Good Neighbors = Good Business

One of the things that I enjoy most about this business is interacting with our guests. Probably the most often asked questions people have are "What's it like to run an Inn?" and "Why did you decide to do it?" In talking with other innkeepers, and from our own experience, I think it all boils down to doing what you love. I'll be honest, it's not a business that's going to bring in a windfall of cash. But, I think having the Waterstone Inn is a natural fit for our family. Denis (my father-in-law) founded an organization called Project Children that has been bringing kids from Northern Ireland to the United States for 37 years. In this time, the program has touched and changed the lives of over 20,000 children, as well as countless host families, volunteers, and supporters. So much so, that Denis (though he'll never offer this information) was twice nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. The most amazing thing about it is that Project Children all started here in little Greenwood Lake in Denis and Miriam's own home.
My husband Sean and his siblings Denis Jr., Maureen and Tara, literally grew up being hosts to visiting guests from Ireland. Whether it was a coordinator for the program or a homesick kid, each guest that found themselves in Greenwood Lake for the summer was taken under the wing of the Mulcahy Family. In doing so, the Mulcahy kids learned to give generously of their time, gained patience in dealing with people, and most of all grew up with an awareness of community.

All of these qualities are apparent at the Waterstone Inn. As a business we're active in the community. I'm the president of the Greater Greenwood Lake Revitalization Committee. We're helping to build the Greenwood Lake Merchants Guild. We're always on board to help out local fundraisers by donating nights at the Inn as raffle prizes. I've made my poor husband plant flowers in the rain and lift 50 pound hanging baskets onto the telephone poles in the Village. Why??? I often myself. The answer is simple, it's doing what you love, the satisfaction of knowing you're contributing to the community in a positive way, and believing in good karma. In my heart I know that all these things are not just good for the soul, but also good for business.

Sounds of Summer

If you arrive at the Inn and park in the lot behind the house don't be alarmed if you hear "someone" whistling at you, it's just the resident parrot next door. He's been known to whistle at people getting out of their cars, but is mostly fondly remembered for the way he whistles the tune to the Andy Griffith Show. It's truly priceless to hear. I love opening the windows to the kitchen and listening to him sing away while I cook breakfast for guests. I've even overheard a "meow'ing" contest with a passerby cat. I think the cat was more surprised than I was. That's one talented bird. Maybe he'll get picked up as an extra on Rob Reiner's Summer at Dog Dave's, the movie that's filming in Greenwood Lake this summer.

I missed the parrot over the winter when he hibernates inside or perhaps goes to Florida with his owners. I'm happy he's back to his summer perch on the screened in porch of the neighbor's house. When I hear the familiar Andy Griffith theme song I know summer has arrived.

Father's Day

It was a picture-perfect Father's Day. We enjoyed a home-cooked dinner on the deck thanks to Tara. The weather was amazing. We had to take advantage of it so after dinner we headed down to the docks and hopped in the canoes and kayaks for a family paddle down the East Arm. The "Arm", where the Inn is located, is ideal for kayaks and canoes. It's a no wake zone, so the water is calm and it's a relaxing row down to the main lake. For a quick workout I like to go to "Barbara's & Back." Barbara's refers to Mayor Barbara Moore's house, which is right at the pinnacle of the lake. It's a gorgeous house with even more breathtaking landscaping. This past year it was featured on the cover of Our House magazine. If you're coming down the East Arm, you can't miss it. It's the one with the sea plane usually docked outside. Barbara's husband Jim is an advid pilot. He's also the founder and organizer of the annual Greenwood Lake Sea Plane Fly-In, which takes place every September.

Not a bad way to spend a Sunday. You'll probably hear me say this alot, but I love living by the lake!

Circus in Town

I love the fact that even though we live in a little town, the circus still comes every year and sets up right in the middle of the Village. The excitment builds as the elephants pull up the tents (which apparently not many circus's still do) and the kids catch a glimpse of the animals and performers.

In this photo are two faces you may see around the Inn, Seana (Maureen's youngest) and Seanie (my oldest son that's almost 5). They both had a blast at the show and feeding the elephants is always a highlight. All around, the Kelly Miller Circus does a great job.

Street Fair Fun

We took to the streets to showcase what the Waterstone Inn has to offer. Yesterday the Greenwood Lake Merchants Guild (of which we are a member) hosted its annual street fair on Windermere Avenue. For sale at our table were Waterstone Inn mugs filled with our signature Irish Soda Bread and discounted gift certificates. Thank you to everyone that came out to support us. The weather wasn't perfect, but we still had a great time. Our spot was in a prime location, across from the center of the action at Murphy's. A live band played outside under a tent and the clam bake was the place to be.

Next public appearance: July 3, Village of Greenwood Lake Bed Races. Hopefully we'll have an entry this year.

Hollywood Coming to Greenwood Lake

The stage is set. Hollywood's big wigs will be calling Greenwood Lake home this summer! It’s finally gone public that Rob Reiner’s new movie, Summer at Dog Dave’s will be filmed in Greenwood Lake. Morgan Freeman is cast as the lead character, who's a writer of Westerns that’s lost his groove. His agent suggests he go up to the lake for the summer to reflect, relax and get it together. For more info check out Variety online at http://www.showblitz.com/2011/05/possible-summer-lovin-for-madsen-and-thompson.html.

Want to catch a glimpse of the action? Filming starts July 11, M-F and is scheduled to last about a month.

Memorial Day Weekend

We put all the boats in the water..........




watched the beautiful fawn on the neighbors lawn....











...guests did tons of canoeing and kayaking...


















did some fishing......caught a few sunny's.....



A beautiful weekend at the lake.....................summer has begun!!!! yeah

Being an innkeeper.....

...is alot of fun, but also hard work. One fun thing about having an inn, is all the people you meet. Especially repeat customers! Its fun to be able to remember people and names and them be so happy to come to our place. As some may know, we are a family run B & B. Mom, Dad, sister Moe, brother Sean, Sister in law Lisa-aka our Martha Stewart- the nieces and nephews running around. The added helpers like Christine and Joe. So, its even more fun when guests come and ask about Dad, or mom and know us all. They really become friends and not just customers. So, a quick shot out to our repeat guests.....We thank you for coming back and enjoying our place!