PATTI LIVED TO TELL HER STORY

Thanks to Dr. Sue Reinecke & the team at Mountain Animal hospital we have a true Asheville pet-friendly story to tell. Patti Greenleaf , a recent Ponder Cove guest is proof that Mountain Animal Hospital saved the day & Patti’s life.

She took ill and just to be safe her responsible parents rushed her to Dr. Sue  at Mountain Animal Hospital, just up the road in Barnardsville.

Dr. Sue found an extremely large tumor compromising Patti’s spleen. Immediately the clinic sprung into action to perform an emergency spleenectomy. The first hours were nail biting and the following days were touch and go.

Time was spent in ICU at Asheville’s emergency facilty but she soon returned to Ponder Cove. We  felt fortunate to provide the peaceful surroundings doing what we could to help Patti on her road to recovery.

She has returned home to New Hampshire and we are pleased to announce that Patti’s tumor (even though the size of a cantalope) was benign and she has recovered fully. Thanks Dr. Sue.

Just this morning Buck made his first visit to see the good doctor and he was pleased as punch giving Dr. Sue the Ponder Cove seal of approval.

More Good Eats From Martha

OK..this turned out amazing. I had the yummy granola french toast at OVER EASY in Asheville yesterday and I have been scheming my own since. By Joe I think I’ve got it. I experimented on Gary and will try it out on guests tomorrow. Gary gave it 5 stars.

See what you think. xx00

Serving size 4 (2 pcs each)

Preheat oven to 375

INGREDIENTS

8 Slices bread. (I used a thicker cut 9 grain.)
1/4 cup honey
4 TBL butter
1 cup cereal or granola ( I used Kashi blueberry cluster oak flakes),
1/4 cup pecans
6 eggs
1/4 cup orange juice
zest of one orange
1 tsp vanilla
dash of salt

Melt butter in a large cookie sheet with sides. Whisk in the honey. Spread with pastry brush and add a bit of honey and butter in equal parts, if you need more to spread.

Put the cereal and the pecans in a plastic bag and give them a good bashing. Then spread them on a plate.

Whisk all of your other ingredients as you would normal french toast.

Dip your bread in your liquid and then in your crunch, only on one side. Mash down on your bread, allowing a good bit of crunch to adhere.

Place your bread crunch side down on the honey butter mixture.

Bake for about 20 minutes until your top is a bit brown. DO NOT BURN the bottom.

Flip out onto a plate showing off your yummy caramel crunch.

As you can see Gary added some bananas. I had mine with a tiny bit of maple syrup. There are so many ways to dress this up. I also liked my choice of cereal. You need something with a bit of sweet already added. Rice Krispies or Shredded wheat just wouldn’t do it,  if you know what I mean.

You might also note that I have a lot of egg compared to most recipes. I like my french toast eggy…more protein…a little less guilt.

So from pet-friendly Ponder Cove let us say….BONE appetit!

When visiting pet friendly Asheville and hopefully staying with us at Ponder Cove don’t miss the Biltmore.

From article published on ezinearticles.com…

Biltmore Estate Embraces Pooches Past and Present

I recently grabbed my dog Buck to check out how dog-friendly the Biltmore Estate really was. We knew dogs were welcomed on the grounds. So we assumed that we’d be walking some trails, cruising some gardens and home we’d come. AU CONTRAIRE…We were allowed all over the place and a good time was had by all.

I always park at the Arboretum and then hike up the stairs to the estate. I just love this garden area that leads to my favorite vantage point where I view our beloved blue hills. It is right above the wisteria that leads to the house. Dogs are not allowed inside the house itself much to the chagrin of my pooch. He reminded me that since the Biltmore had been the home to St. Bernards, Russian Wolfhounds and Sheepdogs he was certain the pets past wouldn’t mind. He eventually understood that we all must do our part to preserve such an heirloom. And risky it would be to allow pets within the walls of the famed home.

While frolicking on the front lawn we met up with some traveling pooches, one delightful cocker and two mini dachshunds. With a bit of a scramble and entanglement of leashes the introductions were made and the consensus from the dogs was that they were having a marvelous day. So, we trotted on. After a wonderful romp around the grounds and a stop off at the Bass pond we then jumped in the car and headed for Cedric’s, the pub in Antler Village named after Vanderbilt’s infamous pooch. We were looking forward to lunch at the Biltmore’s dog-friendly restaurant and so it came to be, of course al fresco. The staff was delightful and treated Buck with genuine Biltmore hospitality.

We were eager to find out all we could about Cedric. It seems George Vanderbilt’s trusted Saint Bernard was the first pet at the Biltmore. No one is sure how George came to own Cedric, but they do know that he brought him to Biltmore from Pointe d’Acadie, his summer home in Bar Harbor, Maine, sometime around the opening of Biltmore House in 1895. They went on to state the obvious and that life was good for a pet of the Vanderbilt’s. Cedric not only had free reign of at least the first floor of Biltmore House, which he often spent lounging in the Library or Billiard Room or sunning himself on the Loggia, but he also frequently accompanied his master and other family members on excursions throughout their vast estate.

With our bellies full we headed to Biltmore Farm which was just a hop, skip and a jump. The staff attendant could not have been nicer encouraging us to take funny pictures of our beloved Buckaroo using an old wagon and straw hats as props. We finished off our day with a stroll (trying to work off our yummy fish and chips) around the bike path with a view of the Swannanoa River.

If you choose to take in the house on the same day as your visit of the grounds note there are a few kennels. You must ask the gate keepers upon entering and you will be directed to them. You are the master of the lock and key if you are lucky enough to obtain an empty kennel. Pets must be leashed at all times for safety and comfort for all guests. Dogs are not allowed in the main house but we were welcomed in several of the other buildings. Of course we asked permission and were on our best behavior.

The Biltmore is a site you must see and it is truly more fun with your pooch in tow.

For other ideas when traveling to pet friendly Asheville read more…

Is this not the cutest photo ever????? It was such a pleasure to watch these two seal the deal right here at the cove.

To quote their vows…penned by themselves, “It is not only marrying the right partner, but being the right partner.” I do believe that sums it up. These two certainly deserve each other in the most  joyous of ways.

So, let’s just say this marriage has the official Ponder Cove seal of approval.

For more photos of Josh and Andrea …

Asheville in the Spring

I have had more fun the last two weeks. Along with super duper guests I  had the good fortune to entertain 4 very old friends that had never been to Ponder Cove. So, I too became a tourist checking out all that the Asheville area has to offer. The Biltmore was spectacular and it was a real treat to go through the house at this time of the year. FYI, the crowds are still low making it a great time to visit us.  Of course we strolled through downtown to enjoy the shops and great food. It is so much fun to entertain, especially New Yorkers, (you know how they are )and have them admit that the quality of food in Asheville is tres tres bon. We loved Laughing Seed for Vegetarian Fare, an evening at Limones and how can you miss a lunch counter stop at Woolworths. A good time was had by all.

Apple Blossoms at the Bungalow

Down at the Bungalow today and WOW check out the apple tree. If we get an apple for every one of those blossoms Gary and the cows will be happy. I feel a pie coming on.

News to note from the Asheville Travel Blog

Think about it. We can always use some more good neighbors.

“Many factors go into the decision to retire and sometimes you’ll find more questions than answers. Should I relocate? Will my money last? How will I spend my time? Making decisions for retirement can be challenging if you don’t know what to expect. Fortunately, the North Carolina Center for Creative Retirement (NCCCR), located in Asheville, has ways of helping you through this eventual life transition.

Through the NCCCR’s numerous events, programs and workshops, people can learn how to make the most of their retirement. Twice a year they offer a program called Paths to Creative Retirement which is a strictly non-commercial educational program focused mainly on the non-financial aspects of life’s second half. This informative program guides participants through decision-making exercises that reveal opportunities at each stage, help transform anxieties about the next chapter of life into a learning process, and teach you to formulate an action plan. It is truly one of the most unique retirement workshops in the country.

You can also attend the Creative Retirement Exploration Weekend which helps you examine your issues, concerns and possibilities to gain insights and pose questions that you may not have thought to ask. Facilitated discussions help prepare you for decisions ahead.

More information on these events can be found on the NCCCR website. With such an informative organization in place, it’s no wonder that Asheville has been featured on numerous lists as a top retirement destination.”

Pet Friendly Travel Can be FUN

As recently published in EZINE.com…

“There is nothing more fun than grabbing your pet and taking off on a road trip. Whether you have an extended holiday in mind or a just a couple of days to break up the boredom of city living,it will be good for you and your 4- legged friend… well, your monkey might have only 2 legs but I wouldn’t suggest traveling with your monkey. That is just one thing to know when traveling with a pet. Check out more of my suggestions.

NO SURPRISES

Be a responsible pet friendly traveler. You might travel with your dog but I wouldn’t take along your exotic animals. If you must, please ask the establishment if that is allowed. You put the establishment in a very embarrassing position. They won’t like turning you away but they may have to. Many insurance companies limit the liability to hotels allowing pets. That is why some have weight and breed limits. Always come clean and pick the accommodation that is right for you. This is true of cats as well. Many people are extremely allergic. Therefore if you travel with a cat you will find fewer places to accommodate you and you may end up in a smoking room.

TRAVEL WITH A CRATE

This cuts down on the anxiety of your pet. They much prefer sleeping in their own bedroom. So, bring it along. You will find the hotelier will be very happy with your choice to do so.

ASK UP FRONT

You will want to know if the accommodation you have chosen is merely pet tolerant or are they pet friendly. There is a huge difference. Do they have an exercise area? Are you limited to pet-friendly (smoking) rooms? Sometimes this is not the best choice. Remember you want to be comfortable too.

TRAVEL WITH MEDICAL RECORDS

You always want to be proactive here. If there is ever an altercation, by law a dog must be quarantined without proof of vaccination.

DON’T LEAVE A FOOTPRINT

Bring along all necessary cleaning supplies in the case there is an accident and don’t forget your poop bags. Clean up after yourself and let there be no proof your pooch has ever been in the room.

Hopefully in the future the day will come where we can dine with our hounds, grab a street car in San Fran or hail a taxi in NYC. But we must prove we are worthy of such a privilege. Until that time let us do all we can to be the best and most responsible pet-friendly travelers out there.”

Enjoy a Zip Lining Good Time on a Night Time Canopy Tour

Calling all nature lovers, adrenaline junkies and night owls!

Starting this Spring, Navitat will be running nighttime canopy adventure tours! That’s right–the same soaring zip lines, sky-high platforms and canopy views formerly only offered in the light of day will be open for a different kind of fun. The tours will start at dusk on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Evening tours may not be for the faint of heart! By the end of the tour, you’ll be careening around the sky in almost total darkness, making an exciting experience even more exhilarating.

Enjoy  the chance to see it all in a very different light than ever before with artfully illuminated trees and the shine of millions of stars in the sky.

Night tours are intended for guests who have already completed a daytime canopy adventure at Navitat, and will be offered in smaller groups beginning in April. Tours go on sale February 15.

Meet one of our most illustrious guests of all time, Ms. SaraBella Prewitt but also her new partner in crime Jake. SaraBella and Jake have been chosen as cover kids representing a new line of awesome togs for dogs, CASA POOCHIE. As you can see by these little teasers, the line is destined to be a big hit. Note SaraBella donning a lovely pink knit with just a bit of whimsy. Jake is sporting a quilted, hooded vest with a hint of faux fur. Their website will be up and running in a very short time. And we will be the first to let you know. You heard it here first…CASA POOCHIE.