Rest in Peace, Dear Friend…

Originally uploaded by darbyfieldinn

Over the years, many of our guests have become attached to the gentle giant, Spike, who was a feature of our carriage and sleigh rides. Unfortunately, last month he fell ill and is now buried in his favorite spot in his field, overlooking his family and the mares. The girls will be carrying on in his stead, on a somewhat abbreviated schedule, and while they are a lovely pair, many a tear will be shed in memory of Spike (1990 – 2010).

Snow on its Way!

Originally uploaded by darbyfieldinn

It’s always nice to wake up to a sugar coating on the world…like today! I’m hoping we have a winter FULL of snow, since I will be back on the ski slopes this season…thank you, husband AND insurance! This should work out for our guests, too, as our old-fashioned sleigh rides are SO popular! FYI: our days and hours of operation have changed, so PLEASE call us to confirm your sleigh ride! Also, the cookie tour is going on next weekend; even if you come last minute, for one day, don’t miss this SUPER fun holiday event! AND don’t forget to bring your ziplock baggies if you do…hope to see you here!

Surprise April Snow…

Originally uploaded by darbyfieldinn

As I mentioned in a previous blog, this little storm is what most old-school New Englanders were waiting for to break up the super nice weather we’ve been enjoying. While this snowstorm was neither unexpected nor (thankfully) very severe, my hope is that all the new blooms and leaves on the trees and flowers aren’t permanently damaged for the season. However gloomy I might be about the sudden change from spring back to winter, I can’t deny how lovely the snow looks laying atop the flowering shrubbery! Mother Nature: cruel, yet beautiful. Welcome to New England!
Here at the Inn we are deep cleaning EVERYTHING getting ready for a busy summer season.  We look forward to greeting old and new friends, and hosting a few weddings, too.    Be sure to check our website often for special deals for every season!

Spring Buds and Mt. Washington

Originally uploaded by darbyfieldinn

Spring is here…it’s official! After our week of rain, the buds are out and the flowers are peeking out of their beds. It’s days like these that give everyone spring fever!

First Flower of Spring!

Originally uploaded by darbyfieldinn

Today the weather is GORGEOUS, as it is supposed to be all week, and I spotted the first crocus of the spring poking up in one of our sun drenched beds! I talked to my Mum, living in Asheville, NC, yesterday, and our temps surpassed theirs (they had rain, rain, and more rain). I’m still waiting for the other shoe (or boot, here in New Hampshire) to fall, but you just gotta be outside in this weather! Enjoy!

Spring is on the Horizon…

Originally uploaded by darbyfieldinn

The past two winters have been long and VERY snowy. I remember attacking a pile of snow with a shovel to help the melting process in JUNE last year! This year we seem to be getting a reprieve, of sorts. Above normal temperatures and rain this past weekend have helped assure the next scene we see is not snow covered, but instead features early spring flowers. Yay! Melt snow, melt! I recommend all avid hikers visit the Darby for some spring hiking, before the black flies arrive on the scene (also early, I’m sure).

Happy New Year 2010!

Originally uploaded by darbyfieldinn

This group of 11 friends returned to the inn for the New Year and spent 3 days laughing, playing games and generally cheering up the atmosphere, our staff, and our other guests. They have been doing a New Year’s getaway for the past 25 years, and we have been voted their all time favorite! We’re ever so flattered and very happy they returned to us…we hope to see them again soon! In the meantime, I’m working on my own group of friends to hold close for that long! For now, Happy New Year to All, and good luck with your resolutions, but don’t forget the importance of what you already have…

Happy Holidays from the DFI Blogger!

Originally uploaded by darbyfieldinn

Thanks to everyone (or no one) for following my first year of trying to stay current with the Darby Field Inn blog. Despite my protestations, I am actually growing to enjoy it, if not becoming better at it. Happy New Year to all my fellow bloggers, and may the words flow from your brain to your keyboard effortlessly in 2010. Don’t be afraid to comment on my work…I LOVE criticism, ideas, and congratulations!

Wow! It’s Cold Out There!

Originally uploaded by darbyfieldinn

This is from the view in our dining room, with the addition of frost on the window. I thought it was an interesting shot, plus it shows perfectly how cold it is (below zero!) right now. We still have brave souls heading out on sleigh rides tonight, though. My advice: wear a WARM hat!

Realizing a Lifetime Dream…

Originally uploaded by darbyfieldinn

Sandra and her daughter, Gina, have waited a lifetime for this sleigh ride. They stayed for 3 nights this week, got massages and shared a sleigh ride and dinner in our tavern. They definitely brightened my midweek mornings, which is usually quiet at this time of year. Thanks, ladies, and Happy New Year to you!