When Terry and I bought the property for Baby Island Lodge, we were initially attracted by the charm that one often finds in a old and well-loved home. In spite of signs of neglect everywhere, it was obvious that a lot of life had been thoroughly enjoyed by several generations in this place. The interior was knotty pine, golden with age, slightly darker above the large stone fireplace standing in the center of the gathering room. Across the front of the house were storage bin style window seats under enormous picture windows looking out to Baby Island and Saratoga Strait . It was easy to imagine spending winter days sitting in the window seat by the fire with a book and being so hypnotized by the view that little reading was done.

It was difficult to give that house up but, in the end, there was too much rot to save any part of it. The best I could do would be to design a home which would cradle people in the same way. The circular floor plan afforded a sense of space and congeniality that was important to the character of the lodge. Large windows allowed light and a sense of fresh air that one expects to find on the water. These features I brought to the new Baby Island Lodge but I made it my own with color, murals, music and food.

I hear from guests how much they enjoy the enchantment of the murals and that they appreciate the large spaces to be with their family as well as the small spaces for a quiet retreat. People often becoming so involved in exploring the music collection at the Lodge that their own CDs never make it into the machine. What I have not been able to continue to offer is my love of cooking for people--not allowed by the county code. The best I can do is include my favorite recipes here and ask you to imagine the pleasure I would have cooking for you and invite you to try some of them yourself.