Visitors from Argentina checking out the possibilities of future fishing vacations on Rice Lake - enroute to a Rotary Conference in Montreal they stopped to tour the area with their winter neighbours who live in Keene in summer (Ron and Viviana Mackay). Very cosmopolitan, don't you think?

My apologies for not posting anything yesterday - it was raining cats and dogs, on and off, all day - I never seemed to have a camera when I saw the kids playing in the pool, laughing on the horsedrawn wagonride, jumping in the puddles or riding bikes. I missed the Tasting and Tapas on The Patio as well as the arrival of the new hens! I was just a step behind all day....and to top it off, it was too dark to take a photo of the loon I could hear just outside the house. We did Nordic pole walk in a drizzle and I think local merchants were busy with shoppers.

Today was gorgeous - lots of young pony riders, the waterfront was bustling and of course, BINGO was popular. I can't say if campfire will be a happening place tonight - the diehard fishing crowd likes to fish late and get up early. Let's see what tomorrow brings!

Today was Be a Firefighter Day at the Peterborough Fire Station. Several of us purchased the day at a charity auction - who knew it would be so much fun!

Once we were dressed in our bunker suits, complete with air masks and tanks (those suits are heavy, then add 30 lbs of air) we walked up a dark stairwell to practise how we would enter a burning building - good workout just walking with the weight. Trying to look nonchalant in the heat of a crisis isn't easy when you hear yourself breathing heavy.

Climbing the 100' ladder on the truck...what a rush! As we took the final steps off the truck we were rescued (or saved) by a firefighter......oh yeah! During our visit there were several emergency calls and our hosts disappeared to help those in need.....returning safely and without having to use the big equipment. The calls are varied and are not always actual fires.

Here I am learning to roll out the hose (just like bowling) before we connected a few and watered the parking lot....the firefighters could not have been more friendly and patient with us!

Fashion and form working together!

Watch for the calendar....thanks to Maureen (Public Relations), Patrick, Dan, Dave, Mark and Kirt for making this a special day. Thanks also to the fun team - Marlyn, Marion, Betty and Betsy - you were great sports and I hope we'll have another adventure together soon.

ta-da...

There were many boats out on the lake today - fishing reports are excellent. Don't you wish you were here?

Birthday greetings to Ron Mackay, my Number One blog commentator.

Nordic Pole walkers take on the hills, first day. Thanks to Viviana and Barbara for being such great sports. Let's hope they come back tomorow.

As promised last week the photos of the CHEX TV video show are in - here's Meaghan Roy from News @ 5:30 on the ATV after her hairy ride.

The first interview included safety tips, facts and figures.

Beautiful day with beautiful people as the Dragon Boat Festival ended on a high note. My team were ferocious in their races and I did see a bit of competitive spirit, although it's all about the fun and teamwork. The flower ceremony at noon, to honour those who have lost their battle with breast cancer, was emotional and spiritual.....all the boats congregate in the water and the sweepers (steerers) hold hands to keep the boats together while they recognize a moment of silence for their lost teammates and hear some very chilling hymns. The human pink knot was amazing and the doves released into the sky were very effective. I truly enjoyed my experience with these brave souls and learned alot about breast cancer and the support systems in place. It was a great weekend and I was privileged to be a volunteer and play a small role. If you haven't had the opportunity to watch the races or hear the story of how dragon boating became the sport of choice, please add it to your list of must-do's.

The Patio was lovely tonight - what a nice way to wrap up a busy weekend.

Monday Lakeside Luncheons continue and Father's Day is only a week away.

Don't forget the Stay 'n Play Golf Packages (from $169 per person) for those looking to getaway and stay clear of the G8 ........

Drive carefully as the turtles are crossing the roadways near the water......

The day was wet but the Spirits (that's my team) were high and it turned into a great day of racing and laughter at the Dragon Boat Festival in Peterborough.

Back at the Resort, the place was hopping with a beautiful wedding and the annual Lobsterfest Party.

Summer begins for us this week, as our wonderful longtime American families arrive with generations in tow. So much catching up to do!

Peterborough welcomes the world to the International Dragon Boat Festival - over 2,000 delegates are here to create awareness for breast cancer and to paddle their dragon boats.

The delegates parade down George Street was well attended by the people of Peterborough (I was very proud) who came out, dressed in pink, to cheer and show support. I was delighted to accompany my team, Australia Abreast Spirit, in the parade. As their local Ambassador I was busy with errands and supplying information.

The South African team led a dance at the evening concert and opening ceremonies. I did introduce myself so we could connect when I get to Cape Town in the fall. I'm telling you it was a large love-in with many languages and lots of pink - great energy!

I'll be back tomorrow to make sure my team does well in their race heats. Lots of courage and optimism in the air.

Watch Chex TV Newswatch @ 5:30 pm June 10 for a video on our ATV Safaris. Meaghan Roy of CHEX TV takes a wild ride on the ATV.....you'll recognize the trails. It's not my best work but it was fun. My photos are not downloading from the iphone so I will add them later.

Just a few reminders.....Father's Day Brunch is fast approaching, don't forget your dad. July 04 Vintage Boat Classic promises to be a fun and nostalgic day of vintage (boats and captains). Kawartha Fall Cycle Tour in early October is a great opportunity to meet other cyclists. There are a few dates available for short stays in mid July - imagine yourself on the deck of your lakeside cottage, barbecuing the fish you caught that afternoon......need more ideas?

Fingers crossed for warmer, sunny weather this weekend as the International Dragonboat Festival takes over Peterborough - it's also Lobsterfest Saturday....both iconic events, but very different.