Groundhog Day Special Deal in Michigan

Thursday, February 2, 2012, is Groundhog Day. Punxsutawney Phil will be predicting the weather at approximately 7:25 a.m. If he does not see his shadow, the prediction is for an early Spring. In that case, we will offer any room at Munro House B&B in Jonesville MI for just $99 per night when you stay 2 nights between February 3-9. If he sees his shadow, the prediction is for a longer winter. In that case, we will give you gift cards for 2 dinners when you stay with us 2 nights between February 3-9 at posted rates. You win either way when you call in your reservation on Groundhog Day.

This offer is valid for reservations made on Groundhog Day between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. for any 2 night stay between February 3-9. Dinner certificates for Saucy Dog's Barbeque and Olivia's Chop House.


Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Green Bay Packers Nike Vipor Gloves

I am a Green Bay Packers fan. I show my colors every month of the year in Detroit Lions territory. I have t-shirts, jackets, hats, gloves, scarfs, neck ties, golf balls, grill covers, license plates, flags, and more. Win or lose, they are my team. A few friends have been allowed to view my collection of stuff in the Packer Shrine at my house. During the Pro Bowl, Greg Jennings tweeted that he would do a 'be great' celebration after his next catch--it was a touchdown. He put his Nike Viper gloves together to form the Packers logo with the G for Great.

Nike was debuting some of their 2012 gear at the Pro Bowl. Apparently, all teams will have this type of glove and they will be available in the Spring.  Friends, I wear size XL  :-)

Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Michigan Murder Mystery March 3

A new Murder Mystery Weekend has just been added to the schedule for March 2-3 at Munro House Bed and Breakfast in Jonesville Michigan. It can be a one or two night stay. Those who arrive on Friday night can also get a great dinner for 2 at Olivia's Chop House. Saturday night is when we host the interactive murder mystery dinner party. Everyone participates as the mystery unfolds and we all try to figure out who-done-it. Come as you are. We will assign your character, dress you up for your role, teach you how the game is played, and prepare a 5 course dinner for you to enjoy while you play the game.

Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Picasso Cats at Toasted Mud

Another vase has been painted. Another Picasso Cat is added to the collection. Lori Venturini is dropping by Toasted Mud pottery studio in Hillsdale and working on several projects over the course of days or weeks. These projects are relaxing, creative, and fun. She is getting better and faster while spending peaceful time with friends and acquaintances who share an interest in art. Kids, singles, couples, and groups gather at Toasted Mud to create masterpieces to look at or to use. We like to enjoy these projects by using them as they were intended. We eat from the bowls, serve from the plates, and will put flowers in the vases.

Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Michigan B&B Deals on FourSquare

I downloaded a smart phone app called FourSquare. Basically, it tracks where you've been and lets your friends know where you are. There are additional features that provide statistics for competition with friends, mayorships, and special offers.

When I go to the gas station, I check in. At the grocery store, I check in. At restaurants, I check in. Everywhere I go, I check in. Points are achieved for first time check ins, returning check ins, and check ins with friends. Badges are earned for being a connoisseur of similar locations. Mayorships are earned by frequently going to the same places--even the water cooler. Many businesses have special offers that include freebies, upgrades, and special offers, so it's worth checking in to get a bigger better deal.

The Munro House B&B in Jonesville MI now participates in the special offers. Guests can get a free upgrade to a bigger room, tour groups get a reduced rate, and business travelers who come to Hillsdale County often can get a free massage.

Signing up is free. Gaining mayorships is fun. Getting stuff for free makes it worthwhile--I'm getting free McCafe Smoothies at my McDonalds.


Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Painted Pottery Pig Project Complete

Another masterpiece has come out of the kiln at Toasted Mud in Hillsdale, MI. Lori Venturini has never taken an art class but has proven that 53 years of life has prepared her to become an artist. This local pottery painting studio has a selection of pieces that are ready to be painted. Simple instructions are given by the staff. Then, it's just a matter of time and effort and inspiration to create a keepsake, heirloom, or work of art. This piggy bank project took several hours over a few weeks to complete. With time, I am sure the tasks will be finished in much quicker time with similar or better quality. Each design on this little piggy was hand drawn and painted with a thin line brush.

There are projects that can be completed in an afternoon, or over the course of a month. Either way, it is a relaxing and creative way to spend spare time.


Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Annual New Years Eve Murder Mystery Dinner Party

Seven couples came to Jonesville to participate in the annual New Years Eve Murder Mystery at the Munro House B&B in Michigan. Strangers became friends as they gathered to enjoy some old fashioned face-to-face social networking. The pairs joined forces to try to figure out who was telling the truth,who was lying through their teeth, and who was guilty of murder. All this was done while consuming a five course meal. It was an interactive evening of adult fun where the best part was that no one had to drive home--they all got to have as much fun as they wanted, then spend the night in a comfortable room and awaken to a big breakfast before heading back home. The murder mystery is traditionally done on New Years Eve, along with another 5-10 dates per year including multiple weekends in November--Murder Mystery Month at the Munro House.

Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

New Years Eve Party in Michigan

It is New Years Eve. We are hosting a Murder Mystery Dinner Party at the Munro House in Jonesville, and it's 41 degrees outside. That is just too nice a day to not be able to enjoy because of work, so I took 30 minutes and rode my motorcycle around town. I got a snapshot of me in front of the time and temperature at the bank, in front of the Jonesville Water Tower, at the local gas station, and in the Wal-Mart parking lot. So this is my time capsule of what it was like on this day. The price of gas was reasonable, my town was progressive, the parking lots were full, and the weather was outstanding (for December). Now I've got a house full of nice people and everyone is having a good time. Lady Gaga will be on the countdown from Times Square. We'll pour champagne at midnight and I will have to work on day 1 of 2012. It is all good.  Life is good in Jonesville.

Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"

Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Interactive Murder Mystery Dinner in Michigan

Six  couples joined us for a murder mystery dinner at the Munro House B&B in Jonesville Michigan. November is traditionally murder mystery month at the Munro House where several weekends are reserved for murder mysteries each year. Each person was an active participant in this interactive event.  A role was assigned to each guest by our hostess who tried to match characters with personalities.

These parties are designed to be more of a fun event than a problem solving task. Adults dressing up and acting silly is what these parties are all about. Each guest has a role to play and a script to follow. Each script has 4-8 clues in each of three acts. These clues must be shared during dinner. Additional ad-libbing is encouraged. 

A five course meal was served while the game was played. The mystery was solved over dessert. New friendships were made during the course of the evening and judging from the laughter coming from the dining room, everyone had a good time..



Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Toasted Mud Pottery Creations

We spent a day painting kitchenware at Toasted Mud Pottery Studio in Hillsdale, MI. Then we waited for it to be glazed and fired. A week went by and we brought home our very own functional works of art. Lori created a serving plate in the Polish Pottery style and I made a simple maple syrup pitcher. Both projects were completed with 1 minute of instruction and access to all the tools and materials we would need.

I remember it being very relaxing and creative time spent in a calm setting with the best girl ever. We had a very good experience and appreciate the additional instructions and tips that were offered while we worked on our individual creations. Our next pottery painting project will be much better now that we have a whole day of experience.

Mike Venturini

Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper

"Life is good in Jonesville"

Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Halloween Costume Ideas 2011

My personal blog has a slideshow of hundreds of trick or treaters in costume on Halloween at Munro House in Jonesville. We gave candy to an estimated 722 visitors on the most beautiful All Hallows Eve we've had in a long time. Temperatures in the mid 50's with no precipitation made it a comfortable evening to be out on the porch in our underwear having fun with children of all ages.

Mike Venturini

Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper

...and his sidekick "Buggy"

"Life is good in Jonesville"

Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Enjoying Hillsdale County Via Motorcycle

One of the best things about running a bed and breakfast in Michigan is the free time at mid-day. It isn't every day, but it is most days that we have a 2-4 hour window of opportunity where we can just get out and enjoy the day after the morning work is done and before new guests arrive for check-in. I have had several days like that this week already.

Touring on my Honda GoldWing Motorcycle is my favorite thing to do until the temperatures get into the low 30's. My wife enjoys rides on nice days like today--60+ degrees. We cruise the back roads, the side streets, and the lakes area. We help to support the Hillsdale County economy by having lunch at a different location and visiting out-of-the-way stores and shops.

The Fall Colors are past peak, but a crisp day with sunshine is a good day to enjoy the great state of Michigan. The myriad of colors from the leaves is gone but the earth tones of the harvest is just beginning. Folks are out raking leaves, farmers are tilling their soil, and families are enjoying outdoor activities before winter arrives.

"Life is good in Jonesville"


Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Annual Fall Treasure Hunt Results

98 teams with about 500 participants gathered at Hillsdale County Fairgrounds for the 78th running of the annual Lewis Emery Treasure Hunt. Each team had paid $20 per carload to take part in the event. The temperature was cool, the sky was clear, and it was a great night to be out with friends.

The rules were reviewed by last year's winners who became this year's hosts. A perfectly executed hunt was predicted to take about 5 hours and log 180 miles without leaving the county.

Our team of 5 included 2 virgins, a lot of trivial knowledge, and a good attitude along with lots of supplies and a full tank of gas.

A lunch bag with the first clue was waiting for each team as the event began. Inside the bag was a Compact Disc--a new way to deliver a clue this year. We were fortunate to have a CD player in the truck. Not everyone was so fortunate.

We nailed the clue immediately thanks to smart phone app SHAZZAM. The song title was "Dirt Road" a tune I did not recognize by a band I did not know. We knew that there were several exits to the fairgrounds and only one was not paved. We made our way to that exit and were given our next clue--a word search with Presidents.

Next was a basketball themed letter wheel, followed by math/number trivia, song titles, road signs, word game, Simon Says, cryptogram, puzzle pieces, and a crossword.

There were guardians near most of the hidden treasures--some could have passed for treasure seekers while others were hiding and keeping watch over the bag of clues. Our clue finding notification-celebration scream was the catch phrase from the State Farm Insurance Commercial--RODGERS! DISCOUNT DOUBLE CHECK! That signaled our team members that the clue had been found and we could go back to the truck.

We figured out the key to the "and 1" basketball puzzle after 5 letters. The youtube video was a new use of technology and was an instant classic, but we recognized only 2 landmarks in a 17 minute video--the old school non-video math problem option worked better for us.

The next four puzzles were a breeze. We blasted through them with ease. Simon Says turned out to be very difficult for us. The "root for the razorback" clue stumped us for way too long for no apparent reason--fatigue had set in and we weren't thinking straight. I had to take my wife home about midnight when she became ill. We retraced our steps and reran the razorback clue successfully after having stumbled for over an hour.

The puzzle pieces had a red herring. We searched for the Lamb "X" for at least an hour. We ran the entire length of Lamb Road and back. Gave it up around 1:30 a.m., found the last 2 clues, and arrived at the finish just in time to watch the hosts cleaning up at 2:15 a.m. after traveling 225 miles. They told us that the Lamb "X" referred to "you are here", so we wasted a lot of time searching for the clue that wasn't there. 

We were told that about 30 teams had arrived for food, but I didn't ask how many of them had finished the hunt successfully. We were still happy to finish in not-record time with a good team I hope to play with again.

I loved the camouflaged guards at many of the clue locations especially the guys in the cornfield and the guy laying by the railroad tracks. A perfect weather night was a bonus. The time flew by. Despite a couple of SNAFUs, we had a very good time. The supplies that were invaluable included flashlights, spare batteries, a CD player, smart phone, scissors, tape, map, pens, and a general knowledge of Hillsdale County.


Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"


Munro House Bed and Breakfast

2011 Hillsdale County Treasure Hunt

I'm excited!  The 78th annual Lewis Emery Treasure Hunt takes place Saturday, October 22. Sign up at Celebrations Unlimited - 40 E. Bacon - Hillsdale, MI. Late sign up 5:00 p.m. at Hillsdale County Fairgrounds the day of the hunt. Cost is $20 per carload. We expect to drive around 200 miles and not leave the county! we expect to experience dirt roads that we didn't know existed, we expect to have a lot of fun.

The hunt takes participants around Hillsdale County seeking clues to the location of the next puzzle. The puzzles are hidden in public places--never on private property. We expect to visit parks, bridges, parking lots, and intersections in rural areas. There are usually 10 clues, which means 10 puzzles to decipher that will take teams to their final destination where cash prizes are awarded to the fastest finishers, along with food and beverages for everyone.

My team of 5 is set with experience totalling 6 treasure hunts--we have 2 virgins this year. We will drive one vehicle across the county with hopes of breaking into the top 10 of around 100 teams. Tools are being organized to help us solve the puzzles. We will have flashlights, GPS, smart phones, scissors, pencils, markers, a can opener, tape, the Bible, maps, string, phone book, magnifying glass, today's newspaper, extra batteries, a full tank of gas, clipboards, and the desire to complete the tour before midnight.

Wishing everyone good weather, good luck, and good fun!


Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Paint Your Own Pottery Studio at Toasted Mud

Toasted Mud is a pottery painting studio in downtown Hillsdale, Michigan. Patrons pick a project, then design it and paint it. It gets fired and you get to take home a personalized keepsake, functional tableware, or work of art.

I chose to create a syrup pitcher while Lori decided on a serving platter. I finished my project in a couple of hours, while Lori went on consecutive days to complete an intricate design over the course of 5-6 hours.

It was a great way to spend time together working on individual projects. It was fun to be creative in a comfortable setting with helpful people around to offer assistance, and tips.

Toasted Mud is open 7 days a week. Singles, couples, small and large groups are all welcome. Masterpieces are being created daily. We are recommending Toasted Mud as one of many fun things to do when visiting the Munro House B&B in Jonesville.



Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast