Prairie Splendor Farm Bed and Breakfast

Prairie Splendor Farm B & B wins Lodging of the Year

2010-08-04T13:44:00.000-07:00

The B & B has had a busy year. I was very surprised and pleased to win the 2010 Columbia County Lodging award from the CCVB. The exposure was priceless.

The Governors Conference on Tourism was fun and educational. I enjoyed the opportunity of networking with fellow Innkeepers as they shared their successes and ideas. Promoting tourism for Wisconsin is so important. I won the only very nice gift basket.

Vacation rental of my home has been the primary target this year. I have enjoyed meeting the nicest people from Wisconsin, Illinois to Washington. They arrive and settle into a home that offers all the comforts of home.

Don't miss the State Fair in Milwaukee. I will be there at the CCVB (Columbia County Visitors Bureau) booth.

Save September 11, 2010. I will be hosting with the CCVB my first annual vintage car show, featuring 50's cars. It seemed a good match for my 50's B & B. "BACK TO THE 50'S ON HIGHWAY 60". There will be music, food and homemade ice cream from The Sassy Creamery. See you there from 10:00 to 2:00.

On a personal note, I have been canning my famous dill pickles. I haven't had that pleasure for years. I will share my recipe with you:

Kosher Dill Pickles

Pack in sterile quart jars - 1/8 t alum, 1 clove of garlic sliced, 1/2 t mustard seed, 2-3 flowers of dill.

Brine: 1 quart of cider vinegar, 1 C canning salt, 3 quarts of water

Heat to boiling, pour over cucumbers. Seal. 6-8 weeks before you can enjoy them. :(

B & B has booth at Pardeeville Antique Mall

2010-03-31T07:22:00.000-07:00

Now that the B & B is completely furnished with 50's memorabilia

and furniture, I find I have the permanent "bug" for antiquing.

Fortunately, Matt and Barb from the Pardeville Antique Mall had a solution. A booth became available and we accepted the invitation. Besides being fun, I can continue my quests for treasures. Myself and four other antiquers share the booth thus providing a varity of collections. Of the hundreds of Malls I have been in over the last few years, PAM is the nicest. They also joined the networking group I founded, NAB. NAB's mission is to promote "Shopping Local".

Your host was invited to the Governors Conference on Tourism in Milwaukee. I came home with priceless ideas and contacts. I am proud to say I won the only gift baskit presented with approximately 750 attendees.

On September 11, the Bed & Breakfast will be hosting a 1950's car show. There will be beautiful cars, food, icecream and music. For more information visit: http://www.columbiacountyvistorsbureau/ Mark your calendars for July 11, the B & B will on the list of homes and garden tours hosted by the Poynette Garden Club. There is also a great Craft Fair at the park. For local activity schedules visit http://www.poynettechamber.com/

The busy season will beginning soon and I look forward to a prosperous 2010.

A Journey Back in Time guided by Bill Bryson

2009-10-28T08:24:00.000-07:00

It was an extreme pleasure to host the Poynette Area Public Library book discussion and pot luck. The attendees were asked to bring a dish to pass that they remembered from their childhood days and also a treasured item to share. I dressed in vintage clothing. We all shared our memories of the 50's. The food was delicious and sparked many memories of similar recipes. I rushed to the library the following day to check out "The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid". It is FULL of nostalgia and allot of fun.

I am really looking forward to this weekend. There is going to be a wedding at the Prairie Splendor Farm B & B. A special event like this is what I have always wanted to take place at our Inn. I love the fall and a fall wedding will be so beautiful. I hope to share some photos with you next week.

My daughter and son-in-law are coming home this weekend from Colorado. This will be an enjoyable and a busy time. We are going to celebrate "Hallowthanksmas" (Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas). This is a holiday I made up to celebrate when the kids are home this time of year and we will not be seeing each other for the holidays. We have ham and turkey and my house is decorated for all three holidays. FUN!!!

With the prices today, I have been making my home made French Dressing. It really is good and easy:
1 can tomato soup
2/3 C sugar
1/2 C Mazola oil
1 t. dry mustard
1 T grated onion ( I use dried chives)
1 t. salt
1/2 C cider vinegar

Put all in a quart jar with top and shake. Store in refrigerator. Yum

LOCAL HISTORIANS GO BACK IN TIME TO THE 50'S

2009-10-01T13:29:00.000-07:00

The very wet, windy and cold night did not dampen or keep our local Historical Society members from visiting the Prairie Splendor Farm B & B. Twenty attended their annual informational event. Coffee, hot mulled apple cider(purchased from Lapacek's Orchard) and cookies were provided. I was introduced to new people and renewed old relationships, once again, priceless. After a brief talk of the history of the renovation and the beginning of the B & B, the group divided and I gave tours of the bedrooms. The B & B is a working museum so the remaining members were encouraged to explore the first floor "treasures". I enjoy giving tours and find that it is a good way to spread the word that I am here.

On October 19 the Poynette Library's Book Club will be discussing Bill Bryson's book, The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid. Members will be bringing a dish to pass for a pot luck and a sample of 50's memorabilia. I am looking forward to that evening.

I have many more great fall recipes to share. Now that I am retired, I have time to cook and will publish a few next week.

If you would like more 50's trivia, send me your comments on the bottom of this post.

She is the APPLE of his eye!!!

2009-09-10T11:28:00.000-07:00

This lovely couple celebrated their anniversary at my B & B. They enjoyed themselves with an old movie and the vintage decor. Sweethearts of the 50's, of course, was the room they chose. The ladies get roses with this room.

Old movies and cinema stars of the fifties era was a subject for lots of discussion. "Priceless" Not everyone shares my interest in the vintage movies.

We all enjoyed an early morning breakfast and lots of visiting. They were the first to appreciate the farm atmosphere and lots of pictures were taken. I'm anxious to see them and share them with my bloggers.

As it is now apple season, I would like to share a really delicious Apple Dessert I made this week, one that you can't leave alone.
1 1/2 C brown sugar
1 3/4 C oatmeal
2 C flour
1 1/2 t cinnamon
1 C butter, melted
6 C sliced apples (my husband did this)
1 1/2 C sugar
3 T corn starch
1 1/2 C water
1 1/2 t vanilla
Grease a 9x13 pan. Mix the brown sugar, oatmeal, flour, cinnamon and melted butter and pat half of the mixture in the pan. Layer apples. Cook the sugar, corn starch, water and vanilla until it's thick, and pour over the apples. Sprinkle the rest of the dough mixture on top and bake for one hour at 350 deg.

My CHARIOT was a 57 T-BIRD

2009-08-25T11:55:00.000-07:00

The heat and dodging the rain didn't dampen the fun of participating in the Suzie The Duck days and the Arlington Festival. My red hat, purse and accessories went well with the beautiful vintage red 57 T-Bird. I was so fortunate to have a friend and his wife offer to drive me in both parades, priceless. These events mark the end of our summer and school starts soon. Time to start fall cleaning and winterizing the Bed & Breakfast. Note: I am open year round and the winter months reflect off season rates. A good time to get away and enjoy the 50's atmosphere.

The following is an easy and refreshing dessert for any time of the year.
1 pkg of jello (3oz)
1 cup boiling water
mix for two minutes
1 cup of sherbet
you can mix and match flavors
stir until melted and pour into wine or martini glasses
Chill for 2 hrs - garnish with whipped cream (can) and fruit at serving

In 1952 Joe DiMaggio retired from baseball.

I would like to see your comments and suggestions. It's easy, just click on comments.

MEETING NEW PEOPLE-PRICELESS

2009-08-13T10:13:00.000-07:00

It's hard to put into words how much I enjoyed getting to know everyone. This whole group meet in the winter months in a warmer climate and have become a close family, all from different states and Canada. Now, that is really rare. Getting together this year during the summer months was a first. I have received lovely notes and a surprise gift of address labels that feature the B & B picture.

The parades were the following weekend. A good friend surprised me by offering his 57, red, T-Bird convertible for me to ride in. I dressed up in my 50's clothes complete with "horned rimed glasses". The rain or heat did not detract from the fun. It was a great way to let everyone know where I am. I will share the picture with you next week.

My daughter designed a book mark to distribute at the State Fair, so that is my destination this week. Printed on the book mark is "Book this 1950s themed home!". Neat!

For the next three weeks, I will share my new recipes that I made for the NAB group.

Kitchen Sink Potato Salad

4 Lbs of potatoes pealed and cooked in 5 cups of chicken broth

Dressing: 3 T Dijon mustard; 1 T lemon juice; 1/2 t sugar; 1/2 C olive oil; 1/4 C mayonnaise; 1 t mustard power; 1/2 t celery seed; salt & pepper to taste

Mix well (really good)

Add to potatoes: 1 T minced dill pickle; 1/2 C minced red onion; 4 green onions sliced; 3/4 C chopped celery; 1 C chopped red & green bell peppers; 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped; 1/3 C green stuffed olives chopped; 1/3 C black olives chopped; 1/2 C pickle relish; 4 slices bacon crumbled. Mix w/dressing

Paul Anka wrote "Puppy Love" for Annette Funicello

In 1952, The Yankee Clipper retired from baseball. Who is he?

1. Joe DiMaggio 2. Stan Musial 3. Casey Stengel

In the 50's: a roll of toilet tissue-5 cents; magazines-15 cents; pact of cigarettes-20 cents

COLORADO TRIP SOFTENS THE 65TH BIRTHDAY OF YOUR HOST

2009-08-02T07:45:00.000-07:00

I would like to believe that the desert was in full bloom for my 65th birthday but I just arrived at the right time. I enjoyed my week with my daughter and son-in-law, beautiful home, good food and fun.

My B & B is home this weekend to two lovely couples from Canada and Illinois. Reserved as a vacation home, the entire 50's furnishings are available to play with. Once again my life has been enriched by my guests. The weather has been beautiful.

The weekend is full next week. Lodi has Suzie the Duck Days on Saturday and the Arlington Festival is Thursday thru Sunday. Their parade is on Sunday and I have been looking for my 50's car to ride in, dressed in 50's clothing. I haven't had any success and nothing else seems right. Both events are lots of fun.

Question: What was Lucy's maiden name? Lucy Macgillicuddy.

Question: Paul anka's "Puppy Love" is written to what Star?

The average U.S salary in 1950 was $2992.00. Most or all our possesions were made in the USA. Most of the furnishings in my B & B were made in the USA.

I haven't found any new receipes. Check out my blog partner at Lapaceks Orchards, they have lots of great apple receipes.

Colorado Rocky Mountain High

2009-07-17T09:41:00.000-07:00

I'll soon be on my way to Colorado to see my daughter and son-in-law. I can't wait. I will have some beautiful pictures to share.
July has kept me very busy and August looks the same. My guests have been so enjoyable. Meeting new people has been a delight I didn't anticipate.
The Poynette Craft and Historic Homes tours is a not to miss event. I made my guests comfortable and enjoyed a quick look. Suzie the Duck days and the Arlington Festival are the second week-end in August. Both have a very nice parade and I hope to participate.
Our NAB (Networking Area Businesses) met again and the recipe this week comes from the host of that meeting. We have new members and I will be hosting the August meeting for an evening meal.
If you are in the area the Columbia County Visitors Bureau is hosting concerts all summer in Portage.

If you wish to return to my web-site, click on my link found on the right.

EGG CASSEROLE
1 C diced ham/bacon 1/4 C chopped onions, 12 beaten eggs, 1 3 oz can mushrooms, CHEESE SAUCE 2 T butter & flour, 2 C milk, 1/4 t salt, 1/8 t pepper. Cook and stir until bubbly; stir in 1 C process cheese; stir until melted; BREAD CRUMBLES 4t butter melted, 3 1/4 C soft bread cubes (3 slices)

Cook ham/bacon, onions 3 t butter - add 1 doz eggs scrambled. Fold in mushrooms - cheese sauce. Combine bread, butter, paprika. COVER AND LET SET OVERNIGHT. COOK 350 deg for 30 minutes.
Answer: to "Who appeared on the first cover of TV Guide? Lucille Ball and new baby
Question: On "I Love Lucy", what was Lucy's maiden name? Lucy MacNamara, Lucy McCloud, Lucy MacGillicuddy
In the 50's bacon was 35 cents a pound, ten pounds of potatoes was 35 cents, Kellogg's shredded wheat 18 cents, 1 dozen eggs - 72 cents ??

The Fourth of July "already"

2009-07-07T11:54:00.000-07:00

It is so much fun to decorate for the holidays. The Bed & Breakfast displayed flags and buntings for the 4th and Mother Nature provided the beautiful weather. Time to kick back and enjoy the brief summer months. I look forward to sharing the Fall and Winter decor with my followers.

The Columbia County Visitors Bureau presented yet another concert in Portage. It was a cool evening but the attendance was still very good. The band was very entertaining and lots of delicious goodies for sale. The B & B will be hosting the August meeting and will be considered for next seasons concert site. What fun!! Concerts on the farm every Wednesday during the summer months.

My baking schedule is on hold for the nice weather, try this for a quick and yummy fast dessert:

Strawberry Condiment

Fresh picked strawberries

Sour cream

Dark brown sugar

Mix to taste

Arrange strawberries on a silver tray with condiment in center in cut glass bowl

Trivia

Question: Name the song with "A-wop bop a-loo bop a-lop bam boom.

Answer: Tutti Fruitti

New Trivia

Who appeared on the first cover of TV Guide?

1. Jack Webb

2. Lucille Ball and new baby

3. David & Ricky Nelson

A HOT update!!!

2009-06-25T14:13:00.000-07:00

An anniversary of 42 years, visiting family and a brief health check kept me from my blog last week.

The landscaping this time of year is so beautiful. Everything is in bloom. I am hoping this HOT week in Wisconsin won't injure my plantings. I rise early to give them all TLC and to weed my vegetable garden. My assistant is pictured above. On the good side the weather makes me stay inside to complete projects. Making freezer jam has been a priority. I enjoy serving it to my guests in the morning. Guests can rent the entire home on a daily basis but breakfast is not included. I still like to have little treats for them to enjoy.

The businesses that met at the B & B this spring to network had our third meeting. A name was chosen, Networking Area Businesses (NAB). A great group of business owners with the same mission. I ordered our banner and we will be setting up at the Poynette 2009 Historic Home and Garden Tour/Arts and Crafts Fair on July 10-11. Hope to see you there....

Now the answer to the question of June 11:

Which of these was recorded by Fats Domino and then covered by Pat Boone?
"Ain't that a Shame"

Name the song with "A-wop bop a-loo bop a-lop bam boom"?

1. Good Golly Miss Molly

2. Be-Bop-a-Lula

3. Tutti Fruitti

More 50's Prices:

Quart of Milk: 21 cents

Loaf of Bread: 19 cents

Coffee Per Pound: 37 cents

Daughter & Husband Visit

2009-06-11T07:12:00.000-07:00

What a perfect reason to miss my blogging!!! My daughter and her husband came for a visit and I took the week off. We had hours of visiting and catching up. Allot of time was spent in the B & B to see all my latest treasures. I hope to take some time off this summer to visit Colorado and their beautiful new home.

I attended the Columbia County Visitors Bureau meeting and the Columbia County Economic Development Corporation inventors meeting. There are many sources out there to make your business a success. It just takes time to learn about them and apply what is available for your business. I was overwhelmed at all the work and commitment the members have to promote tourism and Columbia County.

1950's Trivia Questions

Which of these was recorded by Fats Domino and then covered by Pat Boone?

1. April Love

2. Ain't That a Shame

3. I'm Walkin

The answer next week.....

How Much Did It Cost?

Coke--5 cents

Gallon of Gas--25 cents

Movie Ticket--50 cents

McDonald's Hamburger--15 cents

More next week.......

As I promised here is my no fail recipe for two Rhubarb Pies:

4 cups rhubarb, cut up

2 cups sugar

6 tablespoons flour

2 pinches of salt

3 eggs beaten

Topping

1 cup dark brown sugar

4 T flour

4 T butter

Mix the pie ingredients together and put in unbaked pie shell.

Mix the topping ingredients and sprinkle over the pie.

Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Memorable Memorial Day

2009-05-27T10:50:00.000-07:00

Last weekend my 50's home was full. It is so much fun to visit and get to know my guests. All enjoyed the treasures I have acquired and was asked to give a brief tour. I was told they spent hours stepping back in time and enjoying the items remembered from their childhood. As they rented the home, they made their breakfast with the vintage appliances. I was asked to come in and get a peek of the yummy recipe in the oven. Here is the recipe they shared with me:

Finnish Oven Pancake

Mix: 4 large eggs, 2 cup milk, 1 cup flour, 1/2 c sugar

In a cast iron skillet/pot, melt 1/4 pound butter by setting in a 425 deg. oven.

Pour mixture into the melted butter and return to 425 deg. oven for 30 minutes. Serve with maple syrup or jam.

It looked and smelled great. An iron skillet is on my list of things to buy. Enjoy!! Isn't it fun to learn new things!!!

My time was spent in my gardens. I can be available for my guests and also concentrate on landscaping, etc. I have drawn up plans for my gazebo but have to decide on the size. I want it to be large enough for weddings, ice cream socials and vintage car shows but cozy for an evening get-together on the "prairie".

I harvested my rhubarb and made two great pies. Tune in next week for the easy recipe....

SPRING BUZZ and a Recipe for Peaches and Cream Cheesecake!

2009-05-15T07:05:00.000-07:00

At last...green is back. I have been spending allot of time on landscaping, planting flowers and gardens. The tulips are in bloom and perennials are peeking out to check weather conditions.

Promoting tourism in Wisconsin and the Empire Prairie has been my focus. This is such a beautiful area filled with so many nice people. I have attended many meetings in the past week and obtained contacts to use to increase my knowledge of tourism and networking. Communication and sharing of ideas is priceless. The Columbia County Economic Development Corporation provided a treasure chest of information.

Our area Networking group will be meeting next week to brain storm on how we can pool our resources to increase interest in our local businesses.

May is a very busy month with graduations and many family events. My Bed and Breakfast will be busy providing a warm and homey atmosphere to relax
and rest from the days celebrations.

I was host to the Poynette Chamber of Commerce meeting. We had a brief lunch followed by the plans for the summer months. I made a dessert I would like to share.

PEACHES AND CREAM CHEESECAKE

2 C graham cracker crumbs - 6 T melted butter - 1/4 C sugar
(mix and press into 9 x 13 pan/refrigerate)

4 - 8 oz pkgs cream cheese
3/4 C sugar
(blend w/electric mixer - add 3 oz pkg of peach jello and blend)

Chop 15 oz can of sliced peaches drained WELL and add to cream cheese mixture with spoon. Fold in WELL 8 oz carton of Cool whip. Add to crust and chill for 4 hours to set. I make this the night before. Very light and refreshing. Use brand names as the flavor is much better.

Tourism Gets A Boost in the Empire Prairie AND a Recipe for Strawberry Coffee Cake

2009-04-29T08:48:00.001-07:00

I attended the ribbon cutting in Lodi on Monday morning for the Wisconsin Scenic Byway. I met some very nice people and of course distributed literature for the Bed & Breakfast. I had the option to continue on to Prairie du Chien, but my schedule was full. The speaker mentioned the "Travel Green Wisconsin" program. I was certified last year. I have brochures for the Lower Wisconsin River Road tour and can mail them to anyone interested.

The Networking group that I hosted earlier this month met in Poynette at the beautiful Victorian home of the owner of The Capri Gallery. I believe we all departed with lots of new sources and ideas to build our businesses. There will be meetings through the summer months.

I have a strawberry theme in my large 50's kitchen. The following recipe has had good reviews from my guests:

STRAWBERRY COFFEE CAKE

1/4 C vegetable oil
1 C sugar
2 beaten eggs
1 pt fresh strawberries, mashed
3 C self rising flour
1/2 t salt
3 T milk
1/2 t vanilla
1/2 t lemon flavoring
1/4 C granulated sugar
pecans, opt.

Beat vegetable oil and sugar together. Add eggs and strawberries and beat well. Add flour and salt to mixture with milk and lemon. Beat well and stir in the pecans. Line muffins tins with paper cups and fill each 2/3 full. Before baking, sprinkle with large crystal sugar. Bake in a 350 deg. oven approx. 20 minutes.

Update!

2009-04-21T12:05:00.000-07:00

With the weather getting a little warmer, I have been spending my time working on the B & B gardens. I can't wait to see the tulips in bloom.

Last Wednesday the Poynette Press and the Deforest Times featured my B & B in a very nice article. The local general public was unaware of what I have to offer. I have received many delightful calls. You can read the article at http://www.deforesttimes.com/ .

I begin MATC classes this month to learn Adobe Photo Shop. I would like to provide a photo record for my guests of the special events that are held at the B & B.

State Highway 60 from Lodi to Prairie du Chien has been designated as a Scenic Byway. On Monday, April 27 there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony at 8:00. As I am a new member of the Lodi Chamber, I will be attending. Arlington is just 15 miles from Lodi on Highway 60 and hopefully a restful beginning to a lovely trip to Praire du Chien.

Also as a member of Poynette Chamber, I will be hosting the May meeting. I enjoy networking and meeting new people.

I have been going through the many 1950 cookbooks I have collected on my constant quest for 50's memorabilia. I will pass some on to you in the coming months

Some History Behind Prairie Splendor Farm Bed and Breakfast

2009-04-15T06:16:00.000-07:00

The Currie family home, built in 1892, became rental property after my husbands parents passed. I decided to restore the home three years ago and open a bed & breakfast to provide income after I retired. I chose a 1950's theme because the home was remodeled in 1948. This was an era of innovation, promise, and family values. All of the guests comment on the decor that invokes memories of grandmas house or the home they grew up in. It is a themed bed & breakfast and each bedroom contains memorabilia of cars, clothing, music and cinema stars. Every book and magazine was published in the 1950's. The stove and refrigerator are vintage 1950 and work beautifully.

With help from so many people and many meetings, licences, permits, inspections, it is now a reality and ready for my guests to enjoy. Finding my treasures was the best part. Antique malls in a three state radius, flea markets, garage sales and Goodwill is where I found all the furnishings.

Now I am retired and have time to really enjoy the fruits of my labors. Advertising is now the biggest hurtle to promote my unique getaway.
Joining local Chambers and networking with the local businesses has been more rewarding than I anticipated. I now have the tools to direct my guests to any service that they require.

I have many more goals and I will post them soon.

My FIRST BLOG!

2009-04-09T08:13:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! I have done it! I have started a blog for my Bed and Breakfast!

I invited a fellow neighbor and blogger, Kim Lapacek, to help me get this started. Please bare with me as I learn the ins and outs of blogging but I hope to be sharing some fun little stories with you soon!