Oooooops...JINXED!

August began HOT and became even HOTTER...what a month!! And we must have jinxed ourselves, because our main central a/c unit (for guest rooms) bit the dust during the hottest part of the month. We closed 3 of our rooms for over a week, while we waited for a new air handler. We improvised, and put window units in 2 rooms so we were not completely out of business. Thankfully, guests with window units in their rooms, were cool as cucumbers in spite of our sweltering 2nd floor hallway. Not withstanding hot temps and sauna hot empty rooms, plus a "grandma" vacation of almost a week for Judy late in the month, we broke our record for all previous Augusts. We'd like to offer our August guests a great BIG THANK YOU, for our best August in 8 years.

The hummingbirds are absolutely crazy this time of year. The young ones born here this summer are such fun to watch. We have more than a dozen birds at our feeders this year and they are a constant entertainment for those who venture to the veranda. Our spring bedding annuals have seen better days due to the lengthy heat wave, but our mums and hibiscus are filling in the voids nicely. Some of the late impatiens have survived well, and the mandevilla is beautiful as usual. We've also seen a fair share of rain and our grass is once again green.

We've been saying "where has the year gone" for months, but now it's really hitting us. September has arrived and soon the leaves will be blowing around. We're just hoping that the snow holds off for a looooooooong time!! We never look forward to the departure of the hummers, but they too will soon begin to migrate to their winter abodes. Be sure to check out our Autumn page on our homepage. We post local photos from spots around Hannibal and the autumn leaves are stunning. We'd love to accommodate you this autumn. Leaves begin to show color changes in early October. Since October weekends are nearly full, don't delay in reserving your favorite room. Or if you can come during the week, there are plenty of choices, and we discount weekdays year 'round!

We look forward to greeting you at the door of Reagan's Queen Anne.

Fantastic June!!

First of all, we're thankful for the absolutely perfect weather we've had this summer. It has allowed us to keep our rates the same as they've been for over three years. With rates for energy taking a gigantic Calaveras County Bullfrog leap recently, we're resigned to the fact that it's going to happen eventually so we can keep the boat afloat. We also want to thank all of our wonderful guests who helped to make June our best in eight years.

We have some fantastic news. Hannibal's own, Mark Twain HIMSELF, is running for President in 2008!! Check out his website: www.marktwainforpresident.com. This is the same Mark Twain who entertains our guests on a regular basis during scheduled "Breakfast with Mark Twain Experiences". You may see him soon on CNN news and ABC Family and the Travel Channel!! There is another bit of very exciting news we are itching to share, but we're sworn to secrecy for a bit. We'll let you in on the secret as soon as possible. Let's just say that it will certainly put Hannibal on the map of the USA, when things in the works come to completion.

As mentioned in May, the flowers indeed are blooming and have added to the serenity of the veranda and back yard. Our front and side yard is in stages of redesign. Judy is anxious to see it to completion as soon as possible and works every chance she gets a bit of time off from the inside duties. The mosquitoes are wicked this year!! We're heavily supplied with Citronella candles, so don't worry about enjoying the veranda in the early afternoon and evening. We'll take care of you! With the mini drought, our pretty green grass has been fading, so this is the perfect time to rework the ground for more perennials and ground cover. Now the chore will be to keep them watered and protected from the summer heat, which arrived "on time" today-July Fourth, just in time for the prime activities Hannibal celebrates each year as we host National Tom Sawyer Days.

It truly felt like summer today!! YES! We have three central a/c units to keep this 5200 sq foot mansion cool in the summer. We hope to meet you in the future! Give us a call to schedule your stay.

It's the last day of MAY!!

It is amazing that May is ready to come to a close. Summer is on our doorstep and we find ourselves wondering what happened to spring. We've had an eventful month busy with guests, outdoor projects and visits with family. The hibiscus plants have finally been moved outside and are setting dozens of buds. It won't be long and they'll be popping with color. Bedding plants are flourishing and the grass is the most beautiful green. One of the best things about May is that our resident hummingbirds are back in full force. We've counted 10 and there are likely many more. We're anxious to see the babies begin to stop by to quench their thirst next month. Now if I can just keep that pesky fox squirrel out of my newly repotted plants!! If it's not raccoons getting into mischief...it's squirrels who wreak havoc in our yard. I think I've fixed foxy however. Today I put pepper seeds in some of the pots he seems to "dig". There is plenty of ground in the neighborhood for him to bury nuts, without using my flower pots!

We thoroughly enjoyed a visit this month from sons Bill and Tim. Bill's girlfriend Amy came with him, and we loved meeting her. Tim and his wife Kathy and our grand-daughter Kaylie made the time fun. There's never a dull moment when a 1 yr old is in the house. It was a great combination of Mother's Day and my birthday, especially since I'd rather forget that another year has passed. The kids helped take my mind off any unpleasantries relating to age!

Hannibal will be in full swing with the onset of June. Give us a call and reserve your room. Weekends especially, are filling fast right now. We look forward to hearing from you!!

What?? April FREEZE??!!!

Well I suppose we should be prepared for this (living in the midwest), but in spite of that fact we were shocked to have far too many nights in April with wind chills in the teens to single digits. Some late April Fool that was! Only it wasn't foolery...but actually happened!! With all the warm weather in March, our cherry tree had just set blooms along with tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. Some of our hostas had reached 8 inches tall. The flowers survived and lifted their sagging heads, but the hard freeze was not kind to the hostas which were turned to mush. We're hopeful that they will rebound. Most flowering bushes and trees were also "zapped". They'll fully recover, but we missed out on the pretty blooms this year. The good news is that our cherry tree is now in full bloom, so we're hopeful that only a few buds were damaged. We certainly enjoy the tart cherries in the summer and fall and use them in several breakfast recipes.

We're finally back to our painting outside, however we're doing it ourselves once again. Our painter left in November (yes, it was warm enough to paint then), and has not contacted us to schedule his return as yet. The pond and waterfall work began but came to a halt when the weather turned frigid. Boy am I looking forward to finishing cleaning out that waterfall! I just wish it wasn't such a nasty job, but it will be so nice when it becomes a little babbling brook once again. The fish are huge and very hungry. Be sure to visit them when you stay with us. Soon, soon....our hummingbirds will be back and I'm anxious to see the first one! I set the feeders out this week for the transients who are heading further north.

Our weather is warming again, Hannibal has awakened from winter and is set to welcome you. Give us a call or book your visit online. Don't forget to check our Last Minute Specials, and remember that Reagan's Queen Anne is the only B&B in Hannibal where Mark Twain comes to share breakfast time with overnight guests! Hope to see you soon!!

We Heard the Roar with the Arrival of March

Weather has been the story here in the beginning of March. I guess we were due. Last year we were greeted with the "Lamb". Yes, our March began with the proverbial Lion this year. We're hoping for a calmer spring and have noticed the tips of tulips and daffs popping their heads already. Soon it will be time to be outside working the grounds, to get ready for the the best time of year in my book. I LOVE SPRING!!

We're feeling the excitement of the emergence of Spring, and since we have some "Irish" connections with the O'Reagan family, we're offering our guests a little "pot of gold" at the end of their rainbows. Just check the homepage for the "Lucky Discount" during the month of March. Keep in mind that March rates are the lowest of the year and we're adding a St Patrick's discount on top of that. We promise the same accommodations, hospitality and breakfasts offered at our regular rates. Just make your reservation in March for a date in March and you'll receive your own "pot of gold", compliments of Reagan's Queen Anne. Click here and scroll down a bit: http://www.reagansqueenanne.com.

Happy St Patrick's Day!!

February has Quickly Come and Gone ~~

February 2007 is history. We finished our final inside winter project and now the Riverview & Rose and Wilson's Chambers have a new look to the bathroom. Though I loved the wallpaper, it had to go, due to the lack of adhesion qualities on the part of the 100 yr old plaster. We tried numerous "fixes" but nothing seemed to work. I was about to apply "Liquid Nails", but that would have obviously been a ridiculous remedy. It looks nice with the paint which matches the Riverview & Rose room, and we won't have to worry about paper rolling or peeling any longer.

To all of our February guests~Thank you for braving the cold, wind, ice and snow, thus making February one of our top four!

So long February...until next year! We won't miss the frigid temps, ice and snow!! We're looking forward to getting out of the winter doldrums.

Two thousand seven arrives with a smile...

We hope your holidays were everything you hoped they would be. We spent a quiet Christmas with anticipation of a visit from our Daughter-in-law, her Mother, and our grand-daughter. What a delightful time! Norm was able to experience being a grandparent for the first time and he LOVES it!! Kaylie is a joy. Since Air Force son Tim is deployed until next month, we were able to spend time with our daughter-in-law, grand-baby and pets. We thoroughly enjoyed their company, and were glad to give her a hand with the "clan" while Tim is away.

~~Grandpa & Grandma & our jewel~~

As always, January has been fairly quiet regarding occupancy. So...as usual for this time of year, we're working on renovation projects. We've painted and worked on several jobs inside, but as usual there is a never-ending list of more waiting in the wings. We're thankful for the time to be able to "spruce things up", but don't let that discourage you from coming. Our guest rooms are always ready for guests. Give us a call or book online and take advantage of our generously discounted "Quiet Season" rates. We await your call.

December begins with a Foot of Snow!!

November ended with freezing rain and ice, something we dread in Hannibal hill country. However, we awoke December 1st, to a twelve inch blanket of white. In itself, a snow of that magnitude is not exactly easy to navigate, but it was better than "skating" on an icy landscape...that's for sure.

Christmas decorating is nearly complete. I know, I know...we're late according to merchants, but we just don't like to rush the season here. The old girl is looking quite festive. And as promised we vowed to share the information on a magnificent theater performance in Hannibal over the holidays. The Shepherd's Tale is being performed the first two weekends of December, and begins daily shows on December 16. Follow this link to the info page: http://www.heritagestage.com/shepherd.html. This is a fascinating show and will surely leave the audiences feeling the Christmas spirit. This year they've added a dinner of Shepherd's fare, which we are excited to experience ourselves.

Check our website for last minute discounts. And for a great gift for family, friends and co-workers, remember that gift certificate purchases are classy, quick and easy. Give us a call and reserve your stay in December. Come enjoy the beauty of the season in America's Hometown.

Happy Holidays

A November to Remember

We survived a very, very busy October, and are Thankfully making it through November in spite* of the weather. (*tongue in cheek). Following the non-stop October occupancy, we took a couple days and went to Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky. The trip was relaxing and exciting too. One thing we did was to visit Three Chimney's Farm where Seattle Slew was stabled. Now it is home to such notable Stallions as Smarty Jones, Dynaformer (sire of Barbaro), and many amazing others. I was able to touch the velvet nose of Smarty Jones and was in heaven, being the horse lover that I am.

The best November news is that our exterior painter was here and nearly finished the old girl's new coat! It looks as if he'll have to finish the small areas on the back of the house in the spring. During the same time, we'll be working to put a new coat of paint on the porch railing and upper spindles. It will be so nice to see everything looking fresh with shiny paint!

The end of the month brings a special time to be Thankful for all the wonderful things we have in our lives, and we hope you have a special Thanksgiving with your loved ones. It will also be time for Holiday decorating. As always, we'll have Seven Christmas trees, and will use more than 7,000 lights. We're hoping to have the old girl all decked out by the end of the first week of December. We never like to rush Thanksgiving and thus don't begin setting out Christmas decor until after Thanksgiving is over.

Remember that we offer Gift Certificates for loved ones, friends and co-workers. As with each of our guests, we provide our Gracious Hospitality and Comfortable Elegance in this magnificent Queen Anne. On our website we have provided numerous links to our Gift Certificate page. Just click a link, complete the request and we'll take care of the rest. It's a simple, quick and perfect gift.

December notes will include information about "The Shepherd's Tale". Check back next month.

Happy Holidays!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

Trick or Treat! Already givin' the raspberries

...so much like her Daddy. A perfect little pumpkin. Happy Birthday Grandpa Norm.

Ahhhh Autumn, in the Hannibal hills...

Yes, Autumn has arrived. Last night we lost some of our pretty annuals to the cold (about 33 degrees). The problem was the windchill. We're hoping that the tropicals will survive tonight in the gazebo. They need to be sprayed before bringing them inside and it was raining yesterday. I don't know about you...but I think it is way too early for freezing temps. Thankfully this cold wave is going to be short lived and weather will warm tomorrow a bit. Leaves are turning quickly and when we have a cold snap, colors come on fast. Since we have no vacancy for weekends in October, don't delay in booking your weekday getaway while you can still enjoy the colorful trees before the leaves drop. If you want to lock in this year's prices for weekends next October, we can certainly book you now for the "Leaf Peeper" season next year. Remember that our Fall Folk Life Festival is the 20th & 21st of October next year. You can still come to enjoy the festival this year 10/21 & 22, but premier lodging is impossible to find at this late date. So book an October weekday (with year round discounted pricing), drive to Hannibal and enjoy the colorful foliage, tour our quaint town, relax in our Victorian Queen, enjoy a restful slumber, and Judy and Norm will fix you a delicious breakfast. Maybe your entree du jour will be her *New* Apple French Toast with Cider syrup. Yummmmmm

Just HAD to share!!

When we're not providing hospitality for our guests, cleaning and caring for this Victorian Queen, our little Princess is occupying our thoughts. Ok, I admit...she's constantly on our minds.


This is our adorable grand-daughter, Kaylie. She is 5 months old and has the prettiest blue eyes. We hope you enjoy the photos.

Perfect September Weather

The hummingbirds are still buzzing, but will soon depart. Though I love the warm colors and cool nights of Autumn, I will miss our Rubythroats when they decide that the south is a more suitable place to live during winter months. September has been busy with guests, as our days and nights have yeilded the perfect late summer weather. This makes for a wonderful time to visit Hannibal and tour the town. Or just come visit and relax at the Pettibone Mansion. A rocking chair on our verandah is calling your name. Bring your book and rock away your cares as you enjoy the time away from the rush and noise of the city.

Back to School ALREADY??

If you're someone who prefers smaller crowds, this is the month to come to tour Hannibal. Since school will be starting soon, Hannibal is a little bit more quiet for a couple of weeks. August is an ideal month to visit Reagan's Queen Anne, as we have some August dates which are completely open, meaning that you may not be sharing the house with other guests. Now "that's" privacy! Oh, and YES we DO have air-conditioning! So, if you feel like you need to get away, check our availability online, or give us a call and we'll let you know our availability for the date(s) you choose. Mention that you saw this Blog and we'll discount your room rate in August by $10 per night Monday-Thursday, to help defer the outrageous costs of gasoline. We hope to hear from you soon.

Breakfast with Mark Twain HIMSELF

Yes, that's right...Breakfast in our magnificent dining room with Mark Twain HIMSELF! (Check the link on our website.) July, August and September are the perfect months to come to explore all the wonderful and new things Hannibal has to offer. Hannibal is home to Mark Twain HIMSELF (authentically portrayed by the talented and nationally known actor Richard Garey), who offers theater shows, walking tours and Breakfast with our guests in "our" dining room. On Main Street, the Mark Twain museums have been transformed recently. If you've seen the old museum, you won't recognize the new Interpretive Center! There is also a new (soon to open) reconstructed Huck Finn home, the downtown is bustling with activity, new shops and galleries have opened, and a wonderful facelift is taking place. Don't forget to ride the nostalgic Mark Twain Riverboat and visit Mark Twain Cave just south of town. Recently, Hannibal officially became one of Missouri's notable destinations and big things are happening here. We're excited to see what this new status in the eyes of state government will mean for our sleepy little rivertown. Come stay with us for a few days and enjoy our quaint town, great history and of course Reagan's Queen Anne Bed and Breakfast. We'll provide you with Gracious Hospitality and Comfortable Elegance, the perfect place for relaxation, along with many options for entertainment right here in America's Hometown.

June Gives Way to July

Flowers are blooming at a feverish pace (at least the ones I fed before my little "vacation" at the beginning of May). June was a very busy month for us and helped us hit, yet another record for occupancy. July is just around the corner, and will bring Hannibal's National Tom Sawyer Days to life. On our homepage, you'll find a link to the CVB website and NTSD webpage. Check it out to see all the fun activities planned for June 30~July 4th! We'd love for you to come stay with us and enjoy our town, our home and your "Summer Vacation". Don't forget to book our exclusive "Breakfast with Mark Twain" experience. It's more fun than you can imagine. See you soon! Yes...We have central air-conditioning!!

Where did MAY go??

After spending time with my new little sweetheart and her parents, I am feeling like the month of May was the shortest month on record. Oh, and I had a birthday too. Maybe that was reason enough for May to pass quickly. At any rate I've been planting flowers and tropicals, one of my favorite summer jobs. Now if the raccoons will just stop digging out the new potting soil at night, they might just survive the summer. Yes, I mean both! I love raccoons, having raised several, but they need to leave my flowers alone or they may just find themselves in new "digs" in the country.

We've been on hold with the upper floors of the exterior painting over the past several weeks. We're hoping to see the painter again this month. In his absence Norm and I have been working on some of the first floor painting projects. We even found a window on the west side of the house that doesn't appear to have been painted inside the storm window, since the house was grey and white. That would have been back in the 80's. It will be exciting for us to see this ole girl with fresh paint!

Hannibal will be in full swing this month. Mark Twain HIMSELF will once again be in his theater, or you can always request his presence during breakfast, when you book your stay with us. Downtown museums, attractions and shops will have summer hours, the Mark Twain Riverboat will be running all excursions daily, the Trolley and Train will be on a regular schedule, and don't forget The Clopper too. Of course, the Mark Twain & Cameron Caves are both open year 'round. Come visit us! We have a wonderful veranda and rocking chairs calling your name. We look forward to hearing from you.

New Grandparents!!

Kaylie Elizabeth, our first grand baby is HERE!! She is absolutely beautiful!! Mom & Dad are doing fine and are really enjoying being blessed with this new little life. Grandma Judy will be going to see them in a couple days. Grandpa Norm and Weagle will be staying behind to "take care" of the homefront and supervise the exterior painting project, which is about one-fourth completed.

Spring has Sprung!

April is here! The flowers and trees are blooming. New flowers and perennials are being planted daily. This is the most wonderful time of year for Judy and her love of flowers.

The wait is short for the arrival of the first hummingbird of the season. Surely transients will be stopping by for a "hit" to carry them through the rest of their journeys north. Our resident little jewels begin arriving about the last week of April. With the warm weather we've had, we're hoping they arrive even earlier. Judy's feeders are filled and ready for dining.

It sure was refreshing to smell the cut grass last week. And though the job of cleaning the pond and waterfall was not pleasant, it looks beautiful. The waterfall is cascading, bubbling and providing a perfect bathing spot for the songbirds. Judy has just added some new copper tulip-shade landscape lighting. When you visit, be sure to walk to the back to view the waterfall and pond in the evening.

March has arrived!

March has arrived calmly in Hannibal. The meterologists say that there will be plenty of moisture for Spring flowers. My guess...next week we'll have some early daffodils. The early tulip leaves are about 3 inches tall now, and hyacinths are close to popping too. I love this time of year! Today I clean the pump in the pond. It's not one of my favorite jobs, but the fish appreciate it and blooming plants really put on a show after being watered with pond water.

We're looking forward to your visit!