AFTER THE “CRASH”

Yes, I’m finally back to update the blog. My laptop’s hard drive crashed 2 weeks ago & required 2 new hard drives to get the system up & running. No thanks to DELL – this experience left much to be desired as far as their customer service is concerned. Not the front line techs – they were great. But the mid-management know-nothings and their “Dell doesn’t do that” mantra have finally pushed me across the isle – my next computer purchase will be a MAC.

Dell has forgotten that the only difference between computer companies is the service they offer – as a Gold level service account I was subject to mistakes, defective hardware & a lot of excuses. This was NOT a Gold service event! I spent close to 36 hours installing drivers, removing drivers, re-installing programs (twice) in the effort of restoring my system. And this was over Memorial weekend – the kick-off to the summer season! It was a nightmare & I will not soon forget Dell’s lackadaisical attitude. Nor will I forget to spread the word …

But I do have to sing the praises of www.mozy.com - they saved my life! I cannot stress strongly enough how important it is to back up your files. I bought an extra external hard drive years ago but because I couldn’t understand how to configure it I never used it. BAD move! So when I read about mozy.com’s on-line back up service (costs $6.00 per month) – I signed up. The account is set up to automatically back up my files every day. Although the restore feature wasn’t flawless ( my fault – for crying out loud I don’t know where all my files live!) I was able to restore my document files, e-mail & e-mail contact files & guest reservation database. For the life of me I just couldn’t find my payroll database so I was forced to recreate it – but I’m sure the problem was on my end. Run, don’t walk, to sign up for a mozy account – it’s sure to be the best $72.00 you ever spent!

FINDLEY LAKE “FRIDAY NIGHTS”
Although “Nostalgia” is open on Fri & Sat nights almost year ’round, the big news is that the rest of Findley Lake is now open for business on Fri nights throughout the season!

The restaurants are serving 'al fresco' and the local shops are now open until 8:00 pm every Friday night. Take advantage of the great weather - relax with a cocktail or dine on the Blue Heron deck. There are lots of reasons to kick off your weekend 'Findley Lake-style'! Come browse your favorite shops - we've stocked the shelves with fine gifts for giving and great gifts for keeping!

Add one of several new charms to your collectible Findley Lake charm bracelet. Plan an overnight stay; look around the shops, take in a game of golf, tour the wineries or the travel the Art Trail the next day.

Make Findley Lake part of YOUR summer season!

IN THE NEWS
Just thought I’d share a little blurb that came my way via the Findley Lake, NY “google alerts” that I set up on my computer:

“Showcase” Dining capsules
Published: June 11. 2009 12:01AM

BLUE HERON INN. Dinner at the Blue Heron Inn in Findley Lake, N.Y., is a pleasant way to spend a late-summer evening. Daily specials are offered, but the main menu has ample options. Graze on a "whole earth salad" made with fresh greens, mushrooms, sunflower seeds, walnuts, and raisins. Or satisfy a strong appetite with a 12-ounce New York strip steak.
I ordered the New England clam chowder followed by a mixed grille entree of a half-rack of barbecued ribs and half a chicken with Cajun seasoning. The ribs are parboiled, then char-grilled. I love them.
My companion's Middle East plant, consisting of spiced ground lamb kebabs, homemade hummus, and a small Greek salad with feta cheese, met with her approval. Her husband's crab-cake sandwich was the day's special, and in fact it proved to be very special. If you're inclined to breakfast at the inn, chef and owner Bruce Ahlquist makes a delicious Belgian waffle Benedict and cinnamon French toast with multigrain bread.
The skinny: Blue Heron Inn, 10412 Main St., Findley Lake, N.Y.
(716) 769-7852.  www.theblueheroninn.com. No smoking. Reservations appreciated for dinner. All credit cards accepted except American Express. Wheelchair accessible.

Full review appeared Aug. 21, 2008. www.goerie.com
-- by Floyd Lawrence

It’s crazy to think that we’re already staring at the middle of June! The year is flying by - hope you’re summer is progressing “swimmingly” (pun intended)!

Cheers to the lazy, hazy days we all love!

Tobi & Bruce

HOORAY FOR MAY!

Signs of spring are everywhere; the tulips are up, the flowering trees are in bloom, even the dandelions have awakened! The first baby goslings of the season have been sighted and we’re watching as new families appear each week. Life is reinventing itself all around us. Reinvent yourselves at the Blue Heron Inn!

                                 Cheers to Spring!  Tobi & Bruce

THE AWNING IS UP!

That’s right – they put the awning up early! We’re serving on the deck offering our guests a panoramic view of the lake.Come toast the season with a cocktail or a relax over a great meal ‘al fresco’.
As of Wed, May 13^th, the dining room will be open for breakfast & lunch daily Wed thru Sun. Dinners will be served on Fri & Sat nights & we’ll open for weekday dinners in June.

MOTHER’S DAY IS MAY 10^TH

Treat Mom to Mother’s Day brunch at the Blue Heron Inn! Serving from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm. Reservations, please.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

FINDLEY LAKE TRIVIA CONTEST

April’s Winner:  Congratulations to
Mary Knight-Strong of Harborcreek, PA!

May Question: Is Findley Lake a natural lake and for whom was it named?

This month’s prize winner will  receive a Lolita wine, martini or pilsner glass at NOSTALGIA, “the coolest store in town”! Send your answers to stay@theblueheroninn.com with the subject title: “Trivia Contest” and we will draw one winner from the correct entries. Entries accepted until May 30^th.

“NAME THE GIRAFFE” CONTEST

Nostalgia is celebrating its newest addition with a brand new contest, “Name the Giraffe”. Come visit our 5-foot tall giraffe & enter your favorite giraffe name!

The winner will receive a $50.00 gift certificate to Nostalgia, second place winner will win a $25.00 Nostalgia gift certificate. The contest will run until Memorial Day, May 25, 2009. No purchase is necessary and children 10 and under may register as many times as they wish. Come in & register; we’re receiving some very cool name choices …

ARTS & CRAFTS WEEKEND GET-AWAY

Chautauqua-Lake Erie Art Trail
Open Studio Tour Friday/Saturday nights – May 22 & 23

Put an artistic twist on this year’s Labor Day Weekend. Twenty Chautauqua-Lake Erie area artists and galleries hahave combined forces to offer an Open Studio Tour, May 23-24. This event features 19 artists in Chautauqua County in close proximity to route 20 running from Silver Creek, NY to Sherman, NY. Artists’ studios will be open to the public from 10 AM to 5 PM on Saturday and from 11 AM to 4 PM on Sunday.

Enjoy a  2-night stay, full breakfast each morning and Saturday night  dinner for two in the Blue Heron dining room.This is the perfect opportunity to learn about and support our regional artists.

All-inclusive Package Cost: $369.00 – 399.00 double occupancy (package requires 2 night stay and includes all above amenities)

ERIE AREA “GARDEN TOUR” WEEKEND GET-AWAY Sat/Sun, May 23 & 24

Attention gardening gurus & flower fanciers!
Visit 6 of the Best Private Gardens in the Erie, PA area on Sun May24th. Directions, garden descriptions and admissions tickets are available on the web site: www.opendaysprogram.org. Sponsored by The Garden Conservancy, the Open Days program is America’s only national private garden-visiting program, made possible by the work of hundreds of volunteers.

Enjoy a 2-night stay, full breakfast each morning and Saturday night dinner for two in the Blue Heron dining room. The Garden Tour tickets are on us, as well as tips on points of interest in proximity to the gardens.

$369.00 – 399.00 double occupancy (requires 2 night stay)


ROGER TORY PETERSON BIRDING WEEKEND 
June 4, 5 & 6

Guests who register for the Festival will
receive 20% off a two-night stay

The Roger Tory Peterson Institute in nearby Jamestown, NY will honor Dr. Peterson’s
legacy at the first annual  Birding Festival.

This festival will provide an entertaining and educational experience through activities including the showing
of re-mastered Peterson films, keynote speakers Kenn Kaufman
and Pete Dunne, workshops with Kaufman, Dunne, Lang Elliott
and John Rappole, and field trips to area birding hotspots
led by knowledgeable local birders.

To register, download the registration form and mail it to Birding Festival, 311 Curtis Street, Jamestown, NY 14701. You can also download a schedule of events and a checklist of the birds of Chautauqua County.

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SPRING IN SIGHT

WINEMAKER’S GET-AWAY

Tuesday, April 21, 2009 – 6:30 pm

Celebrate Spring with this one-night Winemaker’s Get-away. The Chautauqua-Lake Erie Wine Trail will host its inaugural Winemaker’s Tasting Dinners on Tuesday, April 21, 2009.

Meet the winemakers and enjoy a multiple-course grazing dinner paired with specialty wines at either South Shore Wine Company in North East, PA or Quincy Cellars in Ripley, NY

All inclusive Package Cost: $275.00 double occupancy ( package includes 1 night stay and Winemaker’s dinner for 2)

“FINDLEY LAKE TRIVIA” CONTEST

Starting this month we will feature a Findley Lake Trivia question in each of our newsletters.

April question: In the winter of 2008/09 Findley Lake received 306 inches of snow. How many inches of rain are equal to one inch of snow?

This month’s prize winner will receive a $25.00 gift certificate towards lunch or dinner at the Blue Heron Inn.

Send your answers to stay@theblueheroninn.com with the subject title: “Trivia Contest” and we will draw one winner from all the correct entries.

Entries much be received by April 30, 2009.

“NAME THE GIRAFFE” CONTEST

Nostalgia is celebrating its newest addition with a brand new contest, “Name the Giraffe”. Come visit our 5-foot tall giraffe & enter your favorite giraffe name!

The winner will receive a $50.00 gift certificate to Nostalgia, second place winner will win a $25.00 Nostalgia gift certificate. The contest will run until Memorial Day, May 25, 2009.

No purchase is necessary and children 10 and under may register as many times as they wish. Come see if he/she looks most like a Gerald, Giselle, Ginny …

“WINE, CHEESE AND HERB” WINE TRAIL WEEKEND
Friday/Saturday nights – May 2 & 3

Honor Mother’s Day with a special Wine Trail Weekend

Enjoy a 2-night stay, full breakfast each morning, Saturday night dinner for two in the Blue Heron dining room and tickets to the Wine Trail Event.

More information about the Wine Trail Event can be found at Chautauqua Wine Trail

Package Cost: $430.00 – 450.00 double occupancy (package requires 2 night stay and includes all above amenities)

PUT “IRISH SUNDAY” ON YOUR CALENDAR!

Sun, May 3, 2009; 1:00 - 3:00 pm

We're calling the first Sundays of the month "Irish Sunday" for a good reason!

That's when a group Irish players (with members from all corners of the region) sit in for a live jam session at the Blue Heron Inn.

Let the house chores & the yard work wait -- come listen as they play; join us for lunch, tip a pint & taps your toes!

ARTS & CRAFTS WEEKEND GET-AWAY

Chautauqua-Lake Erie Art Trail  Open Studio Tour

(Photo Credit: Cyn Gailey)
Friday/Saturday nights – May 22 & 23

Put an artistic twist on this year’s Memorial Day Weekend. Twenty Chautauqua-Lake Erie area artists and galleries have combined forces to offer an Open Studio Tour, May 23-24.
This event features 19 artists in Chautauqua County in close proximity to route 20 running from Silver Creek, NY to Sherman, NY.

Artists’ studios will be open to the public from 10 AM to 5 PM on Saturday and from 11 AM to 4 PM on Sunday.

Enjoy a  2-night stay, full breakfast each morning and Saturday night  dinner for two in the Blue Heron dining room. This is the perfect opportunity to learn about and support our regional artists.

All-inclusive Package Cost: $369.00 – 399.00 double occupancy (package requires 2 night stay and includes all above amenities)

NEW WEB SITE

The new web site is up & we continue to tweak it. You’ll find a comprehensive four-season guide to indoor and outdoor activities exclusive to Chautauqua County, NY. The site also features:

· on-line reservations

· last minute lodging specials

· an up-to-date county-wide event calendar

· links to our Blog, our Facebook page (become a fan!)

· tons of recreational info and a whole lot more

Like all good things the web site is a work in progress  - feel free to forward pertinent links and information that pertains to Chautauqua County. Check it out: Blue Heron Inn

“THINK SPRING” LODGING STIMULUS PACKAGE

Our “buy one - get one free” special was so popular we're extending it through April! Buy one night's accommodations & get the 2nd night FREE! Come relax with your special someone - the shops & restaurants are open and he wineries are gearing up for the season.

The local golf courses are open so bring your clubs and get a jump on your golf game. Or relax over that book you've been meaning to crack into, or the many games & magazines we provide for your pleasure.  (Please mention this special at the time of reservation)

Add a discounted Peek ‘n Peak Resort golf package to your stay!

· $20 for 18 holes with cart on the Lower Course

· $40 for 18 holes with cart on the Upper Course

· Call for tee times: 716.679.4141, ext. 7141

** Both courses now open - these rates apply through 4/30/09 **

Open Year ‘Round

Restaurant Hours:

Friday             Dinner:  5:00 – 9:00 pm

Saturday          Breakfast/Lunch:  9:00 am – 2:30 pm   Dinner:  5:00 – 9:00 pm

Sunday            Breakfast/Lunch:  9:00 am – 2:30 pm

Shop Hours:

Friday/Saturday/Sunday  11:00 – 6:00 pm

B&B Accommodations: Seven days a week

”If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome”  - Anne Bradstreet

Cheers to Spring in all its  beauty!  Tobi & Bruce

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IT’S SPRING IN CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY, NY

WINE, CHEESE & HERB WEEKEND

The Chautauqua–Lake Erie Wine Trail is hosting its seventh annual Wine & Cheese Event on May 2nd and 3^rd. Italian cheese and herbs are the common theme for a progressive Italian supper. Once again, Helluva Good Cheese is the Event sponsor and has provided the wineries with the cheeses used in their recipes. New this spring is the herb inspiration and several wineries will be selling fresh herbs during the Event. Make a weekend of of it! Celebrate the Wine Trail Event at the Blue Heron Inn with our

Winemaker’s Get-away Package

May is the month we honor Mom, spoil her with the gift of a special Wine Trail Weekend get-away. Enjoy a 2-night stay, full breakfast each morning, Saturday night dinner for two at Blue Heron Dining Room and 2-day Event tickets.
Cost per couple:  $430.00 - 450.00 double occupancy (2 night min)

The Wine Trail Event will focus on the individual courses of a traditional Italian supper. A number of wineries will pair their wines with “L’Antipasto” or appetizers such as the traditional taste of antipasto skewers, an appetizer of Italian herbed cheese bread with fresh Amish butter, herbed cheese crackers with parsley-chive cream cheese, sausage-cheddar cheese puffs and fancy grilled cheese made with tomatoes, shallots and mushrooms.  

”Il Primo” or soup or pasta course will be served at several other wineries and their offerings will include French onion soup and cheddar cheese soup with chives. For pasta try cheese manicotti, tortellini with Cayuga cheese sauce and salsa pizza with fresh tomatoes and spices.

“Il Secondo” or main course will feature a savory Roasted Pork Loin with Rosemary & Sage Rub, an Italian wine & cheese casserole and a lighter Acapulco shrimp salad.

On the sweeter side “Il Dolce” or dessert will feature apple turnovers made with Granny Smith apples and cheddar cheese, and grape ambrosia parfait, featuring fresh grapes and kiwi, topped with a dollop of sour cream and brown sugar. 

In addition to the fine wine & food pairings Wine Trail  participants will receive a commemorative wine glass, recipe booklet and a monogrammed wine bag. E-mail us for more information.

Buon Appetito!

TAKE A BREAK IN FINDLEY LAKE

Don’t wait for a special occasion to visit Findley Lake. The shops and restaurants are open, Peek ‘n Peak’s lower golf course is offering terrific seasonal specials and the fishing’s great!. And soon the boats will begin their slow and careful parade into the lake ...


IT WAS JUST A SPRING SNOW 

Although the 10” of snow that fell a few days back met a less than enthusiastic welcome, it pushed the the local 2008/09 snowfall total to 306”.

But don’t despair! Most of the snow has already melted away, as late winter snows tend to do. Findley Lake is focused on spring and the snowfall was merely winter’s last hurrah. The temperatures are on the rise, the trees are waiting for a few more warm days to display the beauty of their full bloom and we’ll soon turn our gardening fantasies into reality. As for winter in Findley Lake, just remember “when we talk snow – we mean business”!

This is also the time of year when, thanks to the coinciding Easter and Passover holidays, it seems all the world is celebrating. If you celebrate Easter, may the bunny bring sunshine and be generous with treats and the love of family and friends. If Passover is your spring celebration may all combinations of matzoh meal, egg and oil  be delicious and the Seder filled with loved ones and even a few of those kooky relatives who always show up for the holidays!

Cheers,
Tobi & Bruce

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SPRING GET-AWAY PACKAGES

WINEMAKER’S GET-AWAY
Tuesday, April 21

Celebrate spring with this one-night Winemaker’s Get-away. The Chautauqua-Lake Erie Wine Trail will host its inaugural Winemakers’ Tasting Dinners on Tuesday, April 21, 2009, beginning at 6:30 pm. Meet the winemakers and enjoy a multiple-course grazing dinner paired with specialty wines at either South Shore Wine Company in North East, Pa. or Quincy Cellars in Ripley, New York.

All-inclusive Package Cost: $275.00 double occupancy (package includes 1 night stay and Winemaker's dinner for 2)

WINE, CHEESE AND HERB WEEKEND
Friday/Saturday nights – May 2 & 3

Come celebrate Mother’s Day with a special Wine Trail Weekend. Enjoy a  2-night stay, full breakfast each morning, Saturday night dinner for two in the Blue Heron dining room and tickets to the Wine Trail Event.

All Inclusive Package Cost: $430.00 – 450.00 double occupancy (package requires 2 night stay and includes all above amenities)

ARTS & CRAFTS WEEKEND GET-AWAY

Chautauqua-Lake Erie Art Trail
Open Studio Tour
Friday/Saturday nights – May 22 & 23

Put an artistic twist on this year’s Labor Day Weekend. Twenty Chautauqua-Lake Erie area artists and galleries have combined forces to offer an Open Studio Tour, May 23-24.
This event features 19 artists in Chautauqua County in close proximity to route 20 running from Silver Creek, NY to Sherman, NY. Artists’ studios will be open to the public from 10 AM to 5 PM on Saturday and from 11 AM to 4 PM on Sunday.

Enjoy a  2-night stay, full breakfast each morning and Saturday night  dinner for two in the Blue Heron dining room.This is the perfect opportunity to learn about and support our regional artists.

All-inclusive Package Cost: $369.00 – 399.00 double occupancy (package requires 2 night stay and includes all above amenities)

ROGER TORY PETERSON BIRDING WEEKEND
June 4, 5 & 6

Guests who register for the Festival will
receive 20% off a two-night stay

The Roger Tory Peterson Institute in nearby Jamestown, NY will honor Dr. Peterson’s
legacy at the first annual  Birding Festival.

This festival will provide an entertaining and educational experience through activities including the showing
of re-mastered Peterson films, keynote speakers Kenn Kaufman
and Pete Dunne, workshops with Kaufman, Dunne, Lang Elliott
and John Rappole, and field trips to area birding hotspots
led by knowledgeable local birders.

To register, download the registration form and mail it to Birding Festival, 311 Curtis Street, Jamestown, NY 14701. You can also download a schedule of events and a checklist of the birds of Chautauqua County.

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