Spring 2008

They say blogs are virtually useless unless they are kept up and I can't seem to get it together. Nevertheless, even if this blog is only a chronicle of the happenings in Mendocino, my life and the Whitegate Inn, I'll continue to write sporatically.

The outside of the inn has been freshly painted as has some of the inside. It sparkles. Though a cliche, spring is the time of rebirth and attitudes brighten up along with the flowers and increased sun and daylight.

Personally, our daughter Maya became engaged during a visit to Mendocino. Romance must be in the air. They will be married in July in Portland. We love Jeremy and are moved to see Maya so happy. She also will be starting a doctoral program leading to her becoming a family nurse practitioner so she will be a ultra busy newlywed.

I am now the Director of Special Projects for the Mendocino County Promotional Alliance, MCPA. I will be working on a variety of interesting and challenging projects such as the development of a California Welcome Center, grant writing, Geotourism and web site work. It's a parttime job which could easily morph into fulltime if I'm not careful. Fortunately our wonderful innkeepers have stepped up and Susan has taken more of a management role. The summer will be the ultimate test. My job is in Ukiah. I hope to continue to do some wine sales for Esterlina but will not be able to take many out of town trips.

We are all excited about the upcoming Mendocino Film Festival from May 29-June 1. It gets better each year and we usually host a director or producer.

We have made many new friends this winter. One delightful couple stayed with us the entire month of January. And of course many old friends continue to visit us. It's fascinating to hear about life changes from people with whom you have a rapport.