! 

It is hard to believe that we are entering our 10th year in business this January 1st and, God willing, we will be happily innkeeping for a few more! I welcome you to join me in more blogs where I'll be sharing some fun things to do in GR, funny innkeeping stories - no, not any guest bloopers - and maybe a recipe or two!

So come back and visit our blog often, as well as share us with your friends, family and coworkers via this blog, or by "Liking" us on Facebook or following us on Twitter. But, there's nothing like coming to visit us in person! 

Here's wishing you and yours a happy and safe holiday season!
Karen