Crystal River Inn B&B, LLC

Robert created a new labyrinth on the upper field with snowshoes. it’s about 80 feet in diameter. He’s done this enough so he can do it free-handed! Our guests (four sisters) who stayed in the Little House and a couple who stayed in the inn all made it up there and appreciated this walking meditation in the beautiful, open outdoors. When I walked it there was a gigantic flock of geese flying overhead – it was wonderful.

We had a good Thanksgiving with family for which we are truly grateful. Yesterday Helen and Ray Robinson (Helen was the last Potts to be born in this house) invited us over for dinner and we got to have what she called leftovers but were really yummy hot dishes of turkey and sweet potatoes… Good to have some time to visit with friends, too. Today we have a family of women gathering in the Little House and we just love it when several generations unite for fun and even such a project as making wedding invitations. We’re honored to have them.

We had 16 scrapbookers here last weekend in the Granary and we were anxious to see how our new addition worked for them. Since we had Terry Achten and his capable crew add a heated entrance and bathroom we’ve been busy getting it all set for occupancy. Thanks to my parents for many finishing touches. Our guests who have been coming here twice a year for about 10 years said they liked the “feel” of the addition as it was in keeping with the historic building – wood that had been in the old barn for the walls, braided rag rugs, old-fashioned pattern curtains… They said they really appreciated being together and the space worked well for them – hurrah!

We were honored to be able to offer a complimentary stay for Veterans Day. Our thanks to Judy Trull of Lindsay House B&B in Manawa for letting us participate in a special program “B&B’s for Vets” in a small way. Judy and her husband are both vets. The couple we hosted were very gracious and, like all our guests, interesting and fun to visit with. It is impossible to repay the debt owed to all who serve or served and their families but we were glad to give a tiny bit of peace, quiet and good food to these very special guests.

We were quite surprised at how much snow fell yesterday and even more surprised that more fell today! We got what appears to be nearly 8 inches of heavy white stuff. It’s beautiful. We do look for it to melt and have a bit more fall yet though! We have the wood burning fireplace going and it’s cozy inside.

Well, we finally did what we’d been thinking needed doing for years – we now have an enclosed, heated entrance and bathroom on the Granary – thanks to the excellent work of Hammer City Carpentry. They used rough-cut lumber from a local mill and boards that had been stored in our barn. This building which stands next to the tall grass prairie has been used for meetings, spiritual and scrapbooking retreats. It is a historic (circa 1870) granary moved here from Tigerton by the Sorensons. It’s a really nice if rustic meeting space with tables and chairs and plumbing! We welcome businesses and private groups to rent it. Come and see it!

Waupaca has a wonderful display of carved pumpkins and it’s only 4 miles from our place. My parents who are not easily impressed were amazed! There are LOTS of pumpkins and they’re carved in all sorts of images and illuminated. It’s worth driving a ways to see!

Yesterday we finished digging potatoes from our garden – oh they’re beaut’s! Thanks to Shonah, our guest last weekend, we have a wonderful recipe using Penzey’s spices for roasting them. They’re so yummy served with the organic eggs we get from our friends at the Riley Crest Farm, maple smoked bacon and Robert’s raisin bran muffins. Add the organic squash with cranberry sauce and it’s a meal to remember!

It’s been SO beautiful here with the trees in full autumn color – lots of gold and brilliant yellow, burnt orange and rust – dazzling!

What a wonderful afternoon of music and fun here at the inn. “Can’t Lie Low” is a local multi-talented musical group of four women who’ve been singing and playing together for over 30 years and they’re great! I had more “goose-bumps” than I’ve had in a long time as their music touched my soul. They sang ballads, old folk songs and some new ones from all over the world. Their music has blessed our house and the joy we experienced will linger here.