INNformer #142

Hello from your Island Retreat, ANNUAL CHRISTMAS GREENING OF COUPEVILLE PARADE. As usual this parade began at sunset and lasted for 1/2 hour. Although the weather was a bit cold and the wind stiff at times, it didn’t rain! The town gathered along either side of South & North Main St. awaiting the arrival of Santa. Frosty led the parade of floats, tractors, vehicles of all sizes and shapes, clubs, H.S. marching band, dogs, and the police and fire departments. Each threw candy to the children until their pockets were bulging. This year the caroling entertainment was set up on the Anchorage Inn’s wrap around porch where the Mayor gave her welcoming speech, Coupevilles first Grand Marshal waved and the President of the Chamber of Commerce greeted the citizens and kids. After caroling had ended we witnessed the parks glorious lighting ceremony ….3…..2…..1!! With the inn laced in lighting & garland and the park aglow, this is probably the most attractive corner in town. The shops then opened their doors and welcomed everyone to enjoy finger foods and cider. We’ve already got a couple reservations for next years parade. GIFT CERTIFICATES are always available for CHRISTmas, birthdays and anniversaries. GOODBYE INSTANT COFFEE, hello Keurig coffee maker. We’re always trying to improve our service to our guests. One step in that direction was to provide Keurig K packs for a better tasting coffee for afternoons and evenings. Instant coffee just doesn’t quite cut it. GOURDZILLA’S CONVERSION. Just before Thanksgiving a portion of our family converted a couple wedges from Gourdzilla into 4 large pies, collected and counted his slimy seeds and took his remains to the Sherman ranch where our granddaughters tossed him over the fence, piece by piece for the cattle to enjoy. That’s the first time they’ve fed cows. The following week I returned and gathered up cow droppings to fertilize the garden for next years winning GIANT pumpkin for the Harvest Fair Oct 12th. Gourdzilla reveals his seedlings 2 of Gourdzilla’s 4 pies SPEAKING OF SLIMY SEEDS ……….. DRUM ROLL PLEASE ……………. We had 18 guests send us their guesses for the number of seeds within GOURDZILLA. They ranged from 5,555 to 167. I was surprised at how many slippery seeds my granddaughters and I found within that hollow. It came to 535. The closest guess was 550! Steve and Gwenn are looking forward to their FREE overnight stay. A GIANT FOOTPRINT ……. YEAR PUMPKIN NAME SIZE AWARD SEEDS 2004 1st Wiley 344 lbs —- 427 2005 2nd Tony 180 lbs —- None on record 2006 3rd Brooklyn 228 lbs PRETTIEST 21 2007 4th Cade —- died on the vine 2008 5th Jack Jr. 169 lbs died on the vine 2009 6th Squashinator 82 lbs died on the vine(255 seeds) 2010 None grown 2011 7th Pumpkinstiltskin 108 pounds second place (for ugliest) 264 2012 8th Gourdzilla 178 pounds Avis Award 535

OUR ANNUAL MID WEEK WINTER SPECIAL sale is on. Save 15% on any 2 consecutive days Sunday thru Thursday now thru April 30th. Make those reservations now. That special would make a great CHRISTmas gift and could be applied towards your Pancake, Omelet, Quiche or French Toast discount on your next visit to the inn!

IT’S BEEN A BUSY YEAR and has finally begun to wind down. With the inn fully decorated and the pace now slowing down to 3,2 or even 1 room per day, we can plan a few short getaways in the next few months. We’d like to wish all of you a wonderful CHRISTmas season and a beautiful new year ahead.

Merry CHRISTmas,
your innkeepers,
Dave and Dianne

Spring in Coupeville

A fresh breeze blowing off the Cove. Birds singing. And yes, lots of flowers blooming.

It’s a great time to plan some getaway time to relax, refresh and enjoy the new life bursting forth. Peak blooming season at Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens… just down the road from us… begins April 1.

We have rooms available; would love to have you join us!

(Sue)

Community Yard Sale

We had a great time at the Community Yard Sale in Coupeville hosted by Inn Assistant Lynda. Although I came home with more than I took!

Dianne, Lynda and Chris hard at work setting things up!

 

Hmmmmm there MUST be a spot here somewhere to put this!
Dianne sets up for the sale.

 

Dianne and Chris… still hard at work!

 

Unexpected guests arrive!

 

Exhausted after the sale is over, but still having fun!
(L to R) Lynda, Dianne, Brianna, Dave, Chris

(Photos and post by Sue)

Art Show Photos

Several people have asked to see the photos I am entering in my very first art show so decided to post them here. They look soooooo much nicer when printed on 13×19 paper, and are being professionally framed. (Sue)

“Rainy Morning” – the Coupeville Wharf

“Day’s End” – another Coupeville shot

“Bothell Biker” – taken in Bothell WA

“Velveteen Doll” – taken in Bothell WA

“Serenity” – taken in Coupeville

Coupeville Patriotic Puzzle

Do you like jigsaw puzzles? Check out this one I just created of a lovely July floral display in downtown Coupeville! (Note: You can change the size and cut when you click on the link.)

Lions Club Garage Sale

Do you like a good bargain?  Find great deals and support the Coupeville Lions Club at the huge annual garage sale this coming weekend!

Coupeville Lions Club Annual Garage Sale

Coupeville HS Graduation

Congratulations to all Coupeville High School graduating seniors! We’re proud of you!

Lots of nice photos of the graduation parade and celebration in the Whidbey Examiner.

CHS Graduation Parade and Celebration 2011

Memorial Day Parade

So glad to find this great video by walck101 of the Coupeville Lions Club Memorial Day Parade 2011.

Coupeville Lions Club Memorial Day Parade

Memorial Day Tribute

Coupeville celebrated Memorial Day with a wonderful tribute to the fallen military and concert by US Navy, parade, and picnic in the park.

Photo by Whidbey Examiner.

Whidbey Examiner Article

Our appreciation to Carolyn Tamler for this lovely article in the Whidbey Examiner

Stay at the Anchorage Inn, Coupeville: winner of several top B&B awards

Easter Weekend Photos

Talk about a gorgeous Easter weekend! I took advantage of the opportunity to capture some new photos!

Bridge at Deception Pass

Looking out over Deception Pass

Tulip fields, Mt. Vernon

Sue (Inn Rep)

Easter Bunny Shows Up!

The Easter Bunny made an appearance for the Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday at Coupeville Town Park.

It was special to have the Easter Bunny here “in person” (or I suppose that would be “in bunny”).

Thanks to the Soroptimist International of Coupeville for hosting this event.