Archive for July, 2012

Much needed rain

Sunday, July 29th, 2012

The gathering room is perfect for any day, any weather.

The last three days have brought much needed rain to the Manchester, Vt area. I could feel the earth gaining back its vitality, getting ready for a growth spurt. With the right balance of rain and sun, nature thrives.

Our guests at Ormsby Hill took the downpours in stride, one minute sitting outside on the patio eating cheese, fruit and cookies, the next, sipping tea in the living room. Other guests made themselves at home in the gathering room, testing out the lemon cooler cookies I’ve been trying to perfect. Even the old board games came out, and it really felt like home.

The reputation of this property speaks of its beauty and elegance. These last few rainy days have shown that it is also a comfortable, friendly, happy place, where guests can put their feet up and chill.

I’m not sure what kind of weather is coming this week, but we and guests alike can just go with the flow and not worry about it. It will all be fine.

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Tomato Garden

Wednesday, July 25th, 2012

About two months before we purchased the Inn at Ormsby Hill, the former owners suggested I plant something in two raised beds near the meadow. This is one of many instances of the collaborative effort between Ted, Chris, and us. It was a win/win situation – they would not have unsightly, empty garden space, and we would have garden bounty for the summer. I planted five varieties of cherry tomato and two varieties of slicing tomato. Yesterday the cherries began their prolific, productive dash. These will be put to immediate use in our small side salads served with our savory breakfasts; yummy, healthy, and unexpected.

Garden bounty

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Meet the new innkeepers at The Inn at Ormsby Hill

Tuesday, July 17th, 2012

Wednesday, July 11th was a day of firsts like no other: our first day as innkeepers at the historic Inn at Ormsby Hill; our first day living in the beautiful town of Manchester, Vermont; our first day as employers and business owners. It was, without doubt a daunting day. Imagine our surprise when, overriding our feelings of anxiety, we felt giddy with joy, awe, and gratefulness. We know are in the right place at the right time in our lives.

Our prior life as on again, off again expatriates in Tokyo Japan ended in September 2011 after 32 years, 2 kids, and 17 moves. On the surface, our past years make us questionably qualified to be innkeepers and caretakers of this beautiful bed and breakfast. Peeling back the layers of our life, we discovered that our experiences perfectly prepared us for our new roles. Here are some life lessons we think will help us make your stay at Ormsby Hill truly wonderful:
 

  • Do not fear change because it is the springboard to growth and satisfaction.
  • Curiosity and openness lead to learning.
  • The most valuable lessons come from unexpected sources, like children, pets, or guests.
  • Every person, plant, and animal deserves unconditional respect.

We look forward to meeting each one of you as your own journey intersects with ours at The Inn at Ormsby Hill.

Peace and Love,
Diane and Yoshio

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Time To Say Good-bye

Tuesday, July 10th, 2012
The Inn at Ormsby Hill
Manchester Center, Vermont
July 10, 2012
This Wednesday, July 11th, after 25 incredible years of innkeeping, we are leaving Ormsby Hill.  To say that this has been an awesome journey is to say the least.  Seventeen years here at Ormsby Hill, and 8 in Maine.

We do want to thank, from the bottom of our hearts, our staff, who do the most incredible work each and every day for us.  A huge hug to Katy, Candi, Christine, Kim and Courtney – we will miss you terribly.

But, we are leaving the inn in the most capable of hands.  Yoshio and Diane Endo will be the next caretakers of Ormsby Hill, and we know they are going to do an outstanding job, so enjoy your time with them.


What’s Next?    
Well, we are going to be staying here in the Manchester area for anywhere from 3 to 12 months before we head back to Maine.  We are actually staying at a friend’s renovated deer camp – we can just image what you are thinking right now!!

tree houseFive years ago, on a birding trip, we found a great tree house – which Chris immediately wanted one just like it.  So deer camp is the next best thing to a tree house!!!

Here is our contact information if you’d like to be in touch with us:

Ted and Chris Sprague
Box 0204
Manchester, Vermont  05254

Land Line: 802-375-6125

Chris Cell:  802-440-2289

Best way to reach us:  email:  cbs447@gmail.com

For now it will be to relax, sleep, regroup, sleep, think of our future, sleep, learn to live a more normal life (if there is such a thing), sleep, spend more time with the dog (if that is even possible, if you really know Chance), sleep, and, of course, spend more time with each other – and sleep even more.  Did  you notice a pattern there??

Something Chris reads every day states:  “I feel like life is going somewhere, and I don’t feel like I have to know where.”  A new and exciting journey lies ahead for us

So, here’s to all of you!!!!  You are the reason we’ve done what we did for these past 25 years, and for that we are, and will continue to be, truly honored, humbled, and grateful.

 

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