Loughbreeze Bay B&B

Archive for February, 2011

Hi there.  This is a long over due blog concerning a most delightful couple, H&H, who live  in the rolling hills of Northumberland County about 12 minutes just north of Loughbreeze B&B.   We are extremely grateful and appreciative of their friendship.  As we developed our cycling Hostel (www.ontariocyclinghostel.com). Mr. H made significant contributions to our plan.   His intimate knowledge of  Canadian cycling history  has been an invaluable resource . He  provided local cycling maps and shared important contacts.  In January,  we were able to schedule a get together including Jack  our “Go to Guy” , H&H and my significant other.   Where to start in describing our wonderful experience?  H&H live in a marvellous hill top window wonder home in the midst of 50 lush tree filled acres.  Believe me here Nature’s treats are perfect, not only can you can see for miles in every direction but you can hear the silence.  Here the rolling hills with clear crisp skies, encompass the beauty of Nature.   Mr. H, a retired Mechanical Designer, inventor, skater, cyclist par excellence, cartographer, photographer,  and even more,  is a genius who repairs everything, wastes nothing and builds nearly all he needs/wants.  Our tour of his inside work areas was like a PhD. education.  His shop revealed an assortment of  bike frames, including his first bike frame, plus every imaginable tool including a welder.  Meanwhile Mrs. H,  also an outdoor enthusiast, plus an accomplished cyclist, guides Mr. H,  assisting and contributing to every facet of their busy lives.  As well, Mrs. H has written and self published Volume One of her life up to when she and Mr. H were married.   This epistle, ” Memories and Reflections”, is a work not to be missed.   You see, Mr.& Mrs. H natives of Holland and their early life evolved during the second World War.  Mrs. H created her book to help her children comprehend her childhood experiences in very troubled times over three continents. Overwhelmingly impressed by her record of her family’s resilience, shamelessly, we asked if we could purchase a copy.     Graciously, Mrs. H presented us with her book, now a treasured gift in our library.   Here at Loughbreeze B&B we have had the pleasure of meeting many fine people and by way of this account we honour our friendship with two of the greatest.  Thank you Mr/Mrs. H&H.  We are looking forward to meeting new friends and sharing our lives.  Have a wonderful day.

It is always rewarding to meet with the amazing business owners in your trading area. For us, these Chamber of Commerce meetings (www.brightonchamber.ca), foster a plethora of great ideas, incredible support and friendship.   This year our guest speaker was from a nearby community.   Our good luck was that we had enjoyed his insights at several earlier gatherings but I must tell you he gets better every time he enthusiastically shares his experiences.  Then too, we get the run down on the self congratulating Chamber achievements for the year along with anticipated programs for the new year.   For us the highlights were meeting fascinating new members.  Our host for the meeting was Dave Dingle, owner of Timberhouse Country Inn Resort  (www.timberhouse.net) .  Dave is a former High Tech entrepreneur turned Inn Keep.  Finally I would like to mention Ralph and Eugenia Bangay, owners and operators of Memory Junction, (www.memoryjunction.netfirms.com)   winners of the  Chamber’s “Lifetime Achievement Award”.  A more deserving couple and business could not be found anywhere.  Loughbreeze B&B congratulates Ralph and Eugenia for their extraordinary service to the community.   Here at luxurious Loughbreeze B&B with sweet dream enhancing beds, we are secluded privacy in the middle of everything, on the beautiful North Shore of Lake Ontario.  Come to see us soon and revel in our four season resort.  Wishing you a great day.

How sweet it is; a lovely winter holiday just when we are headed  towards and hoping for those earlier sun rises, later sunsets and warmer weather.  Already, in February,  most folks are anticipating a day of warming pleasures or at the least an uninterrupted day of skating or skiing.    Recently, our son in law and grandson took off for three days of skiing at Quebec’s famous Mt. Tremblanc where the glorious hills are fast and challenging.   Imagine, “Family Day” in Ontario, and “President’s Day” in the US,  set up the perfect mini holiday.

We had our own at home awesome day as four of the six grandchildren, came to visit us here at Loughbreeze.  After a brief session inside with the host of resident toys, it was out to revel in the snow, try out the snowshoes,  walk along the beach, slide on the slippery ice and venture along the edge of the Lake.   Making Snow Angels, always a favourite activity, as well as trying out some gymnastic moves on the soft snow,  was quickly followed by a HOT CHOCOLATE warm up back inside.

It was back outside for a game of ice rock curling and then an impromptu icicle collecting competition.  The lake was amazing with its thin layer of ice glistening in the sun.  In those occasional quiet moments, we could hear the ice groaning and cracking as the layers butted against each other, throwing up shards that from a distance looked like crystals of lace.

For us, it was just another day in PARADISE on the north shore of Lake Ontario.  Loughbreeze B&B is a truly a four season resort, secluded privacy in the middle of everything, where Nature surrounds you with near silent beauty.   We are looking forward to seeing you soon.    Have a great day.

It has been a few years since we met the 9th Earl of Spencer, Charles Spencer,  brother to Diana Princess of Wales but now he will marry Canadian philanthropist Karen Gordon, nee, Karen Villeneuve,  in Edmonton, Alberta.   Ms. Gordon, mother of two daughters,  is CEO and founder of Whole Child International, (www.wholechild.org), based in California supporting orphanages worldwide.  She and her organization have been widely featured in the media and on many TV programs.   Mr. Spencer, a godchild of Queen Elizabeth, is 46 and has worked for NBC News.   Their nuptials will be celebrated in June of this year.   Magical Loughbreeze B&B known for secluded privacy in the middle of everything, truly a Honeymoon destination,  sends all best wishes to the couple! Have a wonderful day.  We are looking forward to seeing you.

Last Friday in the early morning we headed off to Presqu’ile Provincial Park, email them at, info@friendsofpresquile.on.ca, to photograph the sunrise from a slightly different perspective.  The red glow in the south eastern sky was a promising predictor of’ ‘un grande spectact’.  We were not disappointed.   After a quick survey the best vantage point seemed to require a hearty deep snow walk followed by precariously sliding over the slanted shards of sharp slippery ice.    As you can see, we focused our lenses around, along and through those beautifully shimmering ice sculptures. We came to believe the most interesting shots required the photographer to be prone on the ice and scurrying around, sometimes on hands and knees.

We were frequently rolling, marvelling and joyously laughing.   Maybe, next time, we need to take a video of the photographers to add even greater interest to the event.  All in all it was a great morning and we had a super time.   Visiting Loughbreeze B&B you will quickly appreciate the beauty of nature.  Vibrant colours are the order of the day.  Every where you look you will find the magic of Loughbreeze and appreciate the comforts of secluded privacy in the middle of everything.    Our guests call Loughbreeze Magical and we certainly agree.  Come and be spoiled in the comforts and luxury of Loughbreeze B&B.  We are looking forward to seeing you.

The coming Royal Wedding, April 29, 2011, staring William & Kate, is truly Royal in the universe.   Many Royal watchers are saying “Camelot” is returning! Londoner’s and all British people are caught up in the frenzy of a Royal Wedding with all the trappings.  Prince Charles, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip are guiding each facet of the planning with careful eyes.  The Best man will be Prince Harry, William’s brother and the maid of Honour will be “Pippa Middleton” the Bride’s Sister.  From China to India and all points in between souvenirs and mementoes are in the works.   Travel plans are being finalized while accommodations are spoken for and in many cases pre-paid.   Your invitation, I hope you have yours, to The Royal Wedding at London’s Westminster Abbey guarantee’s your status in British society.   Looking at the broader picture many pundits are predicting the wedding will boost England’s GDP 5% to 8% and there is still a Royal to get hitched.  Today William and Kate, don’t you just love their story and those pictures, announced they were involving a number of family members plus children of earls and viscounts in the ceremony adding a further boost to media coverage. Here at Magical Loughbreeze B&B on the north Shore of beautiful Lake Ontario, in Northumberland County, where Royal accommodations are the order of the day, we want to welcome William and Kate to Canada and invite them to stay with us.  For brides and grooms, families and you, Loughbreeze Bay B&B delivers secluded privacy in the middle of everything and we are looking forward to seeing you too.   Have a great day.

When our friends Norman and Irene went to The Winter Carnival in Quebec (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/quebec_Winter_Carnival) several weeks ago I never imagined they would come home inspired to do their very own snow sculptures.  Impressed, maybe overwhelmed, by the beautiful snow carvings and sculptures in Quebec City at the Bonhomme Festivities, (www.carnaval.qc.ca/en )  they returned to their home in Presqu’ile, on the bay,  to build these two beautiful traffic stopping, already Ontario Famous Creatures.  As you are aware we and much of North America, have experienced a great  old fashion winter here with frequent snows.  Congratulations to Norman and Irene for their work.  As you can imagine the entire town loves these new residents.  Here at Loughbreeze, ‘Secluded Privacy in the Middle of Everything’,  we are looking forward to seeing you and directing you to the very best activities in our thriving communities.  Visiting Loughbreeze B&B is just another day in paradise. See you soon!  Have a great day!

Today I decided that it was time to dig out the snowshoes and take the plunge. It had been years since I had put on snowshoes and after yesterday’s walk or better described as stumble through thigh high drifts to photograph the snow covered foliage in the woods, I was ready!  First, I tried on the smaller round pair thinking that they would be the easiest. After a few unsuccessful attempts and great frustration with the bindings, I relented, went inside and Googled “Learning How to Snowshoe”. With the help of a encouraging video ( The deeper snow meant a larger snowshoe), watched while sipping some hot chocolate, I changed snowshoes. With my new found knowledge, I tied them correctly and strode out ready to take on the deepest drifts. Wow, was I ever surprised! It was amazingly easy. No more sinking to oblivion. I’m a snowshoe convert!  I can cover more ground and visit more shoreline   We invite you to convert to “Loughbreeze Bed & Breakfast” Northumberland’s finest Lake Ontario Bed & Breakfast, it’s magical.

Lately I have been spending some time each day enjoying the antics of the water birds visiting our Lake Ontario shore.  I find it challenging to figure out their names, even with binoculars and my Audubon Society Field Guide.

Along with the readily identifiable Canada Geese and Swans, I have noticed Eiders, Mallards, Golden Eyes, Mergansers and my favourite, the Buffleheads.  

These cuties are the smallest of the diving duck-like visitors.  The males’ strinkingly patterned black and white plumage as well as their proportionally bigger heads in comparison to their bodies, make them easier to notice on the blue green waters of Loughbreeze Bay.  Our B&B guests sometimes assume that the Buffleheads are babies not only because of their tiny, chubby size but also for their boundless energy.  They never stay still for long, preferring to constantly dive to the shallow bottoms for shellfish and snails.  They appear in small groups in November, frequently bumping into each other and landing feet first, like they are water skiing. Occasionally, I notice them because of the splashing ruckus on the lake.  I was surprised to discover that when they leave in April, they summer in the northern boreal forests north and nest in tree cavities.   Since they are known to often return to the same wintering area, I’m expecting them to join our list of regular visitors here at Loughbreeze Bay Bed and Breakfast.

Nature Canada had a Celebrate all Buffleheads Day and I missed it! (naturecanada.ca/enews_sep10_buffleheads.asp>

For more than 10 years we have been avid auction goers. Certainly in our area there are 20 or more auctions every week. In fact, some of the local auctioneers frequently have two auctions a week covering estate sales, antiques and collectables to tools and farm equipment. As well, it is not unusual for big city folks to auction their estates in our area. Some of the more prominent auctioneers in our immediate vicinity are Waddington’s (www.waddingtons.ca/brighton) and of course in Colborne, Gary Warner (www.warnersauction.com). Further afield, there are Farrow’s Auction service (www.farrowsauctions.com),David Beasley at (www.davidbeasleyauctions.com), Keith Monk at (www.keithmonkauctions.com) Sullivan Brothers at (sullivanauctions.com) and Rob Rusland at (www.ruslands.com) As well, friends of ours, operate a full service estate sale company. Acting for home owners, they organize, price and merchandise the entire inventory on premises, on commission. Their on site sale preparation of appliances, dishes, furniture, tools and yard items including pricing and clean up will take three to five days. At the end, the owner receives an itemized list of all goods with prices realized and the cash balance. Dealing with the service of this fine and experienced couple has benefited many home owners and their families from Toronto to Kingston. To learn more about local and Ontario auctions visit, (www.theauctionadvertiser.com/index.htm), and (www.auctionsfind.com). Happily these days when you visit most listed auction sites you can quickly peruse photo’s of their offerings. Here at Loughbreeze B&B we offer secluded privacy in the middle of everything 4 seasons of the year. We are looking forward to seeing you soon. Have a great day!