Notes from The Iron Mangle

Migration

2009-09-08T08:21:00.000-07:00

Even though birding and bed and breakfasts go hand in hand, this migration is about my blog. I will now be posting through my website www.the-bohemian.com. Heavens, the site is like owning a virtual B&B, meaning I am cleaning house from the front door to the back. I find the discovery exciting. There isn't an element of work to be done here that I don't enjoy, but I do find there is not enough time to do it all, so any help is appreciated, in real life I find relief, when busy, with the college students now back in town. In this new virtual 'job' of keeping the website in best form, just like the gardens and the house, I have Corey Ganser through Mind Touch to offer me the best support, virtual staff! Which kinda makes up for me losing my dear Olivia to her first year of college. Olivia Augustin had been with me for four years, with nary a compliant battling my mishaps. Here she is in Mexico with her acute interest in bathrooms, thanks to her fine work at The Bohemian! I will miss her!

Ratatouille, Brazilian Beans and the Blues

2009-09-04T12:08:00.000-07:00

Today marks the beginning of an event my household anticipates every year. RiverBlast. A wonderful weekend that highlights the attributes, and challenges, of our beloved Minnesota River. Run by the Coalition for a Clean River the festival is continually blessed with great weather and gets better and better every year. We are headed down with friends and family this afternoon. A perfect launch to my friend's new column 'Simply Food' for the New Ulm Journal. Wendy and her husband Claud are notorious entertainers, reigning from here and abroad, and since I've invited a few friends over to start the weekend, her Ratatouille seems like the perfect component. And of course since I made it the other day, it is readily available. Ditto those beans, we experimented with them yesterday (you can make them up to three days ahead!). I for one am not starting what is usually a quiet weekend around The Bohemian with a lot of work. But that certainly doesn't mean I don't wish to entertain friends. I'm not sure who decided the art of hospitality can't be fun, and easy. Shhh, maybe we shouldn't spill the beans? Recipe for Brazilian Black Ones: 3 med beets scrubbed and trimmed. 1 pound bag of dried black beans. salt and pepper. 2 garlic cloves. 2 tbls olive oil. 1 small onion chopped. 1/2 cup fresh cilantro chopped. cooked brown rice. lime wedges and shredded cheddar. Put beets and beans in stock pot with enough water to cover bringing to a boil and simmering for an hour. Remove beets and when cool enough peel and dice. Continuing cooking the beans about an hour more, till tender. Drain. Chop garlic and sprinkle with salt. Heat oil in skillet on med with garlic onion and cilantro. Saute for 2-4 minutes till the onion is soft, but don't burn that garlic cause it gets bitter. Stir mixture in the beans, cook over med heat for 5 minutes season with salt and pepper. Top with cheddar, lime and chopped beets alongside rice. The ratatouille will go with bread. I tried it over scrambled eggs this morning for guests, per Miss Wendy's suggestion. Now that is one way to 'stir it up' in the am!

Don't Cook Like I Do.

2009-08-26T15:54:00.000-07:00

For years I have said I am going to have a cooking show and call it 'Don't Cook Like I Do'. After several attempts of burning down the kitchen and a variety of interesting saves, I pretended tonight was episode one. My Mother gives me these saucy little magazines called everyday food ('great food fast from Martha Stewart'). I actually read them occasionally along with another one she brings over called Cookie which is about children. Both rags are sufficiently filled with enough hints and things I should have to make me feel entirely inadequate. So with the page torn out for Mediterranean Chicken Packets from an inspiring Tennessee reader named Joanna Douglas, I added the ingredients to my never ending grocery list. We are sleep deprived here. Darling Savannah, now banned from chocolate, was up until, well, we lost track at 4:30 am. I simply did not notice I had not picked up olives, or artichoke hearts (being Abby's favorite they were on the list twice) until I began cooking tonight's meal. It was then that I saw it was parchment paper that was called for not phyllo dough, which I had remembered to take out of the freezer. Now one thing that happens around here is Charlie likes to grill, and it is slick when he does a bunch of everything cause then I use that the rest of the week. So I put the torn chicken on several phyllo sheets I had brushed with olive oil, added garden tomatoes and feta cheese, the one ingredient originally called for beside the chicken. And, feeling particularly inspired by my own self, simply because I no longer cared, I threw some asparagus on top and sprinkled it with salt, pepper, and a wee bit more olive oil. Bake at 350 for about 20 minutes. These pockets even fit the Heart of New Ulm nutrition address at the ladies night out last week.

Making Al Franken Smile

2009-08-20T20:16:00.000-07:00

Bumped into Minnesota's State Senator last night at a very well attended Women's Night Out Expo sponsored by Frandson Bank highlighting the Heart of New Ulm agenda. Just as I'm thinking, we've turned another corner, I did, and felt like I had, literally, run into an old friend. You know that feeling when you see a familiar face. "Hey, Hi!" oh, like that was Al Franken, oh, and he's chuckling. But really, Ramona and I had a great table sharing what the New Ulm Bed and Breakfasts have to offer, yes, *even* for locals. We are always driving our efforts to turn that corner. So, costume therapy works again, we were in our jammies cause we go the extra mile!

Bobbi's Most Curious Minnesota

2009-07-09T13:17:00.000-07:00

Well, I finally made an escape from The Bohemian Bed and Breakfast, besides to the farmers market or sausage shop and I had my copy of Minnesota Curiosities in hand! Abby began her 2 week immersion into German Culture at Concordia Language Villages and Charlie and I relinqueshed the baby to siblings and cousins for a couple day's jaunt to the North Woods. There were loons and rides on Lake Beltrami and wonderful sculptures in Bemidji but the quest was seeing all the 'quirky characters, roadside oddities and other offbeat stuff' touted by Russ Ringsak and Denise Remick in their delightfully written book. Nobody can sass it better than those two so I am just going to list what fun can be had on the road from New Ulm to Bemidji and back, more in order of the book, rather than our travels. World's Largest Ball of Twine, Darwin. Glockenspiel and Hermann the German, New Ulm (starting point counts!). W.W. Mayo House, Le Sueur. Paul Bunyan AND Fabulous Bob the voodoo priest, Akeley. Don't forget a stop at the silo for ice cream, I don't know how this was missed! Treasure City, Royalton. Which by far was my least favorite, and feeling it missed the boat even if boasting a pirate and oodles of seashells is odd in Minnesota. The eelpout festival is in Feb but at least I've driven through Walker and heard some tales causing me to become quite certain that the eelpout is exactly what a lakemaid is on any day but the summer soltise, which explains why she is so elusive.

Lore of the Lakemaid

2009-06-23T11:38:00.000-07:00

The summer soltise has come and gone. Alas no Lakemaids arrived at The Bohemian this nicht. But where ever the anglers gathered, stories of past sightings were shared. Long ago the fresh water maids found their way inland from the oceans, and up the Mississippi to discover the cool pure waters of the North Country. Rewarding those anglers who have kept their waters clean, the Lakemaids offer ice cold beer, brewed in New Ulm, Mn by the August Schell Brewing Company. No sightings, but we still have a few cold ones here. Next year, I think I'm gonna wear a dirndl with scales.

German Ancestry, Beer & Baseball

2009-06-10T11:13:00.000-07:00

Patrick Reusse shares great wit and wisdom on why 'New Ulm remains Minnesota's Baseball Capitol'. His words are below. I don't begin to understand baseball but I understand hometown pride and talent. Mr. Reusse captures it all and how we locals feel about both! When your baby's big brother is CA's toughest surfer dude/wrestling coach Pete Zangl, a MN state wrestling champ, shared with only 2 other New Ulm title holders, one being Jamie's Dad Rich, who you went to high school with, along with classmate Terry Steinbach, it just doesn't get any better . Doc Hamann's 'kid' is staying a night this summer too. Some days, my job, and hearing others tout New Ulm just doesn't get any more fun! So, batter up!

German ancestry. Beer. Baseball
There’s no town in Minnesota where those qualities come together more dramatically than in New Ulm.
The German heritage is not quite as dominant as was the case a few decades back, although the 2000 census did not confirm this: New Ulm remains the most-German locale in the country among cities with a population of over 5,000.
The number was 66 percent in 2000. The population now is roughly 13,500, and the upcoming census could reveal a few more percentage points of diversity.
What’s puzzling is that way back in 1935 the town’s new ballpark was named in honor of a Swede – Fred Johnson, a long-time parks and recreation director in New Ulm. Johnson Park was the first baseball field in Minnesota to have lights.

Last weekend, Jamie Hoffman became the fourth native of New Ulm to play in the major leagues. The 24-year-old was called up by the Los Angeles Dodgers after a run of injuries in their outfield. Hoffman had a couple of at-bats on Friday and Saturday, then hit a three-run home run in the first at-bat of his first start. The audience at Dodger Stadium included his father, Rich, the Brown County Sheriff and a man in the midst of the drama surrounding the disappearance of Colleen Hauser with her son Daniel, a cancer patient.
The Hausers finally returned to Minnesota on Monday, and Sheriff Hoffman told reporters from L.A. that charges against the mother were dropped.
We had Todd Hoffman, Rich’s brother and Jamie’s uncle, on “Reusse and Company’’ early in the 6 o’clock hour to talk about this amazing few days in the lives of the Hoffman family.
That’s a large group by the way, with Rich and Todd growing up with seven siblings on the Hoffman’s family farm. I had talked to a couple of New Ulm oldtimers on Sunday night to track down someone to talk about the Hoffmans – Rich and Jamie.
The recommendation was to get ahold of “Clubby.’’ The interview was arranged. I had to ask Todd the source of his nickname. This proved once again that a radio host shouldn’t ask a question like that for the benefit of the audience unless he already knows the answer.
Todd responded, “It was because I was born with a club foot.’’ He added that there was hope his brothers might show understanding, but instead they gave him a nickname that he’s carried through life in New Ulm.

The interview also revealed that one of Todd’s first acts when his nephew was summoned to the Dodgers was to go down to the local Comcast office and order the baseball package.

There are three televisions (eat your heart out, Sooch) in Todd’s three-stall garage, in order to monitor conflicting sports events. “It was a zoo in there over the weekend,’’ Todd said.

And when Jamie hit the home run? “Every one went nuts,’’ Todd said.

The most-successful of the New Ulm big-leaguers was catcher Terry Steinbach, of course. He played 13 seasons in the American League for the Oakland A’s (10) and then the Twins. He played for the Gophers before being drafted by Oakland in 1983.
Brian Raabe also was another New Ulm and Gophers player who played s total of 17 games (13 for the Twins) in the big leagues.

The first major leaguer for New Ulm was Elmer (Doc) Hamann, a righthanded pitcher who appeared in his only game on Sept. 22, 1922. He faced seven batters, allowed three hits, walked three, hit one with a pitch and six of those runners scored. This gives Doc the distinction of facing more batters without getting an out than any big-league pitcher with an ERA of infinity.

There are baseball records suggesting that Fred Bruckbauer, another pitcher with an infinite ERA, can be credited to New Ulm. Bruckbauer, also a Gophers standout, pitched his one big-league game for the Twins on April 25, 1961, He faced four batters, allowed three hits, walked one and three of those runners scored.

Fact is, Bruckbauer merely was born in the New Ulm Hospital. He went home to Sleepy Eye in a baby blanket a few days later and grew up there.

Sleepy Eye is also the hometown of Daniel Hauser, the young man who occupied so much of the time of Brown County Sheriff Department’s time before mother Colleen brought him home on Monday.

One more note: Another pitcher, Dana Kiecker, spent his time with the Boston Red Sox before referred to as a Sleepy Eye native. Actually, he was born in the Sleepy Eye hospital, but comes from a farm outside Fairfax. And Dana actually had an ERA – 4.68 – in the 50 games in which he appeared for the Red Sox in 1990 and 1991

2009-05-20T11:28:00.000-07:00

This past weekend marked the 7 year anniversary of The Bohemian. 7 seasons ago the doors were opened and with not all the wall paper hung, the first reservations coincided with the 2002 graduating class of Martin Luther College. It was a joyous moment with these very first guests running up with warm hugs like family! Never have 'I' had such a welcome! Again this 2009 weekend proved exciting, filled with a hope and promise mirrored in the eyes of the emerging adults and their families. I can not then allow the tragic news on Monday of the two young MLC students who died in an automobile accident go unmentioned. It brought me great sadness to learn of Zachary Moyle and Ryan Zweifel. As my guests were celebrating their future calls, these young men were accepting the final one on their journey home. Faith astonishes me and nowhere is that more apparent than in the medical ethics story building in New Ulm right now. Today, grateful I am not to be tested, for I know not what I would do.

Blind Eye Posting

2009-04-25T06:51:00.000-07:00

We hope that you will all come out of your winter cocoon this Saturday night to hear some great classic folk music performed by Charlie Maguire.
Charlie Maguire, grew up in upstate New York, where a teen-age Charlie borrowed a guitar, paid $2.95 for a book entitled Play the Guitar in 30 Minutes,and unceremoniously commenced what would become his life's work. Very Bohemian By the mid-'60s, he was hanging around the folk centers in New York City and Boston, learning from pioneers of the folk music revival--people like Pete Seeger and Lee Hays--and from the new breed of folk performer--the likes of Arlo Guthrie and Holly Near.
Maguire moved to Minnesota, where a chance meeting with Garrison Keillor in the fall of 1974 led to 10 years of regular appearances on public radio's A Prairie Home Companion. During that time he wrote and performed some of his most-requested songs: "Goodnight Baby," "Play Us A Waltz," "I'm From Minnesota," "Talking Home Improvement" and "Getting in the Cows,"which is included on APHC's Tenth Anniversary Album. Hey, Wanda Gag right here in New Ulm, tonight Charlie Maguire at The Rhien River Art Center at 8, I am going to rack up all Minnesota's Favorite 150!

Turning Over A New Leaf?

2009-04-23T19:53:00.000-07:00

We'll turn down the sheets. The Bohemian was designed green, all the way back in 1899 when houses were built smart to begin with. Amenities have been placed with gentle nature in mind since we opened our doors. With regional food and recipes, breakfasts are even easy on your heart 'cause we love our guests. So for Earth Day when you join us this month we will dig up some green in the heirloom hosta beds and in your pocket. Rooms are 39 dollars off, a buck for every year or so this great idea came into being.

Rejoice

2009-04-12T17:36:00.000-07:00

Some days are simply beautiful, and you can put all your eggs in one basket. Easter is like that. A day of Hope and Promise. Celebrating with newlyweds and enjoying a little baby running around crying out 'egg egg', on finally a nice spring day, it doesn't get much better. We started with "Orange Toast" from Grandma's 1940's cookbook: Orange peel zest with 1/4 cup sugar (let sit a bit) sprinkle over a German Rye slice of buttered toast, pop in oven to melt sugar. Very nice with grapefruit. Simple is Sweet. Always a good start.

New Ulm Gives

2009-03-26T07:30:00.000-07:00

Another example of New Ulm, not just Minnesota nice, nice. In partnership with the Governer's office and the Chamber of Commerce, The Bohemian Bed and Breakfast along with local business's giving back to the community are recognized for their support and efforts. Who says there is no such thing as a free lunch? Speaking of lunches, the Larkspur Market has reopened as Lola's Larkspur, An American Bistro. But what I'm really excited about is the Italian food. So with extended hours, new menu and ownership, it is worth a visit. If it weren't so damn far I would pack up as many of her baked goods that could fit in the PT and head up to Moorhead. That, my friends, must be where we get our hardiness. What is it about the Minnesota Midwest? Now there is some giving going on! This isn't forclosure, this is flooding and people are losing their homes with the only bailing being sandbags and escape routes. God be with them, and all who are helping. That is giving some 100 plus percent.

Gypsy Campfires

2009-03-12T13:28:00.000-07:00

For being somewhat of a German Hamlet in New Ulm, the Bohemian soul has had quite a presence of late. Maritza played at the Rhein River Arts Center recently. Forlorn tunes of lost love played opposite the jaunty hopefulness of such is life. For me it is the music to describe the oft asked question of "What is 'Bohemian'?". Those Hungarian nomadic travelers of the late 18th century making their way through the European countryside entertaining with music, dance and common thievery. Ending in the underground streets of Paris, when asked from where they came: Bohemia, the now non existent country was the last place they passed through. Thus a direct and unromantic answer coined one of the most enchanting descriptors of artists we have today. Ah to be Bohemian, and you can be here cause I've been playing Maritza's CD over breakfast for days.

The Romans Are Coming

2009-03-02T17:45:00.000-08:00

Mark your Fall calenders and witness how our Hermann on High helped with the fall of the Roman Empire. Even my pacifist blood finds the story, uh, captivating. "Give Me Back My Legions"

May the Bock Be With You

2009-02-18T12:22:00.000-08:00

Today, and regarding Bockfest, no one says it better than Mr. Ted Marti, owner and originator of America's Best Outdoor Winter Party. Bockfest.

Pack Your Bags

2009-02-09T06:56:00.000-08:00

This weekend I found myself in the Isles. Or should I say Bill and Kate Isles found their way into my heart. Singer songwriters from the shores of Duluth performed at our favorite venue here in New Ulm. Delivering stories and original music with a sweet candid sincerity that appealed to an appreciative crowd. As I sat there I thought they would be great on the porch some summer's eve. They do just that: house parties. Just in time for Valentine's Day and on the red high heels of New in Town, the Minne Sutra number was a hit! I'm watching you tube for this ice fishing lovefest fantasy. It doesn't take out of pocket to have an out of the ordinary Valentine's. Visit The Bohemian, help is here for out of the box date ideas in the budget of your dreams.

No Way, Yes Whey

2009-02-02T16:57:00.000-08:00

Not tapioca, but Hoppel Poppel makes the news. WCCO visited my kitchen with a camera crew. Now I know this seems like a marketing coup, but I am a sensible woman from the Midwest. I know that I am perhaps the only potluck participant who doesn't live in CHAOS. That is flylady speak for 'can't have anybody over syndrome', and if THAT isn't a universal accent for all women, I don't know what is. But me, I have a bed and breakfast, having people over is what I do. So, when the day was done, New Ulm made big news, I got to fulfill a childhood dream of having my own cooking show, and the whole town had a blast.

HOT DISH! Pass the Savings

2009-01-28T18:16:00.000-08:00

New In Town opens this weekend.

Larkspur Building, 16 North Minnesota Street, New Ulm
6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Potluck Première· Walk the red carpet when you arrive where you’ll be greeted by some of New Ulm’s finest fire fighters
· Be one of the first 50 attendees to arrive with a potluck dish (enough to share) and get a free VIP movie pass to that night’s 8:15 p.m. movie showing of “New In Town”
· Tapioca Bar – sponsored by AMPI, one of the nation’s largest butter making-plants located right here in New Ulm; AMPI makes great tapioca, too!
· Experience “not just Minnesota Nice” with random prize drawings during the event including MOA shopping gift certificates with hotel accommodations. Our own “Prize Patrol” will be looking for best-dressed movie characters.
· Cash bar
You know The Bohemian will be bringing something potluck, but I will pass along some extra savings if you decide to join us for breakfast and that famous hopple popple!

2009-01-14T11:41:00.000-08:00

And sometimes, a million miles away is right here. Enjoying the Twin Cities Hot Club was so much a hoot, I didn't need to be anywhere else. This is often the case with events at the Rhein River Arts Center and Saturday night in New Ulm was no exception. The overflowing audience braved the cold, and the Band battled a bug of their own, missing a member, which opened the door to the delightful Simone Perrin. Her performance was a breath of pixie dust of the likes I've never heard. Not a crack or scratch to her voice but I felt like I had put on an old 78 record. Not for the vintage, but because she evoked a sound similar to that when music really mattered. Simone's far too few collaborations on Saturday left me with a contemporary sound I wanted more of and wasn't going to find readily on any ipod whimsy shuffle. I felt a wee bit guilty for bringing little baby Savy, who loves to dance. I just hadn't realized that now she is capable of singing along and seems to be smart enough at 19 months to know the real action takes place on stage. I vowed to leave her at The Bohemian from now on, but am reminded Miss Perrin did not aquire any of her musical talent and enchanting stage presense by being sent home!

Wishes Granted Ooh La La

2009-01-10T05:30:00.001-08:00

I love the magic of everyday life! I love my new job this year at River Bend ALC! I love that I have enjoyed the mysteries of travel and I have of late been missing that. A lot. So in class, partnered up with a student and asked 'if you could be anywhere right now, where would it be?' I immediatly said 'PARIS'. I suppose the correct answer may have been 'right here right now', which would have been a good lesson, but my longing got the better of me and of course introducing the students to the adventure of travel is a good lesson too. When I got home I had an e-mail from Anne and John Makepeace peppering my in box with their weekend offering at The Rhein. Twin Cities Hot Club, a Parsian Style mix of romance, swing, Jazz and Gypsy. Well I'll be if that doesn't grant my wish, it might cover all of them, I've been a bit whiny in the romance department too! Based on the reviews I think these four guys can make us all feel a million miles away, and put a little Gypsy back in this Bohemian's soul. Hearing the magic, now that is the Spice of Life.

New Years Baby Enters Life as Bohemian

2009-01-03T19:55:00.000-08:00

Isn't that what we would call a home birth? "Unconventional"? It shouldn't be, but home birth is still considered as far flung from normal, especially in the Midwest, as one can get, so I was elated to read today's local headline! Abby my oldest was born at home in Oregon and number two would have been if Minnesota afforded the expertise of midwives any reign. Heck, I couldn't even reign one in within any reasonable distance. Which makes me wonder where the one mentioned springs from. Well, happy to hear of it, and in a terrific article and by golly if there wasn't a bit of a nod to breastfeeding right below. Advocacy for children? A swell start to the New Year. We are all about that at The Bohemian.

Merry Christmas To All

2008-12-24T07:39:00.000-08:00

and to all a Good Night

New In Town

2008-12-02T16:51:00.000-08:00

Opening in Theaters January 30, 2009, New in Town stars Renee Zellweger and Harry Connick Jr. The film, set none other than in New Ulm, sadly filmed elsewhere, has high powered consultant Lucy Hill landing in this small Minnesota town armed to close the plant. After her frosty reception she warms to the community, finds herself accepted and rescues job security for all. Hope this remains a romantic comedy and not any dismal forcast. Oh and those accents?! The Director, Jonas Elmer, great guy, did visit New Ulm, even sending a dialect coach. Still sounds like Fargo.

2008-11-27T09:27:00.000-08:00

New Ulm has successfully 'opened' it's shopping season and this Friday eve, join us downtown as we trip the light fantastic with a spectacular parade of over 30 lighted floats! Don't get gobbled up by the holidays this year: Sure we are a GREAT village for shopping, but remember to carve time for yourself, it will make you better for everyone else as the 'hectivities' begin! The only leftovers we will serve this weekend at The Bohemian will be an extra days stay at half off! Room pricing begins at $89.00 up to $199.00 with half off applied to second nights stay. Leftover change in your pocket while holiday visiting? Sure beats another turkey sandwich!

On Thin Ice

2008-11-25T10:09:00.002-08:00

Fun to see what guests are up to on their visits. One always takes home fond memories and a good time after a trip to New Ulm. This family took home medals! Congrats also to the New Ulm Figure Skating Club who hosted another great skating competition for the midwest region!

CD Release Party

2008-11-15T09:19:00.000-08:00

Nov. 22 Dick Kimmel and Adam Granger, CD Release Concert and Party (3-5 p.m. CD signing and open house, Performance at 8:00 p.m.) at the Rhein River Arts Center, 208 N. Minnesota

Open One Last Weekend

2008-11-11T12:24:00.000-08:00

At least for a Diva Extravaganza's Cocktail Cruise and great buys, prizes and fun for the infamous shopping Opener in New Ulm! Brought to you by Eat Stay Play, The Bohemian is the perfect spot to settle in with your favorite group of girlfriends. Last weekend was filled with laughs, roses, tango and chocolate. This weekend brings a ticket to ride and enjoy New Ulm's hot spots and quaint pubs in a guided bus ending at the Holiday Inn with a DJ and the opener frivolity! Sat brings a new step to the party: Artscape, local artists will exhibit and market their unique work and one of a kind art thoughtout town with a party at the Larkspur Market with artists, musicians and appetizers. A silent and live auction with a shoe collection not to be missed will raise money for the Red Boa Scholarship Fund for entrepreneurial women. So visit for the last of the Opener, but don't forget New Ulm, not up North, and open all year long!

Stomping out the last few tickets...

2008-10-31T15:57:00.000-07:00

Morgan Creek Vineyards Annual Winemakers Dinner has a select few seatings open Saturday November 15, 2008 in partnership with The Bohemian reservations. This oft sold out six course gourmet meal is paired with 5 wines selected to celebrate the best of the 2008 growing season. The meal is designed by Chef Kim Ernest complementing wines produced and selected by Georg Marti & assistant Winemaker Ben Marti. Hors d'oeuvres 6:30 pm with Dinner at 7:00. Cost is $74.00 per person plus room rate. Rsvp and remittance by November 7.

2008-10-07T20:28:00.000-07:00

"Innkeepers from New Ulm, MN proudly competed in the Morgan Creek Vineyards annual Grape Stomp Festival, wearing BedandBreakfast.com robes. Dubbing their team "The BedandBreakfast.com Babes", Shannon McKeeth of Bingham Hall B&B was joined by fellow New Ulm innkeepers including Bobbi McCrea from the Bohemian B&B, Ramona Sonnenberg from the Auf Deutsche Strasse B&B and Peggy Beyer from the Beyer Haus who all competed for the grape stomping champion. Able to leap tall grapevines in a single bound, and stomp out more than just muffins in the morning, the BedandBreakfast.com Fab Four took home a second place title, showing the world once again that innkeepers are jacks of all trades." Thanks Marti for the mention!

BOO!

2008-10-02T16:32:00.000-07:00

Halloween Spooktacular - Absolutely Ghoulish!

Join the Historic Inns of New Ulm for their Annual Halloween Spooktacular weekend. You’re guaranteed to have a hair-raising good time!
Arrive Friday evening and join in “scary hour” complete with ghostly appetizers, wine and beer. Please come in costume since prizes will be awarded. A list for Saturday’s scavenger hunt will be handed out during cocktails as well as pumpkins and rules for the carving contest. Dinner that evening will be a private party at one of New Ulm’s fine dining establishments, followed by a “session” with the renowned medium Mary Kay Jansen.
Saturday morning you will be treated to a 4-course gourmet breakfast at your chosen Bed and Breakfast and then you are free to enjoy the sights and sounds of beautiful New Ulm. Wander the city with your scavenger hunt list and see how many items you can collect.
Saturday evening you will be wined and dined with appetizers and beverages. After happy hour your horse drawn carriage will arrive and take you on a quick trip around New Ulm ending up at George’s world-renowned steaks and spirits. A gourmet four-course meal is included. After dinner your carriage will be waiting to transport you on a guided cemetery tour to learn about some of the famous past residents of New Ulm.
Sunday morning you will be treated to another wonderful breakfast where prizes will be given out for the costume contest, scavenger hunt and the best carved pumpkin.
The cost for this fun-filled weekend is $125.00 per person in addition to the room rate at your favorite local Bed & Breakfast.
Reservations must be made by 10/24/08
Please call for more info 866.499.6870

Fresco Found

2008-09-23T08:24:00.000-07:00

Fresco technique seems to be what is lurking under all the white paint here at The Bohemian. Recovery has not yet started, but really, this is gonna be big! Scott, Ty and Elenor from the Minneapolis firm Scott's Faux Design Now if we find out it is Anton Gag's work that would really be something! It could happen. And really it could. Anton Gag completed interior decorative painting with his partner Chris Heller at the time this home was constructed (1899). The records are sparse and incomplete, but I know Wanda's first journaling efforts where on her Father's ledgers! Those journals are secured in Pennsylvania. To anyone's knowledge they haven't been reviewed for anything but Wanda interest. I'm on it. Heller & Gag: "These gentlemen have made themselves illustrious by their art and though they are not appreciated as they should be their work is none the less admired." The Journal 1902/08/27.

New Bohemian

2008-09-10T16:19:00.000-07:00

Announcing Orelia Mary Slavik, beautiful daughter to Nick and Amy. For those of you taking Notes from the Iron Mangle, Nick recently painted The Bohemian. I had the pleasure of watching Nick and Amy's graceful dance of pregnancy and expectation, a very true mid summers night dream....here she is "Come True"!

2008-08-27T08:22:00.000-07:00

Being a casual practitioner of Feng Shui, the landscaping project here at The Bohemian became somewhat of a personal event. As the old nostalgic shrubs, bushes and plants were wrenched from their foothold both of the earth and my sentimental soul, it became instantly apparent that we invent reasons which prevent us from moving forward. This can be reflected with our houses and the environment surrounding them. Just as a house may require painting for example, a great deal of work needs to be done causing the majority of us to postpone such tasks, silently restricting us from moving on. In my case, to remove the vintage spirea, or bridal wreath (even the name evokes beauty) was a daunting hurdle to overcome. The second they were gone, taking minutes balanced against the 6 years I have pondered about them, I knew it was the right choice. Instantly I felt a reprise from regarding life, joyful as it is, as an occasional uphill struggle. The overgrown unmanageable maintenance, which I incurred every spring and fall was a constant reminder of what I was not able to successfully accomplish, and frankly, not welcoming, however majestic, original and true to the original landscape. For years I have walked around the yard visualizing classically formal gardens interspersed with whimsy that guests might enjoy and a colorful style that would showcase the integrity of the house. I thought often 'instant landscape' as much as I wanted to do it myself. That law of attraction is no secret, so what we have now at The Bohemian is pretty much as close as one can come to what I have been hoping to evoke throughout the last several seasons. The gentle beauty of gardens long lost, the kind with blossoms and surprises that create a sense of space in which you want to linger and breath easy again. I am happy to be the recipient of another of life's graceful gifts, meeting Heather & Lynn Hacker, who with their honorable crew whipped up a delightful outdoor wonder I invite all to enjoy.

Full Meal Deal

2008-08-06T14:41:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was like a smorgasbord for me, I didn't even eat with the guests and I am stuffed! Lasagna gardening?!? which doesn't have anything to do with being Italian, but it certainly added to the fun that someone in the party used to have a pizza joint. Since half of what I do here is all about food, this layer technique for the garden sounds right up my alley. I've got the first draft of landscaping plans, from A to Zinnia, and I am going to embed this carefree breezy style into the earth around here. Where else can the enchanted garden I am envisioning spring from? A lot of ideas served up here over the weekend,including dessert, on the menu?: Cakes by Barb, we even plated a side of sitcom: a slice of life from a guest job: "The Regulator", hey, we figure it could air along side 'World Championship Poker' (and it ties nicely to all the sugar running, cat house piano player antics my Great Grandpa Bockus was involved in when he ran the New Ulm Grocery Company, which is still around, as is The Still, pushed in the Cottonwood River by the old prohibition regulator.) Real History Reality TV, right here in New Ulm. Good Morning America, History Detectives all just in August, all for your viewing, but why aren't YOU here?

Savvy Birthday

2008-07-24T14:57:00.000-07:00

Last year on this date I was still manuevering my girth around tables. Thank goodness I am tall, as the unborn and I were still able to clear the chairs. Just like everyone else, I fret, and wondered what I would do with 'an infant' here at the B & B. It has been a piece of cake, in no small part to all of you, and I now look with magnificant wonder at this beautiful child who miraclously belongs, right where she is. Just like all of us. Savvy Grace indeed: how one smile, small kindness or act of comfort can bring peace to our restless souls. Happy Birthday to all who have been part of The Bohemian this year.

Cry of the Lakemaid

2008-06-25T17:24:00.000-07:00

Or maybe it is just my tears! The Bohemian missed the boat, and when you are spotting for Lakemaids, this my friends, is a baaad thing! So when the summer soltise, the perfect window for spotting these fine aloof freshwater creatures, came and went with nary a bottle besides regular Schells in the house, well, you can imagine my dissappointment at missing a potenial party! So mark your calenders for the 2009 soltise...and keep your eyes peeled, we'll see if the guest this weekend will download his encounter with the National Lakemaid Reporting Center!

2008-06-23T13:48:00.000-07:00

The Bohemian secures a painter. For many who have experienced the serendipity here, his name will come as no surprise. Nick Slavik will be tackling the delicate work of restoring 304 South German to her 1899 glory. Only here, in New Ulm, could a Slavic paint a Bohemian. As 'Nick Slavik Painting & Restoration' continues the detailed scraping and fine workmanship that this house deserves, I invite you to join our "Forever Stay" program. It is because of your thoughtful choice of lodging that you play an important role in preserving the architecture of America's heartland. Time and again Historic Preservation proves to enhance community by maintaining identities that are held within the walls of our older buildings. Your patronage guarantees that our histories are not lost and that we ensure interesting places to live and work for ourselves and future generations. Purchase a $100.00 gift certificate while we paint and it is valid for one night in any room, no matter the rate, forever. Room rates today from $89.00 to $199.00. Based on availability, a pretty good buy. I can't offer relief at the pump, and there may be a ladder to walk around for a while but I can reward you with a purchase that matters. You make a difference, a big one.

For Email Marketing you can trust

The Bohemian Strikes Gold & It's Green!

2008-06-03T10:01:00.000-07:00

Two summers ago I built my very own composter. I have used a spinner one, plastic tower and a nice 3 bin wood unit at Higher Ground, the co-housing community in Oregon where I used to live. They were all nice, but I was after the lowest maintenance composter that I could build with my bare hands. No tools and no money down. I found a model on line that used pallets and bailing wire. Pallets are never a problem to rustle up and I got some wire from my friend Penny. I had seen a really neat bin while out walking the alleys (a Midwest event for exercise, but primarily to check out peoples gardens!) that had encased the inside with black liner material. That seemed like a neat idea to keep things hot inside so I lined mine with used garbage bags. The back pallet was higher than the others so it looks like a throne. One of the goals was that a person didn't have to turn it much, you could just pick it up and move it over after a while. Well, try telling that to the backyard BBQ gang. They could not get there was no bottom to the bin! I couldn't do it myself, but finally with a couple of extra hands, move it over we did! Was it ever the Midas touch: that throne served me well, Black Gold! Which is of course true and honest 'green'. Sustainable practices having always been used at The Bohemian. This first batch of composting will go in the shade garden as I transplant the hostas and native grasses away from the house in anticipating of painting!

Mai Fest & The New Ulm Opener

2008-05-02T06:31:00.000-07:00

New Ulm's May Basket is full again this year! Morgan Creek Vineyards celebrates their 10th season! Hat's Off to them! And you: for the 50 first visitors to the vineyard, ya get one free! There is also music and dancing from 6:30 to 9:00 pm and great options for their ever popular case club. The Wanda Gag House and Putting Green Eco Center begin their summer hours and there is Shakespeare in the Park. Not to mention, as far as openers, the Brewery offers their extended tour hours for the season. Believe me, they need 'em! Most of my guests run up and get tickets after breakfast for an afternoon tour cause those tastings sell out! And with the new Schell's Stout available all year, the bacon here is even better. Well, you know The Bohemian, always full of surprises, call for our stimulus packages to stretch those anticipated extra dollars. 866.499.6870.

Recycling Futures EvAeRrTyH DAY

2008-04-22T10:18:00.000-07:00

That's what I think of as I trip over another fly away of over flow from the recycle box in the kitchen (which should really be called the living room, cause that is truly what goes on in there amidst all the cooking!) Pictures are worth a thousand, in this case: dollars. Generated from the pounds of paper waste collected from people willing to put up with the mess, these budding artists have, not just a few, more bucks for their future. Our earth just keeps putting out, and still offers us a way out to give back. Honor her today, by making a commitment to recirculate and reinvent that paper waste. Imagine...where we can be putting those dollars instead of the landfill? In the New Ulm area, Hy-Vee has a big green dumpster from waste management in the parking lot for collection of paper waste, with a different designee every couple months.

Lights Out Art Work

2008-04-07T06:52:00.000-07:00

Everything at The Bohemian is a 'happening'. Like Warren repairing the radiators to get me through spring, only here could a major mechanical problem be spiritually healed in order for me to budget for it's physical repair in the fall! Well, the same goes for the delightful new touches of whimsy and talent added to a couple suites in the carriage house! It was a Craig's list happening! I inquired into a gentleman artist wishing to build his portfolio, so with New Ulm roots he was serendipitously on his way. Andy even looks suspiciously like Anton Gag, who in addition to being Wanda Gag's father was New Ulm's foremost decorative house painter briefly at the end of the 18 hundred's. Maybe with this new interior artwork, some of the old stenciling will now surface...It wouldn't surprise me.

Boiler Plate

2008-03-26T17:08:00.000-07:00

Easter weekend here did not produce any bonnets, nor did I discover any boiled eggs, but rather no heat from the boiler generated radiators! Thank heavens for some inefficient forced air, the usual delightfully complying guests and a scary space heater: we all stayed warm. The last time I had problems with the boiler was two years ago resulting from a busted pump(over 50 years old). Based on the $750.00 set back to my checking account and the longevity of the first pump, I'm betting this might be just some value bleeding requirement. Now my heating and cooling guy is a savant in the way I have been called the same for my hospitality. Not only that, he is a HUMA healer so I trust him, but as I contemplate a new blog entitled Diary of a Foreclosure, holiday repair rates are not in my budget. So as I hedge, I turn to the Internet and look up radiator troubleshooting. Down in my vintage museum of mechanical what not I gauge everything to be in somewhat working order. In other words the gas is on, nothing is leaking and the pipes are hot. Now another secret about this house, Indian in the cupboard it isn't, every key is here for every lock! Including the magic valve radiator key. There it was, mysteriously dangling right next to the instruction box. Blissfully undiscovered for several hours. In the meantime I am calling my B&B compadraes who eagerly give me, free, tutorials. The sacred key broke on the first valve, I bled water instead of air and gave up until today. After about.com's nifty diagram showed me all the parts (a new picture, but exactly like my ancient appliance!)I was ready to tackle the expansion tank. Days of cursing and desperation resulted in a beautiful "Jane" moment, not my first ever, but the first coined that term. (Thanks Paula) Unfortunately I still have no heat. Expert Warren is coming later this afternoon, but I am empowered.

'Murder History Tour'

2008-03-04T16:23:00.000-08:00

For those foolish enough (or those who are not on April 1st) the New Ulm Bed and Breakfast Guild is offering a Murder Mystery Weekend April 18 &19. A weekend away or relief from tax time, join us in our enchanted village with a mystery story filled with intrigue and tales from the Schells Brewery. Highlighting New Ulm flavors, myths, a new beer (only available here!) and plenty of local characters. Oh! and murder! We will be having private tastings and tours all about town and your choice of winding down in one of our award winning B&B's. Come join us in New Ulm, where we are all 'partners in crime'! For details contact Auf Deustsche Strasse, Bingham Hall, Beyerhaus or The Bohemian...more clues to follow.

Great Gig for the Grammys

2008-02-12T15:50:00.000-08:00

In addition to guests I am fortunate enough to experience grade school and grammer. Subbing is a great gig! The other day I got to be the band teacher. I mean how cool. I had as much fun as I did when we played school as kids in the basement. So when I found myself in the real school basement teaching band, I was beside myself! There is nothing like seeing these eager children puffing up with probably not enough practice and misplaced air just go to-ot it! I was absolutely blown away with their unabashed determination and innocence. Puff hopes, puff dreams, puff the magic dragon, cheeks red and faces glowing just like the artists at this weeks Grammys! Those award shows make me cry, just like I did last week in band. The winners, and the musicians who back them all start in the basement. Rehab or not, look who walks home with a Grammy. Note worthy upcoming events this month in New Ulm: Brandon Sampson of Six Mile Grove with Sally Barris at the Rhein River Arts Friday Febuary 15 and Bob Wooton of Johnny Cash Fame at Turner Halle on the 23. Both within walking distance of The Bohemian.

Bock Fest

2008-01-30T08:16:00.000-08:00

Today it is bitter cold, yesterday howling wind. Perfect weather for the long anticipated celebrated festival to kiss winter goodbye on it's frosty behind! Bock Fest comes early this year, following the holy calender, the Saturday preceding ash Wednesday. My guess is we still have a cold hard winter ahead. Never the less, no elements can deter the hardy adventurers of the upper Midwest! This is a beer drinking fracas starting promptly at 11:00 am February 2 at the Schells Brewery. Be prepared for lines, all day, at the gate, the beer booths, fire pits and, you guessed it, the potties. But that is half the fun. There are 7000 revelers to enjoy the afternoon with: definitely a fun place to stand around in the freezing outdoors! The other fun half is our Bockfest Boys. One word: Ring of Fire. And by the close of day, that'll seem like one word. This party, that also hosts a legendary medallion hunt, (I know guys who have been hunting those 'bocks' for over twenty years) ends at 4:30. But then Fashing and the downtown lights up, in every way imaginable. Turner Halle and Georges Ballroom will have more contests and bands, but basically it is a matter of where you can, literally, fit in. This town is Packed! Quite a legacy for a couple of monks in the pre Renaissance Rhien , arguing over an old goat during a drinking contest. Truly the makings for one hardy ale. Those Germans. Who else could originate a party so notoriously traditional, your pals will carry your image on a stick if you can't make it in person?

Ryokan: Poet of Ordinary Happiness

2008-01-04T08:02:00.000-08:00

Today's begging is finished: at a crossroads

I wander by the side of the Buddhist Shrine

Talking with some children.

Last year a foolish monk.

This year, no change!

(tr: John Stevens)

discovered in Jack Kornfield's After the Ecstasy, the Laundry

For a good year, insert what ever it is you do for 'monk'.

The above crossroads were discovered at The Bohemian this season by the Fantastic Group of Mothers and Daughters from St. Michael's. They get it.

Pallets of Posterity

2007-12-17T13:34:00.000-08:00

Schell's Brewery rolls out one millionth case! "Is that big when compared to some of the other breweries in the country? No, But it is big for us." says August Schell Brewery Company President and Brewmaster Ted Marti. Pressing out that millionth case from the production line was quite a milestone. Schell's reached the mark for the first time in 147 years, at noon on Wednesday. It's the first year they have hit a million, and they were pretty excited. Me too, a Schell's is the first thing I offer guests at The Bohemian, if simply in the spirit of perseverance! There have been tough times through out the brewery's history, and Ted attributes much of the business's survival to local support. So it was only fitting that there be a parade of sorts through New Ulm spreading that case of cheer at our local tavern's.
"PROSIT" to a saga that fittingly deserves the Press On Award of the Week! There is definitely a Schmaltz Alt here for someone to accept, but it might have to be me. I missed the festivities: I could only justify having the baby downtown, in a bar!, for so long, even if it was daylight.

Press on Regardless

2007-12-03T13:17:00.000-08:00

Welcome to The Bohemian Blog. I have a Bed and Breakfast, pre-teen daughter, a boyfriend and new baby. In my business I press sheets. In the business of day to day life, I press on regardless. We all do. Some just with a little more humor and grace. If I can laugh at myself, I've got the first one covered. The second part, well, the baby's middle name is Grace and that might be the best I can do. Welcome to The Iron Mangle with notes on the laundry of life, love and laughter. Drop off whatever you like, I'll put it through the ringer and we might all feel a little bit lighter.