It’s Christmas on the farm at Big Mill Bed & Breakfast
and what a pretty time to be in the country
(Photo of Emily & Claire Fowler and Viola Music Video
by Guy Livesay of Livesay Photography)

We have lighted trees, even under the grapevine. Guests can see a tree from every room.

This year we decorated the whole Pack House Barn with a live tree in the breezeway, candles in all the windows, greenery in the Radio Flyer and glittering lights everywhere.

On Sunday, Big Mill B&B was part of the annual Williamston Woman’s Club Christmas Tour of Homes — the “Ramble,” as they call it. All the rooms in the Pack House were thrown in suite (don’t you just love that old phrase – small town newpapers used that expression in years past to let you know the whole place was open for viewing).

(photo of Chloe Tuttle by Lucia Claire Peele)

We had a great turnout – a hundred and fifty folks attended. Decorations were done by the Salt Box Flowers & Antiques in downtown Williamston.

Violists Emily & Claire Fowler played beautiful Christmas music by the roaring fire – it was a wonderful day at Big Mill. Be sure to click below to view the video of Emily and Claire’s music at Big Mill Inn. It is sure to put you in the holiday spirit.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy New Year and Season’s Greetings to all our friends and guests, and those who will become friends and guests in the New Year.

Moses and  

Photo by Stacey Haines of Stacey Haines Photography

If you venture to Southern Pines, NC on Thanksgiving Day, and stand with horses and hounds on Hobby Field, you will hear the Episcopal priest begin his blessing:

"Bless, O Lord, we beseech You, rider and horse and hound. Shield the rider from danger to life and limb, and may the chase bring to him vigor of body and clearness of mind.

May the horse that carries him come unharmed to the close of the hunting day, and be regarded as man's helper in his work and in his play…." This blessing extends to the hounds, the horses, the riders and even the fox.

Photos by Stacey Haines of Stacey Haines Photography

A fox-scented rag is dragged over the path, a sharp blast from a horn is sounded and the hounds are off – riders in pursuit. The hunt is on.

North Carolina is rich in the tradition of the hunt – with or without the fox.

These captivating photographs were taken by Stacey Haines of Stacey Haines Photography. Well, Stacey came to Big Mill Bed & Breakfast and took many of the photos on our website. And she has been busy. She has taken the cover photos for Our State Magazine three times in 2010, or maybe more!

Photo by Stacey Haines.

Way to go, Stacey!  And thanks for sharing with Chloe's Blog and Snapshots of Eastern North Carolina.

If you plan to attend this year's Blessing of the Hounds:
 
When:  Thanksgiving Day, 10 a.m.  (November 25, 2010)
Where:  Hobby Field, 3116 Youngs Road, Southern Pines, NC 28387
Details:  Recorded message – (910) 692-6889