Spring has finally arrived at the Farmhouse (I saw my first delightful crocus and robin redbreast yesterday). It is with glee that we bid adieu to a very harrowing and distasteful winter. The glories of the sunshine have brought many favorable thoughts to Audrey, our staff, and me. The foremost being; as we continually track the perambulations of our guests, we find that more and more of them just like to stay at the Farmhouse. A walk, a visit to a winery, a horseback ride for two or three hours is all they want. Relaxation is the underlying key. Mostly they want to sit on the patio, watch the mountains and sunsets, play with their dogs, and just chill out. Our kitchen is used more and more by guests who want to prepare their favorite meal, sip a bottle of brew or hold a glass of Chardonnay.

Collating our views on that, we are awaiting plans for a forty foot deck to be built over our back patio onto the field. It will allow us to serve outdoor buffet breakfasts with ease, and a new stainless steel barbecue will enable those who want to cook to have it all in hand. It is an exciting new venture and we expect many new pleasures to emit from it. The Jacuzzi will be enclosed in the deck as well as the stairs leading from the house. "Hanging out" will be the main focus of the Farmhouse. Construction will commence as soon as plans, permits, financing, etc. are in order. Out pool will be open on May 1, 2010.

Weddings are being booked nicely and our own Cathy has become quite adept at following through with prospective brides and grooms. We are proud to announce the addition of a new breakfast chef, Jackie Rosenblatt, who comes to us with many years of experience and a great deal of creativity in the culinary arts. She is a pleasure to have onboard.

In addition to our Gift Cards, we are pursuing the issuance of "Frequent Farmhouse Cards." Stay five times and get the sixth time FREE (one night stay). We seek your input on that issue.

Our fire ring was being used extensively until the snow covered it up, but it is indeed a delightful way to spend a couple of hours on a brisk night. We have lots of chairs around it, all you need is the wine or beer.

We have had some kite flying enthusiasts aboard and they thought it was the best because our fields are open with no hampering trees. Keep that in mind. We are also considering horse shoe pits.

The Walk Across the Hudson continues to be one of the new major attractions in the area and we urge you to include it in your weekend repertoire. I have done it and it is spectacular.

There is a new restaurant opening at the Old Gristmill off of Route 44/55 on Albany Post Road. We will keep you posted.

We now offer pet sitting at our house. Leave your pet with us and he/she will be well taken care of, walked, fed, and loved.

We are well prepared for the new season. Out team is perhaps the best that we have ever had. Their experience, hospitality, and attention to the details are outstanding, and are what makes Audrey's one of the best Bed & Breakfasts in the state. Please call us and let us continue to show you how good we are!

We are here and hope to see you soon.

~ Audrey, Don Leff & Staff

P.S. In view of the economic situation, we are pleased to say that our rates have not changed in 3 years and still remain the same.