Around the World

Yesterday afternoon Keith and Isabella arrived to stay for a few days. "Home" is England - but since October of last year, they have been traveling around the world. They have been to Africa, India, China, Australia, and have just driven up the Oregon coast from California to see what Canada is all about. Two very adventurous people, very interesting and inspiring. I love this job!

Morning visitors

Yesterday morning I glanced out the kitchen window to see mama deer and her two babies nibbling on Marcie's flowers. I raced around, found my camera and after snapping a few through the glass, opened the side door to the kitchen - the better to see you with my deer (couldn't help that one!) I expected that the noise from the door would send her leaping away, but instead she sauntered a little ways off, continued to look back at me steadily and then proceeded to nurse. She has her priorities straight, and she also knows who is in charge (apparently not me).

First Guests of 2011

I'm blessed. The first guests at the beginning of May were Alan Haig-Brown and his wife Ananya , along with Ananya's daughter Lotus, who was visiting them from Thailand. It was a wonderful weekend, despite a bit of rain. Undaunted, they hiked the Canyon Trail, did a bit of shopping, visited old friends, and still had energy left over for sharing back at the house. Alan was generous with his time and his memories - of his father reading him the works of Kipling night after night in the study, and his mother Ann coming in promptly at 9:30 to call him for bed. And what the rule was for kids wanting to play by the river, "two people always together" (one to return and report if the other had drowned!) Lots of laughs, lots of throat-choked moments. There's a peaceful energy in that study that everyone feels and comments on, the moment they step through the door. It was great to hear how the library was created by both Rod Haig-Brown and Ann, and how the study was used by them all as a family. I so appreciated Alan's sharing - he was just the best guest and so much fun and Ananya and Lotus are a lovely mother/daughter duo. Our conversations were stimulating and very interesting. I was so glad to have met them. The picture was taken on their departure morning, just outside the front door. I hope they visit again soon.

Spring 2011 at Haig-Brown Heritage House

I am really looking forward to the Bed & Breakfast season here at the Haig-Brown House. This is definitely a full circle experience for me in my first year as Site Manager of this beautiful house. In the 70's I worked at the Courthouse when Rod Haig-Brown was a lay Judge here in Campbell River, and I really enjoyed that experience. And so it is definitely a privilege to be here and caring for this beautiful, peaceful place this year.

The camellia at the front door was in full bloom the first week of May and quite fabulous - and then to top it off, my friend Marjorie presented a beautiful pot of yellow tulips, which I nestled in underneath on the bottom step. Marcie, our wonderful gardener, warned me that the deer would make short work of them. Alas! I didn't listen. But before they munched them, I managed to capture it all with with my camera - and will be dragging the easel out to lay it all down with paint as soon as possible. This property is a painter's delight!