If it's Wednesday, it must be horsedrawn wagonride day....the wagon tours the Resort, then heads up to the stables where pony rides are offered and photo ops abound!

It was a nice day to tour Norwegian guests in Prince Edward County (a wonderful oasis of wine and cheese trails). Here's Peter with the intrepid anglers at Buddha Dogs in Picton - our favourite drop in spot for cool dogs and sodas.

After devouring several pounds of cheese at Fifth Town and Black River Artisan Cheese Shops we headed to the Norman Hardie Winery for a tasting - who should we meet there but Martina and Greg with guests from Ohio, Doug and Cynthia Woehrmyer. Small world!

One last look at the waves rolling into the beach at Sandbanks and home we headed. Great spot for a picnic. We have maps and information at the Front Desk if you want to take a day trip to Prince Edward County (affectionately known as The County).

HAPPY CANADA DAY THURSDAY

Enroute to Toronto this afternoon I witnessed the crowds at each overpass on the Highway of Heroes (a section of Hwy 401 has been designated the Highway of Heroes to commemorate Canada's fallen soldiers who have died fighting in Afghanistan. Crowds gather to witness the procession from Trenton to Toronto). It was hoped that the route, marked with red poppies, would encourage Canadians to reflect on the sacrifices our Armed Forces have made. The route was so named in 2007 - the crowds were amazing and it was very touching! My apologies for the blurry photos - I was driving as I snapped.

I was on my way to my first TMAC meeting (Travel Media Association of Canada) as a new board member. The CN Tower reminded me that many of our guests will be passing through Toronto on their way to the Resort - it's worth a trip up the Tower if you haven't been. The elevators are handy (I climbed the stairs for a WWF fundraiser one year...it's high!)

Lush gardens seem to be overtaking the buildings....
It was an interesting day with periods of torrential rain and muggy sunshine. The little turkeys are noisy, the chickens head for the shade; the horses and cattle are happy with the juicy grass and the birds are chirping away.....spotted a kingfisher yesterday!
Dinner this evening was an international affair with teens from Arizona and adventurers from Norway - six degrees of separation works with even the most diverse groups.

Long weekend almost here.....don't forget the Vintage Boat Classic on Sunday - I heard the Vagabond (Farley Mowat's boat) will be on display. Book Brunch and see the classics (boats and captains alike). If you want a family outing check out the Canadian Canoe Museum in Peterborough (there's a Tim Horton's right beside the museum - how Canadian is that?).

Couldn't resist sharing this photo of bride Jennifer (looking very regal) on the chess patio - your move Blaine.

The rain held off long enough to get almost through Act I of the 4th Line Theatre dress rehearsal this evening.....the outdoor theatre features wonderful plays about local events - my first introduction was the Cavan Blazers (which will be back in the 2011 line-up). The Port Hope story (this year) involves the processing of radium for medical use - I'm going back to find out what transpired in this story! If you are travelling to the Kawarthas you really should check out the schedule and try to catch a performance - the setting sun is the curtain and the entertainment value is high! My photo of the stage area gives you some idea of the scope.

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With all the rain we've had the gardens are looking very lush and the lillies are in full bloom - get here soon!

This heron was focused on the lake, very vigilant - I wondered what was so interesting......

The heron takes off and now I know why......

It's the first day of bass season and the heron is letting the anglers find breakfast first......winning strategy! Lots of boats out this morning before the fog rolled in and the downpour began.

Not even a little rain could dampen the spirits of Jennifer and Blaine Down, who celebrated their wedding today. Congratulations!

Sneak preview, looking out the window, behind the new massaging pedi chairs.....The Spa @ Elmhirst's Resort is operating (due to popular demand) although the Grand Opening is slated for early July. Book your mani, pedi, facial or massage prior to arrival - you'll probably want more than one spa service!

The full moon was peeking through the branches - in anticipation of the Clarke-Down wedding tomorrow. Very romantic!

Hunter studies the birdfeeder after spotting a rogue squirrel enjoying the peanuts meant for the little birds. The squirrel takes refuge in the feeder proper.....

The squirrel sees the dog........

Busted.......a giant leap to escape the dog and the birds who are now upset.....the squirrel escaped unharmed, the dog is still sniffing the deck and the birds are having a snack. All is good in nature.

No obvious damage from the winds last night - today was extremely humid with some wind. The gardens are looking lush and I'm told by Gardener Bob the flowers are too advanced - he's worried the blooms won't last until August. Just noticed a few cottages available for the long weekend......will you be joining us?

Peter was able to fuel up and fly out before the high winds - he is heading north with his fishing buddies from Guelph and Norway....northern skies will be restricted tomorrow due to the G8 - tornado warnings make the trip more challenging - the weather forecast north is for snow squalls....can't wait to hear the fishing stories. Safe travels!
The chickens seem to be discussing the tremors just after 1:30 pm today....reports of an earthquake registering 5.5 created alot of talk (but thankfully no damage). This evening we are waiting out high winds, thunderstorms and tornado warnings. Standby for outcome reports.

The Beatles live on with the Elmhirst Rockband group at the employee summer kick-off this evening. Several staff tried their hand at drums or guitar, Henry was the supreme vocalist and even the wanna-be rocker guests were thrilled with the entertainment value. Between training, conferences and regular guests we try to have one night of silliness (we succeed big time). Now that we are experienced rockband stars we look forward to hearing you in the Wild Blue......are you up to the challenge?

We managed to get more hay bales off the field this morning before the big rain - as the sun sets it's clear and fresh.....good fishing tomorrow.

Training has started for my Athens, Greece marathon in November - not only am I walking and trying to get in shape for the event, I am eating Greek, with friends, of course. Today we gathered for a Greek food fest on the lawn - our gracious hostess Glenda had prepared a full menu of authentic goodies. Only true friends would insist on acclimatizing you to the culinary challenges you will face when away from home.





Please be on the lookout for the turtles crossing the road when you are driving out of Keene....I flashed my lights at a delivery truck today and the driver slowed down and veered around the ambitious turtle. You know who you are.....thanks. As you leave Keene, don't forget to pick up your fresh strawberries at Nelsons Berry Farm. The berries are smaller than the imports but very delicious.

It's haying season so Albert and Peter were busy baling and stacking tonight.....just in case it rains tomorrow. Happy Solstice to all! (keep the howling down)

It was a perfectly lovely Father's Day. On arrival at Brunch each Dad was presented a medal for being such a winning father. I hope you were able to spend time with your Dad today.
Later this afternoon we headed out to Sandy Beach for a picnic and some beachcombing - we were lucky to spot the loon - he didn't seem too worried about us!


Have you got World Cup fever? The Wild Blue Yonder is the place to watch the action - there has been an international cheering section for each game....making it very interesting and maybe a little loud!

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Limited space available for the July 01 long weekend....call now and getaway.

Congratulations to Robert and Eileen Butcher celebrating their 66th Wedding Anniversary with us. Pretty feisty after all those years. It was a pleasure to have them return.

Congratulations also to our first student....Barbara did an excellent job of taking the hills, flats, forests and runway in her stride. Lookout Ohio - you've got a Nordic Pole Walker. Well done!

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Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there....of course we love our dads; we usually marry someone like our dad and we never outgrow being daddy's little girl....what do boys do?

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.