So far, this has proven to be our laziest vacation to date -- and we're just fine with that. A bit of writing and a lot of reading after breakfast yesterday, followed by both of us having a multi-hour nap. Don did manage a bit of yoga, and Alyssa did manage watching him do a bit of yoga, and then we ate some of the water buffalo cheese (holy crap, buffalo cheese is friggin' delicious -- although who the heck has to milk the water buffalo?!?) we'd brought from the Local Foods store, and read some more. VACATIONS ARE DIFFICULT WORK, PEOPLE!!!
Actually, we're kind of patting ourselves on the backs for allowing ourselves to do nothing. We aren't usually very good at that.
But, true to form, guilt took over and we decided we'd better do something that didn't involved sitting or lying down. So it was back to the pool table! We entertained Chris (who brought us gin & tonics) and one couple at the bar -- at least, they didn't leave in disgust, so we assume that means we were entertaining. First game was an easy Don win. The second one was really close, but Don managed to sink the 8-ball first. Third one -- Alyssa Won!!! (And did the necessary happy dance, because it happens so rarely.) The next two were Don's, but Alyssa was still so excited to have not lost one that she didn't mind.
We took a second G&T to the screened in porch, and watched the world go by. Chris came out and said that if we didn't mind waiting a few extra minutes for our 8:30 dinner, he could grab our favourite table by the double doors for us. Woo-hoo! We were happy watching the sun go down, so said we were fine waiting, as long as the kitchen didn't mind waiting for us! And it was so very sweet of him to think of us and look after us like that. (Did we mention how nice everyone is around here?) Unfortunately, the couple at the table from the early seating didn't seem to be in any hurry to get out of their chairs -- not that we minded waiting, but I think it gave Chris a little extra level of anxiety… They finally got up, and he quickly re-set it for us. And Sarah was our waiter again, so we were doubly spoiled. Hopefully the kitchen staff weren't put out too far, serving us that late, because we enjoyed watching the last pinks and oranges of sunset fade down into the trees.
The iPhone camera truly does not do it justice, but:
For our wine, we went local, with a 2010 Cabernet Franc from Reif Estates in Ontario. Very delicious! We don't see it in the LCBO, so will have to figure out how to order a case directly, because it was very good.
For our appetizers, we went copy-cat again, and each had the Grilled Vegetable Salad with warm goat cheese and mixed greens. And we actually remembered to take a picture BEFORE we destroyed it!
Up in the top right-hand corner is a thin strip of eggplant wrapped around all the other grilled veggies (peppers, mushrooms, etc.), and seasoned with hints of curry. Delicious!
The veggie option was gnocchi, which, as you will note, we are no longer calling f&#*ing gnocchi, but Alyssa still couldn't handle actually ordering it, so she went with the Pan Seared Ontario Pickerel with tiger shrimp and pickled cucumber (and lots of roasted veggies). Forgot to take a picture while it still looked decent, but… better late than never?
Don's main course was the Roasted New Zealand Venison Chop with pan-seared pancetta in a brandy and apricot sauce. Again, we forgot the photo until it was already partially mangled, but here you go:
Both dishes had roast potatoes and beets and heirloom carrots and still-crunchy brussels sprouts (the way we like them!).
We were both thoroughly stuffed by the end of the main course, but managed to finish off some strawberries and whipped cream in the end.
We headed up to our room to moan and digest a little, with every intent of coming down to visit Chris for one last beverage and to thank him for the table, but the bed was far too comfy for us to leave, so our livers got a holiday and we got to sleep before midnight. Yes, really.
Another heavy rain in the wee hours of the morning, but it was dry (albeit grey and cloudy) when we woke up. We each beat the alarms too, so this whole relaxing thing seems to be good for us. Reading ensued, before we headed down for breakfast.
Don opted for the usual, but Alyssa decided to go wild & crazy and have the blueberry-strawberry waffles this morning. There may be more moaning and digesting at the moment, but by gum, it was worth every mouthful.
It's now a little drizzly again, and there are some low rumbles coming from the distance, so we'll probably be staying indoors for a while. An afternoon thunderstorm is predicted, so we might get a good light show across the lake!
Otherwise, we just have to figure out what to do between now and our 2:00 massage. Sigh, life is rough...
Happy Tuesday!
Lyss & Don
Actually, we're kind of patting ourselves on the backs for allowing ourselves to do nothing. We aren't usually very good at that.
But, true to form, guilt took over and we decided we'd better do something that didn't involved sitting or lying down. So it was back to the pool table! We entertained Chris (who brought us gin & tonics) and one couple at the bar -- at least, they didn't leave in disgust, so we assume that means we were entertaining. First game was an easy Don win. The second one was really close, but Don managed to sink the 8-ball first. Third one -- Alyssa Won!!! (And did the necessary happy dance, because it happens so rarely.) The next two were Don's, but Alyssa was still so excited to have not lost one that she didn't mind.
We took a second G&T to the screened in porch, and watched the world go by. Chris came out and said that if we didn't mind waiting a few extra minutes for our 8:30 dinner, he could grab our favourite table by the double doors for us. Woo-hoo! We were happy watching the sun go down, so said we were fine waiting, as long as the kitchen didn't mind waiting for us! And it was so very sweet of him to think of us and look after us like that. (Did we mention how nice everyone is around here?) Unfortunately, the couple at the table from the early seating didn't seem to be in any hurry to get out of their chairs -- not that we minded waiting, but I think it gave Chris a little extra level of anxiety… They finally got up, and he quickly re-set it for us. And Sarah was our waiter again, so we were doubly spoiled. Hopefully the kitchen staff weren't put out too far, serving us that late, because we enjoyed watching the last pinks and oranges of sunset fade down into the trees.
The iPhone camera truly does not do it justice, but:
For our wine, we went local, with a 2010 Cabernet Franc from Reif Estates in Ontario. Very delicious! We don't see it in the LCBO, so will have to figure out how to order a case directly, because it was very good.
For our appetizers, we went copy-cat again, and each had the Grilled Vegetable Salad with warm goat cheese and mixed greens. And we actually remembered to take a picture BEFORE we destroyed it!
Up in the top right-hand corner is a thin strip of eggplant wrapped around all the other grilled veggies (peppers, mushrooms, etc.), and seasoned with hints of curry. Delicious!
The veggie option was gnocchi, which, as you will note, we are no longer calling f&#*ing gnocchi, but Alyssa still couldn't handle actually ordering it, so she went with the Pan Seared Ontario Pickerel with tiger shrimp and pickled cucumber (and lots of roasted veggies). Forgot to take a picture while it still looked decent, but… better late than never?
Don's main course was the Roasted New Zealand Venison Chop with pan-seared pancetta in a brandy and apricot sauce. Again, we forgot the photo until it was already partially mangled, but here you go:
Both dishes had roast potatoes and beets and heirloom carrots and still-crunchy brussels sprouts (the way we like them!).
We were both thoroughly stuffed by the end of the main course, but managed to finish off some strawberries and whipped cream in the end.
We headed up to our room to moan and digest a little, with every intent of coming down to visit Chris for one last beverage and to thank him for the table, but the bed was far too comfy for us to leave, so our livers got a holiday and we got to sleep before midnight. Yes, really.
Another heavy rain in the wee hours of the morning, but it was dry (albeit grey and cloudy) when we woke up. We each beat the alarms too, so this whole relaxing thing seems to be good for us. Reading ensued, before we headed down for breakfast.
Don opted for the usual, but Alyssa decided to go wild & crazy and have the blueberry-strawberry waffles this morning. There may be more moaning and digesting at the moment, but by gum, it was worth every mouthful.
It's now a little drizzly again, and there are some low rumbles coming from the distance, so we'll probably be staying indoors for a while. An afternoon thunderstorm is predicted, so we might get a good light show across the lake!
Otherwise, we just have to figure out what to do between now and our 2:00 massage. Sigh, life is rough...
Happy Tuesday!
Lyss & Don