February has been a great month and not just because it holds my birthday and Valentine's Day

We had favorite guests return and we made new friends as well.

Victoria & Sofia came with their dads to dog sled. Victoria wrote in our guest book, "This is a whole lot better than a hotel!" Sofia added, "I agree with Victoria!" Thanks, girls, we enjoyed your visits and appreciate your comments!
















The girls at breakfast

& playing games with our friend (and regular guest), Wesley

Amir & the girls are joined by
Mark, Judy, and A.J.
Mark is a microbrew aficionado and his family really loved Bennethum's and their ale selections.

We enjoy having families stay with us especially when the kids are getting out to enjoy the great outdoors. Of course Wesley was here with parents, John & Marie, (on the all time favorites list) and I am in awe of Maureen who hit the trails with two little girls by herself.






Maureen & Josette













We also had the pleasure of long time guests from Toledo. Lou & Bev and friend, Kathy. You can't see it in this picture, but Bev "slumped" a wine bottle into a cheese plate for us and we love it.

Cheri & Bev

Lou & Kathy
(I don't know if Lou is trying to get out of the picture or surprise Kathy)




Sgt. Maj. Tim & Lisa joined Mark & I and the Toledo gang for a competitive game of Scattergories. Tim & Lisa had come up to dogsled, what a great couple!

The month also brought a blast from the past. Brandi & new husband came for a stay. Brandi used to guide a group of girl scouts on a camping trip down river every summer. It was great to see her and she brought her wedding album at my request for our perusal.

We also hosted one great couple after another and I apologize for not including photos of every guest. I start visiting and enjoying the conversation and forget to get out the camera. Mark & I may not have pictures, but we certainly have great memories from each and every visit!

Happy Birthday Mackenzie

Mackenzie and her sisters, Bailey, Delaney, & Hannah came for their annual x-c ski trip.

Mackenzie celebrated her birthday with a cake from Goodale's Bakery.







Mackenzie's mom & dad, Jennifer & Brad, along with the girls, had a goal of 22 miles for their three day visit. They hit the trails at X-C Ski Headquarters, Hanson Hills, and Forbush Corners.

Hannah told me that she loves this trip and staying at Borchers, "except for the skiing part". She changed her tune after a day of skate skiing. She was a natural and loved going fast.

Brad is a coffee connoisseur and always brings his current favorite to share. This year was a delicious full city roast from Panama. I purchased a Kenya blend to send to Mark's brother in Kuwait and Brad is generously sending the Panama coffee to Matt. Check Brad out at www.siriuscoffeeroasters.com.

Speaking of coffee, have you seen this puzzle?

Doctors have concluded that if you find the man in the coffee beans in 3 seconds, the right half of your brain is better developed than most people. If you find the man between 3 seconds and 1 minute, the right half of the brain is developed normally. If you find the man between 1 minute and 3 minutes, then the right half of your brain is functioning slowly and you need to eat more protein. If you have not found the man after 3 minutes, the advice is to look for more of this type of exercise to make that part of the brain stronger!!!

And, yes, the man is really there!!

It's A Small World

Saturday breakfast ...

Bonnie & Ken have stayed with us before during x-c season and this visit brought friends, Rod & Teri.

Teri & Jerry stayed with us this past fall for a wedding and to enjoy the bike trails and returned for back country skiing.

B & B guests like to share travel tips, hobbies, background information, etc. It is interesting how often there is a common thread. On this particular morning Rod & Teri and Teri & Jerry realized they were related by marriage. I believe Jerry's brother married Rod's sister.



Mark & I spent the evening chatting with Jeanne & Joy, two of our favorite sisters. They were up for x-c skiing and a trip down the roller coaster trail at Forbush Corners. Always entertaining, somehow we made the jump to "The Ugly Duckling" as sung by Danny Kaye and it has been stuck in my head for days. It has been a good replacement to "Istanbul Not Constantinople" but that's another blog.