Mississippi River Bald Eagle Watch

The population of Bald Eagles has grown quite a bit since we first moved to Galena in 2000. 

These lovely birds are easy to spot along the Mississippi river especially in the winter when the farm fileds are covered with snow.  They are generally near the lock and dam just waiting for a good catch for the day.

Right now there is a family of Bald Eagles being webcamed in Decorah Iowa which is a short distance from the Stillman Inn.  But...due to modern technology you can watch Mom, Dad and two babes 24/7 at this location:
http://www.raptorresource.org/falcon_cams/

So, check it out on the web and then come visit us!  If you stay in Winter you can join any number of Eagle tours available nearby and see them souring above you.


Bernadine's Stillman Inn
A Beautiful, Historic and Romantic 1858 Bed and Breakfast Mansion located across from General Grant's home and a few blocks from downtown Galena.  815 777-0557

Seedlings and Soap

Well, we have some seedlings started for the gardens and who can garden without a soap holder at the faucet? 

Things slow down a little in the winter which gave me time to whip up some soap holders for the faucets at the Stillman Inn.  Hopefully this will help when I'm gardening and someone walks up for a tour.  I'll be able to shake your hand with clean hands!

I know, these beautiful bags will get dirty, but it's just extra yarn laying around and it was awful quick to make.  I put in a bar of melt and pour soap from our gift shop.  I think this will work nicely.

So, consider staying this Spring, Summer and Fall to monitor the gardens and help keep me focused! 

Blog Special:  mention "Seedlings and Soap" and receive a complimentary bar of melt and pour soap made by the lily white hands of Bernadine!

Gardening

A Kitchen Garden - that's right!  Going by the suggestions of Mel Bartholomew and his book 'All New Square Foot Gardening' we will be installing a kitchen garden this year.  Can't wait to show you around it! 

Enjoy these images from past gardens here at the Stillman Inn.

Happy Birthday Dave!

Yes It Is True...on March 17th, 2011

Dave will be 65 years old! 

"Happy Birthday My Sweetheart"

Dave has the Dick Clark thing going on and no one ever believes him when he shares his age.

He is a terrific husband, friend, father, carpenter, innkeeper, Christian, my goodness I could just go on and on about him.

Dave has been successful at many things in his life.  He's a hard working and dedicated man.  Right now I think his favorite thing is being a Grandpa, "Big Daddy" to Cara Isabella.  And we have another granddaughter on the way!  One of the things he truly enjoys doing is running the Stillman Inn.  If you know Dave, you know he just loves, loves, loves people.  His standard greeting is "Hi, I'm Dave, you'll like me, I'm a nice guy" and nothing could be more true. We have met so many interesting and wonderful people and made so many new friends here at the Inn over the past ten years.

Retirement:  Yes, it's inevitable.  One day I must have Dave all to myself.  At some point he must agree to retire but I know he will never leave the inn unless someone else replaces him who is just as genuine as he is.  This he would do to honor our repeat guests.  We are going to start thinking about selling the place over the next few years.  If you know of anyone who is worthy of and interested in taking over the baton, please let us know! 


"Where will Dave go" you ask?  No problem.  We plan on staying in Galena near our grandchildren.  The new innkeepers, whoever they end up being, will have our contact information so please, give us a shout and we will be happy to lunch with you! Mind you, we've only just started thinking about it, we aren't going anywhere yet so come see Dave for his Birthday year long celebration! 

Proud Wife of Dave Anderson,

Bernadine

Happy Birthday Dave Blog Special:  Two night midweek stay in any of our lovely rooms, mention this blog and get a pineapple upside mini cake during your stay.  Dave's favorite! Good now through March 17th, 2011