Xmas Week, Julio, Dogs!

Christmas week is always special at the Alexander Hamilton House, but 2009 was outstanding fun. Our first “dog guests” arrived: Franci, the Beagle mix and Sonic, a Rat terrier who loved playing with our Boston Terrier, Clara. Our human guests were great, but our four-footed furry guys really added something warm and cuddly to this year’s festivities.

Julio Cardia, our Brazilian apprentice arrived from Brasilia. He is young, strong and handsome and speaks Portuguese, Spanish, English and a little German. I speak a little French so we’re now ready to receive the world! Julio, like others in their 20′s, is on Facebook and Twitter and adds photographs of everything we do here. This makes old folks, like Steven and me, laugh.

Cyd and Jonathan spent the week in Italy, leaving Bam in Clara and Steven’s care, while Julio and I kept things going at the inn. They arrive back today and we’re really glad. Cyd is our webmaster and will soon have the picture of our doggie guests on the website.

We are getting ready to help our guests ring in the New Year and plan the kitchen renovations which will happen the second two weeks in January.

I’m now turning the blog over to Julio who I’m sure will see things here in a different light.

Julio

So, everything is different and amazing here in Croton! Barbara and Steve are fabulous and really show me a good American way of life. We are working hard, always trying to make things better at the inn. Croton Village is like a piece of heaven in those crazy days around the world. If you want a peaceful and a lovely place, it’s here.

I had a fun time at a Candlelight tour at Van Cortlandt Manor on Friday. Saturday, I toured Lyndhurst in Tarrytown. Lyndhurst is a Castle. It is so big. I can imagine how difficult was to live 100 years ago. Now I can appreciate the things we have in this century. The first day, I ate at a simply and fantastic burger place and I want to go to Japanese restaurant. Read more…

Tree Trimming, Kitchen Updates, Happy Bride

The tree is getting trimmed today and visions of sugarplums dance in my head as we await arrival of 11 ballerinas from all over the world.  They are coming to perform the Nutcracker at the Tarrytown Music Hall next week!

The estimates for updating my kitchen have been swarming in.  Who would think there is now a specialist for each and every task?  My head is swimming with numbers and suggestions.  Hope I can make up my mind before the planned start date of January 18th!  We do have to be ready for all our romantic Valentine’s Day arrivals.

After 30 years of running a B&B, you would think I’ve seen it all, but no! Today a newly married bride came down to my kitchen to prepare the breakfast for her new husband!  We strive to please everyone and since she spoke no English and I no Spanish, the charades were wonderful and everyone left happy!

Barb’s First Post

Well I’m back everyone!  Barbara is back!  It’s like riding a bicycle; a week of work and it feels like I never left!  What happened to Cyd?  She’s getting her Master’s degree and has gone back to school full-time.  I’m hoping she gets her degree before I become a grandmother.

What’s new at the inn: Plans to update the kitchen with granite counters, a new floor, a new stove, and new hardware for the cabinets.  Consequently, there will be a period in January when the kitchen is off-limits, but we’ll make do.

Who’s running the inn in Cape Cod?  Well I’ve got a wonderful band of friends who have come together to make sure everything goes well for the guests willing to BYOB (Bring Your Own Breakfast) this winter.  Housekeeping takes place after guests leave and our prices will reflect these sacrifices.  My husband Steve expects to be traveling between our property on Cape Cod and the inn out here once the new year rolls in, along with our Boston Terrier concierge, Clara.

Speaking of dogs, we’ve now designated a few rooms here at the Alexander Hamilton House to be dog-friendly!  Well-behaved dogs are now not only welcomed but we urge their owners to plan their stays with us.  We provide a crate which only needs to be used if dogs will be left behind while their owners adventure without them.  Food and water bowls plus a treat are also left in the room on arrival.  This winter, to celebrate our four legged friends, dogs stay free when accompanied by a well-behaved owner.  Spring will bring a $10 daily fee.  If you or someone you know travels with a dog, come stay with us!