Biking the Alleghney Passage and C and O Canals

It is one week away from the PETTIE TEAM’s (Linda, George, George’s nephew Seth, his wife Liz,
and a friend Ethan) departure from Pittsburgh TO destination Washington, DC in this year’s David
Pettie Memorial Ride. We have arranged for donations to go to the LIVESTRONG FOUNDATION, an
organization dedicated to’… inspire and empower people affected by cancer”. The ride is approximately
340 miles and the TEAM will be riding it in 5 days.

Take a look at the website Seth posted at www.pettie.net/davidpettie – we would love it if you would
contribute to LIVESTRONG – suggesting a $.25-.50 cent per mile to reach our goal of $10,000. However,
a contribution of any amount would be appreciated.

It’s easy to donate – just go to this website –there is information about the two trails, photos of past
rides and photos of David with friends and family!

Happy Trails!

Caroline A. McNiece

CAROLINE'S PASSING

Carol Anne Caroline Higgins McNiece departed this world on Monday, June 20, 2011 from Portland, Oregon where she had been living since late April since retiring from the Lake Pointe Inn. She was born on June 6, 1945 to Charles H. PatHiggins, Jr. and Bonnie Lee Andrews Higgins in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Carol's passions for traveling, gourmet cooking, design, and learning created a coterie of devoted professional and personal friends. Her love of travel took her around the world. She worked for Braniff Airlines, Journey House Travel, and EZ Communications. A Francophile to core, she adored Paris, France where she visited annually and was sorry the Concord no longer flew.

In 1997, Carol became Innkeeper of Lake Pointe Inn, McHenry, Maryland. The Inn earned membership in Select Registry, Distinguished Inns of America in 2000. Her love of gourmet cooking amazed her guests and friends. Her love of learning about other cultures and languages was endless. Foreign exchange students worked side by side with Carolineat the Inn throughout her tenure.

She is survived by one son, Kelly Carlton McNiece and his wife Krista Marsh of Portland, OR.; mother, Bonnie Higgins of Cassville, MO; sister, Bobbi Higgins Lombard and husband David of Stillwater, OK; granddaughters, Kelsey and Ashlin McNiece of Portland, OR; nieces Kathryn Lombard of Austin, TX and Hilary Lombard of Stillwater, OK; nephew Jeffrey Lombard and wife Chrissy of Tulsa, OK; numerous other family members and many devoted friends.

At Carol's request there will be no services but feel free to gather for a party celebrating her life. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Caroline A. McNiece Scholarship established at The Garrett College Foundation, 687 Mosser Road, McHenry, Maryland 21541 or by calling 301-387-3131.

New Germany State Park

New Germany State Park’s visitors frequently call it a “best kept secret.” This mountain getaway is seated between the 2,900 ft. Big Savage Mountain and the eastern Continental Divide along Meadow Mountain. Named by early settlers due to its resemblance to their homeland, New Germany has diverse forests with ten miles of multi-use trails and a small lake suitable for fishing, swimming, and non-motorized boating. This park is ideal for families and individuals looking to “unplug” from the busy pace of life in cities and suburbs. Contained within Savage River State Forrest, this area is not short on history. the nature center can help you with that and much more. there you can find information on the park, safe camping habits, organized nature hikes, and campfires. these campfires feature special guests to talk about tons of different topics from nature to society. So maybe there is a day trip in your future to New Germany State Park.

Herrington Manor State Park

As some may remember from experience ,or history class, the Civilian Conservation Corps, or CCC, went to work to better America through conservation in every state and territory. that is how Herrington manor came to be. In the 30's, the came and dammed Herrington Creek, creating a lake. A park soon followed through this program. Herrington Manor was established as a state park in 1964 and offers visitors a variety of activities such as camping, swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, kayaking, picnicking, tennis, volleyball and 20 rental cabins. If you prefer something for the winter, never fear. Herrington manor also offers cross country skiing with 10 miles of trails into the adjoining state forest that are beginning to intermediate level. There is also a 5.5 mile trail that runs between Herrington Manor and Swallow Falls State Parks. The park trails are track-set when conditions allow.

Our Recipes: Part 5

Lake Pointe Inn Best Ever Cherry Muffins

1 3/4 cup flour
2 Tbs sugar
2 1/2 tbs baking powder
3/4 tsp salt
2 tsp almond extract

1 well beaten egg
3/4 cup milk
1/3 cup oil
1 bag frozen dark cherries

Combine dry ingredients thuroghly. Combine liquid ingredients thuroghly. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour in liquids and stir until just combined. Fill muffin tins and bake at 400 degrees for 25 mins(less if small muffins).

While still hot, roll in melted butter then in sugar. If you have butter left over, make a hole in the top of each muffin and pour butter over top.


...Betcha can't eat just one!

Swallow Falls State Park

If you have been reading this blog, you may know by now that Garrett County has many state parks to boast. In my opinion, Swallow Falls State Park has the most beautiful scenery. This park is a snapshot of everything we have to offer here in Garrett County. The waters, rapids, boulders, and forrest make up a park that is one of a kind. The park contains Maryland's highest waterfall, Muddy Creek Falls, a crashing 53-foot waterfall along with its relative waterfall, Swallow Falls. Camping has long been a tradition at the state park boasting visitors in the early 20th century of, Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone, who often came to camp near Muddy Creek Falls. Now the park has 65 camping sites for people wanting to experience the great outdoors. If you are looking for swimming, this is also a place to be! During low water flow parts of the season, there are a few calmer pools to swim and play in. there are also a couple of areas deep enough to jump into. Though you do need to take caution for at times the water can be dangerous, the water is cool and refreshing. Last, but not least, for you photographers out there, pay a visit in the Autumn. The foliage will take your breath away. Swallow Falls is a namecreated by early tourists for the Rhaeadr Ewynnol, (English: Foaming Waterfall), a waterfall in Wales.

Deep Creek Lake, McHenry, and Oakland

The lake was born in the late 20's when a dam was built to generate electricity for the area through the Youghiogheny Hydroelectric Company. Around the lake soon grew a community that has grown significantly in the last 20 years. Once a very well kept secret, the Deep Creek Lake area has become a regular recreation area for those living in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. Deep Creek Lake is the largest inland body of water in the state of Maryland and is home to a wide variety of freshwater fish and aquatic birds. It covers approximately 3,900 acres (16 km²) and has 69 miles (111 km) of shoreline. Like all lakes in Maryland, it is man-made. McHenry is a small community located in Garrett County, Maryland on the northern most shore of Deep Creek Lake. Located on the outskirts of McHenry is the Garrett County Airport, Wisp Ski Resort, and Golf Club at Wisp. Oakland is a community just outside of the lake area that has history in its own. The National Historic Trust designated Oakland as a National Main Street Community in 1998, with its old victorian houses and a queen anne style railway station that has a small museum on the history of the B&O Railroad.

Our Recipies: Part 4

With summer about to start, and fruit more than plentiful, you might get bored of just eating plain ole pears. well there is a great recipe for that! Introducing butterscotch bakes pears, a perfect way to mix it up and still eat your fruit.


BUTTERSCOTCH BAKED PEARS

12 SERVINGS

INGREDIENTS:
6 medium ripe but firm Bosc pears, peeled, halved lengthwise
6 Tbls (3/4 stick) of unsalted butter
¼ cup (packed_ golden brown sugar
1/8 tsp salt
2 Tbls Scotch
½ tsp vanilla extract

METHOD:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Using melon baLler or small spoon, scoop out core from each pear half.  Melt butter in large ovenproof skillet over medium heat.  Whisk in brown sugar and salt.  Arrange pears, cut side down, in skillet in single layer. Spoon some of sugar mixture over pears. Place skillet in oven.  Bake until pears are tender, basting once with syrup, about 30 minutes.  Transfer pears, cut side up to large shallow bowl, leaving syrup in skillet.   Mix Scotch and vanilla extract into syrup. Using oven mitts as aid, place hot skillet over medium high heat (mixture may ignite) Cook until syrup is reduced by half, whisking often, about 2 minutes.  Spoon syrup over pears and serve.

Spring in Full Force

     Spring has officially landed in Garrett County! With the summer season just around the corner, many businesses and residents are preparing for a fun filled summer. The Bear Project for the deep creek lake state park is making a huge impact on what they hope will bring a new canopy. The bears are one by one moving into their new "foster homes" where they will be found until November. So this summer and fall, when you visit, why not go on a bear hunt? Join in the fun by picking up a Bear Trail Guide at each of the sponsor locations, the Discovery Center, Visitor Center in McHenry and other locations.   Those that find all 20 bears, verified by the participating sponsors, will be eligible for a grande prize drawing of a carved bear! We will have our very own and he will be serving lemonade to thirsty searching parties!
     In other news, the state parks are opening for longer days and more visitors, both local and beyond. Six State parks are located in Garrett County. All offer picnic, and fishing areas, while all but Casselman River State Park have hiking paths. Mountain bike paths, swimming areas, and boat launches and rentals are available at Deep Creek, Herrington Manor and New Germany State Parks. Rental cabins are available at Herrington Manor and New Germany State Parks. Big Run, Deep Creek, Herrington Manor and New Germany State Parks all offer canoeing, while campsites may be found at Big Run, Deep Creek, New Germany, and Swallow Falls State Parks. Nature is a thing some people often overlook. But, when you are here, you stop to take a look around. And what you see, it truly one of a kind.

Rapids

As spring moves into full swing, there is one thing that can be seen almost everywhere. rafting, kayaking and canoeing. garrett county boasts some of the best world class rapids and a center of man made river channel complete with rapids where championships, trials and world class athletes practice. it is the world's only mountaintop whitewater course, and can be enjoyed by beginners, families and paddling enthusiasts. ASCI hosts national and international caliber events, as well as races, competitions and festivals for children and developing athletes. Along with the man made river there is rock climbing for all levels of expierence. For early and late season rafting when asci isn’t open, there is the Youghiogheny River. A tribuitary to the Monongahela River, the Youghiogheny is popular for whitewater kayaking and rafting. A few sections of the river, varying in difficulty, are available on a predictable basis for whitewater recreation: Top Yough, near Swallow Falls State Park (Class IV-V), Upper Yough, from Sang Run to Friendsville, Maryland (Class IV-V), Middle Yough, from Confluence, Pennsylvania to Ohiopyle (Class II). There is also Lower Yough, which runs through Ohiopyle State Park from Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania to Bruner Run (Class III-IV). For a begginers class on rafting to a challenge for even the most expierenced white water rafter, we have something to offer you.

Leo Beachy

Not many people know how much history this county has. a man by the name of Leo Beachy, a school teacher in 1874, began to take photographs to express the natural beauty here in western maryland. he had a severe illness, but that didnt stop him from seeing the wonders of our world. in 1927 at his death, thousands upon thousands of his photographic plates were destroyed. now only 2887 reman. these are held by the garrett county historical society in oakland, maryland. Their website holds an archive of all of his plates. There may be almost 2900, but only a select few have been printed. His pictures span the years of 1905 to 1927, and feature everything from portraits to striking landscape photography. Many people call his work and amazing display of photography and are very proud this man hails from our area. He has many books and a documentary that was on public television. Be sure to look out, and look through his eyes when you visit. You might be surprised at what you find.

Caroline is Retiring

Breaking News at Lake Pointe Inn

After 14 years as the Innkeeper of the Lake Pointe Inn, Caroline is retiring.  Yes, it is true! After cooking many breakfasts, adding her style to many of the physical additions to the Inn, and the constant tweaking of amenities--- she deserves to finally take time to relax at Deep Creek Lake at her own pace and also take time to travel and visit friends and family around the country.

We welcome Ed Spak as our new Innkeeper/General Manager.  Ed comes to us with 25 years' experience in the food & hospitality industry and brings his passion for food and will continue the Lake Pointe Inn tradition of genuine hospitality.

Originally from the west coast, Ed has found home in the mountains of Maryland where his wife was born. He lives in McHenry with his wife and two young children. Most recently, Ed was the General Manager of Cornish Manor Restaurant in Oakland.

Kudos to Caroline for a job well done and the Lake Pointe Inn staff are enthusiastic about Ed’s arrival at the Inn!

Da Bears

 Lately, there has been an effort at the state park to build a canopy for elevated walking tours and bird watching. This year, a new fundraiser has come to light, bears. A local artist, who does chain saw pieces carved in wood, is carving huge bears. These aren’t just any bears though. They will be sponsored by local businesses, and will be painted by local artists with their unique ideas, many of which are inspired by the county itself. These are then going to be placed around the park for people to go on “bear hunts”. When you go to the park, maps will be available to find the bears.  Some sponsors are even offering discounts and special sales for those who go on the hunt and find their bear. The bears will be all over the park all summer, and hen a little longer than that. During autumn glory, these bears will be auctioned off to raise even more money, bringing the canopy closer to reality for everyone working on this project. The lake pointe inn is sponsoring a bear, so come on up. Go on the bear hunt and have fun at the state parks here in Garrett County. Who knows what you might find.

The Ducks

Every business has their little traditions. At the Lake Pointe Inn, there is one that stands out: the traveling ducks. Originally the ducks were a gift from the company who installed the tubs at the inn. After a while it was noticed a few were missing. This is when they decided that the ducks would be a bigger part of the inn. Since then, the ducks have been taken and have been traveling, much like the character from flat Stanley. Every once and a while a picture will be sent to us here and here are a few recent ones from the cherry blossom festival in Washington D.C. The ducks have become part of the inn that people remember, our own little mascot, next to Wanda the goldfish of course. They change from season to season, a new design every year, and many regular visitors collect them. So wherever you go, be on the look out for a Lake Pointe Inn duck.

Special Deal!

Here’s a relaxing TAX BREAK!  Lake Pointe Inn is offering a ‘stress less’ rate of $185 per night (dbl occ) Sunday through Thursday during the month of April.  REALLY surprise someone and come celebrate their Birthday or Anniversary early (or late);  Relax now that taxes are filed!  Can’t take that week- long vacation- so do a mid-week retreat instead!  Book early because you will get the best room available at the time you make your reservation! A savings of 20-30% off the regular room rate!

Accident

Most people think Accident is an interesting name for a town. Just yesterday I was asked about it by a CBP officer on my way home. Not too many residents know the story of the name though. As what many could call a suburb of the lake, Accident is a small town with its own history to it. The Drane family received this land as part of a grant program that dates back to right after the Revolutionary War. They wanted to find the best tract of land in all of Western Maryland. So, they sent out two different surveyors. When the surveyors returned to have Drane choose his tract, they discovered they had surveyed the same exact tract of land, from the same tree to rock. This land was chosen and named the Accident Tract. Their original log cabin remains standing on the edge of the current town, and is open on holidays and during special historical society events. Now accident is just a quaint main street town. The homecoming is on the Fourth of July, and a parade and town social is held with contributions from local businesses and churches. For further reading on Accident, and the area known to some as Flowery Vale, look for Flowery Vale: a History of Accident, Maryland  by Mary Miller Strauss.

Goodbye winter...Hello Spring!

When the winter draws to a close, and spring is on its way, the county wakes up from hibernation the only way we know how: saying goodbye to winter with a bang! The wisp has its own tradition for this time of year. The Beachin Weekend is a celebration at the end of every ski season as its last hurrah. With crazy competitions and the theme spread throughout the resort, this is one weekend packed full of fun. From music to the staff being dressed in attire seemingly straight from Hawaii, you will feel like the beach has come to the ski slopes for a weekend. The biggest event of the weekend is the cardboard box derby. Every year teams get together and build a creative derby car from cardboard. These designs range from the standard box all the way to crazy works of art. These are then raced down the bear claw tubing park lanes. While waiting for the craziness of the races, the lodge has a dj all weekend to spin some beachin music, and activities throughout the weekend. So if you are looking for snow at the beach, a crazy weekend of fun, or just an escape, maybe Garrett County is the place for you.

Photography © Nicholas McIntosh. All rights reserved. 
Photography © randi voss photography. All rights reserved. 
Photography © Lance C. Bell. All rights reserved. 
Photography © Ryan Smith. All rights reserved. 

Our Recipes: Part 2

With maple syrup season in full swing, you are bound to have cravings for it. What better to pair it with than pancakes. so from us to you, our Pumpkin Walnut Flapjacks.

Ingredients:
1 ¼ cups buttermilk
¾ cup canned pure pumpkin
4 large eggs, separated, room temperature
¼ cup sugar
¾ tsp vanilla extract
¼ cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 1/3 cups cake flour
1 ¾ tsp pumpkin pie spice (or allspice)
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
½ cup ground walnuts (optional)

Method
Whisk buttermilk, pumpkin, egg yolks, sugar and vanilla in medium bowl to blend; whisk in melted butter.  Whisk flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in large bowl to blend.  Add dry ingredients to buttermilk mixture and whisk to combine.
Using electric mixer, beat egg whites in medium bowl until soft peaks form.  Fold whites into batter.
Lightly oil or butter heavy large skillet set over medium heat.  Working in batches, pour batter in 1/3 cupfuls onto skillet; cook until bubbles from on top, about 1 ½ minutes. Turn flapjacks over and cook until second sides brown, about 1 minute. Transfer flapjacks to plates. (sprinkle with  finely chopped walnuts) serve Syrup

Maple Syrup Season

      When you think maple syrup, what comes to mind? For most it’s the New England area. But, Garrett County has one family that has been making maple syrup for generations. The Steyer family of Oakland boasts the oldest production in the county, now owned by Randall and Mike Steyer. When the weather starts to warm, the sugar maple trees start to thaw out. When these trees are tapped, a high water content syrup is taken from the tree to then be processed. This year, the Steyer’s are using 8,500 taps on their 100 acres of woodlot. Since not all of the water can be hand collected, 35 miles of rubber tubing is used to collect the majority of the sap. Production takes hours for 39 gallons of water have to be boiled off to make one gallon of pure maple syrup. This tradition is now shrinking in our state. In 2002 there were 16 licensed producers of maple syrup in Maryland, and that number is always shrinking. The Steyer’s will probably be producing for generations to come, production being a tradition as old as the family its self. Their syrup is sold world wide, and can be ordered from anywhere. So if you cant make it to the county, you can still have a taste of it.

The Steyer's can be reached by phone or mail:
301-334-2900

2727 Gorman Road
Oakland, MD 21550

Mountain Lake Park and Loch Lynn Heights

       When it comes to Garrett County, many people first think of the Wisp or Deep Creek Lake. But that’s not all this area has to offer. Along with a lush forest and state park filled county for a multitude of outdoor activities, this area is steeped in history. Often a favorite for vacationers in surrounding regions like the D.C. Metropolitan area, Garrett County has had many famous visitors for a couple hundred years. Some more notable were President William Howard Taft, Mark Twain, and William Jennings Bryan.  Mountain Lake Park was a major draw for many people with the Chautauqua movement in the late 1800’s. Along with this movement, they boast the oldest sanctioned clay court tennis tournament in the tri state area on some of the oldest clay courts still in use today.
Next door to Mountain Lake Park is Loch Lynn Heights. This quaint little town boasted a few luxury hotels that were easily accessible by the railroad for those coming from Baltimore and Washington D.C. Though the resort burned down in 1918, this area is still a thriving community.
Both of these towns have their history, and are only a few minutes away from the lake. So if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the resort for a few hours, try taking a trip to Mountain Lake Park to play tennis or tour the small towns that have been around through the development of Garrett County.

Winter: Part 2

     Winter lasts a while here in Garrett County. While spring is just around the corner, there is still ample time for winter activities until the very last snowflake has melted. Along with all of this winter fun that has been taking place in the past few weeks, there is the deep creek dunk coming up at the end of the week. Every year behind Uno’s, a few brave souls take pledges to raise money for the Special Olympics in Maryland. So maybe you can come by and help support and watch the brave and charitable people run into freezing water. After these participants raise money, they take a plunge in the freezing cold Deep Creek Lake. Often anywhere from 6 to 24 inches will be cut out of the lake for this to take place. Also there will be the Maryland Open at the Wisp Resort. This event will crown the top freestyle skier and rider in the Mid-Atlantic region with 3 formats: Slope Style, Big Air and Terrain Park. There is nothing like seeing a skier rip down the mountain during the events they have.  Also, the wisp still has their midweek specials going on, so pull up a chair in the lodge, or watch from the slopes. And coming soon to Garret County, maple syrup season.

Our Recipes:Part 1

     Every business has something signature about them. For the Lake Pointe Inn, it's no different. Here we have a select few of recipes that are a staple for every day operations. Our granola is made fresh here in our kitchen and is always available for breakfast, or if you just want a quick snack.

Lake Pointe Gold Granola

½ cup apple juice
½ cup honey
¼ canola oil
1 ½ teaspoon pure almond extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg

4 cups rolled oats (not quick oats)
½ cup sliced almonds
½ cup shredded coconut

½ cup sliced almonds
½ shredded coconut

1 cup golden raisins

Put 4 cups oats in a large bowl.  Add almonds and coconut.

In a small saucepan combine apple juice, honey and canola.  Bring just to a boil.  Remove from heat and add almond extract, cinnamon and nutmeg.  Add to oat mixture and combine thoroughly.

Spread mixture evenly on a jelly roll pan.  Bake in 225 degree oven until dry and crispy.  This can take 1 to 2 hours.  Check every 30 minutes and stir.  When granola becomes crisp and golden brown, remove from oven, let cool and add raisins.

What to do?

     When one gets bored in Garrett County, you often become stumped with what to do.  The same concept applied this week as I was writing this. What is going on this week? Well I searched long and hard and found an answer! There are so many things, specials, and events happening in this area, sometimes you just have to look a little harder.
     So, this week, there is a Bud Light Concert Series at the wisp featuring rising bands. This week is the Steve Hussey Band. Also, every week at the wisp they have specials on lift tickets and rentals. On Mondays, there is the $29 Deal Day. ALL DAY from 9am - 5pm -- $29 Lift Ticket, Sport Ski or Snowboard Rental & 60-minute clinic!  No coupon, ID or additional purchase required!. On Wednesdays, there is Locals Day, where everybody is a local! All tickets and rentals are discounted. Finally, there is the Thursday special. Present a valid 2010-2011 Season Pass from any ski resort to receive a $21 Extended Day Lift Ticket (9am - 9pm) or a $15 Night Lift Ticket (5pm - 9pm). At the end of the month, Husky Power Dogsledding is having a special presentation day. On February 17th, enjoy an educational and entertaining dog sledding presentation. Grill mushers; see equipment; hug Huskies; watch films. No reservations needed.  Finding activities can be a little daunting, even for a local. But there is always something to do in this wonderful area.

The Lake: Winter

     This county is full of things that one visiting would enjoy. From the ages of 1 to 100, those who visit once are often coming back for more. The winter is no different from any season in this matter. With a ski resort at our back door and a winter wonderland to supply it with ample amounts of snow, the possibilities are almost endless. Some even say that this area looks like it came straight out of a Christmas card.
     Outdoor winter activities are a big part of the culture in this county. Take a ski lesson at The Wisp for a fun filled day of something new. Or, go snowshoeing at one of the many state parks. There are many places to try cross-country skiing, like Herrington Manor, and learn to snowmobile, like the wisp. If you love fishing, don’t let the weather fool you. You can go ice fishing on the lake! There isn’t a day that passes without an ice-fishing hut on the lake when the ice is safe. There are also horse drawn sleigh rides at Pleasant Valley if you just want to relax outdoors. No matter the season, you will never be bored.
     If you are an indoor type, never fear! Curl up in front of one of the fireplaces at the inn. Watch a movie from the extensive collection, or play a board game in the library. There is also a movie theatre just a few minutes away if you feel like catching a new flick. No matter your taste in activity, you will find something to do during a winter in Garrett County.

First Impressions

     Hello to everyone out there! This is an exciting new step for everyone here at the Lake Pointe Inn. About a week ago I was approached to possibly start doing this blog for a local bed and breakfast where I live. I did some research and found that this was no ordinary inn, but what appeared to be a relaxing getaway for all occasions. Upon meeting the owner and receiving a tour, everything I had found on the website proved to be true. The accommodations are phenomenal and you really feel welcome from the moment you walk in the door.That being said, this is where the, for lack of a better term, bragging, will end.

    We will be telling everyone out there about things to do in the area, special events, what activities we offer here at the inn, and every so often, a special recipe from our own kitchens. So for those looking for a place to stay, look no further! Being located in the only four season resort area in Maryland has its perks! And, to those of you looking for things to do in this wonderful area that I am lucky enough to call home, hopefully anything and everything you find here will be most helpful! We look forward to meeting you!