tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37432420217355372182024-03-18T22:59:30.423-04:00The Grey Swan Inn's Front Porch SwingThe Grey Swan Inn Bed and Breakfast is located in Blackstone, Virginia which just 50 miles southwest of Richmond in Nottoway County, and only 2 miles from Fort Pickett. Our front porch is an inviting place to sit to read, visit, or watch the small town traffic go by.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07614127478659340543noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743242021735537218.post-54481647583274033722013-07-09T14:42:00.003-04:002013-07-09T14:46:22.190-04:00Top 10 Myths About Bed & Breakfasts<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Recently we stumbled across this informative (and entertaining)
article about the Top 10 Myths About Bed & Breakfasts. We just had
to share it with you!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>1. There is no privacy.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The vast majority of inns, and all of
the good ones, have plenty of privacy. Your room should be quiet and
free from interruption. You won't be forced to interact with other
guests, nor will you have to sit down with the innkeeper and look at old
family photos. At a small inn, you may be able to go through your
entire stay without ever seeing any other guests -- try that at a hotel!
Innkeepers tend to be very concerned with their guests' privacy and do
everything they can to respect it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>2. The innkeepers are hiding.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This is almost the opposite of
myth #1. Some guests are concerned if they don't see the innkeepers when
they return from dinner, or sometimes even at check-in. (Some inns
leave a key in a pre-arranged spot to facilitate a late check-in.) In
most cases, the innkeepers live in the same building that guests are
staying in, so they're never too far away. They're probably just trying
to respect your privacy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>3. You'll sit with strangers at breakfast and have to make small talk.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It
is true that sometimes breakfast is served at one or two large tables,
so guests who don't know each other may sit together. But in all the
times that my husband and I have stayed at B&Bs, this has never been
a real problem. Most people don't try to force conversation when it
becomes apparent that you'd rather enjoy a quiet meal. If it does become
a problem, you can talk to the innkeeper about it and time your future
breakfasts so that you're almost sure to be alone.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="lsItm">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>4. B&Bs have staff and a front desk clerk on duty 24/7.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">In
most cases, particularly with inns of less than 10 rooms, the innkeeper/owner is the only person (or couple) working at the inn. Sometimes,
they might have a maid help with room preparation in the morning, but by
and large that person is handling everything. This means that you
should arrive on time, or at least call if that's not going to be
possible. Innkeepers often plan their day (including shopping for your
breakfast foods) around guests' arrival times.</span></div>
<div class="lsItm">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>5. Innkeeping is a hobby.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Most
innkeepers couldn't make a living just by running their B&B, but
that doesn't make it a hobby. It is a serious business with many facets.</span></div>
<div class="lsItm">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>6. Breakfast is simple to make, and innkeepers can just whip something up.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Most
B&Bs plan breakfasts days or even weeks in advance, so you need to
let them know ahead of time if you have any special dietary needs or
restrictions. Going back to myth #5, the innkeeper is often also the
cook, the waiter and the dishwasher. The best breakfasts I've ever eaten
have been at B&Bs, and that didn't happen by accident.</span></div>
<div class="lsItm">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>7. B&Bs are very expensive.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Not
necessarily. There are some expensive B&Bs, but there are also some
very affordable ones. It depends on the inn's location, amenities, and
other factors. But if you've avoided looking at B&Bs as an option
because of the cost, think again. In New York City, for example,
high-quality B&Bs are very competitive with hotel prices. In areas
less often visited by tourists, B&Bs can be an amazing bargain.<b> </b></span></div>
<div class="lsItm">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>8. Business travelers can't stay at B&Bs.</b></span></div>
<div class="lsItm">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Many
B&Bs have all the amenities important to business travelers, and
many will offer a discount for an extended stay. This might have been
true 10 or 15 years ago, and is still true to some extent – but many
B&Bs now cater to corporate travelers.</span></div>
<div class="lsItm">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>9. Innkeepers are rich.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">If they are, it's not because they're
innkeepers. Although they might own beautiful homes which have been
restored and immaculately decorated, most innkeepers don't even make all
their income at the inn. If a B&B has less than 10 rooms, the
chances are very good that the innkeeper, the innkeeper's spouse (or
both) has outside income.</span></div>
<div class="lsItm">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>10. There will be strange rules and a curfew.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Sometimes an inn
will have rules that mystify me. But I've never stayed anywhere that had
what I would call "strange" rules. And no B&B has ever had a
curfew. Innkeepers will sometimes ask you to be quiet if you come back
to the inn late, out of respect for other guests. Make sure you read all
of an inn's policies on their web site before making a reservation and
you should never be staying at a B&B with truly strange rules.
Innkeepers are not control freaks -- they want you to have a great time,
and they want you to come back. </span></div>
<div class="lsItm">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="lsItm">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">--Article by Elizabeth Arneson (About.com)</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07614127478659340543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743242021735537218.post-73286654079388264492013-07-02T08:00:00.000-04:002013-07-03T22:51:00.198-04:00Fourth of July Crafts<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Looking for some quick, DIY crafts to spruce up your home
for the holiday?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here are a few (some
even kid-friendly!) ideas to get you on track!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: red;"><i><b>Flag Shirts</b></i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">(from <a href="http://www.ourgoodfamily.org/2012/07/no-sew-flag-shirts-diy/" target="_blank">Our Good Family)</a></span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDdhyIrC7Ey_ULWGRFmNZ7cDyoRXVM5O_6TzPHaZ9UWQKOSmO9WvpMfYDMC1b4OxsN8xTuPjU4JACKnmKGsK9wR5u4zaSfVAxJnDuK2qJka4jIvjvZdO-HCIH9aDJdcF2WKhWQiyJh4bY/s320/006-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDdhyIrC7Ey_ULWGRFmNZ7cDyoRXVM5O_6TzPHaZ9UWQKOSmO9WvpMfYDMC1b4OxsN8xTuPjU4JACKnmKGsK9wR5u4zaSfVAxJnDuK2qJka4jIvjvZdO-HCIH9aDJdcF2WKhWQiyJh4bY/s320/006-001.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">All you need is a white t-shirt, red rickrack, blue ribbon,
fusible tape, and an iron to make these quick shirts for you or your kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Visit the above link for how-to and pictures.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Easy Patriotic Clothespin Wreath</span></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">(from <a href="http://www.funholidaycrafts.com/4th-of-july-crafts/patriotic-clothespin-wreath/" target="_blank">Fun Holiday Crafts</a>)</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://www.funholidaycrafts.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Patriotic-Clothespin-Wreath-DIY.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.funholidaycrafts.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Patriotic-Clothespin-Wreath-DIY.png" width="306" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">This easy wreath can be made with about 100 clothespins,
red, white, and blue spray paint, white star stickers, and a metal floral
wreath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This wreath would make a great
addition to any front door!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><i><b><span style="color: red;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Tin Can Windsocks</span></span></b></i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">(from <a href="http://the-wilson-world.blogspot.ca/2011/06/4th-of-july-tin-can-windsocks.html" target="_blank">Random Thoughts of a Supermom</a>)</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnLYGUxaciW49KP4HptZKPjnTcRfzVZCS75hThbNWI3MJfERqB9U13PYDb-epYy99YagUlqnFzenJv4btwEaKR6JfUmuGkVAPLtF88GV0X1r8Ol6uFxsny6QfrN33p6CdkhStMBPjPV8o/s640/DSC_5378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnLYGUxaciW49KP4HptZKPjnTcRfzVZCS75hThbNWI3MJfERqB9U13PYDb-epYy99YagUlqnFzenJv4btwEaKR6JfUmuGkVAPLtF88GV0X1r8Ol6uFxsny6QfrN33p6CdkhStMBPjPV8o/s320/DSC_5378.JPG" width="211" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Just by using some empty tin cans, red & white ribbon,
blue spray paint, star stickers, and some twine, you can manage to create a
cute addition to your front porch or living room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kids can even help with this one!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Click on the link above to read the full
instructions and photo how-to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Fourth of July Bunting</span></span></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">(from <a href="http://alphamom.com/family-fun/holidays/fourth-of-july-bunting/" target="_blank">Alpha Mom</a>)</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://alphamom.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/star-bunting2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://alphamom.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/star-bunting2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">A star fruit cut in half and some red and blue acrylic paint
makes this DIY project a breeze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
you and the kids finish with this simple craft, it can actually be hung up to
blow in the breeze! Check out the website link above to find more
instructions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Have a safe and happy Fourth of July! </b></i></span></span></span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07614127478659340543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743242021735537218.post-82798007178138671662013-06-30T16:35:00.000-04:002013-06-30T16:35:17.985-04:00Independence Day Recipes<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>With Independence Day right around the corner, you may be looking
for some easy patriotic treats to serve for your barbeque, picnic, or gathering. Here are just a few simple snacks, desserts,
and appetizers to get you started. </b></span></span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: blue;"> </span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><i>Fourth of July Strawberries</i></b></span></span></div>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">(adapted from<i> </i><a href="http://www.thesisterscafe.com/2011/06/4th-july-strawberries" target="_blank">The Sisters Cafe)</a></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://www.thesisterscafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/DSC_0057-683x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.thesisterscafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/DSC_0057-683x1024.jpg" width="213" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><i><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Dip fresh strawberries in melted white chocolate, and then
follow with a quick dip in blue sugar or sprinkles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For full recipe and instructions, visit the
link above.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b>Patriotic Fruit Salad</b></i></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">(adapted from <a href="http://www.blogger.com/://www.chicaandjo.com/2010/06/08/fruit-salad/" target="_blank">Chica & Jo</a>)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://www.chicaandjo.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/star_fruit_salad_2-500x333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://www.chicaandjo.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/star_fruit_salad_2-500x333.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Slice a watermelon in ½ inch to ¾ inch rounds, then use a
star shaped cookie cutter to cut shapes from the watermelon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gently toss with fresh blueberries and
strawberries for a colorful addition to any meal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Visit the above link for complete
instructions.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b>Layered Patriotic Punch</b></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">(adapted from <a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/2012/06/layered-patriotic-punch/" target="_blank">Our Best Bites</a>)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Patriotic-Punch-hrz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://www.ourbestbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Patriotic-Punch-hrz.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Fill a glass to the top with ice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you have star shaped ice cube trays, this
would be a great time to use them!<span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"></span> Next, fill a third of
the glass with red Hawaiian Punch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Slowly pour another third of blue Gatorade down the side of the glass to
avoid mixing colors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Top with Sierra
Mist for a tri-colored Fourth of July refreshment!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><i><b>Red, White, & Blueberry Muffins</b></i></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">(recipe from <a href="http://www.sophistimom.com/fourth-of-july-breakfast/" target="_blank">SophistiMom</a><i><b>)</b></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2516/3676557413_11541f7a95_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2516/3676557413_11541f7a95_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt;">These beautiful muffins are not only patriotic
but healthy, too!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A combination of fresh
blueberries and raspberries give these muffins their tasty flavor and gorgeous
color.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Visit the link above for ingredient list, instructions, and additional photos. </span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><i><b>Patriotic Pancakes</b></i></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">(recipe from <a href="http://tastykitchen.com/recipes/breakfastbrunch/pancakeswaffles/patriotic-breakfast/" target="_blank">Tasty Kitchen</a>)</span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://static.tastykitchen.com/recipes/files/2010/06/patriotic-breakfast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://static.tastykitchen.com/recipes/files/2010/06/patriotic-breakfast.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Alternately layer plain and red velvet pancakes and top with
blueberries for a delicious start to your Fourth of July.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Full recipe located at link above.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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</span></span></div>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Looking for a fun activity on the Fourth? Come celebrate our nation's independence in Downtown Blackstone with a parade! Visit <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/420633011377014/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/events/420633011377014/</a> for more information! </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">-------------------------------------------------------------------------------<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span></div>
</span></span></h4>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07614127478659340543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743242021735537218.post-66430379454415335302013-05-31T14:56:00.001-04:002013-05-31T14:56:37.199-04:00Events in the Area for Saturday, June 1st, 2013Looking for a fun weekend activity for you and the family? Virginia's State Parks have so much to offer! <br />
<br />
On Saturday, June 1st, in honor of National Trails Day, <b>High Bridge Trail State Park</b>, located in Farmville, will be hosting a "Life is Complicated, Running is Simple" 5K Race. Visit <a href="http://www.virginia.org/Listings/EventsAndExhibits/NationalTrailsDayLifeisComplicatedRunningisSimple5kRace/" target="_blank">http://www.virginia.org/Listings/EventsAndExhibits/NationalTrailsDayLifeisComplicatedRunningisSimple5kRace/</a> for more information on registration.<br />
<br />
Is running not quite your thing? Check out the <b>Holiday Lake Bluegrass Festival</b>, located in Appomattox. Gates open at 11 AM and music will be played from 12 to 8 PM. Featured bands include Half Bad Bluegrass Band, James River Cut-Ups, Shaky Grass Band, and Clearwater Branch. Other activities include vendors, crafts, face-painting, and games. Admission is $10 and children under 12 are free. Visit <a href="http://holidaylake4h.com/blue&brew.php" target="_blank">http://holidaylake4h.com/blue&brew.php</a> for more information.<br />
<br />
Not interested in running OR bluegrass music? Not a problem! Take the whole family swimming at <b>Twin Lakes State Park</b> and enjoy the 90-degree weather tomorrow! Check out <a href="http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/parkfees.shtml" target="_blank">http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/parkfees.shtml</a> for parking and admission fees.<br />
<br />
Want to take a breather and check in for a relaxing stay at the <b>Grey Swan Inn</b>? We still have several rooms available for the weekend! We'd love to have you stay with us and enjoy our delicious breakfasts! The inn is only a short drive from the previously mentioned events. Check out our website <a href="http://www.greyswaninn.com/" target="_blank">http://www.greyswaninn.com/</a> for room availability. <br />
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<b>Have a safe and happy weekend! </b><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07614127478659340543noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743242021735537218.post-49277194429776671492011-03-07T20:36:00.011-05:002011-03-08T20:31:38.745-05:00Innkeeper Speaks about Peace Corps<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://thumbp14-ne1.thumb.mail.yahoo.com/tn?sid=2458557543&mid=AGrIjkQAARH%2fTXa33QCM3GTcCiQ&midoffset=1%5f22%5f2%5f1991800%5f0&partid=2.5&f=304&fid=%40S%40Search&ctype=image%2fjpeg&res=90x90"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 68px; height: 90px;" src="http://thumbp14-ne1.thumb.mail.yahoo.com/tn?sid=2458557543&mid=AGrIjkQAARH%2fTXa33QCM3GTcCiQ&midoffset=1%5f22%5f2%5f1991800%5f0&partid=2.5&f=304&fid=%40S%40Search&ctype=image%2fjpeg&res=90x90" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Jim and I met long after his two year venture with Peace Corps and I still like hearing about his experiences for those years. Last night was another one of those opportunities when he was the speaker for Blackstone Rotary Club.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://thumbp14-ne1.thumb.mail.yahoo.com/tn?sid=2458557543&mid=AGrIjkQAARH%2fTXa33QCM3GTcCiQ&midoffset=1%5f22%5f2%5f1991800%5f0&partid=2.2&f=304&fid=%40S%40Search&ctype=image%2fjpeg&res=90x90"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 85px; height: 111px;" src="http://thumbp14-ne1.thumb.mail.yahoo.com/tn?sid=2458557543&mid=AGrIjkQAARH%2fTXa33QCM3GTcCiQ&midoffset=1%5f22%5f2%5f1991800%5f0&partid=2.2&f=304&fid=%40S%40Search&ctype=image%2fjpeg&res=90x90" alt="" border="0" /></a>He opens the meeting speaking an incomprehensible string of sounds.. and using mime. Repeating over and over, we start getting what he was talking about. And then he explains, that's how he learned Marshallese. Jim joined Peace Corps right out of college going to San Jose for an introduction... or as he put, they worked very hard at trying to talk those interested into backing out.... The interviewers were former Peace Corps Volunteers and knew the hardships first hand. He was told he was going to be all alone and isolated without other Americans for two years. That didn't daunt him. He then when to Hawaii for 10 weeks of training. Hawaii??? That a tough training site, right??<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://thumbp14-ne1.thumb.mail.yahoo.com/tn?sid=2458557543&mid=AGrIjkQAARH%2fTXa33QCM3GTcCiQ&midoffset=1%5f22%5f2%5f1991800%5f0&partid=2.6&f=304&fid=%40S%40Search&ctype=image%2fjpeg&res=90x90"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 90px; height: 68px;" src="http://thumbp14-ne1.thumb.mail.yahoo.com/tn?sid=2458557543&mid=AGrIjkQAARH%2fTXa33QCM3GTcCiQ&midoffset=1%5f22%5f2%5f1991800%5f0&partid=2.6&f=304&fid=%40S%40Search&ctype=image%2fjpeg&res=90x90" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Jim then went to an island in Central Pacific with only 200 people and lived with a family that spoke no English. He job assignment was to teach English as a second language (TESL) . He continued to tell the Rotarians about foods eaten (fish, coconut, and lots of commodities - canned bologna and Spam), fishing adventures, how he lived on the island, and live among the Marshallese.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://thumbp14-ne1.thumb.mail.yahoo.com/tn?sid=2458557543&mid=AGrIjkQAARH%2fTXa33QCM3GTcCiQ&midoffset=1%5f22%5f2%5f1991800%5f0&partid=2.9&f=304&fid=%40S%40Search&ctype=image%2fjpeg&res=90x90"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 90px; height: 68px;" src="http://thumbp14-ne1.thumb.mail.yahoo.com/tn?sid=2458557543&mid=AGrIjkQAARH%2fTXa33QCM3GTcCiQ&midoffset=1%5f22%5f2%5f1991800%5f0&partid=2.9&f=304&fid=%40S%40Search&ctype=image%2fjpeg&res=90x90" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Peace Corps is celebrating 50 years this year - thank you, Jim, for sharing your Peace Corps experience with me again and with my fellow Rotarians!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07614127478659340543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743242021735537218.post-90356184125995418082011-02-26T15:35:00.002-05:002011-02-26T15:51:26.963-05:00<a href="http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/VAmainstreet/blackstone.htm">Blackstone, Virginia</a> is on the National Register of Historical Places and is a good walking tour for visitors to Blackstone. The <a href="https://www.superinn.com/copy1/webview.asp?crypt=%BF%7Fp%5B%98%BB%B4%B2%A6%98%60yl%5Dp%AD%AA%93%C9%ADoh%98%BC%C6%B6%AF%A3%93f%B6%BCaO%AB%A8%B7%AB%B7%BB%8Ef%92%B1%BC%9B%CD%B8%AA%A9%9BK%A7%B4%9Bd">Grey Swan Inn Bed and Breakfast</a> is a part of the registered site, located at 615 South Main Street. Other places of interest include downtown Blackstone (which is a Virginia Main Street community), Schwartz' Tavern and The Carriage Museum. Wear good walking shoes, bring your camera, and enjoy Blackstone's history!!<br /><br />Below is a walking tour map beginning at The Grey Swan Inn and outlines the residential areas that are part of the National Register:<br /><br /><br /><iframe width="425" height="350" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=S+Main+St&daddr=6th+St+to:Brunswick+Ave+to:College+Ave+to:Church+St+to:615+S+Main+St,+Blackstone,+VA+23824&hl=en&geocode=FTyzNQIdlstZ-w%3BFeupNQIdxMZZ-w%3BFUaiNQIdUbBZ-w%3BFQCvNQIdVKxZ-w%3BFTbCNQIdLrJZ-w%3BFWOzNQIdwstZ-ykDAo84dCGyiTEu29V177r-Uw&mra=ls&sll=37.073475,-78.004655&sspn=0.0088,0.022724&ie=UTF8&ll=37.073475,-78.004655&spn=0.00819,0.00921&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=embed&saddr=S+Main+St&daddr=6th+St+to:Brunswick+Ave+to:College+Ave+to:Church+St+to:615+S+Main+St,+Blackstone,+VA+23824&hl=en&geocode=FTyzNQIdlstZ-w%3BFeupNQIdxMZZ-w%3BFUaiNQIdUbBZ-w%3BFQCvNQIdVKxZ-w%3BFTbCNQIdLrJZ-w%3BFWOzNQIdwstZ-ykDAo84dCGyiTEu29V177r-Uw&mra=ls&sll=37.073475,-78.004655&sspn=0.0088,0.022724&ie=UTF8&ll=37.073475,-78.004655&spn=0.00819,0.00921" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07614127478659340543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743242021735537218.post-40148059428783372772011-02-21T16:55:00.004-05:002011-02-21T17:16:35.826-05:00What a President Would Have Eaten<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;">Happy President's Day!</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">While volunteering at our local Blackstone Friends of Library bookstore, <a href="http://www.downtownblackstone.org/blackstone-business-directory.html">The Book End</a>, I found a wonderful little cookbook "Monroe Family Recipes" which was published in 1988 by <a href="http://www.ashlawnhighland.org/aboutus.htm">Ash Lawn-Highland</a>, College of William and Mary, the home of James and Elizabeth Monroe in Charlottesville, Virginia. <span style="font-weight: bold;">What a find</span>... it gave a bit of the history of the cooking and foods available during Monroe's time.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Here's one of the recipes which we'll want to try at the <a href="www.greyswaninn.com">Grey Swan Inn</a> when the summer tomatoes are in:</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Tomatoes and Eggs</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">(Original recipe: </span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Grease muffin tins; put one thick slice of unpeeled tomato into each tin; season with salt and pepper; break one egg on top of each slice; again season with salt and pepper and put a small piece of butter on top of each egg. Back in an oven until the egg is set. Serve on rounds of toast and garnish with parsley. This is good with cheese grated over the egg.)</span><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">1 large ripe tomato</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">6 eggs</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />salt, pepper</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />butter</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />6 slices of bread, toasted</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />parsley</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />1/4 cup grated cheese</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />Grease six muffin cups thoroughly with butter. Place one thick slice of toato in each cup. Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />Break one egg into each cup. Season it with salt and pepepr and place about 1/2 tsp. butter ontop of each egg. Back until the eggs are firm and set.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />Serve on hot toast with cheese and parsley sprinkled over each egg. Serves 6.</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07614127478659340543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743242021735537218.post-50590902910267872682009-05-26T16:07:00.004-04:002009-06-01T20:32:45.128-04:00Civil War Encampment - June 13 & 14, 2009<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuHTkJnZ-1ocMhdNxRhAY3Eh1t0CcHN_9V74-BTECyp2iUwuj0ioj0fC7pQ6YBp33owAq5suXa4vYo0GlgZii2V1bgc5F9hSIz1H-7qNBnzPjHduyfonv3i6Xniz-7x1bVocl4SzDKp8k/s1600-h/civil+war+encampment.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuHTkJnZ-1ocMhdNxRhAY3Eh1t0CcHN_9V74-BTECyp2iUwuj0ioj0fC7pQ6YBp33owAq5suXa4vYo0GlgZii2V1bgc5F9hSIz1H-7qNBnzPjHduyfonv3i6Xniz-7x1bVocl4SzDKp8k/s400/civil+war+encampment.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340229329738771394" border="0" /></a><br />Come to Nottoway Court House, Virginia, June 13 & 14, 2009 and enjoy a Civil War Encampment!<br />There will be lots of activities for all ages to enjoy. Stay at <a href="http://www.greyswaninn.com/">The Grey Swan Inn Bed and Breakfast</a> during this weekend event and continue the Civil War theme with breakfast foods designed around foods served during the mid-1800's.<br /><br />Be sure to come to Seay Park in Blackstone, VA on Saturday for the Lemonade and Cookie Social from 7 pm - 9 pmAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07614127478659340543noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743242021735537218.post-46592857508048605682009-05-12T09:20:00.003-04:002009-05-12T10:11:46.340-04:00Arsenic and Old Lace<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2UwXeIL7ycUqZoWr1F0Josh1TgYyEBjiYdH415dGMg-4iruY9oZFlp_AtpX-wClHmK9u_8cwXjZu2WfNy8miuJ_FiJ3pjvjEOFfcC8pXRlA_T_uQYJLJrfnpsjMIUbPE9UDlKdjpx-cs/s1600-h/Arsenic+Old+Lace.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2UwXeIL7ycUqZoWr1F0Josh1TgYyEBjiYdH415dGMg-4iruY9oZFlp_AtpX-wClHmK9u_8cwXjZu2WfNy8miuJ_FiJ3pjvjEOFfcC8pXRlA_T_uQYJLJrfnpsjMIUbPE9UDlKdjpx-cs/s320/Arsenic+Old+Lace.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334930309896987202" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><br />SACT (Southside Area Community Theatre) & Mitchell's Restaurant presents Arsenic & Old Lace </span></span><br /><br />Enjoy a play about a dramatic critic who comes home to become engaged to his love, only to find out that his two sweet dear old aunts have developed a bad habit of poisoning lonely old men. They feel what they are doing a service putting these men out of their misery. They even bury them in the cellar complete with funeral services. Fortunately, his brother is a perfect patsy since he already thinks he is Teddy Roosevelt - the murders could be pinned on him and he live out his days in Happy Dale sanitarium. Unfortunately, the other devious brother makes an untimely return home with his drunken doctor friend. They too have been on a killing spree.<br /><br />This play is full of comedy and will delight all. Many local celebs are making appearances in this play - Liz & Charlotte Walters, Jim Hausbrouck, Tom Forrester, Kelly Forrester, Pete Smith, Richard Aviles, Joe McMillan and many many more! This play is directed, organized and kept on track by Christy Aviles (Director) and Mary Sydney Gilley (Stage Manager) just to mention a few. Without the kindness of Mitchell's - we would be doing this all on the street! Can't forget the blood, sweat and tears of Tilly Conley (Producer) and Bev Boyko and their crew of volunteers!<br /><br />I STRONGLY urge you to come - the talent is amazing - It will be a great show.<br /><br />Show Dates and Specifics -<br /><br />May 28, 30 & June 4 & 6 at7:00 pm Dinner & Show - $25.00 - please arrive 1 hour before performance<br /><br />May 31 & June 7 at 2:00 pm Show Only - $10.00<br /><br />Please call Mitchell's to make reservations (434-292-4100) Limited seating is available.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07614127478659340543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743242021735537218.post-14668661164315141812009-05-07T08:19:00.001-04:002009-05-07T08:20:23.461-04:00Coming Soon to Blackstone - Arsenic and Old LaceMore to be posted soon - with dates and ticket information!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07614127478659340543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743242021735537218.post-51478370313164852582008-12-31T14:18:00.016-05:002009-01-05T17:22:57.987-05:00Marriage Renewal Retreat - Feb 13-15, 2009<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieMfAJwmSbdYtMjiz5mGSNXB5cXLKD12xpKZ5xKmHpJFJvzBnYx1GFpB-8xzJAVt4CPgy6CEAqi2uTUwBJ5dfw6bMWNHZUyCxAaJn7oV3DTsQNkZTpE7Ifb2T18k-pQ9NiX1YyNGVwDb0/s1600-h/cupid.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 262px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieMfAJwmSbdYtMjiz5mGSNXB5cXLKD12xpKZ5xKmHpJFJvzBnYx1GFpB-8xzJAVt4CPgy6CEAqi2uTUwBJ5dfw6bMWNHZUyCxAaJn7oV3DTsQNkZTpE7Ifb2T18k-pQ9NiX1YyNGVwDb0/s320/cupid.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286091622714886290" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">MARRIAGE RENEWAL RETREAT</span><br /><br /></span></span></span> <span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"></span></span></span><br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Let this Valentine's Day bring your marriage back to its honeymoon luster. Love never dies, it just needs to be polished. </span></div> <div style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div> <div style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Rainbow Arriving Workshop for Marriage Renewal will focus on understanding and practicing the powerful regenerative techniques of the wisdom teachings of east and west that can help you make your relationship workable for greater personal awareness of who you are as a joyous being. You will discover how the relationship of marriage can reveal to you the keys that will unlock the happiness you know is just beneath the surface of your love for each other. Those who practice wisdom together expand their wisdom together. Discover how your marriage can give birth to all you know you can be.<br /><br /></span></div> <div style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"></span></span></span></div> <div style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The workshops will include DVD intensives with world spiritual teacher <span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1230763511_1">Eckhart Tolle</span> and meditation master teacher <span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1230763511_2">Jack Kornfield</span>. You will also learn an easy energizing stretching and breathing routine you can do together or separately to open portals of awareness within. And you will learn how to make the healing power of meditation portable so that you can transform stress in your life into opportunities of personal healing and rejuvenation. </span></div> <div style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div> <div style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" >"Can one workshop do all that?" you may ask. It can if you expect a rainbow to arrive in your life.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >Retreat Location: <a href="http://www.blackstoneyogacenter.com/">Blackstone Yoga Center</a>, Blackstone, VA<br />Lodging: <a href="http://www.greyswaninn.com/">The Grey Swan Inn Bed and Breakfast</a>, Blackstone, VA</span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br />Planned itinerary:</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />Friday, February 13, 2008<br />2:00 pm - 6:30 pm Check-in & Workshop Registration<br />5:00 pm - 6:30 pm Dinner (on your own)<br />7:00 - 9:00 pm 1st Workshop Session<br />9:00 pm Return to Inn/Free Time<br /><br />Saturday, February 14, 2008<br />8:00 am Full Breakfast<br />9:30 -11:00 am 2nd Workshop Session<br />11:00 pm Free time & Lunch (on your own)<br />2:00 - 3:30 pm 3rd Workshop Session<br />3:30 - 7:00 pm Free Time/Dinner (on your own)<br />7:00 -9:00 pm 4th Workshop Session<br />9:00 pm Return to Inn/Free Time<br /><br />Sunday, February 15, 2008<br />8:00 am Full Breakfast<br />9:30 - 11:00 am 5th Workshop Session<br />11:00 am Workshop Celebration at the Inn<br />12:00 pm Check-Out<br /><br />The Retreat and lodging is available for up to 5 couples and will include a full breakfast on Saturday and Sunday mornings as well as beverages and snacks at the Inn. Rates for retreat and lodging from $398 (double bedded room), $420 (queen bedded room), and $465 (king suite). There will be a 3 couple minimum for the retreat.<br /><br />Call The Grey Swan Inn Bed and Breakfast at 434-292-3199 for reservations and further information.<br /><br />About the Retreat Facilitator:</span><br /></span></div> <span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"></span></span></span></div><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> </span></span></span></div> <table style="width: 457px; height: 907px;"><tbody><tr> <td width="451"><br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="http://www.blackstoneyogacenter.com/ed.jpg" width="144" height="180" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td><p><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Ed Conley, 72. is a <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.weddingsva.com/"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1230820566_0">photographer</span></a> and yoga/meditation teacher in <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1230820566_1">Blackstone, Virginia</span>, where he lives with his wife, <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1230820566_2">Tilly</span>, a native of Blackstone. From the early 60's Ed was consumed by hunger for truth in in 1968 had a profound and life changing awakening through a connection with the world teacher <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1230820566_3">Krishnamurti</span>. In the 70's he found a direction for his journey through association with Alice Christensen, <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.americanyogaassociation.org/Alice.html"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1230820566_4">American Yoga Association</span></a>, and Swami Muktananda of <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.siddhayoga.org/"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1230820566_5">Siddha Yoga</span></a>. </span>Ed and his wife ran a meditation center for Siddha Yoga in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, in the late 70s. </p><p><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Having settled in southside Virginia in the 80s, Ed began teaching <span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1230820566_6">yoga</span> in Blackstone, but his practice had not matured yet and all of his interest turned to feature writing for the local paper, the Courier-Record, and photography, Leaving the newspaper in 1994 Ed devoted all his energies to building a photography studio. </span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">In 1986 a connection was made with <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.swamisatchidananda.org/"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1230820566_7">Swami Satchidanada</span></a> at <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.yogaville.org/"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1230820566_8">Yogaville</span></a> in Buckingham, Virginia. And in 2005 during a visit to Yogaville that initial connection opened into a dynamic spiritual awakening that has transformed Ed's life and channeled all his energies into writing and teaching yoga</span>/ meditation full time. </p> <p><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Since then he has been writing daily on his spiritual blog, <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.wyde-angle.com/"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1230820566_9">Wyde-Angle.com</span> </a>is working on a book of spiritual insights, and<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.blackstoneyogacenter.com/IntegralYogaArticle1.pdf"> <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1230820566_10">publishing articles</span></a> in the Integral <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.blackstoneyogacenter.com/IntegralYogaArticle2.pdf"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1230820566_11">Yoga Magazi</span></a></span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.blackstoneyogacenter.com/IntegralYogaArticle2.pdf"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1230820566_11">ne.</span> </a></span>Ed is currently designing workshops and yoga classes for the Thrive Health Center opening in 2009 in <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1230820566_12">South Hill, Virginia</span>, and teaching yoga classes at the community college. </p> <p>Ed's driving interest is to make the healing principles of yoga and meditation workable in our busy modern life. The vehicle for this teaching are the Rainbow Arriving Workshops that custom fit the teachings of yoga to specific populations.<br /></p><p>Contact Ed at <a rel="nofollow" ymailto="mailto:byc@blackstoneyogacenter.com" target="_blank" href="http://us.mc449.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=byc@blackstoneyogacenter.com"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1230820566_13">byc@blackstoneyogacenter.com</span></a></p></td> </tr> <tr> <td><br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td height="31"><br /><p><a rel="nofollow" ymailto="mailto:byc@blackstoneyogacenter.com" target="_blank" href="http://us.mc449.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=byc@blackstoneyogacenter.com"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1230820566_13"></span></a></p></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07614127478659340543noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743242021735537218.post-43207541236958410772008-10-21T22:29:00.005-04:002008-10-22T15:27:24.015-04:00Madeline's House Day<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:180%;color:black;" ><span style=";color:black;" >Madeline’s House Day</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:78%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:8;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:180%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:20;color:black;" >At</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><a href="http://www.greatbanksva.com/"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:180%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:20;color:black;" ><img id="_x0000_i1028" src="http://f449.mail.yahoo.com/ya/download?mid=1%5f402464%5fADjFtEQAAMMvSPyhYAhK0nQpRbs&pid=2&fid=Inbox&inline=1" height="134" width="305" /></span></span></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:14;color:black;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:7;" ><span style="font-size:30;">On Wednesday, <span style="border-bottom: medium none; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; cursor: pointer; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1224653068_0">October 29</span>, 2008</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:16;">A fund-raising cookout is being hosted by Citizen's Bank & Trust from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, with ALL donations given to <a href="http://www.madelineshouse.net/index.html">Madeline’s House</a>. (what is Madeline's House? It is a women's shelter for victims of sexual and domestic violence)<br /></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:16;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:16;">Get your hamburger, hotdog, chips, cookies and </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:16;">drink for a small donation of $5.00.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:16;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:16;">Visit them at their Main Office location of </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:16;">126 <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1224653068_1">South Main Street</span></span></span><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-size:16;"> in <span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1224653068_2">Blackstone</span> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:16;">and HELP support Madeline’s House.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-size:11;">Other donations will be accepted at all Blackstone Citizens Bank & Trust Company locations.<br /></span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style=";font-size:7;color:black;" ><span style=";font-size:32;color:black;" >Wish List</span></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-size:11;"></span></span><br /></p> <span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1224642660_4">Food Lion Gift Cards<br />Wal-Mart</span> Gift Cards<br />Calling Cards (phone)<br /><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1224642660_5">Paper Towels</span><br /><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1224642660_6">Toilet Paper</span><br /><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1224642660_7">Bath Towels</span> & Wash Cloths<br /><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1224642660_8">Plastic Cups</span>, Bowls, Plates and Plastic Forks, Knives, Spoons<br /><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1224642660_9">Aluminum Foil</span><br /><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1224642660_10">Liquid Laundry Detergent</span><br />Fabric Softener/Dryer Sheets<br />Bleach<br />Pine-Sol<br />Lysol<br />Tissues<br />Vehicle Cleaning Supplies<br />Dish Washing <span style="border-bottom: medium none; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; cursor: pointer; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1224642660_11">Liquid<br />Dishwasher Detergent</span><br />Pens<br /><span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; cursor: pointer; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1224642660_12">Ladies jogging suits</span> (all sizes)<br />Ladies socks<br />Totes with lids<br />Trash bags (30 gallon)<br />Freezer bags<br />Writing Tablets<br />Ink pens<br /><span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1224642660_13">Plastic storage bins</span><br />Ladies undergarments (all sizes)<br />Ladies Pajamas<br />Sheets and Pillow Cases (twin size)<br /><span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1224642660_14">Plastic food Storage containers</span><br /><span style="border-bottom: medium none; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; cursor: pointer; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1224642660_15">Permanent Markers</span><br /><span style="border-bottom: medium none; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; cursor: pointer; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1224642660_16">Feminine Hygiene products</span><br />Children's pajamas<br /><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1224642660_17">Alarm clocks</span><br />Batteries<br /><span style="border-bottom: medium none; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; cursor: pointer; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1224642660_18">Flashlights</span><br />Light bulbs (60, 75, 100 watt)<br />Vinyl mattress covers (twin)<br />Room deodorizers<br />Over the counter medications<br />Deodorant<br />Hand Sanitizer<br />Brushes & combs<br />Children's jogging suits<br />Children's socks<br />Children's essentials<br />Hair dryers<br /><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1224642660_19">Curling irons</span><br /><br /><br />These items may also be dropped off at <a href="http://www.greyswaninn.com/">The Grey Swan Inn Bed and Breakfast</a> - please call in advance: 434-292-3199 Need someone to pick the items up? Give us a call!!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07614127478659340543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743242021735537218.post-38481113110815341932008-09-07T17:44:00.004-04:002008-09-08T07:12:39.887-04:00Central Virginia Home & Garden ShowWhen: Saturday, September 20 9am - 8pm & Sunday, September 21 10am - 5pm<br />Where: Fireman's Sports Arena, Zion Hill Road, Farmville, VA<br /><br />Admission: $4 (children free)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07614127478659340543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743242021735537218.post-72459599878005611512008-09-07T17:40:00.003-04:002008-09-08T07:12:23.018-04:00Family Farm Day<div style="text-align: center;">Sept 13, 2008<br /><br />Virginia Tech Southern Piedmont Center<br />Blackstone, VA<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07614127478659340543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743242021735537218.post-74236691116038607472008-09-07T17:30:00.004-04:002008-09-08T07:12:07.046-04:00Pond Workshop<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH8HIamDavS2WfUufO2dXtm_d0RBOVJyymo7sebS5W8RLhu3RfkuuUP06GZ9KLEPOOoQWluytGaa8gXzj2hjEWjNt20oyC_2fBURLjLb2kIzS-2EjAkYAy38dvA64F8jZ6vsRsQi8LnB0/s1600-h/pond.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH8HIamDavS2WfUufO2dXtm_d0RBOVJyymo7sebS5W8RLhu3RfkuuUP06GZ9KLEPOOoQWluytGaa8gXzj2hjEWjNt20oyC_2fBURLjLb2kIzS-2EjAkYAy38dvA64F8jZ6vsRsQi8LnB0/s200/pond.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243396640599016194" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />October 15, 2008 9:30 am - 4:00 pm<br /><br />Auditorium of the Southern Piedmont Agriculture Research Extension Center<br />Route 40 east of Blackstone, VA<br /><br />This workshop is designed to help you with water quality, aquatic weeds, pond management tips, and build a cage for caged fish production.<br /><br />Pre-register by Friday, October 10th to the Brunswick County Extension Office at 434-848-2151 or Nottoway Extension Office at 434-645-9315.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07614127478659340543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743242021735537218.post-51744347491876067042008-09-07T17:22:00.004-04:002008-09-08T07:11:39.975-04:00Amelia County Fair<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZtdLrzrYMY7S7JgIDq64-LKUhnkrpUmFdBtf4rnQmE8ssyWxW2fiT3ZL6F2RTYbOCh0h2mNOmL9SOM5-YegnUVTf4GhReYEY8P4v4TcE00wXQVYpnXki86cMKUzWbvsJZH7j48RHV3WM/s1600-h/county+fair.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZtdLrzrYMY7S7JgIDq64-LKUhnkrpUmFdBtf4rnQmE8ssyWxW2fiT3ZL6F2RTYbOCh0h2mNOmL9SOM5-YegnUVTf4GhReYEY8P4v4TcE00wXQVYpnXki86cMKUzWbvsJZH7j48RHV3WM/s200/county+fair.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243393348080277650" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><a href="http://www.ameliafair.org/">Amelia County Fair</a><br />Sept 9-14, 2008<br />At <a href="http://ameliafair.org/countyfair/directions.htm">The John H Paulette Memorial Park</a><br /><br /><br /></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07614127478659340543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743242021735537218.post-72225279466919166332008-09-07T17:13:00.004-04:002008-09-08T07:11:18.802-04:00Pickett Theatre<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaVDbx4cjECcjNEypP_jkbo1MpWCfB_152JckK5P6EjEg6ngTBoWB8MHhpIu9MNnwQlEapMs-JGagdnC9kpOpsKvAdgUk-d0c0FcnmQ47vV9ayLup7slm3mL7R6UKoTngjg6ICOEUDL9E/s1600-h/ticket.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaVDbx4cjECcjNEypP_jkbo1MpWCfB_152JckK5P6EjEg6ngTBoWB8MHhpIu9MNnwQlEapMs-JGagdnC9kpOpsKvAdgUk-d0c0FcnmQ47vV9ayLup7slm3mL7R6UKoTngjg6ICOEUDL9E/s200/ticket.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243390960475258194" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Pickett Theatre is now open!!</span><br /><br />Currently showing: Wanted (R)<br />Starring Angelina Jolie<br /><br />Friday 7 & 9 pm Saturday 5, 7, & 9 pm<br />Sunday 5 & 7<br />Monday Closed<br />Tues-Thurs 7 pm only<br /><br />Admission: $5<br />Under 12, military & shows before 6 pm $3.50<br />Visa & MasterCard accepted<br /><br />For more information: 434-292-8466<br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07614127478659340543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743242021735537218.post-48340211221757996922008-09-07T16:56:00.004-04:002008-09-08T07:04:32.079-04:00Southside Youth Festival - Sept 20, 2008<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipBe2mA9FHCIegOfY3tmnqReCW5BwDU_GfcclLGqEFTH2Tv28ZVMI7keNfHm6M1XzY-xD9GH5xfkeTBEuKfAcPWTsDDQVRA8cwvJjIL-MZM55pKcV2rB7HDY5K_aDuDeob4CrBSjEcFAg/s1600-h/music.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipBe2mA9FHCIegOfY3tmnqReCW5BwDU_GfcclLGqEFTH2Tv28ZVMI7keNfHm6M1XzY-xD9GH5xfkeTBEuKfAcPWTsDDQVRA8cwvJjIL-MZM55pKcV2rB7HDY5K_aDuDeob4CrBSjEcFAg/s200/music.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243389914149681954" border="0" /></a><br /><span style=""><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" spt="75" preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"> </v:formulas> <v:path extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" connecttype="rect"> <o:lock ext="edit" aspectratio="t"> </v:shapetype><v:shape id="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'width:180pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\CHRIST~1\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image001.png" title="MCj04325350000[1]"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--></span><br /><br />What: Fourth Annual Southside Youth Festival<br />Where: Hooper Park, Crewe, VA<br />When: Saturday, Sept 20th, starting at 1:00 pm<br /><br />The Festival is a non-profit event that is free to children 19 and under; $5 for ages 20 and older with proceeds going to youth-related activities in Nottoway and surrounding counties.<br /><br />This year the main feature will be an amateur Music Competition. Other events are an Art contest, Poetry contest, Kids Casting competition, Titanic Slide, Rock Climbing Wall, free giveaways, and fun and games for all ages.<br /><br />For more information, visit: <a href="http://southsideyouthfestival.com/home.php">SouthsideYouthFestival.com</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07614127478659340543noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743242021735537218.post-37687893633215468512008-08-25T22:17:00.011-04:002008-08-25T22:40:27.582-04:00The Grey Swan Inn Celebrating One Year Anniversary<span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Zy1zYk9ZxRkeoXx7ONUFe5Cv6K9hc62-8AeBWYKsi4j6PxHKuilgI66JRoTEPk1roNbi3q7-5fkASlVDA5jgTM7Nc2PnouIqxyffenkbN7Xub8y63bS9Lioi23nC0DjxRaAK8Ml1ETI/s1600-h/Home+Sweet+Home.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Zy1zYk9ZxRkeoXx7ONUFe5Cv6K9hc62-8AeBWYKsi4j6PxHKuilgI66JRoTEPk1roNbi3q7-5fkASlVDA5jgTM7Nc2PnouIqxyffenkbN7Xub8y63bS9Lioi23nC0DjxRaAK8Ml1ETI/s200/Home+Sweet+Home.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238645704332214562" border="0" /></a></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The Grey Swan Inn Bed and Breakfast will be celebrating its first anniversary under the management of Jim and Christine Hasbrouck on September 2, 2008 from 2:00 PM to 5 PM. <span style=""> </span>A ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for 3:00 PM.<span style=""> </span>The inn is located at 615 S. Main St. in Blackstone.<span style=""> </span>The public is cordially invited to this event which will also include tours of the home.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;" face="arial" class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCesl7fg8pHgggtgAWnV3HtV_BFlprZ_gUU3I6O9wWhbHD0okV88ksXI_lL1Etch5y6SsF6J_mLIqsgRsQQNKcmVpXsmPSgjNlxUFeF2ly_tRtutg0f7vyYXR4TrxyLxF_L0eSCkawxoI/s1600-h/th_ribboncutting.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCesl7fg8pHgggtgAWnV3HtV_BFlprZ_gUU3I6O9wWhbHD0okV88ksXI_lL1Etch5y6SsF6J_mLIqsgRsQQNKcmVpXsmPSgjNlxUFeF2ly_tRtutg0f7vyYXR4TrxyLxF_L0eSCkawxoI/s200/th_ribboncutting.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238646037702874178" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The Hasbroucks moved t</span><span style="font-size:100%;">o Blackstone from Baltimore MD in August 20</span><span style="font-size:100%;">07.<span style=""> </span>Jim had recently retired from the USDA Forest Service after a 34 year career in Human Resources.<span style=""> </span>Christine occupations included stints in m</span><span style="font-size:100%;">edical administration, travel, and personal sales.<span style=""> </span>The couple took a number of courses in the operation of a Bed and Breakfast over t</span><span style="font-size:100%;">he past few years then set a course on finding a suitable establishment. <span style=""> </span>Blackstone and the Grey Swan Inn fit the bill.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">This charming hom</span><span style="font-size:100%;">e was built in 1902 by Douglas Longs</span><span style="font-size:100%;">treet</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> Tuggle of R. W. Tuggle & Son Tobacco Company of Blackstone, Virginia, for his bride. It is a contributing property of Blackstone’s Historic District which i</span><span style="font-size:100%;">s listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. The home was converted to a Bed and Breakfast approximately 15 years ago and was formerly owned and operated by Fred and Nancy Jo Sibel until the Hasbroucks assumed owner</span><span style="font-size:100%;">ship in September of last year. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The Inn offers a comfortable and friendly atmosphere for t</span><span style="font-size:100%;">he weary traveler including a full gourmet breakfast each morning of their stay.<span style=""> </span>To many of their guests </span><span style="font-size:100%;">“It’s like coming home when I’m on the r</span><span style="font-size:100%;">oad”.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Some of the inn’s amenities include free wir</span><span style="font-size:100%;">eless internet, flexible breakfast hours, leisurely moments on the front porch, televisions in most rooms, freshly ground coffee, and lively conversations with the owners and other guests.<span style=""> </span>The addition of online reservation services on The Grey Swan Inn’s website (<a href="http://www.greyswaninn.com/">www.greyswaninn.com</a>) add to the convenience for the savvy online traveler.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The innkeepers are member of Blackstone Chamber of Comm</span><span style="font-size:100%;">erce, BBAV (Bed and Breakfast Association of Virginia), PAII (Professional Association of Inns International), and recently became qualified for Virginia Green Lodging.<span style=""> </span>The Grey Swan Inn Bed and Breakfast can be found listed Virginia.org – Virginia’s official tourism website and has</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> been featured on Home and Garden Television (HGTV).</span></p><p face="arial" class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi622yTkZ5BPjVcFyW3WDGU6K7wGHEwdYtoIe3aeWSqWUd5GW_0lCmgAqCt9e_GkjkGLeXhJy0TYU-RqMf30KqlOKPeIRNnlAqpctRvCg2llkCAcTUcVZyJkG_KYxITyYbPYQIKqruRpWM/s1600-h/logo_blackstone_tras.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi622yTkZ5BPjVcFyW3WDGU6K7wGHEwdYtoIe3aeWSqWUd5GW_0lCmgAqCt9e_GkjkGLeXhJy0TYU-RqMf30KqlOKPeIRNnlAqpctRvCg2llkCAcTUcVZyJkG_KYxITyYbPYQIKqruRpWM/s200/logo_blackstone_tras.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238646429777640770" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1fasjREc9Hdf2cAY1NnN35MAnGVOQiea5HvlO7ibG8qU_4mKxBJ1R9O_7LQG6ZrtuhUnAaIgf2CCIrZacGDHWNcivhI4MH7WCuxnJ78rlRT8ivsSSOQZhyjiGfF5HTNSQuxASQsuZZTs/s1600-h/smbbavlogo.gif"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1fasjREc9Hdf2cAY1NnN35MAnGVOQiea5HvlO7ibG8qU_4mKxBJ1R9O_7LQG6ZrtuhUnAaIgf2CCIrZacGDHWNcivhI4MH7WCuxnJ78rlRT8ivsSSOQZhyjiGfF5HTNSQuxASQsuZZTs/s200/smbbavlogo.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238647443891615026" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipgW-CFruKKClAqvU2GTiiyKykjLuhTm8B7GrU7N61lIHz3MHvzewQ1S2FE2x94yqZkfELTVPMkIrQTkKRxhnnXxqUbbRstZZJhHoAeZjhx89nLjjKQnszWtWptflXJ_CnSwO6GTj_i9E/s1600-h/paii-red-member.gif"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipgW-CFruKKClAqvU2GTiiyKykjLuhTm8B7GrU7N61lIHz3MHvzewQ1S2FE2x94yqZkfELTVPMkIrQTkKRxhnnXxqUbbRstZZJhHoAeZjhx89nLjjKQnszWtWptflXJ_CnSwO6GTj_i9E/s200/paii-red-member.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238648367461650642" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtEOfJQuR3lYbtYw38_8mPM6mUB_xgBj6c3KWbb1ZZreKgkCaFY6B3sgdftTlhOQzj75su6o98w_j1LbyeYEwC2q9XWzoB5UVQCho6hH38aNhWvLae54o6kYHs7H23Y2I2MSUWjIzgM1M/s1600-h/small+virginia+green+logo.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtEOfJQuR3lYbtYw38_8mPM6mUB_xgBj6c3KWbb1ZZreKgkCaFY6B3sgdftTlhOQzj75su6o98w_j1LbyeYEwC2q9XWzoB5UVQCho6hH38aNhWvLae54o6kYHs7H23Y2I2MSUWjIzgM1M/s200/small+virginia+green+logo.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238648943224091026" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_d3FfcPuJ6rpS1A-sDILp8AuHV9NBgjY3y-s3Bd_6KIxBaxV33h22ZmrkOYV95YGNibvN6bNcsQpbdlH9byVVWpNHlYgm9SGgrvH7BX2uskAHnsrjxCgvavf-GwUyyQOwgxGZt2ljlHs/s1600-h/VAforBBlovers.gif"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_d3FfcPuJ6rpS1A-sDILp8AuHV9NBgjY3y-s3Bd_6KIxBaxV33h22ZmrkOYV95YGNibvN6bNcsQpbdlH9byVVWpNHlYgm9SGgrvH7BX2uskAHnsrjxCgvavf-GwUyyQOwgxGZt2ljlHs/s200/VAforBBlovers.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238647921504995074" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07614127478659340543noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743242021735537218.post-67501787770429375792008-08-22T17:44:00.003-04:002008-08-22T17:49:55.176-04:00Dropout Prevention Meeting<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Dropout Prevention Meeting<br />Tuesday, August 26<br />6-8 pm<br />Nottoway High School Mini Auditorium<br /><br />For all Community Partners!!<br /></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07614127478659340543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743242021735537218.post-75647044473252805442008-08-22T17:28:00.007-04:002008-08-22T17:50:20.999-04:00Blackstone Image Kick-Off<div style="text-align: center;"><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:180%;" >Blackstone Image Kick-Off<br /></span> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Thursday, August 28th</span> <span style="font-family:arial;"><br />6:00 PM</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Blackstone Fire Department</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Be a part of history in the making!<br />Enjoy FREE food samples at a "Taste of the Town"<br />Watch our local youth perform<br />Learn how you can become a Blackstone Ambassador!<br />Take home some FREE Blackstone gifts<br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">sponsored by:</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn34bIzZu1Juk2Z2ciQVjrGlCf3sGobaBltZ7d1g3BGRPwFbQnCgK_EacOTi8s-wHaupYmy5nGji7uOm2N5zRHJJjxmhqTeC3bLN4b8EAQZOwJfT9RcUS7jGoyPVRTmTep5aNvsKVXnaE/s1600-h/logo_downtown.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn34bIzZu1Juk2Z2ciQVjrGlCf3sGobaBltZ7d1g3BGRPwFbQnCgK_EacOTi8s-wHaupYmy5nGji7uOm2N5zRHJJjxmhqTeC3bLN4b8EAQZOwJfT9RcUS7jGoyPVRTmTep5aNvsKVXnaE/s400/logo_downtown.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237459542682145282" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCW_UYppM61HtF5p-XoRiVR2I8-KelV5X-zSJUQxmUJp_UfOhdiG7JJwPS_VBloHRpWN832lGBJVOD8tWVm9AOQ3CfS6Q8G86xgw6PtWWL5JALVJhfuNjFdsjGBQLnqHy1sNQFmTHbLYI/s1600-h/logo_blackstone_tras.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCW_UYppM61HtF5p-XoRiVR2I8-KelV5X-zSJUQxmUJp_UfOhdiG7JJwPS_VBloHRpWN832lGBJVOD8tWVm9AOQ3CfS6Q8G86xgw6PtWWL5JALVJhfuNjFdsjGBQLnqHy1sNQFmTHbLYI/s200/logo_blackstone_tras.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237459915175178946" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07614127478659340543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743242021735537218.post-84514373728618600192008-08-22T17:01:00.005-04:002008-08-22T17:27:43.906-04:00Events for This Weekend - August 22, 2008<span style="font-family:arial;">Friday, August 22, 2008<br /><br />Farmers Cafe, 213 S Main St, Blackstone, VA<br /> "South Bound" Local Country Band 7:30 pm until..... No Cover Charge<br /><br />Saturday, August 23, 2008<br /><br />Farmers Cafe, 213 S Main St, Blackstone, VA<br /> "Thunder Creek" Bluegrass Band 7:30 pm until..... No Cover Charge<br /><br />Cruise-In, 5-9 pm<br /> Held in the municipal parking lot behind Town Hall, Blackstone, VA<br /> The public is invited to check out all the classic cars and other interesting rides.<br /><br />Auction - 10 am Daniel Auction Warehouse, 770 Main St, Alberta, VA<br /> 500 Lots or More of Trucking Freight Salvage<br /> for more information - <a href="http://www.danielauction.com/">www.danielauction.com</a><br /><br />Community Appreciation Day - 10 am - 2 pm<br /> Sponsored by Nottoway Civic League, 1010 Mt Nebo Rd, Blackstone, VA<br /> Free to the public - information, praise dancing groups, food, fellowship<br /> Free school supplies will be given out<br /> Information providers: VA Dept for the Aging, Job Corp, Senior Nutrition Program,<br /> Habitat for Humanity "We Care", and others<br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07614127478659340543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743242021735537218.post-44313257264613888312008-08-10T18:00:00.003-04:002008-08-10T18:22:28.307-04:00August Event - Amelia Bluegrass Music Festival<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcDlQRvc2EyhejWHzgtUYqOPMx1wPnpN63EbDxvXQZrqLH5PVYm24fMdxksfNmRrx4jnSIc92o8TmqxLi_WewNFvhrWzUG8AiNgqzkfxP2nE-LvCWsvGkWW3uVbmIWSrYENl9hAIwhoT0/s1600-h/banjo5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcDlQRvc2EyhejWHzgtUYqOPMx1wPnpN63EbDxvXQZrqLH5PVYm24fMdxksfNmRrx4jnSIc92o8TmqxLi_WewNFvhrWzUG8AiNgqzkfxP2nE-LvCWsvGkWW3uVbmIWSrYENl9hAIwhoT0/s320/banjo5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233017845068127170" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br />Amelia Central Virginia Family Bluegrass Music Festival<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">August 14, 15, & 16, 2008<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">An Annual Event on 3rd Weekend for 29 years!<br /><a href="http://ameliafamilycampgrounds.com/">Amelia Family Campgrounds</a>, Amelia, VA<br /><br />Free Parking - Bring Lawn Chairs<br />Tickets: Weekend - at the gate $60<br />Thursday - $20 Hours - 1:00pm - 10:00pm<br />Friday - $25 Hours - 12 noon - 10:30pm<br />Saturday - $25 Hours - 9:30am - 10:30pm<br />See <a href="http://ameliafamilycampgrounds.com/">Campground website</a> for more information!<br /><br />Come stay at <a href="http://www.greyswaninn.com/">The Grey Swan Inn Bed and Breakfast</a><br />We're under 25 miles to Amelia and the Festival and can provide you<br />with the comforts of home!!<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07614127478659340543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743242021735537218.post-82219611069313610772008-08-09T12:56:00.002-04:002008-08-16T22:44:24.473-04:00The Grey Swan Inn Bed and Breakfast Joins Virginia Green Lodging Program<p style="text-align: center;"><img style="width: 381px; height: 307px;" src="http://api.ning.com/files/Ix-hYdwVW6PPBVjfs3XJlCfTeALSLJmjuaLCqtS9n6MX8YQVGsbCPUAIX31jEWy9gE1cSdnd7gZK1r8-juJ1IECV3YOem-IV/VAGLOGO62008.JPG" alt="" /></p><br /><br /><a href="http://www.greyswaninn.com/">The Grey Swan Inn Bed and Breakfast</a> is now a participant in the <a href="http://www.deq.virginia.gov/p2/virginiagreen/homepage.html">Virginia Green</a> campaign. To become a participant, the inn had to meet a required minimum of core practices in the following areas:<br /><br />1. Linen services.<br /><br />2. Recycling and waste reduction.<br /><br />3. Water conservation.<br /><br />4. Energy conservation.<br /><br />5. Green event practices.<br /><b><br />Our Green Statement:</b> <br /><br />"While honoring the past and its gilded history, The Grey Swan recognizes our responsibility for conserving energy and our natural resources. We initially started by inviting guests to reuse towels and charging bed linens every3 days or as needed rather than daily. We also let our guests know that we will recycle any plastics, glass, aluminum, or paper that is left int heir rooms. We have recently been participating in a community effort to establish a recycling center in the the town. Becoming green is an ongoing education process for us, reviewing our current practices and the willingness to change as we can to become better stewards for our property, community, and world."<br /><br />Here are some of The Grey Swan Inn's practices:<br /><br /><u>Linen Service</u>: use of cold water, use of non-phosphate, non-toxic, and biodegradable laundry detergents, minimized use of bleach, changing towels and bed linens every 3 days or longer rather than daily<br /><br /><u>Recycling and Waste Reduction</u>: recycling glass, aluminum cans, plastic, toner cartridges, newspaper, cardboard, and packing supplies, tracking overall wast bills, eliminate the use of styrofoam, use reusable dishware and glasware, and minimizing the use of disposables<br /><br /><u>Water Conservation</u>: tracking overall water usage and wastewater, preventative maintenance of drips and leaks<br /><br /><u>Energy Conservation</u>: replacement of light bulbs with CLF light bulbs, use of hybrid vehicles, lighting sensors, conservative use of guest room air conditioners and heaters when unoccupiedAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07614127478659340543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3743242021735537218.post-10925653970619341772008-07-28T16:04:00.005-04:002008-07-28T16:11:10.253-04:00October 11, 2008 - 12th Annual Taste of Brunswick Festival<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVagDrlY_79ZtuEDuJu9PNqXOuwcV1QWZwetUcH5HvVsslr5TZ41MgWbsseQUsNsZrLv8bRY5P_CT4Uyy-wxSk7WhmOa1sMXYCxJgbh-pC05N_-m84X8uy53oS_lXgLtoIqR_PBDwld1I/s1600-h/alberta.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 296px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVagDrlY_79ZtuEDuJu9PNqXOuwcV1QWZwetUcH5HvVsslr5TZ41MgWbsseQUsNsZrLv8bRY5P_CT4Uyy-wxSk7WhmOa1sMXYCxJgbh-pC05N_-m84X8uy53oS_lXgLtoIqR_PBDwld1I/s400/alberta.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228158555234440418" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Just 20 miles to Alberta from <a href="http://www.greyswaninn.com/">The Grey Swan Inn Bed and Breakfast</a> in Blackstone, VA!<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07614127478659340543noreply@blogger.com0