AS WINTER PASSES OVER TO SPRING....IT BRINGS OUT THE ART IN US ALL...

The Season Hand Over

Pack away the skis, the crampons and ice axe
Put away the de-icer, the scraper and gloves
Store away the shovel, the salt and the grit
Winter has gone away at least for a while

Break out the bike, the boots and the clubs
Think on the garden, more heathers and shrubs
Dust off the barby and stock up on rose
Spring has arrived at least for a while

A Poem by
Mine Host

SPRING...AT LAST!

MMMMM...warm days...even a couple of warmish evenings....light the garden fire and open a bottle of wine and enjoy the stars coming out...life is not all bad..

Also, if you want to see a very fab web site and possible holiday spot (for cool people only)....google search SOURCE ALPS..

Mine Host
www.craigernehotel.com

WHERE HAVE ALL THE COFFEE DRINKERS GONE....?

Being up in the Scottish Highlands, with a lovely property in a lovely location with stunning scenery you get to thinking...... well now lets see.... folks like coffee, they like home baking, they like lovely cakes, they like good home made soup, they like views, they like sitting by a wood burning stove when there is a chill and they like sitting in a lovely setting in the garden when the sun shines....

...."EUREKA"....we'll open a coffee shop offering all of these things!

But...(and this is the big butt), how long before folks realise you are here and start to come in good numbers? This is the one thing nobody knows....well I am here to tell you that we will be able to let you know how long this does take....but not until it happens?!*!

Until then my butt will just continue to get bigger as I make my own journey through the coffee n the soups n the cakes n the scones n the etc......But at least I will be doing this from beside the stove or a seat in the sun...

Yours patiently,
Mine Host

AN OFTEN FORGOTTEN TIP FOR LIFE....

In the business of being a small hotelier (not forgetting the added complication of coffee shop offering) I am finding that when it is clear that something is your fault...it is not complicated.....just take the blame!

I reckon this probably goes for all walks of life... though now I think of it...perhaps not banking?

For Easter DISCOUNT...see one blog below....(read it to the tune from Madness)

Mine Host

EASTER OFFER...

Easter this year seems to be going on for about 4 weeks...folks booked in last week and two weeks from now and all on Easter Hols...very odd..

We do still have some availability so if you wish to get away from things an come and enjoy some quality times in the Cairngorm National Park then drop us an e mail or give us a call...

www.craigernehotel.com
01540 673 281

Mention you are a "blogger" and you will get a 10% DISCOUNT...

Mine Host

SALT AND CREAM...

Cooking...smooking....the secret to good food is SALT AND CREAM....

Here is another thing. (Actually its something an older guest said to me the other day)....it's been digesting or perhaps more like fermenting and now its time to come out...
"It just might be worth considering that when you are 45 and think you are getting old.... you may only be half way through your life..."

Now that's a good thought for any day...

But mind you...too much Salt and Cream and you are more than likely to be half way through?!

Mine Host

Twitters and Tweeds.?

I am beginning to feel that being a Twitter and experimenting with Tweeds is actually one in the same...somewhat dull as well as a little embarasing....unless someone can enlighten me differently (SOON), then I think I shall be giving both up??!!

And another thing...as one gets older I reckon it is OK to experiment with a beard from time to time...but a pipe....never.

Mine Host

IS IT A SIGN!

Anyone going through Newtonmore heading North or South....look out for the brown sign by the Primary School, this states Craigerne Hotel and Coffee Shop and The Golf Course....This will bring you to us.

Once you approach across the golf course you will see our NEW SIGN right beside the first T on the Golf Course....just managed to get it painted and erected before the deluge (Deluge mentioned in previous ditty). Some say the trip would be worth it just to see the sign?

Mention that you are a Blogg Follower and you will get 10% Discount at the Coffee Shop!!!
This is our crutch to assist you crack the credit crunch.

10% Discount....ya beauty!
Mine Host

The animals are coming in two by two...

No it is not the arrival of participants for a stag doo or for that matter a hen doo!! Quite simply, I will always say... if it must rain, then let it rain...let it rain...let it rain..
Who wants drizzle or smir or precipitation dragging on for the day? ....Lets get a good Highland deluge... even heavy rain can be enjoyed, just ask folks from Africa or that matter the Spanish and the Italians.
Mind you...on a poor day the downpour can last all day! (Did you know the word deluge is Gallic for downpour)

And for any of you wondering what rain has to do with animals....read a bible....

Mine Host

Its a funny old game...

Today we have just jumped right over spring and into a summers day...The golf course is busy and yet the ski slopes are also still open for the keen and the hardy!!
Wonderful to see the golfers grouping round the first T (right outside our hotel), all excited about the first hit of the season only to see them heading off down the first fairway with shoulders slumped as yet again they have not quite found the magic... for their first few shots of the year.

It has reminded me that before I head out on that same trip for my first swing of the year that golf.....its a funny old game.... especially if you don't hear the mountain biker coming along the road you are trying to hit your T shot over?!*

Still....at least being next door to the club house I will never have to buy a golf ball as a good supply just appears every day... now that is magic!

Mine Host

ELLO ELLO...

Just to let you know.

Having your own small country house hotel in the Highlands of Scotland is nothing like Fawlty Towers at all....its more like hello hello..

Rene....listen very carefully...I will say this only once...

Mine Host

Escape the Credit Crunch.

For holidays this year the Dollar makes USA a big step and the Euro makes any European holiday destination an even bigger step...One option is to take a smaller step up to the Highlands.

The Cairngorm National Park is a hot bed for active holidays, be it for families, groups of lads, groups of lasses or couples..there is just way toooo much to pick from.
Like the more Traditional; hunting, fishing and shooting to Sporty; golf, mountain biking, cycling, white water rafting/water sports and hill walking to the High Octane; off road driving, quad biking and gorge exploring.

Less Physical you can also choose from wildlife-watching, enjoying the scenery and the Distillery's of Speyside and more local to the Craigerne we can recommend or arrange various Health Treatments.

From Newtonmore you are well placed for heading North, South, East and West. With a large and secluded car park we can offer a timely and tranquil oasis for Biker's and Car Clubs up having a tour of the Highlands.

Or if you fancy a trip with romance, take the sleeper train from London arriving just 500yrds from the Craigerne in time for breakfast...

Come up and try out any number of these possibilities...If you do, be sure to make it at or via the Craigerne Hotel.

Mine Host
www.craigernehotel.com

FREE HOTEL STAY! ......I don't beleive it?

Come and stay for free... free food, free drink and free stay for all who book in from today onwards....

Personal Invite from Mine Host and his German chum... "Forst Avreel"
(Just supply us with your credit card details when you call to book)

Whats all this about not being able to.... HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT IT???

I,ve been doing it for two weeks now??!!

Mine ..Rotunda.. Host