Innkeeper's Vacation

After seven years of running the Wild Iris Inn by myself and no time off in the last two years I decided it was time to get away for a month and relax. So I decided to do a road trip with my dog Basil. I left the inn in the trusty hand of my assistant/housekeeper. January is my slowest month so I decided that would be a good month to leave. I spent the fall trying to decided where to go. I ruled out leaving the country as this was the first time I left the inn that long and was a little nervous about it. So I settle on the panhandle of Florida, the forgotten coast as they call it here. I had never been to that part of Florida and it looked like there were lots of State Parks, National Forest and beaches to explore. I rented a place on St George Island, mainly because it had a dog friendly beach right across the street. I figured the rest of the trip I would visit family and explore along the road.
Of course when I got here they had the longest cold spell that anyone could remember. It has been sunny and it usually warms up by afternoon so I get down to two layers instead of three. It has been great hiking weather and Basil does not seem to mind the cold. We have already done looks of exploring and looking forward to more. The beaches here are incredible beautiful. I can walk the beaches and trail and not see a soul.
I can already feel myself relaxing and wondering why it too me seven year to figure I needed more time away from the inn. I know I will go back to our long Maine winter a happier innkeeper and will look forward to planning next years adventure.
Diane Edwards
Wild Iris Inn
273 State Street
Portland, ME 04101
800-600-1557
www.wildirisinn.com
Diane@wildirisinn.com

Food Art in NYC

Last week I attended the International Hotel and Restaurant Show in New York City. I spoke at a Bed and Breakfast segment on Green Innkeeping. It was a huge show and the vendor floor was pretty amazing with all the latest and greatest items for you hotel or restaurant. One of the best exhibits was a food art contest. I thought I would share some of the photos I took. Some were obviously cake, chocolate and some were bread art. They were too beautiful to eat!

Diane Edwards
Wild Iris Inn
273 State Street
Portland, ME 04101
800-600-1557
www.wildirisinn.com
Diane@wildirisinn.com

A Walk at Maine Audubon at Gilsland Farm

Last week I took a beautiful walk at Maine Audubon, Gilsland Farm, which is situated along the Presumpscot River estuary just five minutes from Portland, Maine. it is Audubon’s headquarters and a 65-acre sanctuary with more than two miles of trails winding along a pond and through woods, meadow, orchard and salt marsh. Usually I snowshoe there in the winter when I have more time away from the inn but it was such a beautiful warm fall day and crystal clear blue sky so I had to take a break from the inn and go for a walk.

As I was walking along the trails I saw chipmunks scurrying around gathering food for the winter along with many birds on the water and flying over the fields. Some of the trees had started to turn colors. It was a spectacular day for a walk. I thought how lucky we are to have such a beautiful spot to take a walk so close to us in Portland!

Diane Edwards
Wild Iris Inn
273 State Street
Portland, ME 04101
800-600-1557
www.wildirisinn.com
Diane@wildirisinn.com

Make your own eco-friendly cleaning products

For the past two year the Wild Iris Inn has been using only eco-friendly cleaning and laundry products. When I first started I used Shaklee products which were fine but had to order them via the Internet. Then I started using other green products that are available in your local stores like Method, etc., which are expensive. Now I have started to make my own cleaning products as it is so easy and they work great. All the items you can buy in your local grocery store and some you already have them in your cupboards. I thought I would share some with you.

Basic formula for antiseptic all-purpose cleaner
Up to 1 teaspoon antiseptic essential oil, (thyme, sweet orange, rose, clove, lavender or tea tree)
1 teaspoon of washing soda
2 teaspoons borax
1/2 teaspoon liquid soap (I use Ecover, which I use to wash dishes)
Combine all the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake to dissolve and blend the minerals.

Cleaning Drains
For clogged drains, pour 1 cup of washing soda into the water surrounding the drain and wait a minute. If still clogged follow with 1 cup of vinegar. I usually rinse with boiling water after.

Happy cleaning!

Diane Edwards
Wild Iris Inn
273 State Street
Portland, ME 04101
800-600-1557
www.wildirisinn.com
Diane@wildirisinn.com

Summer is almost over

Wow has the summer gone by so quickly. We have been very busy at the Wild Iris Inn. Despite all the rain for the first month and half of the summer followed by very hot humid weather we stayed pretty full all summer. The fall is gearing up to be very busy also. Beside being my favorite time of the year there is lots of great events happening in Portland. Harvest on the Harbor is gearing up for a fantastic weekend of premier foods of Maine on October 22-24th. Last year was the first year the Convention and Visitors Bureau put on the event and it was a huge success. Go to the website and see what is cooking for this tasty weekend of events! http://www.harvestontheharbor.com/
Following on November 13 and 14th will be the Maine Brewers Festival at the Portland Expo which is walking distance from the inn. Check out their website and get your tickets early as they sell out fast. http://www.mainebrew.com/.


Diane Edwards
Wild Iris Inn
273 State Street
Portland, ME 04101
800-600-1557
www.wildirisinn.com
Diane@wildirisinn.com