13th June 2009

Wooley Duo

wool mart
Kym and  Susan are a yearly-wool-Mart-duo coming to our inn each year whilst attending Estes Park’s annual Wool Mart.  Both ladies are devoted teachers and friends, whom we enjoy “yarn-ing” stories with.  This year it was about Kym’s encounter with a bear whom she chased off by flipping on her green porch light, and threatening to call to 9-1-1.  Kym, a danger to wildlife…I think not. We wish Susan the best with her pursuit to obtain her masters degree online with “Make Me Crazy University”.  Eric and I have daubed it MMCU.

Did you hear about the cat who swallowed a ball of wool?  She had mittens.

The International Year of Natural Fibers (IYNF) is coordinated internationally by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Click photo for website.

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27th April 2009

FUN!! Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival

Parade color and

Parade, color and laughs, are the first three words that come to mind when I think about the Scottish Irish Festival parade and activities Coming on September 10,11, 12, and 13th.

It was fun hearing about our guests time at the tattoo celebration.

It was fun hearing about our guests time at the tattoo celebration. Gilded Pine Meadows B&B books up each year with fun festive minded people, dressed for a good time. GREAT period clothes.

Bagpipe music takes my breath away every time.

Bagpipe music takes my breath away every time. The Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival is September 10, 11, 12th and 13th this year.

Dog friendly parade

Dog friendly parade

Laughs

Celts and festive dress are beautiful. This man is my idea of an authentic display of the times.

scottish-irish-festival-parade-colorado2

scottish-irish-festival-2009

Ladies

Great costumes, fun people lots to do and see!

After taking calls for reservations at our Estes Park bed and breakfast today I thought I’d remind everyone that the dates of September’s festival book up fast every year.  September 10, 11, 12, ans 13th.  We have a two night minimum, and if you want to stay three nights–it’s better to book now before we break-up the week-end into two night stays. All the inns in town book up fast and many are already at full capacity.

posted in Announcements, Border collies, Estes Park History, Estes Park Scenery, Photos by me | 1 Comment

2nd March 2009

Reneawing Wedding Vows in the Rocky Mountains

Photo I took and enhanced as a gift to Ron and Judy.

Photo I took and enhanced as a gift to Ron and Judy.

Ron and Judy renewed their 45 year marriage vows at the base of Lumpy Ridge and Twin Owls rock out-cropping. Eric officiated the ceremony while I took photos.

Ron and Judy renewed their 45 year marriage vows at the base of Lumpy Ridge and Twin Owls rock out-cropping. Eric officiated the ceremony while I took photos.

Ron and Judy are two great people we came to know first as a tired corn farmer-guest, than as a couple…I became a house guest of theirs, later as summer residents, and now we were honored with being apart of their 45th wedding anniversary. Life grand.

Hiking to the ceremony location

Hiking to the ceremony location was fun, but tense for me. I knew as a photographer what I believed would turn out the best, but I din not want to the responsibility of creating the wrong environment for Ron and Judy. If I had it my way I would march people into place. Eric tells me to take charge, than over rides my charge. There is something to be said for not making a hobby into a profession. It became a profession for me a few years ago--and miss the love having it as a hobby.

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1st January 2009

Renewing Wedding Vows with Stephen King and Family

Renewing Wedding Vows for the New Year

Kay and Dennie Meader renewed Wedding Vows for the New Year at the Estes Park, Stanley Hotel. Eric officiated the ceremony in the Stanley Hotel Manor House and I provided photography service. THIS is the INTERESTING part of the story. Kay is a huge Stanley Hotel and Stephen King fan...so, that evening she and her husband dined with the KING. Yes, Kay and Dennie were seated with Stephen. Kay unaware of whom she was dining with, commented to Stephen that he looked so much like Stephen King. It wasn't until the end of the night that Mr. King told Kay that he was indeed the man she adored.

Eric looking dapper before officiating vow renewal ceremony

Eric looking dapper before officiating vow renewal ceremony

vow-renewal-by-eric-frawleyKay and Dennie had family with them at the Stanley Hotel Manor House. Children who wonder up in the middle of a ceremony adds beauty and spontaneity to the moment.

Flower girls shouled be left to their own creative ideas... it adds to the charm of the ceremony...who ever said they HAD to stand out front.

Flower girls left to their own creative ideas adds to the charm of the ceremony. Who ever said they HAD to stand out front the WHOLE time.

Kay's son walking through lobby

Kay's son walking through lobby. This photo is unedited. This man's image took on a translucent effect for a few seconds as he past me in the lobby of the Stanley Hotel Manor house. See the next photo which was taken seconds later. Note the orb near the back of his knees.I'm not saying I believe in ghost...but it does make one pause.

  • One second the orb is present and the man's image is partially translusent and than all is normal again.
  • Stanley Hotel with Kay and Dennie after vow renewal
  • Kay and Dennie after vow renewal standing on the front steps of Stanley Hotel’s Manor house.
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    30th December 2008

    Meet MacGregor Jane

    MacGregor Ranch XIX is a half mile from Gilded Pine Meadows B&B

    Today we went to MacGregor Ranch XIX which is a half mile from Gilded Pine Meadows B&B. Clicking this photo will take you to the ranches website. In the summer months the ranch opens their authentic cabin museum for tours.

    This is MacGregor Jane.  She'll hook you up with organic black angus beef

    This is MacGregor Jane. She'll hook you up with organic, black Angus beef. Jane is the Ranch's office manager and wears several hats...all at once. She's standing in her, not so humble, corner office with a window-view of Rocky Mountain's Longs Peak.

    Jane is a one of Estes Park's friendly locals whom we find to have a colorful personality. So, when Jane landed this envies position with the Historical MacGregor Ranch Eric and I decided we needed to go check out her new digs.  Photo of Eric and Jane posing for me in Jane's office.

    Jane is a one of Estes Park's friendly locals whom we find to have a colorful personality. So, when Jane landed this envies position with the Historic MacGregor Ranch Eric and I decided we needed to go check out her new digs. Photo of Eric and Jane posing for me in Jane's office.

    Jane and Eric talking about MacGregor Ranchs' spooky and interesting history going back to 1875.  Some stuff is creepy, but for the most part the ranches rich history tells the story of the American cowboy who done-good.  Most important is the amazing contribution the MacGregors made to this area.

    Jane and Eric talking about the Ranches spooky and interesting history going back to 1873. Some stuff is creepy, but for the most part the ranches rich history tells the story of the American cowboy who done-good. The MacGregor family continues to make marvelous contributions to the Estes Park area's school children and our mountain community.

    This is MacGregor Jane's office. In the back ground is just a small sample of BlackCanyon and Lumpy Ridge which serves as the majestic back drop for the ranch.

    Shown here is MacGregor Jane's office. In the back ground is just a small sample of Black Canyon and Lumpy Ridge which serves as the majestic back drop for the ranch and our B&B.

    Eric in our car as we began to leave the ranch.  The sign to the right shows that it's just another 1/2 a mile to the lumpy Ridge trail head.  From Lumpy Ridge you can gain acces to several beautiful day hikes which offer gorgious views of the valley and continential divide.

    Eric in our car as we begin to leave the ranch. The sign to the right shows that it's just another 1/2 a mile to the lumpy Ridge trail head. From Lumpy Ridge you can gain access to several beautiful day hikes which offer gorgeous views of the valley and continental divide. The Twin Owls trail head (just one trail out of many) closes each year for the sake of the raptors which live in the large rock outcropping. Clicking this photo will take you to a website which shows photos of raptors.

    "Come again, and buy our beef" Click this link to find out more about buying beef.MacGregor Black Angus cattle are born and raised on the natural grass meadows of the historic mountain ranch. The cattle are raised antibiotic and hormone free.  The Ranch offers a wide variety of steak cuts, lean ground meats and sausages, roasts and packages.

    "Come again, and buy our beef". Click this link to find out more about buying beef. MacGregor Black Angus cattle are born and raised on the natural grass meadows of the historic mountain ranch. The cattle are raised antibiotic and hormone free. The Ranch offers a wide variety of steak cuts, lean ground meats, roasts and packages.

    Phone (970) 586-3749 www.macgregorranch.org

    Price per pound as of 2007

    Filet Mignon 21.99

    Rib Eye Steak 18.99

    New York Steak 16.99

    Top Sirloin Steak 7.99

    Sirloin Tip Steak 7.99

    Round Steak 5.99

    Ground Beef 4.29

    Ground Beef Patties 3 per package 4.49

    Quantity price 10% discount for 10 Ibs or more

    Beef Rump Roast 4.79

    Chuck Roast 4.79

    Bottom Round Roast 4.79

    Beef Shanks 1.99

    Stew Meat 3.99

    Brisket 4.49

    posted in Announcements, Antiques, Border collies, Estes Park History, Estes Park Scenery, Health, Photos of guests | 1 Comment

    28th July 2008

    Having fun with guests

    eric singing and playing gueter with guest greg playing the first piano in estes park

    Eric singing and playing with guest Greg. Greg is playing the first piano in Estes park

    Guest Ann with

    Guest Anne with friend Jack rest on front stoop under our new umbrella and beautiful petunias. Anne told hilarious stories at the breakfast table about life in New York. An east coas jewel!

    posted in Estes Park History, Photos by me, Photos of guests | 0 Comments

    20th July 2008

    It’s a Wonderful World

    After an emotional and touching ceremony Ed and Lisa ride off!

    After an emotional and touching ceremony Ed and Lisa ride off!

    Going down the Gilded Pine Meadows B&B driveway as husband and wife.

    Going down the Gilded Pine Meadows B&B driveway as husband and wife.

    Tendergrass carriage, Ed and Lisa take a strole down historic MacGregor Ave. Twin Owls rock outcropping and Lumpy ridge await them.

    Tendergrass carriage, Ed and Lisa take a strole down historic MacGregor Ave. Twin Owls rock outcropping and Lumpy ridge await them.

    Twin Owls Steak House for dinner

    Twin Owls Steak House for dinner

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    19th July 2008

    Historic Tour on Horse and Wagon

    I took a horse and wagoon ride through historic Estes Park. This little guy rides along with the owner, Don.

    innkeepers like to have faunnn

    The wagon is pulled by two Clydesdale horses, Nick and Bud. This is the view from up high as we head down Elk Horn Avenue in Estes Park, Colorado.

    horse and carriage going down Elk Horn Avenue

    The tour is complete with a historic lesson as you ride through down town. Being surrounded by the Colorado Rocky Mountains and riding high on the wagon seat, my imagination saw the people of yesteryear strolling the sidewalks. I felt as if I was a person in a Currier and Ives lithograph. This is worth adding to your to-do list when planning your trip to Estes Park. I have a link on the home page for Tendergrass Carriage. They are a top notch operation!

    posted in Announcements, Estes Park History, Photos by me | 2 Comments

    18th April 2008

    Healthful Ionized Air

    We have been line-drying our clothes for over 20 years. So, when we opened the B&B, drying our guest’s sheets on the line was a no brain-er. Who would of thought our guests would notice and comment on the fresh scent of their sheets.
    Not to sound like a sound bite–The clean/dry and naturally ionized air gives the sheets a fresh scent–a testament as to why people came to Estes in the late 1800’s to cure themselves of consumption (tuberculosis). Click for more info on the health benefits of ionized air.

    This is me hanging our clothes on the line

    posted in Announcements, Antiques, Estes Park History, Health | 0 Comments

    11th April 2008

    A trip to Birch Knowls Ruins

    This afternoon Eric and I went to the Birch Knoll ruins which overlooks downtown Estes Park. After shooting a few photos we had a car picnic and enjoyed the views. The first photo was taken from inside the ruins ( B&B sits among the trees–beyond the brown building). Second photo was taken from MacGregor Ave. Click the photo for history and information.

    Al Birch cabib built 1907

    Al Birch Cabin in Estes Park

    Eric making a face!

    Eric making face, down town Estes Park is in the background. The bottom photo was shot from inside the ruins. A great view of the east end of town, with Bond park in the center of photo. Click photo for more information.

    View of down town from inside the ruins

    posted in Announcements, Estes Park History | 0 Comments