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!