Fête des mères / Mother's Day

Pour la fête des mères, j'ai reçu ma famille pour un petit bbq printanier. J'ai évidemment préparé des desserts. J'ai donc fait un gâteau marbré recouvert de fondant, décoré de petites fleurs, dont les couleurs ont été spécialement choisies selon les préférence de ma maman. J'ai aussi fait une jardinière avec des petits fruits ainsi que des mangues et mandarines. Et pour mon propre plaisir, j'ai fait des tartelettes amande et poires... mon péché mignon. Pour moi, c'est la gâterie typique d'une pâtisserie... pâte sucrée, frangipane et poires... un vrai délice. Et juste pour le plaisir, j'ai sorti quelques macarons que j'avait préparé à l'avance, soit à la noix de coco et au caramel. C'était une magnifique journée et on s'est bien sucré le bec !

Gâteau marbré choco-vanille

Jardinière aux petits fruits et mandarines

For Mother's Day, I hosted a little Spring bbq with my family. I obviously also prepared some desserts. I had a fondant covered marble cake, which was decorated with blossoms, chosen with Mom's favorite colors in mind. I also made a "jardinière", a flan with fresh fruit including berries, mango and mandarine oranges. And for my own little pleasure, I made almond-pear tartlets. They are the ultimate Patisserie treat with a sweet dough, frangipane and pears... a real delight. And just to add a little whimsy, I served some macaroons I had made earlier; coconut and caramel. It was a beautiful day, such a joy to spend time with loved ones.

Whats up with me?

Well, quite a lot actually. I'm now officially on vacation for... (drum roll please) 6 months! Yep, I did it and am on sabbatical from work to focus on other creative and fun ventures. So it's been 1 week now and let's just say it's been interesting. I've had the time to relax, enjoy the country life and plan some of my projects. And I must say that I don't miss the daily commute to the city, no I really don't.
So here are a few photo updates of my country life. My little garden is flourishing and we've already had the joy of eating some home-grown tomatoes, cucumbers and radishes. Now it's time for string beans and hopefully peppers. Once again, carrots were NOT a success... maybe next year.

Back row: green beans, cucumber, zucchini, tomatoes
Middle: radishes, beets, green and red peppers, hot chili peppers
Front: onions, herbs, green onions and more herbs

Here we have a few pics from some flowers in full bloom around the house. Such a joy to see them grow.

Hemerocalle

Poppies grown from seeds, so beautiful and delicate petals 

Hello Sunshine - one of the many 6' tall sunflowers by the side of the house. Can't help but smile when you see these tall beauties.

So during the past week, I had the pleasure of going on a field trip with my lovely Mama, to visit the Clef des Champs gardens in Val-David. They specialize in herbs and medicinal plants, it was a beautiful and quite warm day and I truly enjoyed the visit and the company.

Mama looks like a Southern Belle

Thanks for the hat Mama. (Yes I know, we really look alike)

A glimpse at the mountainous gardens at Clef des champs

In case you're wondering, Mika is doing great, she's a really happy dog, resting in the shade.

Photo updates - flowers and garden

Garden in July

First harvest herbs (basil, oregano, cilantro, rosemary)

First harvest radishes (yummy and spicy)

New rose bush

Clematis & Capucines

Flowers and garden

Here are a few pics of our lovely flowers and getting the garden ready.

Beautiful daffodils

The beauty of a single tulip.

So happy to see the bulbs I planted in Autumn all bloomed.

Getting the garden ready for some veggies.

Placement done for all that will hopefully grow.

More photos soon on how the garden is evolving!

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

Floor and Windows

This weekend consists of finishing up our future office. Mr. Fox sanded down the hardwood floor and applied a beautiful Danish Oil. The result is stunning, with a lovely wood grain in a rich brown hue. It looks like it would have probably 60 years ago. That’s what I like to imagine !

I sewed up a few curtains to dress up the windows in the dining room and finished the bathroom curtain as well. Nothing fancy for now, like I wrote earlier, we’re going to wait and actually move in to really decorate. But I feel the curtains add a little bit of “homy-ness” (is that even a word?)

We’ve been having lots of guests over since we got the house and we’re loving it. Thanks to Mr. Fox’s parents, we had a lovely lunch yesterday and a nice chatting break in the late afternoon with Nat and her friends.

Although there is still lots of snow, I bought a few blooms to cheer up the place. I just can’t wait to start playing in the dirt and see what type of garden will take shape. Until then, I’ll do some indoor planting and hope for a quick and sunny Spring to appear here in the Laurentians.