Monday, December 7, 2020

~It's unfortunate....like 2020...Christmas gatherings are canceled ...In QC.

 

 





Not canceled per say..our pharamacist said..it's still Christmas..Jesus will still be under the tree..etc..he's right..it's just so unbelievable..

People are still decorating..putting up trees ,buying gifts..it's the gathering that is forbidden..here.



I was over the moon..

That was my favorite dress..pink w/ white tiny polka dots..crinoline..black velvet band..pictures ARE 
important..w/out seeing this one over the years would I remember?




Jacques and I made our tourtières Saturday..unbaked above..we freeze ours unbaked..the filling is fully baked..not the dough..
baked they are so pretty..A true FR Canadian Tradition.






She was hoping to have everyone together...



Not to be so she painted..on watercolor paper..


And Yupo..Yupo makes us look like watercolorists:)



All of you who refused to wear masks and kept getting together..This may be on you.

I've seen groups on IG..

How can you have get togethers of 30 people plus stuck side by side no masks even.

Did you think of anyone else but you?

Sad.And I cannot unsee..It's not only here..the US ..I see posts of people begging their US citizens to take heed..

So..you are either thinking of your own pleasure and don't care about anyone..or you think you are invincible.

Regardless..Think of others..I try and see your point..but can't.

Hospitals are over capacity..what if it was one of yours?

See..by being out there..no masks  ..hugging..you could be transmitting the disease..and so on and so on ..until it gets to someone who can't have a room at the inn..meaning a hospital.

One of ours is designated for Covid..it's at 133 % capacity.

Surgeries are being postponed..it's a mess out there..we call our health workers angels and then we disrespect what is asked..I don't get it.

Think of those you love..some are gone because of this..or think past your nose and think of other people's loved ones.


Moving on..

Anyway...

Varage sale was good last week..  I found that stocking holder for $10.00.It was in pristine condition.In the box.No one will see it.

I contacted the lady..because these purchases are no contact..and said wow had you ever used it ? She said yes..7 yrs used 4 yrs in storage.

Wow.

A nice lady we had a few emails:)


Still ..who knows how and when these will all be opened once filled.

Years ago..a friend at the time painstakingly bought the materials for me in the states..DREW the images on the canvases..sent me wool and got me started.

My daughter did paint 2.

I remember asking a girl in my office to show me the needlepoint stitch..the most impatient..well one of the most impatient people I had ever met except when selling a house .$$$ 

So my friend at the time took a video of herself and showed me..

I think for the next ten years..I stitched a stocking..and the most incredible woman here..made them into stockings for me..she even did that for the friend thousands of miles away.

She's in her 90's now and we still correspond by cards at Christmas.


Made some Pom scones..so neat as the don't bleed..

I make Make Today Beautiful ones..

And Pizelles..move over..Gaufres sèches du Nord(de la France) are my new faves..I found the recipe at Isa's place at Les Gourmandises d'Isa..a favorite of mine through the years.

Thicker..crispier..more caramelly:)Than pizelles.

A new love.

So sad..


I keep thinking how sad.


Well by the time we eat it's pitch black..I saw Tieghan makeon Instagram stories..

I used pork as we cannot do ground chicken..at all.. Fabulous.

Well this dish is soo good.

It takes longer than she says though;)

I have deep white bowls..blue is far prettier..

But omgee sooo good.Followed to the letter...w/ a few tweaks..of course..But that's just me..and what we like..we love sesame oil so used mostly that ..we love Szechuan peppercorns..so used also....I also recrisped the bottoms of my dumplings:)


My favorite..yes favorite..auteur-compositeur..André Gagnon..has passed away.

I have just loved him for years.

Jacques and I made our toutières..as there is no way I can make with anyone else.He's my bubble.Period.

Also tried new cookies thanks to Weekend at The Cottage..they imprint beautifully.You can find them and their recipes on Instagram.

So easy to decorate on a shoestring..Google brown bag paper stars:)


That's about it for now..

Stay safe..keep others safe.























36 comments:

  1. December....o wowww time flies...I have also decorated a little for Christmas...I will make a post soon....please stay safe...it is a strange time for whole our world....love from me 🍀❤️🌲🕯🍀

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  2. You are keeping very busy! Love following you on IG! Very strange time! I can’t imagine what people must be thinking when they persist in gathering....no mask wearing, even! It just seems very thoughtless. Best wishes of the season to you and yours!

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    1. Thank you Nellie!
      Today the news...so many operations postponed-Such a shame..and one person can propagate this to so many.
      So nice of you to write.I have been home sinceMarch..grey hair ..etc..I do get groceries in my beautiful little town but they are super careful!I wrote a letter to an editor about how great they are..hope it’s published as they deserve a standing ovation👍

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  3. Numbers are up here too...I'm in the upper south, the middle of the US. Our son & his family chose not to celebrate Thanksgiving with her family because her uncle had just recovered from covid. They weren't confident the rest of the immediate family were in the clear. So we did a little bonfire with the four of us & our grandson.

    I do mention my grandson..I try not to because I realize everyone is separated right now. When covid hit, we decided to be part of his bubble & be his full time caregivers while his parents work. So we are as well isolated as we can be, not going out to eat, shopping, ect. Just in our own little world. I do seriously realize how precious a gift this is for me to have with him right now.

    Oh I wish I could come to your house for tea! Everything you make looks so delicious!

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    1. Such a great decision to look after your grandson..and I am sure everyone who reads is just happy for you..This will pass one day..:)Tea would be lovely:)

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  4. I'm so sorry to hear the news! How sad. The vaccine is coming so hopefully, next year...
    Amalia
    xo

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    1. Yes..the vaccine is coming and yes hopefully next yr will be far better..It's the kids..my main concern..the kids..after all the ailing and sick and dying..Their little lives changed so much..

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  5. Who will eat all yr beautiful tartes? :((
    Do they ship?

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    1. One picked up..one was delivered..one eaten..3 frozen for the yr.:)All accounted for.

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  6. I get very upset at people who gather without masks as well. Your tarts look beautiful.

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    1. So funny..I know I cold not be friends..here it's a rule..but I see them on IG or TikTok refusing ..and I can't believe it!

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  7. Monique, its such a sad time in my mind. We didn't leave the house for months except for doctor appointments. Now we do grocery shopping, but with masks and hand wipes. Everyone is in a mask! Like you, I don't understand the lack of caution. It is such a simple thing to wear a mask. It is mandated here if one is out in public, and what little I'm out, I don't see anyone without a mask. But, I know the parties are happening. Did you read about our Mayor? He made national news. First he held a wedding for his daughter, not a huge event, but more than 8, which is what the city had mandated for restrictions. Then he flies with a group in a private plane to Cabo, where he broadcasts a video of himself from his vacation spot tells all the citizens of Austin to stay home, isolate, etc. I can't make this up!!!
    I admire your needlepoint stockings more than you'll ever know. What an accomplishment!!! I've stitched stockings for friend's and their children, but never stitched for us. I found some beautifully stitched stockings on etsy a few year ago, and bought them. I recognized the designer, they were inexpensive! Most don't know and appreciate the cost of needlepoint stockings. I hang them with our velvet stockings we have had for decades.
    Still adding holiday touches here, though only M and I will see them. That's OK. I would be too sad not to decorate!!! Its tradition and what I do! The 😂😂😂
    Stay well, keep the spirit.....Love!

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    1. WE decorated too as you know..I think it's important for our own mindset.Québec is not pretty in Nov and Dec w/out snow..barren landscape and mostly grey days..So the twinkle lights help when dusk falls..and it's early.
      Good for you and buying the stockings..And the ones you made for others..what treasures..The time involved is really astronomical lol..as I mentioned..not sure I would start today:)
      Our rules sound like yours except now not even groups of 8..
      Zero.
      You too keep the spirit dear Sarah:)

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  8. The tarts are beautiful. Such lovely photos. I hope the vaccine is shared soon. Merry Christmas.

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  9. Christmas gatherings are cancelled here in BC, too. It was not unexpected, but is still very sad. We broke our bubble a bit in order to look after our 18 month old granddaughter while her parents were in the hospital welcoming her new little sister. I helped my daughter a bit (c-section), but now we've pulled back completely. Oh how I want to hold that little newborn bundle. We are restricted until January 8. I get so very angry and saddened by those who deny the dangers of Covid and refuse to wear masks or continue to gather together.

    That said, we will celebrate with the two of us, and we will make some driveway deliveries and perhaps watch the grandkids open their gifts on Zoom. It will be different, but there will be happy times.

    Your tourtieres look amazing!

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    1. Lorrie it must be so hard to stay away!I would love a new baby so much..lol...
      I think that will be our MO also drive by deliveries..
      I bet your heart is full of love ..I know when new babies arrived here we were on cloud nine💙💙💙
      You broke your bubble for excellent reasons.No question about that 🙂🙂

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  10. What’s a Varage Sale?
    Guess its Canadian...

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    1. Varage Sale is in Canada and the USA it is part of Facebook..Or comes from FB..I don't do FB but i this pandemic I have appreciated VS even more.
      Today I am picking up two FRENCH COUVENT DES CORDELIERS SILVER-PLATED WINE TASTEVIN TASTING CUP, 2 7/8"..one for each son-in-law in his stocking..
      So many interesting things..I don't text so I am not the first to see the new items..you can get notifications.
      The prices are so reasonable on many items.
      In France you could find treasures..so far..I think only US and Canada.

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  11. I hate to wish time away, but I'm ready to welcome 2021 and hope it will bring happiness and less stress for everyone. We have 12 states in the U.S. that don't require masks! Since our president never insisted on a national mandate it has all been up to the governors of each state...unless our new president takes office and then he will ask for 100 days of mask wearing. I have six masks on my car seat. I rarely see a person without a mask but there are still sightings now and then :) And, I hate those that only cover their mouth and leave the mask under their nose! Drives me nuts. Don't they know if they exhale and are a carrier that someone can get it? Not to mention they are leaving themselves vulnerable. Big gatherings, I just don't get. Sure, we're all tired of this but come on. So hoping we have enough vaccine soon. Did you read that the president's administration said no to buying more vaccine doses from Pfizer in summer? OMG. Can you imagine all this happening before blogs, before IG, before cell phones? Talk about being isolated. As you said, moving on...because we have to or drive ourselves nuts.

    Your home looks lovely and so inviting. The paintings! Was it C or M? So nice!! Walking in the footsteps of their grandmother and mother ♥ I LOVE that stocking hanger. It has the same finials as some of my garden pot stakes. You and your doll bed ♥ I tried the link to Tieghan's recipe but it didn't take me there. Must be delicious though! Sounds like it may have been an Asian soup? Why can't you do chicken? And, your pizzelles look so good and carmelly tasting, oh my. Everything you do...A+++.

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    1. It was this M lol..:):):)
      I explain myself terribly sometimes..
      Even for Varage Sale here..OUTSIDE if we meet someone..MASKS..I am grateful to have not bumped into idiots..
      Jacques and I hate ground chicken..for some reason it's off to us..

      It's not really a soup..because the dumplings are kind of above.. and then a crumble on top..I hope this works..

      https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/sesame-chicken-dumplings/
      Some think it's a soup..J said..to me it's not a soup lol..
      We ate 10 dumplings each..I always add or "Jujj" with things we love..like adding crushed sezchuan peppercorns in the dumplings....I use sesame oil..we love it..etc..
      Oh Susan I am feeling uncomfortably round..that's not me..:(After a Christmas dinner yes..but this is always..:(

      In a town in QC..100 people had a party last night..I hope he gives FINES now not warnings..

      THis is sad..if you are having chemo..your spouse cannot go in w/ you...Freakin idiots were not careful so this isnt gone..there are other patients in chemo rooms..who could get it or be contagious..so no care giver with you.
      I don't think people get the ramifications..
      They could never be my friend.

      No no no..YOU do everything perfecly♥:)
      Here's to 2021..
      Mylène gave Caro ad I a beautiful die cut wood orbnament w/ F... 2020 on it.
      My sentiments exactly and honestly what do I have to complain about?
      Freakin idiots lol and not being en famille for Christmas.
      My little darlings♥

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  12. Pictures are really important and yours are fabulous. I'm afraid we are not suposed to celebrate Christmas as well!
    Take care, my dear.

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    1. Such a shame....:( But we must try and keep the rest healthy..a sacrifice for this year..Take care..keep well Nina..

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  13. Oh, I adore your snowman, the gorgeous cookies, the watercolor painter painting! Those toutieres -- they look delicious -- even unbaked! And so gorgeous. And yes, another shout-out to the cookies! I love the needlepoint. I haven't done that in ages -- I still have pieces that aren't put together yet from decades ago. I used to paint canvases. I think my stocking I made has been lost in the post holiday stuff at Rick's -- I couldn't find it last year. Sad, but it's OK. I have the one from when I was a baby and that's more important. Mom made. I have no words for the Covid situation I haven't already said a million times. It's tragic. One of our hospitals is over 90 percent full. Few elective procedures. And so much sadness...

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    1. All true..Oh things happen in Christmas morning paper and boxes shuffles..for about 6 yrs..I made Alicia Paulsens felt ornaments.. They are series..I made sets of each for my girls and myself..and ind ones for specialpeople:) One Christmas.a set of my daughter's was thrown away..I have to say we get ver it instantly but I have to laugh at ALL THE WORK..every little bead I addede..the M on the headboard..

      oh well..so thos stockings up there?
      They live here..primarily because we open stockings here(Not this yr) and I fill them..they have their own at home..

      If you want to make dear ornaments Alicia has beauties..
      The Little girl is so cute..I offered it to a friend at the time..well they're not glittery..not from a fancy shop..her face said it all.:(
      Duly noted..
      LOL
      WE need people to care about people..not people who PROFESS too..

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  14. I agree with all of your thoughts re the selfishness of those who think they are invincible! It really angers me also. They’ve no idea of how many people they have impacted just because they can’t do what they are asked! It’s appalling. I love all your photos of your treats and bakes, paintings, decorations etc. Most of all I love the photo of you with your dad on Christmas with your canopy doll bed. (Am I right?) your father looks so in love with you and whoever is behind the camera. What a treasure! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

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    1. My uncle:)
      Me yes but my uncle..
      I am seeing more and more people on IG getting Covid ..:(
      Sometimes we say are we nuts being so careful..but then we know in the bottom of our hearts we are not.
      We are careful in life in general..this is a biggie.
      Take care Marie🙏

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    2. OSS so sorry, I misread and thought it was your dad! My apologies! No, we are not nuts! One doesn’t have to look very far to see the impact people’s carelessness is wreaking on everyone’s life! You take care also! I know you do! ❤️

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  15. I love your stocking hanger! I've never seen one like that. Very nice. All of your food preparations look delicious!

    NY was hit so hard by the virus in the beginning that I think people are more careful here (MOSTLY) wearing masks... but there are still impatient groups. When I open The NY Times and look at the virus map it is horrifying and fairly obvious that the "flatten the curve" push has been completely abandoned.

    It has been a year since I've visited Pennsy family, but I'm keeping fingers crossed for the Spring....

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    1. I hope you get there soon:)What a year ..your painting,has been so nice for lovely distractions!

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  16. Looks delicious!! It is so frustrating...the idea of collective good does not seem to resonate with many people...it breaks my heart over and over again. :( Hope you are still finding some magic and joy this holiday season. xo

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