Mirror Lake Bed & Breakfast Bunk House and Cabin in the Woods

Fishing Anyone??

2011-09-25T12:11:00.000-07:00

Larry shows off his 21 inch Bas that he caught Saturday morning. He was the BIG winner that day.

LeRoy's catch of the day is a 20-1/2inch Bass. Not bad for a fall Saturday morningg.

LeRoy and Larry enjoy their day fishing in North eastern at Mirror Lake here in Rome City, In.

3 barn quilt blocks all in one location.

2011-09-15T07:49:00.000-07:00

The idea behind the barn quilt blocks began in Iowa. When a daughter wanted to pay a tribute to her mother who was an avid quilter. She painted one barn quilt block and mounted it on an old barn The idea has caught on and now they even have "Barn Quilt Tours". This is a 4X4 Tumble weed pattern mounted at the end of our Bed and Breakfast.

This is a 4X4 Star pattern mounted on our Pole barn.

This 8X8 large barn quilt block is mounted to the East on our bank barn. The pattern is the Bear Paw design. As you drive west on Northport road you can see it right above the corn field. Maybe I will have 2 more next year that you will only be able to view by staying at Mirror Lake B&B. You'll have to find them. All 3 barn quilt blocks were painted by me Kathy Fought.

Three beautiful Hibiscus!!!

2011-08-07T11:50:00.000-07:00

These 3 different colored Hibiscus can by found right here at the Mirror Lake B&B. Along with much much more!!!

Green green pastures.

2011-08-07T11:41:00.000-07:00

I have recently bought a new horse her name is Fame. "Famous Zippo Treasure" is her real name. I think I'm really going to like her she's 5. I just have to remember that.

Jeff has no trouble fishing in Eastern Indiana.

2011-06-18T18:00:00.000-07:00

It pays to go out early and fish in the mornings. Jeff had 2 great morning for fishing and took advantage of it. I think someone is going to have a great fish fry for supper tonight!!!!!

He enjoys a few hours of early morning fishing and his wife gets to sleep in.. Sounds like a win-win situation to me!!

He was catching this fish right when I was calling him for breakfast. Oh yes, it was hard to come in for breakfast now...

What a nice "bass", yes I said" bass". Jeff holds up a nice bass, on this early morning he catch many a fish in only a few hours. WHAT FUN!!!!

Fishing in Eastern Indiana at Mirror lake B&B

2011-06-16T18:52:00.000-07:00

Not bad for 2 hours of fishing in the sun in Eastern Indiana at the private Mirror Lake bed and Breakfast. Fish Fry here we come 22 fillets.

It really wasn't a contest but Jed and Paula are comparing fish, while Phil is busy cleaning fish. I caught 6 nice size fish too. But someone has to grill our supper!!

They practiced on the pier before they got in the boat.

Great day for fishing and great day for the Blue Giles. Today was a catch and release day. Relaxing in the sun and fishing in Eastern Indiana on the private Mirror lake.

Larry caught fish but it wasn't Catherine's day. She enjoyed the sun, bird watching and the company.

Even fishing from the raft and pier is fun. Look I got a fish says 7 year old Adara, first time ever!

Barn Quilts

2011-04-03T09:02:00.000-07:00

This is 1/4 (4x4) of the Bear Paw (8x8) barn quilt block design. We figure it will take 3 guys, the scissor lift, and me to mount this 8x8 quilt block on the peak of our bank barn. Waiting for better weather to hang it. I hope to be part of the Barn Quilt Block Tour. Bear Paw

The Tumbleweed barn quilt.

The Star Barn quilt

This winter I have painted 3 barn quilt blocks. One 8x8 the Bear Paw and two 4x4's barn quilts the Star and the Tumbleweed. They are mounted on the B&B and our pole barn.

2011-03-10T15:30:00.001-08:00

2011-02-06T11:02:00.001-08:00

Crafting retreat weekends

2011-01-01T13:04:00.000-08:00

Mirror Lake B&B is offering a special for any type Crafting Weekend Retreat. Get away with family or friends and work on your hobbies at the same time. A full farm breakfast each morning and dinner Saturday night from the area Pizza place. I supply tables, chairs, lighting and use of the Cricut Expression. E-mail for details mirrorlakebedandbreakfast@hotmail.com

Tiago helps too.

2010-10-24T08:37:00.000-07:00

Jed instructs the boys on how to fill the bottles. Tiago is only 4, but he enjoyed working in the milking parlor.

His bottle is only half fill so he has to fill it again.

Big brother helps Tiago feed the baby calf. When we left this barn and walked back to the parlor. Tiago took my hand and held it, how sweet!!!

Andre' works at the farm.

2010-10-23T04:56:00.000-07:00

Not sure what he is thinking here, but he does know where milk comes from!!

Carries his milk bottle to the barn.

Jed helps the boys fill bottles.

Andre' at work!!!!

First time ever for feeding a baby calf. I think they past. The were a treat to have. They came as strangers BUT left as friends!!

The Netherland's help with chores.

2010-10-21T18:27:00.000-07:00

A family from the Netherlands spent a few days here at Mirror Lake B&B. They took in a lot of local things. The boys love the animal auction and ate at the sale barn in Shipshewana, they stayed for hours. Enjoyed meals at Tiffany's and Emma's Cafe'. They told me how good the food was at the Red Skillet. They are going to take in Pumpkin Farm on their last day here. And yes they couldn't get enough of that "Gator" the boys liked just sitting in it.

This is a new experience for this Netherlands family as they watch the cows get milked. Marco lets the baby calf suck his fingers.

Mom helps feed the baby calves too.

Andre' says "this is the biggest tractor I has ever seen". Dad and Tiago sits in the cab while Andre' checks out the grain head.

Last but not least a wagon ride with Susie. They even went to the barn and helped unharness her. Andre's picture tomorrow.

Riding horses at Yorkhill Horse Park

2010-09-12T15:17:00.000-07:00

We got a weekend that we could get away and go to Yorkhills Horse Park in Albion, In. This is a great place to ride horses and is 11 miles from our home. We can be home, unloaded and out of the shower in 45 minutes. HOW GREAT IS THAT??? If you don't have sleeping quaters and no way to camp. Ride here at Yorkhills and bring your horses back to Mirror Lake while you spend the night here at Mirror Lake B&B. What a good idea!!!!! I think we are at loop 1 here.

These pictures were taken on the "THE WOODS" trail. This area has some of the steeper hills.

Kathy and Bailey.

There are over 25 miles of trails and 600 acres of land, how nice.

Were at Gobbler's Pass this was Heath and Angie's first time to ride here.

Had a great time didn't get to ride enough,but never do. If only we didn't have to eat.

Tombstone Trail coming in october!!!

2010-08-15T09:57:00.000-07:00

This is one of the tombstones here at Mirror Lake B&B. In the Rice-Brothwell family Cemetery dating 1832-1895 although the last obituary reads 1901.

The third wife of John F Brothwell dies Marilda (White) in Kendallville in 1901 and was buried at the family farm 5 mile west of Rome City on Northport rd.

This is the man who built and established our farm and home here at Mirror Lake.

All restored and looking good.

As we restored the cememtery we found a few stones under ground. Thanks for your help Jed.Joel helps put stones back in their place. Our courthouse burnt in 1890 so all records were lost. Stones laying on the ground or found underground were put back in place.

This is a first for Noble county as well as the state of Indiana. The month of October they're going to be guided and self guided cemetery tours. Thursday, Friday and Saturdays from 4:00pm -8:00pm ( 1 hr. per cemetery). 3 in Noble county plus Gene Stratton-Porter and 3 cemetery's in DeKalb county.There will be maps available with all the cemetery's labeled. For more information on this you can go to tombstonetrail.com or John@visitnoblecounty.com

Flowers in bloom!!

2010-07-31T08:17:00.000-07:00

That one Petunia that needed to be "deadheaded".

What a beautiful and bright colored Hibiscus.

Two large paper plate variegated pink Hibiscus.

From the house to the pool.

I took a few minutes the other day to take a few pictures. The flowers are so pretty and bright. They can cheer you even on your darkest days.

County Fairs Go On All Around Us.

2010-07-28T06:37:00.000-07:00

Not the typical fair animal but I thought it was an interesting picture of what you might see at a county fair. Look at the size of those feet!! You wouldn't want him to step on your foot.

The elephant gets a bath before it's next show. The man washing the elephant said he normally gets a bath with a pressure washer and it takes 2 hours. But in between show he just got cooled off with the hose.

Having fun at Mirror Lake Bed and Breakfast

2010-06-06T14:12:00.000-07:00

Fishing, horse riding, pony wagon rides, a chance to milk a cow, great food and more horse riding all in one day. How GREAT is that?

Greenhouses all around Mirror lake B&B

2010-05-11T10:25:00.000-07:00

Rolling Acres is right around the corner from Mirror lake and has many nice annuals and perennials

Nature's Lane is an Amish greenhouse just out of Shipshewana.

The Clear Spring Produce Auction.

I love auctions!!

Last Tuesday I made my rounds to many of the greenhouses that are nearby. Looking at all the new flowers and grasses. Wednesday I went back and bought 10 flats of annuals, grasses and other 4in potted annuals. But today I went to the produce auction they are on Tuesday, Thursdays and some Fridays as well. I bought 14 potted baskets, 8 flats of flowers and 15 potted mums (4" pot) for $138.00. I think that is great, now the weather has to get warmer and drier before I can start planting. Happy day!!

Our new pony Susie and her cart!!

2010-05-02T17:39:00.001-07:00

This is all very new to me I have never driven a pony before. Elsie my Amish friend helped me one day. But I think she was more nervous then I was. But maybe she knew to be afraid and I didn't. Every time we go out things just get better and better!!
This is our newest addition her name is Susie. She is 10 years old and is 11 hands high she is a sweet heart. This is our first day hitched and yes I had some learning to do. Elsie (my Amish friend) gave me an A+ in harnessing.

Susie still has to loose some winter hair. I just got her and brought her home March 28 . Needs some T.L.C. just wait!!

Our first trip back to the cabin April 29 and this is our 3rd time hitched. What fun it felt good things went well.

Susie stands like a soldier has I set up the camera. What a nice buggy ride to the woods and back to the barn.

NOBLE COUNTY SPRING FLING

2010-04-27T18:07:00.000-07:00

This weekend May 1 & 2, 10-5:00 & 1-4 is our Noble County Spring Fling. Many places in the county are open for FREE and many places are giving FREE tours of their grounds. Come see what Noble County has to offer!!!!!!!!!! We are one of the GREENEST counties in the state!! www.visitnoblecounty.org

A spring day living around the Amish.

2010-04-06T14:43:00.000-07:00

Working the garden getting it ready to plant.

One of the ways to and from.

The children play while mom worked in the garden.

Sowing Oats!!

Many greenhouses in the area and they all are getting geared up for the season.

This 6 horse team of Clydesdales disc the ground as the farmer guides the team.

And I worry about driving one single 42" pony.

DITTO

Over 100 Lakes in Noble County

2010-03-13T10:38:00.000-08:00

The ice is off the lakes now. Soon the birds will be chirping, frogs will be croaking, and flowers will be blooming. The lakes will all be a buzz with lake goers and fisherman. Stay at Mirror Lake and be within minutes of 30 different lakes and many rivers and stream too. Water every way you like it.

You can enjoy every kind of water experience from fishing to water skiing. Big lakes with a lot of activity or smaller lakes that are a more peaceful.

Your welcome to put your canoe or Kayak in any river and paddle your way up or down the rivers. Many of our lakes connect by way of the rivers, you can go for hours.

Noble county is one of the Greenest counties in Indiana. We have over 100 public lakes and our neighboring county of Lagrange has over 70 lakes. Five minutes from Mirror Lake B&B is the largest man made lake in the county. Know as Sylvan Lake and located in Rome City.

CRAFTING WEEKEND RETREATS

2010-01-02T10:51:00.000-08:00

Quilting, stamping, scrap booking, knitting, rug hooking or any other craft you may enjoy. Get 4-6 friends and get away for a productive weekend of crafting. Enjoy 2 nights away, 2 full farm breakfasts and Pizza Saturday night for $95.00 (plus all taxes) You will have a room 28x18 to work in. I provide 4 six foot tables to work on, as well as the satellite dish for T.V. watching and hot tub to relax those tried muscles.

You may check into the Bunkhouse at 1:00. You check into the main house Friday night after 6:00 and craft till Sunday at 4:00.

You can get as much or as little done as you want to.

It is nice to share the equipment that everyone has. So no one has to have it all.

It is a GREAT time to get away and relax but still have a productive weekend. Many times you go home as a better mother and wife because YOU took a few hours for YOU!!

And YOU deserve it !!!! Call and book your weekend Retreat today!!!

Mirror Lake guests return to the Dairy Farm. What FUN

2009-12-19T08:16:00.000-08:00

After filling the milk bottles, Mitchell and Adara are off to feed the baby calves.

Now it is time for milking. Kent helps Adara with a few pulls to get the milk a flowin'

Mitchell is having no trouble feeding this little baby.

Jed and the kids return to the milking parlor to wash the milk bottles out and clean up.

Frosting cookies must be harder then it looks, as Adara holds a frozen pack of vegetables on her head.

CRAFT SALES are soon to be here.

2009-10-15T10:58:00.000-07:00

When you like to craft, quilt, painting, arrange flowers, make candies of all kinds, spice packages, Pepper jellies, making candles, Horse shoe Art, embroider items or Aromatherapy bath products. Next comes selling them, and yes it is that time again for the
MIRROR LAKE CRAFT SALE NOVEMBER 7th from 8-4.
We will have 11 crafters with all over different styles and a large variety.

As time draws closer I have gathered my crafts and gifts. To see what all I have and to see what all I have to get done before the sale. These are some pictures of my crafts only. I am on the Primitive side I like taking older things and give them a new purpose.
But it keeps the old alive. This is an old Rod Iron type basket left primitive in color. Filled with large Vanilla candle greenery with purples and silver along with a little frosted glitter to look like snow.
Could you find a place for this?

The antique oil lamp has been converted to a small electric candle in the OLD oil lamp. The bird is signing in the cage and chalk boards are ready for messages.

The black old lantern has been arranged for a center piece on a table. It has a little tee lite in the center and no cord. The bottom is removable for a year around arrangement. The Silver old lantern has a flicker electric candle and red berries. I have several wood Snowman and Santa's, a few large rusty bells. Little wood buckets and rusty scoops filled with greenery and candles. These again are only my crafts there will be much, much more that day.

Stop in and see us we'll be here!!

Need a Crafting Weekend Retreat?

2009-10-06T13:08:00.000-07:00

Pam and Linda discuss what their next move is. Their years of experience has taught them discuss before your cut. Vickie doesn't iron anything except material that has to do with quilting.

Teri worked very hard on her mystery quilt. All of this was put together in one night!!

Julie cuts many pieces with accuracy. And then sew all the pieces together later.

Teri lives in a house FULL of guys and they think this quilt top is to much girl for their master bed room. I told her a little pink is good for everyone. Teri put this all together in one weekend too. Vickie put together 2 quilt tops in one weekend. She was a sewin' gal !!

Vickie, Linda, Julie, Pam, Alice, and Teri all look pretty good at Sunday morning's breakfast. Remember they quilted till 2:00a.m. Now Sunday we will see what they get done. Really they all got a lot accomplished. Hope to see them again.

I just read a letter from the LaGrange Co. CVB and there is a Quilt Festival in Shipshewana on June 23- 26. This also runs in conjunction with the Topeka Quilt Show and Sale. Book your room here early!!

Sometimes you just need a weekend away to do the things you love. Like quilt, scrapbook, stamp, knit or any other craft you enjoy. You bring friends that enjoy the same craft and work all weekend on your favorite hobby. You enjoy 2 nights away, 2 FARM full breakfasts, Pizza and snacks for dinner and many hours to work. With 4 six foot tables and plenty of room to work in. When they scrapbook one brings a Cricket and they all use it. Some get a lot of pages done other get only a few fancy pages done. When quilting some work on their own quilting projects. Others bring sewing machines and some do hand work. But at the end of the weekend many hours have been put in and much has been accomplished!!

Fall is in the air.

2009-09-07T07:25:00.000-07:00

Soon the flowers will be gone and the trees will be our color. It does seem a little early but the trees have already started to change colors. Looking across the lake and you are already starting to see oranges and reds. It won't be long and the trees will look like to top photo. This picture was taken in October of 2008.

Beautiful colors of Summer!!

2009-08-18T09:30:00.000-07:00

The herbs are grown for cooking such as Parsley, Rose Mary, Fennel, Sage, Basil, Oregano, Chives and more. I freeze my herbs for winter use, so I can use my herbs all year long.

A colorful Star Gazing Lilly.

The White Shasta Daisies are really looking pretty!

The smell of the Red Bee Balm is so sweet.

The Yellow Buttercup bush is big and beautiful!

If you hve missed your county you still have time to attend the Indiana State Fair! But this is the Noble County Fair.

2009-07-23T05:28:00.000-07:00

These 2 showman are first year 4-Her's they're 10 showing sheep that weigh around 125lbs. These young showman walk, hold, and brace lambs for the judge to feel so he can place them by quality.

Showman start out young, but soon they are become 18 and they have turned out to be pretty darn good showman. Those two GOOD looking young men are both my nephews Cody and Nick. Today it was Cody's day he is holding the Grand Champion Ewe and was named the Grand Champion Sr. Showman. Nick was named the Grand Premier Showman over all and will show in the Round Robin tonight. But at State Fair it could all be different.

Alpaca's are becoming more popular every year, this is Z and he is 2 years old. He and Cameron won the Jr. Costume class.

Oh yes, there is more to the fair then animals this is Josh's craft project. He not only did all the wood burning designs he also stained and varnished too. By the way this is a State Fair entry!!

Cake decorating is a tough competition this is the beginners division. This is my niece's cake and it was alternate for State Fair. I love cake decorating But I can't do it. My hat goes off to Makayla!! PLEASE remember there is a lot more to 4-H then animals so ANYONE come join they're are projects for EVERYONE!!

If you are feeling trapped in the 4 walls around you take a step outside to your county fairs. See what young people all around us are doing with some of their time. There are animals that some of us have never seen or know anything about. Indianapolis is where the State Fair is hold it starts Aug. 8 and goes on till Aug. 22. Take a step out of the 4 walls you live in and attend your local county fair or take a short trip to the Indiana State Fair!!

LaGrange County Fair started Saturday July 11

2009-07-13T17:59:00.000-07:00

Are You looking at me, what- haven't you ever seen a goat before?

Katie and her horse Ruffus are getting ready to run the 3 legged race. Run down on the horse someone holds the horse and her and Drost run home in a sack. They got 3rd, but what fun!!!

Have you ever saw a sheep wearing a blanket? Why do they do that??

She sits on her calf all the time is what she told me, he's my friend. She said she will cry when it comes time to sell him on Saturday.

This pig is pretty comfortable the 2nd day of the fair, the temperatures are only been in the low 80's so far!!

Flowers all in bloom!

2009-07-11T09:34:00.000-07:00

The Shasty Daisys and Bee Balm are in full bloom now. Summer is well on its way now and the flowers are really starting to grow and fill in their beds.

A Sunday night on my front porch.

2009-04-26T18:44:00.000-07:00

--PLAY ME-- HIT THE ARROW BUTTON AND HEAR-On a Spring Sunday night there is a small Amish party down the road. A few young Amish boys and girls playing Volleyball and hanging out. But around 9:00pm things wrap up and the kids get around to go home. One by one the buggies go by with their flashers on and their bass music playing, yes the bass you hear is coming from one or more of these Amish buggies!! All darkness, flashers, a little bit of bass and a whole lot of CLIP-CLOP!!

Jordan was "ALL" hands on when he came to Mirror Lake and Hogback Hill.

2009-04-07T06:39:00.000-07:00

Jordan tried everything when he came to Hogback Hill. He helped feed the baby calves and helped make bottles for feeding. Kent shows Jordan a few things about milking a cow, Jordan holds the Tet and pulls trying to get milk. After Jed showed Jordan how to make the bottles and put the nipples on the assembly line started. Soon they were off feeding the babies.

Jordan was very comfortable and confident when it came to riding Bailey. So after he proved his riding ability I let go of the extra lead rope and let him "do it all". *Helmets are offered and available but not required.

Jordan takes time to play with the farm kittens.

The Greenhouses and Produce Market start gearing up for Spring.

2009-03-31T13:31:00.000-07:00

Clearspring Produce Auction
Potted plants and flats of vegtables and flowers can be bought here in all quanities. Amish produce farmers bring in ALL kinds of produce and flowers that they grow in their greenhouses of course everything comes in by seasons.

Everyone is getting ready for spring to arrive and we can't hardly wait!

We start making our spring plans, of what flowers we want to plant and where we want to plant them. Then we think of where we want to go and what greenhouses we want to visit.

Here is a list of 10 Greenhouses that are less than 10 minutes away from Mirror Lake B&B.

Rolling Acres, Bontrager Garden Center, Stoney Produce, Nature's Unlimited, Country Garden Center, Farm View Landscaping, Bell's Garden's, Bontrager's in Emma, Clear Spring Greenhouse,

The Produce Auction is most Tuesdays and Thursday's just outside of Emma & Otto's produce.

Peranials, annuals, trees and bushes can be bought at all of these centers. What a GREAT selection!! Come stay & come see for yourself!!!

Living around Amish communities.

2009-03-22T13:02:00.001-07:00

These are some sites around town here in Topeka. This is a Amish school and while the kids are on their lunch hour they enjoy playing outside.

This is Tuesday and hay is for sale at the Topeka sale barn. The hitching racks are full as Amish come to buy hay for their horses. As you can see their hay bin is empty and they look like they're ready to eat, and by looking at their size I bet they can eat a lot of hay.

This is the way the Amish pick their corn a little slower then the way we do it, but it is sure faster then picking by hand!! This corn will be taken to the mill for feed for their horses and cattle.

We are only 5 minutes from Topeka and soon the auctions will be starting!!

2009-03-14T11:15:00.000-07:00

TOPEKA'S AUCTIONS are starting March 17-21 is the Spring Draft Horse sale. Anyone looking for a parade or pulling team, looking for horses to work the fields or a good stallion for breeding this is the place for you!! The CARRIAGE AUCTION is April 16-17 here in Topeka. You just never know what type of antiques you may find here. They range from Sleighs and Carriages, wagon wheels, fur traps, anvils, house hold antiques, horse tack, small farm equipment, lawn ornaments and much more!!!!!
Remember "One man's JUNK is another man's TREASURE"!!

Thursday there are normally 3 ring running, 1. inside ring where you sit in bleachers and they bring the items in on wagons. 2. outside (misc.)ring (where almost anything could be found) and a 3rd ring selling small farm equipment, lawn ornaments, wagon wheels, push plows and MORE! Friday they sell the Sleighs, carriages, horse tack and a whole lot more. I can never go on Friday, but one of these days I am going to take off work and buy a sleigh. Fix it all up, use it for Christmas and who know I might even put a horse on it and use it.

Come a day early and visit Shipshewana's auction on Wednesday then come to the Carriage auction Thursday and Friday. Make a small vacation out of it MIRROR LAKE B&B would make a GREAT place to come back to after the auctions relax and watch a beautiful sunset, eat good food uptown and get some good buys too!!

Other sales of all types that take place at Topeka through out the year also. Checkwww.auctions-usa.com

Shipshewana, a short drive from Mirror Lake B&B

2009-03-01T11:34:00.000-08:00

Spring and summer will soon be here and we will all be making vacation plans. Shipshewana is a small town a short drive from Mirror lake B&B. It was built up around an Amish community, their lifestyle and their trades.
This tree is on the main level of the recently rebuilt Davis Mercantile, it has a basement and 3 floors with about 25 stores. Jo-Jo pretzel's, candles, Vera Bradley, Antiques, quality Quilting supplies, a Scrap booking store, Bakery and Candy and much much more!!!

This is just one of many places to get Quilt material and supplies. If you can't find it here I'm sure there's another store just around the corner.

This Merry-Go-Round is built on the top floor and really works. Many of the horses are hand carved. After your ride you can go to a Puppet show just down the hall.

This is just one of the many ice sculptures that were placed around Shipshewana. This one is in front of the very popular Yoder's department store. It also has a material and variety store, across the way is the Yoder's Hardware and Yoder's grocery store all in one stop.

A STAY AT MIRROR LAKE IS MORE THEN A DESTINATION

IT IS AN AWAKING

A LIFESTYLE ALMOST FORGOTTEN!!

Valentine's Dance

2009-02-15T17:59:00.000-08:00

Last night we attended a fund raiser for LEAP of Noble County, it was a Valentine's dinner and dancing. Many people took part in the silent auction and yes a one night stay at Mirror Lake B&B auctioned for $125.00. The rooms were filled with people that were also wine and beer tasting, and last but not least we were entertained by a dance performed by Matt and Jackie Bell. It was a great fund raiser for LEAP I'm sure they did very well. We are blessed to have this organization in our county, they are here to help anyone. Congratulations for a job well done!!!

DINNER and DANCING for the LOVE OF LITERACY Feburary 14.

2009-01-25T09:52:00.000-08:00

I am donating a one night stay at the Mirror Lake Bed & Breakfast to:
LEAP of Noble County, Inc

to support their literacy programs. You can place you bid on line at
http://www.leapofnoblecounty.org/.
or in person at their annual fund raising event on

VALENTINE’S DAY
FOR THE LOVE OF LITERACY

Saturday, February 14th at the
Kendallville Event Center
6:00 Reception
Wine & Craft Beer Tasting
Silent Auction continues from web prices
Dinner 6:30 – 7:30
Beef Brisket in BBQ sauce and Rosemary Chicken Breast
Marinated Vegetables (salad)
Baked Potato Green Beans Baby CarrotFrench Bread
Italian Crème Cake and Texas Sheet Cake
Coffee Bar and Fruit Punch
8:00 – 10:00 Dance to the Dan Heath with the Paradise Band

Mirror lake B&B is surrounded by lakes, lakes and more lakes.

2009-01-11T05:50:00.000-08:00

It's January and winter is upon Northern Indiana with cold temperatures, wind, snow and ice. Sometimes we almost forget why we love it here, then we remember lakes, lakes and more lakes. Although the B&B is located on it's own private Mirror Lake within only 5 minutes you can be at the largest man made lake in Noble county called Sylvan lake. This lake in known for all lake fun, skiing, jet skiing, fishing, tournaments, swimming and boating. Granny's restaurant (18 & over only) is open May - September right here on Sylvan lake. This picture was taken on a week night, weekends the view is much different!!!

2 miles down the road from Mirror Lake you will pass Jones lake (no public access) and just a few more miles is Waldron, Tammorack and Steinburger lakes. A lot of these lakes are connected by small rivers and channels, once you put your canoe or Kayak in you can go for hours (may not have all clear travel)!! A few miles further away in Noble county is Bixler lake and campgrounds in Kendallville and Skinner lake in Albion.

This is a view across Witmer lake

5 minutes from Mirror Lake B&B into LaGrange county you will find many lakes, parks and campgrounds.

Messick, Dallas, Hackenburg, Wesler and Witmer all connect, some of these lakes are only fishing, some have 1-4 skiing only and some are all day water fun. Coody Brown's is a restaurant and bar located across the road from the public boat access at Wesler lake.

Public access at Wesler lake

I took this picture sitting on the bridge at Loggin's Landing the bottom picture is Messick lake and has access to Indian Lakes Campgrounds, the top picture is the channel going into Dallas lake once you get into this lake it's a big nice skiing lake.

Atwood lake (not

pictured) has a public beach area and has a large campground too, but does not connect to the other 5 lakes.

5 more miles away are Emma, Oliver, Martin, Olen lakes and many more. Within minutes we have Delt Church Park and Rogers Park they have small rivers that run through them and connects to many of these lakes. While still in Lagrange county although 20 minutes away we also have a small town called Mongo with many acres of conservation land. Caneoing, fishing, hunting and camping can be enjoyed by many.

Come enjoy the things Northern Indiana has to offer lakes of all kinds, campgrounds and parks. Although we are blessed to have all this around us we are MORE then happy to come back to a quiet and peaceful place to relax and watch a beautiful sunset here at the private MIRROR LAKE B&B. Summer will be here before we know it!!

Santa comes to Mirror Lake on Christmas Eve.

2008-12-29T16:30:00.000-08:00

Santa had just a few minutes to stop in here at Mirror Lake and visit the kids. Of course he had a bag full of toys too. Santa talked to each one of the kids encouraging them to be good and reminded them that there are a lot of children that have very little. But how nice of Santa took a minute and get his picture taken with a lot of the kids.

The ground was covered with frozen snow and the roads covered with ice this did make travel more dangerous, but everyone made it okay. Jed and I were again please to host my family for Christmas. Our tree somehow turned out smaller than normal this year, but when you add 70 people, lots of Christmas packages and all the Christmas decorations the house gets small pretty fast. We all enjoyed a great holiday.

The kids stay with Uncle Jed & Aunt Kathy at Mirror Lake and visit the Dairy farm.

2008-12-16T08:46:00.000-08:00

After chores we took the kids to the Wind Mill Museum to see Santa and the beautiful display of Christmas lights and warm hot chocolate too. We then headed off to see George's working elves, some are painting, sweeping, blowing bubbles, wrapping gifts, sanding, you name it they are working to get things ready for CHRISTMAS.

After watching the cows getting milked in the milking parlor Uncle Jed tell Mitchell and Adar all about feeding the baby calves. The calves are little but sure looked big to the kids when they were feeding them.

After ALL that hard work in the barn the kids make angels in the snow. The cows in the background are thinking "What are they doing"?

As Jed colors with the kids he starts to tell a story, I don't know what he's telling them but they sure are listening.

Thanksgiving - A Day To Give THANKS!!

2008-12-02T05:52:00.000-08:00

What a day to be grateful for, Jed and I again this year hosted my family for Thanksgiving. A few family members were out of town so we celebrated with about 66 people. Garrett our miracle baby and mom Angie were so excited to be here because last year they spent 4 months at St. Vincent's hospital. Mom (Kate) and Aunt Phyllis share the joy as well.

This is the main food and dessert tables. Tyler, Chris, Chelsea, Ashley, Cody and Joel enjoy visit in the kitchen while they wait for dinner to start.

Other family members visit in the gathering room, everyone brings food to eat and we all eat to much. After dinner there's lots of conversation and many of us play games. The ages range from 1 year to 84. I love my family and we're glad to share our home on all the holidays!!!!!

Opening Weekend of Deer Season with a gun.

2008-11-18T12:10:00.000-08:00

The hunters were ready and fired up to go - November 15 was opening day for hunting deer (with a gun.) Northern Indiana brought deer season in just like last year cold, wet, windy & rainy. But our two hunters that stayed here at Mirror lake B&B were up and out to hunt the 18 acre woods. Along with Dan and Nate (friends of ours) that hunt the other wods. Opening morning Dan claims he saw many but waited and then took a 9 point buck, Nate wasn't so lucky all weekend. Mark and Cody saw deer, but not the big buck they were looking for. It did stop raining and the winds calmed down some for the hunters on Saturday night which made it alittle better when Mark got his doe. Sunday brought cold temperatures and alittle snow but it didn't keep the hunters away. I have added the pictures below it may be more then some want to view, view carefully!!

Mirror Lake Craft and Holiday Sale November 8, 2008

2008-11-18T10:37:00.000-08:00

The antique sleigh and sled has been decorated with Sweet Annie, Winter Berry, Yarrow, Artemesia Colored Static, Bittersweet and or Hydrangeas blooms. All grown, harvested, dried and arranged by Kathy here at Mirror Lake.

We were so busy we all forgot to take pictures, so these are a few pictures of my things I took before the sale even was set up.

November 8th Mirror lake Crafter's had their 3rd Holiday Craft Sale. I could not believe how busy we were, many of the 8 crafter's are farm wives, but not all. Steve enjoys making hardwood shelves and step stools. Christy & I enjoy the more primitive crafting, Karla is ALL into the Aromatherapy and Essential oils, Rhonda likes that home made Pepper Jelly, Chris is HOT into those spice mixes & Cindy's cookin' those candles in the kitchen. We all had a good day of sales and a good day of visiting too. We plan to have our craft sale next year too looking like November 7th.

Combining beans at Mirror Lake

2008-10-25T10:15:00.000-07:00

Today is kinda cold and damp not enjoyable fall like weather, so I thought I'd leave a post. Mid October "Big Boss Jed" combines the beans here at Mirror lake. Yields are not what the farmers were hoping for; but with the lack of rain (when it was needed) low yields were expected. With yields low you try to get as much as you can even if it means sometimes you get to close to the wet ground and oh well even the best gets stuck. Jed climbs out of the combine to see how badly he stuck!! Milk-in Jim is called to duty with another John Deere tractor our 4 wheel drive tractor is in the repair shop. If this tractor can't do it we'll have to call a wrecker. Just a minor set back but off he goes to finish many acres of beans here at Mirror lake. "Big Boss Jed" has finished the beans now Milk-In Jim gets to take so time out of the milk house and he picks the corn.

America The Beautiful

2008-10-16T07:08:00.000-07:00

He must have known what he was writing about, oh how beautiful and cheery to see all the fall colors. I tried all day Tuesday to get this video on and could not get it. But today if finally worked for me, today is my birthday and I guess things are going my way (so far). Enjoy the fall video.

A Wonderful Fall Day In October In Indiana

2008-10-14T09:50:00.000-07:00

It is October 14, 2008 a bit cloudy but a 68 degrees on a wonderful fall day here in Indiana. The leaves have really started to turn colors this last week. I hope the rain doesn't come and wash them all away, it's days like this that a walk in the woods is so relaxing. Enjoy the fall!!!

Deer Hunting - Season soon to open!! November 15

2008-10-12T08:35:00.000-07:00

This is a sign of deer damage they can do this in no time to ALL the outside rows and more, that doesn't leave much corn on the cob!!!

Please remember everything is great in the right numbers. I love watching the deer, rabbits, and geese, but to farmer's and gardener's they are a pain- to put in plain and simple. They can eat and destroy your gardens and crops in no time. After regulated hunting seasons many people put meat in their freezers to feed their families. They have been hunting for hundreds of years and the animals rebuild for the next year season and there always seems to be plenty of them. I was riding my horse Tuesday evening and the weather was just beautiful. Of coarse I did not have my camera with me, but I saw 9 does and 4 bucks (6 pointers or so). The 4 bucks were all traveling together, the does were in about 4 different places. I was so excited and I don't even hunt. So Thursday night I went prepared to take pictures and of coarse I did not see one deer, oh well. I'll try next time! Hunters stay at Mirror Lake B&B and pay to hunt our 18 acre woods, they bring their own stands and normally scout the area for deer prier to their hunting weekend.
P.S. I should add we do have some family members and friends that hunt woods on our farm as well.

Kendallville Celebrates the Apple Festival

2008-10-05T15:11:00.000-07:00

This is one of the largest weekend draws to Noble County, it is always the first weekend in October. If you enjoy old time cook in', antiques, primitives, war re-enactments, crafts, barber shop quartet, or the "Rise A Ruck Us" this is the place for you!!!
Come and visit it's always the first weekend in October, stay at Mirror Lake B&B and relax after your busy day in town.

Our Girls Fall Trail Ride

2008-09-28T17:49:00.000-07:00

We have the "cowgirl role call" before we leave Karen, Cindy,Rhonda, Paula, Debbie, Dawn, Cowgirl Kathy & Annette.

This is our 4th year for this fall trail ride a girls weekend away without our men, right here in Noble County. But thank goodness for Kind Hearted Kenny (Deb's husband) he seems to help us out each year. We had great weather it was a beautiful fall weekend. And we had so much fun, but we did have a few things we could have done without. We ride our horses close to a practice Moto-cross track and that day a rider had an accident and hit a tree. He needed to be taken to the hospital by helicoptor, and it landed in the pasture right by us. We also had 2 of our awnings break on one side and blow over our trailers. Thanks goodness the horses were tired after a 3 hour ride so thay all took it okay. Check out the pictures

2008-09-13T08:31:00.000-07:00

That ragged old flag...

God Bless America - I'm Proud

2008-09-13T07:11:00.000-07:00

We have so many things in this country that we so often take for granted. We have good roads to travel on. Beautiful parks for our children to play in and for us to relax at. We all need to take time to enjoy our beautiful country. REMEMBER freedom isn't free!!!

Chopping Corn For The Silo

2008-09-02T07:23:00.000-07:00

We haven't had rain here now for many weeks. The pastures and green grass is all dry, it is now time to start chopping corn for silage so the cattle have something to eat. This is all done along with all the other farm chores.

Got it going!!

2008-08-30T07:07:00.000-07:00

Now that we have got the blog up and going I'll let you know my plans. I will try to update each week the new things that are happening here at Mirror Lake or farming adventures at Hog Back Hill.
We are filling silos and bags with corn silage and will be harveting crops, fall with its beautiful colors will soon be here.

starting this blog

2008-08-29T20:26:00.000-07:00

whew... how did i get here?? and i hope someone can find me!!!!! Deb my friend and i have been working on this for hours...