It's not about winning, it's about having fun and these young guests had a blast at the Fishing Derby this morning. catfish were flying and nibbles were the order of the day.

The Treehouse is officially open - the junior recreation program is available to guests at no cost - just sign up your small fries every morning (9-noon) and in the afternoon (1-3 pm) so you can have time for golf, laundry or relaxing. Date Night allows parents to have a romantic dinner while the kids get a break.....everybody's happy.

Welcome to Elmhirst's Resort - for the first time guest this is the entrance to the lobby, dining room and Spa. Coming soon...an outdoor patio will extend out of the Wild Blue Yonder Pub. Standby for details. Get ready for fireworks on July 01.

First bass of the season caught out front of the Resort by Frank Lockhart.

Frank was heading to breakfast with his catch. Surprisingly there are not as many boats out this morning as I anticipated - opening of bass season is usually a big day.

Thank you to all my supporters for your kind generosity and donations for the Arthritis Society. I have reached my goal of $7,400 for 2009 ( Costa Rica trek) - I am now toying with the idea of doing the Marathon in Athens, Greece in 2010 - the marathon ends in the Olympic Stadium (how fitting for an Olympic year).

Alicia, visiting from Toledo, Ohio, was the most popular girl at the stables today as she fed carrots to the horses. They were very receptive, as you can see!

It was an ideal day for baling hay (big round bales used for cattle, small square bales for feeding horses). In total 750 small bales and 132 round bales were brought in to the covered barn (that represents approx 65 tons of hay - 2 1/2 months worth of feed) . I did note the golf course next door was busy as the machinery made hay and created some dust.

Local farmers are praying for just a few more days of good weather. Ever since I raked hay in a funky pattern I haven't been asked back to help....it's a guy thing! If you think sitting in an air-conditioned office is boring, try sitting in a tractor keeping a straight row all day!

Early morning visitors on the water....it was obvious from the noise level that this family was discussing how late the goslings were out last night. This could be a new reality show - Jon and Kate plus Six.

Cruising up the Indian River this glorious evening I couldn't help but notice the clouds reflected on the water....it really was a perfect first day of summer.

Wishing happy thoughts for all fathers on their special day.

These ducks seemed okay with the rain today as they gracefully glided through the pond. I think that mallard winked at me! Despite the showers it was a great day for playing board games and reading by the fire. The gardens are looking tropical and lush, just in time for the hot spell.

Meet the Putoff family from Minster, Ohio. Mother Anne has been coming to Elmhirst's Resort since she was a child - now her family has become a part of our summer family. Little Miriam gets lots of adoring attention from her siblings and her extended family. It's been wonderful to see the children grow over the years.....here's to the next generation!

Male bonding at it's best....dusk on Rice Lake. Several boats, lots of laughter and good reel-ins. The weather was better than expected so it was an anglers paradise out on the lake. Anxious to see how the juniors do at the Fishing Derby tomorrow morning.

It's hay season and so far we've only brought in 25 of 500 round bales for feeding cattle. The fields are soggy but looking very green. Fingers crossed for sunshine and a nice breeze.

Imagine yourself sitting in this chair on your own deck overlooking
Rice Lake. This photo, submitted by Jennifer Young, was the winner
of our Photo Contest last year.

Don't forget to make your reservation for Father's Day Brunch.

Congratulations to Albert Barry, Farm Manager, who recently received his certificate of recognition for donating blood 100 times. Albert is already well on his way to 110 visits to the blood donor clinic. Knowing you can save a life by spending 90 minutes every 56 days is incentive enough for Al. Well done!

Just happened to see Mark on his way to clean Troys' catch....a whopping 24+" walleye caught on Rice Lake this evening. There were several in the bucket so I'm thinking it's fish for dinner one night this week.

It was great to see so many Red Hats at Lakeside Luncheon today. I did note that no hats blew off during the cruise. Bob the Gardener is happy to talk plants with the ladies as they stroll the gardens. Seek him out!

The gardens are looking bright and bushy with all the showers and sunshine....these poppies caught my eye (guests arriving for Brunch were huddled around them taking photos). Now that's orange.

Lots of boats on the lake today; chickens burrowing holes to stay cool and the turkeys are getting feathers....birds are chirpping away and the osprey are successfully grabbing fish out of the lake. It was a lovely June day on Rice Lake.

Our deepest sympathies go to the Godfrey family as Jack Godfrey, our neighbour and friend, passed away this morning. Funeral services will be held on Thursday.

Snapping turtles are making their way to the sandy areas to lay their eggs - even Hunter knows enough to stay away.....this mother turtle was very wary of us but carried on after her photo op. The route to the stables is an annual migration path. Just be aware as you walk up the road.
I see more and more yellow road signs announcing turtle crossings - how great is that?

The turkeys are four weeks old....they can fly. I now know why they are called

turkeys.....today I had to get special antibiotic cream so they stop pecking themselves. They love shoelaces and Crocs. Standby for maturity reports on the flock.

There was a wonderful red sky this night, and the sailor in me wants to believe tomorrow will be a delight.

Should we Wii or not? Tonight at our team summer kick-off we played Wii games as well as old-fashioned board games and cards.....the action-packed Olympic sports seemed to be very popular. We have considered purchasing Wii for the recreation program.....let us know if you think that would be a positive addition or not. I love the ski jump! Appreciate your feedback.

Everything looks better from the air....morning shot of the Resort shoreline from CBY (Cessna 185). Nice contrast of blue and green (something to be said for spring rain). Who could resist a sightseeing flight if this is the result.

Meet Carpo, who hangs out by our dock....he's a livewire and very social. He appears to like bread and responds well to laughter....perhaps you will find your own resident carp off the dock.

Very excited to report that my fundraising for the Arthritis Society is now at 98% of my goal ($7, 400). I will be trekking the volcanoes and rain forest in Costa Rica in August - this is my third trek for the Arthritis Society....every day I meet someone who is in pain or affected by arthritis...it's my small way of trying to make a difference. My new hip and I are ready to go the distance for the cause.

Where is the inukshuk on the Resort? These Inuit stone markers were used as memorials and guideposts - showing others where fish were located, for example. The Vancouver 2010 Olympics feature the inukshuk on their logo....helping the world to find Vancouver. Let's see if you can find our inukshuk on the Resort property.

Welcome back Hansreudi Aeschbach (introduced to you all in the winter newsletter as our Frequent Flyer). This weekend Hansreudi logs his 67th visit to the Resort, flying CFFET. In Switzerland Hansreudi works as a Canada specialist for Landair, a travel company. He loves to sell Canada as a destination for pilots and adventurers. He has become a part of our family - we see him in all seasons. He's out flying right now.....

Woke up this morning to the sound of the carp flopping on the water....must be mating season. All I can say is "carp diem".

It was a pleasure to have representatives of the Outdoor Writers Association visit us today for lunch and outdoor pursuits (sightseeing flights, ATV Safari, horseback riding and some fishing). The group is in Peterborough attending their annual conference - the weather co-operated and hopefully they will leave the Kawarthas with a fine impression.

Caught sight of this beautiful fence bottom as I was driving into the Resort today...if I could transport it and hang it on my wall I would indeed. So many times I drive by something and wonder how it was created or how it has existed over time. Of course, I see images in clouds too....the weather was warmer today so everything looked naturally wonderful.

Thank you to the Veenman family for forwarding this photo of their daughter at the stables with Charlie. Riding lessons and trail rides are available daily.

Caught Albert and Buckshot having a moment today....Albert is still

bottle feeding the orphaned calf - during feeding time Buckshot doesn't appear to realize Albert isn't a mother cow. Very cute!

Romance Weekend coming up....where are all the Renaissance Men?

Happened to notice there are a few cottages left in July...have you booked your summer vacation yet?

Just a reminder that our American guests will require a passport to return home now....

German travel agents specializing in selling Canada recently visited the resort to see what we had to offer. Floatplane flying was a big hit with the group. Good sports all, they hiked up to the barn and around the trails before checking out the wine cellar and then enjoying an outdoor barbecue.

This past weekend we hosted the Culinary Tourism Adventure with media and chefs who are passionate about slow food - using what you have at hand. The group were treated to a regional cuisine luncheon on Monday - a showcase of local producers and chefs preparing homegrown food. We hope to see stories on the Kawarthas and local partners.