tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68571460288244563422024-03-12T23:09:35.229-04:00An Anglo in QuébecDonna@anangloinquébechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03074337849133414753noreply@blogger.comBlogger497125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6857146028824456342.post-90437230441456525272017-12-12T23:45:00.003-05:002017-12-12T23:45:56.585-05:00Christmas 2017 Reflections<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another holiday season is upon us and I find myself uttering the same old cliché</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.... <span style="font-size: medium;"><i>where did the year go!</i></span></span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">Well, this past year was a special year.<br />I spent the winter communicating with my daughter through Skype,<br />feeling a great sense of pride at her positive spirit,<br /> off and on worry for her safety and utter awe at her capacity to care and cope with all that comes from living in a country so unlike her own.</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At the beginning of this year I had already fully embraced my new reality as</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">a full time business woman and loving all the challenges that have come with this new life.. the excitement and the disappointment followed by the heightened drive to make this all work.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After all, my daughter made the leap upon her return to join me in our adventure!</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also enjoyed following my son on his adventures in western Canada as he skied the Rocky Mountains while working slope side. We treasured the phone calls when he was out of the mountains and in range of a satellite tower. </span>His sense of adventure reminded me of my own travels in Europe at that same age and the hard decisions that you feel compelled to make when you realize that it is time to move on.</span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And yet with all the <span style="font-size: large;">sameness</span> that sometimes comes with yet another holiday season, I am so grateful for the reflections of this year</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and more importantly I am grateful that</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2017 will be the holiday where our circle closed again </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">where our family all came home to unite as one.</span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">Oh 2018...</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"> you have a hard act to follow.</span></h4>
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</script></div>Donna@anangloinquébechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03074337849133414753noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6857146028824456342.post-82695202193370696522017-09-14T12:26:00.002-04:002017-12-13T00:01:08.381-05:00Start Up <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Well, I cannot even attempt to explain my absence from this blog.<br />
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As, all I can say is....Start UP.</div>
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Those of you know what that means will fully understand </div>
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and those that do not, well, just know that a Start Up means a lot of time, risk and a lot more time.</div>
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But, then that is every small business...right?</div>
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So, of course my love of design has helped smooth over some of the rough patches.</div>
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We have set up a small office for our content team here in Quebec city so that they can get out of their home offices and have some social integrated into their work life.</div>
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The Caserne 5, which was an old firehall in the Limoilou neighbourhood is being renovated into a community office space with shared kitchen and lounge areas.</div>
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Our office has been slowly taking shape over the past week while the sound of construction continues outside our door.</div>
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Yep, we just could not wait.</div>
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So, this gives you an idea of what we started with and the layout of the community-style office building.</div>
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The goal has been to maintain a budget and go second hand with furnishings.</div>
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We have really lucked out on that end.</div>
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A yard sale this summer allowed us to buy the showcase piece for our space which is this French</div>
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armoire. Great storage!</div>
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We kept the space open concept even though they offered to divide it into two rooms.</div>
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One end is the working computer end where we will have 4 computer stations.</div>
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The middle is a brainstorming area and work station.</div>
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As you can see it is already heavily used for book-keeping on this particular day.</div>
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And the other end is the end with the "napping couch", although no napping has taken place at this point.</div>
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We picked up these chairs on kijiji (craigslist in Québec) for 25$ each.</div>
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Slip-covering was our solution for these chairs as reupholstering is not in our present budget.</div>
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The two metal stools next to the table were 10$ on kijiji.</div>
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The polished cement floors are beautiful and we are still debating the addition of a jute or sisal rug in this area.</div>
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Part of me does not want to cover it up and the other part likes the idea of a little "warmth" that it might add.</div>
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Our goal is to maintain a bit of old with a bit of new.</div>
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So far, it is feeling like a great creative space to work from.</div>
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The natural light is amazing!</div>
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So, krispii Québec office is coming along.</div>
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Let the creative juices flow.</div>
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<a href="https://krispii.com/">https://krispii.com</a></div>
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I remember years ago reading about the importance of a blog post title...<br />
Well, obviously I did not pay much attention<br />
to what I read.<br />
But then again I never did pay much attention to<br />
the <i>rules</i> of blogging.<br />
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So, please do excuse me if<br />
yet once again my title is confusing, <br />
but I am in that mood of...<br />
well,<br />
that mood of...<br />
<i>here we go again.</i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summer of 2015</td></tr>
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You see weather in Canada,<br />
well especially Quebec city,<br />
plays a significant role in dictating<br />
when you do anything in regards to outdoor life.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summer of 2014</td></tr>
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We started off this month with snow falling off and on<br />
and then more recently we have been bathed in beautiful summer-like conditions. <br />
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And, of course, I am quick to embrace all that comes with that.<br />
All of a sudden,<br />
it means getting up and throwing open the french doors <br />
to welcome the breeze from both the front and the back of our home.<br />
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Windows are opened up to their fullest<br />
and the sound of birds and peepers in the pond<br />
become music to my ears.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-asD8lHfkUp4/V0brMocJNnI/AAAAAAAAIw8/lYruKb_de64fqWYgUHdO7tJvb35aQcJkQCLcB/s1600/blogpost.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="466" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-asD8lHfkUp4/V0brMocJNnI/AAAAAAAAIw8/lYruKb_de64fqWYgUHdO7tJvb35aQcJkQCLcB/s640/blogpost.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring 2016</td></tr>
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I will try hard not to write in metaphors here,<br />
but I used to always compare the sense of excitement and joy<br />
that washes over me at this time of year...<br />
to..<br />
well, you guessed it,<br />
the butterfly coming out of its cocoon.<br />
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But the thing is the cocoon,<br />
or<br />
whatever is transforming within that cocoon,<br />
possibly a bit of a green yucky-ness ;), not sure... <br />
but it<br />
becomes a butterfly<br />
and then,<br />
<b><i>that is it.</i></b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring 2016</td></tr>
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<br />
But, we keep doing this seasonal transformation<br />
over and over again.<br />
<br />
You see,as you consider<br />
the Here We Go AGain<br />
part of all this...<br />
<br />
Every season, <br />
you start to wonder how to change your colours,<br />
shake it up a bit,<br />
not repeat the same patterns<br />
make it all more interesting.<br />
<br />
Add in a few more element to make life outdoors<br />
more enjoyable<br />
and to really benefit from the warm weather<br />
because you know it is not for long.<br />
<br />
So...<br />
here I am pretending like I am doing this all for the first time,<br />
assessing our stock and how to arrange things.<br />
<br />
And yet my one thought is<br />
as I attempt to <i><b> </b></i><br />
<i><b>do</b></i> this all over again...<br />
well,<br />
actually <br />
as boring as it feels<br />
it is....<br />
<br />
<i><b>stick to what works.</b></i><br />
<i><b>So, without further ado I am going to be tweeking 2015...</b></i><br />
<i><b> </b></i><br />
<i><b>So here we go again. </b></i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
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</script></div>Donna@anangloinquébechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03074337849133414753noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6857146028824456342.post-90154912864419653232016-03-03T10:45:00.001-05:002016-03-03T14:12:13.313-05:00Thoughts for today...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">I have written about this before,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">but it has become somewhat of a preoccupation for us.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">And maybe as I get older and start to feel the gap closing </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">between my own age (mid-fifty) </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">and our more senior loved ones</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">I start to think about it from the perspective...</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">if this was me, what choices would I <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">have made</span>?</span></i></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WgXnpQE_nx0/VthLk240WFI/AAAAAAAAIuI/7D-gdmp6dWw/s1600/1980%2B-%2BGreta%2BMcGillivray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WgXnpQE_nx0/VthLk240WFI/AAAAAAAAIuI/7D-gdmp6dWw/s400/1980%2B-%2BGreta%2BMcGillivray.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I wrote in a post that seems so long ago now,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">about these two women in our lives,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">step-mother-in-law and mother-in-law</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">that are living with dementia.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Living with dementia....what does that mean.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Well, one of them seems to be living with it better</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">than the other</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">but it is what it is.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A return to child-like behaviours in one case</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">and trapped in a body and mind in the other.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What strikes me most is the recognition that we sometimes </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">don't have <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">the opp<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ortunity</span></span> to make any choice at all.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Although in looking back, the signs were there.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Repeated stories... </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">on loop we would say.... </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Greta,</i> (<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">us smiling</span>)<i> you already told us that story today.</i></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But we never really minded and we all recognized that these were storie<i>s of her life.</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We<i> </i>just didn't realize that perhaps</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">what she was feeling </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">was a tenuous hold on that life, those memories, her story.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Maybe she was not telling those stories for us at all.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The scrabble board has been pushed to the side now.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Last year, her pattern was constant.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sit in the kitchen nook.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Arrange letters on the board, </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">some recognizable words popped up, </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">but gradually they became <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">a random string of letters</span>. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We would clear the board when she left the room</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">because a completed board</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">caused her worry as she had nothing left to do there.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">n empty </span>board meant she had to get busy and fill it in.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now though, not so much.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Car rides are at the top of the list right now.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">She will sit in the front living room looking out the large windows </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">in anticipation of someone coming into the driveway.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At least that is what I believe.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">She loves to get in the car</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">and then silence.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vPiMFS2CsYc/VthZyhx_foI/AAAAAAAAIuk/f3wP-IZGJZQ/s1600/IMG_7557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vPiMFS2CsYc/VthZyhx_foI/AAAAAAAAIuk/f3wP-IZGJZQ/s400/IMG_7557.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">She may count signs that she sees</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">or conjur up a comment that seems to float in from somewhere.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We respond favorably and attempt to move that into a full discussion</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">but the fragment of an idea</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">was just that..... a fragment.</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My father-in-law uses the analogy that dementia</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">is like fog rolling<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> out</span> and <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">coming back in</span>.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yes, he lives on the edge of water so that fits perfectly for him</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">and I grew up there so I can fully understand why he says that.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are times when everything seems so clear </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">and coherent </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">and we were all wrong,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">she is really not that bad,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">we gather for family dinner parties,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">she sports her favourite red hat, </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">she laughs and s<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">miles</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">and admires the sparkly chandelier </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">that she appears to <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">be seeing</span> for the first time. </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R9QM-MZQtQk/VthNqgjDUhI/AAAAAAAAIuU/mDPyCKp1tKQ/s1600/gretaadmiringchandelier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R9QM-MZQtQk/VthNqgjDUhI/AAAAAAAAIuU/mDPyCKp1tKQ/s400/gretaadmiringchandelier.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">but then....</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">the fog rolls in again, </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">clarity disappears and a certain dullness takes over.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And it feels grim.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Really grim.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And then I am back to wondering what I will do in planning my own future.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What lies ahead for me and my own children?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And I wonder why we don't talk about it with our children</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">and provide them with the answers now </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">so they don't search for them later.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It seems that dementia makes people uncomfortable.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I took her to a small bakery for lunch one day,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">fingers crossed that she would welcome this change</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">and at first it seemed okay </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">but it quickly </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">was not.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Nothing was quite right,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">she took no pleasure in the smells.... I know that is a documented element of dementia</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">but what struck me most were the stares.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The sort of <i> </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>how can we enjoy our meal<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">-</span>now<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">-</span>stares</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yes, she was restless</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yes, she was somewhat dramatic in how she ate her sandwich </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">avoiding the crusts<i>.</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But this was her community</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And once upon a time they were proud that she was who she was</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A strong advocate for environmental change</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A member of the hall of fame</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A member of the Canadian ski team</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A mother to 7 children</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">and yet...</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ufmc0RXvwn8/VthKMDXjORI/AAAAAAAAIt8/ZSHpx9UDy2Q/s1600/gretaskier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ufmc0RXvwn8/VthKMDXjORI/AAAAAAAAIt8/ZSHpx9UDy2Q/s640/gretaskier.jpg" width="481" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Well, that doesn't seem to count anymore.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And perhaps that is just part of the whole aging "thing".</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Maybe I am supposed to just accept that.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is after all a new world right?</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Social media... </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">young people </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">and</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">people my own age</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">are suffering from FOMO (fear of missing out) </span> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">and really that seems to be debilitating.... doesn't it? Isn't it?</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I see that right before my own eyes,</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">friends with phones dinging with banal messages of </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">hello,</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">where are you,</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">what ya doin?....</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I am not the first to write about this</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">nor will I be the last...</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I hope.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">But, I think we need to discuss this,</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">openly,</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">honestly</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">and with care and concern for those people out there taking care of</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">someone with dementia.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Just the other day,</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I noticed a thought that I was struggling to hold on to, </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">a memory</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">that lingered on the periphery of my thinking</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">as if taunting me,</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">demonstrating to me</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">what it would be like if I was unable to concentrate long enough</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">to bring it into focus.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I did,</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">but that small bleep in time</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">felt very telling.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It led me here,</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">to this page.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Not sure what any of that means</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">but I do know this,</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">moving forward I walk with passion </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">and with an understanding </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">that<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span>this is it, </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">right now and right here....</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As it has always been...the future is one big unknown.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-myyfqc11S48/Vthaa80M_JI/AAAAAAAAIvU/dwalaoX7b6o/s1600/IMG_7588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-myyfqc11S48/Vthaa80M_JI/AAAAAAAAIvU/dwalaoX7b6o/s400/IMG_7588.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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</script></div>Donna@anangloinquébechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03074337849133414753noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6857146028824456342.post-76131825385225240922015-12-16T09:06:00.002-05:002015-12-26T20:40:41.396-05:00Christmas Memories<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qrOYWqraWes/VnFqnl6XF7I/AAAAAAAAItE/if9wQ_6Te1s/s1600/urns%2Bin%2Bsnow%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="482" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qrOYWqraWes/VnFqnl6XF7I/AAAAAAAAItE/if9wQ_6Te1s/s640/urns%2Bin%2Bsnow%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I seem to have dug myself<br />
into a hole<br />
that I quite like.<br />
That sounds contradictory .... I know. <br />
<br />
But for the last few years I have been very predictable<br />
when it comes to my decorating choices<br />
for the Christmas holidays.<br />
<br />
I seem to be constantly drawn to the <b><i>au naturel</i></b> theme<br />
using branches and bulbs <br />
around our home.<br />
<br />
And <br />
It seems to be catching on with another<br />
member of our family. ;)<br />
<br />
She has her own apartment in the city now<br />
close to school and work<br />
which means she gets to create her own space<br />
with personal touches<br />
and I get to ....well.....participate. ;)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-99FCaw-pTNk/VmXK3Tk-7eI/AAAAAAAAIrk/TT0GdWzzq9k/s1600/sarahxmas1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-99FCaw-pTNk/VmXK3Tk-7eI/AAAAAAAAIrk/TT0GdWzzq9k/s640/sarahxmas1.jpg" width="387" /></a></div>
<br />
There is something about the smell of fresh flowers<br />
and greenery<br />
that add a special touch to the holiday season.<br />
<br />
I don't remember growing up with a lot of bulbs,<br />
I do remember my mom receiving flowers at this time of year<br />
from friends and staff members.<br />
<br />
But every year I find myself<br />
growing a small crop of bulbs<br />
in the spare bedroom<br />
ready to fill in for ones that are on their last blooms.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TNzayaxkPc0/VId63LfKIbI/AAAAAAAAINg/dXW9Fw1qeeo/s1600/diningroomkitchenview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TNzayaxkPc0/VId63LfKIbI/AAAAAAAAINg/dXW9Fw1qeeo/s400/diningroomkitchenview.jpg" width="400" /><span id="goog_1899899245"></span><span id="goog_1899899246"></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u3ZDIZ_KeD0/UPGtoHAiQhI/AAAAAAAAEDE/2KraKKlq8EQ/s1600/Eastlake3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u3ZDIZ_KeD0/UPGtoHAiQhI/AAAAAAAAEDE/2KraKKlq8EQ/s640/Eastlake3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--wPicxHFiIY/VHH6Q5zz4gI/AAAAAAAAICo/PpeyGsQgykQ/s1600/jackdecorating.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--wPicxHFiIY/VHH6Q5zz4gI/AAAAAAAAICo/PpeyGsQgykQ/s640/jackdecorating.jpg" width="572" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sumac branches and pine .....and Jack</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VOWOUrCSFnw/VIXWXkq-pBI/AAAAAAAAILc/tatxD4U_qUo/s1600/xmassantas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VOWOUrCSFnw/VIXWXkq-pBI/AAAAAAAAILc/tatxD4U_qUo/s400/xmassantas.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2mokiVLxCRI/VH84MpZ7u9I/AAAAAAAAIIU/2zhDasDbd3c/s1600/mossreindeer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2mokiVLxCRI/VH84MpZ7u9I/AAAAAAAAIIU/2zhDasDbd3c/s640/mossreindeer.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Moss-covered reindeer</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AGkXTXpVe50/VId2vgMH1fI/AAAAAAAAINQ/3C31unR9O98/s1600/xmasdining.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AGkXTXpVe50/VId2vgMH1fI/AAAAAAAAINQ/3C31unR9O98/s640/xmasdining.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Those are from Christmas past...<br />
but certainly they feel like Christmas present.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MBTvja5Sfs8/Vm9ED8XuiKI/AAAAAAAAIsQ/3dK8wqgAbCQ/s1600/lightwreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MBTvja5Sfs8/Vm9ED8XuiKI/AAAAAAAAIsQ/3dK8wqgAbCQ/s400/lightwreath.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5w0rdBvoCNQ/Vm9GdpliPUI/AAAAAAAAIsc/GcM3Eaww2Wk/s1600/frontdoorurns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5w0rdBvoCNQ/Vm9GdpliPUI/AAAAAAAAIsc/GcM3Eaww2Wk/s400/frontdoorurns.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Urns before lights and snow</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9io8sCHBAwQ/Vm9ZTVFb4jI/AAAAAAAAIss/7V5abC7zk1o/s1600/christmaspresent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9io8sCHBAwQ/Vm9ZTVFb4jI/AAAAAAAAIss/7V5abC7zk1o/s640/christmaspresent.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I have to admit that most of these photos are probably best referred to as au naturel as well.<br />
I have misplaced my camera charger so in the meantime I am using my<br />
somewhat trusty iphone...<br />
somewhat.<br />
<br />
And with my work life taking a new direction<br />
photos are feeling much less staged<br />
and much more rushed....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D0ARsa4UJjg/Vm9Z9n7aXFI/AAAAAAAAIs0/STpMOWDXqaw/s1600/sarahsentry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D0ARsa4UJjg/Vm9Z9n7aXFI/AAAAAAAAIs0/STpMOWDXqaw/s400/sarahsentry.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The front entry of my daughter's apartment<br />
also has a vase filled with fresh cut pine and sumac branches<br />
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
And of course I should show you what she was preparing in the first image.<br />
<br />
My daughter's apartment is what we call a demi-sous sol, </div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
just slightly below groundso this display of natural branches and sumac<br />
is giving her a nice holiday touch<br />
plus a little added privacy.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/-6nfFZpFFr/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A photo posted by Anangloinquebec (@anangloinquebec)</a> on <time datetime="2015-12-05T15:54:26+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Dec 5, 2015 at 7:54am PST</time></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WR-D_-38ViY/VnFs03o85NI/AAAAAAAAItQ/iM1gMOIGGig/s1600/Christmaskitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WR-D_-38ViY/VnFs03o85NI/AAAAAAAAItQ/iM1gMOIGGig/s640/Christmaskitchen.jpg" width="498" /></a></div>
<br />
I will be back before Christmas<br />
to share some images with you that I had promised way back.<br />
<br />
Check out the <b><a href="http://www.bloomnation.com/blog/" target="_blank">BloomNation blog</a></b> for those of you interested in ideas on using flowers in your decorating. This is not a paid post but I do think that natural<br />
decorations are really inspiring for this time of the year....<br />
well anytime actually. <br />
<br />
In the meantime,<br />
enjoy the lead up to the holiday season.....<br />
Joyeux Noël à tous mes amis!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
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</script></div>Donna@anangloinquébechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03074337849133414753noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6857146028824456342.post-72077168330526533722015-10-07T10:11:00.001-04:002015-10-07T10:15:51.097-04:00Thanksgiving Preparations<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Well, Thanksgiving gets a lot of attention in our home<br />
and this year is a biggie.<br />
<br />
Our 21 yr. old son who has been off on an adventure in British Columbia<br />
is flying home for the week!<br />
It has been one year since we have seen him so needless to say.....<br />
uh...<br />
we are a tad excited!!<br />
<br />
And our daughter has now moved back to Quebec to complete a masters degree<br />
at the local university so she is here as well.<br />
It just doesn't get any better. <br />
<br />
So I guess that sort of wraps up all the "thanks" part in regard to our immediate family.<br />
Lots of other points to consider and I promise I will be back for that.<br />
But for now I just want to share with you a few of those<br />
crazy things I seem to do when these large gatherings happen in our home.<br />
<br />
First off,<br />
floors upstairs have been driving me crazy.<br />
Too costly to install new floors rights now<br />
and the old pine floors are too far gone to sand and refinish<br />
soooooo.....<br />
paint.<br />
I finally painted the floors a nice creamy white.<br />
I only completed one bedroom and the hallway but I am really pleased with the results.<br />
<br />
(Camera is still not charged...missing battery and charger for some time now....so low quality photos...sorry and hence the reason I have not finished a post on the magazine spread....coming I promise!!)<br />
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A photo posted by Anangloinquebec (@anangloinquebec) on <time datetime="2015-10-03T18:41:54+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Oct 3, 2015 at 11:41am PDT</time></div>
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<a href="https://instagram.com/p/8f2kQvpFJx/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A photo posted by Anangloinquebec (@anangloinquebec)</a> on <time datetime="2015-10-06T13:23:56+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Oct 6, 2015 at 6:23am PDT</time></div>
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<br />
And the duvet cover that I made last year finally stands out against the creamy background.<br />
It becomes the star of the show as I had always hoped.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DrcgjLHhfpg/VhUYzAQ9_RI/AAAAAAAAIqs/K_x2be-H9OY/s1600/painted%2Bfloors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DrcgjLHhfpg/VhUYzAQ9_RI/AAAAAAAAIqs/K_x2be-H9OY/s640/painted%2Bfloors.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Painting the floors was always something I imagined but could not quite get myself to take the risk and now,<br />
well now I am wondering what the risk was!!<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iVscHkyTCO4/VhUj_WOUVQI/AAAAAAAAIq8/V32a2_tAJeQ/s1600/paintedfloors2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iVscHkyTCO4/VhUj_WOUVQI/AAAAAAAAIq8/V32a2_tAJeQ/s640/paintedfloors2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>You might have noticed that I did not paint the walls.<br />
I am going to live with that for now. <br />
<br />
So that takes care of painting for now, still need to paint the floors of the other two bedrooms<br />
but that will have to wait until after Thanksgiving.<br />
<br />
We have had such a late summer here that even the other night I decided to get in one last taste of our favourite summer chicken.... <br />
<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NECOtUgt52Y/VhUmnWj9TdI/AAAAAAAAIrI/lgeBXTGXFtU/s1600/chickenonrossy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NECOtUgt52Y/VhUmnWj9TdI/AAAAAAAAIrI/lgeBXTGXFtU/s640/chickenonrossy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We picked up this great grilling gadget<br />
this summer<br />
and it has been such a hit for<br />
butterflied chicken.<br />
<br />
This one received a healthy dose of pesto and good....well, beyond good!!<br />
Is that possible?<br />
<br />
Anyway, I will be back with the photo spread once I get my camera figured out.<br />
Just wanted to drop in for a quick visit.<br />
<br />
Take care all.<br />
<br />
<br />
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Well, I love summer<br />
but<br />
I also love fall.<br />
<br />
In preparation for the onset of colder temperatures,<br />
and the onset of our beloved<br />
"cocktail dînatoire"<br />
we decided to change out the very creaky and uncomfortable stools for some director's chairs.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EL7GrzGqPjc/VgFO5hryRKI/AAAAAAAAIqE/8eH70v87tbc/s1600/dineatoire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EL7GrzGqPjc/VgFO5hryRKI/AAAAAAAAIqE/8eH70v87tbc/s640/dineatoire.jpg" width="540" /></a></div>
<div style="padding: 8px;">
A cocktail dînatoire is similar to tapas in Spain or a 5 à 7 here in Québec and a happy hour elsewhere. But it can be a little bit more elaborate than all that and spread out over the course of the evening as a meal would. In the fall and winter I love it.</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
Our problem was that the chairs around the island were not comfortable.<br />
And since we spend a lot of evenings indoors during the colder months<br />
I figured these director chairs would be of good value.<br />
Of course a cocktail dînatoire usually involves somes standing and some sitting..... <br />
<br />
We have to obviously invest in at two more chairs before the cold settles in....<br />
But, I wanted to see how two felt before going for the magic 4.<br />
Verdict.....LOVE it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5jn8rIZX1sY/VgFTzzIl5gI/AAAAAAAAIqU/ieD9UKD2D7s/s1600/cocktaildinatoire2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5jn8rIZX1sY/VgFTzzIl5gI/AAAAAAAAIqU/ieD9UKD2D7s/s640/cocktaildinatoire2.jpg" width="604" /> </a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Oh and did I mention.....COMFY?</div>
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Well, I guess that would be stating the obvious. :)</div>
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<br /></div>
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And, I believe I mentioned some special visitors had passed through here in June?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well, it is official.</div>
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Story is out.</div>
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I will be back with that later on in the week.</div>
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<br /></div>
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In the meantime..... hint?.....why of course.</div>
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Does that fireplace look familiar? </div>
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<br /></div>
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Okay, so is this sort of like cheating?<br />
<br />
Or is it maybe more like mixing friends?<br />
<br />
I
have the sweetest niece on the planet and she has always had this
interesting need to keep particular aspects of her life in different
"compartments".....<br />
One group of friends which signifies one part of her life cannot mix with those from another segment of her world.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mmnxrOAsk_I/VeMhE8Gx1JI/AAAAAAAAIlA/_dkD1W-MeG8/s1600/IMG_0732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mmnxrOAsk_I/VeMhE8Gx1JI/AAAAAAAAIlA/_dkD1W-MeG8/s640/IMG_0732.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Yep, I am the person that invites a lot of different people to the same dinner party with the hope<br />
that they will all get along....<br />
Mixing people is not always easy.<br />
Usually after one dinner party with new guests invited you start to sort out the best mix.<br />
But....you have to keep it interesting and you have to keep trying. <br />
<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LexFMClEIbw/VeMhEzfnQ6I/AAAAAAAAIkw/059RgE4oGyM/s1600/IMG_0733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LexFMClEIbw/VeMhEzfnQ6I/AAAAAAAAIkw/059RgE4oGyM/s640/IMG_0733.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Maybe I should be following her rules and keep Instagram in a totally different "zone".<br />
But, I just had to share some of the pics I have been posting there<br />
that are integral to my summer wrap-up mood.<br />
<br />
Oh and not all of this is on my Instagram account.<br />
It just seems that I am loving the ease of posting on Instagram these days<br />
and the quick access to great images from the people that I follow.<br />
<br />
As of late, I usually get up early, grab a coffee and sit out here in the early morning light and<br />
tap into Instagram before settling into work.<br />
<br />
<br />
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</div>
So, here are a few random shots....<br />
<br />
Lobster rolls from the Panache Mobile on Ïle d'Orléans....<br />
Trufle mayonaise with the fries of course and a healthy dose of avacado to top off the lobster roll.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3t06A_veW-c/VeMhFy06PTI/AAAAAAAAIlI/X16XPZT6ZdU/s1600/IMG_5132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3t06A_veW-c/VeMhFy06PTI/AAAAAAAAIlI/X16XPZT6ZdU/s640/IMG_5132.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Québec city is a great town for walking your dog<br />
and it always seems that local restaurants understand the need to consider 4 legged friends.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g6FNRtSvfFE/VeMqRHnw_OI/AAAAAAAAImY/SroSR7XRQuE/s1600/Instagram6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g6FNRtSvfFE/VeMqRHnw_OI/AAAAAAAAImY/SroSR7XRQuE/s400/Instagram6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
Still need to deal with the collections from the sea...<br />
<br />
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<br />
But, sweet summer is certainly feeling like it is winding down...<br />
and I cannot complain.<br />
2015 has been a great summer for us! <br />
<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dWZ6AaOTGRM/VeMq_uwqRpI/AAAAAAAAImg/vLgMt-3R174/s1600/Instagram5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dWZ6AaOTGRM/VeMq_uwqRpI/AAAAAAAAImg/vLgMt-3R174/s400/Instagram5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I am starting to turn my sights indoors to possible projects.<br />
There is one particular change that I want to make in our kitchen. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.styleathome.com/homes/interiors/interior-rustic-elegance/a/36830/4" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.styleathome.com/homes/interiors/interior-rustic-elegance/a/36830/4" border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Aw33Bi-vJiY/VeMu1v8tf-I/AAAAAAAAIms/56uhGJLeMLk/s640/styleathome.jpg" width="496" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Style at Home- click image to go to site</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I am on the hunt for directors chairs for our kitchen island.<br />
We spend a great deal of time at the island<br />
during the fall and winter months.<br />
It ends up being the best spot for a <i><span style="font-size: large;">cocktail dînatoire.</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">And for us</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">that becomes the best dining option after a day of skiing or snowshoeing.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">So...</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">welcome September.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cannot wait to see what you have in store!!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">See you back here or on Instagram!! </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><i><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So, I do understand that summer is not yet over....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">even though a visit to Costco yesterday</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">had me lose my grip on the shopping cart.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Christmas trees were mingling with Halloween costumes which were concealing the kayaks.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Snack-size candy bars for trick or treaters were sharing shelf space </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">with gold and silver ornaments </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">that were only one aisle away from the remaining BBQ tools, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">flotation devices</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">and outdoor tables and chairs. </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zc_WLo84hdA/VdNkJgaG27I/AAAAAAAAIi4/z2cPCz0Fpew/s1600/sunsetpoint1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zc_WLo84hdA/VdNkJgaG27I/AAAAAAAAIi4/z2cPCz0Fpew/s640/sunsetpoint1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Early July on the edge of Georgian Bay</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It had me all "confussed" and frustrated.<br />
I mean seriously...what is that all about??<br />
<br />
Ignoring that merchandising nightmare,<br />
I always have this sense of August as being a time to review our efforts to enjoy the wonders of summer and consider what still needs to be lived, tasted and experienced.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GrDb4OPlY8o/VdNkI5OVDkI/AAAAAAAAIi8/-sD7Bd_53eY/s1600/alfrescodining.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GrDb4OPlY8o/VdNkI5OVDkI/AAAAAAAAIi8/-sD7Bd_53eY/s640/alfrescodining.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Alfresco dining in a beautiful backyard in Thornbury on the edge of Georgian Bay</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">August also brings on a tiny sense of panic </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">as I see the maple tree on our neighbour's property </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">starting to show hints of red....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">That tree would be in serious trouble if it lived here.</span></i></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vTbGuWZp3nU/VdNkI9hQ46I/AAAAAAAAIi0/T4kqUQZ2CJE/s1600/molsonhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="534" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vTbGuWZp3nU/VdNkI9hQ46I/AAAAAAAAIi0/T4kqUQZ2CJE/s640/molsonhouse.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Summer Rental in Tadoussac</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">But then I gather up my thoughts about where we have been,</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">the people we were with</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">and the fun times we had.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">The summer began with family on Georgian Bay.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Going "home" always provides me with a new sense of balance.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dinner parties, swimming in the bay and early morning walks with the dogs</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">quickly become the established routine.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Follow that up with a 3 week stay in beautiful Tadoussac.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sqntbmsOaPk/VdNkI6rHFNI/AAAAAAAAIjA/VGvrOedn3AI/s1600/molsonhouse2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sqntbmsOaPk/VdNkI6rHFNI/AAAAAAAAIjA/VGvrOedn3AI/s640/molsonhouse2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Barns in our backyard in Tadoussac and lake just beyond</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wOO6N2jC1E8/UYcWPiKpptI/AAAAAAAAE5A/0Q4zPpE61Xc/s1600/tadcrossing2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wOO6N2jC1E8/UYcWPiKpptI/AAAAAAAAE5A/0Q4zPpE61Xc/s640/tadcrossing2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ferry crossing to Tadoussac</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--qSdw7FiAK0/UYcWIWaD6AI/AAAAAAAAE44/oispDO6tCEA/s1600/tadcrossing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--qSdw7FiAK0/UYcWIWaD6AI/AAAAAAAAE44/oispDO6tCEA/s640/tadcrossing.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mouth of the Saguenay River</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">And, the best part of all...</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">the most unique wedding I have ever attended.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-STnw8Iot0NA/VdNtX9DdtlI/AAAAAAAAIjQ/ht5uSSGZjkY/s1600/cookout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="620" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-STnw8Iot0NA/VdNtX9DdtlI/AAAAAAAAIjQ/ht5uSSGZjkY/s640/cookout.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pre-wedding cookout</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L9JnAeLvnok/VdNtY1Ns9cI/AAAAAAAAIj0/Z-i_npaHQ1U/s1600/portaupersil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L9JnAeLvnok/VdNtY1Ns9cI/AAAAAAAAIj0/Z-i_npaHQ1U/s640/portaupersil.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Chapel at Port au Persil</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LJiHSJ7yTS4/VdNtZcTNWYI/AAAAAAAAIj8/oHphzKvURuQ/s1600/weddingtable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LJiHSJ7yTS4/VdNtZcTNWYI/AAAAAAAAIj8/oHphzKvURuQ/s640/weddingtable.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Each table set with a different antique place setting</span>. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h9bOCnNQTsk/VdNtZMLhl4I/AAAAAAAAIkA/DTGa7UGW-zY/s1600/weddingdessert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h9bOCnNQTsk/VdNtZMLhl4I/AAAAAAAAIkA/DTGa7UGW-zY/s320/weddingdessert.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Individual desserts for the wedding guests served on their table's china setting</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QeThtY2biKo/VdNwurTt0HI/AAAAAAAAIkE/2728c8sXtVM/s1600/Parker%2Band%2BLois.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QeThtY2biKo/VdNwurTt0HI/AAAAAAAAIkE/2728c8sXtVM/s640/Parker%2Band%2BLois.jpg" width="370" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And of course the beautiful couple.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So.... what's left to do?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Perhaps a few more trips to ïle d'orléans..... a day with friends at Lac Sergent..... some family bbq's....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Oh, but I have a little surprise for you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I don't usually mix my business with my blog but....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We were busy working during one of our weeks in Tadoussac and we posted a video trailer of a project that we are going to be providing through our classroom management platform.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The project will be part of our integrated content library.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In the meantime, here is a link.... <a href="http://krispii.com/" target="_blank">krispii.com</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Enjoy the rest of your summer.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
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This is how it goes down in our home.<br />
<br />
Somebody is coming for dinner,<br />
for a visit,<br />
or for some reason or another....<br />
The point is they are coming "chez nous"...<br />
which means<br />
call out the broom, the vacuum, the cleaning agents, you name it,<br />
there is work to be done.<br />
<br />
It is a certain type of panic that washes over me.<br />
All those little jobs that I have been meaning to do move to the top of a rather long and daunting list.<br />
<br />
I become obsessed with the "must-do list'.<br />
The problem is that the "must-do list" did not officially exist until now...<br />
well, other than a random fleeting idea of some design detail I might want to add or adjust in our home.... <b>but you know,</b><br />
in the future,<br />
down the road,<br />
on a rainy day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
I lose control of my ability to reason and be logical, it is like there is this whistle blowing in my head and it all has to get done....NOW.<br />
<br />
We joke around here about the dinner party clean-up before and after.<br />
The, "<i>why did we bother getting so obsessed about cleaning up as the kitchen is a mess all over again..</i>.." <br />
<br />
I head to the grocery store and stock up on flowers. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3pcIa-7cqiw/VZHNKzjSulI/AAAAAAAAIgM/JSl8ajIt1oM/s1600/miniature%2Broses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3pcIa-7cqiw/VZHNKzjSulI/AAAAAAAAIgM/JSl8ajIt1oM/s640/miniature%2Broses.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hU0xj2pGtWc/VZLA0I1StVI/AAAAAAAAIgk/4Cu9X17DKko/s1600/whiteflowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hU0xj2pGtWc/VZLA0I1StVI/AAAAAAAAIgk/4Cu9X17DKko/s640/whiteflowers.jpg" width="484" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
I find myself in the ditch gathering lupins by the armfull. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1oFf0maOT14/VZLBoKhniMI/AAAAAAAAIg0/PaA3c7owCC0/s1600/lupins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1oFf0maOT14/VZLBoKhniMI/AAAAAAAAIg0/PaA3c7owCC0/s640/lupins.jpg" width="386" /></a></div>
<br />
I haul out the sewing machine to make a new curtain for the washer and dryer<br />
because my favourite yellow and white version is stained and really not camera-worthy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BQyfkb0vsa8/VZHNLJDM9jI/AAAAAAAAIgU/dRrl43zarO4/s1600/brownstripedcurtains.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BQyfkb0vsa8/VZHNLJDM9jI/AAAAAAAAIgU/dRrl43zarO4/s640/brownstripedcurtains.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
And then of course there is always Jack,<br />
he is a big boy and although kind and gentle,<br />
his size can be rather imposing.<br />
<br />
Sometimes Jack heads to the kennel which he loves, lots of dogs, free run of a large country property and usually a rather long play date that requires 3 days of sleep to recuperate.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aMij2c5z45k/VZLHxDKjKuI/AAAAAAAAIhA/xk9TMogZY1w/s1600/jackoutside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aMij2c5z45k/VZLHxDKjKuI/AAAAAAAAIhA/xk9TMogZY1w/s640/jackoutside.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
But not this time.<br />
He was typical Jack, intimidating when our guests arrived but<br />
calm and laid back once he felt properly introduced.<br />
<br />
So, I am being somewhat mysterious I know.<br />
But, I will remind you of this rather cryptic post in about a year.<br />
<br />
Let's just say,<br />
our company was lovely,<br />
creative, interesting and inspirational.<br />
<br />
I saw our home through a different perspective.<br />
<br />
And now, I am hoping to put away my rain boots<br />
and pull out my flip flops!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-huouye84olc/VZLI4kGIbqI/AAAAAAAAIhM/9fnua4hRwTQ/s1600/rainboots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-huouye84olc/VZLI4kGIbqI/AAAAAAAAIhM/9fnua4hRwTQ/s640/rainboots.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
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Well, my mother would say that the polite thing to do is to<br />
simply say sorry.<br />
<br />
I cannot really explain my absence and perhaps it is not a big deal anyway<br />
but life has this way of twisting and turning and well.... <b><span style="font-size: large;">happening.</span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BmoQMuL9_YY/VYYO_LgTMlI/AAAAAAAAIfo/ZfMqx8fkIN4/s1600/lilacs1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BmoQMuL9_YY/VYYO_LgTMlI/AAAAAAAAIfo/ZfMqx8fkIN4/s400/lilacs1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
This is my favourite time of year really.<br />
Everything is coming to life.<br />
It may seem late to some of you but our lilacs just bloomed<br />
and I have been putting them everywhere.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-psbXcSRJh3M/VYYO_FvBKbI/AAAAAAAAIfY/lwTFovy_HFo/s1600/morning%2Blight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-psbXcSRJh3M/VYYO_FvBKbI/AAAAAAAAIfY/lwTFovy_HFo/s640/morning%2Blight.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I have been getting up early in the morning<br />
and enjoying the sunshine that streams through the house<br />
giving this wonderful effect enhance by all the green outdoors.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-78p5tXpw9QU/VYYO-_BbRwI/AAAAAAAAIfU/HEF4n2iWRbY/s1600/jackoncouch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-78p5tXpw9QU/VYYO-_BbRwI/AAAAAAAAIfU/HEF4n2iWRbY/s640/jackoncouch.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Jack seems to be sleeping more these days....and those legs....oh boy, he is so much bigger than we ever expected.<br />
Sort of like having a teenager around again.<br />
<br />
With our kids moving on we are learning to adjust and make decisions about what our future looks like.<br />
The empty nest affair. <br />
<br />
So, with that in mind, I am changing jobs.<br />
An opportunity has come my way and I am going to be spreading my wings.<br />
It is a bit of a risk but I figure the clock is ticking and the time to take risks is now.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Rbc6obUUUo/VYYO_o5xl0I/AAAAAAAAIfs/_wq2_r9jV6A/s1600/nighthouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Rbc6obUUUo/VYYO_o5xl0I/AAAAAAAAIfs/_wq2_r9jV6A/s640/nighthouse.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I realize that I am going to treasure these dinners with our children when they happen<br />
since they are fewer and far between.<br />
Actually enjoy having a mess to clean up after a dinner with my family.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9G-BMjedUvM/VYYO_lw3XfI/AAAAAAAAIfg/doLQ1XYJC7Q/s1600/outdoor%2Bfirepit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9G-BMjedUvM/VYYO_lw3XfI/AAAAAAAAIfg/doLQ1XYJC7Q/s640/outdoor%2Bfirepit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And I am looking forward to some down time this summer outdoors<br />
and the opportunity to get back here now that things are settling down.<br />
<br />
Please excuse the poor quality images but I had posted these via my iPad on my Instagram<br />
and thought it would be nice to share them here too.<br />
<br />
I will be back!<br />
Hope you are all ready for a wonderful summer.<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>
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I know, I am jumping ahead to the end of the trip.<br />
But, it seems that I am missing some photos for Nijar and Alicante.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wUh-o9ruDV8/VTgS3MZzBII/AAAAAAAAIec/NjIltG0DIBM/s1600/nijarcollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wUh-o9ruDV8/VTgS3MZzBII/AAAAAAAAIec/NjIltG0DIBM/s1600/nijarcollage.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Nijar was our pottery location and this is just one example of the the bowls I bought and of course my little rock collection from Nerja.<br />
<br />
Alicante was in our travel itinerary since we were in Spain to visit our daughter who is finishing her university studies in spanish at the local university.<br />
We wanted an opportunity to see where she was living and get a feel for what life is like for her there.<br />
Alicante ended up being a fabulous 3 days for us with great food experiences, a dinner at a restaurant called<span style="font-size: large;"><b> <a href="http://elportaltaberna.com/" target="_blank">El Portal Taberna</a></b></span><br />
which I cannot recommend enough....fabulous place<span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b><span style="font-size: small;">with a great ambience.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
We also had an opportunity to invite a few of her friends over for a dinner that we prepared for them with food from their local market.<br />
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We also dropped our car off here since we did not feel we would need it in Madrid.<br />
From Alicante we took the high-speed train to Madrid at 6 a.m...... a tad early but we wanted all the time we could get in Madrid before flying out on the Monday. <br />
<br />
Somehow we were able to travel first class with a really good deal which was cheaper than economy? Strange, I know but hey we were not complaining when we got our lovely breakfast served with tomato purée and olive oil and nice bread and a spanish omelette and chocolates.... LOVED it.<br />
<br />
So Madrid....well Madrid is spectacular for some many reasons.<br />
First, architecture.<br />
I could not get enough of these shutters....oh I want shutters!! <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Second, fashion.</b></span><br />
Everyone is dressed so well....seriously, I came home and studied the difference and it is definitely obvious that we are somewhat lazy here in North America about fashion.<br />
One of my friends attributed it to our love of yoga wear and sneakers and "comfort".<br />
<br />
Oh, I know my saying that that will raise a few eyebrows but there is a real sense of style on the streets of the Spanish cities that I visited,<br />
from smaller cities to the capital of Madrid.<br />
<br />
Even the children are so carefully put together.<br />
We kept noticing all these children with bows in their hair and colour coordinated outfits.<br />
This was a Saturday in the park when I came across these two children all decked out. <br />
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Third, food.<br />
Of course I am a lover of seafood so that was never a problem for me.<br />
Ham, is perhaps a little more prevalent than I care for but that was not an issue either.<br />
We loved the markets and the fresh assortment of cheeses, fish, meat and veggies.<br />
And we had fun experimenting with the local treats such as.... <b><span style="font-size: large;">Churros with chocolate dipping sauce.</span></b><br />
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We also found a cute restaurant that we loved so much named, <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.bargalleta.com/" target="_blank">Bar Galleta </a></span><br />
We had breakfast there one day and dinner there the next.<br />
Creative use of old book pages in the bathrooms.<br />
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Finally, the markets.<br />
We had lunch our first day in the <span style="font-size: large;"><b>San Anton Market</b></span> which ended up being my preferred market and it was very close to where we were staying in the Chueca neighbourhood.<br />
Our second day we went to the <b><span style="font-size: large;">San Miguel market</span></b> which is much larger and also much more crowded. Actually you need to get to this market really early otherwise it is wall to wall people.<br />
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Our third day we got up and went to the <b><span style="font-size: large;">El Rastro market. </span></b><br />
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I would recommend walking down through the market and then coming back up on the edge of the market so you don't miss all the off beat little stores and as well as the artist alleys and the antique courts etc.<br />
Lots of people by 11 a.m. but 10 o'clock was not too bad for getting around to see all the stalls.<br />
<br />
Madrid felt like a place I could go back to and explore further.<br />
Actually Spain is a place I would love to go back and visit and get to know better.<br />
<br />
On a final note, we were watching a procession of people one day in the streets of Madrid speaking out about some government issue but what struck us was the group of people following at the end of the procession...... <span style="font-size: large;">street cleaners.</span><br />
Every city that we were in had people cleaning the streets... late at night, early in the morning... it was quite something, quite impressive.<br />
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Spain, thank you.<br />
Until the next time.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Day 3, 4 and 5</span></b><br />
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Well, with all signs of jet lag out of the way<br />
and a new found appreciation for the Spanish lifestyle<br />
we packed up the car and headed to Nerja.<br />
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The drive kept us all pretty quiet.<br />
I am sure we were obvious tourists to passing cars, <br />
with all of us so busy wrenching our necks from one side to the other...<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">"oohing and aahing" </span></b><br />
at all the beautiful landscapes that seemed to appear like magic at every turn in the road.<br />
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The road to Nerja is one of mountains,<br />
olive trees as far as the eye can see,<br />
and bridges upon bridges linking up the rugged terrain.<br />
Stunning!<br />
<br />
Nerja, which is apparently a holiday destination for people from a variety of countries <br />
is very much about beach, food and relaxing.<br />
We also quickly realized that the place we had rented on VRBO<br />
was part of a complex that consists probably of vacation-only properties. <br />
And we learned that they rarely rent out for such a short stay<br />
so were not quite prepared for some of the amenities lacking in the apartment.<br />
<br />
But, all part of the road trip travel mentality!!<br />
You just ....figure it out and deal.<br />
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We were so enamoured by our drive from Granada that we did not really put the pedal to the metal<br />
so we arrived towards the end of the afternoon.<br />
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We had already planned on cooking our own meal with some local foods<br />
and enjoying dinner on our large and lovely terrace with a nice bottle of local Spanish red.<br />
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Plus this was our first opportunity to buy up some of those FABULOUS tomatoes...<br />
green and red, somewhat striped and oh sooooo sweet and delicious!!<br />
We had a feast of tomato and zucchini ribbon salad, fresh bread and roasted chicken!<br />
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It was such a nice change to sit under the open sky and eat our lovely meal<br />
sipping some incredibly cheap but delicious Spanish wine.<br />
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The view was appreciated and the solitude was quite nice after our busy few days in Granada.<br />
The weather was not beach-worthy weather but we were okay with that since we were not parked in this location for long and had no intention of handing over our very white Canadian bodies to the spanish sun.<br />
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The walk down to the beach was a short pleasant path through beautiful gardens.<br />
Of course the girls adopted a "leg-up" pose for photos,<br />
something we saw many young girls doing at the Alhambra when posing. :)<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Why not?</b></span><br />
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So, make note of three Canadians walking with sweaters and coats<br />
and the two on the left who were actually Europeans in bathing suits....<br />
hmmm....I had been told that you should not wear sandals unless you want to be spotted as a tourist.<br />
I wonder about the bathing suits?<br />
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Oh, and the beach is a stone beach but the stones are these beautifully polished and worn down stones that are so soft to walk on and incredibly smooth. <br />
Of course I collected a handful to add in to my pottery that I knew I would be buying when we left Nerja. (you will have to wait to see that)<br />
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So, Nerja is home to some famous and amazing caves that were discovered by 5 boys in 1959.<br />
One of those "boys" opened up an open-air restaurant named <b><span style="font-size: large;">Ayo's </span></b>on Burriana Beach<br />
which was located just below us.<br />
His specialty? <b><span style="font-size: large;"> Paella, of course. </span></b><br />
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It was such a fabulous spot to stop for lunch!<br />
We all loved it, cheap and the Spanish version of all you can eat for 6.50 Euros.<br />
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As I mentioned earlier, Nerja is home to spectacular caves.<br />
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I placed an arrow in the far right image so you could get a sense of scale.<br />
That was a person viewing the caves from a higher landing.<br />
In the middle is Andy, happy to step in for a photo "op" given that the girls were getting most of the camera time. :)<br />
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The caverns apparently stretch for approximately 5 kms<br />
and are all basically made up of giant stalactite and stalagmites.<br />
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It is a beautiful testimony to the the statement <i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Nature is the Best Artist.</b></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
We held on to these images as we piled back in the car and buckled up on our way<br />
to Alicante....<br />
We were also looking forward to our planned stop in the small village of <b><span style="font-size: large;">Nijar.</span></b><br />
In Nijar the girls had big plans to purchase some pottery to bring back with us....<br />
Andy was just hoping there would be a good spot to park himself for some serious people watching.<br />
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<b>See you in Nijar!!!</b></div>
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I remember endless slideshows by my mother<br />
of us as children,<br />
family trips,<br />
or places of interest.<br />
<br />
I am sure that if blogging had existed in those days<br />
then she would have been doing just as I am about to do....<br />
share those memories through images.<br />
<br />
So, as promised, here goes.... our trip to Spain arranged by locations.<br />
Everywhere we stayed was either part of the airbnb system or in one location, part of vrbo.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Day 1/2/3: Madrid to Granada by car </span><br />
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Our daughter picked us up at the Madrid airport in a car that she had rented in Alicante where she is studying. My first impression unfortunately was established in the Madrid airport which is a somewhat frustrating location due to a lack of internet and the difficulty in finding somewhere to grab a bite to eat and a much needed coffee. Since she had issues with the car we had a few hours waiting there before her arrival.<br />
BUT.... hey, I can usually shake those things off<br />
and once out of there,<br />
we were happy to get on to the right autoroute heading down to our first stop, GRANADA.<br />
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Our place in Granada was fabulous and perfectly situated.<br />
The tiles in our first home away from home were stunning and different in all areas of the apartment.<br />
I could not get over the detailing and time that would have been given to laying these tiles...beautiful.<br />
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<br />
We walked and walked and walked in this city.<br />
The streets are beautiful, the architecture is stunning<br />
and the people seem to have a <span style="font-size: large;"><b>joie de vivre</b></span><br />
that makes you envious of their lifestyle.<br />
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Since we were there at Easter we enjoyed countless processions every day and evening.<br />
It is very hard to describe this experience.<br />
The music, the dress, the sheer weight of the display being carried by people hidden beneath is somewhat mind boggling.<br />
This was definitely a highlight for all of us.<br />
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<br />
Granada is one of those cities where things are happening all day long.<br />
We spent our days exploring<br />
the narrow streets of the the city<br />
and our nights laughing about our adventures<br />
while drinking wine and eating tapas in our favourite tapas bar.<br />
<br />
Of course, prior to going, we searched out restaurant possibilities<br />
which I strongly recommend you do when traveling on a short trip such as ours.<br />
<br />
The streets are lined with tapas bars and restaurants<br />
so you really need to know what you are looking for.<br />
<br />
If you like to wander then you simply check out what others are eating....<br />
if it looks good<br />
then you just try hard to get a spot.<br />
Don't be surprised if you are standing on most occasions.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eKCAteBWlqA/VS_T_puawPI/AAAAAAAAIaY/6mBMnHStsA8/s1600/Granadatapasbars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eKCAteBWlqA/VS_T_puawPI/AAAAAAAAIaY/6mBMnHStsA8/s1600/Granadatapasbars.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Our favourite find in Granda was <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Taberna La Tana</b></span>....<br />
if you like wine, then this is the place for you.<br />
They take great care in finding the wine that suits your taste.<br />
<br />
There are over 400 wines to choose from and each glass comes with free tapas.<br />
We ate here every night and were lucky to get a place inside as it is very small... two tables and the rest is seating only at the bar.<br />
Many people were sitting outside in the street on the curbs or standing.<br />
The wine was fabulous,<br />
the tapas kept getting better<br />
and we all had plenty of wine and tapas for 10 euros each. <br />
LOVED it!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ClRNUx1Mb8o/VS_UEMF2uTI/AAAAAAAAIag/EZesziW0o5Y/s1600/Granadapost5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ClRNUx1Mb8o/VS_UEMF2uTI/AAAAAAAAIag/EZesziW0o5Y/s1600/Granadapost5.jpg" height="246" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And of course Granada is home to the Alhambra.... breath-taking and spectacular.<br />
We got tickets for the 8 a.m. entrance.<br />
It is so well-planned that you never actually feel like there are too many people walking through the site as the same time as you.<br />
Definitely I would recommend the earliest time as it was quite hot by noon<br />
and<br />
be sure to get tickets that give you access to all areas.<br />
The palace is a designated World Unesco Site so the entry is very controlled<br />
but as you can see we were certainly not feeling crowded as we strolled through<br />
this magnificent palace looking at the beautiful walls, ceilings, fountains and architecture. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3ni1AmVW4D0/VS_uKrfh1iI/AAAAAAAAIaw/Li--iG8qPSo/s1600/palace2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3ni1AmVW4D0/VS_uKrfh1iI/AAAAAAAAIaw/Li--iG8qPSo/s1600/palace2.jpg" height="402" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mzzooud9gCU/VS_uKh4Q5BI/AAAAAAAAIa0/YVUglYmen0c/s1600/palace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mzzooud9gCU/VS_uKh4Q5BI/AAAAAAAAIa0/YVUglYmen0c/s1600/palace.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Granada in general is a very lively city.<br />
Shopping is great if that is your interest,<br />
food is fabulous and the people are out....all the time....<br />
<br />
I think that was something I found myself commenting on a lot.<br />
Children were out with families later at night than the norm in North America<br />
but they seemed so happy and such an important part of the family's evening.<br />
<br />
The streets are filled with people socializing,<br />
sharing a drink and food,<br />
obviously within a much looser legal system<br />
that allows them to spill out of the tapas bars<br />
and on to the streets.<br />
<br />
Definitely we left Granada wishing we could stay longer....<br />
but,<br />
we were on a road trip after all<br />
so we packed up and headed off to the coast.<br />
<br />
Little did we know when we left that morning that the drive we were about to experience<br />
would be absolutely breath-taking...<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Next stop....Nerja. </span></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
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Okay so I am in love....undeniably!!!!<br />
Granada, has stolen my heart for sure.<br />
We toured the Alhambra and were in awe of the detailing in the plasterwork, woodwork, architecture of the palace... breath-taking.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HXgLGusiDNw/VSVO057-lVI/AAAAAAAAIX4/dygUeRBvjYI/s1600/IMG_6602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HXgLGusiDNw/VSVO057-lVI/AAAAAAAAIX4/dygUeRBvjYI/s1600/IMG_6602.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nRKAdg7CT2c/VSVPk6ia5tI/AAAAAAAAIYA/NnASVgtLi-0/s1600/IMG_6605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nRKAdg7CT2c/VSVPk6ia5tI/AAAAAAAAIYA/NnASVgtLi-0/s1600/IMG_6605.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
I will share more when I get back.<br />
Our internet connections have been relatively scarce and weak.<br />
<br />
Nerja, will be remembered for the fabulous Paella cooked on the beach.<br />
Calamari for starters, ice cold beer and paella!!! Could not have been better.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L2JvX__WSQU/VSVN5el0LKI/AAAAAAAAIXo/jrLHNb7lHSo/s1600/IMG_6730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L2JvX__WSQU/VSVN5el0LKI/AAAAAAAAIXo/jrLHNb7lHSo/s1600/IMG_6730.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BkZH_x9gZkg/VSVOFZmDyCI/AAAAAAAAIXw/wCS7-Qh7-TM/s1600/IMG_6737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BkZH_x9gZkg/VSVOFZmDyCI/AAAAAAAAIXw/wCS7-Qh7-TM/s1600/IMG_6737.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span id="goog_1988878734"></span>Oh and sardine cooked on an open pit!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tJz3gFgfe-0/VSVQw76oDHI/AAAAAAAAIYM/Z2QIy3J6qZU/s1600/IMG_6672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tJz3gFgfe-0/VSVQw76oDHI/AAAAAAAAIYM/Z2QIy3J6qZU/s1600/IMG_6672.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And, we enjoyed Easter celebrations every night in the streets of Granada,<br />
amazing.<br />
<br />
I am hoping that once I get to Madrid I will have a better connection.<br />
In the meantime, Andalusia has been such a beautiful place to visit.<br />
The drive between Granada and Nerja was so spectacular.<br />
The Spanish people have been so friendly.<br />
<br />
<b>Quick impressions? </b><br />
<b>First impressions.......</b><br />
<br />
I love seeing children with their families at all times of the day.<br />
Our favourite tapas bar in Granada where we went every night always had children coming in with their parents at 11ish.... happy, smiling, and so beautifully dressed!!<br />
<br />
No weight problems in Spain.... or very little anyway.<br />
The Spanish people have style!!!<br />
Everyone is so happy and loving life.<br />
<br />
I have many more but I am going to wait until we finish our trip to share more.<br />
We are presently in Alicante, enjoying time with our daughter and then heading off to Madrid.<br />
<br />
Until the next time!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
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This is a <span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>bit of this </i></b></span>and a <b><i><span style="font-size: large;">bit of that</span></i></b> post.<br />
<br />
It has been awhile since I have tapped the keyboard to fill in this space.<br />
Sometimes, it seems that you just don't have that much to say.<br />
<br />
Winter has been long here for us Québekers.<br />
On the weekend I drove through snow-covered roads with barely visible tracks and blowing snow<br />
that reminded me of January.<br />
Today the birds are singing and I am hopeful that they are telling us that spring will arrive.....soon. <br />
<br />
The cabane à sucre is coming into season here.<br />
Good thing, as we are in need of a new batch of maple syrup for cooking.<br />
<br />
It is funny how these seasonal events really mark the year and give us a sense of belonging and stability.<br />
<br />
Certain events at this time of year seem so satisfying,<br />
heading out to our favourite sugar camp and buying our supply of maple syrup<br />
is one of them. <br />
<br />
We will most likely take some new syrup to our daughter who is living in Spain right now<br />
finishing off her final year of university perfecting her Spanish.<br />
<br />
And that brings me to what is really occupying my thoughts....SPAIN.<br />
Yes, next week, we board a plane and head off<br />
for an adventuresome road trip<br />
through Andalusia, Spain.<br />
<br />
I have been making some tough decisions about what to take and what not to take.<br />
I know always hard planning for a trip isn't it? :)<br />
<br />
I know what I will be searching for and purchasing while there ....<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>a moroccan pouf ....</b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fH8OHKeSP6g/VRGOo1kPriI/AAAAAAAAIXE/n8U8bMJPNyU/s1600/moroccan_pouffe_pouf_house_chair_foot_stool_leather_cushion_1024x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fH8OHKeSP6g/VRGOo1kPriI/AAAAAAAAIXE/n8U8bMJPNyU/s1600/moroccan_pouffe_pouf_house_chair_foot_stool_leather_cushion_1024x1024.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
and hopefully some lovely <b><span style="font-size: large;">spanish pottery</span></b>....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lvvO5XYABug/VRGQDIobjVI/AAAAAAAAIXQ/7O-yu5LJUc0/s1600/tapasbowls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lvvO5XYABug/VRGQDIobjVI/AAAAAAAAIXQ/7O-yu5LJUc0/s1600/tapasbowls.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We have lined up some great stops on our trip<br />
and since I am taking along my camera I will be posting as often as possible<br />
to share this trip with you.<br />
<br />
A lot will probably get up on Instagram as well<br />
but I do want to capture and share some of the interesting little stops we have planned.<br />
<br />
I am going to document the trip from start to finish....<br />
so I hope you enjoy a little vicarious traveling through us. :) <br />
<br />
See you at the airport!! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
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So it sounds like I am talking about a big change in our white kitchen....<br />
But here's the thing.<br />
<br />
What do you do when you have a very long winter<br />
paired with some very cute and colourful little tin plates.<br />
Oh, and a white kitchen.... that is important.... especially when it has been very white outside for several months now. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2JQXLXrF7MA/VO3Z4PyS77I/AAAAAAAAIUg/moQiJ_-4AHs/s1600/3metalplates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2JQXLXrF7MA/VO3Z4PyS77I/AAAAAAAAIUg/moQiJ_-4AHs/s1600/3metalplates.jpg" height="188" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Well, you find a place to display them of course.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LBk_Bk1Yaiw/VO3Z4JilXPI/AAAAAAAAIUs/rzBKMJmWA-E/s1600/colourinkitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LBk_Bk1Yaiw/VO3Z4JilXPI/AAAAAAAAIUs/rzBKMJmWA-E/s1600/colourinkitchen.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
It is crazy how the desire to have spring arrive early<br />
paired with...<br />
my <span style="font-size: large;">finding these little plates</span> tucked away on a shelf,<br />
inspired me to get them on the wall.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I still love our white kitchen</span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">but </span></b><br />
in the dead of winter<br />
when the snow is blowing out there<br />
and the temperatures have plummeted....<br />
I find a certain solace in the little hits of colour around our home.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VnuOb0oXy-o/VO3Z6-UlOII/AAAAAAAAIVA/u3K63EeW3tA/s1600/tinplates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VnuOb0oXy-o/VO3Z6-UlOII/AAAAAAAAIVA/u3K63EeW3tA/s1600/tinplates.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
These plates are dear to me because they belonged to a friend that passed away from cancer a few years ago.<br />
I had always loved his little antique collection of tin boxes and plates from China.<br />
Fortunately I was given the opportunity to choose a few of his possessions as keepsakes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XRMRg1SDGE8/VO3Z4Lm01-I/AAAAAAAAIUw/XyBQl5IQTTc/s1600/kitchencolour2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XRMRg1SDGE8/VO3Z4Lm01-I/AAAAAAAAIUw/XyBQl5IQTTc/s1600/kitchencolour2.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
So, they are extra special and it also makes it<br />
feels somewhat <span style="font-size: large;"><b>spring-like</b></span> in here today.<br />
<br />
The birds have appeared at the feeder in large numbers and the sun is shining<br />
and these little plates are making me smile.<br />
<br />
Does a little hit of colour around your home make you happy? <br />
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Well, I feel like a bear this month...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">snuggled into a state of hibernation just trying to make it through this cold winter.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In the meanwhile,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I have to share with you a wonderful experience that I have had meeting</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Nancy from the blog, </span> <a href="http://www.ajoyfulcottage.com/2015/02/living-large-in-small-spaces.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>A Joyful Cottage.</i></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We have been exchanging a series of emails and</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">she has beautifully transformed our conversation into a blog post about our little home.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I am not sure if you know about a series that she writes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> based on</span> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Living Large in Small Spaces,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">but check it out at her blog.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Simply click on the image and off you go!! </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Thank you Nancy for showing us that</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> there are more people than we realize, </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>living large in small spaces.</b> </i></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ajoyfulcottage.com/2015/02/living-large-in-small-spaces.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.ajoyfulcottage.com/2015/02/living-large-in-small-spaces.html" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5Caypm-gHYU/VOJPtllCKfI/AAAAAAAAITM/p0dWcH93HmM/s1600/A%2BJoyful%2BCottage%2BHeader.jpg" height="324" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.ajoyfulcottage.com/2015/02/living-large-in-small-spaces.html" target="_blank">A Joyful Cottage</a></span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><b> </b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Some time ago,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I pinned an image to Pinterest of a slip-covered slipper chair with the intention </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">of creating something similar.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I actually wrote a post about it a few years ago...yes, years. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">But it has been a project that comes to mind every time I see that chair.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">And then,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I saw this image and decided.... girl, it is time to get 'er done! </span></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fQuYKPuuJPc/VM-TqZHVxmI/AAAAAAAAIS0/w9GwlH6DLFE/s1600/blueslipperhchairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fQuYKPuuJPc/VM-TqZHVxmI/AAAAAAAAIS0/w9GwlH6DLFE/s1600/blueslipperhchairs.jpg" height="640" title="" width="526" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thepeakofchic.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">The Peak of Chic Blogspot</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sewing for me,triggers a lot of memories.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Some lovely times with my mom</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and a few very vivid images of my grade 7 Home Economics teacher...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Miss Cole.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Home Economics with Miss Cole was about sewing, cooking and even learning how to plan a budget. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Anyway,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Miss Cole, at the time, seemed ancient to me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">She was unlike any person that I really knew.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So different. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Well, then again, there were the White twins.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">They
dressed in identical matching outfits with matching patent leather
purses carried on the same arm and matching spray-net hair-dos.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But back to Miss Cole. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">She was referred to around town as one of the Cole sisters, a spinster and a very conservative lady. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">She
had pretty high standards for us girls and was somewhat put off by the
fashion style of the time, although not complete<span style="font-family: inherit;">ly</span> fazed by it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But first let me situate you <span style="font-family: inherit;">in the times</span>...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In those days,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">the school staff organized contests for <span style="font-size: large;">best posture</span>,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>I can still see Norah McGuire walking around the halls balancing books on her head to help secure her win.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The girls came in one entrance to the school and the boys came in another.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There was a playground for the girls and one for the boys.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The strange thing was that this was middle school, a school for grade 7 and 8 students.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">All of us were coming from elementary schools with mixed playgrounds.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But once here at Senior Public, the sexes were delegated to the east and west sides of the school.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The north side was out of bounds and the entrance for staff and parents was located on the south side.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Pretty serious stuff!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Anyway, Miss Cole,</span><br />
seemed like an oddity to me.<br />
Her clothing was very old-fashioned,<br />
she was often seen wearing an apron around the school<br />
and appeared completely ignorant to all the comments that fed off of her strange attire. <br />
<br />
I was not sure how she was going to teach me anything.<br />
I had already developed an interest in cooking.<br />
Although in those days, the foodie revolution was a movement still waiting to be born.<br />
Between
the Galloping Gourmet and Julia Childs I was already busy mixing up
heavy sauces and experimenting with ingredients in our fridge to see
what went with what.<br />
<br />
I also came to her Home Economics class with a preconceived idea of who she was.<br />
<br />
Miss Cole lived in a really big old house with her sister,<br />
not far from my own home.<br />
I sort of felt sorry for her.<br />
Her house seemed so quiet all the time, not a lot of action really.<br />
They had a big Pontiac in the driveway that seemed to get a lot of use on Sundays.<br />
Miss Cole was the driver...I think.... and her sister would sit in the back seat.<br />
Anyway, there was always one driving and another sitting straight and tall in the back.<br />
<br />
So
the first day when I walked into class and realized that Miss Cole was my Home Economics teacher....<br />
well, I was a bit stunned.<br />
There were a lot of giggles in the room as the girls settled in to what seemed to them the most ridiculous of courses. <br />
<br />
First up was a cooking class on making pudding.<br />
I
was paired up with Debbie Smith who I barely knew but certainly had
every desire to befriend at the earliest possible moment.<br />
<br />
We chatted and moaned over the whole affair<br />
while unintentionally burning our pudding.<br />
Of course that made us instant celebrities around the school<br />
given the objective by most to hijack this class at all cost.<br />
<br />
But Miss Cole merely spoke to us about the importance of stirring, regulating temperature and<br />
keeping our noses active.<br />
<br />
Secretly I admired her calm.<br />
<br />
Over
the course of the year, we embroidered our initials on tea towels,
learned how to sew in a straight line and were even given the option to
embroider flowers on our coveted bell bottom jeans.<br />
<br />
And by the end of the year,<br />
I knew how to sew.<br />
And I was pretty good. <br />
<br />
I had made a quilted coat that I hung on to for several years after that.<br />
My
bell bottom jeans were covered in flowers from waistline to the bottom hem,
although I do believe my mother was responsible for that.<br />
<br />
I learned how to use our sewing machine<br />
which made the receiving of my own Kenmore model many years later, all that more special.<br />
<br />
And I can still hear Miss Cole saying.... "girls, find some old material that has still got some life to it and re-purpose it."<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So, Miss Cole,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">this project is for you.</span></div>
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Well, there are still boxes of Christmas decorations in the basement that need to be put away.<br />
But, I finally feel that I am back...in action...feeling great.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7hP7LuQIWww/VM6850PoSMI/AAAAAAAAISk/6SUEIHR4PHE/s1600/Andrew%26Donna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7hP7LuQIWww/VM6850PoSMI/AAAAAAAAISk/6SUEIHR4PHE/s1600/Andrew%26Donna.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
To celebrate we headed off for an evening of snowshoeing with friends<br />
along the St. Lawrence river.<br />
Trust me, if you have never gone snowshoeing at night you are really missing out on something special. We had our headlamps with us but we really didn't need them.<br />
<br />
The quiet is amazing,<br />
the lights of homes along the river is really enchanting<br />
and sounds of snow and ice crunching beneath your snowshoes adds to the sense of adventure.<br />
<br />
A few more months of winter so time to embrace it.<br />
Yep, back to loving life!!<br />
<br />
Oh and I actually have a project that I am working on and hoping to share with you this week.<br />
Thank you for the get well wishes.<br />
Very appreciated.<br />
<br /></div>
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I went to bed the other night with that annoying little scratchy sensation at the back of my throat.<br />
You know that feeling.<br />
And right away I decided that I had better be proactive. <br />
Take control of the situation..... <i>My kids would be laughing reading that line...they know only too well what that looks like.</i><br />
<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EKI3xG8DGWA/VLqh8Rj8z_I/AAAAAAAAIRg/giwNYD8TQCE/s1600/armoire2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EKI3xG8DGWA/VLqh8Rj8z_I/AAAAAAAAIRg/giwNYD8TQCE/s1600/armoire2.jpg" height="488" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RcBbF_EovGY/VLhGTtZQpZI/AAAAAAAAIQ8/B6PwPOWg5RA/s1600/layers2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RcBbF_EovGY/VLhGTtZQpZI/AAAAAAAAIQ8/B6PwPOWg5RA/s1600/layers2.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
I decided to get myself into cocoon-mode,<br />
snuggle in with hot tea and blankets.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F0i43hLIyfU/VLhGT2n6qII/AAAAAAAAIRA/oLq9UnX59iI/s1600/layers3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F0i43hLIyfU/VLhGT2n6qII/AAAAAAAAIRA/oLq9UnX59iI/s1600/layers3.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
It got me to thinking about the various layers in our home that really define "cozy" for me.<br />
I think that may be the benefit of creating those so-called layers.<br />
<br />
It is... simply put... all those little items or collections or memorabilia<br />
that provide you with a sense of comfort, allow you to relax and recharge.<br />
<br />
<br />
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I also got to wondering where people that live in very minimalist modern homes go<br />
when they feel sick and need to hunker down to do battle with a cold.<br />
<br />
It really is quite personal in the end....<br />
the layers that is.<br />
And perhaps not everybody needs that?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<br />
But for me it provides a sense of warmth,<br />
a chance to reflect on life,<br />
and an opportunity to pool my resources and recharge!<br />
<br />
Now, don't get me wrong.<br />
I can stare at photos of crisp, clean, sparsely decorated rooms and love them.... really.<br />
But when I am sick, I need some "stuff". <br />
<br />
Where do you go when you are not feeling well?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
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Well, sort of,<br />
and yes, 4 days late.<br />
<br />
But there is a reason for this.<br />
<br />
You see, <br />
our cell phones were humming on the 25th,<br />
as one member of our family came down with a 24 hour gastro...<br />
you know,<br />
the bad one,<br />
the talking on the big white telephone variety...<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Christmas dinner was cancelled</span></b>, more or less,<br />
well we were three still standing<br />
or rather sitting around the table to enjoy a feast meant for many more,<br />
and well,<br />
we had to tell people to,<br />
<br />
<b><i>stay home, don't come,</i></b><br />
<b><i>yes, we do have an 18lb farm fresh turkey cooking in the oven but you still should not come. </i></b><br />
<br />
My husband had made his pumpkin pie as always,<br />
<b><i>yes, we have fresh cranberry sauce and danish potatoes</i></b>....oh boy that is always a tough one....kids go crazy for those buttery caramel-y delights.<br />
<br />
<i><b>Yes, there are salty caramel squares, hello dolly's and pecan balls.</b></i><br />
<i><b>Perhaps I can tin them and send them your way? </b></i><br />
<br />
No I won't go into any more detail, don't worry.<br />
So I am planning an Epiphany dinner ... of sorts...this weekend...<br />
to replace the Christmas dinner that never happened.<br />
<br />
There is probably some Irish superstition that makes all this <i><b>brouhaha</b></i> a terribly bad idea<br />
but I don't want to know if that's the case.<br />
<br />
I mean after all, I remember camping with our children when they were quite young and by accidental chance....does that make sense???.... we stopped at a campground that celebrates Christmas in July.<br />
<br />
The kids absolutely loved it and well, so did we.... it entertained the kids for a day or two and they were sooo excited to see Santa on a 4 wheeler ...<br />
and well,<br />
I loved the fact that it all happened without any need for gift-giving<br />
and hey Santa could actually swim??<br />
<br />
So, this Saturday night we are pulling out all the stops,<br />
as many as possible that is...<br />
and recreating Christmas or Epiphany or maybe I should call it what it is....<br />
a <b><span style="font-size: large;">brouhaha dinner.</span></b><br />
<br />
Did you know that brouhaha in the dictionary is defined as being larger than a <b><span style="font-size: large;">kerfuffle.</span></b><br />
<br />
I am thinking I will gather up some fresh pine boughs and haul out the odd ornament and make a big centre piece of sorts for the dining table.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<br />
Definitely going to bake this cake for the kids. <br />
Raclette will be fun as well, and give a chance for all the adults to drag out dinner around<br />
the table...<br />
<br />
Which by the way, everyone in this house loves to do.<br />
Perhaps we need more comfortable chairs around that table given the desire to sit there for hours on end?<br />
Hmmm, that could be my excuse... for new ones...chairs of course.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I will keep my camera handy for some raclette shots as everything on Pinterest<br />
looks a little too much like an advertisement for a cheese company or<br />
a lure to get you to purchase a raclette maker.<br />
<br />
So, yes tomorrow will be TGIF for everyone.<br />
Or, happy brouhaha!!<br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
</div>
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Well,<br />
I realize that I am a bit slow with my first post of 2015...<br />
and wishing you all a happy and healthy time in the year that lies ahead. <br />
<br />
But, I have been dragging out that holiday mood for as long as possible.<br />
<br />
Today, I plan to remove all the last signs of Christmas.<br />
The tree did come down on the 29th as planned<br />
but the decorative touches<br />
that were keeping the<span style="font-size: large;"><b> holiday glow</b></span> alive<br />
stayed put.<br />
<br />
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<br />
And now, here we are,<br />
almost 6 days into 2015 as I write this...<br />
and I have not made one single resolution.<br />
I have no chosen word or phrase for inspiration this year.<br />
<br />
I have not even attempted to start a plan for organizing my home.<br />
<br />
There is laundry to be done now that the guests have all departed.<br />
Oh and the fridge,<br />
full of<br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>left-overs!</b></span></i><br />
<br />
Nope, so far 2015 started rolling forward<br />
with very little interference or direction on my part.<br />
<br />
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<br />
Maybe this is the year where I let loose and let things happen on their own accord?<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Perhaps 2015 </b></span><br />
will be about spontaneity... caution to the wind....and all that?<br />
<br />
And then maybe I just need to think less about the words and more about the action....<br />
<br />
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<br />
Yes, I think that is it for me.<br />
Simplistic right now,<br />
but a place to start.<br />
<br />
How about you? <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
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I have a little secret that I try hard to conceal at this time of year.<br />
But, each year, it gets harder to hide.<br />
<br />
About 2 days following the 25th...<br />
well, I get a real strong desire to take down the tree.<br />
<br />
Yep, about now, I am itching<br />
to remove the ornaments<br />
and haul the tree ...<b><i>lovingly of course</i></b><br />
to the edge of the road. <br />
<br />
Crazy?<br />
Oh don't get me wrong.<br />
I LOVE our Christmas tree and all that it represents...every year.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3URA2MBH-vc/VKAQyg7B6EI/AAAAAAAAIP0/KjIR53Js9rU/s1600/2014xmastree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3URA2MBH-vc/VKAQyg7B6EI/AAAAAAAAIP0/KjIR53Js9rU/s1600/2014xmastree.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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</div>
<br />
I love all the<b><span style="font-size: large;"> build-up,</span></b><br />
the parties, the traditions,<br />
the tree-trimming,<b><span style="font-size: large;"> the unwrapping of ornaments</span></b>,<br />
the hanging of ornaments, the gingerbread houses,<br />
the music, the hot-rum toddies,<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>le réveillon,</b></span><br />
Christmas morning,<br />
wrapping paper....<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">and even the mess.</span><br />
<br />
But, right about now I am ready to pack most of it up.<br />
<br />
It ends up being a bit of a debate amongst friends and family,<br />
early up and early down?<br />
early up and late down?<br />
you see where I am going with this, right?<br />
<br />
One thing for sure is that it can never be up after the 31st... my mother always said that<br />
it was bad luck to have 2 Christmas trees in the same year.<br />
<br />
Hmmm?<br />
Good strategy mother. :)<br />
<br />
Anyway, what is your position on all this?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
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Le Réveillon or<br />
Christmas morning....<br />
<br />
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</div>
Growing up I always celebrated Christmas<br />
with anticipation<br />
of crawling from my bed in the early hours<br />
to descend down the stairs to our living room<br />
and sneak a peek at what was waiting under the tree.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tYh-s2OtZtE/VJrZpsHi5ZI/AAAAAAAAIPI/j-l9s9hagxo/s1600/jackonbed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tYh-s2OtZtE/VJrZpsHi5ZI/AAAAAAAAIPI/j-l9s9hagxo/s1600/jackonbed.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
As our children have grown<br />
we have tried to<br />
combine our own childhood Christmas traditions<br />
with those of our Québec home <br />
where the Réveillon is the form of celebration at this time of year.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MkgGnKLQI7Y/VJrZo1LHAoI/AAAAAAAAIO0/yQdOge5YPKA/s1600/christmaspost3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MkgGnKLQI7Y/VJrZo1LHAoI/AAAAAAAAIO0/yQdOge5YPKA/s1600/christmaspost3.jpg" height="640" width="452" /></a></div>
<br />
Of course our emphasis is all on the food and our family.<br />
A lovely dinner with all the favourites.<br />
<br />
Tourtière and a bûche de Noël,<br />
lovely wines<br />
and of course a nice glass of Sortilège<br />
to finish off the evening.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kgEnN2D1vYw/VJrZpCajgXI/AAAAAAAAIO8/gR1lcIXU8B8/s1600/christmaspost2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kgEnN2D1vYw/VJrZpCajgXI/AAAAAAAAIO8/gR1lcIXU8B8/s1600/christmaspost2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
So, a lot of time spent around this table with family tonight<br />
and then again tomorrow night with friends and family.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EIwKktH1Iuo/VJrZo_5I9II/AAAAAAAAIO4/l0ROLMZjCLk/s1600/christmaspost1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EIwKktH1Iuo/VJrZo_5I9II/AAAAAAAAIO4/l0ROLMZjCLk/s1600/christmaspost1.jpg" height="346" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />I hope you have a wonderful holiday season. <br />
Wishing you all the best.<br />
<br />
Now it is time to hit the kitchen and prepare this recipe<br />
for this evening's celebration.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/buche-de-noel-recipe" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cI2q1SLHJj4/VJrdjOWjnbI/AAAAAAAAIPY/xkPWd3qQWTU/s1600/433dd48961584b506bb929d65739b8ac.jpg" height="510" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/buche-de-noel-recipe" target="_blank">Bonappetit.com </a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Merry Christmas et Joyeux Noël from me here at An Anglo in Québec. :)<br />
<br />
</div>
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