We had a brilliant father’s day weekend at the lake.
The sun was shining, the loons were… calling (?) and our golden retriever was in doggy heaven.
We bought our cottage in the spring of 2003. A bare bones, post-war fishing cabin that appeared to be built on a permanent slant. The structure on the hill came complete with a family of squirrels living in the roof and enough marauding mice to feed an army of cats. Perfect!
I’ll admit to feeling overwhelmed more than once during the patch-up journey, but tried to stay focused on the clean, quiet lake that brought great happiness to the whole family. Besides, there was this fabulous vintage 60s, reclining, vibrating chair made of genuine vinyl that came with the cabin and had our name written all over it – an enduring beauty in its own right!
Much of the structural work accomplished over the past 8 years was done by my husband. His enormous patience, boundless energy and skill are… infuriating – oops! I mean inspiring :). Little by little, we carved it into our own.
Along the way, we’ve been fortunate to have family & friends sharing the phases with us and helping us build some pretty wonderful memories.
In many ways, it’s still the same wonky old cabin we fell in love with – and we wouldn’t want it any other way.
The cabin as it was then –
The cabin as it is today –
In honour of father’s day, we kicked off the morning with some homespun café au lait for dad (mom may have had one too!)
Then we moved on to the main morning course.
We got lucky and found some gorgeous marbled sour rye bread at the market and stopped in at a neighbouring ranch to pick up some farm fresh eggs.
With local strawberries in abundance, our topping choice was made easy.
French Toast with Fresh Strawberry & Granola
- 8 pieces of whole grain bread (we used marbled rye)
- 4 Eggs
- Approx. 1 cup milk (or alternate beverage)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, washed and sliced
- 1/2 cup granola
- sprinkle of maple syrup
- dollop of whipped cream
Serves 4
Place eggs, milk and cinnamon in a large dish
Whisk ingredients together until well combined
Gorgeous lake pics, and I love the dog!
What a peaceful retreat by the lake. I’m sure you have some wonderful memories from the time you’ve spent there. This french toast sounds like the perfect Father’s Day breakfast treat!
What a fun way to spend father’s day weekend! The house looks great. I’m loving this breakfast of champions. The perfect indulgence for a special weekend.
@Georgia | The Comfort of Cooking
Welcome Georgia! Thanks for dropping in. Summer is pretty nice, isn’t it…particularly in this part of the world where winter tends to take over!
A golden that does not like water?! I’ve never heard of that! We can’t get ours out of the water!! :)
Sounds like you had a wonderful and relaxing Father’s Day, filled with some delicious food Kelly! That french toast looks out of this world. I have a Golden Retriever at home as well. The photo of your pup in the water is way too adorable. My dog is petrified of the water and won’t go anywhere near it–she’s such a baby. :)
Kelly, your marbled french toast looks so delicious, and your photography is just beautiful. These images make me so excited for summer! Thanks for sharing! You have a beautiful blog and I’m looking forward to exploring more of your recipes. :)
@France Morissette
Hi France – agreed. I don’t always have my camera on hand but when I do, I’m grateful for the memory.
@Charles
Slice of paradise indeed and well worth the effort. We didn’t want to come home on Sunday night!
@kristy
Thanks Kristy – the marble bread worked out great. Though not as thick as some other choices, it has a nice solidity and taste to it.
What a nice weekend. Your photos say a thousand words!
Wow Kelly – I’m so jealous – it looks like you’ve got yourself a little slice of paradise with that cabin… and those views!!! As always, the food looks delicious – awesome coffee and french toast? I can’t think of a better breakfast!
What beautiful pictures, and you’ve done a lovely job on the cabin. This french toast looks so good! I love the marble bread for french toast too.
Dear Kelly, I just found your blog and enjoyed reading your post very much. Your weekend must have been so much fun. The kids looked like they had a great time and love the picture of the dog in the water too. The sunset was just magnificent!! You made a beautiful breakfast and the cafe au lait looks really good.
I enjoy my visit and would love if you would visit my blog too. Thank you and blessings, Catherine
What a thoughtful note – thanks Linda!
How wonderful to have this cabin of love you worked so hard on. The view is beautiful and your breakfast sounds absolutely yummy! Love the dog and child photo!!
Thanks Joanna – ah yes, golden love; don’t get me started… :)
What a beautiful setting for a special Family day. You are very lucky. I had a golden retriever as a kid. Great dogs. Thanks for the link to your blog :)
Ha-ha! Agreed Greg – thanks for dropping in!
Beautiful breakfast, gorgeous cottage photos! Not sure how innocent Stella’s thoughts were as she and the boys looked at those ducks, but it’s a keeper :-)
A special Father’s Day and beautiful breakfast and cafe au lait!!
Thanks Junia – I started reading “A Big Little Life” on the dock this weekend… oh my, the tears were flowing down my face and into the lake, and beyond… (Dean Koontz’ memoir/tribute to his golden retriever). What a beautiful story –
what a fantastic day :). i used to have a golden retriever too, they seriously are the sweetest dogs ever. and your breakfast just looks decadent! yummy!
You know it! Cheers, k.
French Toast, sunsets and a nice summer. Those are all wonderful. But getting a wet doggy hug, that’s priceless.
Thanks Chris – it’s our little slice of heaven on earth =)
Yum Kelly,
This looks like such a special Father’s Day morning, and your cabin in beautiful! Looks like you’ve done a ton of work, how fun to enjoy God’s beautiful creation at a place like this!
The French Toast sounds and looks wonderful!