That's right folks...our colors are nearly gone. The wind has been blowing the leaves off the trees and soon the branches will be bare...better to see the winter birds. Our last hummingbird left about 10/23, much later than usual so we hung the feeders full of birdseed a couple days later. We've seen Goldfinches, Chickadees, Cardinals, Downey Woodpeckers, Red-Bellied Woodpeckers, Purple Finches, Slate Colored Juncos, Tufted Titmice, Nuthatches, and Wrens. Norm raked leaves today and we're trying to get the rest of the outside things finished before the cold arrives next weekend. All the tropicals are inside and they're not liking it much. Little do they realize that they are better off inside than out. Bulbs will be planted by mid-week, and winterizing should be complete. It's predicted that as early as next weekend, as the sun peeks above the horizon, nights will be cold enough to leave "ICE" crystals on the pond. WOW...where did the year go?
We've begun working on inside projects some evenings when business is waning. Each winter we spruce up yet another space with warm colors. There are just a couple remaining spaces where the walls are still white and I'm hoping to get both painted this winter. We also have some "window" work to do, insulating, painting, and eventually this winter, new interior storm windows. We understand that our government is offering 30% back on any Energy Saving upgrades and we're taking advantage. Plus it will help the heating bills now and cooling in the summer months. I'm sure we're not alone in our heating and cooling costs more than doubling over the past 3 years. Ours took a jump of about 15% from last year!
We will be decorated for Christmas as usual and December dates are wide open. We do not have a 2 night minimum in December on weekends. December also brings "A Shepherd's Tale"
performances of Hannibal's own, Richard Garey. He offers a Magnificent Christmas Show from December 19-26, in the Planter's Barn Theater. Book your stay with us and you'll receive a discount on those tickets. The show is a MUST SEE. Shops downtown will be open later for shopping. So come to Hannibal in December and feel the Christmas Spirit!
We have been blessed with very steady business this year. We'd like to thank all of our wonderful guests for helping to make this very close to a record year. We could have our best year in 10, with a decent November and December. So again...to all those who have stayed with us in 2009, THANK YOU!!! To all those considering a visit to Hannibal, we'd LOVE to host you. There are no 2 night minimums on weekends in December and January with the exception of New Year's Eve, and we offer special weekday rates on MON-TUE-WED. Give us a call or click this link to our website! www.reagansqueenanne.com.
Blessings to you and yours and Happy Thanksgiving!!
Judy & Norm
