Monday, December 28, 2015

2016 ~Is just around the corner~












Best Wishes for the New Year~
Hope you all had a nice Christmas..

Not only did we have no snow for Christmas.. 
it got better..or worse ..depending how you see things..no pun intended.
On the 24th around noon..I  was in the car ..had the sunroof  open..listening to Christmas music ......trying to find the cool part of no snow for Christmas..like almost 70F..picking up the last of the mail..when howling winds arose..

.. we proceeded to have NO ELECTRICITY from 2PM on..
That's right Christmas eve..day and all night through till 4 AM Christmas morn..no power.
Nothing.
Thank goodness Frédérick and Caroline were the hosts..if anyone can pull off  Christmas dinner for 12..w/out power..it's them.He had decided  against a turkey this yr..wanted to switch it up w/ different cuts of lovely meats..thank goodness..
How Fred managed to cook duck,lamb,veal,etc..w/ a generator powering the toaster oven,some lights..very few..a tv for 4 active boys..he pulled it off w/ starmanship.
Their stove top is gas....not the oven..the BBQ was fired up..and the toaster oven for apps and my Duchess Potatoes.
We had candles everywhere..a disco battery operated ball that lit up all the ceilings..
It's  a Christmas..I won't forget for a long time..
An Iphone for Christmas music..Alain on guitar w/ Giu singing..
The streets were pitch black..no lights ..no trees lit up..no snow..
What can I say?
Counted my blessings to be with them.
And compared to real issues  as England is facing w/ floods and the southern states of the US w/ tornadoes..this is such small change..not even.

Christmas morn arrived  and everything  was back to normal w/ power..yet still strange sightings..the boys in their pjs throwing the  football on the  green grass.Du jamais vu.
Just like on Christmas movies filmed in California.
Un forgettable.
Brunch was done with a nice little variety of things including a great new salad..the only differences..I used feta..I had plenty ..and pomegranate seeds for Christmas..Keeper.
You have probably noticed the potatoes and salad came from a new to me this year blog that I love..Saving Room For Dessert.
I made a new quiche..I'll type up the recipe and share it soon..rich and decadent..we had chocolatines..clementines,yogurts,smoked salmon ,bagels,cream cheese, pecan praline bacon,kielbasa,..and Marie's fantastic Christmas Morning cranberry/white chocolate muffins..keepers!
Thank you for inspiring me with these 3 new to me recipes girls~
All of them can be eaten all year:)

Our tree was the welcome recipient of treasured new ornaments.
With every passing year,the memories come out of the boxes..and tender thoughts are associated with each and every one.



Any of you happen to catch the Christmas special of Call the Midwife? Sooo good.
I just love that show..best Christmas special.Always.

I am truly enjoying Shari Blaukopf's second Caftsy Class..the first one was on Landscapes,,the second is  on Sketching The City in pen and watercolor.
I have set up my easel in my craft room..and the light is nice for painting..learning many new things..she keeps her pen and brushes loose and lively..the opposite of me..so I am trying to get out of my comfort zone and it's not that hard...to get out of my zone..not to paint well:)..Yet.
I encourage you to look the classes up..the snow is starting here and winter is long.
I love painting..and I can't bake right now..we have leftovers.
Had the boys for a sleepover last night..all 4 of them and it went well..Bingo..Pictureka..coloring..snacking..movies.
I can tell time is flying by..as it was Max who read Noah and I our bedtime story at 11.30 PM..it's a great feeling to hear your Little read a whole book..so well..we wondered who would sleep in the middle..Noah assured us he doesn't fart :) LOL Jacques and I cracked up.
Out of the mouths of babes..
Jacques slept w/ Lucas and Oli..and as we always do the boys made up a family story before falling asleep.Oli was so tired he said a few lines and then  said ..that's it:)

See those marsmallows on one of my calendars?  All 4 boys liked this idea..I saw beauties here..took a shortcut and used edible markers on bought marshmallows..they are more than adorable floating on hot chocolate..beware though..you must slice the marshmallow in half or else they are top heavy..fall over and drown..I was crestfallen in front of 3 of The Littles..(my first trial)..halved they float perfectly.
Ahah..I am just adding this..this is how cute they look..my daughter took the rest of the bag home and offered hot chocolate to the kids playing w/ Noah outside..:)They make me smile:)



My hyacinths :) Makes me so happy to see something growing indoors..M gave me those for Mother's Day..I left them outside this summer..put them in the fridge..in August..planted them 2 weeks ago..
We had a touch of snow yesterday.. apparently..a lot tomorrow~













All the best for the coming year..Bonne et Heureuse Année~

68 comments:

  1. Your Christmas will certainly will one that will be talked about for many years & will always be remembered by your your grandsons. Sometimes when an unforeseen situation such as no electricity happens it's amazing how meals can be rustled up from store cupboard stash. Such lovely photos. I did enrol for the painting course, just before Christmas but haven't found time yet to look at it yet. I'm hoping it's one that can be done in ones own time and there isn't any specific time and dates that I have to stick to ? I'll be disappointed if it is.
    All my Best wishes to you and your family for a happy & healthy NEW YEAR.

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    1. Thank you Barbara:)
      Here's to us all..Tchin!

      You acn do everything in this class in your own time..and it's always there.this latest class is my favorite so far..not sure why as they are both excellent and I will redo the first..but the second one..I think I have painted 5 things..none to be soo super happy about yet..but Jacques said..you're getting better..whatever that means.I know you will love it. Lesson 3 4 5 ..just loved and 6..
      They are all good..I hope you will let me know what you think.
      I did go out in the car one day and sketch a store..I painted the store 3 times and I am not excited yet but will try again..for the others..I took out Italy photos from 2008:)
      Really fun.
      Let me know:) I wear earplugs when I am upstairs so J isn't hearing everything while he reads or watches tv..
      Fred was simply amazing:)

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  2. What a wonderful tale of your Christmas. It sounded great despite the losing of power which freaks me out. The wind made it go out? I don't know what would be worse, losing power in the winter or one of our summers. Oh that Noah. Bet they loved being with Nana for Christmas. I plan on painting up a storm and moving all my art supplies to the city house soon. Have the best new year Monique.

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    1. I hope we all have a best NY!
      Oh that Noah is right..he's got such great hair and eyes..to look like them in the morning would be..well..unbelievable..Nana keeps her mascara on..I don't move anyways:)
      Looking forward to seeing more of your art Donna..1998..fierce..we had no power in january for 13 days.
      I wanted to..well..let's just say..thank God I am married to Daniel Boone.

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  3. When will I learn not to start writing a comment and then click on one of your links :) Comment gone - LOL. What a Christmas Eve and morning you had! Thank goodness they have a generator! They will be one Christmas you'll remember for a long while :) I'll bet all of the candles and disco ball light were beautiful. We tried the marshmallow snowmen last time the boys were here but I had to buy tube decorating pens and they were gels so didn't work out nearly as nice as yours. Next time I'll have the proper supplies. Our green grass is gone as of this morning. Quite a storm we are having with blowing snow and freezing rain and sleet coming later today. I knew winter would catch up to us at some point. The muffins look delicious, Nana! Loved hearing about your sleepover. Noah - LOL!

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    1. I do that too Susan..I click on a link and yep..gone too interested in seeing what someone is linking to:)
      M just gave the kids that were playing w/ Noah on the street hot chocolates w/ my marshmallows..maybe I'll add her FB pic.. Noah's smile was so cute when he saw them.I'd like to make the real ones:)
      Ateco makes nice food markers:)Happy NEW YEAR dear Susan.
      The muffins? Fresh? and even warmed up the next day,,really good.

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    2. Me again..I see Gourmet Writers are available on .com and much better pricing than Ateco;)

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    3. I will look for them :) Thank you and Happy New Year, Dear Monique!

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  4. M, if ever there was a family that can make the best of a powerless Christmas dinner it had to be yours. This blog is always such a joy to read. I love the mix up of commentary and photos. If this was a weekly TV show I'd be addicted.

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    1. You say the sweetest things..if you were on Star Search I would vote for you !
      Wait..America's Got Talent!

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  5. I cannot imagine what it would be like to have no electricity while trying to cook for a crowd! Fred must be Master Chef! I bet it was strange to not have the snow that you normally have this time of year. The weather is certainly a mixed up mess! Heading off to take a look at the recipe links...your muffins are lovely!

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  6. Your painting classes suit you well and you are doing great like my friend Colleen is. She has been going to her art class each Monday for a year, and I am amazed at the progress. She never thought she could do it, and was about to give up. Wow, wow, wow is what I say to her.

    It snowed last evening, and now it is freezing rain. Turning to rain this afternoon. Happy New Year! xo

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    1. I am not wow yet.I have such a long way to go;)
      But I am grateful..and to have the classes in my home?♥
      Happy New Year Debbie..more blessings on the way:)

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  7. Oh my! It sounds like your hosts were very inventive!! We had California-like Christmas day. Yesterday, we were slammed with rain, sleet and raging winds for most of the day. Thank goodness no loss of electricity!!

    Best,
    Bonnie

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    1. 12F and inches of snow have fallen with more to follow..California was short lived..airports..roads..havoc..

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  8. Definitely a memory making Christmas. Well they all are but this one will be special due to the lack of power! It sounds as if you all had a magical Christmas Eve and day. We would all like to have seen photos of you and Jacques snug as bugs with your Littles in bed. Selfies next time? Our driveway is ice, guess Jerry may be "calling out" one last time before retirement. I can't wait to read all your recipes, I'm sure I will be making some. Maybe New Year's Day we will toast Jerry's retirement days with hot chocolate and snowmen before the rest of the festivities. Katherine and Frankie will be very happy to raise their mug.

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    1. I am glad I got to know you more this year Terry as I feel I know Jerry:)And am happy for his retirement!
      SElfies..are not my thing.I bet it would have been yrs ago..when my friends and I took pics of ourselves..together..just never like today:)
      You will have sleepovers too:) WE laugh about them.When I lie in bed with them and hear them asleep.I thank God for that moment.:)

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    2. Well he managed to go off to work today. I know what you mean about selfies (or any photos) for that matter. I managed to look over the blog Make Room for Dessert. Lots of good things. Those potatoes are beautiful, maybe they will be made to go with the prime rib and Yorkshire pudding for the January 1 dinner. Did you see her almond butter cookies and cranberry muffins?

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  9. Happy new year !!!...love from je Ria x ❤️

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  10. Love the lit up raindeer!
    What an adventure you had and now snow.
    Adorable red tartan portait of you en famille too!

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    1. Caroline used it for her FB profile,,then had a copy printed..so cute..memories for certain.

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  11. Lovely photos...
    Are you buried in snow?
    We are soggy :o(
    Lovely Christmas memories for you...
    Enjoy your evening..
    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

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    1. Hope your Hyacinth bloom soon! Their aroma is heavenly!

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    2. We are buried:) I know they will smell heavenly..love those.
      Have fun tonight!

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    3. We made banana oatmeal chocolate chip cookies!
      Bathed....
      Bed soon....
      Have a wonderful New Years Eve Monique...
      Looks like we will be at home...still not feeling great...cottage weather is windy and snowy...we will drive out tomorrow, after taking Vivian home♥️
      Glad to have you as part of my blogging....

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  12. I love the snowmen-and all the other photos. What an adventure you had on Christmas eve. It was a Christmas to remember.

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    1. We are in a winter wonderland..albeit late for Christmas..Happy NewYear Esme.

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  13. Happy New Year to you and pray your power stays on. I'm sure it was very memorable and a lesson learned, to appreciate what we have in life. Our first snow fall came yesterday (except for the one in NOV that quickly melted away) and will probably stay through March. Those muffins indeed look delicious, I thought they were scones. Yes! I did watch the Midwives Christmas show. Loved it too, hubby stayed and watched it with me too which kinda surprised me. I'm so excited for Downton to start even though my sister is in Texas :( How precious to have the Littles over for a night out. You are such an awesome grandparent! Have a blessed New Year! -Bev

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    1. Jacques loves CTM as much as I do..but we easily tear up.Watched Boychoir last night and we teared up again.
      I remember your DA thoughts..I am looking forward to it also.
      It is the easiest thing in the world being a garndparent don't you find? So natural..as if you just fill up w/ feelings when you see them..:)
      You too Bev..

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  14. Love those snowmen marshmallows. Laughed at the cut in half or they'll "drown" advice. I can't imagine what a scramble it must have been to prepare Christmas Eve dinner for 12 w/ no power. Memory making for sure! Wishing you many blessings for the new year! 💕

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    1. I loved my card and stamps I hope you got my email.Unique..On Pinterest yesterday someone Pinned Charlie Brown Christmas stamps and I thought how lucky am I?:)

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  15. What an ordeal, but it sounds like everyone chipped in to make Christmas merry. Those memories will always be on your mind. We somehow always want the perfect Christmas. Love the cute marshmallows with their happy little faces. The cranberry muffins look amazing. I happen to have some extra cranberries. Have a healthy happy New Year.

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  16. Two years ago parts of our town were without electricity for Christmas, and it was COLD...Many said it was one of the most memorable Christmases ever...brought folks closer, with fewer distractions they said. And you all you had a happy wonderful Christmas, mais bien sûr! I haven't yet mailed your little evergreens, will do so very soon! I am getting nearer to starting my new blog, ideas are flowing....
    Did you make the little white bird on your tree? If you like to do that, I have some books to recommend. I am currently passionately discovering "Needle felting", & embroidery & felt are so good together.
    We had about 7 inches yesterday...It does look soooooo pretty! Bonne année! R.

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    1. We had so much also:)
      Oui Bonne Année!..and I look forward to your new blog..please let me know the moment you start it:)The moment:)

      The 2 felt ornaments shown above are from Hélène de Cannes from a blog you would adore if you have never been..
      http://questcequonmange.blogspot.ca/
      I have watched her handsome young men/sons..literally grow up..virtually:)
      I have armchaired traveled with her..and loved every moment and you will too..get ready to spend a lot of time..enjoying her blog.I remember when I found it..I just kept looking and looking..
      Her stitches are perfection like Marie's/mine are not..and I remember her email telling me she was stitching..as you know Cannes suffered terrible floods ..if I am not mistaken she stitched while everything was closed..and people were trying to heal..

      I do stitch..and am a fervent stitcher of Alicia Paulsen's Christmas ornaments..every yr..our daughters get a set..I am on the last set now.
      http://latabledenana.blogspot.ca/2012/11/a-stitch-in-timelongso-long.html
      Many years ago..a dear blogging/in person friend..taught me to needlepoint stockings..and some peeks are in that post.
      I have stitched since I got married..I just love it Rita..so yes I would be interested in your book recommendations:)
      Mylène,one of our daughters ,has just ordered felting staples..she is very creative..and I bet I get "hooked"..I have seen so many dear things made w/ felting~
      Here's to 2016~
      Peace....

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  17. Crazy weather! We had record high temperatures on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day :( Ready for some snow - so send it down our way in Virginia please! Sorry about the electricity - pooh. Hope you and yours have a wonderful Happy New Year!

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    1. I hope you do get some soon..thanks again for the great recipes Tricia!

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  18. We had tons of snow - my oldest son shoveled his walk and measured 11 inches! All on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. I can't imagine doing a Christmas Eve meal and getting all the last things done without electricity! Definitely one you will remember for a long, long time.

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  19. Just popped in to say Happy New Year to you from New Zealand! The power failure sounds like a nightmare for entertaining at Christmas Eve. We had a cold meal too for different reasons...it is so hot here at the moment (middle of summer). I am glad that you finally got your snow and that your hyacinth is growing in time, I love watching them grow too. Have a great New Year.

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  20. Nothing like a little excitement on Christmas Eve! Kudos to your friends for pulling off that dinner.
    Love the look of those white chocolate muffins...pretty in their paper liners.
    Happy New Year my friend!

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    1. Happy new Year to you Barbara!It was different..thank goodness they are so easy going:) I may have been a bit perplexed...to say the least;)

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  21. Hi! I just love your blog! You take such gorgeous pictures, and the food looks delicious!
    I'm wondering if you can tell me where you got the red cupcake/muffin paper liners? I'm planning a party for Chinese New year, and since red is the LUCKY color, they would be very appropraite.
    Thanks and Happy New Year from Holland
    Nicoline

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    1. Hello Nicoline..I bought those and brown ones last year at Amazon.ca..Amazon.com has some too..
      Kitchen Krafts etc..Google red tulip paper muffin cups..or red parchemnt muffin cups..you should find them many many places..I like them a lot.Happy New Year~

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  22. Happy New Year, Monique. My daughter is lamenting the lack of snow in Chicago. She says it just doesn't feel like the holidays. We just had the wettest December on record. This may be a crazy weather year. Your ornaments are so sweet.

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    1. Well she can come to QC..plenty:)
      I agree..it didn't feel like it usually does the days leading up to Christmas..sporting good stores were doing poorly..they must be packed today!
      Bonne Année Cathy!

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  23. When I read that you had no power, it made me think for a moment you might be in the islands, as power outages are a regular occurrence there (too regular if you ask me :). Sending big happy new year wishes you way to you and your adorable family.
    Sam

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  24. Well, that made for a unique Christmas, one you won't forget! It was balmy here and then a blast of cold with ice, sleet, snow and high winds. Here's wishing you the best in the New Year, Happy New Year!

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  25. That will certainly be a Christmas your family won't forget. Thankfully it all went well. Happy New Year to you and your wonderful family, Monique.

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    1. Thisyear should be so much more settled and peaceful and sunny for you:)

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  26. A random blogger, I stumbled upon yours which is VERY CUTE! Great entry with awesome pics that just capture the season :) it's unfortunate about the power outage you underwent but sure makes for an interesting entry! Sounds like you all made the best of it! 😉 happy holidays!

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    1. I like that..random blogger:) Happy new Year Lillian!

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  27. A very Happy New Year to you and your lovely family Monique! The candle-lit Christmas sounds very lovely and a priceless memory to hold in your heart. So happy you loved the muffins! They are keepers! Loved reading about your evening sleepover with the boys! Such fun and what a blessing. I have to thank you for your friendship we treasure together! Hoping 2016 will be a very good year for all of you! Love and hug! Xo

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  28. Que buenos. Feliz 2016!!!!
    Besos

    lagalletarota.blogspot.com

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  29. Your photos are so incredible. I like the coffee cup that is a good way to make the winter warmer and happier.

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  30. Oui, nos boîtes à mémoires sont les plus belles choses qui soient ... Contente de voir mes deux bestioles sur ton arbre ! :-)

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