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!

Spring is on the Horizon…

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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 Holidays from the DFI Blogger!

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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!

Our Gingerbread display, courtesy of Tin Mt.

Originally uploaded by darbyfieldinn

This is the gingerbread creation we sponsored this year for the Cookie Tour. Isn’t it fantastic?! BIG thanks to Donna and Carole at Tinn Mt. Conservation Center for all their hours of tireless work on this project. This picture doesn’t even do it justice – there are so many creatures and details that require close inspection. There is even a little fireplace, wreath and present when you peek inside the door! We are waiting to hear the contest results, but I think they deserve first place for their effort. I’ll let you know…

Ahhh…Fall in the Valley!

Originally uploaded by darbyfieldinn

You might think that Fall foliage is just the same old thing every year, but I am still amazed by the spectacular, unique colors that unfold each year. This autumn has been absolutely gorgeous and is continuing to change daily! Don’t take my word for it, come see for yourself…

Summer…finally!

Originally uploaded by darbyfieldinn.

Nothing says summer like Faye’s clematis vine bloming crazily, with our flower gardens in the background! The rain seems to have moved more into the background, while temperatures have remained unseasonably low, making for a great hiking season! Make sure to ask for local trail information while you’re here at the Inn…the waterfall trails are still going strong thanks to the plothora of rain we have received.

See how our garden grows…

Originally uploaded by darbyfieldinn.

I guess this is the payoff for all the rainy weather we suffered through! This has been a great week outside and inside the inn… we’ve had some wonderful guests with interesting stories. One couple was here celebrating their anniversary before they headed to Russia to teach for a couple of years. Another couple from Connecticut spent some honeymoon time here in the valley, relaxing and seeing the sights. Yet another couple spent the night here before heading down to babysit for their new grandson. Sharing lives and experiences is the biggest joy of working at a small inn! I can understand why Marc and Maria have enjoyed it for so many years…

sunshine around the well…

Originally uploaded by darbyfieldinn.

I am pleased to say the sun has stuck with us for a few days, even though we have had some light showers. All Faye’s flowers are reviving from “slug world” and have filled in and bloomed nicely. We were particularly worried about those around the well, but as you can see, they survived our month of rain fairly “well” (pun intended)!