GIZMO'S GOSSIP 

Hi again everyone.  Gizmo here.
One of my many responsibilities here at the inn is to deal with the many solicitors who arrive here unannounced. You know who they are - salespeople, insurance people, food and beverage reps, job seekers, beer and wine sales persons - the list seems endless. Usually a broad showing of my pearly whites ( I brush and floss daily) does the trick and they quickly seek better opportunities down the road. That is until last week.

Why the Serta Sheep came knocking remains a mystery, but knocking they came. A wasted trip really, since our beds are divinely comfortable and mattresses are the last thing we need. I quickly dissuaded them from their mission, but then the trouble began.

I guess it's my beautiful fur, though it might be my size, or perhaps my quiet dignified bearing. Maybe a little of each. Whatever the reason, these sales sheep now think of me as their leader, some kind of god. They follow me everywhere, ready to wait on me hand and foot, wanting to fulfill (to the extent a sheep can) my every need. I CAN'T SHAKE THEM ! Me and the sheep - bound at the hip. I don't need this, especially having just gotten Utah grown up enough to have his own life.

Why me ? I'm not a Pied Piper, doubt if I could even hold one. Does anyone have an idea ? Please, I need all the help I can get.
Love  Gizmo [and Flock]

BAKED BUTTER PECAN FRENCH TOAST

This rich and sweet breakfast casserole tastes like a pecan roll. Enjoy!

 
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
1 loaf French bread, cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
2 cups (8 ounces) finely chopped ham
6 eggs, beaten
1 2/3 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice*

1.	Combine brown sugar, butter and honey in 1-quart saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until sugar melts (2 to 3 minutes). Pour into ungreased 13x9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with pecans. Top with half of bread slices; sprinkle with ham.

2.

Combine eggs, milk and vanilla in large bowl; beat until well mixed. Dip remaining bread slices in egg mixture on one side only. Place over ham, dipped-side down. Pour remaining egg mixture over bread slices. Combine sugar and pumpkin pie spice in small bowl; sprinkle over top. Cover; refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.

3.

Heat oven to 350°F. Bake, uncovered, for 50 to 55 minutes or until golden brown and knife inserted in center comes out clean. Let stand for 10 minutes. Cut into 8 servings; invert each onto serving plates. Serve with maple syrup, if desired. *Substitute 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg and 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves.

Guest comments

"What a beautiful spot for a peaceful retreat. Thank you for the fine hospitality." Jean and Handsome

"LOVE this place...the perfect balance of beauty and comfort...nice for our family. And the FOOD...the FOOD!" The Biamontes, Baltimore, MD

"Thanks for the wonderful stay. The boys loved the pool and slice. Food was awesome!" The Timouth Family

Vermont History

1791 - Vermont becomes 14th state; University of Vermont chartered; Thomas Jefferson and James Madison visit Vermont; 85,341 people in Vermont 1881 - Chester A. Arthur of Fairfield becomes U.S. President
1919 - Poet Robert Frost moves to Vermont
1930 - Cattle in state outnumber people; 359,611 people in Vermont
1968 - Billboards banned

 

2nd annual Thanksgiving dinner

Hi,

 For a second year in a row we are inviting you to spend Thanksgiving with us. If you are suffering from a little empty house syndrome,  or want a few days AWAY from the family why not spend Thanksgiving with us. We promise you great food, hospitality and the peaceful serenity of Buck Hollow.  Spend three consecutive nights at the inn, with one of those nights being Thanksgiving, and join us for a full old fashioned Vermont Thanksgiving with "all the trimmins".

• Vermont Roast Maple Turkey & Gravy

• Homemade Pecan Cheddar Stuffing 

• Maple Yams with Apples 

• Potatoes Mousseline

• Freshly baked bread 

• Pumpkin Cream Pie with Candied Cranberries 

• Coffee or Tea

• All for just the cost of the three night stay. When you call, mention you're reserving for the Thanksgiving Dinner Special.

  Brad & Jacquie

VERMONT EVENTS September 2006

September 8-9-Burlington Marketfest  The Church Street Marketplace holds an exciting autumn festival, complete with sales and entertainment. Church Street Marketplace (2 Church Street, 2J) Free Street, 2J) Free Street, 2J) Free 802-863-1648 Web Site

9/15/06 through 9/17/06, Stowe The British Invasion of Stowe: British sports and classic car show. Stowe Special Event Meadows (433 The Mountain Road) Friday - Sunday, 9-5 pm. Entry Fee. 802-253-5320 Web Site

9/17/06, Shelburne Shelburne Museum Goes to the Dogs : A huge party for dogs on the grounds of Shelburne Museum. Shelburne Museum (U.S. Route 7) Admission. 802-985-3346 Web Site

9/23/06, Newport  Quiltfest: Quilt displays & contest, raffle, demos, vendors. . Municipal Building (222 Main St) Saturday, 10-4 pm. Free. 802-334-7325 Web Site

10/7/06 through 10/8/06, Essex Junction  Champlain Valley Antiques Festival: Vermont's largest indoor antique and collectible show. 190 quality diversified dealers and 40 dealers in room settings. Champlain Valley Exposition (105 Pearl Street) Saturday, 10-5 pm Sunday, 10-4 pm. Admission. 781-862-4039 or 802-878-5545 Web Site

The St. Albans Raid October 19, 1864

Twenty cavalrymen, organized by Confederate agent George Sanders and led by Lieutenant Bennett Young, swooped down out of Canada and took over St. Albans, Vermont in what was to go down in history as the northernmost engagement of the Civil War. With his gun drawn, Young mounted the steps of a hotel and shouted: "This city is now in the possession of the Confederate States of America."

 The battlefields of the Civil War suddenly didn't seem so far from this village about 15 miles south of the Canadian border. Shock and confusion followed as gun-toting horsemen galloped down Main Street, herding terror-stricken town folk onto the Village Green.

The raiders then turned their attention to robbing the three local banks. Even though the Confederates dropped much of their loot in the confusion of escape, they still managed to make off with over $200,000. By the time residents could organize a pursuit, the marauders were well on their way back to the border.

One of the raiders was wounded and died shortly thereafter. The survivors were arrested in Montreal and tried, but never extradited despite energetic efforts by Washington. Lieutenant Young rose to the rank of General. When he again visited Montreal in 1911, a group of St. Albans dignitaries paid him a courtesy call at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel.

St. Alban's is located 10 miles north of Buck Hollow Farm for more information visit: St. Albans Historical Society Museum