The seasons had noticeably changed upon our arrival at Aaron’s on the Lake Bed and Breakfast. As we made the short drive up from the city, both D and I commented that it was like going home. We have many homes, not because we are wealthy (that’s an understatement!) but because we are flexible. We also decided at the beginning of the pandemic, that D and I were at “home” if we were together (hokey but true).

Bed and Breakfast owners Eleanore and Randy had made a couple of changes since we last visited them. This cozy corner was where I spent any moment of the weekend that wasn’t focused on their guests. D helped Randy with check ins and the couple left for Winnipeg soon after. Upon close examination of this picture, I must have poured a glass of wine, soon after. This was our solo flight at the Bed and Breakfast and we were pretty excited!

We had stopped on our way out of the city, for bowls of chicken, wonton soup. After reheating them, we pulled up stools to the kitchen island.

Imagine purchasing a historic property for a Bed and Breakfast and finding out you have your very own pear tree outside the kitchen window! I had previously been sent home with a number of green baby pears, which I made into a crisp upon ripening.

From the kitchen window, I spied a beautiful sunset through the trees. My soup slurping was interrupted so that I could get a picture from their road. I never miss a sunset (or sunrise for that matter), if I am able. Dawn and dusk, ground me and fill me with gratitude-the perfect way to start and end my days.

Case in point, the next pic on my phone was of the sun on the horizon the next morning.

D and I were on our first solo breakfast duty! I was in charge of everything which wasn’t the main entree: setting the dining room, making coffee and putting out a tea selection, milk & cream, juices, condiments and lastly preparing the first course. On this day it was bowls of tropical fruits.

D’s tasks were roasting sausages, making buckwheat pancakes as well as a blueberry and Gran Marnier compote. I served, cleared and chatted with the guests. Luckily I had just been on a Gimli shopping spree so when one of the female guests asked for shopping ideas, I was ready with a comprehensive list.

After breakfast clean up, we didn’t really have any other chores except for snuggling up with Jake.

I loved this capture from Eleanore and Randy’s desk. I don’t know how much writing I would get done from there.

The house is full of pretty little touches like these stained glass bluebirds in the office/billiards room.

Next morning’s sunrise was a rainbow streak beneath the crowds and beautiful in its own way.

When I looked closely at my own picture, I realized that I could see the other side of the lake! Where we are at Lester Beach, is almost directly across from Gimli. Since Ponemah is south of Gimli, I expect that one of the little shorelines south of Grand Beach is directly across. Perhaps Beaconia?

I was on first course duty again so I prepared yogurt, granola, pineapple and kiwi. It was delicious- if I do say so myself.

D, a trained cook was on omelets that morning. Here is his mise en place.

D is well equipped to cook eggs for breakfast. When he was a teenage cook on the train from Winnipeg to Vancouver, he was harnessed to the stove, so that he would have both hands to flip the eggs.

Every omelet is a unique creation, D’s contained crispy bacon bits that the guests appreciated.

After breakfast clean up and guest check outs, we had the afternoon to ourselves which was welcome. We couldn’t do our regular work, chores around the yard, house or lakehouse, so we had enforced leisure. Ahh. A lovely way to celebrate our first solo weekend!

Kath’s quotes: “Guard well your spare moments. They are like uncut diamonds. Discard them and their value will never be known. Improve them and they will become the brightest gems in a useful life.” -Author unknown

Love never fails.

The next time that we arrived at Aaron’s on the Lake, we showed up to work. Eleanore escorted us to the guest room in their home. The room is typically designated as the Bride’s Room, so that brides can get ready for their ceremony. There were no weddings that weekend, so it was all ours. We were comfy and cozy.

We couldn’t help but notice that the season has started to change, since our prior visit. The stairs had been removed from the pier and Canadian geese had claimed the south basin of Lake Winnipeg.

Eleanore’s flowers were still in bloom though and I made many trips to her raised vegetable garden to pick one of her many varieties of tomatoes, herbs and edible flowers which she/we used for garnishes.

I quickly learned a Bed and Breakfast tip, as soon as there is a break in the action, enjoy every sweet second of it. I finished my morning coffee at a quiet spot in the garden.

Once we had helped clean up after their breakfast service, we prepared for the guests who would be departing and arriving that day. Soon it was time for the four of us to gather over lunch. Not surprisingly, the Thai coconut chicken soup and the bruschetta that Eleanore and Randy whipped up was absolutely delicious.

We were assigned to charcuterie board making, as well as delivering elements of an exclusive package-handmade chocolates and bubbly to some special guests.

In the mean time, E & R had an opportunity to watch a football game at a neighbours. We took our responsibility as Guest Hosts seriously and took care of the Bed and Breakfast’s greeter/mascot seriously -feeding and walking Jake! He reminded me of another puppy in appearance and temperament-both gorgeous and gentle.

We watched some of the football game too and made a light supper of left overs from their enormous fridge. Don’t you love other people’s leftovers? We did some prepping for next morning’s breakfast cuz we were to fly solo the next day.

The next morning, I was setting the tables in the dining room when I spotted the most beautiful apricot colour out of the corner of me eye, so I abandoned my duties and snuck out to capture the exquisite sunrise.

Doug made this sumptuous cinnamon French toast breakfast, which the guests were very pleased with.

I was responsible for clean up, so that D could get to his regular job, at his normal time. D’s job is a remote one so he can work from anywhere in Canada. E & R let him use their office. Love his view.

After this wet run, we all agreed that the next time we Guest Hosted, we could manage totally on our own. The date is set in October and we can’t wait.

Kath’s quote: “Dip the bread in the egg mixture and fry it up. French toast is like breakfast and dessert all in one.“-authour unknown

Love never fails.

D and I have always wondered what the experience of running a Bed and Breakfast would be like. We got very close to doing so when we stayed at and fell in love with a beautiful Victorian Home in Minnedosa, MB. We would have had to completely liquidate to make it happen and so it was not meant to be.

In the mean time Air BnBs came on the scene and we have really enjoyed hosting guests from all over the world into our River Heights home. We do so in the manner that Air BnB’s operate: a coded entry,

communication by texts, on line financial interactions, etc. We have met very few of our guests face to face and that is the piece that is missing for us. D and I have always been in the hospitality business, and we miss the welcome greeting, touring the space with the quests, providing for special requests, etc.

Sister #2 and her husband have a favourite place where they spend their anniversary each year. The property is located on the “other side” of the lake from where we all live at Lester Beach. In their conversation with the Owner/Hosts of Aaron’s on the Lake, Bed and Breakfast, it was determined that as much as Eleanore and Randy loved their business and their work, they would love a respite time where they could play some golf, meet with friends and do so much loved travelling. Sister #2 mentioned to them that D and I had the experience and inclination to run such a lodging and a new adventure had begun.

We started with an overnight visit, reacquainting ourselves with the pleasures of a BnB stay.

The yard, gardens, outbuildings and the main house at Aaron’s (on the Lake) created a calm and pleasurable atmosphere right from the moment we were greeted by Elenore. She was working hard in the garden, but gave us a tour as we settled in.

Their location right on the edge of Lake Winnipeg is perfect. If you open the window of their Lakeview room, you can hearing the gentle lapping of the waves at night.

A special feature at their location is that they are right next door to one of the areas many wooden piers. These are totally unique to us, having never seen one on “our” side of the lake.

D and I walked the entire horseshoe of the bay that first evening and then took our books (and libations) to end the night. Eleanore and Randy joined us for the sunset. I think we were pretty much made up our minds that becoming Guest Hosts at a BnB, made perfect sense.

That weekend, we followed the staff around, learning how to make up perfectly cozy beds, what extra touches were added to each and every room,

make a sumptuous breakfast and a Aaron’s signature Charcuterie Board.

We drove home later that day, wanting to go to the next step in our training. And so, soon after, we arranged a weekend where we could go solo, with a safety net underneath us. Stay tuned for the details of our next BnB adventure, coming soon.

Kath’s quote: Jobs fill your pockets, adventures ill your soul.” –authour unknown

Love never fails.