Is it true? Spring is here?

Is it true? Spring is here? Well it sure seems like after a very very long snow winter, Mother Nature said GO to Spring... phew! What a relief  to see the many signs of a warmer season. Even though the snow is still around (and probably will be until July by the size of the snow banks... sheesh!) I do have a few crocuses that are blooming. What strong plants they are to endure the heavy snow and frozen nights.

And the birdies are back, tiny little white tummies chipping away at the bell of grains.

But of course, Spring on our property means lots of mud and for our furry little friend, that means dirty paws, but also lots of sleeping in the sun on the balcony.
One of the things I like most about Spring are the longer days. Feels great! So is it true? Spring is finally here!!!

P.S. We even got a visit from what looks like a Superhero to welcome the change of season... ta ta ta ta ta ta ta   Batman !!! he he

NYC Escapade

I just got back from a quick “escapade” to NYC. The city is vibrant, busy, moving and loud. Spring has really arrived and I saw many shiny new flowers popping up from the ground. So nice to see colourful crocus, daffodils and even cherry trees in bloom. But what is most remarkable in the Big Apple is how the people react to Spring. I saw lots of sandals and toes, knees and shorts and even shoulders ! Yikes, too soon for me! It was not warm at all. 

Columbus Circle

Anyhow I sure did my share of walking. My hotel was in Midtown (58^th Street) and on the day of my arrival, my room wasn’t ready so I headed down Broadway and ended up in Soho. I visited the FIT Museum (Fashion Institute of Technology), where the exhibit was entitled “His and Hers” and showcased clothing for men and women dating back to the 1700s. The shoes were amazing ! And as the exhibit was chronological, we got to see important creations that changed how we dress. Jean-Paul Gautier and Alexander McQueen’s creations are stunning up close !

I kept on walking, saw many cute shops I read about in my blogs (such as Purl Soho, http://www.purlbee.com/ a cute yarn and fabric store). When my legs started aching badly, I took the subway back to the hotel and entered my miniature home for 2 days. MINUSCULE but clean and very well designed. Once refreshed, I headed out to the Museum of Arts and Design (which was right across the street). Their exhibits were fascinating as well and I had a great visit. 

Marie Pendariès, The Dowry, 2008

Then I rushed down to Broadway to see “American Idiot”, the musical from Green Day. Well, I loved it. It was “fidèle” to the American Idiot CD, but the characters created came to life and for an extra perk, Billie Joe Armstrong was in the show. The audience was very young (which was really nice) and sooo enthusiastic. It felt more like a rock show than a Broadway musical. I had a great time !

American Idiot Musical on Broadway

Day 2 was dedicated to the PSFK conference. A full day of talks from innovators in business, arts, design, marketing and other fields. Needless to say, my brain was full by the end of this intense event. I walked around the downtown area, up through Tribeca and finally opted for the subway “home”, no afterparty for me, I was exhausted. 

And so today I fly back home, to Montreal, or rather to the Laurentians. I’m looking forward to being what is probably the total opposite of NYC; mountains, forest, silence and space. I guess it’s times like these where I just realize how much I love living in the country. But the city reinvigorates the cultural soul, I’m quite happy to return to a serene setting… and Mr. Fox, of course !

My love of bread

Lately, I've decided to explore my love of bread. I truly LOVE making fresh bread. I love reading the recipes  well in advance, going through the pantry to select the ingredients, getting the workspace cleared and turning up my sleeves. Measuring the flour and yeast. Mixing in the warm water and adding any other flavorful foods. Then the real work starts. Kneading is a workout, but oh how rewarding to see the dough rise and become alive. Then creating the shape of the bread and letting it rise again. And then comes baking. The sweet aroma it brings to our home in the country is heart-warming.
Ok, some may say I've gone goo-goo, but I am just really into this wholesome food. And Mr. Fox doesn't seem to mind be the Taster En Chef.
Here is the Pain de ménage. A very simple yet moist white bread.

And here is a crustier loaf.

This weekend I even tried an Apple-Nut Bread. Yummy.

Oh, by the way, the snow is melting, slowly but surely. It is April after all. I even saw some early bulbs flowering... can't wait to see those beauties grow.