June 3rd, 2020 by srsm
Scottish icons are visible throughout West Hill House B&B. Here’s a summer photo of the front of West Hill House B&B. We are often asked about the blue and white flag. Guests wonder if it is the flag of Finland, but no, it’s the flag of Scotland. The white X represents the cross of the … read full article
September 25th, 2019 by srsm
A great adventure began by accepting a friendly wager!  That’s exactly what happened to Dr. Horatio Nelson Jackson, a physician and car enthusiast from Burlington, Vermont! In 1903 Dr. H. Nelson Jackson of Burlington, Vermont was visiting in San Francisco, California when he overheard someone say he bet no one could drive one of ‘those … read full article
July 1st, 2019 by srsm
Stirring it up: Chilled Fruit Soup – A Cool Idea For Hot Summer Days. Chilled fruit soups are simple recipes which can be made in minutes, refrigerated for a least an hour and served as a tasty part of any meal. Makes about 10 half cup servings. I’ve updated this recipe as some of the … read full article
October 25th, 2017 by srsm
Stirring it up:  Scottish Oatcakes are made with oats but the result isn’t a traditional cake! This recipe can be mixed and baked in about 30 minutes. The result is a crisp and cracker-like Oatcake to be eaten with cheese, butter, jam or meat. Makes ~32 Oven 375°F (190°C) Bake 15 to 20 minutes … read full article
September 25th, 2017 by Peter MacLaren
In today’s world of constant up-time, it can be hard to fit in that much needed vacation. Luckily, the same thing causing us to be on-call 24-7 also allows us to work remotely. When you need to get away yet still have work to do, come stay, play, & work at West Hill House B&B, … read full article
July 18th, 2016 by Peter MacLaren
Did you know you can take direct flights to Burlington VT from an increasing number of major cities? It’s true! Direct flights to Burlington VT are increasingly common – and talk about convenience! When you take a commercial flight into Burlington, you’ll land at Burlington International Airport (BTV). BTV is a small, and friendly airport. … read full article
March 6th, 2016 by srsm
Serving it up Lorne Sausage, also known as Square Sausage, Flat Sausage or Slice Sausage, is a traditional Scottish  food made with beef and pork. It is said to have originated in Lorne, Argyll in Scotland. If you are in Scotland and ask for a full Scottish Breakfast you will see Lorne Sausage on your plate. … read full article
January 14th, 2015 by srsm
At breakfast on January first I presented our guests with my variation of  the Icelandic dessert VÃnarterta, a Shortbread and Prune Jam Layer Cake. If you want to learn more about our amazing Icelandic Experience check our January 5, 2015 blog. So, with thanks to the Icelandic cooks for the inspiration which I gained from the VÃnarterta recipe and apologies to Icelandic cooks … read full article
January 5th, 2015 by srsm
Iceland , ‘The land of Ice and Fire’. If you have ever dreamed of an Icelandic holiday, stop dreaming and go! As we have in past years, we kicked of 2015 by watching and listening to, via a live web cam , the midnight fireworks from Reykjavik, Iceland.  The closer it got to midnight the more … read full article
February 1st, 2013 by srsm
The magnificent 11 meter tall Royal Arch,  a symbol of Bejing-Canada friendship, welcomes visitors and residents alike as they explore Chinatown in Ottawa, Canada. Built entirely of reinforced concrete and stone it is in the style of the wooden arches found in China. Artists from China undertook the detailed hand painting and finishing work.  The Royal … read full article
July 1st, 2012 by srsm
Wishing all our Canadian friends around the world, “Happy Canada Day! Joyeus Fête du Canada!”. Canada Day or Fête du Canada, is a great day of celebration in Canada. Commemorating the anniversary of the July 1, 1867 enactment of the British North America Act, which united the three British colonies into a single country called … read full article
May 21st, 2012 by Peter MacLaren
So we were on our way to Cape Cod for the New England PAII conference and decided to break the trip with the night at one of Boston’s luxury downtown hotels. The entrance was grand, the staff was friendly, the room spacious and a nice treat for us but my gosh, I do believe that a … read full article