That got me to thinking. Why not create a doggie weight watchers plan? My pups eat healthy, like I do, but my husband and I had the tendency to reward them a bit too much. So, we sat down, put our thinking caps on and I decided it was time to cut back on the snacks, and to add vegetables to their dog food. I went to the pet store, purchasing a weight control dog food that is healthy and mixed green beans and a dab of water to their dry food.

Today, I had to take my oldest pup to the vet to check a few skin tags that appear to be growing. My main concern was tumors…Fortunately, the items on his legs are only skin tags, but we are scheduling him for surgery.

The doctor complimented Shamus on his weight loss of 6 pounds. I laughed. Doggie Weight Watchers, I said. My vet looked at me with a curious look. “Doggie Weight Watchers,” and then I had to explain my new lifestyle and weight loss with Weight Watchers.

So, if you have a dog that needs to drop a few pounds, apply the Doggie Weight Watchers plan. Feed them green beans, or fresh veggies that they will eat, and mix a bit of water with their food. Make certain the pups get regular exercise. We are up to walking three miles daily. I cannot wait to share my doggie weight watchers story at Weight Watchers this week. Everyone will probably laugh, thinking I am just a bit insane. LOL!

Just a bit? Perhaps, but my pups do Doggie Weight Watchers — because it works!

Today, my heart breaks for her and her family. She truly is ‘gone too soon.’ For her daughter, Bobbi Kristin, my thoughts and prayers are with you. May you choose to live a life a bit different from your mother. I wish you much success with your singing career. Let this loss influence how you wish to live your life. Do not allow others to influence you to turn to situations so many entertainers choose to do. Be a light of guidance for all.

Whitney Houston’s music will be cherished forever, along with her legacy. Let us all remember the fantastic entertainer and voice that she was. May you rest in peace, Whitney Houston. The world will “Always Love You.”

Whitney Houston was an icon. She had an amazing, beautiful voice that soothed and hit notes I could not sing. When I sang at the age of 15, I could hit some of those notes, but over the years, my voice has deepened, more of a bass tone than soprano. This got me to thinking.

When Whitney Houston performed at recent concerts, people were critical, saying she sounded terrible. Many of them walked out, refusing to listen to her when she could not hit those notes anymore. Did anyone stop to recognize that our voices do deepen later? Many are blaming drugs as the reason for her shocking, unexpected death. I truly hope drugs are not the reason. According to recent reports, drugs were found in the bathroom — prescription drugs.

While it is true, no one will ever know exactly what Whitney Houston was thinking on Saturday, the morning and afternoon of her death. Was she afraid that she would not be able to sing, like before, and people would boo her and walk out? Reportedly, there were discussions of her stating that she wanted ‘to go see Jesus.’ Did she have a premonition of her death?

Whitney Houston had it all. Fame. Money. Popularity. A precious, beautiful daughter. A caring, loving mother. Family. Perhaps she wasn’t as lucky or blessed in love since she had the tendency to fall for guys with major issues, such as Bobby Brown. Nevertheless, she was a woman to admire. I listened to many of her songs in total amazement of how beautiful her voice carried the tune. Many times, I got chills just listening to her powerful voice. She was truly gifted!

Never was I blessed to see her perform in concert, but I still play her music. Most of her songs I know, but I have only attempted one of them, recognizing that I had to lower the notes, simply because my voice is deeper now…raspy sounding. I can sing the blues fairly well, but no one and I truly mean NO ONE can sing like Whitney Houston.

To those who are critical and judgmental, let us all recognize that we are human. It is time for the world to mourn Whitney Houston, by listening to her music. Now, she is in the hands of God, perhaps singing in the heavenly choir with other performers and my father. Whitney Houston, you are missed. My thoughts and prayers go to your family. The world mourns, and Whitney, We Will “Always Love You!”

Word Count 1800 words

  Building Chesapeake Traditions and Superb Hospitality

by

 Barbie Perkins-Cooper

 The Tides Inn Resort,Irvington,VA– not only a Chesapeake tradition, but also a pleasant paradise

In a world where cell phones, Ipods, Blackberries, Notebooks and other modern technical devices dictate our life, a little peace and relaxation is just what the doctor ordered. Set amongst Carters Creek on theRappahannockRiverinIrvington,VA, The Tides Inn Resort is a special place where waterfront views provide an air of freshness, and the worries of the world cease to exist when entering the property.

 Aboard the Miss Ann

Looking out at the marina, Miss Ann awaits an inviting cruise. She is 126’ in length, a rare beauty with sparkling floors appearing so clean one guest on board suggested we could probably eat off the floors. Chartered for family reunions, meetings, and personal events, Miss Ann glides across the waters as gracefully as a swan. Her lower deck is enclosed, with tables and chairs, a bar in the rear, and a lounging room. Well maintained with smooth polished woodwork Miss Ann is a stunning craft of graceful, elegant refinement, owned by the Tides Inn, named to honor the wife of its original owner. According to legends at the resort, when the vessel was purchased by the husband of Miss Ann, she redecorated it with $30,000 but failed to appreciate the boat. On one trip, they had dreadful seas and Miss Ann took on water, toppling the boat. She refused to ride on the boat after that experience. Miss Ann holds a crew of eighty plus members, and is one of the amenities every guest should take part in while at the Tides Inn.

Once a secret resort hotel for locals and families, this award-winning hotel provides relaxation, gourmet cuisine fit for royalty, golf, spa treatments and the finest life offers, not for special guests – for EVERY guest. The mission statement for the Tides Inn states: “Building upon more than half a century of history and tradition we will create a unique experience, a retreat from the urban environment, a place where friends become old friends who return time after time to experience the warm hospitality that is The Tides Inn.” People come to stay on the water, golf, dine, spend a day at the spa, and relax at the Tides Inn.

Practicing a Philosophy that Works

The philosophy at the Tides Inn is a simple rule practiced at only the finest of hotels. Gordon Slatford, General Manager of The Tides Inn Resort prides himself in practicing and sharing his experience with others, having worked his entire career in the hotel industry on three continents. A kind, genteel man with a pleasant British accent and a gleam in his eyes, Gordon practices an impressive, friendly attitude he shares with all staff. “We attempt to read our guests needs and wants before they have the occasion to ask for them. I believe in the truest traditions of European hospitality – the feeling you have when entering a building – a feeling of coming home. The staff members greet you as if you are a long lost friend returning home. The Tides Inn is a place of solace where people return to time and time again. We pride ourselves in exemplifying the finest service, care, and true customer recognition.”

Customer Service Excels at The Tides Inn

At The Tides Inn customer service is not an every day routine, it is genuine. Employees are authentic and when they become a part of the staff at Tides Inn, they realize they are part of an extended family. Employees of The Tides Inn not only demonstrate the art of hospitality, they go above and beyond the call of duty to exemplify how precious each day is at the resort. Every guest experiences strong eye contact, a warm smile, and a personal greeting when strolling along the corridors. No cell phone attached to ears, no deafening phone conversations echoed in a restaurant setting or in corridors.

“Every customer who visits the Tides is an individual with special needs. Daily we discuss every guest every morning at our arrivals meeting,” said Gordon Slatford. “We always remember and practice the philosophy that there is no more important task than spending a few minutes chatting with our guests.”

Training, Recruiting Staff

During training and recruitment, the Tides Inn stresses a critical viewpoint of encouragement, never employing a skill but a smile. Never a qualification, but an attitude. To simplify, the staff stresses going the extra mile, experiencing hospitality ‘hands-on.’ “We believe strongly in actions. Waiters must dine in the dining room. Front desk staff must spend a night at the property. Everyone must take a trip on Miss Ann, our historic yacht.” The Tides Inn practices personalized services, thus building a bond with customers and happiness in the staff.

Originally owned by the Stephens Family, The Tides Inn recently completed a major multi-million dollar renovation in hopes to breathe new life into the fabric of the property. Refurbishment included renovations to all guest rooms. Formerly the number of guest rooms consisted of 124 rooms, however, during the renovation phase, the number of guest rooms decreased to a total of 106 guest rooms, including 22 of the rooms now classified as suites.

The accommodations at The Tides Inn are rich with details, luxurious and comfortable. Vista Suites provide a comfortable living area with a sleeper sofa and a pictorial view of the marina and Carters Creek. The bathroom is spacious with a large glass shower stall, garden tub, his and her sinks, and plenty of room to move about and relax while getting dressed. Deluxe guest rooms are available along with premium guest rooms featuring a large bedroom and sitting area. The Lancaster House Suite offers guests a cozy living area and separate bedroom. The Lancaster Suite is the ideal setting for families and friends.

Regardless of the setting, comfortable surroundings for all guests is the key. “When selecting beds for a resort, size is of little significance,” said Gordon. “A core responsibility of any hotelier is the provision of a great night’s sleep.”

At the resort, king size beds are provided whenever possible. All beds contain the availability for the guest to receive a good night’s sleep. Mattresses at The Tides Inn Resort are fourteen inches deep, featuring the deepest, most luxurious pillow top quilting. All beds are dressed with 280 thread count Egyptian linens, and down comforters, pillows. “If a guest is allergic to downs or other fabrics, we will completely remake the room with non-allergenic pillows, comforters, and accessories. It really is not good enough just to have a polyester pillow placed in a wardrobe,” said Gordon. “Our guests sleep well. We offer the perfect balance of comfort, luxury and service, along with a blending of rates, which allows a broad range of customers to experience The Tides Inn Resort. Rates during our high season ranges from the low $200 to the mid $300, with winter and low season approximately $100 lower. Peak season occurs from Memorial Day to Labor Day, with Thanksgiving andChristmas in demand.”

Another aspect of the unique heart and character at The Tides Inn are the hours of operation. Most resort hotels are open all year round; however, The Tides Inn closes during January and February for approximately six weeks. Many of the employees have worked at The Tides Inn for several years, and they return after the six-week closing ready and willing to work. Their dedication to their careers results in low turnovers. The family atmosphere is impressive. Employees are aware of the six-week closing and they use the personal time off to be with families. Gordon states, “We close around the first of the year for six weeks and will review and change the closure pattern. The Tides has a plethora of long service staff with many exceeding 25 years of service. One of the staff has worked here for over 50 years, starting as a boy, remaining with us and now it is his passion. This characteristic of the property cannot be emulated anywhere else. Our guests and several employees have grown up together. They share the delights of family on each and every visit. The Tides Inn becomes a nice family tradition.”

Bridging a Gap at Golden Eagle Country Club

Golden Eagle Country Club

Golden Eagle Country Club at The Tides Inn has some of the most challenging and beautiful fairways a golfer can imagine. The course was designed by George W. Cobb and has a backdrop of a fifty-acre lake. Golf Digest Magazine describes the Golden Eagle as a tough course and has hosted many championships. For detailed information about rates, tee times, and other amenities at the course visit the web site: www.tidesinn.com/golf.

The philosophy at the Tides Inn is truly a win, win situation, a complimentary blending of life skills, remembering what it is like to be the customer, and the remembrance of “The gift ofChristmas.” Gordon explains this practice, “Up to the age of fourteen, we look forward to receiving presents onChristmas day. Sharing the experience of giving someone a cherished gift, we experience the joy of giving. Remembering the smile on that special person’s face, the special feeling of warmth. These lessons are critical to anyone in hospitality. Our true rewards in life come from the pleasure we give. At the Tides Inn, we share life lessons, turning them into life experiences, training our staff to be good human beings. You know the good ones; they count every good deed and pleasure they give to someone else as a deposit in the bank of life.”

Every employee at the Tides Inn has a unique personality, complimenting the resort, making it one of the most amazing properties to experienceChesapeake Bayhospitality. Dining at the Chesapeake Club is a rare treat. Waiters top off water glasses and refresh napkins without a customer requesting the service. Food arrives at the proper temperature and is appealing to the eye and taste buds.

Attention to detail, pleasant staff, boat rides on the historical Miss Ann, golfing on a challenging course, spa treatments, a relaxing night’s sleep, extraordinary dining with service fit for a king, these traditions at the Tides Inn aren’t just for a selected few, but for every guest.

“AChesapeake Baytradition is not just a tag line for us, but a way of life,” said Gordon. “All of our seasoned and new employees strive to build not only superb experience, but memorable traditions. From the traditional Whiskey Run to our time-honored ‘spoon bread’ served each morning at breakfast, made for the past twenty-five years by the same woman, our guests continue to come back. Many of our employees have watched children grow up here only to return with their own children, thus building new family traditions. These customs are passed down from generation to generation. Of course the awards and many accolades we have received are only a measure of success, shaping our future while building many family traditions along theChesapeake Bay.”

IF YOU GO:

Visit the web site: www.tidesinn.com for additional information.

The Tides Inn

480 King Carter Drive

Irvington,Va.22480-0480

Hotel Direct: 804.438.5000

Toll free reservations: 800.843.3746

Fax: 804.438.5222

E-mail: info@tidesinn.com
About the Author:

Barbie Perkins Cooper is a talented, award-winning writer of travel guides, screenplays, fiction, non-fiction, plays, and numerous articles for regional, trade and travel publications. Ms. Perkins Cooper is a member of International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association, North American TravelJournalistsAssociation, and South Carolina Writers Workshop. In her sparetime, she enjoys photography, boat riding, relaxing on the beaches ofSouth Carolina, riding a motorcycle with her husband, and listening to good music, especially jazz.

Next week, I will hit one of my goals. Perhaps soon I will meet with my leader to establish my final goal for lifetime. I will achieve this goal. I have ideas  and goals planned for myself. Finally, I am doing something for me!

Thank you, Weight Watchers. It feels so good to be able to walk on the treadmill without huffing and puffing, and it feels good to hear compliments from my friends. This I do for me!

“Yes, we are and we’re ready to entertain you for a while.” Again, she cast me that warm, welcoming smile. I introduced myself, noticing a business card placed on her chest.

A relative from Iowa had dropped by earlier to visit her and she was so happy. She cherished the business card. “I don’t get many visitors,” she said.

Perhaps you have never visited a nursing home or convalescent center. I have. In 1998, I toured Sandpiper, admitting my dad who was suffering with terminal cancer, needing ‘skilled nursing care.’ For those who do not recognize the definition of skilled nursing care, it simply means 24-hour nursing care. My dad was seriously ill. Although I attempted to care for him, I recognized I did not possess the professional medical care training he needed. Yes, the nurturing part of me was alive and able to nurture him, and I knew a bit about cancer, but my dad had a PEG tube.  Even though the nurses trained me about cleaning of the PEG tube, I was not comfortable with it. My precious dad needed more nursing care than I could give him. I visited him daily, with exception of three times during his illness when I had severe bronchitis attacks. When visiting the nursing home during his illness, I noticed several people never had visitors and that disturbed me deeply. Walking back into Sandpiper on Friday, I did not focus on the loss of my dad. I performed as well as I could without focusing on the day of his death, July 6, 1999, while I was walking into his room to visit with him. I must say, it was great to see some of the residents at Sandpiper bopping their heads to the music, and to hear them singing the lyrics with us. My dad would be proud of me. Yes, I could feel his presence, and it was great to walk into Sandpiper again, this time, to entertain.

My dad’s roommate is still residing at Sandpiper. I walked over to him, dedicated a song to him and kissed him on the forehead. He blushed. Seconds later, he was singing “Unchained Melody,” along with me. How I loved hearing him singing with me. Mr. Dudley was enjoying the music and his body was moving to the beat!

It was such an honor to sing to such a warm, responsive group, to share a bit of music, nostalgia, and memories to a group of senior citizens who rarely get out to enjoy life as much as they did previously. My fondest wish is that the Divas gave them happy memories and entertainment. As for me, I left Sandpiper singing, I lifted my head to the sky, telling God thank you. Thank you for life and the ability to sing to a group of precious individuals who still need the bonding of family, the therapy of music, and the touch of warmth the Divas shared with a group of beautiful, precious residents. I look forward to seeing them again, and inviting them to sing with the Divas!

“Let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia.

Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee.

Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi.

From every mountainside, let freedom ring.

And when this happens, when we allow freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God’s children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual:

Free at last! Free at last!

Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!”

Today, we celebrate the birth and life of Martin Luther King. How proud he would be that America has changed for the better. Yes, there is still bigotry and prejudice, but today, the world is still changing. As Dr. King said, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream today!”

Let us all appreciate that America is a free nation and we can still have our dreams to build our lives with freedom and pride for ourselves, who we are and the dreams that we all have. “I have a dream…”

Today, I still have a dream, but I am most thankful that “The times are a changing,” and we can look into the eyes, heart and soul of a person, not the color of their skin. Thank you, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for what you strived to do to make America a proud and free nation — for ALL of us. I fully believe the Women’s Movement would not have happened without the courage the young women found to stand alone to accomplish their dreams, all to the credit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the leaders who found the courage to walk tall and speak up so America can hear and change the times, allowing us all to have a better life with much success in the twenty-first century. Yes, it is true. I still have a dream — that the glass ceilings will break and women will be treated with respect, not wolf whistles and slurs! I have a dream, that America will stop being so judgemental and look for the good in a person, not the color. I have many dreams!

I have heard many friends say they plan to lost weight this year. Some are going the route of Dr. Atkins. Others are considering Nutri System, and one is considering something new — “The Pink Method.” They asked my advice. “Simple,” I replied. “Weight Watchers, because it works.”

OK, so I didn’t lose the 50 pounds I wanted to lose in 2011. And it is true, I am losing slowly…EVER SO SLOWLY; nevertheless, I am losing weight, inches and lots of clothing sizes.

For 2012, I started the year off with a slight weight gain — 1.2 pounds. Yes, I was discouraged, so disappointed that I failed to maintain during the holidays, but this is a new year, a new week, and I will achieve weight loss this year.

At Weight Watchers, I haven’t met with my leader to determine a goal. I have a goal in my mind. When I get closer to it, I will meet with her to make certain I am on the right track. For now, I can see the light. I have a goal established and I will achieve it, and when I do, there will be a celebration. Perhaps during karaoke night with my closest friends.

Last week I managed to clean closets, bagging four large bags of clothes. Many of the outfits still have tags on them, so they could be considered ‘new.’ I tried every outfit on, amazed that most were too big for me now! When I bought them, they were too tight. I have the tendency not to try clothing on before buying it. I must change that habit now.  There was one cute pair of pants I gave to Goodwill with reluctance. The pants have been hanging in my closet, in anticipation of wearing them — someday — when I could get into them. I tried the shiny silver lame on, excited that they fit! I rushed to show my husband that I could wear them. “Trash them,” he said, in his grouchy, controlling way. “They’re too d— big!”

“If only I had a full-length mirror, I could see,” I mumbled. I opened the bag for Goodwill, tossing the silver lame pants into the bag. “I suppose someone will enjoy them, but not me. Too big!”

It really is a bit difficult to toss away clothing. Part of me wants to keep many of the clothes, in the event I gain weight. Recognizing that thinking is not positive or beneficial for me, I decided it was in my best interest to throw away all the clothing that is too big now. A weight gain will not happen again. I have made the commitment to change my life with Weight Watchers, and I have kept that commitment. I am the type of personality who makes a commitment and usually keeps it. Weight Watchers is now a part of my life!

Happy New Year, 2012. This week I will drop by Goodwill, giving all the clothing to them, and I will continue to count and track my points.  Let us all continue our commitments — with Weight Watchers, or at least Weight Loss. Whatever works for you, and for me. Weight Watchers, because — IT WORKS!

The Top 10 Workout Songs For Winter 2011

San Francisco, CA – Dec 31, 2011 – Traditionally, winter is the time of year when folks find it hardest to get out and exercise.  In the hopes of keeping folks motivated, readers from RunHundred.com–the web’s most heavily-trafficked workout music blog–were polled regarding their favorite, current workout songs.  The resulting top 10 list has a little of what you’d expect—and a little you might not.  Flo Rida, who’s no stranger to this list, shows up in two recent tracks.  Enrique Iglesias continues his transition from balladeer to club rocker.  And Kelly Clarkson, after faltering with the first single off her new album, bounced back ferociously with the second.

As for surprises, they’re mostly entries from folks relatively new on the dance scene.  Highlights include songs from Tim Berg (who remixed his own track under his Avicii moniker), Skrillex (whose collaboration with Kaskade is the first dubstep track ever the make the Top 10), and Wolfgang Gartner (who’s made the chart with a little help from the Black Eyed Peas’ Will.I.Am).

Here’s the full list:

Tim Berg – Seek Bromance (Avicii Vocal Edit) – 127 BPM

Katy Perry – The One That Got Away – 135 BPM

Alexandra Stan – Mr. Saxobeat (Maan Studio Remix) – 126 BPM

Flo Rida – Good Feeling – 129 BPM

Wolfgang Gartner & Will.I.Am – Forever – 128 BPM

Hot Chelle Rae – Tonight Tonight (Goldstein Remix) – 118 BPM

Taio Cruz & Flo Rida – Hangover – 129 BPM

Enrique Iglesias, Pitbull & The WAV.s – I Like How It Feels – 129 BPM

Kaskade & Skrillex – Lick It – 128 BPM

Kelly Clarkson – What Doesn’t Kill You (Stronger) – 117 BPM

To find more workout songs–and hear next month’s contenders–folks can check out the free database at RunHundred.com. Visitors can browse the song selections there by genre, tempo, and era–to find the music that best fits with their particular workout routine.

Contact:
Chris Lawhorn
Run Hundred
http://www.RunHundred.com

Here’s to all of us continuing the weight loss for 2012. May we achieve our goals and make new friends. Happy New Year!