Turquoise Photos

I'm looking for more photos to illustrate the Turquoise Suite.  The Red Bedroom is more dramatic, but the Turquoise Suite is a lovely calm relaxing space, so I want the photos to give the impression of space, serenity, style and comfort.

First Cut of Spring

Just cut the lawn - first cut of this Spring.  Instantly the garden looks a bit spruced up, and somehow greener.

Tulips are getting going (not quite soon enough for last weekend's guests), the magnolias are flourishing and the aubretia is looking very fine (must plant more).  Lovely weather for sitting out in the garden and enjoying a cup of coffee.

Breakfast for Five

Five people for breakfast today!  Quite a logistical exercise, which I did OK, but could definitely do better.  I think (yet another) checklist is on the way.

Another first - I had to turn away a request for B&B with "I'm sorry, but I'm fully booked".  Shame, because they were a nice couple who had stayed before.  At least I didn't frighten them off last time.

I thought I might put a photo of the fully-laid table onto the web site, and will probably include one of the following photos - one has a better view of the herb garden (and shows off the flowering quince) the other is a bit lighter, shows the rug, and gives a glimpse of the rest of the garden.

I will also include a photo of the other side of the room, which is much lighter, so you can see things a bit more clearly.  You can't really see the things on the shelves, but, then again, does that matter?

And finally, one of the sideboard, with lots of healthy (and delicious) things on top.  At least it looks as though it's been polished - nice little reflections showing.

Springtime Strolls

I love going into the garden on a sunny Spring day.  There is a little corner where some miniature daffodils and primulas are thriving.  This is my coffee-time bench, which is when it catches the sun.

The quince is just coming out - I think it will be at its best in a few days, but it catches my eye every time I walk past.

The copper beech will come into its own in a month or so, but even without any leaves, the little blue scillas look great alongside the daffodils.

And finally, my favourite bit of the garden in spring is the Apple Tree Walk.  Old gnarled apple trees covered with lichen and the pretty primulas flourishing beneath.

Dashboards For Ever

Google Analytics is a wonderful distraction from real life.

I could sit for hours looking at the various graphs, seeing if they are heading in the right direction.  Of course, the only thing that really makes a difference is when someone books a room.  However, I feel better seeing the little lines meandering in a generally upward motion.  It adds a whole new displacement activity to my days.  I must find out how to add a trend line....

The Close - Bed & Breakfast

This blog reflects the thoughts and actions of a novice B&B owner, trying to do my best to set up an efficient and welcoming B&B.

I'm hoping to share my home with people wanting to visit the Cotswolds and experience life in a small market town, as well as the opportunity to visit some amazingly beautiful locations.

Let's see what happens....

The Close, Minchinhampton

If you would like to know more, have a look at my web site (The Close - Bed & Breakfast)