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.

57 comments:

  1. 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!

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

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  3. 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!

    ReplyDelete
  4. 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 :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 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. 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!

    ReplyDelete
  6. 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

    ReplyDelete
  7. 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:)

    ReplyDelete
  8. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  9. 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

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

      Delete
  10. 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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 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. 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 . . .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 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. 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)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Similarities:)
      Enjoy the festivities..ours were last night...

      Delete
  13. 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 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. 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It did! The ginger tip was Ricardo♥Gotta love that guy:)

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

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

      Delete
  16. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  17. 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 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. 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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 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. 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 :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 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. 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.

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

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

      Delete
  22. 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).

    ReplyDelete
  23. 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 :)

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

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

      Delete
  25. 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!!

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

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

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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 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. 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

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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A puppy ..♥

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

      Delete