· Opening Day and Ongoing Projects

Yesterday morning, Sam continued the task of refinishing one of the B&B's antique breakfast tables. His completed new gate was victoriously checked off his (never-ending) to-do list. He also raked leaves...to keep his weight down while waiting for me to finish our long shopping list.

Then we spent the remainder of the day in Rapid City. We became very hungry just as we were nearing a new Mexican Restaurant, South of the Border—Excellent food, attentive service...and we recommend it!

This morning, our guests have enjoyed their breakfast and French Vanilla Cappuccino. They are now out and about for the day. Shortly after they left, we opened Smiling Bear Antique Shop and Espresso Bar for the first time this season!

When these guests say good-bye to their Black Hills vacation, Sam will apply more finish to the newly constructed outside wall which compliments the CLP Suite. After a little more elbow grease on the new microwave shelf of the Bluma Madle Suite, shall we give him a 15-minute break? :-)

The RHUBARB is breaking ground fast, and beginning to unfurl...

· Construction Around the House

Mountains To Prairies Bed and Breakfast (Black Hills Home Cabins) - Sam is still applying finish to his newly sided outside wall (Chessie Lee's Peas Suite), process prolonged by snowfalls, excess cold or wind. In the meanwhile, he built an attractive microwave shelf as a topper for the short refrigerator in the Bluma Madle Suite. Plus he installed a gate to the backyard (for his use in maintenance tasks) on the privacy fence which is around the deck of the Prairie Homestead. Pics later. We just toted one of the antique breakfast tables to the deck for surface refinishing.

The RHUBARB which is planted along the boardwalk (leading to the Prairie Homestead) is just beginning to reach for sunshine, through traces of snow, pictured below. Does that not make you want to get out there and dirty your hands?