by Chloe Tuttle
on July 7, 2013
The mystery – What happened to the Lost Colony? Are they in Manteo or maybe still in eastern North Carolina?
In 1587, a colony of 120 souls established the first English Colony in this new world on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Three years later when John White returned from England with supplies, the colony had vanished. He found only the word “Croatoan” carved into a tree. Recently researchers have found a clue that the colonists may have moved to Bertie County — to what is now an Arnold Palmer Golf Course. [continue reading…]
by Chloe Tuttle
on June 20, 2013
Do you need an easy punch recipe for that special summer party?
This great-tasting party punch is quick and easy to make and pretty – and you can do most of the prep ahead of time. Here is the recipe. [continue reading…]
by Chloe Tuttle
on May 30, 2013
Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park is a fascinating world of birds
There are more than two thousand birds from six continents in Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park located in Scotland Neck in eastern North Carolina. It is truly a bird watcher’s paradise! In fact, it features the largest collection of waterfowl in the world. [continue reading…]
by Chloe Tuttle
on May 19, 2013
Does washing berries in a vinegar wash keep them fresh longer?
Fresh picked berries are yummy. Recipe for storing berries below
Everyone has an opinion. I think you should at least give it a try, then decide. I know the vinegar wash works for me, but then I think white vinegar is “gold.” We use it here at Big Mill B&B for an eco-friendly cleaning product. I also use it as a fabric softener. [continue reading…]
by Chloe Tuttle
on May 12, 2013
In spring we celebrate the beautiful Sage plant.
Clary Sage is a gorgeous plant.
Bertie County and the surrounding counties in eastern North Carolina grow 15,000 acres of Clary Sage. This sage is in the Salvia family; I remember my mother calling the red salvia that is so popular “scarlet sage.” Clary Sage is a beautiful plant that grows upright and blooms with vibrant, mostly purple flowers. Click to learn more about growning and using Clary Sage
by Chloe Tuttle
on May 4, 2013
Little Raisin Fur Person came to live at Big Mill in November of 2012. I have wanted to write about her for a long time, but she has been in motion – I couln’t get a picture of her. I finally have a photo, but only one. Meet Raisin:
When I was little, my sister and brother had already moved out. But they left stuff behind — my brother John left all his 78 rpm records, so I played them all. My favortie song was Brazen Little Raisin. (you need to listen to this fun song).
It seems that a little grape didn’t listen to his mama – he stayed in the sun too long and he became a raisin:
“way out in California where the sunbeams shine
a little grape was hanging on a big grape vine.
Mama Grape said, “Careful, don’t get too much sun,
’cause grapes turn in to raisins when they’re too well done.”
So all these years I have wanted a cat named Moses; that I have done. I wanted a cat named Sausage; that I have done. And now I have Raisin. She’s sweet, albeit strange and a bit shy. She would love to meet you. There was also a record about a big baboon at the Animal Fair. I do NOT want a cat named Baboon – or, maybe I do?
Big Mill Bed and Breakfast 252-792-8787
by Chloe Tuttle
on April 4, 2013
Innkeeper’s Suet Recipe
Our special Earth Day gift to birds here at Big Mill Bird & Breakfast
Earth Day is just around the corner, so it seemed like a perfect time to celebrate the birds we love with a suet recipe they delight in eating.
When I am cooking for the bed and breakfast guests, I also make suet for our lovely feathered travelers. And this suet recipe is made from things that we all have in our larders, especially innkeepers. Recipe below is easy! Click here for Suet Recipe for the BIrds
by Chloe Tuttle
on March 14, 2013
The mighty Roanoke River is heaven for the Rock Fish Fisherman
Rock fish – Striper in the Roanoke River – photo courtesy Capt. Mitchell Blake
Check for dates for when the Roanoke River basin is open for Rock Fish fishing or Stripers with some rules, of course. The minimum limit is 18 inches and only one river bass above 27 inches can be kept, in the creel, as they say. Click to get Rock Fish Stew Recipe
by Chloe Tuttle
on February 18, 2013
When I was growing up we always had a winter garden of all kinds of greens and root vegetables, including turnips and rutabagas.
In cold weather my mother would make rutabaga rice soup that I now associate with life on the farm, warm fires and being happy. Other than my family members, no one I know has ever heard of this soup. If you like rutabagas, give it a try. Even if you aren’t sure if you like rutabagas, give it a try. You might surprise yourself. Recipe below is easy. Rutabagas make a great Rice soup – recipe below
by Chloe Tuttle
on February 10, 2013
Bird lovers everywhere join in the Great Backyard Bird Count
Photo by Guy Livesay
We love the annual Great Backyard Bird Count. It’s easy to participate and it helps the birds. You sign up on the website and agree to count birds for at least 15 minutes on at least one of the 4 days of the bird count, more if you want. Everyone is welcome. You don’t need to be an expert. Sign up is easy and free.
We have always had birds here at Big Mill B&B. When I was growing up, my father would tell me the name of each bird by the song it sang. Oh, how I wish I had that gift. [continue reading…]
