The weather has been so erratic..from beautiful fairy-like days to freezing rain and power outages..
some longer than others..up to 3 days..we all fear a repeat of our great ice storm in 1998.
I am sure you heard of it..it was all over the news.
We need to have a polar bear's coat..
The weather makes for stunning vistas..as the view from one of our kitchen windows shows so well....so grateful to have lovely views on both sides..and..
I love our street..
I took a short walk with my camera..
and right now am sipping licorice tea..Stash's..last pouch..I love this one..
..this morning I made chicken noodle soup and Paul Hollywood's ciabatta..a very very wet dough,harder to manoeuver..but they look ok..I cut off an end..and it is good..
I received a sourdough starter for Christmas..and put it somewhere safe..just found it:)
In the country ,where we live..the trees are decorated with snow and ice..arches line the streets..in a very magical manner.. white snow..quiet..serene..
The boys have been x-countrty skiing with their dad..I'll get there and on my snowshoes when the weather is more clement.
Noah is taking downhill..:)
Montréal,where I was one night this past week..is so different..no snowbanks..roads are right down to the cobblestones or asphalt..the lights are on..in many many places..but what another world..
..my daughters brought me to see Kinky Boots for Christmas..we went January 5 th..out for a quick dinner and a glass of wine before,and then walk across the street to Place Des Arts.
Full house..
Amazing amazing amazing show..riveted by the talent..the costumes the songs.
It is 5 stars in my books♥
If you have a chance..
we were sitting so close..so close..so perfectly close.
For some strange reason,it feels to me as if the New Year was so long ago..and Christmas even more.
Maybe because it passed in the blink of an eye to me?
Or maybe because I am old and everything seems that way.
I went to the post office this week to pick something up and the postal lady behind the counter said something very nice to me..
I left thinking..geesh it doesn't take much to make someone's day:)
I like to say nice things and it drives Jacques nuts sometimes..I'll say..to the cashier..I love your earrings....I like your tattoo..you're so nice..bla bla bla..
So I thought to myself..maybe they like it as much as I did..
so..I am going to do it even more...Jacques..be warned:)
He laughs because when we leave stores..even the $ store..he says..I know..they're all your friends.
Well why not? They really are all so nice and friendly.
The boys have been on Christmas break..busy busy doing things....a lot of drawing too on the bad days..youtube videos how to draw Marvel superheroes..have to tell you all 3 are great at them..so concentrated and intent! Noah has been so busy too w/his mom as she is a teacher..so she has the same holidays as Noah~
I may have a cook/baker in my future..and a beautician..who said little boys aren't fun?♥
Oli was over one day and said:" Can I brush your hair nana"?
Ummm..YES!
So I went upstairs..gathered brush and clips and bobby pins..and scrunchies too..I loved every minute..I had PINGtails too.
I still can't believe cell phones take pics like these in a bathroom..perhaps I should have bought a phone instead of new camera gear..;)
my daughter gave me her old one:)her Samsung..will be taking some ah ha..phone pics too I guess:)
Grateful to her to have thought of me♥
Noah slept over NYE..I think I told you that..
in the morning I made eggs that I used to make for our girls..you cut a circle..a heart..a square in the middle and drop and egg in the pre-buttered toast..flip..and serve..a drizzle of pure maple syrup ..and there you have it..
His mom..Mylène emailed me w/ this collage..he made some for himself at home♥
Collage,courtesy of his mom~Phone too!
Have a nice weekend..I am staying put.
It is so beautiful there! We did get 8 inches of snow last night here in North Carolina and now the sun is shining and it is beautiful here too! That bread looks wonderful.
ReplyDeleteYour construction site must look so pretty:)
DeleteYou definitely know how to keep nice and cozy during those long Canadian winters, Monique! That bread... it looks wonderful!!
ReplyDeleteLove the boy's spa day too, how fun.
Hmm..not my best bread..Paul Hollywood seems to meke everything perfect:)
DeleteThey both do..he and Mary..
But like you..I love trying new things..in case they become keeprs:)
Thanks Chris:)
Winter wonderland! Love seeing your beautiful place. I'm busy organizing her. Well, not as busy as I need to be because here I am typing a note to you. It's almost 3 and time to take a walk while the sun is out and things have warmed a bit. The spa photos are so cute. Had seen one on IG.
ReplyDeleteI'll start organizing tomorrow as the tree and all it's festivity will be packed away.January seems organizational to me;)
DeleteMonique, I'll have to go back and look at all the pictures again, but aren't little boys just the sweetest things in the world? I would have to offer 20 bucks or something like that to get my littles to brush my hair. It has been -3 degrees overnight with a dusting of snow and schools canceled. The lake out back is frozen again. Do your roads get slippery? I didn't go out for two days to be sure of not getting in a wreck. It does look pretty there. I could tear up that bread;)
ReplyDeleteI cannot beieve the tenderness in little boys.And they make me laugh..all the boys together you can imagine;)
DeleteOur roads and dtriveways and walways can absolutely get like sheer ice:(
I always worry about the driving..Personally I stay put.I had to drive enough in icy conditions.A thing of the past.Oli is the only one that is still in that 7 yr old stage..of wanting to do that..he surprised me:)
The boys give their mom foot massages..and hairbrushing too I think..Noah has done my makeup;)
The bread was hard to tear lol.
Photos like that make me miss the snow. When we lived in Santa Fe, we often were able to cross country ski from our front door. I gave away my cross country and downhill skis to a friend when we moved to California. Aren't little boys so much fun? We had such a joyful Christmas with our grandson. Jim and I were just talking this morning about how important it is to spend as much time as you can with them when they are little. The bond will last a lifetime.
ReplyDeleteRy they are so much fun..I can still see your beautiful blond boy in my mind..we are fortunate we ski out our backyard too..and that's where they go too..more inclined I think when no car is involved.
DeleteHave a wonderful wonderful year.
I think the bond will last a lifetime..♥
Delightful post Monique...
ReplyDeleteYou always make me feel like I am right there beside you...hanging on every single word.
I am like you at the stores...always chatting everyone up....why not? Right?
It makes the experience so much more pleasant....
Those boys are so cute...look at him making eggs! Awesome!
Your street and property looks like a fairy wonderland...no such wonderland here...no snow!
Enjoy your evening...I want some of your bread!
Cheers!
Linda :o)
I read yours like that too..I am so surprised you have no snow..usually you do?
DeleteI like talking to people at the cash too..it is often the same ones we see again and again..like the Walmart greeters..everyone has a smile and often a story:)
I am really getting into online purchasing though:(So easy..The bread was not amazing..maybe toasted:)
Have a nice Sunday Linda.
We had snow for Christmas, but the warm up we got, and the rain, washed most away. Still piled in spots...but...not beautiful like yours!
DeleteYou are the best Nana ever! You are so good with your g-kids and I love that Oli brushed your hair.:) At least you get sunshine after the snowfall. We haven't seen the sun in over a week or at least it seems like it. Guess that's what happens when one lives next to a lake. I don't mind the snow, I just hate the gusting winds here. But I fret not, Spring is around the corner :) You have the gift of edification - you are always saying nice things and I believe it's because you're a nice person yourself, I do believe that. :) xoxo
ReplyDeleteI know many many great nanas:)I am not the best..
DeleteI know some that are sick..it must be so hard for them..
and I have heard of others who take their whole families to Disney etc..some of my daughters friends parents..
thanks for always making me feel good.
x
Always cut a circle...we called it "egg in the moon"
ReplyDeleteDo you do "French toast"?
Haha
Mais oui..and French Fries..and French onion soup;)
DeleteI like that saying..I am stealing it;) Egg In The Moon.
I think snow is lovely...so long as I have food in the house and electricity!! Here we have little snow but bitter cold.
ReplyDeleteBest,
Bonnie
Bonnie..so bitter here too -3 F..that's really like Dr Zhivago's Siberia..and yes please electricity..I get such a change in my personality when it's cold and no power..it's not pretty;)
DeleteIt looks beautiful but no heat at this time of year is not good at all! We had some snow yesterday but not too much and light. The wood burning stove was on all day and will be today. The boys are so cute. They treat you like a princess as they should because you are the cookie and treat Nana. Noah looks so cute as the proud chef. Oli is adorable too with his facial (like they need it at all with such perfect skin!). I know how you feel about the holidays feeling so long ago. Soon it will be Valentine's Day. And then we celebrate Lillian's 1st birthday. Now that went quick! What fun seeing Kinky Boots with the girls. Night out on the town must have been fun. Stay warm.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe she will be one Terry..now that's a speedy year..or fireplace is non stop too..it just warms the air in a totally different way.
DeleteI look at my daughters skin and the Littles..and wonder if mine was EVER like that.
Kinky Boots//was so powerful because of LOLa..and the whole cast actually..so much talent.I cannot carry a tune so to me..these people are so blessed.Have a nice day Terry:)
The sun is out today and everything is sparkling bright and cold (for here). We had their skin, it was just more years have passed than we want to think about!
DeleteI guess you are right:)
DeleteThat ciabatta looks so good! Perfect light shining on it, too. I do so love light. ;) I'm with you, Monique... spread a little kindness... it ripples out. Such fun with the boys!! Savor. Savor. blessings ~ tanna
ReplyDeleteI seem to need light.And am always grateful to have it.Just a different feeling not needing lights untuil the outside is dark.
DeleteYes SAVOR..the moments..we really never know how many we are allotted..this year and last has proven that..
Have a lovely Sunday Tanna.
Although your winter scenes are truly spectacular, I am reeeealy looking forward to a little warm up here mid week. As you said, I am waiting for more 'clement' weather to go show-shoeing ;) It takes so long for the house to warm up on these single-digit mornings. What an adorable Polar Bear with his red scarf and sparkly fur! Yes, I need that coat too :) We haven't been to a musical in ages! How wonderful that you got to go with your girls ♥ There is nothing like living near a big city with all it has to offer with plays, etc., and then being able to escape to your village and breathe deeply and enjoy the calm. I loved seeing Oli with his spa treatment and hearing about him brushing your hair...and Noah the budding chef cooking his Nana-inspired breakfast. Creativity ++. I can hardly believe that January is almost half over! Glad you found your starter :-)
ReplyDeleteLike our whole life..it's on fast forward..I know there is no rewind..but Pause would be lovely..to keep them like this..Lucas is using my xcountry boots and skis..perfect fit..imagine..the others got all their equipment yesterday..it will be a cute long line on the trails:)
DeleteYes happy for the starter!!
As Penny told you, we got lots of snow in NC. Power was out all day yesterday. We never got cold with two fireplaces going. It was a test of our very well insulated house and it passed with flying colors. Dinner cooked in the fireplace, candles and music playing. The power came blaring back just as we sat down to dinner. I was disappointed. LOL. Your pictures of the snow are lovely and the bread looks so good. I have been on a bread baking kick, so will have to try it. Your boys are so precious! Love the sound of the play . . . Had not heard of it.
ReplyDeleteI would have been disappointed too! The power could have come on..right after dinner..Snow makes January manageable I find..not for the ones that do the work though..the bread wasn't the greatest..no Paul Hollywood here;)
DeleteThe snow looks amazing! We are headed to see Kinky Boots at the end of the month...one of my colleague's son is in the cast. :) Sounded like a fun girl night out! xo
ReplyDeleteYou will LOVE it..I wonder who will play Lola for you..Oh it's just wonderful..please let me know what you think of it..knowing someone in the cast..what a fun thing!It was..I was home at 11.30 ..that's like the next day for me..but I was so wired..so still full of what I saw..I am certain you will just enjoy every minute.
DeleteVery sweet post. I never tire at looking at your beautiful snow covered photos. We are having lots of rain. I am also staying put. I bet the bread smelled and tasted amazing. The boy's spa day is so cool. I say, enjoy that while you can. They will get to an age, where it all changes....LOL
ReplyDeleteI have done some cross country skiing. My husband is like Jacques, he never talks to people at the store. Stay warm and cozy.
I always love your garden photos Linda..we always like seeing what we don't see every day.
DeleteI know..before I know it..these days will be long gone..
I bet you talk to people:)
I have too many things in safe places. Really safe places. I lost my gelli printing press for nine months.Now I'm trying to find my old digital camera so I have a back-up battery. Who knows what else is safe... I sometimes only realize when I need it.
ReplyDeleteYou really were slammed with snow, weren't you? We don't have much here at all now-- it all melted. But it's cold as all get-out. I'd prefer to stay in today but Rick's classical trio is playing their second gig at an art gallery and I promised to go. It sounds like tough duty, doesn't it -- listening to classical music while browsing in a gallery? Except that's what happened Friday night, too. Perhaps I can sneak away to a spot down the street for a bit and still get back in time to do my photo/recording duties! We shall see!
Lovely photos as always. May I have a piece of bread, please?!
I really enjoyed hearing Rick's trio..yes it does sound like a lovely evening:)
DeleteThese safe places in our lives..where the heck is that place..:)
The bread was definitely not a 10.Pretty but not a 10:)
Have fun whatever you do!
The snow is really beautiful Monique! Love your photos :) How fun you got out and about for an evening of singing and dancing. I adore going to the Kennedy Center in DC for a good show - at least once a year or so. That licorice tea sounds so interesting - I'll have to look for that one. Hope you have a terrific week!
ReplyDeleteThe Kennedy Center I have seen on tv♥It must be something to actually be there..
DeleteI have never seen a place like Opéra Garnier though..immeasurably beautiful..you too have a great week:)
That is awesome with the mini spa. La Niege-c'est incroyable et froid. The photos are lovely however I like it from afar. We are getting rain this morning. Thankfully I am in the office and not driving about. I went to a Korean spa this weekend-think full body scrub and oil massage. My skin has never been so soft. Kinky boots is so much fun. What a great present.
ReplyDeletePs I thought of you last night as we had tortiere.
Well I am sure your papa fills you in:) On the snow situation..I am not far..
DeleteIt is a great present..I remember the trip you took with your dad.memories that ast forever.
Hope le spa made you feel better:)
Yes..we do make a lot of those:)
My husband talks to people on the trail when we are skiing and hiking, but not in the store. He lets me do that. Ha! Love the mini spa :-)
ReplyDeleteWe must all be talkers.. I hardly talk to anyone anymore..I type..:)
DeleteSo when I am out..I guess all my friendly surfaces.
You can give Xavier a spa later..when they were younger..they loved when I would put cream on my hands and massage their feet.
They all 4 of them boys that like to have their head/hair rubbed while watching TV..They are very touchy feely..♥
them boys..wow !:)
DeleteAwwww, you live in a winter wonderland. It's so beautiful there. And, I like to compliment and say nice things to people, also. You never know when you are the bright spot of someone's day.
ReplyDeleteI know this because I have relied on the kindness of strangers many times..for exactly that reason..it just pumps us up♥
DeleteOh Monique, those grandsons of yours. How adorable they are. Such shining personalities! What joy they bring into your life. Mesmerized by the snow photos. I hope you don't get an ice storm like that again either. I remember how terrible that was. I was still living in Canada at that time. It was pretty horrendous! I don't blame you for staying put in this kind of weather. I would too. How fun that you got to go to that lovely evening of singing and dancing, made even more special by the presence of your girls. What a wonderful memory you made. I have always wanted to make my own ciabatta. You are inspiring me. Oh, and I am one of those like you, who talks and greets everyone. I could not be any other way. It brings me joy and I am sure it brings joy to some of them also. Never change! I have never snow shoed or cross country skiied or anything. Just snow mobiled. That was fun! Hope you are having a beautiful week! xoxo
ReplyDeleteWell your lovely chocolate marshmallow cookies are sous cloche:)All your recipes are spot on..many times I have tried something that caught my eye here and there and have been so disappointed with the results..all your recipes work out.
DeleteYou inspire me to be craetive..by making what you share..then taking photos..etc..I think you master everything you try.
The boys..I hope they keep their natures..imagine though 3 boys living together..the littest little has a few choice words..of course I crack up..so does Jacques..
the ciabatta is far better toasted..sliced in half and toasted..
I snowmobiled once too friends at the time..he had one..I loved it too..but I was in my twenties..I flew in his Cessna too..both I would not dream of doing..especially the snowmoblie..too cold!!
Have a gret evening:)
I always talk to people when I am out...I try to say nice things ...but th funny thing is people always talk to me in the supermarket...they ask me questions and if I now how to prepare something...it is funny really. I do not want to be someone who walks around frowning and looking down. I always smile...
ReplyDeleteThese boys are getting more and more adorable each day...
I have to tell you that I use my iPhone camera all the time. I have not pulled out my big camera in ages and ages, Mike has a Samsung Galaxy and his pictures are amazing as well.
Have fun in that Winter Wonderland...it is beautiful!
Bisous xoxo
I know why they stop you..because you are another one whose recipes are so good..John and Caprial's pork is a staple here..your lentil soup..etc etc..they can see you KNOW..
DeleteThe boys..all 4 of them are so much fun..hard to believe when they are all together or with other kids..lol we disappear!
I am just getting used to the phone..I thought I was doing something wrong..the ringer was off:)
I just invested in a camera and lenses..I am starting to learn it..but sometimes....well many I follow on IG..food and travel etc..PHONES..and stellar!
We are having a very mixed bag of weather..the next few days.I am acting crazy organizing..I am sure you know what I mean;)
OUI..Bisous xx
I'm jealous of your snow!
ReplyDeleteOMG! You live in such a beautiful place with such beautiful people!
ReplyDeleteI wish you could take photos of them:)
DeleteAdorable this post! That snow is fairyland to me! I love how you have such fun with your tweeties! They are growing so fast!
ReplyDeleteIt's true! 2016 flew by so quickly!
Xx
Oops meant to read 'tweenies'
DeleteTweeties works:) They are such fun Shel..you will see:) I can't wait for you..you will see how thought of your mom will keep popping into your head..in a good way..knowing she would just flip over them..I do..and it fills my heart..the cycle..♥
DeleteThank you Shel..as always.
Love the snow photos, It's so pretty there! The boys are so cute! Love Noah's special breakfast, our son Scott makes it for us too! Happy Wenesday ♥ Hugs, Jody
ReplyDeleteYou too Jody..thanks!
DeleteHello,
DeleteNice pictures in the snow. Great that picture 10 by night.
Kind regards,
Marco
Thank you..your photography is wonderful..would like to follow..could not find a Follow button.
DeleteThe night photo is my daughter taking a photo of me taking a photo:)
With her phone.
I can't believe all the snow you have!!!, Well, yes I can I guess. It's like movie perfect snow. Not the messy look we have here 5 minutes after people start digging out on Long Island.
ReplyDeleteI saw Kinky Boots New Year's Day. Yes, it was an awesome show. I liked it more than I expected to.
Well today is not pretty..at all ..the fairy dusting is gone..grey..light rain..nothing like those photos above..
DeleteI did not expect to like it that much either..one of my faves for certain!
The singing..the costumes..the people..5 stars in my books.Lola..my the incredible talent..of all actually.
My other recent fav was On Your Feet.
ReplyDeleteYou go out a lot more than I do!
DeleteI will look into that.I seem to do one show a year..w/ my girls..I bet it's good..just the title:)
Love your pretty snow pictures, they bring back lots of memories. A spa day for the boys, so cute…now if only our skin could look as good as the skin on their young faces. :D
ReplyDeleteI look ate their perfect faces all the time..:)
DeleteEt me revoilà ce soir ! j'adore lire de jolies tranches de vie le matin au lever et le soir avant de me coucher. Mieux qu'un film à la télévision, je trouve ... :-)
ReplyDeleteMoi ausssi..au lever et au coucher..:)
Delete