(Hummingbird photography by Kathie MacPhee)
“It’s been my experience that you can nearly always enjoy things if you make up your mind firmly that you will.” Lucy Maud Montgomery
June has finally arrived and the month has brought us beautiful sunshine and warm temperatures that we haven’t enjoyed on the Island until now. As I write this, the rain is coming down in buckets. One of the first things we do after a hard rain is to get on the tractor and repair the washed out gravel paths in the Gardens of Hope.
The gardens around our property are beginning to brighten up as flowers bloom. Downtown Charlottetown is looking wonderful as well, with tulips at almost every corner. What a lovely province we live in.
In addition to the beautiful weather, June brings to Prince Edward Island many visitors from all over the world. I’ve been meeting and greeting many friendly people to the Preserve Company. It fills my heart with joy to see so many folks enjoying the grounds and the experience we’ve worked so hard to create over the past 30 years.
Now that the weather is getting a bit warmer, our staff has been sampling different types of iced tea from the blends that we sell at the shop.
Do you have a favourite iced tea? Perhaps recipe you would share in the comment section.
Our main kitchen staff are busy working on new menu items and we have shortlisted a few for more trials. Can't wait to introduce the new menu for 2018. Our new oven arrived for our gluten-free bakery yesterday and we are getting closer to have food prepared for those who either require or prefer gluten-free items. Over the next few weeks, we will reveal a complete list of offerings. We are bringing our Garden Theatre to life as well, redesigning the layout and kitchen. The Garden Theatre Cafe will a new cafe operating this summer on our property. It will offer some our popular items from our main menu as well as quick service options.
Have you heard about the Go Here initiative? What a beautiful initiative that Emma Moore has created out from her experience. Personally, we family members and staff who live with Crohn's and or Colitis and her idea just warms my heart for those who suffer from this dis-ease. We have agreed to participate in this program. Read more here.
Thank you to all you who stop me to say that you enjoy reading my blog and send a note of encouragement to keep writing.
Hope you have a great weekend!
Sincerely with love from Prince Edward Island,
Bruce
Comments
Kim St.Marie said:
I look forward to reading your blog every week. We were in PEI last summer and ate at the Preserve Company. The meal was one if the best we had on our vacation to the east coast. The gardens were beautiful. We are missing it very much and we so want to come back for another visit. Also, thank you for posting Emma’s story. What a wonderful idea. I did have ulcerative colitis for several years and could not really travel because of the symptoms. I have since had surgery but i remember knowing ahead of time where every washroom was wherever I was going.
Thanks for your stories and for keeping people informed of the goings on in PEI.
June 03, 2018
Bev Sha[iro said:
What a great idea Emma had. I have IBS and have needed a bathroom NOW before. Thank you Emma for your sensitivity and caring to what is a difficult situation.
June 03, 2018
Robin said:
Hear hear to Spring Showers, Washouts, and Great Ideas!
I read your blog from the comfort of my car in a torrential downpour in Charlottetown this morning awaiting an design consultation appointment. I embraced all three at once!
June 03, 2018
Bill and Jane Martin said:
Congrats to PEI on the “GO Now” signs for people with Crohn’s & Colitis (& those of us with IBS & other similar problems!). I notice the headquarters is here in Toronto, but I haven’t found any restaurants or other businesses in Toronto who are joining in! Why not!! I remember about 20 or so years ago, when LCBO stores in Toronto had a sign on their doors, that people with colitis & crohn’s were welcome to use t heir washrooms. Seems to have disappeared.
I also notice “comments” on this website from people who are saying the app does NOT work. Why not?
We look forward to seeing you in Sept. Bruce, – our 22nd time in PEI since we started going in 1984. Feels like home.
We also hope you all in PEI are enjoying having our weather man Jay Scotland from CBC Toronto. He seems to be fitting right in there & enjoying living on the Island. We don’t blame him. He’s the best, & we miss him.
Thanks for all the wonderful things you do. See you later.
Jane & Bill.
June 03, 2018
Joan Juskiw said:
Love reading your blogs Bruce. Can hardly wait to come back to PEI and
eat in your lovely restaurant once again….
Enjoying a Lot of beautiful sunshine here
in Sunny St. Albert and my garden is growing.
Keep well
Jj
June 03, 2018
Derinda Burns Lyall said:
We fell in love with PEI when we visited last year, the natural beauty of the Island is breathtaking, and the people so friendly.
We enjoyed being greeted by you on our Coach, and enjoyed the Store and gardens. Please keep on sending out your blog, makes us feel connected.
Back again next year.
June 03, 2018
Margaret Gordon said:
Good evening.
I really enjoy your blog – it is like a little visit to the island each week. We live in Ontario and travel east as often is possible. Thank you for the island tranquility.
June 03, 2018
Pierre Bédard said:
Come Sept., we will get to sample the new menu.
Les Jardins de l’espoir sont si beaux!
June 03, 2018
Paul and Jean Rolston said:
God bless “Heaven on earth” known as PEI. Thanks for the updates
June 02, 2018
Joan Todd said:
Good Morning Bruce,
I am writing to give you encouragement to keep writing the blogs.
I look forward to them and enjoy them very much. To put on some of the music you share always seems
to help a Saturday or Sunday morning get off to a great start!
One day we will make it out there!
Thanks again for sharing! By the way…love Lucy Montgomery!
June 02, 2018
Judy Mannino said:
We were at The Preserve a few years ago and enjoyed the food, grounds and having you greet us in a kilt! I enjoy getting your blog each week, and my husband will periodically ask what’s going on in New Glasgow. We think PEI is like our state, Indiana, on steroids. 😁 We hope to head your way next summer, Lord willing.
June 02, 2018
Brenda said:
I so look forward to your blog each week. I feel connected to “The Island” reading it. A connection so craved in the winter months here in Maine. I so love PEI and its people and its beauty. I enjoy walking the beaches and picking up sea glass and will be doing it all again soon.
June 02, 2018
Joyce (MacNevin) Knight said:
Here’s to a bright beautiful summer and continued success. Look forward to dropping in on the Fall.
June 02, 2018