Friday, April 24, 2015

Plus bleu..comme le bleu de tes yeux~









Our first little girl..40 years ago..had the starkest black hair..like my mom..and I stitched a poem for her..about it on her white pillow case♥
Something about nothing more glorious to me than the sight of her beautiful hair on a white pillow case~
She reminded me of my mom..and her middle name is for her..Jeannette.
Then our second daughter appeared a few short 18 months later..
with fair hair and blue eyes..
They are blue..like the sky..like Jacques' mom's..no one else has those blue eyes..and Edith Piaf sings them so well..her blue eyes..

This little post..has shades of blue..

Many Mondays..Lucas comes for a little visit..fresh off the school bus.
I usually have home made something for him..this week I had been busy that Monday..and pulled out Little Ecolier type cookies..

He thanked me..but said my baked cookies..are special♥
Not like bought cookies..
Next Monday..I'll be baking.
When he arrives..he gets a snack..and later we have tea..I have used 3 different kinds of cups etc:)

I love that he enjoys it..enjoys pouring..and serving us after he serves himself.


He had a new book!

A book that had a secret code for writing words~

I remember secret codes..

One of the few things I do remember.

 I was part of The Princess Club when I was 10.
Margaret Burnett..Susan P.. Gwen B... I think..we were part of this little club..
we found a fallen tree trunk and built our little fort..house/club around it..
we were Nancy Drew..the Hardy Boys..all rolled into one.. with pig latin and secret codes..

so when Lucas asked if he could write me things in code and I should decipher them..I was keen to go.

When he left I promised I would drop a letter off to him..using the Secret Codes:)

I took a pic of the code w/ my mini Ipad.. and the next morning I wrote him a letter..scrolled it..waxed it..tied it and sent off.
Most fun I had had in days.
His mom told me  he said it was a secret letter between he and I♥

♥ Daoust is open!
One of my favorite places opened this week..
a family owned and operated/greenhouse/ market place..

Pansies wre blowing in the chilly wind yesterday  as I scooted by..
I could not resist..
I bought blue for here..and multi for Mylène's hostess gift for the birthdays today..

During this past week.. I had some tea too alone.... w/ a pretty macaron..and made Penny's Ginger Cake.. from Ruth Reichl and the book Delicious.

DELICIOUS.

I love Ruth Reichl..hope to read this book..
and I could not resist,the look of Penny's cake.
I knew by the light color..that it would not be a gingerbread cake.
Jacques and I have ginger in our green tea every morning.
I buy fresh ginger..peel and cut in chunks and freeze..
nothing easier than using a  grater to grate fresh frozen ginger into anything every morning..So I took a large chunk out..
ground my spices..w/ the grinder I keep just for that..
and made Penny's cake.
I made half..yes I can use half an egg:)
My mini bundt..silicone..and I omitted the cloves because I had no whole cloves..
It was ginger perfection.
You can TASTE the fresh ginger..it is moist..and pretty.
I used Rhum and vanilla for the syrup..as we have no bourbon:(
And I left out the orange syrup..Just a dusting of snow..
Thanks Penny..and Lucas..and Jacques for carting me around every appointment these past busy weeks.♥

Bon Weekend..
Very chilly and damp this week~more in the forecast.It's 30F right now..enough please and thank you.
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57 comments:

  1. PennyApril 24, 2015 at 8:50 AM

    Monique, your spice cake looks so lovely. So glad that you enjoyed it. I will have to remember to keep ginger root in the freezer for just this purpose. I remember those secret clubs that we had as children. Nancy Drew was a favorite read too. So glad you had fun writing in code to Lucas. I will have to try this with my Rachel. It must be cold everywhere this week. It is very chilly in NC. Have a wonderful weekend!

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    1. La Table De NanaApril 24, 2015 at 9:46 AM

      I can email you the codes:)It is fun:)
      Thanks again for this wonderful recipe.

      Delete
    2. PennyApril 24, 2015 at 3:03 PM

      I would love that. Email is on the blog. Thanks so much!

      Delete
  2. Penny from Enjoying The Simple ThingsApril 24, 2015 at 9:14 AM

    I keep fresh ginger in my freezer too. I make a lot of Chinese food at home. Such a pretty post...

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  3. Gloria BakerApril 24, 2015 at 9:16 AM

    Aw Monique je aime bwaucoup cest post!
    How enjoyed read all and look your pics and love how you write.
    Love Lucas too!
    The cake look lovely!!
    A bientot mon belle!

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  4. SavoringTime in the KitchenApril 24, 2015 at 9:26 AM

    That is so sweet that you and Lucas have a secret code now, and, that he enjoys tea. He is getting grown up! Growing up and cold weather - both...stop! We had some snow flurries a few days ago as it's been chilly here also. Nothing stuck to the ground, thankfully. Another warm up next week. I bought pansies last week too :) I keep ginger in the freezer too and I know I would love Penny's cake. So pretty in your bundt. You have the best tea équipement! I love the Eiffel Tower strainer. I was just thinking about blue in the garden as I drifted off to sleep last night :)

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    1. La Table De NanaApril 24, 2015 at 9:49 AM

      I think you and Derek were instrumental in my love for blue in a garden..I don't lke blue flowers that we buy in shops for bouquets.LOVE it in the garden:)
      The little strainer is from Ebay..they are adorable but float often;)
      Stiil everything is visual for me.. so I like looking at it:)

      Delete
  5. PamApril 24, 2015 at 9:39 AM

    Lucas is one lucky guy to have you for a grandma, Monique! A secret code with him, very cool and fun! Those violets are so pretty. It's chilly here, with snow flurries Wednesday, can hardly wait for Memorial weekend to plant flowers! Have a fun weekend!

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  6. TannaApril 24, 2015 at 9:43 AM

    Oh, I love the secret letter with Lucas! I think my Alex will enjoy that one day, too. =) Such beautiful photos, Monique... again, I say how much I enjoy my visit here... Is that the pillow case 'neath the egg? Such love. blessings ~ tanna

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  7. La Table De NanaApril 24, 2015 at 9:50 AM

    It's a tea towel from Nancy my friend:)
    I never use it..it's too pretty:) I save it..like a new PJ in case;)

    Little saver here Tanna..I can email you the code too if you wish:)

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  8. Deana SidneyApril 24, 2015 at 12:42 PM

    I had to laugh. I just saw a show on cable that's about the 15th century and there they were, writing with metal pens!!! I saw your hybrid with a feather and thought of it. Charming but not correct. That ginger cake sounds perfect. I love reading Ruth Reichl. She's a heavenly writing and was such a good editor.

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  9. UnknownApril 24, 2015 at 3:30 PM

    Very sweet post, Monique-)) That's wonderful for Lucas to have a grandma like you, and he knows the diff between the store cookies and yours. Lovely-))
    Have a sweet weekend!

    Hugs,

    Yelena

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    1. La Table De NanaApril 25, 2015 at 9:31 AM

      Lucas is surrounded by love..so..it really is just a normal thing:)
      Lucky children..
      Thank you Yelena:)

      Delete
  10. Nancy's NotesApril 24, 2015 at 3:34 PM

    Monique, your posts are always such a delightful experience! Your little guy Lucas is a lucky little boy to a Nana like you! Aww, secret codes, too precious! How fun that you sit down and have tea! That is just so sweet!
    Have a wonderful weekend.

    Nancy
    xo

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    1. La Table De NanaApril 25, 2015 at 9:31 AM

      Jacques thought tea would not be for Lucas..but he seems to like everything about it..the choice of cups..pot..pouring:)
      So sweet.

      Delete
  11. LynneApril 24, 2015 at 4:08 PM

    So precious . . .
    Best grand mum ever . . . Taking the time, writing a secret code letter, sealing it and sending it off created a GOLDEN moment in Lucas' life. He will never, ever forget it . . .
    I loved this . . .

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    1. La Table De NanaApril 25, 2015 at 9:34 AM

      Hope so..we met a charming professional woman yesterday..she said her dad raised her and her grandparents were instrumental in her life..poor sweetie lost her mom when she was 4..her mom..30..in her sleep..her dad raised she and her brother..What a guy:) and she would be so proud of this accomplished young woman!

      Delete
  12. LindaApril 24, 2015 at 5:06 PM

    My eldest daughter (41)on Sunday.....born with very dark hair, and dark brown eyes....
    My son (38) on Wednesday....was born with blonde hair and blue eyes...
    My youngest daughter (36) in September....born with blonde hair and green eyes!
    Your tea parties are precious...love that!
    Enjoy the birthday weekend.....me too!
    Your pansies are lovely...
    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

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    1. La Table De NanaApril 25, 2015 at 9:35 AM

      Similarities:)
      Enjoy the festivities..ours were last night...

      Delete
  13. SarahApril 24, 2015 at 6:07 PM

    What a special time for Lucas to have you all to himself. Nana's homemade cookies ~ of course! And you thought he didn't notice! '-)
    I love reading your posts, Monique. The simple things you do with and for your family are memory makers. They are so fortunate to have you in their lives. I feel fortunate that you share these sweet moments with all of us. Love that you and Lucas enjoy tea parties.

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    1. La Table De NanaApril 25, 2015 at 9:37 AM

      I never had a grandparent..It just comes naturally..and I love it.Something that blessed us greatly these last 10 years..brought sunshine on cloudy days:)I am singing the song now..:)
      You're so nice Sarah,such a nice person.

      Delete
  14. TerrykApril 24, 2015 at 10:03 PM

    That must have melted your heart to hear him say your cookies are special (and they are!). Such a nice Monday tradition. Cookies, tea, special codes. The cake looks lovely. Never heard of storing ginger in the freezer. I learn something new every time I stop by your blog.

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    1. La Table De NanaApril 25, 2015 at 9:38 AM

      It did! The ginger tip was Ricardo♥Gotta love that guy:)

      Delete
  15. ParisbreakfastsApril 25, 2015 at 4:32 AM

    So pretty!
    What is the blue Eiffel Tower thing in the cup?
    Yr cake is sensational as always.
    So pretty

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    1. La Table De NanaApril 25, 2015 at 9:38 AM

      It's for loose leaf tea.. a tea infuser:)
      I think of u :)

      Delete
  16. Debbie@Mountain BreathsApril 25, 2015 at 5:47 AM

    I love that you wrote Lucas a letter and scrolled it, waxed it and tied it. I still remember when my grandmother did cute things for me.
    Ginger is the freezer is a must ;o)
    Your tea parties are precious. Oh yes, pansies are required in my spring garden ;o)
    The ginger cake sounds yummy!
    Have a nice weekend.

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  17. Linda @ Life and LindaApril 25, 2015 at 9:47 AM

    I have learned something new, storing ginger in the freezer...Thanks so much for the tip! How very sweet to hear those words, these cookies are special. You are such a wonderful Grandma. Making memories and of course sharing them here. My Mother came over yesterday, so I could perm her hair. I cut and then styled her hair and made her a lovely lunch, topped off with Banana pudding.
    My husband paid me the sweetest compliment. He told me, if He was my Mom, I would be so lucky to have a daughter like me. Happy Saturday.

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    1. La Table De NanaApril 25, 2015 at 11:19 AM

      I do believe what he said is so true.
      I wish I could perm my mom's hair:)
      You are a wonderfful daughter..no matter what age..I think people need touch in their lives.. a hand held..nails painted..feet massaged..a hug..
      You know these things Linda:)
      He got a lovely wife:)

      Delete
  18. debApril 25, 2015 at 12:17 PM

    always such a joy to catch up and read your posts. I love your secret code letter with your grandson ~ they are an absolute joy!
    have a wonderful weekend xo

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    1. La Table De NanaApril 25, 2015 at 4:52 PM

      I really love the simplest things..I have discovered ..through the years what is most important..as you have too..I think we all travel towards creating joy where we can.
      I am very lucky to have these children lent to us:)

      Delete
  19. JenniApril 25, 2015 at 1:05 PM

    i have some freshly grated ginger tea everyday, it is so good and healthy. I love reading that your grandson appreciates your home baked goods and loves to pour tea for you, just wonderful and secret codes sounds so fun, this is such a pretty post. and the pansies so pretty too, our garden centers didn't have very many this year, not sure why and they are my favorite so of course i was disappointed. It's still cold where you are i hope warmer days are coming soon. Have a lovely weekend :)

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    1. La Table De NanaApril 25, 2015 at 4:54 PM

      I love how you paint pansies..:)
      I will try my hand tomorrow afternoon..after the branches are picked up and carted..
      some quiet time;)still cool..

      Delete
  20. donna bakerApril 25, 2015 at 1:55 PM

    Monique, you are so funny. I think you have not lost the little girl Monique. I love blue too, I had an Aunt Jeanette too - just more similarities we have together. My girlfriend and I made up a secret language only she and I could understand. I heard from her at Christmas and I need to remind her of that.

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    1. La Table De NanaApril 25, 2015 at 4:55 PM

      It's funny Donna..the person in the mirror doesn't look as young as part of my soul feels;)
      There are childhood memories that just stay..thank goodness..I can't say I have many..

      Delete
  21. Tricia BuiceApril 25, 2015 at 4:19 PM

    Love ginger - and this cake looks wonderful! Raining here this weekend - pooh :( Hope you have a great week.

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    1. La Table De NanaApril 25, 2015 at 4:55 PM

      Tricia..I think you would enjoy this..it's refined:)

      Delete
  22. Pattie @ Olla-PodridaApril 25, 2015 at 4:46 PM

    What a charming post! I not only had a secret code as a kid, but my best friend and I had a secret alphabet, made up of characters that looked like Chinese and we would write notes in this. Oh, those fun old days.

    Is that an Eiffel Tower tea ball? I LOVE it (and the cup...and pretty much everything else).

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  23. mzzbevApril 25, 2015 at 5:24 PM

    You have the cutest, prettiest kitchen gadgets and gizmos! However do you find them? I must make that cake on Sunday, it sounds so delicious and I have everything on the list except for the bourbon. Any suggestions for a bourbon substitute? Hope you're having a great weekend :) It's cool and FINALLY it's sunny here :)

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    1. La Table De NanaApril 25, 2015 at 5:51 PM

      I used Rhum and vanilla bean paste:)
      We had no Bourbon either:)

      I find affordable ,baking..tea infusing.. things on EBAY.
      I have never had a problem..shipping is long..in Canada I expect 1 full month..but it is free shipping most of the time.
      Here shipping has gone through the roof.
      US is much more affordable than Canada.
      I can mail an identical object to Europe..the US for at least 10% less than to 5 miles away from my home..
      I guess I just went on a tangent:)
      Next week warmer here..at last!!
      Hope you have been well..your garden will be rewarding you soon:)

      Delete
  24. pamApril 25, 2015 at 11:08 PM

    Your posts are such a treat for me. My little mini vacation in my day.

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    1. La Table De NanaApril 26, 2015 at 10:23 AM

      Yours too.I think you know that :)
      Not only that..I am bowled over by your photography.Truly.

      Delete
  25. Stan and Jody GabaraApril 26, 2015 at 4:13 PM

    Monique, Love what you wrote about your daughters. When my children were born I thought I would have at least one with dark brown hair and brown eyes. All three had blond hair and blue eyes. Just like my mother and Stan's mom. Precious no matter what. Your new secret code with Lucas will have special memories forever, lucky you. Flowers, dessert and tea so pretty!!

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    1. La Table De NanaApril 27, 2015 at 9:26 PM

      It is so evident..clear as day..how close you all are..lovely to see!

      Delete
  26. LindaApril 27, 2015 at 11:24 AM

    You my friend are the Mommy and Nana that dreams are made of...
    Bisous xo

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  27. handmade by amaliaApril 27, 2015 at 12:07 PM

    What a nice post,Monique. I'm sure your grandchildren look forward to their visits with you.
    Amalia
    xo

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    1. La Table De NanaApril 27, 2015 at 9:23 PM

      We are part of the furniture..although Oli ran to me from the bus today:)
      Max and Lucas asked if I brought cookies..lol...

      Delete
  28. Marie RaynerApril 28, 2015 at 3:12 AM

    A delightful post Monique. Pretty blues. A gorgeous teatowel (?) Did you make it, somehow I imagine that you did. Time spent with grandsons. I can just picture your wee boy serving you tea. Beautiful Cake, Tea Infuser, etc. It's all good. I hope the appointments are nothing serious. Keeping you in my happy thoughts anyways. You are precious to me. A part of the furniture in my days. xoxo

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    1. La Table De NanaMay 18, 2015 at 11:59 AM

      I am late here..

      the tea towel was a gift from my friend Nancy..a treasure.. ric rac..embroidery.. quilting..pompoms:) So so sweet..I am saving it :) for now;)

      You are a part of every one of my days!

      Delete
  29. Abbe@This is How I CookApril 29, 2015 at 7:47 PM

    It sounds wonderful to be a grandmother! I think it will be awhile yet and that's OK. Instead I have a puppy!

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    1. La Table De NanaMay 18, 2015 at 12:00 PM

      A puppy ..♥

      One new one at Caroline's ..Ray..and Grizzly arrives end of May at our other daughter's home..♥

      Delete

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