Day of the Dead

Unfortunately we had to cancel our anticipated day of the dead dinner. We just didn't have enough time to adequately plan because we weren't sure how many people were attending.
Our alter is beautiful though. Marrissa used some of her vibrant left over paints and it is colorful yet tasteful. Tomorrow we are going to spice it up with all sorts of traditional decorations. There is an internal debate about having a cross on top however.

It is hot, for us, today. I'm walking around in a T shirt. This time of year I usually wear two layers.

Cooper, our newest water dog, went to the third week of his latest training class this morning. He is still very easily distracted but knows all his commands. He had his longest stay today, 75 seconds. We are supposed to work towards 20 minutes. Good luck to us. It might work if he falls asleep. We are also supposed to teach him how to open and close doors, turn on light switches, shake hands and many other tricks. Some don't seem to be beneficial.

The Economy Specials

The last two weeks have been insane for the economy and stock market. It seems when the US sneezes the rest of the world gets a runny nose at least. It brings home the reality of the global economy.

There is some good news though. Oil has dropped percipitiously in the past three weeks. It has not been totally translated to the pumps but there is always a lag. When fuel decreases all the products made from oil also benefit; everyone from the airlines to plastic manufacturers. These benefits will take longer to filter down to us average consumers but it will happen. I heard on NPR today that the cost of shipping goods by sea has dropped due the lack of demand and the lower cost of fuel. That too should make goods cheaper for everyone.

The Europeans have been keeping the California tourist economy floating because the euro, pound and Swiss franc were flying high compared to the dollar. But now the Europeans are suffering too so it remains to be seen what winter will bring.

To encourage guests from everywhere we created our best specials yet, 50% of during the week and 25% off on weekends. That means there are $99 rooms at the Whitegate and at Abigails. The reception has been great so far.

The election appears to be settled though there is always a chance of an October surprise to shake things up. The problem for the new guy will be expectations. He will be expected to make major changes and that will be virtually impossible given this economic climate. Many of the promises made during the campaign will just be hopeless to implement until things smooth out which may take a couple of years. It will be interesting to see what priorities are established.

Day of the Dead dinner

For the first time ever, we are excited to announce we are serving a special authentic Day of the Dead dinner on Sat. Nov. 1st. Our Hispanic staff will be cooking specialties for the holiday. It will be a buffet dinner from 6 to 8 PM. The price is $25 for inn guests and $30 for outsiders. We have limited availability so book early.
Our Day of the Dead alter will be installed near our front door shortly. We tried to be as authentic as possible and we promise to make it as showy as possible. Marrissa, our in house flower arranger, is painting it and we are collecting photos of the departed as well as flowers and produce of the season. Come on by and take a look. I'll probably have pictures on the web site.

Corky the miracle dog progress report

Corky will be 10 in the winter and has been growing younger with the addtion of his new little brother Cooper. They run, fight, play, kiss and generally enjoy each other. Like any siblings there were moments when we thought we had made a huge mistake by adopting Cooper but it has settled down and I think Cooper has done Corky a world of good. He is at least getting more exercise.

Last week Susan took Corky for his checkup and they found a growth on his neck. The vet was concerned enough to suggest immediate removal given his history. Yesterday was surgery day and the vet is 99% sure it is not cancer. Susan was paniced, practically already digging his grave, so it was an immerse relief for her. Corky is still a little shaky but is regaining his personality hourly.

Obama VP and family time

Today is Friday and Obama is supposed to announce his VP choice tomorrow. Amazingly there have been no leaks. Of those who have been seriously mentioned, my vote is for Biden. I like him and he has the foreign policy gravatis to counter the criticism that he is a lightweight. He also has the unusual habit for a politicial of speaking clearly and saying what is on his mind, a mixed blessing in a campaign. This continues to be a fun political season for me. I wish they would hire me to write ads though. I have some great ideas. Actually all they have to do it play back some of the candidates own words.

On the personal front my newly married daughter Maya announced that she and Jeremy are expecting. Everyone is sure, for no good reason, that it's a girl. I don't think they are going to want to find out but my son said that too and weakened at the end. Maya is having all day sickness on top of her full time job and her doctoral program which is in its second semester. They also just moved, thus violating all the rules. I will see them all in a couple of weeks.

Fires all extinguished

The fire season in Mendocino County got off to a terrible start this year. We had unusual dry lightning which set literally hundreds of fires. Fortunately only 2 structures were burned but over 50,000 acres were charred. At the low point we had over 1000 firefighters battling the blazes and several hundred National Guard troops were dispatched to assist. It was like an invasion. Every hotel room in Ukiah was booked.
Our favorite tenant Marrissa works for the Mendocino Redwood Company and many of the fires were on their lands, often is very inaccessable locations. She worked 14 hour days for 2 weeks doing logistics. Her company hired contractors to assist as Cal Fire was overextended and were trying to save structures as their priority. Marrissa got to know some of the contractors very well and was devistated when the helicopter crash in the Trinity National Forest killed 8, 3 of whom were her friends. This brings home the dangers and how heroic the firefighters have been.

Fortunately the coast was clear. We had a bit of smoke drifting our way a couple of days but for the most part people from inland were all coming here to breath.
We were nervous because the fire touched Montgomery Woods, home to the disputed tallest redwoods in the world. I've been told by the experts that the fires were "good fires" in that they cleaned up the undergrowth which needed to be cleaned and didn't touch the crowns of the giants. Redwoods are very resiliant and will survive.
The fire season lasts until the rains come in early Nov. so there is still plenty to worry about.

A day at 10 mile beach

Today is Memorial Day. It's a sad day for me, a day to remind me of all the lives and limbs uselessly lost by misguided policies and meglomenia. Watching all the grieving families on CNN causes sadness, anger and thankfulness; thankfulness that my children are out of harms way. It's probably inappropriate to inject politics on a bed and breakfast blog but we are all human and one of the greatest benefits to being an American is the right to dissent, to question, to debate and to change course when necessary. It is necessary.

Susan and I took Corky and Cooper to 10 mile beach for a couple of hours r and r. It was Cooper's first foray into water and he was tentative though we did catch a fleeting photo of him swimming. Susan must have taken 100 pictures. The weather was balmy, just between T shirt and something heavier weather. We walked for about two hours and didn't see another soul on the beach. There aren't many places in the world, no less the US, where you can say that.

The holiday weekend was huge but now we are down to two occupied rooms. We had our usual crop of excellent guests with one or two partial exceptions. The housekeepers are happy they're gone but I'm greedy and want all the rooms filled all the time.

I am taking part in Bio Blitz sponsored by the National Geographic Society, in the Santa Monica National Forest. Volunteers, read me and many others, will collect biological samples from designated areas in 4 hour shifts, from noon Friday to noon Sat. The samples will be evaluated by scientists and a biodiversity map of the area will be prepared. I will also help man the National Geographic booth. The real reason for my trip is a meeting of the geotourism working group which is creating a Northern California Redwoods Coast Geotourism area. I am the Mendocino County representative on the group and my job is to make sure as many Mendocino attractions and natural resouces as possible are included in the web site and map being developed. This should be very interesting, entertainly and educational.