Sunday, December 30, 2012

Wow baby the season has definitely started.  The sledders are back big time.  It is nice to see some of the old familiar faces back (the young ones too) both locals and cottagers.  There are people from Bancroft that I only see during sledding season.

It funny how you can recognize some people as soon as they pull in by the sled and suit etc. and others you just have to wait that 20 minutes until they get in and unbundled.

No specifics on where grooming has taken place just that it has.  They rail bed was rough by yesterday but I saw the groomer go by about 5:00 last evening.  It didn't matter where he went the path to LSP will be better.

No word from anyone on the trail through the park to Haliburton.  Most people are just assuming that it hasn't been done.  The bottom line is no one is complaining (shocking) about trail conditions, things are in good shape for early in the season.  The groomers are doing their best.  Watch for rocks.

Man the full moon this week was awesome.  To quote Mrs Card, "You could read the paper on your front porch last night."  She was right.  It looked like daylight at three in the morning with the snow reflecting off the trees in the moonlight.  It was just beautiful. 

Sorry no snow measurements today as not enough has fallen.  We are expecting more today and tomorrow so I will drag out the old yard stick then.  Keep in mind that women have been duped about what three inches really is for decades!!!!

There, duty done-trail report--check
                             touching story--check
                              snow measure--check
My work here is done.

Back soon.
Happy New Year.
Cheers
Nancy

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Okay two updates in one day.  I have to respond to the two comments that were put up on the previous blog.

To anonymous-When you ask me how many inches of snow is here what would you like me to do.  Trot outside with my yard stick and measure. When eight inches of snow fall today it settles into four inches of snow tomorrow.  I write descriptively not specifically.  When I say if you haven't had your cottage driveway plowed you will be walking in picture  in your mind how much snow that would be!!!  If you are a sledder and they are grooming realize that that is enough snow to go sledding.  I could measure the 1 to 3 foot snow banks (depending on where they plowed or the 1 inch left in the driveway.  I am slopping through the side yard to measure.  If you want specifics call Frankie whats his name from BT and ask how many inches have fallen.

To the guy that wants pictures you have not read previous blogs where I talk about being technically challenged.  It is all that I can to to sync my iPhone and iPad.  I do take pics and if I figure out how to load them I don't know how to get them back later.  I never figure out what a jpg1234566789 is.

I will try for pics because it does look beautiful and if you are not able to come  up it would be nice to see.

So people keep in mind that I am a dotty owner with a sharp tongue and no patience.  I do not run the LSP weather station.  I will do my best to keep you informed.  Keep the comments coming though they do amuse me.

Thank you for letting me rant once more.  (Smiley face here if I knew how to do it).

Cheers
Nancy


Well all of the festivities should be over but not at my house.  Due to kids with various work schedules and other activities we still have three more family dinners this week, and guess who gets to cook them.  Oh well there is not travelling involved and we get to see almost everyone eventually.

The snow continues to fall.  Not lots just snow.  Not too  much yesterday but we are expecting more today.  It is however COLD!  -8 is the high for today.  -19 when I got up at 7:00 this morning.

I am seeing by the number of hits the site is getting that I had better step up to the plate and update more often.  But with Brian M here for a week that will lower the hits by half I'm sure.

Here's a shout out to the truck driver that Brian met in Brockville or somewhere down there while they were both making deliveries at the same location.  Small world they got chatting about things and realized that the both sledded and ate at the diner regularly.  So if you read this one say hey the next time you stop in.

I'm told that grooming is to start today so I will update on where when I hear more.  I will check with riders in today (and there better be some) to see how trail conditions are.

Well that's it for today.  I have to get ready for work.  I am opening up this morning so the staff can have more time off.  What a great boss I am.

You will see some  new faces around the diner this winter. I have 2 new cooks and two new servers.  Every one is fitting in well and we should have a great season.

Back in a day or two.

Cheers
Nancy

Sunday, December 23, 2012

It's still snowing and hasn't stopped since Thursday.  We have a ton of snow.  If you don't have your driveway plowed you will be walking into your cottage!!!!!

It's looking really pretty up here and if I were more tech savey I would post some pictures to back me up.

No grooming yet but lots of sledders in.

Merry Christmas, happy holidays and safe drives for everyone.

Cheers
Nancy

Friday, December 21, 2012

WE HAD OUR FIRST SLEDDERS IN.  YEEE HAW!!!

Even though we have been snow covered for quite some time it was a welcome sight to get the dumping of snow that we got overnight.  This will be the first time in a couple of years that I will have to have the lot plowed twice in one day.  But today is the day.

Both Mink Lake and  Lake St. Peter are frozen over.  Now I wouldn't be ice fishing just yet but if it continues to stay this cold it won't be long.

The sledders in today said that the trails were great but then they were the first ones on them.  If the snow keeps up like this they will be grooming before we know it.

Not much new or exciting in LSP.  Same on stuff just covered in snow now.  Town is as busy as an August weekend today.  It seems that Christmas sneaks up and surprises everyone not just me.

On a sad note the big white duck (Sherman) that lived in the pond next to the diner is no longer with us.  It seems that a fox or martin slipped in and snatched him up.  Poor Sherman.  I'm sure that most of you were just like me and you looked for him every time you drove or walked by the pond.  He was always there sitting on the log or the dock.  He was kept very busy this summer trying to protect his food from the geese that would visit the pond.  They were always trying to snitch some of it. 

The diner will be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day but open Boxing Day from noon til 7:00 pm.

Have a Very Merry Christmas.  Safe travels and lots of fun.  Hope we see you over the holidays.

I'll be back next week, sooner if they start grooming.

Cheers
Nancy

Tuesday, December 04, 2012

Well it was beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here until the rain Sunday hit.  Now it just looks like the end of March.

It is to be mild for most of the week.  So let's all get out there and do the snow dance.  We need snow.  This mild damp weather is painful!!  Come on people shake what your mama gave you.  I can't do this all by myself.

The new Case groomer arrived back in LSP on the weekend.  It was looking good until Lionel went out to start it so that the engine would be warm when they unloaded it from the float.  When he shut the door of the groomer the front window exploded out all over the front of it.  Some assembly required before grooming. 

Don't forget the Santa Claus Parade in Maynooth next weekend.  5:00 pm and lots of activities going on in town all day. 

The new guys have taken over the Arlington Hotel in Maynooth.  They are planning some events including live music on Dec 8  in the evening after the parade.  If you can imagine it will be opened during the day and even on the weekends!! Go figure.  Good luck guys I hope you do well.

They will also be open to sledders for accommodation and drinks.  Limited food for now but gas just accross the road and lots of parking for trucks and trailers.

I am going away next Friday for one week so no updates even if it does snow.

That's it for now.
Get that shopping done.
Cheers
Nancy

Friday, November 16, 2012

It looks like fall may be coming to an end.  We have woken up to snow three or four times so far, but the last time it stayed.  We got a couple of inches on Tuesday and there is still some on the ground in places that don't get the sun.  It has been beautiful.  Cold but sunny and now sort of snowy.  If it's going to snow it should snow and stay, not come and go.

The bridge work on 127 is now completed.  Lights have been down for a couple of weeks now and the paving is done also. 

The bridge replacement at Mink Lake is also finished ahead of schedule.  The residents were to be out for three weeks and they had it replaced and finished in less than two weeks.  A good job and a great bunch of guys.  We fed them three times a day and you couldn't have asked for a nicer group.

Snowmobile permits are selling.  Don't forget to get yours before December 1st to get the lower rate.  I have decided that we are going to have lots of snow this winter so the sledding season should be awesome!!!

The Santa Clause parade in Maynooth is Saturday, December 8th at 5.00 pm.  It is a great parade for a small village with a great turn out.  If you can make it up you won't be disappointed.

This is the end of the deer hunt for most people.  Some had good luck, some not so much (sorry Brian, better luck next year).  It's good to hear that the women are all holding up their end this year with great success.  In one camp four were shot in one week, three by the same lady.

I finally had to take my sandals off last week.  I don't know why, I just did.  I miss my sandals already.  Now its back to sorting socks again.  Grrrr 

Well again it took me so long to post that if there was a touching story or a bone head play I've forgotten it (socking) so I will end now.

Back I hope before the end of the month and for sure when the snow flies.

Go Argos Go!!!!

Cheers
Nancy

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Well not only is labour day long gone but now Thanksgiving is only a memory.  It was a good thing that it came early because the changing leaves came early also.  Most of the colour is gone, just the yellows are left but it still looks pretty driving down a narrow side road.

Snowmobile season must be just around the corner.  We have permits to sell and a sign out front saying so (which was recently moved by the road workers, they said it was too close to the hwy).  Funny I have had a sign advertising propane sales, ice sales and the permit sign up for years and no one has ever had a collision with all the reading available out front but we must take them all down anyway.  You crazy drivers we must protect you from yourselves!!!  But I digress.  I know that snowmobile season is coming soon because we have had snow about three times so far.  Nothing to get all excited about.  I am still wearing my sandals, after all it is still only October.  But it has been enough to remind us that Mother Nature is getting ready to challenge us all again. Bring it on lady.  I'm ready for you.

This week is Moose hunting week.  Things are pretty quiet around here.  Not the normal table of gossip and BS with most of the old boys out trekking through the bush.  There was an accident yesterday.  A hunter fell out of his tree stand (no this isn't the start of a joke) just off the Mink Lake Road and was hurt.  It was difficult to get him out of the bush but they did so and he was airlifted to hospital in the ORANG helicopter.  No word on how serious.

After the moose hunt there is a week in between and then the deer hunt starts for two weeks.  Another quiet time except for the wives that treat themselves to dinner with the husbands away.

The work on the bridges is almost complete.  One bridge had the barrier down and just cones now.  The other will not be far behind.  Just another couple of weeks I think.

Well not much to report that I can remember.  It is so long between postings that I forget all the good stuff by the next time.  Oh well.

That's it for now---oh and by the way---Hi Dave!!!!

Cheers
Nancy

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Holy moly.  I can't believe that September is almost over.  I'm sure it was just labour day a week ago.

We were crazy busy on the long weekend and then the wheels fell off.  It's been like that all month.  Either so busy it's hard to keep up or so slow I get a serious case of drop ass.  Which is why there have been no updates.

September has been a great month even though it is getting pretty cold at night.

The bear hunters did not do too well this year.  There were lots around all summer and then all of a sudden they must have gotten the memo and all disappeared.

The bone head play of the week goes to guess who--Pick me, pick me.  I was changing my clothes to come to work the evening shift and thought I'd be clever and do a load of wash first.  When I got back to the diner and was looking for my cell phone it occurred to me that I had left it in my pants pocket.  You guessed it, the ones that just got washed.  Sadly two days in a bag of rice did not fix it and I am now going to get another.  I was happy being a dinosaur with my iPhone 3.  I don't need a 5 and the 4rs are almost as much as a 5.  Oh what to do.  My smart ass son said, "I guess iPhone doesn't have an app for everything."   What does he know he is a Blackberry snob.

On a sad note our weekend morning server Shelia's husband passed away after a brief illness this week. Our thoughts are with her and she would like to come back to work after a few weeks.

The leaves are turning quickly and are beautiful.  It's a good thing that Thanksgiving is early this year.  If it was much later there may not have been any left.

I was planning to be opened last Sunday during the planned power outage.  But after much fiddling around the generator finally pooped out.  It is not old just cranky I guess.  So about 12:30 I threw in the towel and took the rest of the day off.  All went well and the power was back on by 7:00.

That's about it for now.  It's kind of sad to see the cottagers leaving for the season. But soon the sledders will be back and we will be on to the next season.  Oh I can hear the groans from here!!!

I hope you make it up for the long weekend and we have a great one.

Cheers
Nancy

Friday, August 24, 2012

I have been scolded for not updating often enough so here goes again. 

Bye the way---Hi Dave!

I can't believe how fast the summer has passed.  It must be officially over because the Christmas Wish Book is out already.

August has proved again to be busier than July.  It seems to have been that way for a few years now. 

I finally have an amusing story to tell.  There have been many this summer but most I am not able to share over the internet.  It wouldn't be good for tourisim.

However Matt and Penny Nichol from Highland Wilderness Tours on East Lake Rd were in for dinner last night.  They have a great opperation there.  They offer snowmobiling and ATV tours as well as horsebackriding and they even offer a week long riding camp.  Matt was telling me that a woman called up to inquire about ATVing. Her most urgent question was how fast do they go.  She wanted to know that she could go fast enough that she wouldn't be attacked by a bear!!!  Matt assured her that he could gaurantee 100% that she would not be attacked by a bear while ATVing.  After asking a few more questions she then asked if she got a larger group together would it be even safer still concerning the bear attack.  Matt replied  again that just like the small group a larger group would not be attacked by a bear.  That was the last he heard of her.  I am thinking that this lady should NEVER leave the GTA.  Bowmaville to Oakville should be her limit and no farther north than Steeles Ave.  Even Hwy 7 is too far north.

Oh by the way--Hi Dave

Our float down the lake, although amusing, was not as successful as we had hoped.  Who knew that two men with a total weight of 550 lbs would not be able to control a paddleboat very well. It seems they work better when they sit higher in the water.  We did get rained on but we were lucky enough to find refuge in a friends gazebo. (Thanks D.B.) Each time we struck out to head back to the truck it would rain again.  Finally Doug just walked back to the truck (while we had a bevvy in the dry gazebo) and picked us and the various floating things up and we came back home for a BBQ and a post mortom on the day.  Oh well another chapter in the book and we will try again next year.  Back to the drawing board.

Oh by the way--Hi Dave

This will be the last year for the loggers games in Maynooth so if you haven't been over the last 20 years you should give it a look see this year.  The Mud Dawgs will be holding there event on the Sunday as usual.

The great weather is back again so I'm sure it will be a busy weekend aroung the village this weekend.  There sure are a lot of trailers driving by every day.  Algonquin must still be hopping.  I know the LSP park is still busy.

Well that's it for now.  I have to take the stinky dog to the groomers for a bath.  He smells like the dried out swamps he has been finding all summer and I can't stand it anymore.

By now you must have figured that it was Dave that scolded me.  He said that even if I wasn't updating could I just say Hi Dave once in a while.  So Hi Dave.

Have a great weekend and long weekend if I don't get back before.
Hope we see you soon.
Cheers
Nancy

Thursday, August 09, 2012


Whew-The long weekend has come and gone and it feels like August is almost over.  I notice it getting darker in the evening and the mornings are duller now.  I came over this morning about 5:45 and it was barely light. 

We are finally getting the long needed rain this week.  It is not enough to life the fire ban yet because it just rains for such a short time then stops. 

The internet theft continues and so do the games that go with it.  I wonder if this could ever be an Olympic sport.  Now sneaky thieves are coming to the diner after 8:00.  Do they not think that I won't come over in my PJ's and unplug the system.  A woman came by three times yesterday.  Twice during the day and once after 8:00.  Now wouldn't it just have been easier to come in, spend $5.00 do whatever it is you have to do and be done with it.  It was a lovely day.  Who wants to get in the car and drive over here three times just to steal internet.  Really some people do not put enough value on their free time.  Just like the Olympics ending so will this game.  I am learning how to change the password and will do it regularly.

But just when you think you have seen it all, and I really should know better, someone comes in to add to the list.  I had a couple in here to use the internet this morning and they wanted to share a cup of tea.  Seriously how do you share a cup of tea when you both want your own cup to drink from?  Give me strength before my head explodes!!!!!

Our second annual float down the creak has to be rerouted.  There is not enough water in the creek to float down.  So we have decided to float from the culvert at the north end of Lake St. Peter down to the culvert on the South Rd.  So if you see a bunch of yahoos this Saturday (weather permitting) you can either join us or just wave knowing that we will be gone soon.  I hope the weather cooperates we have been looking forward to this for a long time. 

That's it for this week.  If I don't drown on the weekend I will be back next week.

Cheers
Nancy

Friday, July 27, 2012

The weekend is here.  The rain that we got on Wednesday was not enough to make a difference but better than none.  The weather forecast has changed for the weekend now just sun for five or six more days.  Now I'm not complaining about the sun it's great and I love the heat but we do need some rain.

And the internet saga continues.  I have now put a sign on the front door explaining the internet charges.  $5.00 fee if you do not purchase a meal.  Free internet is available at the Maynooth library and McDonald's in Bancroft.  Fairly easy to understand.  This should clear everything up.  The last straw was Monday night at when a man came in with his computer and ordered a coffee.  He must have been here before because he seemed to know the drill but I didn't recognize him.  I made a fresh pot of coffee, poured him one and after an hour he got up to leave and said, "I want to pay for my coffee."  I said, "The internet is $5.00 I'll buy your coffee and then had to through out the rest of the pot because nobody else had coffee that night.  However  Professor Internet Stealer  showed up, walked in the front door, read the sign, spun around and left faster than I've ever seen anybody move. So I guess that is another chapter in the book of life.

Needless to say the fire ban is still in effect and there is still some water left in the lake for frolicking.

The Cullens are playing this Saturday 6:30 til 9:30.  They always sound great. So come on out and join us since you can't have a campfire. I wonder if the fire ban has got more people to drag out the old Monopoly or Scrabble games?

Have a great weekend
Cheers
Nancy


Monday, July 23, 2012

Whew.  The heat wave continues, or maybe this is what summer should be.  Although we do need rain badly.  It is so dry it's scary.  I was pooper scooping the back yard yesterday which I do with a leaf rake and a snow shovel (he's a big dog) and every time I raked in the dodo there was as much dead grass as poop.  Soon there will be no grass at all just sand.  I do wonder why it is that the weeds can flourish and the grass still grows up the patio stones in a drought.  Even with the rain predicted this week most days are only a 30 percent chance.  As I am constantly pointing out that means a 70 percent chance it won't rain.

The fire ban is still in effect but I guess that goes without saying.  There are still those that think the rules are not for them and they can burn anyway. 

Now on to my rant for the week.  As most of you know I offer the internet for customer use.  It is not free there is a small charge for it which I do not always charge especially if you eat. But some people are just tightwads and cheapskates and try to steal the internet for free.  Some even come in and want to use it for free like its McDonald's or something.  Anyway there is a guy on Mink Lake.  I'm told he is a university prof but I don't know for sure.  Sometimes he would come into the diner and pay for a beer, sit for 2-3 hours and use the internet all for $4.00.  So now we see him over at the fire hall sitting in his car, seat back, all comfy using my internet  because the signal will reach that far.  He was there so long one day the Fire Captain pulled in to ask if everything was okay and would he move away from the fire doors.  His reply was I'm just checking my e-mail (for and hour and a half) and if I go into the restaurant she will charge me.  Seriously does he not know he is in a small town and this will get back to me in a nano second.  This man probably makes more in six months that I make in two years and he won't cough up 5 bucks for the internet when he is getting paid to work at the cottage!!!!!  So now when I see him over there I just unplug the modem to disconnect the internet.  It's really funny to watch him walk around the parking lot trying to find the signal.  Well he can just go to the library in Maynooth where it is free and spend the five dollars on gas.  He is not welcome here. I  have people that eat here on a regular basis that offer to pay for internet yet he has never eaten here and still wants to use it for free.  I found a guy sitting so close to the front door last week that he wouldn't have had to get out of his car to open the diner door.  I unplugged it on him too.  I guess because his buddy was in in the morning and got the password he thought he had a free pass.  Princess cranky pants has emerged again!!!  Mwhaaaaa

The market on Saturdays is still going strong and baked goods are also available at Sherry's just on the way out of Maynooth.  That great little store Firefox has re-opened across the road in a larger building the one that was an antique shop.

Well come on up on the weekend the water's great.  I can't believe that the summer is almost over.  Someone should tell the deer flies so they will go away. July is flying by.  Before you know it it will be the opening of the exhibition and Labor Day weekend.  Sob, sob.

Back next week
Cheers
Nancy


Friday, July 13, 2012

It's been so long since my last post I'd be surprised if anyone is even following any more.  Oh well here goes anyway. 

The heat continues with no rain for such a long time.  I can't walk across the backyard in bare feet because the grass is so prickly.  It's like walking on a bed of nails.  A total fire ban came into effect this week just one day after a guy on Graphite Rd went home after the weekend and his bonfire restarted up and burned up 35-40 acres of bush.  Mostly his I think. It's amazing how naive or just stupid people are when it comes to fires.  The MNR had been flying over looking for fires and spotted it and put the call in.

I have noticed this year that there is an unusually large number of geese staying around.  There were never geese that stayed here before.  There is a group of 30-35.  That means 60 next year and 130 the year after that.  The beaches will start looking like Marie Curtis Park and all the others on the shores of Lake Ontario.  Cottagers will be ankle deep in goose poop soon.  Many have already roped off their shorelines to try to keep them off the lawns. What is the answer to this (other than don't feed them like the guy next door to me).
I can hear the tree huggers gasping already at the thoughts of what might happen.  Oh did  I say that in my outside voice?

The summer is starting to shape up nicely.  Lots of summer people are back.  If I had a nickle for every travel trailer that drove by the place in a day I wouldn't have to charge for food.  Algonquin Park must be really busy. 

We were really lucky with the black flies this year.  They weren't bad at all.  Now the deer flies that's a different story.  I was ATVing a week or so ago and if you stopped man were they friendly.  I seems they can even fly about 25-30 mph because it's hard to shake them.  I took the dog for a walk last night and it was the first time walking that they were not bothering me.  So maybe they will be gone shortly also.

If you are up for a week or so the concerts in Millennium Park are really good this year.  Every Wednesday at 7:00.  Also the music has started again at the diner.  We have the Cullens back now that Rick and Kevin are both living in the area.  They are quite good and bring back memories of the old Tavern days.6:30-9:30 on Saturday nights.

 The farmers market in Maynooth is still doing well but  Sherry that owned Sherries For Service has reopened a little market with baked goods and other stuff. So drop in when you are in Maynooth  I think is is just Saturdays also.

I can't think of anything else.  Everything that I would have said seems like such old news now.  Most of which I can't even remember now.

I will try to be back sooner the next time so come up to the cottage and do something that I can share with the class. 

Have a great weekend.
Cheers
Nancy



Tuesday, June 05, 2012

You can tell by my lack of posting that nothing too exciting has happened lately. 

I don't consider having to turn on the furnace in June exciting.  I find it annoying.  How can it be plus 30 for days and then 10 one day later.  As much as I don't like the rain it was well needed and seems to be over now.  Everything looks so much fresher and clean after it rains. The dust was awful it had been so dry.

The black flies are not too bad.  It was a pretty light year for them.  They do however seem to like me more than ever this year so I am not as upbeat about them as everybody else.  It is safe to come back now though.  I was doing some yard work last weekend (stop laughing, I made an effort) and they didn't bother me until I moved a small pile of dead weeds and grass.  That was it for me I had to quit.

Our little moose that was living in the swamp down by Madawaska Rd.  got hit by a car on Saturday night so we won't have him to watch any more. 

I am convinced that the squirrel that is cleaning out my bird feeder is on crack.  He continues to amuse all with his antics.  He broke into the garage and ate through a rubbermaid tub to get straight to the stash.  You should see how anxious he gets when he goes to the garage and finds the door closed!!

If anyone lost the seat off their ATV  call the diner.  On was found on Hwy 127 on Saturday.  It looks like it may have blown off the bike while it was on the trailer.

The music is back on Saturday nights.  If you are around and looking for something to do come out and join us for a drink.

That's it for now.  The Sysco truck just showed up.  I'll bet he wants money too.

Cheers
Nancy


Tuesday, May 22, 2012

It's been 11 days since my last post and not much has happened except for a beautiful long weekend.  Mother Nature can be so kind when she wants to be.  It was 48 degrees in Lake St. Peter on Sunday.  If that won't burn off the black flies nothing will.  Speaking of which they are not all that bad.  They are still annoying just not as many as usual.  So our early dry spring may have been a good thing.  However my four year old grandson did go home looking like he had chicken pocks after only one day.  Today however is another story.  The short rain fall was welcome (you won't hear me say that often) but the drop in temperature was a bit extreme.

Lots of people around.  Lots of cottagers and campers back.  It's nice to see.

There was quite a large bush fire down Maple Leaf way on the weekend.  It was burning for a couple of days.  No homes were damaged so that was a good thing.  I seemed the fire dept has been out a lot in the last few days.  Even again this morning to the guy up Hwy 127 that thinks he should burn up his bush every year.  When the neighbour saw the flames higher than his house he got a little nervous.

We have started up the music on Saturday evenings again.  A new band made their first appearance last week and they were fantastic.  We even had music on Sunday this weekend because Bob, Jane and Victor were in town.  What a great night.  A good time was had by all.  I hope they come back to Ontario in October.

Most people have their gardens in and it is amusing listing to some of the old guys talking about the bunnies and other critters eating up everything that is planted.  Some of the stories are hysterical and there may be deaths soon.  Norm planted 10-15 baby apple trees (grown from the seeds from apples he had eaten) up at the hunt camp for deer food some day.  Well he thought he would put some dead suckers under the trees for fertilizer.  When he went back a couple of days later to water them something had dug up all the trees to eat the suckers.  Back to the drawing board Norm.  Buck Card has had his whole garden cleaned out by the neighbour's pet bunnies.  Oh the list goes on and on.

Well not much else to report.  I will keep up with the Black Fly report soon.  But I have to be honest.  We put up a gazebo this year so I may have untrue reports!!!!  Hmmm  Oh no I will take one for the team and sit on the deck and go into the gazebo instead of the house.  The June bugs are even out early.

Back next week unless something exciting happens.

Cheers
Nancy


Friday, May 11, 2012

Here it is the weekend already.  No earlier reports this week.  I've had a busy week and was not around much.

We had our very successful OBOB's (old bags on bikes) ATV ride to Barry's Bay last weekend.  It was a blast as usual with minimal breakdowns and no hangovers.  Then much running around the county the rest of the week including a full day of digging wild leeks yesterday and ending with our annual paddle down the Papineau Creek on Saturday.

There will be a pot of wild leek and potato soup cooked up on Sunday.

The black flies have gotten thicker.  Not too bad if its windy but annoying if not.  I haven't had any bites yet.  They seem to be just at that stupid stage.  No reports from the deck yet.  It hasn't been warm enough to sit out and relax after I close up.

The music will be back again on Saturday nights starting the long weekend. The same time 6:30-9:30.

It's great to see some of the summer people back.  More venture up each weekend.

I'm sure there is stuff happening but I just can't think of anything now.  So that's it for today. Back next week.

Cheers
Nancy

Tuesday, May 01, 2012

We had a great weekend in cottage country last weekend.  There was so much going on.  Activities everywhere.  You couldn't possibly attend everything.

My ATV mud run was a great success.  Everyone had a good ride, even the ones that got lost.  The meal turned out great and there were lots of prizes.  We had 80 registrations and 70 riders.  The route was amazing, and nobody got hurt.  I was not responsible for any hangovers that may have happened later in the day.

You can still see little clumps of snow in the bush from the snow storm over a week ago.  It hasn't been very warm or sunny for a while.  Better days ahead for sure and it better start this weekend.  A group of girls and I are going on our annual ATV "Old Bag Ride" to Barry's Bay.  We stay overnight celebrate our greatness and ride back the next day.  It's always a good time.

I had a great ATV ride on Sunday.  It was a beautiful day and we went exploring trails that we had never been on before.  Saw some awesome beaver dams and wonderful country side.  It is a great place we have here.  And the best part is I didn't roll my bike or get stuck anywhere this time.   

The lights at both bridges are now working and operation fix the bridges that I didn't know were broken is underway.  The delays are not long only 3 seconds for the light to change if you pull up and its red and no one is coming in the other direction.  Not much longer if they are.

Not too much more to report so I will end now. 

Thanks for all the support that I received from so many people to make the ATV ride a success.

Back soon.
Cheers
Nancy

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

All right it is bad enough that we woke up to 5 inches of snow yesterday and more this morning.  BUT now blogspot has gone and fixed something that wasn't broken and it took me 5 minutes to figure out how to get to the damn spot to write this rant. Well at least it gave me something to rant about.  If they think they were making it better it was all lost on me.  Please remember some of us older folks don't like you messing with our heads!!!!!  Change is good if it is underwear and new shoes not computer stuff.

We were lucky not to loose power on Monday, oh except for Charlie Foster that had a tree come down on his power line.  Hydro was there fairly quickly to fix the problem.  It was a really wet heavy snow to deep to wear my sandals to work and it would have been well received if it was December or January but it is just annoying in April.  We did need some rain, it was getting really dry and the snow is a good way for the moisture to seep into the ground. 

This snowfall will help build up the water holes for the mud run this weekend.  I went out on Sunday to add some more mileage onto the route and found out Monday just how out of shape I was. If I would stop getting stuck it wouldn't be so bad.   We have a good route planned and will be marking it on Friday.  If I'm lucky I will find something really important that has to be done and will be able to talk my way out of having to head out again to mark. 

Well that's it for now.  It is still pretty quite but it will be the long weekend before we know it.

Back next week
Cheers
Nancy

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Mother nature is either on drugs or suffering from dementia. It was 15 degrees yesterday when I went for my walk and 0 this morning. What is up with that?

We had a great weekend in spite of the weatherman saying all week that it was going to rain. It didn't until about six o'clock Sunday night. Thank goodness it was my daughter BBQing and not me.

We had such a wind storm yesterday. There was a wide spread power outage. It was only out for about an hour on the highway but the backside of Lake St. Peter still wasn't on by this afternoon. I didn't speak to anyone from Mink so don't have any info. Paudash Lake and parts of Maple Leaf are also still out. Hydro One has been very busy earning their keep today.

It's still pretty quiet around. Cottage construction has started up. There are different contractors in daily, so things must be getting rolling.

The turtles have even started laying their eggs on the side of the road. That is really early for them. They don't usually lay until mid May and June.

The people that own Highland Wilderness Tours in East Lake Rd. have started doing ATV tours as well as horseback riding. So keep this in mind if you have company up this summer and they are looking for something to do, or maybe you just want to get rid of them for the day. It is a great way to try out the sport if you haven't done it before. I will mention this again in July and August as a reminder. They have been in business a long time and are very good at what they do.

We that is about it for now. Back next week unless something exciting happens.

Cheers
Nancy

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Easter has come and gone that must mean that the May long weekend can't be far behind.

It was nice to see some of the cottagers back. I had expected more considering how early spring came this year but it was a fairly quiet weekend.

There is a very nice couple that live on Mink Lake, Rita and Keith Martin. Rita walks every day and Keith almost every day. They stopped in for lunch yesterday and asked me for some garbage bags. They had been cleaning up Mink Lake Road, something that they do every walk. They started at the boat launch yesterday and had filled FOUR GREEN BAGS by the time they got as far as the dragon fly. They needed the bags to continue from the highway back in. Now they happened to mention that someone must really like Reese's Pieces because they have picked up about 15 wrappers lately. So if you are the Reese's Pieces junky would you please put your garbage in your pocket or somewhere else until you get home. That goes for the Tim's cups and pop cans also. Keith mentioned that when they go out on Monday mornings they can fill a grocery bag every time. Come on people. You wouldn't throw this stuff on your own back lawn so don't throw it on any body elses.

That was my rant for the day.

There is not much else to report so I will end now. Have a great week and I hope you make it up soon. ATV season is looking good.

Cheers
Nancy

Wednesday, April 04, 2012

It's been a week since my last blurb. I don't know where the time goes even though we are not busy. I think that someone must have put a gate up in Bancroft and is not letting anyone pass.

I am happy to report that both dogs are back safe and sound. In true beagle fashion after driving around in the bush for a few more hours when the guys got back to the camp there was Rusty laying beside the truck with the what took you so long look on his face. Buddy looked like he had been on a three day bender and slept for 3 more days, Rusty although he didn't come out of the doghouse for a day or two would do it all over again in a heartbeat. Dogs!!!

Spring is here for sure. The days are much longer. The Herons are back on the lake and nesting. There are a few docks in the lake already and I have started wearing my sandals regularly even if there were a few snow flurries today.

For those of you coming up 127 for the first time you will notice construction signs in two places.
There is repair work being done on both bridges. They were putting up stop lights today to control the traffic havoc that will surely occur during the construction. A mild inconvenience but I'm sure we will all live through it. It will be interesting to get and under the bridge look at the progress when we paddle down the creek in May.

I have a bit of traveling to do this weekend just day trips but lengthy all the same. I have some new staff starting also this weekend so be nice-they are new and I don't want you scaring them!!!!

It looks like it is going to be a great weekend weather wise. So the Easter Bunny shouldn't have any trouble getting the job done.

If you are up to the lake I hope we see you. If not have enjoy a nice long weekend.

Don't forget the ATV run on April 28. We are getting lots of inquiries. I hope to make it about a four hour ride. It should be fun.

That's it for now. Back after the weekend I hope with some exciting stories. So someone do something exciting so we can chuckle about it.

Cheers
Nancy

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

WHO TURNED DOWN THE HEAT? Just when mother nature spoiled us she had to go and pull the plug again. Drat!!!

However on the up side the ice went out of Mink Lake and Lake St. Peter last Sunday. The earliest that any one can remember it ever going out and Charlie Foster has been keeping records for 30 years. Needless to say I haven't seen any more mosquitoes this week.

The ATV's are starting to come out a little which is nice to see. No more dramatic rides for me yet but the season hasn't begun yet. Lots of time for foolishness.

On a scarey note we were on our usual Sunday trek around the hunt camp with the dogs when the beagle and the retriever got on the scent of something and went for a run. They didn't come back and hadn't been seen since. I was starting to fear the worst. They are usually back in an hour or two. The guys went out on the ATV's this morning to look through the bush in some of the harder to reach places. While I was updating I got a call that they found the retriever (I had to stop to go and pick him up). I am so grateful to all of the people that helped us by driving around the back roads and checking the property during the day. It sure isn't the same going for a walk in the morning without Buddy. I only hope that the find the beagle also. I will know later today.

I can't think of too much more to report.

Just a reminder of the ATV run here at the diner on April 28. It should be a good run. If you want more info or accommodation call us anytime. 613-338-3043 I hope some of you can make it up.

Back in a few days.

Cheers
Nancy

Friday, March 23, 2012

What a wonderful week we are having. I can't believe that two Saturdays ago we had sledders in all geared up and this week we have people in wearing shorts, tees and flip flops. Incredible!!!

I have started my research on the deck. I have good news and bad news. There are no black flies yet but I was bitten by a mosquito twice this week while sitting outside. The little beggers are everywhere, even in the middle of the day. And the house flies are coming out in herds both inside and out. At least they don't bite and are easy to swat.

I made and interesting discoverer this week. When I was at the sugar bush last weekend I was told that drinking maple sap was good for what ails you (if you know what I mean). So Kelly brought me up a jar this week to try. Well it has quite a nice mild taste to it. Knowing that I have a one track mind I thought if you added a shot of vodka to this it would be even better. Aha!! Kelly and I have now invented the Maple Martini. Two parts maple sap, one part vodka (or to taste), and a drop of maple syrup. Serve over ice or shake with crushed. It was delicious. That was when I got stung by the first mosquito. See what I go through for you people. The danger never ends.

It will be great to see the cottagers starting to come up soon. The ice on the lake is so black it should be out by next week. According to Charlie Foster who keeps records on this stuff, this will be the earliest its been out in many, many years. April 4 is the record so far. I will keep you updated. The driveways are drying up nicely and the tulips and daffodils are coming up. Yea!!

That's it for now. Hope we see you soon. It has been pretty quiet this week.

Cheers
Nancy

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Spring has sprung,
The grass is riz,
I wonder where the birdies is!!!

What a wonderful weekend and the week ahead looks even better.

I went for my first ATV ride on Sunday. It was a blast. There was still so much snow in the bush that you could have sledded. It is so nice to see spring trying to emerge. There was water running everywhere with the melting snow. Some times the back end of the bike didn't want to go in the same direction as the front and that made things interesting. I was glad to add the comic relief to the trip by hitting the ditch twice. I rolled it once and discovered that it is so much nicer to land in ditch full of snow rather than a ditch full of dirt, stones and water. My next ditching was more graceful. I just slipped off the trail in the soft snow and ended up more than knee deep in a big mud puddle disguised as a snow bank. Oh well the winch got me out no problem and we were on our way again. Brian now wants to ride behind me instead of in front because he misses all the entertainment. The upside was that there was no dust.

It amazing how quickly the bottom dropped out of snowmobiling. We were so busy two weekends ago with sledders and last weekend poof it's gone.

This great weather should dry everything up sooner rather than later. We were even able to rake a winters worth of dog poop from the back yard. Three trips to the bush with the wheel barrel. Next dog I get I will be scooping up after with a teaspoon and a soup can not a rake and a snow shovel!!!

The creeks are all running really fast and Boulter Lake Rd. is flooded over at the culvert. Even the dog didn't stay in the creek long this morning. The current was much stronger than on the weekend and it made him nervous.

Let's all think positive thoughts. If this heat wave would continue for a mere 60 or 75 more days we might not have any black flies this year. Not to worry though, I will still continue my research on the deck and give regular report.


Ah-hope springs eternal in my little mind and sometimes the sun is a different colour in my world. But I am not alone. I know there are others of you with me!!

Well that's it for my pears of wisdom for today.

Don't forget about our mud run on April 28. It should be fun.

Until next time.
Cheers
Nancy

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

That's all she wrote. The fat lady is singing. It's all over but the crying. That's all I can think of!!

NOW, BRING ON SPRING.

The stakes were pulled off of Lake St. Peter yesterday. There is still a lot of snow around but the trails look like a bad skating rink. There were one or two sleds out yesterday but you would have to be right at the trail to start.

We had a great run once it started.

I would like to thank all the sledders that supported the diner all winter. Without you guys I wouldn't be open. Sledders are the best. Thank you for your patience when we got so busy we don't know if we were coming or going. I know that sometimes you have a long wait for meals when we get slammed and most often nothing is said (at least to my face). You are all pretty understanding.

Thank you also for all of the"atta girls" you give me for posting trail conditions. It is nice to know that people are reading the updates and it encourages me to continue. It is also nice to see just how many of you have a warped sense of humor just like myself.

I am hoping that with the double digit temps this week all of the snow will be gone. If you are coming to the cottage you will not be able drive in if you haven't had your driveway plowed this winter. If you did have it plowed there will most likely not be any snow in the driveway. It is leaving fairly quickly in the plowed areas.

We walked into the hunt camp on Sunday and when you go through the snow it is still up past your knees, higher if you are short!

When we went for our walk this morning the dog went into the creek for the first time. I'm not sure if it was by accident or on purpose but he wasn't long getting out. I tried to keep him out of the bedroom when we got back home but alas I didn't win that one and he was on the bed before I realized it and now the duvet is all wet and stinky. Will I never learn. I seem to say that a lot. Apparently I will never learn.

Don't forget our ATV mud run on April 28. It should be lots of fun.

Again thanks for a great season. I'll see some of you over the summer but I hope I see all of you next winter.

I will be back later in the week.
Cheers
Nancy

Saturday, March 10, 2012

The 30% chance of flurries predicted for Friday was actually four inches of fluffy snow. Go figure. Driving conditions were horrible on Friday night, but then if you drove up to the cottage you would already know that.

The trails are still well covered with snow. It was -16 when blondie and I went for our walk this morning. It is a beautiful sunny day. A great sledding day.

Riders in yesterday were quite pleased with the trail conditions. The group that went to Pembroke and back yesterday said that things were good the whole way there and back.

The lakes are taking a beating though.

The groomers were not out yesterday but they will be out tonight.

I hope you all can get a last ride in this weekend just in case it is the last one. I will be back on Monday with more info.

Cheers
Nancy

Friday, March 09, 2012

Good News. All the riders in today say that the conditions in our area are quite good. No one is complaining. The hydro line to Haliburtion is not so good.

It is snowing and not just flurries. Yea!!! Come on up.
I had to go and jinx the whole season by saying in my last post that we haven't had spring like conditions yet.

Will I never learn. Tuesday's high temperatures caused a bit of a melt down and Wednesday's rain didn't help either. However it was -10 this morning when I went for my walk. The rail bed is frozen and icy with a little skiff of snow on top.

There were three riders in early this morning for breakfast. They wanted to be sure to get a ride in just in case things went for a crap later this week. No complaints. Things are still okay but it is icy. They were heading for Pembroke and will fill me in tomorrow when they get back.

We are expecting a little snow today and tomorrow. That should make a big difference. No grooming was done last night.

If you still want to get another ride in this would be the weekend. If it gets as mild as they are predicting next week that may be a problem. We all know that weather predictions are not the most reliable things so we will just see.

If I'm not back tomorrow nothing new has happened. I will be back Sunday for sure.

Have a great March break. I hope we see some of you over the next week.

Cheers
Nancy

Tuesday, March 06, 2012

The cold temperatures are keeping the trails in great condition. One mild day and one day of rain is expected this week but even that shouldn't have a very big effect on the trails with the condition they are in now.

Keeping in mind that a long range forecast is about 15 minutes into the future up here. Anything can happen by Wednesday.

The groomers were out last night and again this morning. I haven't had any riders in yet today to ask about other areas but there were riders in from Haliburton yesterday that said it was perfect from here to there.

So nothing new to add, no touching stories and the only bonehead play last week was made by me when I left a beautiful pot of beef barley soup on the burner, got busy serving and forgot about it. Pat B the cook noticed it when it started to smell burnt. Oh well, dump that batch. That is why I was in at 6:30 Saturday, to make a new pot of soup for the day.

Just a reminder to sledders that there is an ATV Mud Run at the diner on April 28. So if you like mud, and you like to have fun come on out. It is a great day. Good ride, good food, good fun, good prizes, good company!!! I hope you can join us.

I will be back Thursday morning to let you know what the weather is doing.

Here's hoping we get another couple of weeks of great riding. I haven't even had to use the term "spring like conditions" yet. Yea!!! Well I hardly consider -24 (which it was again this morning) spring like but that may be just me. Others may disagree.

I hope to see you soon.
Cheers
Nancy

Sunday, March 04, 2012

The sledding continues to be great. We had a big storm on Friday night and Saturday. Probably six to eight inches and it is lightly snowing again this morning.

The groomers continue to do a fabulous job keeping the trail is tip top shape.

I had to go over to Angus/Alliston on Saturday and I'm off to Oshawa this morning for the day so I won't see much of the diner this weekend. It was a busy day Saturday and we are expecting another one today.

On a sad note I was told by some sledders that a rider lost control on the rail bed between Whitney and Madawaska yesterday and had to be air lifted out to Ottawa. No other details but we sure hope that he is okay.

Looking ahead weather wise for next week it is getting really cold-down to -20 at night and below zero every day. So if you are planning on riding next week no worries. The snow will be here and so will we.

I'll end now so that I can spend another 6 or 7 hours in the car again today-yea!! The bonus today is that I get to see grandkids so it's all worth it.

I will be back either Monday or Tuesday to keep reminding you that there are lots of good sledding days left. Ride safe and keep it between the trees.

Hope we see you soon.
Cheers
Nancy

Thursday, March 01, 2012

March may be coming in like a lion, but it is a gentle lion. We had some snow yesterday and more again today. It has been snowing for a few hours now. Enough to get Kevin Frankish and Frankie whatshisname all pumped up and dramatic. It always gives me a chuckle when they get in hysterics over a little weather. Living here you just take it all in stride. It's just another day in paradise, ooh I think I just gagged a little there.

I know I have said this before and February was a good sledding month but conditions this week have been fabulous. Regular snow falls and grooming done every other day. Without question the next few days (maybe weeks) will be some of the best riding you will ever do. I feel confident that good conditions will continue through the March break.

I braved the elements and took blondie out for a walk again today just to see first hand if the trails had been groomed. Now I didn't walk all the way to Whitney or Bancroft, I'm not that much of a sport but I did go far enough to see that the groomers went both ways last night. Even with the snow falling this morning it was a nice day only -4 this morning compared to -15 yesterday morning. I should be getting an atta-girl for all of the research I'm doing.

Although checking things out first hand is useful it is not as fulfilling as the black fly report. Those of you that only read the blog for snow conditions have no idea of the personal sacrifice I make in order to keep readers updated on the black flies. I selflessly take a glass of wine, sit on the back deck and see how long I can last until the black flies chase me into the house. Once I get at least 3/4 of a glass or more consumed most cottagers know that it is safe to venture up again. Now if I get to finish the Toronto Star crossword and have a couple of glasses things are A okay!! I have had to train in the house on occasion when it has been raining for days on end. But you've gotta do what you've gotta do.

That's it for today. I shouldn't have to update of Friday if things stay the same because it can't get any better. On the off chance that we get rain or freezing rain I will update.

I hope you get a chance to come riding again.
Cheers
Nancy

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

I finally drummed up enough energy to haul my carcass out of the house a go for a walk the last two days. They rail bed across from the diner has been so well groomed that there isn't a highway in Ontario that is in better shape. It was so well set this morning that I didn't even leave footprints on the frozen snow while walking. No wonder you speed on the straight stretches. How could you not!!!

All of the groomers were out again last night. They went to Whitney, Baptiste Lake and Martin's Mill. They had gone to Bancroft earlier on Monday and there were not many sledders out yesterday. Just a few couples, a few singles and one group of four. It would have been a great day. Most riders had not seen a soul all day.

The cold weather is continuing and we had snow Sunday night and Monday. More is expected tomorrow. It may have been +10 in Toronto yesterday but it certainly wasn't plus anything up here and isn't today either.

Yes Wayne did buy a permit last weekend. There is a shortage of 3 day permits. Not everyone is getting them. The clubs have a hard time getting enough from the OFSC which is frustrating especially if you do only get out once or twice a year. It would be nice if everyone that sells permits could keep 3 days in stock then we wouldn't have this very situation all the time.

That's it for today. I will be back on Thursday with an update on weather. No need for trail reports they just keep grooming almost every day. You must admit the club is doing a fantastic job this year.

Hope the rest of your week is good and we see you on the weekend.
Cheers
Nancy

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Just another day in snowmobiling paradise. Quite cold and sunny, sunny, sunny. Unfortunately because of the big storm on Friday the groomers were not able to go out on Friday night.

Thankfully they were all out last night so all of the trails are groomed up nicely today. When Shelia came into work today there wasn't a mark on the rail bed. It was just like a table top. Oooo wouldn't you like to be the first one up this morning.

The OPP were out in force yesterday. I guess there is no where else to be. Not too many bad stories except for Wayne from Blackstock. I guess this was an expensive weekend for you and I bet you will buy a permit next year!!! However they may have gone a little over the top with you.

Not much else to report except that if you have Monday and Tuesday off you know where you should be.

More snow expected almost every day next week so the weekend should be another good one.

Hope you get out for another ride.

I'll be back Monday or Tuesday.

Cheers
Nancy

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Rewind and play. I feel like I am repeating myself.

All of the groomers were out again last night. We had another little skiff of snow again last night with more expected tomorrow. It is beautiful today, sunny and mild. A great day for sledding.

Trails are all in good shape. Not too many riders out this week so they are holding out well.

I am noticing smaller groups this week twos and fours instead of eights and tens.

That's it for today.

Cheers
Nancy

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Well there is good news and there is bad news. No wait, no bad news only good. Yea!!!

The groomers were out on Monday night and Tuesday morning. All of the trails are groomed up nicely. There wasn't too much traffic yesterday so I am guessing that they would have held up. We had about two inches of snow last night and more is expected for today. That will help a lot.

The MLSS had another successful poker run on the weekend and there were lots of riders around all weekend.

I am probably the only one that can see the upside to breakdowns. When someone limps in or gets towed in they have to wait quite a while for their friends to ride back to the truck and come back for them. This means better sales for me because they always have a bite to eat and a beer or two while they are waiting. So I guess every cloud does have a silver lining. Sometimes they are quite entertaining while they are here. So if you are going to break down let it happen near the diner. We will look after you.

Shamus from the Lake St. Peter General Store and Gas Station just up the road from us has a large parking lot. He told me yesterday that anyone needing a place to park your truck and trailer for the day or a few days you are welcome to park there at no charge. This also eliminates the ride up the rail bed from Bancroft and gets you into the bush trails sooner.

So from where I am everything is looking good. There hasn't been anyone in yet to ask about conditions. I will check and post sometime tomorrow.

Hope your week is going well. See you soon.

Cheers
Nancy

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Here is a quick update.

We had more snow than rain today along with a little snow yesterday.

The trails are all groomed up nicely. A couple rode over from Haliburton this morning. They said that the trail through the park was perfect as well as all the other trails on the way. In fact the wife was giving him trouble for driving so fast but he said he couldn't help himself the conditions were too good. Oh Bobby you are always getting into trouble.

All other riders were saying the same thing. So it's looking good for the weekend. A little more snow is expected tomorrow and then sunny and cold all weekend.

I'm sure the phone systems should be fixed by the weekend but no credit or debit transactions have been possible all over the area today because of a line problem in the Bellville area. Just be aware in case it's not fixed by tomorrow.

Well that's it for today. I have to dash off to snooker.

I hope we see you over the weekend. Have a great long weekend.

Cheers
Nancy

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Happy Flag Day!!! Who knew? The things you learn watching Breakfast Television.

I little snow fell overnight and is still falling now. Not enough to have the lot plowed but enough to cover the dog poop in the back yard. (Not looking forward to spring.) It looks like it might snow for most of the day. We'll see.

The guys from the trailer park rode over to Pembroke for lunch yesterday and said that it was a great ride for almost all of the way. A small section of road riding about half way was thin but other than that it's all good.

All riders in yesterday were commenting on how well groomed the trails were. We even had a couple in from Muskoka that were over here because they didn't have enough snow where they live. They had just bought a new sled and were anxious to ride.

I was told that the trail through the park was "a little chunky" on Monday but I haven't heard if it has been groomed since. I will inquire today and find out.

The trails will be kept in tip top shape this week not only because of the long weekend but because this is the Maple Leaf Snow Skimmers annual poker run. This is their only fund raiser for the year so if you get a chance please come out and support them. The volunteers do a wonderful job and work tirelessly all year long. Even if you don't ride stop by and buy a hand to help out.

I will be back later in the week with a snow update before the weekend. Gotta go sleds are coming in already.

Hope we see you soon.
Cheers
Nancy

Monday, February 13, 2012

Wow we are half way through February already. This year is starting off at break neck speed.

We had another great sledding weekend and it's starting out to be a great week. Sunny and cool today it was a fab day for sledding.

All the groomers were out this morning and I just saw one go down the rail bed again now. So they should have every trail done by tonight.

Not too many in today but everyone was in good humor because all the trails were just done.

We had a bit of snow over the weekend but not much. Later in the week is iffy but we will wait because I'm sure things will change by Wednesday.

I can't believe how good everyone is behaving this year, except for Bill who was going to be really late for a dinner date on Saturday night when he hadn't left here by 4:00 and had to get to Minden. I hope your wife took it well. There have not been any bone head plays or exciting stories to retell yet this year. My goodness can some one get out there and do something foolish that will give us all a chuckle. I miss Jim and Brian.

Nothing else new to report. I will be back most likely Wednesday to pass on how the weather has been.

Have a great week.
Cheers
Nancy

Thursday, February 09, 2012

The great weather continues. It's nice to see the sun, but it would be nicer to see the sun after a big snowfall. Oh well I guess you can't have good looks and brains too!

We are expecting snow Friday and Saturday.

Three groomers were out last night and the Paudash club had their groomers out also. Riders in yesterday that had come across the hydro line from Haliburton said the trail was like a table top, just groomed.

The trail to Pembroke is good and they have lots of snow. The trail from Barry's Bay to Combermere could use some more snow, there are some rocks and thin patches showing.

Tuesday's snow didn't amount to much so I am hoping the next few days of snow will fix that.

Nothing new to poke fun at and no touching stories so I'll end now to get ready for the lunch crowd. Come on in.

Hope to see you this weekend.
Cheers
Nancy

Tuesday, February 07, 2012

We had another great sledding weekend. All trails were groomed as best as they could be. The groomers have been out every day. I even won $15.00 on the super bowl. Sorry Frank you didn't win any squares on the football pool.

Our partly sunny day has turned into flurries now so a little extra snow will be good. It looks like it may last a while. The mild temps yesterday were not enough to cause any loss of snow.

Lake St. Peter was staked on the weekend I haven't heard about Baptiste yet.

There have been lots of riders in doing overnight runs the last few days.

If there is any doubt about how much snow is in the bush I am here to tell you that there is lots!!! We often take a walk into the hunt camp on Sundays to give the dogs a run. So we headed in last Sunday. The big guy thought he would take the snow shoes for a change. I opted to just slog through the snow. It's a 12 km hike into the camp, oh no wait it's a 1/2 km hike it just feels like 12 when you are built close to the ground and the snow is half way up to your ying yang. All was going well until the big guy decided to take a "short cut" and then had a snow shoe malfunction. I thought of leaving him there until spring but thought that would be mean so I make my way over to help. There was much flopping and grunting and way too much giggling but we eventually got him upright then he had to help me get up. Thank goodness the kids and granddaughter were well behind us. That would have led to pointing and laughing and photos posted on facebook by now. That was our first hike in for this winter so needless to say I had some aching body parts on Monday and my daughter used the snowshoes on the way out. Oh well another chapter in the book.

Here is a shout out too the group from Ayr that was in last week. Nice to meet new people you were a great bunch. I hope we see you again.

And a shout out to John from Syracuse. Nice to meet you also. Your wife must be the luckiest girl in the world to have a guy like you. (No bribing was used in this shout out.)

I will post later about how much snow we get today and any other words of wisdom that I may have.

Until then all I can say is the grooming is consistent and the riding is good.

Hope to see you soon.
Cheers
Nancy

Thursday, February 02, 2012

Holy Moly did everyone have today off work. We have never been this busy on a weekday before. It was crazy but good. Poor Pat in the kitchen, her cheeks were just glowing!!!

We haven't had any new snow but we haven't lost any either. No rain and the temperature is staying below zero.

Two of the groomers are out today but two were broken down the last couple of days. I hope they are back up by the weekend.

Some of the guys were out all day today brushing the trail to Madawaska to clear away the trees. They didn't finish until really late so I didn't find out if they finished or not.

Now I have a moral dilema. Charlie Foster just had a great-granddaughter born this week and he wants to go to Ottawa to visit for the weekend. Now Charlie plows about 65 driveways when it snows. He was pretty pooped last weekend when he had to do them all twice because it snowed so much. So here is the problem. He feels that I am responsible for the amount of snowfall because I am always doing the snow dance and he has asked me to hold off for the weekend so that he doesn't have to come back early. He even bought me a large bottle of wine so that if I feel the need to bring on the snow I should just open the wine and drink half. If the feeling hasn't passed I am to finish the other half. Now what's a girl to do. I would really like to see more snow but I would also like to see Charlie have a nice weekend. Oh hell I'll just drink the wine and hope for snow on Sunday night or Monday morning.

The trails still look good at the road crossings.

I will post tomorrow if I find out anything new.

That's it for now. I opened today at 6:30 so I am going home to crash on the couch.

Hope to see you all on the weekend.

Cheers
Nancy

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

We dodged a bullit today. Snow this morning, no rain, no freezing rain, just a great day.

The groomers just went out a little while ago. Trails are great.

That's it, that's all I came to work at 8:00 this morning, it's 7:30 now and I am going home to make dinner. I will blather on another day.

Cheers
Nancy

Monday, January 30, 2012

It sure wasn't as busy this weekend and it was last weekend. Did the bad weather scare everyone away. We did get a blast of snow this weekend. A loaf for sure (see Jan 17 for measuring info).

I had to have the lot plowed both Saturday and Sunday. It should have been done this morning also but I just wore my boots to work instead.

I had to go to town first thing this morning and it was so cold that the inside of my windows didn't defrost. It reminded me of my college days driving my little green VW in the winter and scraping the windows at the same time. Now how many of you are smiling and nodding because you did the same thing? Well it did eventually warm up today but not much.

The groomers left town in every direction this morning. Riders in today (and there were quite a few) said that most trails were in good shape and of course the freshly groomed ones were great.

The weather for the next day is not going to be very good. It's snowing again now and we have enough snow that a little rain won't hurt it but it may not be good riding Tuesday. If I get time I will give quick update about the weather. If not I will be back Wednesday some time.

Here's a shout out to the guys from Pennsylvania nice to see you again. The couple that you met at the Granite on the weekend were in today. They think you are great. Well, we already knew that.

Not much else new today. No bone head plays or touching stories today.

Back soon.
Cheers
Nancy

Saturday, January 28, 2012

If you are not out sledding today you are missing a great day. The first sleds were out at 6:45 this morning. Where in hell would you be going at 6:45, it's still dark for heavens sake. That is some serious sledding!!!

The groomers were all out again Friday night so the trails should be tip top today (until about 3:00).

We are as well prepared as we can be and hoping for a replay of last Saturday.

Have a great weekend and if you can make it Sunday that would be great.

That's it for now.
Cheers
Nancy

Thursday, January 26, 2012

It's been pretty good sledding week this week. Even with the rain on Monday. There have been riders in every day saying that all the trails are good. We got a lot of snow on Tuesday.

On Monday a small group rode over to Haliburton through the park and said it was great because it had just been groomed the night before. I don't know how it would be today but it wasn't that busy this week. I will try to find someone that has been that way.

All four groomers were out yesterday and last night so all the trails in our area are well groomed. The one down the back side of LSP is being done this morning for the first time. That is the one that is always last to be done until there is enough snow. Well I guess there is enough snow now.

Lake St. Peter and Baptiste are not staked yet because of the slush. At this late stage it seems pointless to do it but who knows.

All the riders in this morning said that trail conditions were excellent. It has been great weather the last couple of days cold but not too bad and sunny. Great riding weather. More snow is expected for the next four to five days. Yea!!!!

If you are looking for a place to park trucks and trailers the owner of Foodland out by Canadian Tire has said that you could park there. This came from a member of the executive of the snowmobile club. So it must be true. There is lots of room there and would be easy in and out.

It looks like things will be great for this weekend. I will not update on Friday unless something drastic happens. I have an appointment in town Friday morning by the time I get back it's too late to blather on. Most of you have made your plans already. So it looks like this is it for the weekend.

Hope we see you Saturday and Sunday. It is looking like perfect conditions.

Have a safe drive up and keep it between the trees.

Cheers
Nancy

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Technical difficulties with the internet and no patience from the operator yesterday so here is the Monday/Tuesday update.

What a wild weekend. Sledders are the best. We were so busy it was just crazy, yet everyone seemed so patient. If anyone was cranky and crusty I didn't notice and I would like to keep it that way. Ignorance is bliss. I feel badly for the people that left because there was no room to sit. I hope you come back another day. Thank you for the people that doubled up with others that they don't know so they could sit.

Keeping in mind that all the girls at the diner are getting little long in the tooth you sometimes have to remind us a time or two for the spoon to stir the coffee, or the cup for the tea even the glass for the beer (the lady with the beer and tomato juice will know who you are). We do try and it is fun.

Thanks to Frank's wife for cleaning off tables so that you had somewhere to sit. Thanks to Blair and buddy for carrying in 10 cases of beer for me. And thanks also to John? from Papineau Lake for backing into me spilling the shot of Baileys on my sweater. Just kidding, it's just another chapter in the book and was a great conversation starter all day.

Now on to the serious stuff. We had rain all day on Monday but it has been snowing for quite a while now. It is really slushy. That is a good thing because if it had gotten cold and the water had frozen it would be really slippery now. So if it gets cold tonight and freezes the snow will already be stuck to the water and it won't be so slippery. Good for walking and good for the trails. It should freeze up tonight.

I would think that there would be no grooming today because of the slush but I can't say for sure. I heard that they were going to head out to the Madawaska trail yesterday. I will make some inquiries and update when I find out more.

Weather for the rest of the week is not great but long range around here is 15 minutes into the future so who knows.

That's all I have for now.

Hope you have a great week.
Cheers
Nancy

Friday, January 20, 2012

The Friday update is filled with good news. It is a great day today. After yesterdays snow the sky is blue, everything is white. It's the kind of day you would just like to get on your sled and ride forever.

I noticed coming home last night that the trail to Martin Wood had been groomed and it was back out again first thing this morning probably on the way to Bancroft.

In total we have had about a foot of snow this week. I have had the parking lot plowed twice this week so far. That's a first for this year.

The lakes are still not staked so crossing them may not be a good thing but it is being done.

This should end up being the best sledding weekend so far. It isn't going to be too cold and more snow is expected overnight.

Hope we see you this weekend.
Cheers
Nancy

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood. The sun is shining the storm is over and it's cold enough to chill your beer in the snowbanks.

Here's a shout out to who ever called this morning to ask if we got a loaf of snow last night. I love it when you get my warped humor. Well we did get a little more than half a loaf overnight (see yesterday's post to do the math).

There is no nicer way to wake up than to have the flashing yellow light from the plow truck shining in your window while cleaning the driveway at 5:45. Well I'm sure there is a nicer way but we won't get into that.

Added to what we already had this should make things really good. No word on grooming last night but I know they have been out regularly. The trail on the back side of Lake St. Peter is still not great but this snow should help.

Now here is a pet peeve and something to ponder while you are waiting for the weekend to come. Why is it when you go to plug something in you always get the plug upside down first? Shouldn't you get it right at least some of the time? I get it wrong every time. Clearly this should be a lesson to me not to buy lottery tickets. If I can't get it right when I have a 50/50 chance why in hell would I think I could get it right picking 7 out of 7.

Well I'd better go. I have more shoveling to do or maybe I'll just wait for Norm to get motivated.

Hope to see you this weekend.
Cheers
Nancy

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

I've been duped again. I am so gullible. Almost everyone that came in on Monday talked about the big storm that was to come yesterday and last night.

I was also told last week that 1 cm is equal to one slice of bread. So I was expecting to wake up this morning to about a half loaf of snowfall. Ha!! Big surprise, no snow overnight. Why do I always believe these people.

Having said that the day is going downhill quickly this morning. We have some freezing rain and some snow. It's generally yucky outside. The buses were all cancelled today I guess because of the bad weather expected this afternoon. More snow is expected tonight (ha) and again on Thursday and Friday. One can only hope.

Last weekend was busy. Lots of sledders everywhere. Nice to see some of the old faces for the first time. Most trails were quite good. The grooming continues daily. All three were out yesterday for most of the day. The few riders that were in yesterday were quite pleased with the trails.

And the carniage begins. By noon Saturday we had our first dead sled. Well not quite dead but badly injured. Poor Mitch. Even with the parts he left behind he was able to drive back to the truck. The next two were not so lucky. Both had to wait at the diner until their buddies could bring the trailer to pick them up. Oh well the beer sales rise when that happens.

Not much else new. I will be back on Thursday to let you know how much snowfall there was during the week.

Keep working so that you can afford to snowmobile.

Cheers
Nancy

Friday, January 13, 2012

The Friday update is short and sweet so here goes.

Enough snow yesterday to cover up the dog poop in the back yard (and I have a big dog) and the parking lot had to be plowed this morning. So you to the math.

Still snowing a little today. None tomorrow or Sunday but it is getting very cold at night this weekend so this bundle up!!!


Have a great weekend and remember to keep the skis on the snow!!

Cheers
Nancy

Thursday, January 12, 2012

I waited until late today to post to see just how the day would end. That's my story and I am sticking to it.

I didn't realize how powerful my words could be. I am always talking about doing the snow dance. So far this year it hasn't worked. In desperation on Tuesday I said, "I think the school kids need a snow day." Holy cow did they get a snow day. I didn't mean all of Southern Ontario. I just meant here. Sorry guys.

It has been snowing all day with some ice pellets. Mostly fine small flakes but it hasn't stopped so by nightfall it will be a fair amount.

The only riders in today had come from Bancroft or Trudy's on hwy 62. All were pleased with conditions considering the small amount of snow we have had.

Things will be looking pretty good for the weekend by tomorrow morning. Even if it stops tonight we are expecting more tomorrow. You know things are looking up when the Bancroft residents start showing up. They usually wait until conditions are good because they can, and we have had a few groups in this week.

Here is a shout out to Harry from Port Perry, why I'll never know. We haven't seen Harry for a year or two and have given up hope on him. It's very sad. However a previous co-worker was in yesterday asking after you. So you see you still have fans out there.

If I am able I will update tomorrow if anything changes.

Hope to see you this weekend.
Cheers
Nancy

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Sorry I didn't update Monday but I was really busy. Oh wait no, I wasn't busy just lazy. I got hit with a serious case of drag-ass yesterday and couldn't make it over to the bar to climb up to the computer. It took till today to recover.

Not much in the way of snow this weekend or Monday. Just little skiffs. More is expected later in the week but so far the weather people's idea of snow is not the same as mine!!

The groomers have been busy though. All three were out yesterday. Two went Bancroft way yesterday and the other went that famous route "somewhere else". They even had the new groomer out yesterday. I hear it is a thing of beauty if you are into groomers. What kind is it you say. Well it's a red one!!!

I won't know details until riders come in today and fill me in assuming that there will be riders in today.

There were quite a few riders out on the weekend so it is just as well that grooming was held off until Monday when it would stay good longer. It was pretty mild on Sunday but has gotten colder now so we won't be losing any snow.

Please note the caution tape around the back of the yard. Some sleds rode through the backyard this weekend over the weeping bed from the septic. This is not good because if it freezes none of us will be flushing!!!! I don't know about you but that is pretty important to all of us that work here. Eeks!!!

That's it for now. Nothing exciting to report. I will be back later in the week.

Cheers
Nancy

Friday, January 06, 2012

Things are looking better in good 'ol LSP. Not fantastic, just better.

We have had a bit of snow every day. The groomers have been out and I had to have the parking lot plowed this morning.

There were quite a few riders in on Thursday. Most said things were good, a few rocks here and there but nothing too serious.

On Wednesday it was groomed to Baptiste Lake and Whitney. They will most likely go out tonight but I don't have a direct line to the Grand Puba so I can't say for sure.

If you are in need of accommodation this winter try Lake St. Peter Resort Cottages on the South Rd. in LSP. New people bought it last year and they seem to be doing a good job. It appears they have people skills and experience in the hospitality industry. There number is 613-338-3171. Check them out at www.lakestpetercottages.ca.

No touching stories, bonehead plays or sad news. Oh yea sad news-my partner and I lost at snooker last night. Well I lost, little John is a pretty good player. Better luck next week.

So come on up and do something stupid or crazy so that you can make the blog next week. I miss the action!!!

I'll keep doing the snow dance and hoping for better days ahead. Back Sunday or Monday.

Have a great weekend.
Cheers
Nancy

Wednesday, January 04, 2012

Here goes. I have good news and fair news, which is better than good news, bad news.

The good news is there is no rain, the temp is staying cool (or downright freezing yesterday). The fair news is we keep getting a little snow with more to come for the next few days.

We haven't had a big dump yet. I haven't had to plow the driveway yet this year because it has just been flurries.

The groomer was out yesterday and went to Martin's Mill. I don't know if it is going out today. I will probably hear later. We had a rider in from Coe Hill yesterday he wasn't thrilled but it was good enough to come this far. We also had riders in from the Whitney area. They said that things were okay but had spent most of the week just clearing the route from their house to the trail. But they were young and the experience was good for them. It will build character.

On a sad note the big orange cat, Bulwinkle that always climbed on every sled, ATV, boat, trailer, or anything else that was in the lot was attacked by we think a fox. So we won't have him to amuse us by looking in the windows or getting in cars etc. and just being kooky. His brother Rocky (no imagination there) was hit by a car on Thanksgiving weekend. So we are now without any cats. I plan to keep it that way so don't do me any favours!!!!! He was fun to watch though and the dog misses not having anyone to wrestle with. We lost four pets last year. Two to old age and the last two to misadventure. So now buddy the Labrador Retriever is wearing a helmet and flack jacket and keeps looking over his shoulder hoping that he won't be next.

I am always telling stories about Brian and Jim. Well Brian has a girlfriend FINALLY. She is a real sweetheart and is getting a great education about the north. We still have to teach her how to pee behind a tree though!!! Well she had never driven a sled before so Brian took her out for a little test ride. (That just sounds bad) They rode from his place to the diner, less that a kilometer. Had a beer and left for the cottage. Who do they meet on the way home. You guessed it the OPP. Everything was okay but what a way to start you sledding experience. Now tell me with barely enough snow to cover the ground wouldn't you think there time would be better spent somewhere else? I suppose he was just looking for an easy way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

That's all she wrote for now. Nice to see all the regular readers back. I am averaging 99 hits per day so that will keep me feeling guilty enough to post regularly.

I will be back Friday for a weekend update because I don't think too much will change overnight.

See you soon and THINK SNOW!!!!
Cheers
Nancy

Monday, January 02, 2012

Here we go again!!! 2012 bring it on. I am hoping for great things to come this year, winning the lottery could be one of them. I'm just saying.

The toboggan party went well. No serious injuries. Any injuries were preexisting conditions so we dodged the liability issue. The only sled that went over the edge had two little kiddies on it. They are much more resilient than the older folks. Thankfully the raspberry bushes stopped them and they were only a short grab away. Sadly the canoe did not slide well. There will be modifications done for the next time. Val, Vicky and Jen had the most unique sled. They tied three deer hides from this years hunt together. That was another one that worked better when you were inventing it with a couple of beers. It did make it down the hill, just not as well as they had hoped (modifictions here also). Needless to say I was dozing on and off on the couch by 8:00. Our plans for the evening were just another good idea that didn't take place but I did wake up at 11:30 and managed to stay up until midnight.

No on to the important stuff. We did get some rain on Sunday, not nearly as much as last year. Good thing because we don't have enough snow for that. It is snowing now and looks like it will keep up for some time. There is supposed to be more most of the week.

The club is still clearing trees from the last storm so if you are riding on any secondary trails be prepared for some obstacles. A small saw would be handy. The groomer hasn't gone out yet. I will repost as soon as I hear when it is out.

Riders in this weekend were quite pleased with conditions so next weekend should be even better.

Hope to see you soon.
Cheers
Nancy