Monday, November 30, 2009

Traveling with pets


We're proud to be pet friendly at A Bed of Roses Bed and Breakfast. Here are some tips for traveling with your pet.

Assess your pet.

Be honest about your pet's ability to travel. Be sure your pet is in optimum health for travel. If your pet is very young or old, or is ill it may be better for all concerned to look into a pet sitter or kennel. Check with your lodging choice to be sure your pet will be welcome. Some establishments have size limits.

Schedule a visit with your veterinarian.

Ask your vet about any flea, heartworm, or tick risks for areas you will be visiting. If your pet gets carsick or restless when traveling, ask your vet about appropriate medications or treatments.

Seriously consider having your pet microchipped. If your pet becomes separated from you many humane societies and shelters nationwide use scanners that will read these implanted chips and let you be reunited with your lost pet.

Make certain all vaccinations are up to date and obtain current health and rabies certificates no more than ten (10) days prior to your departure. These are required if your pet is traveling by air. You are also strongly recommended to have these documents if your plans do not include air travel. You may need to board your pet unexpectedly and many kennels will not accept pets without theses certificates. And, if your pet requires emergency medical care, having these will allow care to take place much more quickly and without dangerous duplication of vaccinations.

Obtain a secure carrier for your pet.

You need a sturdy, properly ventilated crate of adequate size for your pet to stand up, turn around and lie down in comfortably. Additionally it must comply with any airline requirements. Print your pets name and your name, address and phone number on the outside of the crate with permanent marker. Make sure your pet is accustomed to the crate before you begin your trip.

Verify that your pet's tags are current.

Your pet should wear a secure collar at all times with tags showing proof of rabies vaccination and your name, address, and phone number in case your pet becomes separated.

Before you leave.

Trim your pet's nails. Pets with freshly trimmed nails will be less likely to damage items in strange surroundings and will be easier to carry and restrain if necessary. Bathe and rid your pet of any fleas to avoid infesting its new surroundings.

Things to bring.

-A sturdy leash and an extra collar.
-An old blanket or sheet for the back seat of your car and to cover bedding and furniture at your destination.
-Food. Bring enough for the whole trip. If you feed canned, bring a can opener and spoon.
-Portable water bowl. If your pet is sensitive, bring water from home to mix with unfamiliar water.
-Treats, toys or chew items.
-All required medications, supplements and preventatives.
-Tweezers to remove foreign objects from fur or paws.
-Brush or comb, lint and hair remover.
-Waste removal bags.
-An old towel to wipe wet or dirty paws.
-Carpet cleaner for accidents.
-First aid kit.
-Flashlight for nighttime walks.

Be prepared for the worst.

While no one likes to think about it, many pets do become separated while away from home. To increase chances of a safe and quick return, bring a recent photograph and written description of your pet including breed, sex, age, weight, height, and any microchip or tattoo numbers.

While you're traveling.

Keep fresh water available for your pet at all times. Avoid sudden changes of diet. If you are unable to obtain your pet's normal brand, switch gradually over to the new food over a period of four or more days.

Obey all leash laws and make certain to keep your pet on a leash or in a carrier at all times when not securely in a room. Clean up after your pet.

Have a safe trip.

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving



Greetings from A Bed of Roses Bed and Breakfast and Sugar Pine Cabin at Yosemite. Today is a special day to take the time to be thankful for all that is good in our lives. It is an especially good time to be thankful for family and friends. Time to enjoy the company of those we love and care about.

We are very thankful for all of our wonderful guests; past, present and future. We have a full house for this Thanksgiving holiday and are thankful for that.

Wherever you are and whoever you are with, take time today to look around you and find things to be thankful for.

Warmest thoughts from Jenine and Josie

"I ate too much turkey,
I ate too much corn,
I ate too much pudding and pie,
I'm stuffed up with muffins and much too much stuffin',
I'm probably going to die.

I piled up my plate and I ate and I ate,
but I wish I had known when to stop,
for I'm so crammed with yams,
sauces, gravies, and jams
that my buttons are starting to pop.

I'm full of tomatoes and french fried potatoes,
my stomach is swollen and sore,
but there's still some dessert,
so I guess it won't hurt
if I eat just a little bit more."
- Jack Prelutsky, I Ate Too Much

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Sugar Pine Cabin website launch


SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
The new website for the Sugar Pine Cabin at Yosemite has been launched!! Check out our new look at Sugar Pine Cabin at Yosemite
The new site is prettier and easier to navigate.

Also, look for our winter special at the cabin. Rent the whole cabin for up to 8 people for only $200 per night plus tax. When booking just select the special at the end of the reservation process or mention the special if you call us (877-624-7673)

It's Almost That Magical Time of Year !!

Now is the time of year to start thinking about Winter.
A Bed of Roses Bed and Breakfast or Sugar Pine Cabin at Yosemite
are the perfect places to be to enjoy the fun.
The $99.00 Winter Special starts December 1st through March 31st (excluding holidays) at A Bed of Roses Bed and Breakfast. You can book any room for only $99. which includes a yummy continental breakfast.
The Winter Special at the Sugar Pine Cabin at Yosemite
starts November 1st through March 31st(excluding holidays). The regular rates for the whole cabin, which holds up to 8 people are $300. per night. The winter rate is only $200. per night for the whole cabin. Bring the whole family!
The Lower cabin normally rents out at $200. per night. The winter special is $150. per night.
Take advantage of these specials and book right away to make sure you get your special dates ..... before someone else gets them!

Get away from the stress and have some fun!!

Bring the kids to see the petting zoo and play in the snow.


Read a book and enjoy some hot tea in the cabin and watch the winter wonderland outside



Logs on the fire burning, hot chocolate, peace and quiet, warmth, love, ummmmm

You're in Paradise...:)








Thursday, November 12, 2009

Almond Chocolate Biscotti

I made biscotti for the first time tonight. I love biscotti and it is so expensive to buy. This recipe was real easy. I found it on FoodNetwork.com. It takes some time and my biscotti broke up into smaller pieces than I would have liked. But, I think with some practice, this will be a favorite here at A Bed of Roses Bed and Breakfast.

Chocolate Almond Biscotti
Recipe courtesy of Gale Gand
Prep Time:
30 min

--
Cook Time:
1 hr 10 min
Level:
Easy
Serves:
24 total pieces
Ingredients
2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
2 egg whites
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
2/3 cup whole almonds, toasted
1/3 cup chocolate chips
Directions
In a standing mixer with a paddle attachment combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt. Mix together eggs, egg whites and vanilla extract. Gradually add egg mixture to flour mixture blending on low. Toss almonds with chocolate chips then add to flour mixture and blend just until combined.
On a well floured surface roll dough into 2 logs, 2 inches in diameter. Place on a greased sheet pan and brush with beaten egg. Bake at 350 degrees until light golden brown, about 30-35 minutes. Allow logs to cool 15 minutes then cut into slices on the bias. Place slices on a greased sheet pan and bake in a 350 degree oven until toasted, about 15-20 minutes. Cool. Store in an airtight container.

Monday, November 9, 2009

Babysitting

Today we babysat a new little pomeranian puppy named Penny. Jenine's sister just got her the other day. When she asked us to watch Penny while she went to sewing class we thought that sounded like fun!! She looks like a little angel in this picture sleeping on her stuffed sheep. She ran around chasing anything that moved and chewing anything that stood still. She loves shoe laces and electrical cords. Our little dog Minnie wasn't happy about sharing the limelight with such a cutie. Minnie didn't understand Penny's desire to hop and play so much. So, Minnie went to take a nap while Penny played and then Minnie watched while Penny took her nap. Boy, it's just like having babies around again!!

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Madera Wine Trail Nov 14 and 15

The family wineries of the Madera Wine Trail will host "Holiday Spirit Weekend" on Nov. 14 and 15 from 10 am to 5 pm. Wine lovers may purchase a Passport Glass for $25 at any of the participating wineries both days of the event, or pre-purchase tickets online for $20 at www.myticketportal.com. "It's a great chance to sample our fabulous local wines complemented by indulgent food pairings, local art and live music," said K.C. Pommering, executive director of the Madera Vintners Association. The Madera County Arts Council will host a two day art show & exhibit at their Circle Arts Gallery at Cleveland & Schnoor in Madera. Agajanian Vineyards will be at the Gallery pouring their award-winning local wines both days. The Agajanian wine tasting & the Art Show are included with the Madera Wine Trail Passport Glass. Many businesses will also be taking part in the festivities. The Vineyard Restaurant in Madera will open for dinner Saturday and will waive corkage fees for bottles purchased on the Madera Wine Trail. For reservations or more information, contact The Vineyard at (559) 674-0923.For those who don't wish to drive, Touch of Class Limousine Service will be offering special travel packages for Holiday Spirit Weekend. 888.575.4667 Participating wineries include: Birdstone Winery, Chateau Lasgoity, Ficklin Vineyards, Idle Hour Winery, Mariposa Wine Company, Quady Winery, San Joaquin Wine Company and Westbrook Wine Farm by appointment.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Fee free day at Yosemite

WASHINGTON, D.C. – To honor America’s service men and women, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today announced that areas managed by the department will not charge entrance fees on Wednesday, November 11, 2009.
Visitors to public recreation lands managed by the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation are invited to take a day to honor and reflect on what our service men and women have done to maintain our freedom and keep peace around the world, Salazar said.
"The Department of the Interior is honored to offer this fee free day to thank our nation’s service men and women," said Salazar said "The sacrifices and achievements of the brave men and women of our armed forces can never be understated. We invite all of our visitors to enjoy this fee free day and take time out on this national holiday to remember our service men and women who are currently serving overseas in harm's way. "
The Department of Agriculture also is waiving entrance fees at its national forests.