Human Rights Shouldn't Justify Human Wrongs

When Two Rights Go Wrong

"Douglas McCue, 68, stands in front of his home in Perth, ON, Sept. 19, 2009. The CornerStone Bed and Breakfast that he operated out of his home since 2003 was closed on March 30 following court procedures and an Ontario Human Rights Tribunal case after he refused to let a blind man with a guide dog stay at the B&B due to his allergic reaction to dogs, which affects his diabetes."

This summer, we had a similar situation with a much less stressful resolution.

A man and his "lady-friend" showed up with their dog after making online reservations. With no forewarning of their unique situation, and with several printed pages of our obligation to accept their animal into the Inn, they "forced" my kind-hearted Innkeeper to let them stay. I told them that we would never discriminate against anyone - handicapped or otherwise.

I felt their using a "dog-in-training" (this guy trains them for autistic children), along with misusing an admirable piece of legislation was wrong and unacceptable to me. I let them stay the night, but that was it. The next morning my guests were asking all the questions I would, like what's the disability, how the dog helps, etc. Turns out that his lady-friend (his words) was calmed by the dog-in-training, and he was misleading me when he said that she was "slightly" autistic.

Needless to say, I was outraged at his irresponsibility and selfishness. We do not allow animals in the house for the same reason most small B&Bs do not, guests have allergies. I have two dogs and I love animals. I keep them out of the Inn out of respect for my guests. So what can I do? I'm posting this article, and I contacted our local B&B association to warn them, and to flag any future reservations from this person.

I did learn more about the law, its intentions, and how it can be misused and misapplied for selfish reasons. I hope everyone will stand up to such "bulling", learn your rights, and be kind to each other.


Referring article:

(http://www.ottawacitizen.com/health/When+rights+wrong/2013286/story.html)
When Two Rights Go Wrong:
In Perth bed-and-breakfast battle, there are no real winners - BY KELLY EGAN, THE OTTAWA CITIZENSEPTEMBER 20, 2009COMMENTS (26)

© Copyright (c) The Ottawa Citizen

Westhaven Blackberry Festival

WESTHAVEN -- The Westhaven Volunteer Fire Department's 49th annual Wild Blackberry Festival will be held Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Fire Hall, south of Trinidad at the Sixth Avenue exit off U.S. Highway 101.

Sponsored by the fire department and the Westhaven Ladies Club, this old-fashioned fundraiser in the redwoods by the sea will feature live music, a barbecue, blackberry snow cones, local brews and wines, a raffle, children's activities, artists booths and the firemen's dunk tank.

The Ladies Club and its helpers have been working all year making blackberry jelly, jam and pies you can eat by the slice with ice cream, or purchase whole pies that have been frozen and then freshly baked.

Visitors can meet the fire crews of the Westhaven Volunteer Fire Department and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection with their fire trucks on display, and kids can have their picture taken with Smokey the Bear.

Donations to this nonprofit event support the fire department and the local community.

Huckleberry Banana Bread

Huckleberry Banana Bread

Ingredients:

1 cup butter
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
3 cups unbleached flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup buttermilk
3 to 4 very ripe bananas, sliced
1 cup walnuts (optional)
1 cup huckleberries, rinsed and drained (you may substitute with blueberries)

Cream together, butter, sugar and eggs. Combine flour, salt and baking soda in a small bowl. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to creamed mixture. Mix well. Beat 200 strokes. Fold in sliced bananas and huckleberries. Bake in a greased and floured mini loaf pans at 350º for 45 minutes to an hour.

Adopt-A-Highway Program

Trinidad Bay Bed & Breakfast been a part of the Adopt-A-Highway program since April 2006. The adopted area is about 3 miles north of the B & B on HWY 101 just before Patrick's Point State Park. The weather has been very nice and I figured that I needed to get out there and clean the highway before the B & B gets too busy. I walked the two mile stretch of the highway and only picked up one full bag of trash and one bag of recyclables! This is a big improvement from the last time I went out and picked up about 6 bags of trash. I just love being out there doing this for the community. Cal Trans provides me with all the tools needed for the job. This includes a hardhat, trash grabber, trash bags, yellow vest and bags for recycling. Businesses or individuals may adopt a stretch of highway. All one needs to do it check out the Adopt-A-Highway website to apply.

Flowers are Blooming at the Trinidad Bay B & B!

Cherry Almond Scones

Here is a new recipe a Trinidad neighbor shared with me and it has been a big hit.

Cherry Almond Scones

For the scones:
3/4 cup dried cherries
1 cup boiling water
1 egg
3/4 cup low-fat buttermilk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
6 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup almonds, chopped

For the cherry butter:
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup cherry preserves

To start: Preheat the oven to 400˚. Grease a baking sheet or cover baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside. Put the dried cherries into the boiling water; set aside.

Prepare the scones: In a large bowl, combine the egg, buttermilk, vanilla and almond extracts; set aside. In a food processor, blend the flour, sugar, baking powder, and butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. (You can also just use a simple hand held pastry blender to do this if you don't have a food processor). Drain the cherries and stir into the egg mixture. Add the crumb mixture to the egg mixture and stir until blended. Stir in the almonds. Drop the dough by heaping tablespoonful onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden. Serve warm with cherry butter.

Make the cherry butter: In a medium bowl, combine the butter and preserves. Stir until blended.

Yield: 24 scones

Trinity Alps Guest Room - Remodeled

The Trinity Alps Room is Ready for the Season!

The old wallpaper has been stripped, and the plastic mini blinds are history. New curtains and new freshly painted colors - check it out ...