THE MORNING STAR BED & BREAKFAST, LLC
617 Houston Street, Manhattan, KS 66502
www.morningstarbandb.com
TMS in April
Welcome to The Morning Star Update!
Greetings!

May - what a huge month for festivites: Kentucky Derby and Cinco de Mayo parties, Mother's Day brunches, K-State graduation, Memorial Day, weddings and family reunions! And yet, with snow in the forecast, it is difficult to believe that May is here. I don't recall having had snow in May in the almost 20 years that I have lived in Kansas. It's been a crazy Spring, but surely the weather will settle down. I hope that all is well with you and yours and that you have some fun events coming up.
Raspberry Mint Julep
Raspberry Mint Julep
a lightly fruity, refreshing mint julep to serve at Kentucky Derby parties or Mother's Day brunches

2 oz. Woodford Reserve (or other good Bourbon)
1 oz. Raspicello (or other good raspberry liqueur)
1 t. sugar
5 mint leaves, plus some for garnish
5 raspberries, plus one for garnish
shaved ice

In the bottom of a chilled mint julep cup or highball glass, muddle together mint leaves, raspberries and sugar. Add bourbon and raspberry liqueur. Fill cup/glass with shaved ice. Cover with a Boston Shaker and shake well. Garnish with raspberry and mint leaves. Enjoy! 
Ex-Boyfriend
Ex-Boyfriend on Aisle 6 

    When author Susan Jackson Rodgers stayed with us recently, she left a copy of her latest book Ex-Boyfriend on Aisle 6 for me. (Thank you, Susan!) Ex-Boyfriend is a collection of well-crafted short stories (e.g. about looking a mess and running into an ex-boyfriend in the grocery store) about odd and somewhat dark experiences in women's lives. They are the kind of stories that place the reader very much in the moment in the characters lives, feeling their hopes, anxieties and frustrations.
    Susan is a former English Professor from K-State who now is on the faculty at Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon.
Mugo Pine Candles
Pruning Mugo Pines
Mugo Pines need to be pruned annually in order for them to retain their compact size and attractive shape. You should not prune the branches themselves, but rather the "candles" of new growth that are produced in the Spring (pictured right). Depending on how much you want to allow a given branch to grow, cut off 1/2 to 3/4 of its candle. No new growth will appear beyond the point at which you cut the branch. New needles, however, will emerge from whatever is left of the growing tip. Pruning your mugo pines is an all or nothing deal. You don't want to prune half the tree and then give up for the year. It is also a tedious and sticky process. But the freshly cut pine tips smell wonderful while you are working, and if you can find a way to enjoy the artistry of pruning, that helps the time pass. Note, I recommend wearing inexpensive cloth gardening gloves that you can throw away afterwards and also that you clean your sheers with a Brillo pad or some such product after pruning.
As always, I hope that you have enjoyed this issue of The Morning Star Update!

I'd love to hear from you and maybe even see you soon. Have a great May!

 
Sincerely,
 
Laurie Pieper
In This Issue
Raspberry Mint Julep
Ex-Boyfriend on Aisle 6
Pruning Mugo Pines
Mother's Day Gift Certificates
Ladies' Weekend
2nd Annual Wellness Retreat
Featured Article
Happy Mother's Day
Mother's Day Gift Certificates
Don't know what to get Mom? How about a gift certificate to The Morning Star?

Mother's Day Special: Purchase a  
* $100 certificate for $95,  
* $150 certificate for $135 
* $200 certificate for $175

To purchase a gift certificate, or for more information, contact Laurie. Promotion expires May 12, 2013. 
Ladies' Weekend
Ladies' Weekend:
May 31 - June 2, 2013
* check-in and Wine Tasting on Friday
* breakfast, Flower Arranging and formal Afternoon Tea on Saturday
* Breakfast on Sunday
* complimentary Gift Basket
* optional Spa Treatments, additional
$400 single occupancy, $450 double occupancy, plus taxes
For reservations or for more information, contact Laurie
2nd Annual Wellness Retreat:
June 21 - 23, 2013
* Personal Training
* Gentle Tai Chi
* Yoga
* Mindfulness Training
* Visit to Konza Prairie
* optional Spa Treatments, additional
$475 single occupancy, $525 double occupancy, plus taxes
For reservations or more information, contact Laurie. 
Join Our Mailing List
Graduation Caps
Dates to Remember
May 2nd: Get Around to It, Sunset Zoo
May 3rd: Bicycle Progressive Dinner
May 3rd and 4th: Kentucky Derby
May 5th: Cinco de Mayo
May 12th: Mother's Day
May 12th: Iris Day, K-State Gardens
May 17th and 18th: K-State Graduation Ceremonies
May 27th: Memorial Day

Links of Interest