Post Storm Calm

Power was restored at 10:30 am and not a moment too soon…..the kitchen was preparing for a large banquet and were delighted to wash their dishes and remove the noisy generators.  The sunrise was colourful, the wind sock is missing in action, the greenhouse was very cool and the plantings are bursting to get in the ground, the birds were noisy  - all in all, things are back to normal – except for the debris in the fields and on the shore.  Everywhere in the County people were hard at work clearing limbs (let me clarify, tree limbs) from their front yards.  All were outdoors celebrating a beautiful spring day….goodbye to April.

Royal Day….without power

Although we were without power at the Resort for another day I was invited to a Royal Wedding luncheon (hats and fascinators mandatory).  Kilt wearing greeters, scones and clotted cream, cucumber sandwiches and tea….television coverage in the background….I felt like I was in London enjoying the proceedings from the Savoy. Thank you Glenda – the Royals would have been proud!   BTW the wedding was wonderful and I would have been up to see it live…..

Meanwhile back at the Resort, generators were powering water but you don’t realize how many times you reach for a light switch or ice cube…..the post storm damage was assessed and we started on cleanup, despite the spitting rain.  The Friday night Supper Club could not be disuaded so we ate by candlelight at the house…..potluck rocks!

Surf’s Up…Powers Out

What a day…..no power, no phones, no computers……after pretending I was Anderson Cooper reporting live from the storm site I was forced to go to Peterborough, find a Starbucks and post my blog……I knew my peeps would want to see the damage from the storm……good news – no persons or animals were injured!  Bad news – we lost some beautiful trees, the roof of the hay shed at the stables, the walkway in front of 2-5 is flooded and the lake level is dangerously high….the beach had whitecaps and we could see mini twisters coming down Rice Lake.  How lucky we are!   I can’t even imagine how the folks in Alabama are coping with the destruction.   Belle was standing with the wind at her butt and her tail was wrapped around her in the wind….the new calf was well protected by Mama.  Hunter was hunkered down for most of the day.

It was frightening to see what the wind can do with the water….it was also quite nice to be without technology all day!  We are told power will return after 11:00 pm – no worries about missing the Royal Wedding.  Signing off to gather debris.  Hope you and yours are safe!

April Showers and more

After a yo-yo day of sunshine, heavy rain and gusting winds it was delightful to look out at a calm sky this evening.  Here’s the view from the dining room.

Just two more sleeps before the Royal Wedding.

Reminder:  May 01 is the Kirk Wipper Celebration at the Canadian Canoe Museum in Peterborough.

Canadians will go to the polls for our federal election on May 02 – make your vote count!

Thirty years ago the Hearthside Room opened and this resort offered food service – it’s been quite a ride since then….so many amazing people have worked with us to grow the business – if you worked with us it would be great to hear from you  -  former Chefs include Ron Pellerine Jr  now the General Manager of the Metropolitan Hotel in Toronto (very cool);  David Hawey is teaching at Durham College; David Franklin is with Sysco Foodservice (test kitchen I believe); Genie Bill Pierce had his own restaurant ……where is everyone else?  It would be our pleasure to have our team back to the newly renovated Hearthside celebration.

Birthday Wishes for Nadiya

Happy 7th birthday to Nadiya – our resident Princess.  It was a tough weekend for a little girl – she lost a tooth (tooth fairy was right on schedule), The Easter bunny did not disappoint and there were several celebrations leading up to this morning.  Whew!  Nadiya made many friends last summer and is anxious for the guests to return.

Did you know peanuts were grown in Ontario?  On the north shore of Lake Erie, in the area of Vittoria (between Delhi and Simcoe), the Kernal Peanuts farm can be found.  Peanuts are high in fibre and protein, are cholesterol-free, are safe for diabetic and hypo-glycemic diets, provide an acceptable meal substitute and will soon be available in our Gift Store…….how could anything that healthy for you taste so good?     Visit the site for more information    www.canadianpeanuts.com

Lakeside Luncheon Begins

Lakeside Luncheon returns for the summer season…..it was great to see the regulars and new faces as well.  Every Monday until Thanksgiving join us for a lunchtime buffet, overlooking Rice Lake for only $12.95 plus HST.  Reservations are accepted for one date or the season…..call today.

Just a reminder to book Mothers Day Brunch – it’s filling fast.

The rain surprised me as I was about to deliver a care package on my scooter…..Housekeeping Supervisor Theresa provided the plastic rainwear, which we fashioned into suitable gear.  Unfortunately, Cindy was on hand to snap a photo on her phone…..maybe my future lies in designing plastic headgear!

Happy Easter

Families and friends gathered at Sunday Brunch today to celebrate Easter and the sunshine.  A loon stood guard out front and the birds offered a moving pageant for those looking out at Rice Lake.  I just could not resist taking photos of the brunch tables before the guests arrived.  Many thanks to Stephen, Zab, Bruce and the kitchen team for producing a tasty and attractive buffet.  Ron Goodacre at the piano entertained,

Henry tracked down the Easter Bunny and took the young guests out for the Easter egg hunt….the full baskets and the excitement of the kiddies was enough to make you believe.

Back to Nature…..We heard the ruffed grouse (partridge) in the tree (not a pear tree) before we saw it…..this photo was taken with an iphone – didn’t seem to upset the grouse.

Feasts and Flying

Flying Squirrel reporting for flight school….let’s go…..

How better to celebrate Nadiya’s 7th birthday than by taking in a joust and a feast at Medieval Times in Toronto.  Grandpa Peter, Henry, Ryder and Nadiya enjoyed eating with their hands, cheering on the Red Knight (our Knight did indeed win the battle for the King, saving the Prince and the kingdom….ahhhh), being awed by the falconry and the Spanish horses.  It was a great show with lots of food and drink.  Princess veil and wooden sword complete the experience.  A grand adventure allowing us to visit enroute and discuss the staging of the battles.  Thumbs up  - highly recommended by our team.

Good Friday

The view from your dock on Rice Lake…..have you booked your summer getaway yet?

So You Think You Can Dance?

New

Dance classes for brides and grooms, brides and dads, grooms and moms, wedding parties and anyone who needs to look good for a big event.  Take a private dance class and look hot, hot, hot for your first dance.  Book your wedding party a dance class at the rehearsal dinner or have a family class (no one has to know).  Victoria will get you in shape, or at least improve your technique for only $25 per class. Can you really afford to pass on this special offer?

PS you don’t need a special occasion to take a dance class….do it for the sheer fun of it!

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