Sunday, January 10, 2016

Oui,c'est la vie au Québec! And great muffins~








Poor Santa..


Snowshoeing..


X~country views..


Memories..


And in a heartbeat..we went from the first pic..to this one..Oui c'est cela la vie au Québec..en hiver~


I do..I love home..even in winter..I have a roof..a bed..my family lives w/ me or close by..a husband who makes paths..see his red marker? One of them..
And all that snow forefront is what falls off..slides off the metal roof..thank goodness Bella was safely parked away from the avalanche.
I have my stuff...warm coats and boots..layers..leggings..leotards..neck warmers and scarves..hot water..tea...coffee..~..lacking in the warm gloves dept..and a hat that suits me.The latter is very tough.I am a straw hat girl or baseball cap in dire circumstances....I had one hat I loved  100 yrs ago..like a Dr Zhivago big fur round box..I gave it away when I was 20.
I want it back..they don't make them anymore..I definitely cannot do tuques.
Suggestions? Earmuffs..not really warm enough..and they slide off..
Big fur..fake fur ones please come back in style;)

I have light..
I have my toys i.e. camera, baking supplies,paints,pencils,paper,brushes, a light box:)
X country skis..albeit old..and snowshoes..skates..and boots..
I have books to read..and music to listen to.
I have food and wine ..
I have  a TV for 7.30-9 PM...Downton and now Doc Martin and movies and yes shameless.
I have a computer..
I have a garden I love in summertime.
That's what I love about home.

I have been painting..again from my class and another cute book by Zoe de Las Cases..but this one is called Parisian Street Style and Marie clued me in on it~
I like this book as much as the first one..
I did this painting on Hot Press paper..which..well when I received it..did not like it at all..but now I do..a lot.
It's flat..no texture...but I am getting used to it..you can teach an old dog new tricks.
In QC..our weather can go haywire too..a slight increase in temps and the snow ..well is rain..




At home our fave breakfast muffins these days are Ricardo's..they are bran muffins and so good..this time I have dates, that I plumped, in them..it makes a huge quantity..I bake 6 at a time..the mix lasts 30 days in the fridge..I have made them 4 times now.. I add 1/4  C more of oil..it just adds extra moistness.
For the wheat bran I use wheat germ.
You can find his recipe here..I am just so bad at typing..They are Super Bran Muffins..I used white and white whole wheat..a mixture.

I just love a muffin in the morning..
We're now alternating..our morning hot drink..green tea drinkers we are w/ lemon and ginger and honey..but we have switched it up..one morning coffee ,one morning tea.
We're on the edge as you can tell;)
The year of living dangerously.

The ornaments are put away..poor Santa..sniffing a stocking for many months;) Just noticed after!I made ind. containers/boxes/bags..felt..s..glass..old..newer..breakable..not..added a few unbreakables to the breakables ..in case....as my middle name is whatif...or Xerox..
A complete system restore has been done..the hoover passed..the floors washed..gleam..for 24 hrs..and then life starts all over again:)

Had lunch out..the memories walking in..be still my heart..from being in my twenties..thirties...forties..skipped my fifties,,back there in my 60's.
A whole different story..ies..
Just like the weather..from freezing cold ..to rain and grey skies and snow sliding off the roof~
That is why I need a muffin and tea in the morning;)
Hope you try them..get a big container..and store the batter and you are set for life..  well  a month.
That Ricardo..he knows what he is doing~


58 comments:

  1. What a refreshing little trip this has been...
    We have been raining and dark all weekend...now the winds are howling...temps are dropping...YIKES!!
    Such lovely photos Monique...truly♥️
    You will laugh...the red markers? My boyfriend put them up when we closed the cottage...along the grass by the road...to keep the garbage trucks from wrecking the grass all winter!!! We are not there...but a lot of people live year round...what a guy!!
    Your home is to die for...you are truly blessed...beautiful!!
    Gonna snuggle in tonight...with a fire and afghan...is Doc Martin starting tonight??? We have been waiting 4ever for the last Season!!
    Must get the tv guide and see....LOVE him!!
    Oh well...enough from me...enjoy your evening...
    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

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    1. I just just visited you! Miss V..♥
      I think your boyfriend..and my husband have a few things in common..I can just tell;)
      Linda..that's not my home above memories..that's a landmark resto I have been going to since I am in my 20's:)
      It's a beautiful old home..
      My engineer husband could no live peacefully w/ icicles:)
      It's a pretty spot..the next time you drive to Mtl..from Toronto..Exit autoroute 40 and take exit 26..
      ;) Have a bite on the pub side.

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    2. Oh dear....I thought it might be! I am sure your home is just as beautiful♥️
      Watched Downton...it was better this week...hopefully Mary doesn't ruin the nuptials!
      Has Doc Martin started?
      I love your watercolour....
      You should buy a piece of faux fur and make a big puffy headband!
      I know exactly the style you are talking about....
      Enjoy your Monday!

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    3. Yes Doc Martin started..watched the preview and 90% of episode 1..but we had howling winds and flickering lights..deja vu of Xmas eve..so I will watch te rest tonight and DA..I like our little shows at night:)
      I bet you know..did you have one too? A cossack hat:)I can still smell it I loved it so much..what posessed me/
      I mean I don't miss my hot pants.;)

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    4. Ha!!!
      I hate to be a bother...what channel was Doc Martin on??? I did not see it in my listings? PBS??
      I sued to sew all my clothes in high school and after...Betsy Johnson was my go to favorite! Wish I had kept all those patterns...
      You should definitely make a hat!!
      I am not good in hats...at all...when I was young...with long straight flat hair...I used to crochet little hats...so cute! No more!

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    5. And I had the Janis Joplin hair..well a bit.. a milliner I am not..and really sew basic..you sound like you made adorable things..I see you like that..

      it was on Plattsburgh PBS Sat. Jacques pvrs it..he's programmed it to tape all the shows we like..I have no clue..not proud of that last statement..;)

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  2. Loved your post. The description of your home and life there.....aaahhh!

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    1. It's where we make our lives right? Always a little question in my head about how everything comes to be about where we live..

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  3. Well Monique, what a busy bee you've been. Life sounds perfect there. Is the snowshoeing for fun or necessity? Love bran muffins or any kind with coffee in the morning. Just hardly ever get them. I've been filling my booth at the antique mall today. Ugh. Saw some things I wanted to buy, but stopped myself. Have to take a few more things in, then back next week with even more. Lots of browsers there just hope they buy too.

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    1. I only write about the good stuff..I guess tis is my gratitude journal and well my other ne is hard copy w/ a key:)
      So curious to know what caught your eye there..wsh you could take pics..I know you will do well..If I went to that trouble I think I would put can't say no to prices w/out actually giving them away:)Must be so hard..I could not part w/ my parents things and I know the day I am gone they are off to Goodwill or a garage sale..there was an estate sale on our street this weekend..the husband passed..and the wife was having it ..I guess aiade by volunteers..I did not go..my daughter said how sad..
      and it is..but I did tell her we each will face that at one point in our lives..I remember selling or seeing homes where there were colored post its..the kids had reserved things..c'est la vie..well really ..la mort right?

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    2. Only thing I can remember is an old metal umbrella/coat stand with birds on it. So pretty as I love all things birds and I need the use of it in the entryway, but I abstained. I like chairs, little tables and everything I guess if you see what all I am selling.

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  4. Hi Monique, love the marked paths that your husband makes for you shows so much love. I love that kind of love...one that you have been together so long and there is still much more, I have that too feel so lucky. Great that you are painting again. Beautiful post.

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    1. I do too I know you do..he is not a gifter..of material things..but a gifter of real things:) I think you get it..
      I love that .

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  5. Beautiful home in summer and winter. Loved your post and photo's and that your painting again.
    Have a wonderful week.
    Mary

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    1. Mary bet you could even keep a winter home in QC going w/ your energy!

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  6. I feel sorry for my stuffed Christmas decorations too. I literally told one (my scotty dog) that I would see him soon since it seems Christmas comes and goes faster the older I get :/ You are truly blessed and to recognize it all the more which is the reason why you are a blessing to your bloggie friends :)

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    1. You are..that Christmas card ritual you had marked me:)
      How sweet you told Scottie until next year:)

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  7. Such beautiful photos. I could look at them all day. You are always so busy. The snow is beautiful, fluffy and white. I have said it many times, how talented you are, whether it's photography, painting, baking, etc. Maybe after our diet, I can bake a little....Always looking for a good muffin recipe. Have a lovely week.

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    1. Linda be warned.makes a lot:) Isn't that funny..I think you are the busy one..and a web designer too..thats something..I don't have a handle on at all..

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  8. Blue skies and sunshine here today, but our temps were brisk. Your snow photos are lovely. ;-)
    We like muffins here and will try the recipe. I had to take Sadie to the groomer early one morning last week. I stopped in the coffee shop next door and splurged with a hummingbird muffin. I had them cut it into quarters thinking I would just have a bite or two with my coffee. Before the morning was over, I had consumed all of it.
    Yum, Yum!
    Have a good week!

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    1. I miss having Nancy across the street..for many reasons..but sometimes she would take me into MTL and that was our lunch at La Gascogne..a carrot muffin and a coffee..memories:)
      I eat pieces too..and yes often the whole thing gets Gobbled up..Oh I'll just have a bite;)You too have a great week!

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  9. Lovbely wintery post Monique. I loved all of the photos. Pristine snow is so beautiful. It was raining in NS when I talked to my mom yesterday also. She said the snow there was looking quite dirty already. Loving the muffin recipe. I will be sure to try it. Must scale it down however. Not a problem! Christmas was over far too quickly, it always passes too soon. I hate packing it away, but the fact it comes but once a year makes it all the more precious. This is a time of year for nostalgia and also for looking forward and making sure that we are better this year than we were last year. Difficult in your case as I think you are pretty perfect just as you are! I am sure you would rock a fur cap! Quelle Belle! Have a fabulous week. Love and hugs from across the sea winging their way to you today and always. xoxo

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    1. You know what I wish for you:) All your readers ,friends and family do..a contract for your art to appear in a marketable fashion:) All over the universe!On all sorts of cute as can be things.
      That's always the hope..that the new year is better than the one just passed..for everyone..
      I remember on your blog once..someone said they loved your percet life and you said..no one's life is perfect..etc..the same here:)
      This is like a book of thanks right?:)

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    2. Exactly. A book of thanks! I love that thought. I don't know where the word Lovbely came from in my initial comment! Blame the iPad! I was looking at fur caps over here, very expensive if you want a nice looking one. I Hope you get War and Peace over there. You will love it. We just watched Episode Two and it is fabulous! xo

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  10. Replies
    1. Oh me too..and he's so nice madonna.Such a nice person.

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  11. Hello Monique, loved seeing all your lovely photos sharing your memories. My Christmas decorations are still piled on a bed in a spare bedroom , I want to get new see through boxes and arrange them in some order ie. colours, types etc. something I should have done years ago. In my mind I have a big idea for this year to get rid of anything I haven't used or worn for 2 years. Then I read about your Dr Shivago type fur hat ..... Maybe you could find a piece of faux fur type fabric and make one .... you really put me to shame all your baking, painting etc . I need to get myself motivated, and start my Shari Blaukopf painting course. I think it must be the weather, we have RAIN , rain & more rain forecast, give me cold frosty, clear blue sky winter days any time. As always I love seeing your posts full of delight & info links.

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    1. Shari's class is so good..every lesson you pick up something..I have not been brave enough to post anything..I will one day..she's just so darn good..it's hard to feel like you are getting somehwre..but i know we do in watching and practicing.
      I find doing things like this..is just calm..I'm not a daytime tv watcher..and w/ just the 2 of us..the house stays pretty organized..so just day in day out maintenance.I love the see through storage bin idea..do it:) I just read the funniest post..On the art of doing things..about getting rid of 50 things..I am going to send it to you in case you don't come back here..you will like it!Maybe I could try to make one..I am definitely not a hatmaker..:(

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  12. Hugh has our snow stakes in also! I put away holiday decor yesterday also. Too funny, Santa peeking out. I bought 3 of my new favorite hat (different colors) for the same reasons you mentioned. It's too difficult to find a good one!

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    1. If I found the right one..I think I would buy 3 too:) I can see Hugh doing that too:)

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  13. Wonderful watercolor!!
    Getting better and better!

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  14. Here you go Monique, https://www.etsy.com/listing/247950117/60s-mod-italian-tuscan-lamb-dr-zhivago?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_a-accessories-other&utm_custom1=7c840236-4312-4b2f-a385-74a3bcd06dc7&gclid=CJut9K_wocoCFcwWHwodA4UBqA. I know what you mean about finding the right hat, it is so hard to find one that looks good. If you google Dr. Zhivago style hat, maybe you will find one you like. Your town looks so pretty cloaked in snow. My sister is upstate and I remember icicles hanging down and touching the ground. Jacques would have had problems. But the rain must have made it a mess. I imagine it will be icy this week with the temps dropping. A batter that gives you muffins for a month! Have to take a look at this. We did poached eggs yesterday morning. I love them. No painting yet here, crocheting and still not sure about this darn pattern I picked out for Little Miss Two. I enjoyed Dowton last night and we have several Doc Martins to catch up with. Have a good week.

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    1. So close..that rusty color one is so close:) maybe I should Google..but I have such a big head..remember when they put streaking caps on our heads?Those tight rubber things..I think it took 2 hairdressers to push it on my head and 5 minutes later I thought my head was going to explode..thank goodness for foil..although natuaral would be best;)
      I love poached eggs..maybe lunch..thanks!
      Little Miss Two..I love it!!
      You too have a good week:) Happy knitting!

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  15. Monique, I think the link for the muffins is The English Kitchen instead of Ricardo. Found his on his site and pinned on Pinterest.

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    1. Thank you! I will correct that:) I often link to Marie's recipes..honest mistake..Pinning..what a treat..Love that thing.Thanks Terry!

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  16. Your beautiful snowy pictures make me shiver, Monique. I have made a similar bran muffin recipes for years (at least 40) and can vouch that it is wonderful. I love being able to bake a fresh batch each time we are hungry for them. I'm so happy Downton is back but can't help feeling sad that there are just a few episodes left. That is a series I could watch over and over.

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    1. Me too..I am so grateful to our friend Nancy..she is the one who brought us a DVD w/ the first season..we watched it all and that was it..w/out her I wonder if I would have known about..Jacques is such a big fan of it and Call The Midwife and Doc Martin..I would say she was instrumental in clueing us in..

      Today it's so cold w/ the winch chill factor..I have no idea..of the real temp..but freezing and howling winds..scary last night!
      I used a different recipe years ago..I wonder if we share the same recipe..it had a lot of white sugar..this one is a little easier on the sugar level and heavier on the brans and such..keeper!

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  17. It is my favorite season, especially with snow! The photos make my heart skip beats, and yes, I am grateful for HOME Sweet HOME, how grateful I also am for so much! (and I have to admit I've started watching Downton Abbey and I've liked Doc Martin for several seasons...) Did I ask you if you and the children have seen Inside Out and Minions? I think I did. Fun animations..
    Enjoy (as you always do), R

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    1. They did see it:) The boys rarely miss a movie made for them..Noah started going as a baby in a cart!
      They have done more things than I have in a lifetime:)
      Noah's mom is a teacher..and Noah is her only biological child ..so she has her sights on many things for him;)They are so busy!
      The 3 other ittles do loads too..
      I can't remember doing much as a child..ballet.till I was 10 and we moved..and I had a lovely Aunt Elise..who took me to see The Brothers Grimm and The Nutcracker.
      My mom and I ate Chinese after church:)And sometimes a snadwich at The Woolworth's counter..
      She was a homebody too I suspect;)
      I hope you like Downton? The costumes..the hats..the shoes..the tables..the floral arrangements..eye candy for certain!
      Now when I stitch my felt ornaments I ave thought of you and your felting!

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  18. Beautiful, beautiful snow, I want some! And muffins sound perfect for any weather but especially in the winter. Bran are probably my favorite of all.

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  19. You are so gifted - every photo, every recipe, even a box of packed up Christmas decorations looks amazing. Your photos make me swoon!~

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  20. Must confess, I don't miss the snow at all. So pretty when it's new, after, not so much.
    I have an ancient healthy muffin recipe, garnered from those old Make It Now, Bake It Later books. You can keep the dough in the fridge for days, making yourself a fresh few muffins every morning. I must give your recipe a try too!
    Chilly and rainy here today. Would give anything for a bowl of Ina's barley soup today. Don't have any left in the freezer. I'm moving (again), not far away, but still, the house is loaded with boxes! No point in making soup now. :(

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    1. Oh Barbara! Again? I bet it will be beautiful! I guess you cannot stock up on too many freezer things and such..

      Bon Courage! Wow...

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  21. I love muffins in the morning also and yours look delicious! Unfortunately, I'm more of a summer-type person and not crazy about the snow and 9 degrees now here in Chicago area. The snow was heavy and pretty though on the trees,etc. Great weather to stay in and watch the DVR of Doc Martin!!!

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    1. :)

      It was so pretty here as of noon on..a mini blizzard tapering off to constant light ,pretty snow..makes you smile regardless:)

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  22. So, so cold here this week. It will dip below zero again today and windy today too so really brutal outdoors. When John and I hike in cold weather I wear a fur-lined, leather bomber/aviator hat. The kind with the flaps that come down and you can snap under your chin when it's really cold. Something from our skiing days in Colorado. I can't do tuques either! I spy snow-covered sand traps :) I do need to try that muffin recipe. Sometimes I crave a fresh muffin in the morning! You can't beat dough that lasts for that long. I'll bet the flavor just gets better and better.

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    1. I have an UGLY aviator hat..likethe ugly Xmas sweater..not posting it as you can see..I need height..:)This one does not deliver..
      It was rather pretty today and I thought of the 18th..numerous times♥

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  23. awww what beautiful and lovely pictures Monique ! I love snow !!

    And love the muffins!!!! xoxoxox

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  24. Always in Heaven when I visit your blog!! Thank you:)
    Hugs,
    Jody

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  25. I love all that snow, and those hearty muffins. Muffins warm from the oven are one of my favorite things in the winter.

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    1. Have to practice your piping while it's cold outside Heather:)

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  26. Eh bien tu ne chômes pas !!! En tout cas, toi aussi, tu sais t'occuper. Pas de risque que tu t'ennuies un jour ! :-) Allez, je pique un muffin, maintenant, et je continue à remonter le temps !

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    1. Jamais de la vie aussi occupée que toi..c'est vrai..demeurer oisive n'est pas dans ma nature..mais je ne travaille plus..alors je suis heureuse d'avoir des petits "hobby"..Toi ..tu ne t'ennuieras JAMAIS non plus..

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