Monday, September 21, 2015

Still~




















I am STILL making David Lebovitz's Strawberry jam..
Jacques says he is tasting his youth....with every biteful and he asks if I will make some again soon..so maybe 4 times this year..I have made it..I am giving the link again because even my daughters love it..
such cute mini mason jars at the $ store.I went in for something totally unrelated and these little gingham sparklers were right there:)
The faes are busying themselves with fall activities..they come in as to not be buried by 5 feet of snow..already some have lost limbs etc..I should not say already..they've lived here 14 years..that Maidenhead fern adores it's spot and returns year after year to create a litte waterside forest ~like atmosphere.
They had been whispering amonst themselves..asking themselves what nana was waiting for ..where is our fall decor?:)Checkmark..
But it is like a Secret Garden theirs..you have to look down and find them..not like the rest that is still quite pinkish..
They are in the bed where the twin adirondacks are..I am sad to say this is their last year..14 years the set lasted..Costco..unfinished..we painted it white..and repainted..and repainted..we dragged it into storage every year except the last two..I renailed/screwed parts..it is no longer salvageable:(
Next year probably white plastic Adirondacks:(

The clematis..is Paul Farges..I wanted to show you..these are a small portion of the heads!  Picture 10 times those.. and it was chopped down in the fall last year..the arbor is not visible..Betty grows on the other side of it but they grow into each other at the top..Betty blooming first..with PF taking over afterwards..and reaching well over the other side.There is a harmony when both are in bloom simultaneously♥

The last pic is that hedge I mentioned..all pointy and pretty:)The dahlias grow there..and roses ..iris..lilies..phlox..a few clematis..It gets all the neigbour's oak leaves..so fall AND spring that bed needs attention..not to mention the years the acorns rain down.
Great neighbours..so c'est la vie..c'est la nature.
That sweet book is from the movie I loved..it's one of the prettiest pop ups I have seen..and all the characters slide into a pocket.
I am reliving my youth.
Just for me.
Wee foxgloves popped up at the base of my big one..so tardy  bloomers but how pretty..
We have a new art store  close by..I may be in trouble..imagine if I was a real artist.
This store is fantastic.Even my husband found the look and concept beautiful.
Quite industrial looking ,loft ~like inside..
Everything tasteful..antiques..antique reproductions..coffee is offered when you enter..second floor..all easels and expositions (vernissages)of artists..
every type of paint...palettes..paper..pencils..books Absolutely amazing.
I am grateful to have this place ~it's not like a Michaels..if you are looking for that..well it's not..and it's not an Omer de Serres either..and both the aforementioned have their place and fun..and products and nice nice service..this  concept is so unique..a different experience altogether.
I left a very cool Frida (Kahlo)apron there.That was self-control.
Bought some paint..etc..
Art stores,neat grocery stores..so nice to browse..next time I will go alone..Jacques was very patient and appreciative of the place and staff etc..but it's my kind of place..and I want to linger~


Footnote..  geesh do I need a footnote after all this?

Last night..we ate this for the 4th tme too this summer..and it may be the last time..

because the tomatoes are getting..not scarcer..but now they will ripen less quickly..

tip..make twice the salad:)
It's just beautiful too..pile the arugula..add the tomato mixture..a few fresh basil leaves..so good..

and tonight we are having this..because it is cooler..my daughter Mylène made it first..and I just keep making it since 2013.And I bake my squash  longer..prick w/ fork or knife to make sure it is done~
I use Costco spicy Italian sausage..no turkey I am sure..

it is a keeper too and looks beautiful and tastes great..the Acorn is baking now..the spicy Italian sausage is the deal maker here.
;)

63 comments:

  1. LOVE that first picture. You could have just posted that and it would have been a perfect post, so charming!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I always talk to much here:)
      I think years ago I used to post one photo..but now I have more time;)Thanks Chrs.

      Delete
  2. Bonjour chère Nana,

    Je suis allée visiter le site de David... Que du bonheur ! Merci pour le partage.
    Des photos magnifiques avec une nature en fête.

    Gros bisous ♡

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    Replies
    1. Bien oui..il habite Paris,et est l'auteur de plusieurs livres.
      Merci!

      Delete
  3. Wowww like That secret garden book!!!...great love from me happy week...x

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  4. What is not to love? Do you have longer hours of daylight up there? I think you must to have such good growth. Love the wee garden as I have one too. The art store sounds really neat. Wish I had one nearby. Haven't heard of one like it. I bet you will be spending a lot of time there.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well the sun in summer is on our property at 6AM and leaves at 8PM..in summer:)

      Winter is a different story..dark by 4-4.30 some days..
      The art store is YOU!

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  5. Replies
    1. It's such a neat scale..I thoght it was a small small scale by the phot..it's BIG.
      It's out on a dry sink in the kitchen all the time now;)
      And I mentioned I was "simplifying?"~

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  6. We need to play together! Love your garden and that jam must be superb! So much fun I have reading your blog!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Abbe..I love reading yours too..no more newspapers for me..for a while;)

      Delete
  7. Merhabalar, reçeller muhteşem güzel görünüyor. Ellerinize sağlık.

    Saygılar.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I tried copying and pasting your comment to understand and it does not work,but I am certain it is kind..and thank you.

      Delete
  8. What cute jars Monique! I love them! I printed out the recipe. It sounds excellent! I also love the photos of the garden. You can see autumn is arriving in Canada! I hope you don't get too much snow this winter! xoxo

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    1. I hope so too;)


      Don't expect a thick jellied jam..it is runny..and I cook mine longer than he des..but this is THE jam my husband loves..he puts it in his yogurt...on toast etc:)
      It is exactly like the jams we ate in France.

      Delete
  9. J'aime ton sens du self control ! Il m'en faudrait un peu plus aussi, cela dit ! ;o)
    Bisous
    hélène

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hihihi..j'en ai des tabliers:) Mais Frida..pour la peinture..:)
      Tu aimerais tellement ce magasin..en dehors de l'ordinaire..
      un beau "feeling" ..en entrant..et ce feeling..dure:)

      Delete
  10. I'm glad I visited early today....I have beautiful arugula from the CSA farm to be used and it will be tonight using your idea.
    That jam looks luscious!
    I picked up the Secret Garden movie, and have yet to watch it. Sometime soon at camp.

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    Replies
    1. It's such a dear movie..I had a copy..that came w/ a locket:)One day..I had a building inspection and 3 young children lived there..I knew the inspection would be long..and the children would want to be occupied..I brought them the movie..they loved it..so I said keep it..:)It's a wonderful movie for all ages.
      That chicekn dish is so good Debbie..the juices of the sald..seep into the chicken..you need nothing else with this dish..and the plate is colorful colorful colorful.

      Delete
  11. Looks like we're all in love with that first photo Monique. What adorable jars and the strawberry jam sounds like a winner. I always enjoy the photos of your garden. That's sad about the wooden Adirondack chairs. The plastic ones are easy to take care of and easy to move, but they'll never replace the wooden ones in my heart. Such garden classics. I popped over to have a look at your new art store and I saw immediately why you love it. Looks like it had some interesting furniture too.
    Sam

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    Replies
    1. The furniture is so cool! I wish they had interior photos showing it all..
      When we went to Maine for a few days in Jue.. the front of the hotel..had a semi-circular row..(Is that an oxymoron?)..of gleaming white Adirondack chairs facing the ocean..comfortable..sturdy..beautiful..and not wood.a resin made to look like wood I guess..anyways I Googled and it seems they are ap $400.00 each..way beyond my budget ..
      I don't like pastic..not sure what we will do..

      moving all this heavy stuff is getting to be a drag:) We drag it..

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  12. I'm going to have to try the jam recipe...been making my mother's freezer jam so long, I'm in a rut. I pinned it. Love the photos and such cute jars! Also loved the paper doll houses. I used to cut and play with paper dolls by the hours when I was a child, just loved them. Funny, but i can't remember if my daughter did or not, must ask her. Does anyone do that anymore? I wouldn't have a clue where to buy them.
    Your art store is definitely NOT Michaels, which is a lovely treat for you.

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    Replies
    1. I made freezer jam too for years:)
      This is different..runny..even cooked longer..runny..but perfect..it does taste youthful:) Or south of France holidayish..
      I loved my paper dolls..And I Loved Colorforms..

      children are much more into Ipads.
      I am amazed at the wee ones in strollers w/ a mini..
      not sure I am amazed in a good way.
      Thrilled my daughters involve the boys in sports etc..Noah and his mom did a 200 piece puzzle..I like that..
      They all Ipad..Noah the least..Max is a riot on Google w/ sharks.
      Anyways..we all do what we do:)
      Boy am I rambling this morning.

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  13. So pretty! A friend of mine brings me strawberry jam from her home in Norway each spring. It is the best I've ever had, but doesn't last long at our house. I'll try your recipe this weekend.
    Love your beautiful garden! A good art store deserves to be lingered in. So many possibilities.

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    Replies
    1. You would love this store..it's architecturally fantastic:)
      So nice that it is right near a Costco..which ..we frequent..but I have never seen anything less appealing shopping wise..this,right across the parking..fantastic:)
      Oh I hope you think this jam compares to your friend's..Your Golden Boy would love it?

      Delete
  14. I have not seen your fairy garden since GB days I think. They are so sweet. Katherine would love it. Maybe I should do that next year to tempt her to garden. I too love those jam jars found at your dollar store. The jam looks like jewels in the photo. Your squash dish screams fall. I am sure you will be making many trips to your new found art store and putting all of it to very good use.

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    1. Terry..the way you garden..you culd create a dear little corner w/ a few fairies..Bos are different..this little garden has a small pond..you know the kidney shaped ones you sink in..it's abit off w/ the years but the vegetation is lush..so it doesn't show as much..the fairies are to the right..snuggled in..the boys.. have gone through stages w/ the pond;)

      as babies..I could hold them..in the chairs there and they weould love watching the water..the wee fountain..then they grew.. and wanted to step in it..throw things in it..so funny..boys are totally different than girls..you know that:)
      That acorn squash dish is delishhhh.

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  15. Morning!!
    I must get a few of those jars!! I really like the size..especially for gifts... Making jam today...and I think a pie...:o)
    We had a wooden adirondack love seat for YEARS!! Did the same things..screwed..nailed...finally gave up the ghost, and we gave it to the bonfire at the cottage!!
    We have lots of plastic ones at the cottage...sooo easy to spray paint magnificent colours!!
    Your book is lovely...and I do remember colorforms...hours of fun!!
    Not the same with kids today...but we keep trying!!
    Miss V has her Moms old phone...watches old videos of herself on it!! Says she is doing her "Instagram"...gotta love it!
    Have a great day..
    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Doing her Instagram:):):):)
      She must be so colorful Linda..bet she keeps you in stitches..
      The jars are adorable.. perfect gift giving size.
      Have you ever seen the Mini Bonne Maman jars? So sweet to tuck into gifts also..

      Was your set from Costco too?

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    2. No...my SIL and I bought one each at the home show....years ago! Aldo got some gingerbread for the house that year!
      Picked up 6 jars at the $ store today...different from yours...but still the perfect size!

      Delete
  16. Those jars are such a perfect size. Homemade jam is so good. I used to make tons of it years ago. Love your little pop-up book. How sweet that is. I can see why you love it so. Your garden is fabulous. How beautiful to sit out there and enjoy the scenery.

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    1. Well it isn't California..but I promise you I am grateful every day for this patch of home.
      I never take it for granted.
      I think you are the same.

      Delete
  17. you are so lovely! i usually just read your blog in my email, but coming here is like a visit to a quaint B&B....i LOVE the secret garden...would you be so kind as to tell me the author so that i can pick one of these up for myself? thank you always for such inspiration. always. angelheartcottage@comcast.net

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  18. Frances Hodgson Burnett..Illustrated by Graham Rust.

    and there are some for sale on Ebay..
    It is delightful.
    Thank YOU.

    http://www.breslichfoss.co.uk/book.php?xlRow=133


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  19. I'm gasping at your oh so pretty jars of strawberry jam!!
    The paper dollhouses are gasp-worthy too.

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    1. It's David's..and believe it or not..I think you were instrumental in leading me to him.:)
      Like many other things.

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  20. As usual, you have a little something for everyone here...For me; The Pop Up Book!!! I have to see it! Then, I want to make a pop up scene of my own! Until 4AM this morning they say it is still summer! Enjoy, you and your garden!
    PS Woodless pencil is just a pencil shape in lead. I think it has a thin cellophane coating to you don't mess up your hands. It's a lovely soft soft graphite. Yes, Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain, I read it years ago and tried some of the exercises like the negative space and drawing upside down. I love the non-dominat hand exercise!!!!!

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    1. You brought back so many memories w/ your post..
      I will look for that pencil at my new art store..
      I have graphite..and conte..all because of my friend Nancy's influence..but have never heard of this..and will tell Nancy abut it..she is a DRAWER..par excellence..and painter..
      Ebay has that book..
      I bought it w/ my daughter's help..on her Facebook Varage Sale ..where the easel came from also..
      You would like this book..and I would love for you to make a pop up book:)

      Delete
  21. what beautiful post dear Monique ! all look amazing, love the pictures!!
    I love strawberry jam look beautiful!
    Hugss dear!!!

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  22. Your jam looks like as fresh as springtime, Monique! How sweet of you to make it so often and even sweeter than it reminds Jacques of his childhood :) Worth every minute! Your fairies always look happy there ;) Is the teeny-tiny fern in the middle the Maidenhair or the bigger one on the right? Love them both! I did buy a couple of pumpkins and mums for the front step but it doesn't feel like fall here at all yet - except for the shorter days, of course. Today was over 80F. J and I golfed and it was a glorious, beautiful day. Picture perfect last day of summer. I think I told you I read Secret Garden for the first time this year during our trip to CA. I loved every minute and I love your pop up book! I love even more than you buy these things for yourself to enjoy. It is charming and I can recall situations in the book by looking at the home. Such a sad start to the story though! Charming and beautiful photos of the hedge, the adirondacks, the foxglove, on and on ;)))

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    1. The bigger one to the right is Maidenhair..to the left is a mini Astilbe..I only put those small fall things IN that hidden little garden..still way too much pik here..white pumpkins would do..but Jacques said what's the point of white?:)
      I love that you enjoy your golf and your husband to bits:)
      My Littles are not into Secret arden pop up books:)
      Although I did find a tea party board game and Noah plated with me;)
      Have a great day Susan.

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  23. I saw similar jars when I bought mine for my first canning adventure. I got the larger ones because I thought, after all of the work shouldn't I have bigger jars of jam" silly me, smaller jars can be gifted to more friends! I don't have a scale so the recipes that used weight instead of cups made me wonder if I'd get it right. I need to try this one. No pits will make it so much easier than the beach plum jam! The photos are divine as always xxoo

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    1. Pits..are the pits:)
      This one is so easy..I do store mine in the dridge..
      It really is a beautiful..French jam:)
      How about this weather? Wow.

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    2. Yes! Gorgeous weather.. But I can tell fall is here. This summer went by super fast.

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  24. The yard is just magical still. I love the little jars you made the jam in. It sounds delicious. The paper house is fabulous too. Looks like it will be time for the fairies to be moving in the house pretty soon here.

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  25. ooh the secret garden, my favorite book and you are so lucky to still have some foxglove, so pretty and homemade strawberry jam sounds so delicious. and i'm just a little jealous of your neat art store :)

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  26. You would linger also..I wish i was not so shy I would ask t take pics..but you would need a great wide angle lens etc..

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  27. Un petit paradis sur terre où j'aimerais séjourner.
    Félicitations.

    Roger

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  28. Lovely post, Monique. You certainly got your money's worth from those chairs. They are so pretty in the garden. Few things taste more luxurious in the dead of winter than a spoonful of homemade strawberry jam.

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  29. The first photo did it for me! Very nice, hard to beat jam you make yourself on toast in the morning.

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  30. I finally tried David Lebovitz's recipe. We can't get strawberries around here at this season so I made it with pears and it came out excellent. I debated whether I should add cinnamon and then didn't. Maybe next time.
    The Secret Garden was my favorite book as a girl :-)
    Amalia
    xo

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  31. I'm always taken to another world when I drop in to see you! Your wee little fairy garden is just delightful and magical too. I'd love to stroll around in the new store, I too, like to linger! Your jam must be scrumptious and I must try that squash and soon!

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  32. I'm always taken to another world when I drop in to see you! Your wee little fairy garden is just delightful and magical too. I'd love to stroll around in the new store, I too, like to linger! Your jam must be scrumptious and I must try that squash and soon!

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  33. I so want The Secret Garden house. I loved that book.

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