It's a beautiful day on Rice Lake. I spotted my first trilliums of the season....the fiddleheads are looking scrumptious as well. It's always a sign of conference season when the trilliums are out. The grounds are getting a clean up and the grass is greening, the last of the renovations are coming together and the roof resurfacing on the main building is nearing completion...we're ready for Mother's Day. Don't forget to make your reservations as May 10 is a very popular Brunch. How better to let Mom know you care.

What a glorious day....the gardens are sprouting colour and the grass is green. I heard the guests at Lakeside Luncheon complain about the heat....and then the wind came up and cooled things off.

It was a great day for the convertible.

Still getting great reviews on the Winemakers Dinner Saturday evening...thank you all. I couldn't resist posting the photo of friends having fun! Also got photos of the Saturday bike ride which need to be seen by those wondering if this ride is for sissies.

The horses are being worked so the stables will be ready for the May long weekend. Don't forget to book Mother's Day Brunch May 10 - every mom deserves a break!

What fun we had at the Winemakers Dinner April 25 featuring Stratus Wines. J-L Groux, the winemaker, was interesting and most entertaining with his introductions to the wine pairings. The six course dinner was tastefully prepared by Michael Sterpin, Chef de Cuisine and his staff. Proceeds from the Silent Auction netted $785 for the Arthritis Society. Thank you to all who supported our cause. Mr Groux was a great Ambassador for Stratus Wines.

Watch for news on the next Winemakers Dinner and for Wine Club Meeting dates.

Early this morning I caught a glimpse of the "advance team" bikes out front of the cottage before they left for a day of riding - the Eastern Ontario Adventure Bike Rally on May 22 at Elmhirst's Resort has summoned riders from as far away as Virginia. If you aren't yet booked for the weekend of camping or cottage accommodation, riding and networking.....call us today at 1-800-461-1940

The warmer weather is sneaking up on us with crocuses and tulips springing up all over. Just a reminder on the Winemakers Dinner Saturday April 25. Stratus Wines will be here to describe their selected wines with the six course tasting menu. Limited seating available - call 1-800-461-1940 for reservations. Why not stay overnight and enjoy Sunday Brunch the next day?

Another glorious day in paradise....just spoke to a couple who had met here in the eighties and suggested they return for our Romancing the Spring weekend June 05-07. The weekend is exclusive to those who met, got engaged, got married or fell in love at Elmhirst's Resort. Two nights accommodation in your lakeside cottage (without kids or relatives- however you can bring best friends if you want); Wild Blue Yonder Bucks for spending in the Pub; breakfast in bed Saturday; champagne reception so you can meet other romantics; dinner for two; Sunday Brunch and a couples adventure activity (you choose either a sightseeing flight, guided ATV Safari or trail ride) for only $499 per couple. Taxes additional. Golf next door and spa services may be booked in advance. The weekend is designed to make you fall in love again (with Rice Lake). Call today and book your "remember when" getaway 1-800-461-1940

What a glorious Easter we had. Sunday Brunch was sold out with families enjoying the beginning of spring and each other. Lots of chocolate bunnies walked out of the dining room for snacking later. Spring begins for us with the first Lakeside Luncheon, today and every Monday until Thanksgiving. The popular luncheon offers great value and an opportunity to visit with friends and relatives - after a long winter it's always encouraging to see our favourite locals return for lunch, garden strolls and when the weather is nicer, a boat cruise on Rice Lake. The pansies are out already; the tulips and crocuses are threatening to bud any day now. Come on out and catch up with your neighbours. Enjoy the sunshine! Anne

Happy Easter to all our guests and friends. The snow was a surprise but the sunshine is providing us with another melt....it's a wonderful weekend for walking and hearing the birds.

Easter Sunday Brunch is very busy so get your reservation made quickly....it's almost as if families come out of hibernation for Easter. Have a relaxed visit and go home to a clean kitchen...what's better than that? Check out the Easter Egg Tree in the Dining Room - all of the eggs were handpainted by Martina Elmhirst. The tree is ready to bloom - a perfect symbol for spring and hope and new seasons.

We are all looking forward to seeing who shows up on Monday for Lakeside Luncheon. We've missed our regulars and are anxious to catch up with winter news. The tulips are starting and should be ready for late April garden visitors.

Be safe and reflect on the true meaning of the holiday........not just on the chocolate you'll be eating on Sunday.

Lakeside Luncheons begin on Mondays at noon right after Easter. This popular luncheon allows locals to meet and enjoy a value packed buffet overlooking the lake; with a stroll through the gardens or a boat cruise (weather permitting) or a card game or a longer visit at a great price. For only $11.95 pp (no increase over last year) you can book the same table each week. Call 295-4591 for reservations and be sure you don't miss the weekly reunion. See you there!