Big change around the bend...

I guess it's no secret I've always been intrigued by historical buildings. Hubs and I have looked at so many century-old houses, they've kind of become mush in my mind. We've come close more than once to purchasing one for ourselves, but something always interrupted the follow-through.

Until now...

Ting-a-ling-a-ling! That brass bell announces the arrival of guests to what was originally The Bear Hotel--opened in 1905 as a railroad hotel. Although the hotel once sported 36 small rooms and four shared "water closets," the building was transformed from a hotel to a bed and breakfast inn by a former military man and his wife. Over the course of a decade, they tore down walls, added bathrooms, and decorated each room to reflect a unique personality. But then the husband died, and the wife didn't want to continue running the B&B on her own. She's thrilled to hand the keys to another military man and his wife, who happens to be a lover of history. (Yes, that would be me.)

The gorgeous foyer welcomes one to come in, step into the dining room for a cup of coffee, or ascend the stairs to relax in one of the private suites.

The upstairs landing offers several chairs or sofas--wonderful places to sit and indulge in conversation with fellow visitors. (See that closed door on the right? That'll be my writing studio...smack in the middle of the upstairs action!)

Above each door, a transom window bears the purpose of the room...in this case, the laundry! The rooms have such names as The Ritz, Grandma's Parlor, and Just Incredible. Soon, the names will change...to The Emily (for Emily Dickinson), The Charles (for Charles Dickens), The Jane (for Jane Austen), and seven other literary authors. Of course, Laundry will remain Laundry. :o)

Each room has been tastefully decorated, as you can see from the following samples...

Do those whet your appetite to check in to this inn??? And the beauty isn't limited to the inside.

Out back is a wonderful courtyard with a full-length, gingerbread-bedecked porch and balcony, a gazebo, fountain, and...soon to bloom...gardens of perennials. Can you imagine sipping a cup of tea in the gazebo in the evening, or firing up the grill for a barbecue?

Hubs made use of the fainting couch when he realized HE'D JUST REDONE MY OFFICE AND NOW WE WERE CONTEMPLATING MOVING!!! But he recovered quickly and is eager to don his chef's hat and apron and cook up breakfast for our guests.

This stencil decorates the wall above the kitchen door, and I couldn't help but smile when I saw it. When Hubs retired, I wondered how we'd adjust to being together all the time. I told him, "You can't just hang around the house!" Half in jest, half not. After 25+ years of being a military wife--of constant separations from my husband--I didn't know how we'd handle 24-7 togetherness. But y'know, it hasn't been bad. Not bad at all.

And now we're embarking on a new venture that is very much about working together. It'll be a big change, but I'm excited about it. We've gotta come up with a new name for "our" inn, but we'll give that some time and thought. It needs to be just right. And I sincerely hope, once we hang out our shingle, some of you might come spend a night with us! We'll leave the light on for you. :o)

God bless you muchly as you journey with Him! ~Kim

P.S. -- Still no desk. *major sigh* If it shows up by next week, I'll let you know!

P.S.S. -- Need a smile? Then watch this...and I dare you not to be uplifted.