First let me apologize to the lady who was so gracious about the Puffed Pancake recipe and asked if it could be used for waffles.  I lost your email and have been kicking myself every day because I finally get a response and look what happens....But in answer to your question...no, I don't think it is possible, but I would still give it a try.  The reason being is it is supposed to puff up real nice in the oven, and I don't know how that would work in a waffle iron.

The Bed and Breakfast Association of Alabama was a sponsor for the 7th Annual Tourism Bash (see photo) held on Tuesday, April 8, 2008 at the RSA Activity Center in Montgomery.  The Tourism Bash helps inform our elected officials about the economic impact of the Alabama tourism industry, and that includes our Bed and Breakfasts. 

Representing BBAA were Lillie & Earl Hardy, Bonnie & Barry Ponstein (see photos), who joined with tourism professionals from around the state to host our lawmakers at this best attended reception during the legislative session.  BBAA was prominently listed as a sponsor and our Brochures were handed out to all attendees.  The festive atmosphere offered opportunities for us to visit face to face with the men and women who make decisions that impact tourism statewide. 

It's May, it's May, the merry month of May.  I hope all the ladies had a nice Mother's Day and I especially hope you didn't have to spend all day in the kitchen.  My mom went to church with me and that was especially nice since she only goes out to have her hair and nails done and occasionally to the corner grocery store. 

June is just around the corner and it will be time for Father's Day and graduations.  Do we have any new graduates out there?  I read in the paper the other day where the mother of 11 children just graduated from the University of South Alabama.  She deserves a lot of praise, not only for graduating from the University, but for all those children.  Albert Einstein said "Life is like riding a bicycle.  To keep your balance you must keep moving."  I believe we can all benefit from that statement.  Everyday is new and different and we need to keep learning every day and trying out different things.  Apparently, we are living long enough now, and are able to have two careers.  We can generally start our second career at 40 years of age, or in my case 60.  Did I say that!!!

Now just a few reminders.

Don't forget to make your reservations for Lake Guntersville for January 2009.

I hope all of you received or bought an issue of the May/June  Southern Lady.  It has a full page ad (in lavender) for BBAA, and has all our member B & B's photos.  Lillie says that we have two more full page ads for this year.

Another reminder about the 2009 Alabama Vacation Guide which is in the works.  Check out the 2008 site and see if all your info is correct.  Call 1-800-Alabama and talk to Marilyn Stamps to get listed and to make any corrections.

The organization is also working on a full page ad in the 2009 edition.

Sheila will be hosting the Board Meeting at Cobb Lane B & B, July 15, 2008.  I am excited about finally being able to make a meeting.  I am also looking forward to the chocolate roulage.

The Alabama Year of  Sports Brochure is ready.  The brochure is full of attractions and destinations.  You can download a copy or call 1-800-Alabama (at the same time you call Marilyn) and ask James Brooks to send you a packet.  Your guests will enjoy the brochure and they are FREE.

I received an email from Blair Jenson from www.whenwebedandbreakfast.com. wanting to know if any member would like to list with this organization.  It is free.  I love that word.  Anyhow, they are apparently listed B&B's, cottages, cabins, houses.  Use your own best judgment.

And finally, a note from Beth and David Melling. Our member Smith-Byrd House in Prattville is officially open.  Their tea room is also open as of May 1.  They sound very excited and thrilled to be in the business.  Just to let everyone know, the Grand Opening will be Tuesday, May 27 at 2:00 PM.  I hope a lot of you will try to attend.  I have got to work in Crestview, but my heart will be in Prattville.

Here's a recipe for May that you might enjoy fixing for your breakfast guests.  This is also a good stay at home, rainy day recipe.  It takes about 25 minutes to prepare and an hour to bake.  Keep in mind you have to chill for 2 to 24 hours, which makes it ideal as a plan ahead meal.

4 English muffins, torn into bite size pieces
2 cups cubed cooked ham
2 cups cut-up cooked asparagus or broccoli
4 oz. shredded Swiss cheese
4 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup dairy sour cream
1 1/4 cups milk
2 Tbsp. chopped onion
1 Tbsp. Dijon style mustard

In greased 2 quart square baking dish spread half the muffin pieces.  Top with ham, asparagus, and cheese.  Top with remaining muffin pieces.

In bowl whisk together eggs and sour cream.  Stir in milk, onion, mustard, and 1/8 tsp. black pepper.  Pour over layers in dish.  Cover; chill for 2 to 24 hours. 

Bake, uncovered, in 325 degree F oven 60 to 65 minutes or until internal temperature registers 170 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer.  Remember your SERVSAFE.  Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Serves 6.
Don't ask about the calorie content.  Actually, it's not that bad.  349 cal. per serving.

"TRUE success is overcoming the fear of being unsuccessful."   Paul Sweeney

Just a thought to ponder as April 15th rolls around again.  Just when things start looking good, there is this big debt to pay.  I guess I might as well get used to it.  I can't take it with me.  Retirement looks better every year. Just two more years to go.

Well, let's see if I can share some news with you guys.  I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter.  I know I did.  I had the church kids over for a big Easter Egg coloring and then the Bunny hid the eggs, plus there was arts and crafts, mosaic pots, coloring, ring toss, etc.  The parents were a lot of help and everyone ended up having a terrific time, so terrific I think I GET to do again next year.  The following Sunday, Easter Sunday, about 15 of us got together for Easter Sunday dinner and it was very, very special.

On a much sadder note....I received an email from Carolyn Waterman that Jim's mother passed away the end of March.  Jim and Alex Cox are from Smith Lake.  We are all sorry and we all hurt when we lose a loved one and our prayers go out to you especially during this time.

DID YOU KNOW that Alabama is becoming the destination state in the South?  This was reported in the Birmingham News on March 15 of this year.  Apparently Alabama is emerging as another destination state in the South.  Net migration in Alabama in 06-07 was higher than it was for 35 other states and the District of Columbia, according to the most recent U.S. Census estimates.

Beth and David Melling from the Smith-Byrd House in Prattville finally got their clearance from the city on March 25 and they are officially open.  You go guys!!!!  They are hoping to have the Tea Room up and running by the time you read this.  I am excited about that.  They are working now to set a date for a ribbon cutting Grand Opening with an Open House hopefully sometime this month while David's parents are here visiting from California.  I hope I get to make that trip.  I worked in Prattville for about a year and loved the area and the people.

A man asked his wife what she would like for her birthday.  "I'd love to be six again," she replied.  On the morning of her birthday, he got her up bright and early and off they went to a local theme park.  What a day!  He put her on every ride in the park:  the Death Slide, the Screaming Loop, the Wall of Fear, everything there was!  Wow!  Five hours later she staggered out of the theme park, her head reeling and her stomach upside down.

Right to a McDonald's they went, where her husband ordered her a Big Mac along with extra fries and a refreshing chocolate shake.  Then, it was off to a movie-the latest sci-fi epic, and hot dogs, popcorn, Pepsi cola and M&M's.  What a fabulous adventure!

Finally, she wobbled home with her husband and collapsed into bed.  He leaned over and lovingly asked, "Well, dear, what was it like being six again?"

One eye opened and she said, "You idiot, I meant my dress size."

The moral of this story is:  If a woman speaks and a man is actually listening, he will still get it wrong. Just a bit of humor ........

Let's talk about the conference in 09.... January 18, 19 and 20, 2009.  Lake Guntersville Lodge. 

I am making my reservation tomorrow, after I wash the towels and sheets, make breakfast, and do general clean-up.  I so love my job.  Mary wants to make sure that all the guys out there know about the golf course right there at the front steps of the lodge, or almost at the front steps.  I want to know about shopping.  I am from rural country and never get to shop.  Are there places to go?  Girls can shop while the guys get together on Sunday to play a round. .  If there is enough interest we can try getting tee times for the whole group set up in advance and maybe include the greens fee on the conference registration form.

Reservations will have to be by phone, no online service available as yet.  When you book you need to give the group code CGABB1 in order to get into our block of rooms they have put aside for us.  You will have until December 18 to book a room before they release our block of rooms.  Reserve early as that weekend is their very popular Eagle Watch Weekend. Rooms start at $98. 

Another ServSafe Certification class will be held on Sunday for those interested.  Remember, it will be mandatory before 2010.  There will also be another Aspiring Innkeeper Workshop offered that Sunday as well as an interim Innkeeper /Inn Sitter Certification class.  Don't forget about the Silent Auction.  That is always fun.  I am looking forward to seeing a lot of Vendors and lots of free stuff.  If anyone can think of a vendor they would like to see, soaps, shirts, baskets, marketing items such as pens, gifts to sell or give away, please email me and we will see what we can do to get more vendors at the conference.

Let’s talk pricing.Registration for the 2009 conference is as follows:

BBAA members - $175 for the 1st person, $125 each additional.
Non-members - $200
Vendors- $200 before the deadline/$250 after the deadline. What is the deadline? Dec 31

We are also adding something extra to the optional vendor sponsorships.  The $500 Silver sponsorship will include hosting of one of the morning or afternoon breaks.  The $1000 Gold will include hosting either the Sunday or Monday afternoon reception, breakfast or lunch.  The $1500 Platinum will include hosting either Sunday or Monday dinner.  These sponsorship hostings will be highlighted in the program and on signs.

There are a total of 112 rooms and all rooms as well as the Lodge are Non-smoking facilities.  Each room and suite has in-room refrigerators and microwaves, plus the other amenities such as hair dryer, coffee and coffee pot, TV and DVD player, iron and ironing board, etc.  There are different prices for the different rooms and I can let you know more as soon as I find out which block of rooms we have.   I do know that the room rates start at $98.00   There are also 13 suites available, and several cabins and chalets.  All rates are per night and do not include lodging tax.  And as always, all rates are subject to change.  I am not going to bombard you with all the info now.  I will give out more info as the time gets closer to the conference.

Mary Hightower was gracious enough to share a recipe with us.  It sounds wonderful.

BAKED RASPBERRY ALMOND FRENCH TOAST

1/2 cup whole milk
1 large egg
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons amaretto or 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons raspberry preserves
2 large store bought croissants, halve horizontally
1/4 cup sliced almonds
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
confectioners sugar for garnish
Fresh raspberries for garnish

Place the milk, egg, sugar, amaretto, cinnamon and salt in a shallow 1 quart baking dish and whisk to blend well.

Spread 1 1/2 tablespoons of the raspberry preserves over the bottom half of each croissant.  Replace the croissant tops and press them together.  Place the filled croissants in the baking dish, turning to coat with the custard.  Let the croissants soak for 30 minutes to absorb the custard mixture, turning often.

Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.  Butter a cookie sheet.

Place the almonds in a shallow bowl.  Carefully remove the soaked croissants from the bowl and coat both sides with almonds.  Place the coated croissants on the buttered baking sheets and brush with melted butter.  Discard any custard mixture left in the baking dish.  Bake until the croissants are puffed and browned, and the custard is set 25 to 27 minutes.

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and transfer the croissants to serving plates.  Sift confectioners sugar over them, and garnish with fresh raspberries.

Makes 2 servings.

Thank you, Mary.  I may have to try this out in the morning.

Now, just one more thought before I close...

Thoughts
Keep your thoughts positive because your thoughts become your words
Words
Keep your words positive because your words become your actions
Actions
Keep your actions positive because your actions become your habits
Habits
Keep your habits positive because your habits become your values
Values
Keep your values positive because your values become your DESTINY

(I wish I could give the author credit, but I can't make out his name.)

Meeshka, the Akita, says "till we meet again."     PS: If you need more BBAA Comment Cards, please e-mail David Worthington at info@magnoliasprings.com and he will be glad to mail you a batch.  Please be sure that the return address is 707 PO Box, Montgomery AL 36101-0707  NOT Stafford, TX

"St. Paddy's Day is an enchanted time--a day to begin transforming winter's dreams into summers's magic." Adrienne Cook

A short history note for St. Paddy's Day .... during the 5th century, a 16 year old boy by the name of Patrick was kidnapped by marauders.  Eventually, he escaped.  Later, he took the vows of a priest, and his goal was to eventually convert the Irish to Christianity.  So, where does the shamrock thingy come from .... to teach the Holy Trinity .... they think.   We celebrate on March 17 because that is the day Patrick supposedly died.  This is the one day during Lent that the Irish have a reprieve and down a pint or two of ale.  In the 1840's, the Irish settled in new countries including America .... they wear green, eat corned beef, celebrate life, and drink ale.  Life through the ages has inspired parades, fashion, and hoisting a pint of ale. 

Now to the good stuff.

A news bit from Jessica Carr of the Plantation House:

Prattville experienced a tornado during the month of February.  Many of Jessica's friends and work associates lost their homes.  Since Plantation House is close to 200 years old, it surely came close to many of these storms, yet fortunately has escaped unscathed again.   None of Prattville’s Bed and Breakfasts were damaged.  Talk about finding shelter in a storm.

Plantation House has expanded a bit this spring.  Jessica has poured a very nice dance porch for their weddings.  They have also enclosed the back porch to capture an additional 500 square feet for their clients to enjoy.  Currently, they are working on a brand new shade garden.  It is Jessica’s first shade garden, so we shall see how creative they can get.  Any suggestions?   They have found enough 200 year old brick (yeh) on the property to make a small patio for a sitting bench that faces the Koi pond and house.  She and Paul want to grow old there.  It sounds beautiful.  Let’s go to Prattville!!!!!

A note from Lillie.  The Alabama Bureau of Tourism and Travel has offered to ship a box of BBAA brochures to their London office and have included paying the shipping costs.  She wants to know if you have had any guests from England.  Yes, Lillie, that means me.  I have had guests from Essex and they enjoyed Quaint on Brooklyn, even more so then their visits to New Orleans, Mississippi, Savanna.  Yeh, for me. Let’s see if any of us get even more guests coming from England.

Linda and Stanford Mendenhall of Amazing Grace B&B in Camden are our new Associate Members.  They are currently at West Point, where Stanford is recuperating from a war injury.  They should be back in Alabama in a month or so and will begin the process of becoming full BBAA members.  Welcome.  New members are full of ideas and inspiration and love to forward mail to the newsletter editor....right??!!

I need input, guys....if you want a Newsletter.  This is not a one man show.  Of course, I can talk about me and my dog and my garden and my pond and my guests, but even I get tired of talking about me, me, me.  I think.

Jim Yeamen of The Lattice Inn in Montgomery is working on renovations and will be opening soon.  Let me know when this happens and before and after pics please.

Lets talk about the 2009 BBAA Conference  (you got to be kidding, do people plan that far in advance, I am impressed.)  Anywho... the 2009 Conference is planned for January 18,19 20, 2009 at the newly renovated LakeGuntersville State Park Lodge.  Mary Hightower is the conference chairman for 2009 and has taken the time and energy to meet with the lodge staff and view the facility.  The views from the conference rooms and the guest rooms (from $98) are spectacular and the facility is stunning.  A block of rooms has been set aside for BBAA until the middle of December.  A few smart people have already booked their rooms for next year! You may want to reserve your room now as January weekends are dedicated to the Eagle Watching Program.  The nature lovers may want to arrive earlier than Sunday and take advantage of that program.  Can you take lots of pics and share with the rest of us?  Once again, Aspiring Innkeeper & InnsitterWorkshops will be offered on Sunday.  If you know anyone that may be interested, please let someone know so we can add them to the mailing list before the conference brochures are mailed out.  Suzanne Haley is working on our vendors and silent auction with help from Bonnie Ponstein.  Carolyn Waterman will be putting together the conference program.  Let them know if you have suggestions and where you can help.  The 2009 Conference information with links to the Lodge <- click) is already on the BBAA website and new information will be added as it comes in, so be alert.  You have got to be there.  It was so much fun, and everyone is so nice and eager to share their knowledge and experience.

You should have already received you invitations to Grady's B&B open house on Smith Lake.  March 15.  Mark your calendar.  This has got to be fun.  Good Luck to Grady's.

The March/April Southern Lady magazine with the BBAA full page ad including photos of each of the member B&B's is on the newstands.  This time, the city where each B&B is located has been added.  Also look at the background color....it has been changed to spring yellow.

The next Board meeting is scheduled for April 14 at the Camellia House in Luverne.  If you have questions, suggestions, comments or concerns, please let us know (meaning, Board members).

Cudos (not Kudos) to Greg and Mary McNair of Montrose Hideaway Bed-and-Breakfast Retreat. They received confirmation as of March 3, 2008, that they have been approved as a new member in Select Registry.  This makes them one of only two inns in the entire state of Alabama to hold this distinction, with Lodge at Gorham's Bluff being the other (Quaint on Brooklyn , eat your heart out.)  We are very excited about this, not only for Greg and Mary, but also for the Alabama Association.  This is definitely an example of providing quality service in the Bed and Breakfast industry.

This is heavy, so pay attention...

Carol Riggs, Membership/Quality Assurance Director of Select Registry of Distinguished Inns in North America, has passed this on to us.

In addition to a B&B passing Select Registry's Quality Assurance inspection, dues are assessed similarly to BBAA.  Their dues are determined by the number of guestrooms combined with a base fee so the amount varies depending upon the size.  A four room property would pay $2,801, six rooms would be $2,909, eight rooms would be $3,017, ten rooms would pay $3,124.  This is for 2008.  Dues may change slightly in 2009.  Included is a link to their Criteria for Membership<click

Keep in mind the Alabama Bureau of Tourism and Travel has FREE stuff available:  2008 Alabama Vacation Guide, Calendar of Events, Official 2007/2008 Alabama Highway Map and other brochures.  Call 1-800-Alabama and request as many as you would like and they will be shipped to you.  They are great to give to guests and to send to future guests.

Recipe for March:

By Quaint on Brooklyn (because no one will send me a recipe from their place)

OMA'S German Oven-Puffed Pancake

My grandmother was a professional cook in Germany for a guest house (or what we now call a B&B).  Maybe that is why I enjoy cooking so much and caring for other people.  I remember watching her make my favorite pancake time and time again.  You can rev-it- up a notch with applesauce, powdered sugar, honey, cinnamon and sugar or fruit.  Add a dollop of whipped creme and you have a fancy, impressive breakfast to serve to your weekend guests.

• 1/2 cup flour                                          
• Heat oven to 425 degrees F.  
• 2 tablespoons sugar                               
• 1/4 salt                                                 
• 1/2 cup milk                                          
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoon sweet butter
  
  In medium bowl, combine all the pancake ingredients except the butter. 
  Beat with a wire whisk until smooth.
  Place the butter in a 9 inch pie pan;
  Place the pan in the oven just until the butter sizzles, 2 - 4 minutes. 
  Remove the pan; tilt to coat.  Pour the batter into a hot pan. 
  Bake at 425 degrees F. for 14 - 18 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. 
  While still warm, add your topping and serve.  Gutten appetite.