10 Things We’re Loving Right Now
1. People Who Love Their Pets
We have two pet friendly rooms and we love pets, as long as you agree to abide by our ‘Pet Rules’, you are welcome. The idea is that people who love their pets enough to bring them on holidays are usually very nice people. Our ‘Pet Rules’ are designed to ensure everyone enjoys their stay.
In the last few months we have accommodated many dogs, a couple of cats and a turtle enjoying a honeymoon! We are very much looking forward to the arrival two prize-winning donkeys and a very friendly rabbit (each with owners!).
We have discovered people who love their pets are good people.
2. Great Music
Few experiences in lifehave the power to stir emotions like good music. Currently on the play list at Schonegg are several albums by the ethereal Katie Melua, Secret Garden, Sarah Blasco and a great CD ‘She Will Have Her Way, The Songs of Tim and Neil Finn’.
(In the kitchen you are more likely to encounter Stevie Vai or Joe Satriani, Richard is an 80’s tragic!)
3. Pashmak
Pashmak, or Persian Fairy Floss, is a wonderful dessert garnish available from The Essential Ingredient in a number of flavours including vanilla, saffron, pistachio, rose and chocolate.
Light as air, sweet as honey – its a sophisticated version of the pink fluffy stuff you used to get at the local show.
4. Neighbours
We can only wish your neighbours are as wonderful as ours.
Last weekend we received a huge bag of wonderfully ripe figs from Ken and Margaret, owners of the oldest and most stately fig tree in Yass. Two days ago a parcel of intriguing purple beans was delivered at our doorstep (thank you Robyn!) and today we were offered a sample of the most delicious, fresh baby cucumbers and Black Russian tomatoes, nurtured in organic worm castings. Produce doesn’t get more love than this!
Thank you wonderful neighbours – you know your offerings are going to a good home where they will be appreciated!
5. Parlor Wine Room
We were very pleased to be invited to the launch of ‘Culture Shock’, Australian Capital Tourism’s latest marketing initiative. The venue was The Parlour Wine Room, Hotel Diamont, New Acton.
We loved the event, nothing beats a glass of sparkling at 11.00 AM on a Friday morning, but we also loved the venue. Obviously someone with a vision runs this business and we love the quirky uniqueness.
We are pleased to say we have been back. We arrived late afternoon and left just before dark, having sampled a fair proportion of the tapas and dessert menu, some fine Australian sparkling and, just for the boys, some Spanish beer! A great way to spend a perfect Canberra summer evening.
6. Stromlo Forest Park
Richard and daughter Katja participated in the annual Schools Cross Country Challengelast Friday, 19 February, at Stromlo Forest Park. Not only did we get to meet Canberra icon Robert De Castella, we also enjoyed our first encounter with Stromlo Forest Park.
We have since learnt that Stromlo Forest Park is also considered on of Australia’s finest BMX venues. Well worth a visit, on foot or cycle.
7. Rain
On Valentine’s Day Weekend (13 and 14 February 2010) we received more than 120 mm of rain. This was more than we have ever experienced since moving to Murrumbateman in 2002. We are pleased to report that all our tanks and dams are FULL! for the first time ever!
Sure, the grass need mowing, but we love the sound of 1000 contented frogs in the evening, and the new growth shooting from our many Australia native shrubs. A rare phenomenon to be enjoyed.
8. Windows 7
After a very unhappy two years running Windows Vista on Richard’s laptop, we have migrated to Windows 7 and we love it. If you have been having issues, such as crashing Microsoft Office apps, while running Vista, we strongly recommend Windows 7.
8. Masterpieces of Paris Exhibition
Evelyn, Richard, Kirsty, Jamie and Pam spent a civilized afternoon yesterday at the NGA visting the Masterpieces exhibition. We each had our own favorite, but agreed no exhibit had ever offered so much to a viewer.
The National Gallery of Australia is confident of breaking all existing attendance records with its current exhibiton. Aiming for a target of 240,000 visitors, it has just passed the 200,000 mark. With a closing date of April 4, this record is sure to be smashed!
Don’t miss out, be part of this truly ‘once in a lifetyime’ event. See our Specials & Packages page for details of how you too can stand face to face with many of the world’s masterpieces.
Take a quick visit to our ‘Check Availability” page and you will see that Schonegg has never been busier. Our advice – book your preferred date today!
10. You!
We’ve met a lot of people since we opened our doors to the public in March 2003. Today we are welcoming many of you back for a second, third or 25th visit (thank you Barbara and Ray!).
A typical day at Schonegg can be a long one – early breakfast, late finishes. We love what we do and we thrive on the contact we have with you. our guests. A visit to Schonegg means a lot to many people and we love to hear the things you say about your time with us…“My stay at Schonegg was a memorable life experience of all that is well done..” Thank you Marilyn.
So that’s 10 things we’re loving right now. We’d love to hear your thoughts.
Richard
