Blizzard

There’s a blizzard here at the resort! Not snow…LEAVES! As much as I love fall, with the colors and the cool weather — it’s a definite pain in Frank’s back dealing with the aftermath of a bazillion fallen leaves. After 5-1/2 hours of blowing, the resort is beautiful again!

Happy Halloween ‘09

Arrhhgg, Ahoy scalleywags!! Long-John-Black-Beard-Peg-Leg-Patch-Eye-Hook of the scourge of the 7 Seas — Val and her buddy, Stephanie, carved a pirate pumpkin and parrot.

Lianna worked at the movie theaters tonight, and she looked VERY cute all dressed up as one of the “Pink Ladies” in the movie Grease.

Frank and I dressed up as resort owners… oooo, scary.

Rain, Rain

…go away, come again another day!

Enough is enough, already!

Big 7

Six years ago, we drove across country, from New Jersey to Arkansas, in 2 cars, with Lucas, Lianna, Valory, MommyCat, Smokey, and Boschey. (The cats were wild, only put into a cage that morning, and meowed the entire way…) And only Frank had seen the resort, previously– the rest of us were eager to arrive and check everything out. What an adventure!
Starting our 7th year at The Bay, and thinking about the past 6 years, we’ve met some wonderful people; some odd people; seen some weird stuff; had a lot of laughs; made a ton of friends; and learned so much! We’ve had our share of struggles — record high lake level, record low lake level, record ice storm, record high gasoline prices, a difficult economy. Six years have absolutely flown by… Time flies when you’re having fun! We are so thankful!
Here’s to another 7!

Every Dark Cloud Has a Silver Lining

October 23rd marks the beginning of our 7th year at Mockingbird Bay! Happy Anniversary!!

I Love Fall

Smokey, the Curious Cat

Mariner’s Compass

Camouflage Cat

Was taking pictures of a wallhanging to sell on Etsy, and look who got into the picture (MommyCat!) — although, it’s not so easy to see her.

Happy 1-Year Blog Anniversary

It’s amazing to me how fast a year can go by! Today marks my one-year anniversary for A Day at The Bay.

Looking back at the past year’s postings and photos, it reminds me of all the wonderful people who we’ve had the privilege to have here at the resort; the fabulous fish tales; the natural wonders encountered; how much the kids have grown; the difficulties with things at the resort including the record ice storm last winter… Wow… Time sure does march on.

So anybody who wants to celebrate A Day at The Bay may do so by having some cake and champagne (provided for yourself, by yourself). While I virtually *clink* my glass to yours, let’s toast to another year celebrating and documenting A Day at The Bay — as I will continue to provide glimpses into the various resort happenings and other odds-and-ends of the Zortman family day.

Thanks for reading!

26-pound Blue Catfish

Elsie's Big Blue

Mark and Elsie R., Cabin 3, were picked up off the dock early yesterday morning by a fishing guide, namely Tom Reynolds, and they had a great day! They caught their limit of stripers, missed 6 more, and caught this 26-pound blue catfish! Woo-hoo!!

K and S from St. L

We met some new guests and made some great friends this week; Kathy and Scott from the St. Louis area — who took out the Bass Tracker and got busy. Actually, they had a lot of action off the dock.

Some fun was definitely HAD! Glad you guys came! Come back again.

The fish-board was busy. The moon was full (…um…Scott!).

Thanks again for the hats, and the delicious bread, you guys!

Look at this Beauty!

Jim M. and his wife Judy, from Illinois, brought this gift to us. It’s a hand-carved duck made by Jim. It is made from red cedar, and it took over 40 hours to carve. Jim has been woodcarving for about 10 years now — after Judy enrolled him a woodcarving class. What a talent! This piece is so beautiful, and we are very honored to have it. Thank you, Jim and Judy!!

Jim M. from IL - Wood Carver