We have reached 100 species of birds on our Inn’s life list, a list of definite identifications since November 16, 2006.  We limit it to sightings or hearings while on the Inn property.  While many are birds we, Deb and Robert, have seen, many are by far more expert birders for whom we give great thanks.

We just added several birds sighted last May by some wonderful, and expert guests and that brought our total up to 100 species!

The number of area birds are far more than that as Hartman Creek State Park three mile down Rural Road has a list of over 250 species.

A great place for birding, the area has an amazing variety of habitats from river, lakes, cattail marshes, tamarack swamps, sedge meadows, prairies, pine and oak woods, upland hardwoods and more.

Last Saturday I had a zucchini bread-making extravaganza! I used up the last of the zucchini we harvested from our garden and made four batches of this sweet quick bread – that’s a dozen small loaves and two large loaves and put them in our chest freezer to keep them fresh for future breakfasts. We love them with our quiche or breakfast souffles or for a mid-afternoon snack. Friends and family rave about our zucchini bread and it’s a joy to serve it!

Robert was sitting in the River Room having his morning coffee and observed a small animal along the edge of the Crystal River: dark brown, the size of a squirrel but not moving like one. Upon closer observation with binoculars he identified it as a mink. Last summer some guests exclaimed, “What’s that?” as they saw what we identified as a mink on the steps leading up to the inn as they were having breakfast! This is an amazing place.

We spent two days at the Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast Association annual meeting in Oshkosh and we’re so grateful we did! There were excellent presentations, good food and helpful resources. Of course it’s always good to catch up with fellow B&B innkeepers. Robert and I have stayed in at least a dozen excellent  B&B’s in Wisconsin and it’s fun to be with the innkeepers at the conference. We came home with many ideas, hopes and plans to improve our inn keeping and comfort our guests’ stay. We look forward to having you see for yourself!

We were surprised when our guest from the Netherlands said she found us in the Moon Wisconsin travel guide! The book has several pages on the Waupaca area and describes the chain o’ lakes, Hartman Creek State Park, and the unique features of the Historic Village of Rural including our inn with the statement, “Superb.”  Now that made us smile!  Our guest was here to see colors and explore the area and we’re pleased that even today when it’s gotten a bit chilly there is still a gorgeous sugar maple in its golden glory.

It’s a rainy and glorious fall day in Rural – even though it’s cloudy the colors are stunning!  Today we had a women’s retreat in our Granary which included walking our labyrinth. As we approached the upper prairie we gasped, “It’s beautiful!” The clouds were low in the sky seeming to enclose the prairie giving the sensation of  being in our own little world. There were a few yellow prairie flower blossoms but most are spent as even they are preparing for winter sabbath. The rain came but the women were dressed to meet the weather challenge. Only when it began to thunder did they return to the warm, dry shelter of the Granary. At the end of the retreat several commented about how their experience here today, connecting with the earth and nature, was so meaningful. Even the rustic feel of the Granary with the large rough wood beams made nature feel close. We all need a day away for quiet and reflection as well as learning and sharing. We voiced our appreciation that we took that time away together today.

Lil’ Rev, our fabulous musician needs to postpone his concert due to deadlines for his latest book on ukeleles. Keep a lookout for the date, yet to be determined.

Do come to see beautiful fall colors here this weekend.

We’ve got so much happening in Waupaca with the Blues Festival, Hidden Arts Studio Tours and Autumn Fest in King. We had two unavoidable cancellations so we’d love to have you stay with us!

We’ve been serving our luscious organic, heirloom tomatoes for breakfast and guests love them!  It’s been great to describe the breakfast as we bring the plates out saying that it’s about as local as we can get – our own organic vegetables potatoes, tomatoes, zucchini, borage flowers top local watermelon and cantaloupe, and my warm-from-the-oven zucchini bread, organic fresh eggs from the Riley family farm, just 5 miles away, garnished with parsley and oregano blossoms from our herb garden outside the front door. It’s a treat to hear, “It’s too beautiful and colorful to eat!”

We’ve got so many fun activities happening this weekend in Waupaca and due to unexpected circumstances we have a few open rooms and would be happy for you to stay with us for either one or two nights – just give us a call!   We’re usually full and overflowing when we have the Waupaca Arts on the Square and the Waupaca Triathlon – come and see for yourself!

For more information see these links:  http://waupacaarts.org/2013aos/

http://www.waupacaareatriathlon.com/