Sir Sam's Ski Resort, West Guilford, Ontario, CA Jan 27, 2012 - Courtesy: TheWeatherChannel.com

Haliburton Highlands Weekend & Long Term Weather January 28 - Feb. 2 2012

Courtesy of the Haliburton Highlands Visitor Centre

Haliburton Highlands SNOW REPORT Jan 28 - Jan 29 2012 *ABOVE* - CLICK THROUGH

Haliburton Forest Snow Conditions January 28 - 29 2012

MAKE SURE TO CLICK THROUGH TO SEE THE FULL SIZE IMAGES & TEXT.

HAVE A FANTASTIC WEEKEND!

*CLICK ALL PHOTOS TWICE TO SEE DETAIL/THEIR FULL SIZE* Maple Lake Ontario, Canada 1956 (spring)

All extended or immediate McCrackan family at Maple Lake Ontario Canada - 1956. My parents are at extreme right.

The 1956 McCrackan family compound on Maple Lake. Our (current) cottage is not shown and don’t look for ‘these’ cottages as they don’t, technically, exist.  In 1956 at McCrackan’s cottages there was no lake-bank to speak of and the trees looked really different than today–way more sparse.

Mom at Maple Lake Ontario - 'front' of the property - 1956. She was Mrs. Peggy (Jim) McCrackan by this time.

  My mom took this Maple Lake summer photo of me, my dad in the middle, and my bro at right. in about 1969. I don’t think it was posed but I like the composition, if not the pukey look on my face.

It’s never too early to begin planning for this coming summer’s good times and with the holiday season upon us it is easy to get a leg up on your summertime plans when you make it a dramatic Christmas! You can enjoy a great summer of drama, comedy and music and between now through January 15, 2012 you can do so for a great price! Pay just $11o for a season pass to all 5 shows at the Highlands Summer Festival and for just $67.50 you can take in the delightful offerings of the Highland Opera Studio with a season pass! Christmas gifting couldn’t be easier and your recipient is sure to be thrilled. Be sure to read about the many choices in entertainment in the Haliburton Highlands by scrolling below and clicking each graphic two times for full enlargement. Happy Holidays!

There’s still plenty going on this weekend if you’d like to make fun holiday plans for Sunday, December 18!

Personally, I’ve always dug brunch with Santa, though I concede that brunch itself is a big draw. Read on to find out the deets on tomorrow’s BRUNCH with SANTA, A Winter’s Night with Wendell and Wheat, and the Highlands Wind Symphony Christmas Concert!

Brunch with Santa:
December 18 2011
Santa’s Brunch – 18th of December $2.00 from every Brunch Sold will be donated to Point in Time Feast on a festive inspired Buffet that includes; Home-made Soup, Salads, Scrambled Eggs with Cheddar Cheese, Egg Benedict, Home fries, Sausage, Bacon, Cheddar Perogies with Chive Sour Cream, Pancakes, French Toast, Featured Pasta, Carved Baked Pineapple Ham, Fresh Rotisserie Sage and Rosemary Ontario Turkey. Our Dessert Table features Mincemeat Pie, Apple Crisp, Carrot Cake, Rice Pudding, Jell-O & Pudding Parfait and Fresh Fruit. Santa will be visiting for Photographs with the Children at 10:30 am and again at 1:00 pm Santa’s Mailbox will be Open till December 12th Bring your letter with you! Adults $20.95++, Children 12 and under $9.95 ++

Visit Website
Red Umbrella Inn 1075 Red Umbrella Road Minden
Contact: Michael or Richard Tel: 705-489-2462
Email: info@redumbrellainn.com

A Winter’s Night with Wendell and Wheat:
December 18 2011
This concert features the wonderful duo of Wendell Ferguson and Katherine Wheatley. They are best of musical pals. Her heartfelt lyrics and stunning voice and his honest yet irreverent humor make their show both moving and hilarious. One presenter said “An absolutely transcendent concert”. Another said “She didn’t leave a dry eye in the house. He didn’t leave a dry seat”. The very talented Sheri Hawkins and Shawn Chamberlin will open for Wendell and Wheat.

Come early for dinner at the Wild Moose Tickets: $23/person (HST included) $17 (HST included) – Folk Society members/ Youth

Available at The Photoshop in Haliburton and Organic Times in Minden.

Visit Website

Or call 705-754 -3655 to reserve Presented by the Haliburton County Folk Society, a part of the Haliburton County Community Cooperative

The Wild Moose

1701 Wigamog Road Haliburton
Contact: Barrie Martin Tel: 705-754-3655
Email: info@haliburtonfolk.com

Highlands Wind Symphony Christmas Concert:
December 18 2011

The Highlands Wind Symphony Presents Its Annual Christmas Concert “Around The World At Christmas” Also Featuring The Highlands Swing Band With Jerelyn Craden Sunday, December 18th 3pm Northern Lights Performing Arts Pavilion Haliburton

Tickets: Adults $10, Students $5, Family $25 Available at Master’s Book Store in Haliburton or Minden Pharmasave

For More Information:

Call Andy Salvatori 457-2100 or Kelly Moore 286-3377
Northern Lights Pavilion HHSS Haliburton

Gilmour Ontario Sunset (late November 2010)

What’s Happening in the Haliburton Highlands NOW! November 23-30, 2011:

Festival of Trees:

November 25-27 2011

The Minden Hills Festival of Trees is a magical event for the entire family, filled with wonderful things to see, interesting shops to visit, and fun activities for children–all with a Christmas theme. Enjoy the lights and outdoor arrangements as you stroll throughout the grounds. Be sure to check out the children’s art & craft workshop in the Schoolhouse and don’t forget a visit to the Sugar Plum Candy Shop!

Minden Hills Cultural Centre

176 Bobcaygeon Rd. Minden

Contact: Sian Cox

Tel: (705) 286-2808

Email: culturalcentreinfo@mindenhills.ca

www.mindenculturalcentre.com

Community Care Haliburton County Christmas Bowling Party
November 26 2011:

Annual Community Care Haliburton County Christmas Bowl-a-thon.

All proceeds to benefit local residents accessing services provided by Community Care. Enabling seniors and adults with disabilities to remain at their place of residence and live independently. Two flight times, 1:30pm or 3:45 pm teams or individual registration welcome (Minimum $20.00 pledge to bowl for free) Great time, all ages welcome….see you there. To register call Hilary at 705-457-2941 or Val 705-286-3900

The Fast Lane Hwy 35 Minden

Contact: Val Lennox

Tel: 705-286-3900

Email: thefastlane@hotmail.ca

(Hope you made it to this! I really would have went!)

Haliburton Village Santa Claus Parade

November 25 2011

Theme: “A Pioneer Christmas” Spectacular Night Parade starts at 6:30pm Bands, Floats, Marchers, Horses. Join in the fun – to enter call Jim at 705-457-4031.

Haliburton Village Highland Street

Contact: Jim Frost

Tel: 705-457-4031

Email: frostdownhome@bellnet.ca

http://haliburtonbia.ca/haliburtonbia

Township of Minden Hills Santa Claus Parade:

November 26 2011

Parade start time 11:30 a.m. Sponsored by the Township of Minden Hills in partnership with its volunteers, local businesses and organizations. We will be commencing from the public parking lot across from the Fire Hall, please bring your float between 10-10:30 so we may organize all floats. Come and meet Santa after the parade, hot chocolate, free photographs with Santa, treats…lots of fun for the kids and kids at heart! Hope to see you there! Parade route from the public parking lot, Newcastle Street to Bobcaygeon Road, north on Bobcaygeon to Parkside and right to the Minden Arena.

Minden Village

Tel: 705-286-1936

Email: rcox@mindenhills.ca

Santa Day at Rails End SATURDAY!:

November 26 2011

Enjoy a visit with Santa from 1 – 3 pm at Rails End Gallery!

Volunteers will present a FREE seasonal craft activity and everyone is welcome. Bring a contribution for our non perishable FOOD SCULPTURE – and join in its creation.

The Photo Shop will be there taking Santa pics too! ($5). This event is presented by Rails End in partnership with the Haliburton Village BIA.

Rails Gallery and Arts Centre

23 York St. Haliburton

Contact: Laurie Jones

Tel: 705-457-2330

Email: info@railsendgallery.com

www.railsendgalley.com

Community Christmas Tree Lighting & Carol Sing!!!

November 27 2011 – Dorset

Community Christmas Tree Lighting, hot chocolate, hot dogs and carol singing at 4:30 p.m.

Dorset Recreation Centre

1051 Main Street Dorset

Contact: Melissa Alfano

Tel: 705-766-9968

Email: drc@algonquinhighlands.ca

www.ahrecreation.com

More after the jump!

Image Transfer Holiday Decorations

November 29 2011

Image Transfer Holiday Decorations Instructor: Erin Lynch Adult/Youth Thursday November 29th 7-9:30pm $30 includes all materials. Accent your home or tree with festive decorations you have created using an image transfer technique.

The Art Hive

10239 Hwy 118, between West Guilford & Carnarvon

Contact: Wendy Wood

Tel: 705-754-0021

Email: thearthive@live.ca

www.thearthive.com

Cool Things that have been going on so far this week:

Book Launch: “A Raccoon in Sheep’s Clothing”

November 23 2011

Donna Bisschop is better known in Haliburton County as a fine artist then as a writer but to her, weaving tales with a pen comes as naturally as it does with a brush. Her new adult novel, ‘A Raccoon In Sheep’s Clothing,’ will be launched at R.D. Lawrence Place on Wednesday, November 23 at 7pm. A Raccoon In Sheep’s Clothing’ features the type of symbolism and metaphors that Bisschop is known for in her paintings.

The story is about Mack, a raccoon running for ruler of the world, an insurance agent named Harrison and a shaman plus various underworld beings, including the Red Fire Dragon. Things ‘heat up’ when Harrison is reduced to a mere eighteen inches in height and asked to become the raccoon’s campaign manager. The focus is on Hermes Seven Laws of Relativity, how what we are doing on Earth is unsustainable, that timing is everything and magic most definitely exists. It is a love story about how one small and insignificant being in the guise of Agent Harrison leads life from a place of integrity because sometimes that’s all there is left to work with.

This sounds like such an awesome book. I think it’s really important that we visit and revisit the realities of living on Mother Earth as well as recognizing the responsibilities that are inherent in being a resident. I also totally dig knowing that ‘magic most definitely exists’!

R.D. Lawrence Place

176 Bobcaygeon Rd. Minden

Contact: Donna Bisschop, Author

Tel: 705-457-9509

Email: earthart@interhop.net

http://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Raccoon-in-Sheep#!/pages/A-Raccoon-in-Sheeps-Clothing/268583206518889

Gooderham, ONTARIO, CA - WeatherNetwork.com - Credit: Lance Coulthard // November 15, 2011

The weather in the Haliburton Highlands is mild and wet. It’s barely hitting freezing during the overnights, with the days quite moist. Next Friday looks to be a bright and sunny day though, with seasonable temperatures.

Some Fun Things To Do in the Haliburton Highlands:

Check out the name of this store, The Maple Moon. I love it! My boys brought me (I stayed home with the pooches for the season inaugural trip) a really cool pressie this summer past here. I'm making a point to visit The Maple Moon next summer when we should be there upwards of 2-3 weeks straight.

Festival of Trees November 25, 26 & 27, 2011

Make sure to click each announcement to be able to view it  full-size.  The Christmas sale begins this weekend, the Festival of Trees, next weekend as the Christmas sale at the Maple Moon continues.

Who wouldn’t want to meet Mrs. Claus at her ‘sweet treat cafe’ on Saturday?

I’d love it if someone took photos and shared them!

Thanks to alavery@county.haliburton.on.ca

Check out these –as well as some new 2011 shots of the family.

Goebbert’s Farms

Photos – Family – Animals – Exotic & Farm / Haunted House / Corn Maze / Seasonal Food

I tried checking for historical accuracy about “who” invented Thanksgiving in North America and it really seems to come down to semantics. One source took issue that Martin Frobisher ate salted meat, biscuits and peas and therefore it wasn’t truly a “harvest” but he and his crew were thankful. The fact is that Thanksgiving as a celebration of the season’s bountiful harvest had been going on in Europe for centuries before either Frobisher (see below) or the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth rock and partied with the local people.

Have a great Holiday!

Here’s a little blurb about how Canadian Thanksgiving came about:

Courtesy of the Weather Channel

And, just in case you have not decided about dinner yet: Here’s a local spot that you may have some luck with:

Thanksgiving Dinner at The Pinestone Lodge