Swiss connection

The world continues to be so so small at times. We have had numerous guests from 12 different countries since we bought the inn 5 months ago, but we are always very excited when we have guests from any of the four countries [Peru, Venezuela, the Netherlands and Switzerland] in which we have lived and worked. In the past month to our delight, we have had different sets of Swiss visitors. Just this weekend, we had a lovely young couple, Stephan and Martina, who actually work in Basel, our home for three years. What fun it was to chat with them about our "Swiss life". Then a few weeks ago, Enrique and Mara, from the Ticino area of the country, stayed with us and after chatting realized we have a mutual Swiss friend in Lugano! The crossed paths of those in our lives certainly is magical.

The greenhouse has arrived!

After a few frustrating moments with confusing directions [!], Brian and our son Justin finally were able to set up my new greenhouse. I laugh that I did not have a playhouse as a child so now I finally do! Currently, I have cool weather crops-arugula, radishes, Swiss chard and leaf lettuces all coming up nicely. Many of my herbs have been transplanted to their "new home" so I hope to continue using fresh chives, parsley and rosemary in breakfast recipes. Also, some of my tender annuals continue to blossom in this cozy warm spot.

My numerous visits to the Berkshire Botanical Gardens this summer helped to educate me on what it takes to be a "four season gardener"!! One of the many helpful employees at the garden recommend I read Eliot Coleman's FOUR SEASON HARVEST, which has taught me how we can successfully use the sun to raise a wide variety of traditional winter veggies without supplementary heat [in plastic covered greenhouses]...........now we are hoping for that winter sun!!

Beautiful autumn colors

Ahhhh, fall is upon us and the colors across the street from the Federal House on Beartown Mountain are spectacular! So much to do in the area this weekend.......Berkshire Botanical Gardens Harvest Festival, the "County Fair" at Hancock Shaker Village and of course apple picking! We spent a wonderful afternoon last weekend at Windy Hills Farm picking a variety that ended up in a delicious apple cobbler for breakfast the next morning! We so enjoy being able to use local in season produce in our meals....today it was roasted plums with honey, yogurt and chopped pecans which received rave reviews from our house full of guests!