May 9, 2007

Spring has finally arrived in Madrid. The humming birds made their first appearance at Star Barn this past Monday. The daffodils are beginning to bloom. When the ice on the pond went out on April 26, there were thousands of very large tadpoles swimming about; obviously SOMETHING was going on under the ice! Since then there are several clumps of frog eggs and we are serenaded nightly by their singing. No toad eggs yet, but soon, I’m sure.

Yesterday, a pregnant moose wandered onto the work site. Of course all work stopped as we stood and watched to see what she’d do. It took her about 20 minutes of taking a few steps forward followed by a few steps retreating to decide she just wasn’t comfortable getting to the pond that way. So she headed up mountain instead. This morning, David and I were treated to the antics of a good size bull moose. He was spotted crossing the road at 6:30. We know it was a he because his new rack was well on its way. He nibbled some of the new growth then headed down the ridge to the meadow, where he trotted from one end to the other and back several times. Seems as though there was a little kick to his step; like he was just enjoying the fact that spring is here. We watched him loop back and forth several times, then climb the ridge again and took off down a well worn path to the right of the cemetery. What a treat!

And with the nice weather work is “full steam ahead” on the Star Barn B&B. The roof is shingled and many windows openings have been cut through. The radiators are installed and the gas “wood” stoves are being warehoused awaiting the floors and sheet rock, which will start as soon as the sound proof insulation goes in. We expect to have the footprint of the building zoned commercially by July. In the mean time, Star Barn Guest House is readying for warmer weather. The screens are in the windows as well as the screened in porch. Touch up paint has been applied where needed and gardens are being tended to. We’ve had some wonderful guests who have shared their comments – you can read them via the Exciting Plans page. Life is good!

Keep checking back to see the progress on the B&B. Upcoming pictures will show how we’re really gaining!

Ginni and David Robie