Sunday, May 24, 2015

~More Of Spring,here in QC~









It's been very unusual weather..from stinking hot..to just about freezing..in fact my Thai basil did freeze..so fragile,her leaves are brown and curled in most parts..
Growth has been pretty much stunted..but the hostas are starting to fill in nicely..the clematis had little nests of bugs in the recent growth as well as the hydrangeas so those were pinched off..
The Alliums are starting to bloom..I have thick buds on certain Irises..the Bleeding Hearts and Forget-Me-Nots are still in full swing..the lilacs too..this latest cold front made what was already in bloom stay.
Like a temperature controlled fridge at a florist.
I was back to socks and slippers ...for a few days.
I bought a few more annuals ..unfortunately a very pretty zinnia was snapped to it's bottom in one heavy wind..I have two more..but will probably pick up another if I can..and they are edible,a beautiful way to add color to many salads..and presentations of desserts etc...
I forgot snapdragons!
Those who know me well will see what I meant about the tulips..they scream at me.
I was about to pick them I think;)..until Jacques walked in and said :"I just love all those tulips in the front..all the colors."..............alrighty then;)

Today was much nicer..just right to garden.
Still awfully breezy..it seems the weather just gets windier and windier.

I repotted some african violets ..they were so pot bound the poor things..
Garlic..radishes.. ♥
The rest a bit slow..it's just been too darn cold for the veggies.
I transplanted a lot of Irises..since  there is even more sun than before in certain spots..they love sun.
Some Goosenecks..into a back shadier garden..where I WANT the INVASIVES to take over.

So..

Call The Midwife and Mr Selfridge are over:(
I found the latter not as good this season..
Ray Donovan..Orange Is The New Black.. The Affair (Oct)..etc ..will begin again..seems I go from wholesomeness on TV to..well ..not;)
And I enjoy both.

We are almost done Grace and Frankie..
Have you seen that Netflix original series?
Jane Fonda,Lily Tomlin,Martin Sheen,Sam Waterson?
We like it..
I have to say Lily and Jane look great..
I know there has been a bit of behind the scenes work done..
but ,well done.
Jane is 78.Unbelievable.
I won't be going near a knife and scalpel ever unless I need it medically.
But it works for them.
But then I watch a movie with Isabelle Huppert who has visibly done nothing..and I love her face just as much....even more..in fact I admire her aging so beautifully and gracefully.
Elegant,understated,timeless.

Dans la cuisine~
I made some very yummy muffins .

If you enjoy the taste of cranberry and orange..try these.
I found them here..at Culinary Concoctions By Peabody.
I made exactly half the recipe and I got 7 of those cute smaller muffin cups that are in most HomeGoods/HomeSense since last year.
I could have made 8:)
They are REALLY good.
Too good? Maybe:)
I made less icing ..just a drizzle..
I used Craisins.
The sour cream gives them that wonderful texture..you know like a sour cream donut.
They would be great if you have overnight guests..or just for you..w/ tea..coffee..
I love finding a great recipe.
I think you will agree~

And what a difference a day makes~





68 comments:

  1. Spring had definitely been blooming at your house! Beautiful colors....I too, love the tulips. PBS has a new series starting on June 21st....you might like it. Check it out.. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/programs/features/preview/poldark-s1-6-things-look-forward/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=masterpiecesocial&utm_campaign=poldark_2015

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    1. I LOVE recommendations and have just sent the link to Jacques..he is my PBS/Netflix/Movie Network guy:)
      Looks great Kate..
      Thank you!

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  2. Beautiful photo's - your flowers are stunning. The muffins look wonderful also.
    Hope your having a wonderful weekend.
    Mary

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  3. Que preciosidad.
    Besos

    lagalletarota.blogspot.com

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  4. Love what you did with the Bleeding hearts♥️
    Your Tulips are incredible...love the frilly ones!
    White Lilacs look delicious...as do your muffins!
    Funny weather again....very chilly....but today was better....
    Stayed late at the Lake...stopped for burgers on the way home!
    Have a great week Monique!
    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

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    1. We may get rain today..the gardens need it..
      You too Linda:)

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  5. Love, love, these Monique! All look beautiful and the cakes delicious:)

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  6. Cakes and flowers make me happy.
    Amalia
    xo

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  7. Every time I think that one flower is my favorite, I think of another one. Bleeding hearts, zinnias, snapdragons, tulips...all so beautiful! Those muffins are beautiful too- love the flowered liners. :)

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  8. I love your beautiful photos and your beautiful words. There is so much to feast on in this post. Your tulips are just gorgeous. It all is and those muffins look fabulous! I would love to be sitting down with one of those right now. Guess I best get baking! I wish for you a wonderful week! xoxoxo

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    1. Oh you would like these Marie..for sure..hope your camera gets fixed fast!

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  9. Ici aussi, on a alterné le froid et le chaud depuis quelques jours ... Et des tempêtes de vent comme il peut y en avoir sur notre littoral ... Pas facile pour les plantes, donc ... Le Festival est fini. Ils n'ont pas eu de pluie, cette année ... Un bon cru pour cela. ;o) Il va falloir que je trie mes photos, maintenant ... Je vois comme moi que tu as moins aimé Mr. Selfridge, cette année ... je n'ai même pas fini la saison. Je me suis ennuyée, en fait ... Par contre Grace and Frankie, j'adore ... Les 4 acteurs sont excellents ... Un petit faible pour Lily Tomlin, quant à moi ...
    Quant à Isabelle Huppert, qu'on a pu voir sur la Croisette ces jours-ci, elle a encore un étonnant physique d'adolescente. une grande actrice elle aussi ... Bon, des bises en te souhaitant une belle semaine
    Hélène

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    1. J'ai vue Isabelle Huppert avec Gérard Dépardieu...:)Belle belle belle..et oui un physique très jeune en effet!
      Moi aussi j'ai un faible pour Lxily..elle me fait penser à une amie..un PETIT peu:)
      x

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  10. J'espère que vos plantes se remettront vite !
    Pauvre basilic ! Nous avons ici aussi un temps plus frais, mais 15°C convient plutôt.

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    1. Moi aussi..elle est vraiment fragile la basilic..

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  11. Beautiful!! Our spring has been rather capricious as well. We used the ac for the first time yesterday. I'll miss Call The Midwifes for sure. Never got into Mr. Selfridge.

    Best,
    Bonnie

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    1. It is being long drawn out IMHO..:)
      I do't think it really matters what I think though...

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  12. I have been MIA with a cold and then adding insult to injury an iPad that would not charge. My son in law came to the rescue and fixed the iPad so I'm back. My granddaughter has left two grandmas and a mommy trying to cope while she marches on. The garden looks wonderful. I love your parrot tulips. I have had most of my apricot beauty chopped down, never saw many. The ones I potted up and put in a cold spot last fall did not do well either. Your white lilac is pretty. The two white ones I have always seem to have the flower hiding among the leaves. My purple ones did not do much this year either. Now onto those muffins, yum. I thought you had powdered sugar on them. Such pretty muffin cups. You know I will be going soon. And I also liked what you baked last post. Back to gardening, have you put your dahlias in the ground yet or too early?

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  13. I did sprinkle icing sugar:) I found it a bit more photofenic since I didn't put the thicker glaze..I made mine very syrupy..
    I hope you are feeling better..and if ever my mini doesn't charge I will know who to ask for advice..don't you love when someone fixes something for you?
    I did put the dahlias..the new Costco ones.. 10 to a pack..I think 4 have sprouted a bit..the oled ones I finally accepted defeat and threw them away:(
    I don't think I am meant to winter dahlias..I did better with Brugmansias in fact.
    Take care Terry...

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  14. Tip, don't wrap the cable neat and tight as I did. It looked a bit funny. Chris bought me a new cable so I should be back in business. I never stored my dahlias last year, they bit the dust outdoors and never got dug. But my Home Depot and swan dalhias are coming along. Swan dahlias tubers are so nice and plump. Hopefully this week I will get them and some seedlings in the garden.

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    1. I am going to Google Swan Dahlias;)
      Good tip..;)

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    2. What a variety..would not know where to begin..they all look well ravishing:)

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    3. It helped that by the time I got to order something's were sold out. I also tried to stick to 3-4' size plants.

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    4. Can't wait to see them in bloom Terry!

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  15. All beautiful. Lots of my programs are over too. Just one more Outlander, though I am reading the series. Though you look twenty and will never have to have plastic surgery, I think like you. Nothing wrong with it, but it must be for yourself. My sister has had everything you can do and twice (boobs, stomach, face etc.) and lasers, fillers and facial treatments galore. Very expensive too. I'd never tell her this, but really, who are they kidding. You are still going to get old no matter what and nothing is going to stop that. It does make her feel better though, so I guess that is reason enough. We are having flooding here. Seems El Nino has reeked havoc on Oklahoma and Texas. We had nearly 12" of rain Saturday alone. It really hasn't been able to dry out since March. Seems like it never will, though we usually have long hot summers. I do wish my garden was looking like yours. The tulips are beautiful and I never heard of white lilacs. Oh, and I could eat three of those muffins right now.

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    1. I would have to be told I need for medical reasons..
      So much can wrong..brave soul your sister!
      Funny how sisters can be so different..just like our 2 daughters..
      I hope the rains stop for youand your gardening season gets going..

      It seems it is either too dry or too wet..

      Have a good week:)

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  16. The weather here too is strange, imprévisible, plus que normal! We had some strong winds in Québec, but mostly it was pleasant & cool...Love the joy that you get & share from your gardening. Bravo for Lily and Jane, I hope to see the series. Judging from your photo, you are joiie like Isabelle Huppert & you would have no need for any "behind the scenes work"! The first quote, about seeing with the heart reminds me of the similar quote in Le petit prince...Or maybe it is the same quote? I like the white doilies with the bleeding heart flower...

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    1. It is the same quote~
      I should have written that..
      my omission..Absolutely from ther:)
      There is a movie soon I think to come out of Le Petite Prince.I want to see it:)
      I am happy you had such comfy weather..not too hot not too cold..always nice to see pretty..I found there was a lot of pretty in QC.
      Lily is an artist in the show..♥

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    2. Yes..look

      http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1754656/

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    3. Oh, dear...Monique, I did look. I fear that the film will drop the sensitivity of the words, the messages...Modern animation seems to make things so big & loud & concrete & often goofy...I did like some of the film interpretation of Ernest & Celestine...those books are also quiet & sensitive with Vincent's delicate illustrations & the film got all loud & action oriented...I HATED the Le petit Nicolas film, just hated it, it didn't capture the charm & irony & old fashioned sweetness of Nicolas...But that is just my opinion as I respond so intensely to sensitive art such as Vincent's & Sempé's & St. Exupéry's...

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    4. I am not an animation person either..I am hoping to love the movie..

      Hoping to see it..as far as Le Petit NIcolas..I had not read the books..so sitting in a cinema with 3 of my little grandsons..that were enjoying the movie made me enjoy it..sometimes company blurs your vision:)

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  17. This has been a May full of mood swings! I delayed as long as I could and finally planted most everything this past Saturday when we had a lovely day with rain forecast on Sunday. I worked for 8 hours in the garden! I planted 3 flat of snapdragons :) I still have not planted tomatoes, basil or peppers though as they are the most tender of all and we have another chilly weekend forecast this week! Oy! Your white lilacs are beautiful! One of them looks like fine lace. Muffins with craisins I know I would love. They are Pretty in Pink and I'll be following your link :) The bleeding hearts are attracting hummingbirds here. So sweet. That is so funny what Jacques said about the tulips.

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    1. I know..their heads are bent with the weight of the rain right now..we have beautful gentle rain all day..perfect as everything needed it..
      I may run and get some snaps Wednesday..I miss them..don't you find w/ a lot of perennlas..there is not much room?

      You were wise re the basil..cause mine looks ravaged.
      But NOT the radishes and garlic;)

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  18. Your spring colors are so pretty. I know as you typed this post that it was chilly just like it was here at our camp. We had a fire in the wood stove ;o)
    But today it was warm and humid in the garden as I planted and watered.
    Summer is on the way! Although I did hear from a reliable source that we are to have a cool and dry summer. We will see ;o)

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    1. Hmm..pondering cool and dry..better than hot and dry..?

      Your gardens are glowing right now!
      I love fireplaces.. in Life's Little Instruction Book..it says never buy a house w/out a fireplace;)

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  19. Bonjour chère Nana,

    Ton jardin doit être fabuleux en ce moment et tu t'affaires telle une petite abeille... Très belles photos...
    Merci pour le partage du lien pour tes petits gâteaux...

    ❀ Gros bisous ❀

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  20. those zinnias, you captured them beautifully, this whole post is beautiful.
    hope you have more good weather ahead to spend out in the garden.

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    1. Me too.. I think I am recommending zinnias:)
      Thanks Jenni!

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  21. Monique, your flower photos make me want to reach into the screen and pick a bouquet. As for the muffins.....I will make them. Yours are beautiful as with all you do.
    Safe and dry here, but Austin had a huge storm yesterday with lots of flooding.

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    1. I know ..we have been listening to the news..hoping all was ok with my blogging freinds in Texas..

      Unbelievable weather patterns..

      Thank you Sarah;)

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  22. Our weather has been up and down too. Lovely all weekend and now hot and humid. Love seeing all your gorgeous flowers and those muffins look amazing, almost like scones in a pretty cupcake paper!

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  23. Stopping by here to see you always make my heart sing...thank you for that!
    Bisous xoxoxo

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  24. Monique, your flowers all look like they real and not a photograph! Exquisite shots! Oh my, we have had so much rain and more to come, crazy weather everywhere. Again, I love your posts, they have a way of putting a smile on my face! Thanks for the joy~

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  25. Your flower pictures are awesome Monique! Our weather is crazy daisy too. wind broke my new bird feeder yesterday. I'm with Jacques. I never cut the flowers in the front. Those are for show. Just the backyard blooms get cut to enjoy indoors.

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    1. I cut mini bouquets;)
      I love to see blooms all day..crave...

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  26. Love your cupcake liners....so pretty!
    Just finished watching Grace and Frankie. I liked it enough to finish the series, but it wasn't a favorite. Can you imagine having as much surgery as Fonda has had? There is something to be said for graceful aging. (Which I am doing, hopefully, as I am the same age.) Have not caught up to Mr. Selfridge this time...will look into that one. I liked the first batch. Sorry to hear this series not as good.

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    1. I agree ..I don't LOVE Grace and Frankie..but I enjoy seeing mature people once in a while:)And I did enjoy certain episodes more than others.
      I think I am more fascinated..looking at them in detail:)
      She has SOOOO much energy..
      I bet you are a bit like her!

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  27. Zinnias are edible? I'm watching Grace and Frankie - liking it so far.

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  28. Oh, your flowers are stupendous and so cheery and pink! I've never had luck with bleeding hearts, but perhaps if I find a garden in Minneapolis to plant, I will at least have your pink zinnias...lovely, lovely. I should send you my cranberry orange muffin recipe, which I will be making soon, to use up those 4 bags of frozen berries. Thank you for your always beautiful photographs, so beautifully composed and so expertly taken. Always a pleasure to see.

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    1. I am making the bran ones very soon indeed.
      Isn't that funny ..is it similar to this cran/orange one?
      To me ..a home made muffin..is a real comfort..like a high end treat.We have green tea in the AM..cereal..yogurt..not much..bt at 11.15 we have this habit of a café au lait..and I sneak half a muffin before lunch..
      It is a guilty pleasure of mine..this size..full sometimes:)

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  29. Your photos are glorious! Sounds like I could spend a lot of time in your garden.You have zinnias already? Ours don't come until the end of summer! Which means this year they may never come at all because I'm not sure that Spring will ever end!

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    1. Saw your beautiful dessert on FG Abbe..well done:)

      I planted these..theywere established..and ready to go in the eart..perhaps yours reseed and come up from seed?

      Such different climates we have..

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  30. I love zinnias and didn't know they were edible, I'm off the to the garden center :)

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    1. I love your dishes with blooms..double check just in case!

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