Innkeeper’s Blog

While Ligonier and Campbell House are adorned in snow, plans are under way for St. Patrick’s Day, Escape from Cabin Fever, Anniversaries, and Elopement guests.

Snow men and woman decorations have been packed away along with the pine adorning the stair case…  The breakfast parlour is “wearin of the green”.  Shamrocks replace Snow People!
St. Patrick’s green and white decor is my personal favorite.  St. Patty’s table settings look so bright and cheery-such a sharp contrast to gray days of winter.

I have been able to have a connection to St. Patrick because he was my name sake…I could wear green, celebrate St. Patty’s day because of this small connection…make no mistake I am of Italian descent, Campbell is Scottish of which I came by a former husband so I hang on to a very fine connection line.  The line is even finer…as I legally changed my name from Patricia to Patti last year.   It is Patti with an i–never a y.

I will be wearing a green apron and shamrock earrings… no
“Kiss Me I’m Irish”  for this Patti.

Guests arrived from Pittsburgh,  2 couples from New York City, Greensburg, Jeannette (my former home town) Pittsburgh, Johnstown, and Reading all braving the Blizzard of 2010 to visit Ligonier…   There was a bride and groom who spent their honeymoon at Campbell House…what a delight they were (and they loved my breakfasts).  The parking spaces were limited but no one had to park on Main Street.   Some guests relaxed, some shopped while some came to play in the snow…

Guests walked through the snowy streets of Ligonier to dine at The Ivy Cafe and Ligonier Tavern…Romance was in the air…warming the hearts of all who braved the never ending snow-Yes, Romance was in the air.

First time celebrating Valentines week-end together…First time at a B&B spent in the Campbell Suite.  Such a beautiful couple.

I am so thankful Campbell House B&B enjoyed a banner year even in these tough economic times.  My time is precious as I have so little “Patti” time.  There are always rooms to clean, food to prepare, administrative duties and constant renovation…  I haven’t had an assistant who can take reservations, use the reservation service, check in guests, serve breakfast, help prep food since September when Elise went back to school.   I can get housekeepers who can’t do anything else-so I have been looking for an all around person who is honest, diligent, good personality, has people and computer skills.  I don’t think I am asking for much…this person just doesn’t seem to exist in Ligonier. 

I am really thankful for my handyman Bill, who has completed all the renovations in the B&B and motel.  Doors have been added and or replaced, a galley kitchen redone in the motel, gas logs replaced with electric (the flame is astonishing real looking and warms up the suite).  I replaced the vintage sink in the Strawberry Pantry and added Kurig coffee/tea service.  We have cleaned, organized, and cleaned while making many trips with donations to the Salvation Army-What a never ending job.

I have my list for 2010 ready…Replace the B&B electric stove with a double oven gas stove with 5 burners, replace the front door with a stained glass oval in the door, replace windows, two kitchens, and air-conditioner in the motel.   Just maybe I can paint the outside of the motel.  The snow and ice melter is taking it’s toll on the sidewalk and parking pads.   I guess I am going to have to find someone to redo the sidewalks…maybe a trade…couple nights in the B&B.  Who knows a masonary guy may just show up.  

Campbell House hosted many elopements in 2009 and January 2010.  The January 1st wedding in the Gazebo made me think twice about winter weddings.  The snow was flying, the wind was blowing, old man winter or maybe the New Years Baby brought a blustery day…a day for staying inside in front of a warm fire with a mug of hot chocolate.  Did I think of suggesting the wedding be held in the Campbell Suite?  Nope never gave it a thought until my new camera and I were frozen in place.   I really could have used a umbrella with shoulder props to cover both camera and photographer.  The Mayor and I were frozen while the Bride and Groom had their love to keep them warm. 

 The Mayor and I couldn’t wait to get back to the Campbell House Parlour for the signing of the marriage license and a photo opt.    It is a wonder the Bride and Groom didn’t get sick as they were not dressed for an outdoor wedding in 12 degrees.   I warmed up at the cake cutting and toasting to the newly weds.   

January was an extremely cold month with lots of snow…this January of 2010 was only the second time in 16 years that I had to have the driveways plowed.  The first time was February 1994…there was much more snow in 1994.  

The snowmen decorations are now making way for hearts and lovers as Valentines week-end is fast approaching.  It will be nice to see repeat and new Valentine guests.  The table settings are festive with hearts…red, wine,white and pink are the dominant colors awaiting guests.

Although the streets and sidewalks wear dirty coats of snow, Campbell House is adorned in the romance of the season…lifting spirits from the gray days of winter.   Happy Valentines Day to All.    

This Saturday began with breakfast for guests, followed by my wedding planning duties with an Elopement in the gazebo on the Ligonier Diamond, getting caught in a rain storm.  After the champagne toast to the bride and groom was over, I took my soggy self off to Greensburg to the Victorian Lady for tea which was hosted by my dear friend BarbraAnn who also presented me with a key of friendship.  It was so nice to have Bill join us for “afternoon tea”, chit chat and to show off his new bare lip look.   I couldn’t figure out why Bill’s upper lip was so white, then after he asked if I noticed a difference…which I did but couldn’t put my finger on it…Bill had shaved off his mustache!   Ok, give me a break I am now 65 so I noticed something different but not what.  I enjoyed afternoon tea, but most of all spending time with my friends. 

  Lisa, Anthony, & Meagan-My friends from my favorite restaurant…The Ivy Cafe gave me the most beautiful fresh flower bouquet which lasted from the 29th of August until the 24th of September.  As if the floral bouquet, hugs and best wishes weren’t enough, I was invited to birthday brunch at The Ivy on Sunday.   I enjoyed a tasty brunch in a wonderful atmosphere…

 Check out my 65th Gifts from the Gang at Carol & Dave’s Roadhouse.   I promised to visit the Roadhouse on my birthday…My plan was to arrive at 7-well I got delayed as I was watching the Kennedy funeral which was running very late into the evening.   In the final moments of the funeral my phone rang-I see it is Carol and Dave’s calling. I answer, “I am on my way”-so I hurried out to the Roadhouse.  Just as I parked my phone rang so I was chatting as I rushed in, then Carol says, “Did you see your name on the sign, I thought people would call to tell you”.   I ran back out to see the big lit sign stating-WISH PATTY CAMPBELL A HAPPY BDAY.  Ok right off I knew why I didn’t get calls as I am Patt i, not Patt y, so most people wouldn’t think it was me.  By the way I have legally changed my name to Patti with an i, no more Patricia.  Ok I hustle up to the bar and before I can order a drink I was presented a birthday bag…gifts for the elderly or in my case a young 65. Ok I am egotistical!  I really got a kick out of my gifts as well as many laughs from all the other people in the bar. 

The first item I pulled out of the bag was a house dress, just what I need to wear at breakfast after a rough night of drinking and eatting at the Roadhouse.  A studa-bubba dress!

Here is a list of other gifts:

• A big flyswatter with a big purple flower attached.  I think the flower is so I can see the swatter.
• Reading glasses.  Now I can throw away the one contact I wear. Just think of the money I can save.
• Magnifying glass. This must be for those times when my arm is to short to read price tags.
• Dried Prunes.  I don’t understand why I would need dried prunes…Help me!
• Gas Relief.  I wonder is the gas relief to use after the prunes or after eatting at the Roadhouse!
• Denture Adhesive.  Now what is this all about?  Me, thinks all of the teeth in my mouth are permanent!
• Eye Mask. Now this is a puzzler!  Any ideas
• Ultra Strength Muscle Rub. Now this I have put to good use for my tired old muscle’s.
• Wintergreen Lozengers.  I have kissing fresh breath.
• Animal Crackers-my own personal box not to be shared with B&B guests.
• At the bottom of the goody bag…I found a bottle of Coasta Estates 2004 Pinot Noir…Cheers to Patti from the gang at Carol & Dave’s Roadhouse.

Dave felt a little left out of the birthday gifts so he graciously bestowed me with a Stick A Fly Glue Fly Trap…

Thanks to all the gang who signed my Birthday card, especially those who thought I was celebrating a 60th.  A Big thank you…

After all the laughter, good wishes, photo taking I enjoyed my birthday dinner along with a few adult beverages.