2008 out, 2009 in!

Here at the River Gate Inn Bed & Breakfast we'd like to take a minute to thank every single one of our guests that stayed with us during 2008 and wish everyone all the best for 2009!

Here are some highlights from 2008...

We'd like to thank Judy and Byron for lending us the use of their condo in Cabo San Lucas earlier this year (February). It was great to get away and it was a much deserved break - especially for Michelle.

In March we had a houseful of crazy curling fanatics and one pair in particular, George and Susan Philips from Garden Path Bed & Breakfast in Neepawa. We were also lucky enough to get out and see the final game. What a sight!

Some of the regular guests that we've had the pleasure of getting to know, cherish, laugh and spend time with are Ken & Gwen from Dryden for all the happiness they bring, Ann (and her fantastic harp playing) from Brandon, Celes "King of the Forest" for all the great discussions about everything: A to Z and his wonderful wife Susan, John and Alison who have really helped inspire thoughts of a greener existence and Marlene for her keen observations and wonderful demeanor. We've also gotten to know Janet from Scotland and wish her all the best moving forward.

April saw a great springtime, just in time for Easter which was promptly followed by cooler weather in May - just as the pool was opening. As the pool was opening we had a chance to update and restore the sunroom which turned out to be a great hit with everyone this summer.

June had a great gaggle of ladies visit as Michelle's aunts, cousins and Grandma all managed to get together at the Inn for some quality time together. Fun times and lots of laughs!

In July we had a brick patio put in to finish off part of the landscaping around the new deck. We managed to find a supplier of re-claimed brick and after a little consideration we are so happy that we decided to go that route. It looks fantastic and certainly adds some character and class to an area that was filled with various uncomplementary items!

August saw the exterior of the River Gate Inn get some new paint. We are very happy with the results and once again thank our fantastic painters for an excellent job well done.

September saw the pool close (it's always a sad reminder that the cold weather is coming)but just before that happens - when all the leaves have changed colours - it's one of the most beautiful times of the year in the yard and the neighbourhood. Mid September to the end of October (and beyond sometimes such as this year) see all the wonderful fall colours and the green of the grass seems to stand out even more now that it's not competing with the green foliage on the trees!

Of course December is a fantastic time around the River Gate Inn as all the decorations and lights, the clean crisp snow and generally mild winter weather make for the best time of the winter. I guess during the Festival du Voyageur in early February with the skating path on the river maybe a very close second!

Thanks again to everyone and we look forward to seeing you all again in 2009! Happy New Year.

Keith & Michelle

Christmas at the Inn

Christmas time at the River Gate Inn is always a joyful and festive time. The Inn is decorated, lots of lights and the guests that stay during this time are always so great! Of course being in Winnipeg we also honour the Ukrainian Christmas which is happening on January 8th.

Those rascally rabbits...

The cute little bunnies that we all love seeing in the summertime seem to enjoy feasting on the foliage in our back yard. If anyone has suggestions on how to stop this from happening I would love to hear them.

Great Grey Owl Sighting

Just before Christmas I was outside working on adjusting the Christmas lights and two houses down the street I could hear some squeaking. After listening for a minuter or two I realized this was our neighbour playing with their dog. A little squeak here and there...it was pretty funny. This was around dusk. Suddenly I saw what turned out to be a great grey owl just coasting over my head, through our neighbour's yard and landing on the tree to observe. It was amazing to see the wing span and how smooth it flew. This is actually the third owl sighting in the last 3 years.