Blarney is Venturing Outside

Bill has decided that Blarney is established enough to begin to be able to go outside for short periods of time.  Today he explored the front porch and then found his way into a patch of shamrock plants.  We think it must be because of his Irish name!

Innkeepers and guests alike have been enchanted by Blarney's friendly personality and playfulness.  We think he will be a good inn kitty.

Pocket Edward Visits Victoria, BC

Pocket Edward had a fabulous time in Victoria, BC.  He was well taken care of at his favorite B&B, Abbeymoorre Manor.  Pocket Edward took in the lovely waterfront and especially enjoyed the sunken garden and Butchart Gardens. 

Spring at the Miller Tree Inn

Here is the view out our kitchen window at the Miller Tree Inn.  We love spring days like today!

And Blarney is His Name

On Wednesday, April 24, we brought to the Miller Tree a black and gray striped Tabby, that we have named, "Blarney".  Blarney is about 5 months old, has a great big motor and a loving heart.  After spending the first few days under our bed, he now has free range in the office and the innkeepers' quarters.  We are introducing him to the common areas one at a time and today he had special visits from most of our guests.  All that have met Blarney, so far think that he will make a "purrfect" inn kitty.

Alice's Apple Walnut French Toast Sandwiches

Today is another beautiful day in Forks, and at the Miller Tree Inn, we started the day off with Alice's Apple Walnut French Toast Sandwiches.  Alice said that we could share the recipe on our blog, so here it goes!

1/4 mascarpone cheese, softened
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
2 Tablespoons maple syrup
2 Tablespoons chopped walnuts
1 teaspoon butter
1 large apple diced, with skin on
1 egg
1/3 cup 2% milk
8 slices of cinnamon raisin bread

Combine mascarpone, cinnamon, nutmeg, maple syrup and walnuts.  Mix well.  Melt butter in a small non stick skillet.  Add apples to the skillet and cook until tender.  Remove from heat.

Whisk together egg and milk.  Dip bread in egg mixture and cook in skillet or on griddle on both sides until golden brown.  Remove bread from heat.  Spread 1 Tablespoon of the mascarpone mixture on 1 side of 4 slices of bread; top with cooked apple and remaining bread slices. Put sandwiches back in pan or on griddle and heat until apple filling is thoroughly heated.

Serve with maple syrup.  ( Or use the recipe for the cider sauce from our apple pancakes.)

A Glorious Spring Day and a Favorite Recipe

We are having another glorious spring day in Forks.  We have rooms available tonight and through the weekend, which just happens to be "Rainfest".  There will be a quilt show and classes for quilters this weekend and a beach clean up on Saturday.  Come on over and join the fun!

Last week we were invited to a dinner where we needed to bring an appetizer.  (Obviously not a party for vampires...)  Anyway my sister helped me out with one or our Aunt Marge's specialties, a hot crab and artichoke dip.  It went over really well.  There wasn't much to bring home.  Give it a try!

HOT CRAB AND ARTICHOKE DIP

14 ounces artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
6 ounces crab meat
1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
1 1/3 cups Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 1/2 Tablespoons lemon juice

Mix all the above ingredients together and bake at 400 degrees for 15 - 20 minutes.  Serve with bread or chips.  Enjoy!

It Might be Spring!

Last week we had several inches of rain fall in Forks as well as, snow, sleet and hail.  But today we have warmth and sun and the first daffodils springing up, so we think spring really is here.  We know that the rain will come back, but we are happy for now.

We still have rooms available for this week and weekend.  Come on over and enjoy spring on the peninsula!

We Have the Best Guests

Miller Tree Inn has the best and nicest guests.  This past weekend, we had some wonderful people that not only stayed with us, but brought us gifts.  One set of guests brought us flowers because they had heard about the loss of our inn kitty.  Another couple bought us chess pieces to complement our "Twilight" touches.  Thanks again to Joe, Kim, Amy, Molly, Katherine and Madison.  We love all of our guests.  We really don't expect anyone to bring us gifts.

Grand Reopening of the Weather Vane Room!

Tonight will be the first night for our newly reopened Weather Vane room.  The old Weather Vane room with the queen sized bed is still there.  The bathroom hasn't changed, but there is now an additional bedroom with a king sized bed.  We think it turned out pretty nice and we are anxious to see what our guests think.

Tunny the Inn Cat

Tunny, the inn cat passed away yesterday.  He had been with us since 2000, helping to greet guests and make them feel at home.  He did a good job and was a great cat and friend.  Eventually we will find another cat to try to fill his paws.  In the meantime we are going to miss him a bunch.