"Squishy" Rocks

I was cleaning up the garden on the west side of the B&B this afternoon, and was being very diligent about picking up stones and rocks as I uncovered them. Imagine my shock when I accidentally overturned this 3" toad - thinking it was a rock! I only realized this was not a rock when it was soft and pliable when I picked it up. It appears he spent the winter hibernating under the brush, dug into the ground slightly. It took about an hour for him to wake up and find another spot to hide while waiting for it to warm up a little more. When I see things like this toad, lots of earthworms and other small animals around the property, I'm really glad we choose to garden organically.

And no, I did NOT scream when I realized it wasn't a rock, Simon!

Favourite Breakfast

One of the most popular breakfasts here at 40 Bay Street Bed & Breakfast is our Cheddar and Chive Scrambled Eggs. As you can see, we can start using fresh, organic chives from the garden - a sure sign that summer and all our current friends, as well as many new ones will be knocking on our door!

We serve it with crisp bacon, fresh tomato slices and our golden toasted homemade bread. Give the pepper grinder a good turn, and you are ready to go! What a way to start your day!

For those of you who would like to try this at home, Chef Simon says the best way to cook these eggs is in the microwave at medium heat, and stirring often.

For 2 servings:

Lightly grease a heat proof, deep narrow bowl or measuring cup.
Break three eggs into the bowl, beat with a fork until well mixed.
Sprinkle with 15 mls. (1 tablespoon) of fresh chives.
Microwave at medium heat for 1 minute.
Stir well and add 30 grams (1 oz.) of old cheddar cheese, cut into 0.5 cm. (1") cubes.
Microwave again at medium heat for 1 minute, stir and let set.

National Wildlife Week

As an organic gardener, I was interested to find out that the Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) has a National Wildlife Week (this year from April 5 - 11th), and is using "Our Home and Native Plants" as the theme.

As they point out, while plants aren't exactly wildlife, our native plant species provide food and shelter that keep birds, bees, waterfowl and mammals alive. In addition, native plants generally need less fertilizer, watering and protection from pests. Plants they identify as disappearing include prickly pear cactus, goldenseal and golden paintbrush (I haven't seen any of these around Parry Sound).

Last summer, CWF and BBCanada.com partnered to introduce the Backyard Habitat Certification for Bed & Breakfasts. BBCanada.com members from across the country were encouraged to grow wild in their gardens and apply for certification. What does this mean for you, the guest? You can now rest easy knowing that where you are staying is free from pesticides and has demonstrated a commitment to providing a sustainable place for Canadian wildlife. 40 Bay Street Bed & Breakfast will be pursuing this certification over the next year.