Thank you for following my blog all this time.....we have now moved the blog over to the web site to make it easier for you to access. Simply go to www.elmhirst.com and the blog is on the main page. Your comments, as always, are most appreciated. See you over on the new site.
Regards
Anne

Admiring this new Zim Art stone carving from the Zim Gallery in Bailieboro, as I was sitting on the outdoor patio watching the world go by.

The new website was to changeover today but there seems to a glitch/hold up with our current service provider (not very sporting, I have to say)....elmhirst.ca is up and running but we had hoped to have elmhirst.com also up and running - we will keep both .ca and .com current, just in case. Thank you for your patience as we move into the new look and feel of our new cyber home. Anxious to hear your comments.....in the meantime, look out for the meteor shower (in the sky).

Toronto is buzzing with the Rogers Cup (Tennis) - our Canadians are upsetting the top seeds and providing good entertainment value. Sidney Crosby (hockey) and Roger Federer (tennis) celebrate their birthdays during a break in the action.

Our Blue Jays are hot, hot, hot - if you are in the city you should catch a game.

Armchair sports fans - come and join us in the Wild Blue Yonder for daily events and sports talk.....occasionally the talk will turn to flying but don't worry, the pilots have to be home by dark!

Enjoy the dog days of summer! Wish you were here.........

Check out the new web site at our test address: www. elmhirst.ca

Comments appreciated as we go live tomorrow.

You just never know who will turn up for Lakeside Lunch.....I saw the Rolls and thought for sure it was Batman and Alfred. Wrong, but it was fun checking out the guests.

Anxiously awaiting the changeover of our new web site....we hope to transfer over on Wednesday night so the site may be down for awhile on Thursday. Please bear with us and wait for the new look.....I think you'll like it!

We met today to discuss the rates for 2011 and you will be delighted with the results. You asked for it so you shall receive a reward for being a Senior. Details to follow......all I can say is that if you stay midweek from September to June, for a minimum of 3 nights, you will save 25% on the rate.......

Pony ride at Free Spirit Riding Stables with Angie - before the rain. It was a great day for watching movies and playing charades (just kidding).

Fresh Ontario fruit from local markets - couldn't resist. Strolling down the stalls, visiting with your neighbours, sampling goodies and purchasing what you need to eat is a very civilized way to greet Saturday morning. Farmers Markets in Peterborough, Cobourg and Hastings are a favourite if you get out of bed early! Artisan breads and ethnic treats usually go quickly.

Woody Woodpecker dropped in for some peanuts today.....I waited for the laugh but he was too busy eating. The birds are starting to gather - isn't that a sign of autumn?

Rare sight - indoor swimming pool without any swimmers....doesn't happen often so I thought I would save the image.

It's been a lovely week - tomorrow will be sad as the international crowd says goodbye. See you all next year!

The Wild Blue Yonder crowd was concentrating hard on the numbers this afternoon (keeping cool as well) at the traditional Bingo with Wilma session. Lesson learned: Do not mess with Bingo. While this was happening the skies opened up and we had a monsoon rain (for mere minutes) before the sun came out again. So very Caribbean.

We had a preview of new desserts for the end of summer menu....OMG! Forget about the main course and go straight to dessert....trust me on this!

Despite the craziness of the day we managed a quick family celebration for Stephen's birthday....many happy returns.

Work, work, work....Donna Cane, innkeeper at The Victoria Inn (Gore's Landing - on the south side of Rice Lake) and Peter discussing the possibilities of a NorthShore initiative to create a Ring Around Rice Lake tour. After the meeting we enjoyed a lovely dinner on the patio with friends, entertained by the sunset, before boating home. After the storms of the afternoon, it was a perfect night - calm and cool - for being out on the lake.

It's been an active week on the Resort....just can't keep up with those badminton birdies....lots of action on the court. Tennis players galore....they look serious so beware.

Early morning view of the Resort from the fishing guide boat. Sleepy Hollow soon woke up and families headed up to the stables on the horsedrawn wagon for pony rides. Ellen had guests join her for the morning garden harvest; Ruth had interested parties for the egg gathering and waterskiing was busy.....it was quite the day.

Mark your calendars for a few events.....Grand Opening of The Spa @ Elmhirst's is scheduled for Sunday August 15 with invitation-only sessions on August 16 and 17. If you would like to be invited please email Julia stay@elmhirst.com.

August 27 watch the sky for Mars coming close (it will look like there are two moons) - a once in a lifetime phenom.

October 02 & 03 the Kawartha Fall Colour Cycling Tour takes place at Elmhirst's Resort - come and meet other cyclists and tour the area - all riders welcome! Call for details.

The Kosela family shared their photos - looking cool in the stone chair and looking down the lake from their dock. Thank you.

Hunter is under the weather after an accident in the woods resulted in stitches across her back leg - her surgery was a success and it looks as though she will be in fine form soon. Guests are asking about her and of course we are missing her on our morning walk.

Thanks to all who supported our Bake Sale for The Arthritis Society today...we raised $100 for the cause and saw lots of smiles. Wilma is the greatest campaign manager ever!

The corn is as high as an elephant's eye......we've been enjoying local farm fresh peaches and cream corn for over a week....the cornfields are ridiculously high (sorry I couldn't find the Jolly Green Giant to give you perspective). You must stop at a farm on your way to the resort to get a few cobs of corn for dinner......peel and boil in water (8-10 min) or wet the dressed cob and throw it on the barbecue - apply salt and butter and sink your teeth into the best taste of the summer!

Be careful driving this busy long weekend....we'll be here enjoying the water (on the lake) and the garden harvest (zucchini bread was on the menu yesterday).

Moonlight on the water

Just two of the many beautiful blooms you will see on the garden tour........

Moonlight on the water....makes you want to write a song. It certainly has been a good week for romantics - the evening sky has provided a lovely colour palette and the cooler temperatures make it great for sleeping. You may be lucky enough to get a cottage for the weekend....why wouldn't you want to be by the lake with your family? If you weren't invited to the Clinton wedding you can always hang out here, with us....we'll have cake.

Here's the critical info you need for the Kawartha Fall Colour Cycling Tour October 02 & 03, 2010. Click on the brochure and book your package (day, one night or two nights). Call teh Resort 1-800-461-1940 to get your cottage booked.....if you are cycling but your family isn't, what a great way to include everyone - you join the tour and your family gets to play....everybody's happy! Just so you know, this isn't a race, it's a weekend of touring the area during fall colour time......see you there!

The large mouth bass are not safe with Nathan Simpson (Kentucky) fishing the lake. Best catch this week, off the dock!

Men at Work with their big machines, moving earth and fixing stuff....they sure looked like they were having fun!

This osprey just returned to the nest with a large fish for the young'uns....he's giving me the evil eye...thinking I might be hungry for a bite of fish. It's amazing to watch the osprey swoop into the lake and emerge, fish in mouth....don't try this!

Our own Red Fife Wheat swaying in the breeze....just about ready for harvest - watch for breads, doughnuts and tasty wonders yet to be imagined. Locally, the story of Red Fife Wheat is important as it was the first wheat found to be resistant to rust (disease) - eventually finding its way across Canada with the settlers.

It's been awhile since I walked through Sunday Brunch as Stephen and his team were setting up ......I'd forgotten how inviting the different tables look - Jay (with roast in hand) was getting ready with his carving section and the crepe/waffle/omelette area. Highly recommended and popular, you will need a reservation for Brunch.

Peter is injured so I took his turkey chores today....can't stop smiling as this looked like a disco scene.....guys up in the balcony watching the girls on the dance floor....anyone else see that? Don't worry, it could just be the full moon, which looks lovely reflected on the water this evening.

It's July 25 already....better book your summer getaway soon!

Ted Hughes and his solar-powered boat Sparks moored with us overnight...many boat enthusiasts toured the homebuilt vessel, which was launched June 22, 2010. Johnny Walker, first mate, former Bluenose sailor, was delighted to help navigate. Very Humphrey Bogart.....

At the end of the day, the waterski dock is a sad place as the weekly guests say their goodbyes - this is where they have socialized and performed their best ski moves of their vacation. Meet you here next year!

BingoMeister Wilma, with her official hat, calls the game for a serious gang in the Wild Blue Yonder. Wilma's hatmaker is pictured here....she covets that handcrafted gift!

It was single malt scotch tasting night at the Kloosterman's - the second in a series of tastings designed to choose a favourite - or not! It's serious business but the guys seem to be enjoying the task. Several single malt scotch selections are available in the Wild Blue Yonder.

Kawartha Fall Colour Cycling Tour October 02-03....join the group for a fun tour of the area....stay overnight or just ride. Call for details. P.S. this is not the Tour de France

Robin and the Hoods were out at archery today - we watched this young guest consistently hit the bullseye. Well done!


Congratulations to our own Linda Thomson, for being named to the President's Honour Roll at Fleming College, as the top graduate in the Chef Training program. Linda joined our team on graduation and is working towards her Red Seal (Cook)designation. Say hello when you are next in for lunch or dinner.

How excited and proud can you possibly be about your tomato plants? I'm pretty happy with my crop. I think the trick is adding TUMS to the soil (tip from gardener Bob). Basil planted around the tomatoes brings the great flavours together. The fresh produce harvested from the garden is being served in the dining room - check it out! How's your garden doing?

What's happening? More and more people are jumping in the lake to cool off.....I hope the osprey can tell the difference between guests and muskie.

Stand by for news on our new web site.....coming soon!

View from the patio - very relaxing. The rain has helped to make the gardens very inviting.

No, I'm not on drugs.....these clouds just called out - the sky was so interesting today - thought I'd share the formations with you.

If you have tried to visit the site with the article on the Resort please note you have to go to the Ontario section and find the Kawarthas....thanks Dave.

Don't forget to get in on the $649 special....meals and two nights for two. Great getaway!

Hunter and I started training today for the 10 km walk in Athens, Greece in late October....the hills and the humidity are challenging, as are the deer flies. We were told to keep a sheet of Bounce fabric softener on our necks to ward off the hungry deer flies....we'll let you know after our next training session. This could be the answer for those campfire nights......

Check out the article on the Resort at http://www.thefamilytravelfiles.com/articles/649/

Full house at the Martens.....great mosquito catchers (they are staff members responsible for bug control). You will see them at various locations on the resort property. This past month we had some honey bees (waiting for the Queen Bee to decide on a hive), bats who were in training for insect control and a flotilla of geese with their young. Add that to the herons, osprey and eagle fishing and you have a 3-D nature show - all you have to do is recharge your drink and enjoy!







The heat is affecting Wilma....she is offering her 649 special this week.......two nights accommodation, breakfast and dinner daily in the dining room with recreation program for only $649 per couple....Stay between Sunday and Thursday and take advantage of this great offer before she realizes what she has done! Call 1-800-461-1940 to book your last minute getaway.

It was definitely a stay in the water day! Swimming in the lake sure beats the restrictions of a pool........the children looked like dolphins - no fish treats.

Waterski technique setting the example for the crowd. Looking good!

New dock for waterskiing - stable and roomy and so good for meeting new friends. This is what the dock looks like before the gang arrives......

Early morning on the lake....before the fishing begins. We were fortunate to miss the storms that flooded and damaged many areas north of us. The new waterski dock is ready to go in the water.....could it get any better?

This weekend the annual wine and food sampling show known as Fiesta Buckhorn will be welcoming foodies.....check it out! Visit our booth and say hello.

Peterborough Lift Lock, a must-see on your visit to Peterborough. Built in 1904 the lock is the highest hydraulic lift in the world. It's amazing to see the boats transfer from one level to the canal.....there is also a Visitor Centre at Lock 21.

Just the usual here at the Resort with archery, boating, tubing and waterskiing, fishing, horseback riding and sightseeing flights....nothing newsworthy, just people enjoying the great outdoors. It's very relaxing....join us!

We managed to escape to our wilderness camp for the night(accessible by air only) where we waited out the thunder storm. Peter managed to respond to all his email....be prepared. The lake is so serene and the fishing is good....why not get away yourself and book a half day in the wilderness? Half day with a guide or overnight available.

Sunday was at it's finest with action on the waterfront and in the restaurants (patio included) - of course all eyes were on the World Cup final - great entertainment value - with Spain scoring in the second overtime segment. Whatever shall we do now that the World Cup is over?

Speaking of South Africa, today we loaded the adventure bikes on the ship container bound for Cape Town. Peter and I will be travelling with an intrepid troupe through South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwae and Botswana in September - after all the logistics and planning, loading the bikes made it real. Peter will ride his bike (shown above) and I have the option of being a passenger on the bike or in the chase vehicle...I'll be sure to share our exploits with you!


Have a great week. If you have the chance to drop into Peterborough try to catch a boat going through the Lift Locks.