Last night’s visitors included 2 new bears to the mountain… mama and cub! Mild temps so they are not ready to settle down for a long winters sleep just quite yet.

Awoke to fresh snow on the upper Cascades! Guests are thrilled to be basking in the warm sun enjoying a crisp morning and the beauty of Autumn! Oktoberfest and Marathon craziness in the village below while we all relax and enjoy the serenity of the mountain !!

Guess what?!!  I have a new pal and this time it's a dog sister!!! I am thrilled and so is everybody else... well, except our sister Cracker the cat is not too keen on the addition.  Ritz is cool with her, but you know Cracker... she has her own sense of superiority as the senior animal in our pack!  Bossy, hissy .. you know the routine!  Thankfully my new sister Sierra is clueless as to what a cat even is so we are good!  I am busy working on teaching her the ropes to being a lodge dog... no jumping, barking or being a pest and how to lead our guests on fun adventures into the forest.  So far she is doing great... her one issue is to stop chewing on mom's wood planters!  I am trying to share with her the fun of crunching on pinecones, but she apparently is partial to cedar over pine!  Come on over and play won't you?!! Love, Millie (Official Concierge!) 

Yikes!!  It's August already!  Where has this summer gone... speeding by I am afraid.  Hurry on over to enjoy the relaxation of our slice of paradise.  Hiking in the morning, lounging poolside in the afternoon and gazing at the stars in the evening... life is nice!  Come over and play with me, Love Millie

Dad's new camera is having fun capturing the beauty at Mountain Home Lodge.  Mom is making a new batch of nectar every few days to keep up with the demand of returning hummers.  The lilacs will bloom any day now and then the birds can enjoy sweet flower nectar.  Come join us to welcome Spring!  - Millie 

Ruby and his family are back on the mountain! 

Overlook ridge 

The ridge was wonderful this weekend with stellar skies, snow capped Cascades and wildflowers. My new friend Cody and I had a blast!  Arrowleafed balsam root is everywhere on the mountain and lupine and Indian paintbrush not far behind.  

Great wildlife viewing now too... the elk herd are in the neighborhood as well as almost nightly visits from the bear teenagers from summer 2016. Lots of deer and wonderful bird viewing from songbirds, hummingbirds and the silly wild turkey flock.  Never a dull moment for me to keep me busy "on patrol".  

 An added bonus for the adventuresome is amazing white water rafting as well as morel mushroom hunting.  Hope you can find the time to come on over and play here in May and June! 

Love Millie Vanilli, MHL Concierge

Hey there...its Millie Vanilli! I just got back from a hike and am soaking up the sun on the deck! First let me say, thank you for all of the birthday wishes! I had a great day running the trails and greeting guests... and yes, I even got to catch some snowballs! 

Do you know what tomorrow is? I hope you do as its my favorite holiday... Valentine's Day! Whether your are making dinner for your special someone, close friends or just yourself you are going to need some chocolate! (I have never had it, but my sister Brecklyn says chocolate is one of the best human foods around!) My Grandma Ginny, was the queen of heavenly and easy to make foods and so for you, my sweet valentines, I am sharing her Royal Crown Mousse recipe!

If you have stayed with us before, you have likely had this delicious, thick and yummy dessert! I thought I should share it with you today so that you can swing by the store on your way home and pick up any missing ingredients it calls for. I have also included an easy and elegant way to serve it for your "royal" guests! 

Royal Crown Mousse

1 12 oz. pkg semi sweet chocolate chips
2 8 oz. pkgs. of cream cheeses, softened
1 1/2 c. brown sugar, divided
1/4 tsp. salt
4 eggs whites, room temp
1 1/8 tsp vanilla
1 c. heavy whipping cream

1. Melt chocolate chips and blend in mixing bowl with the cream cheese and 3/4 c. brown sugar and salt.
2. Beat egg whites in separate bowl until stiff.
3. Add to chocolate mixture with vanilla and remaining sugar.
4. Whip cream separately until very stiff and then gently fold into the chocolate mixture.
5. Chill several hours. (Recommended overnight, but not necessary.)

Scoop 2-3 plops/cups into a ziplock bag. Seal without air and cut about an inch out of one of the lower corners. Squeeze a serving size  worth into a wine glass. Top with additional whipped cream and berries or sliced strawberries.

Enjoy, and be sure to share your pictures with me! I'd love to see your royal treats!

Happy Valentine's Day! Love, Millie Vanilli

Hitchhiker!

I decided it was a grand idea to escort two departing guests on their snowshoe trek back to town today!  Dad (Brad) didn't think that was such a keen idea as he "caught" me in action as he drove by us in the snowcat this afternoon with the other departing guests and all the luggage.  Busted!  Dad called Brecklyn to retrieve me from the road and scolded me to head home.  I was walking home alone when my sister Brecklyn showed up on her sled with this goofy collar thing?!  She hooked me up and then wanted me to run alongside the sled home?!  No way!  I was perfectly content to jump into her lap and head home driving the snowmobile!  She captured our selfie as we pulled into the lodge!  I look forward to welcoming you to my mountain home this year!  Its looking like 2018 is going to be a mighty fine year!  Happy New Year with love from Millie Vanilli

Our Winter wonderland- Mountain Home Lodge!

"How glorious a greeting the sun gives the mountains!" - John Muir 1838-1914

With 14" of fresh snow the mountain is a winter wonderland!  Guests broke trail this morning on snowshoes and the afternoon found many flying down the 1,700' sledding hill!  Brecklyn even sweetened the deal towing up the sledders after they walked up the hill at least once!    Guests kindly re-vamped our 2018 snowman with fresh carrot nose and tator eyes after "Sebastian" the squirrel ate the last guys face clean off him the other day!  Let's see how long this guy lasts?  Meet Bozley LaFlake...