Tag Archives: Random thoughts

2015 has arrived – in California!

I hope everyone has had a good start to the year despite the weather. We were lucky in Tad and never lost our snow. Alan was skiing and we were snowshoeing and toboganning with the kids when they were with us for Christmas.

The good news – at least for us – is that we are now in California!!

The day we left Tadoussac was -22 with a windchill of -28 and looked like this:

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Then we came to Martha’s place and wow what a different planet. I love the snow and we are looking forward to going back but this little respite is much appreciated. I have put some photos below of some of our highlights to date. The first is that Martha had to leave for a business trip and her boss told her to bring us to share her room in this very fancy hotel in Santa Barbara. Now I really feel retired as we  sent Martha off to work and we just went to play all day.

We arrived just as the sun was going down so ran to the beach immediately for a nice sunset walk.

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The Four Seasons Biltmore was absolutely stunning – way out of our league so very nice to play the poor cousins along for the ride. The rooms were amazing. Martha and I were drooling over the bathroom – Alan less so as you can imagine.

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Most spectacular were the gardens. The hotel was originally built in the 1800’s and so is on a large piece of land. The gardens had been kept almost as a botanical gardens in itself. Alan and I spoke to one of the gardeners who said he had been tending the gardens there for 36 years so had had a great deal to do with the planting and types of growth. They had a walking path all around the property so you could admire the gardens and identify the trees etc.

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orchids everywhere – these at the front door
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orchids at the front door
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front entrance
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bougainvillea along the terrasse. They are so beautiful but I had not realized that they are essentially a weed with spines and are often planted for security
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walkways through the property
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fountain at the entrance to the pool and hot tubs
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Entrance to our room area

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As difficult as it was we did actually leave the hotel itself. Alan and I are always searching for gardens, aquariums, harbors  and beaches and then any other bonus historical sites.

First of course was the harbour.

Alan found his next boat

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And I found mine

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The boats and the harbor was pretty amazing.

We also visited Santa Barbara mission which is a very interesting piece of early California history. Started by the Franciscans in the early early days of California it has been rebuilt and restored following fires and earthquakes and remains an active parish steeped in the history and the heart of the community. They have received grants and awards for the archaeology work and the restoration work that they have done.  Very beautiful place to spend a morning.

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The other place which we went that blew us away was the botanical gardens up in the Mission Canyon Valley.  They have focused only on the plants and trees of California and now are part of a large group of gardens and researchers trying to find ways of dealing with the catastrophic drought conditions of California.  I think we need to take more seriously our wealth – forget the damn oil sands – it is water that is going to make us a hot commodity worth invading!!

Finally just so no one thinks we have completely forgotten our roots Martha took Alan to a Anaheim Ducks vs Toronto Leafs game last night – sad spectacle from the Canadian team. The only redeeming note was that Cory Perry who scored a hat trick for the Ducks was drafted from the Peterborough Petes where I grew up. I know grasping at straws but really Leafs – not even one goal.

Jayson plays a game on the weekend and there is actually hockey equipment hanging in the backyard to dry!! How weird is that.

So that is where we are and what we are up to. Don,t see this as gloating over the weather see it more as sharing our respite – sure that is going to work.

 

 

Christmas on the streets of Tadoussac

Christmas is just a couple of days away and I wanted to send some pictures of the village and all its lovely decor before the sleet, rain slush that is predicted to fall from the sky ruins the beautiful snow.

I have included some of the usual landmarks-  the small chapel that we all have taken photos of a million times, the marina, the boardwalk, the entry where the mariner statue stands in summer and also some of the beautiful decorations on the houses.

Wherever you are I hope your prep for Christmas is not too frantic and that you have time to enjoy the moment!

Giant presents replace the mariner
Giant presents replace the mariner

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La Merveileuse is apparently open for 4 days between Christmas and New Years for gourmet dinners.
La Merveileuse is apparently open for 4 days between Christmas and New Years for gourmet dinners.
These little trees are all lit up at night
These little trees are all lit up at night
The beach
The beach

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The CIMM
The CIMM
Even though the hotel is closed (except for the fellow who is charged with the maintenance work  there are still decorations
Even though the hotel is closed (except for the fellow who is charged with the maintenance work) there are still decorations

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The next 4 pictures are all from houses up the hill after you turn at the garage. I cannot tell you how beautiful this street is at night. Every house is covered in lights.
The next 4 pictures are all from houses up the hill after you turn at the garage. I cannot tell you how beautiful this street is at night. Every house is covered in lights.

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Cotés grocery store!
Cotés grocery store!

Also just to let you know. Those of you who would be interested André Tremblay who owns and operates the L”Eauberge de Jeunesse writes a monthly newsletter called Le Reflet. It is a very interesting read – sometimes light and funny, sometimes scathing in criticism of topics of the day, always political. We have had several occasions to meet him over the last month and it has been very interesting indeed. A lot of thought and work goes into the publication. We have not yet been able to gauge how it is received by the citizens.  If you are on Facebook you can “friend” request L’Eauberge de Jeunesse de Tadoussac and you will find the Reflet there as well and other news about what is going on.

We are slowly getting involved in some things here most particularly the marina and the Ferme Hovington project. I will send out a summary probably after Christmas (the last Reflet of Dec 14 has a summary) as there may be others who might be interested in being involved.

Our love to all of you at this blessed time.

Most amazing Tadoussac Baie photo ever

At the end of September, Lewis and Cathy had a group of friends come and join them for a weekend at Windward. One of their friends, Tim Douherty brought his drone camera and took lots of aerial videos of our properties. He also turned the drone outward on several occasions so that we could have some panoramas of the baie. I have never seen such a beautiful shot and thought that with rain and drizzle falling on most of us for the last week or so that this would be a real tonic.

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This is how it looked this morning early, so just keep focused on the sunny beach.

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View #4 answer and a new one to take a look at

Good morning,

Alan always used to say that he knew exactly who was calling on the phone if I started with a weather report. Being farmers my parents words right after hello was always “So what’s the weather like down there today?”

So Gwen is getting whacked with a ton of rain and the rest of us some measly bit of snow.  It is even predicting that we will get a bit of rain but we are hoping they are wrong. It will ruin the nice white snow we have. The bigger storm will pass south of us so far but it is dark and dreary here today.

The last view was indeed from William’s lawn.  It was such a lovely day the day that I took the shot.

Now here is one taken from an odd angle on a lawn to hide identifiers see what you think.

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Good luck with the Christmas rush. I decided that because I was retired I would make some of my gifts – because I had so much time – what was I thinking!! At any rate I am trying to redeem myself and at least get the cards out before Christmas. Then I will make the same resolution as I do every year at this time – next year things will be different around here.

Marché de Noel in Tadoussac December 8th

What a great weekend we have had.  This weekend was the Marché de Noel which is a huge 2 day bash that combines a large bazaar of Tadoussac artisans as well a few from Escoumins and Les Bergeronnes.

Friday was the set up in the morning. The whole thing took place at the L’Eauberge and the great main room was emptied and set with tables etc. then we did a major cleaning and decorating.

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Saturday morning everyone arrived early and set up their tables. It was great fun and lots of interesting stuff for sale. One room was completely hand crafts and the bar was set up with those who were selling food – sausages (chocolate and poivre rose: raspberry/cumin – you had to taste to believe – wow); spaghetti sauce (Gibard); oils vinegars, teas etc (Bakery) and preserves and homemade breads and tourtiere).

Homemade pickles and preserves
Homemade pickles and preserves
Amazing drift wood carving by artist Andre Nicolas
Amazing drift wood carving by artist Andre Nicolas
Remember Fimo? Some very cute decorations for the tree and some darling Christmas earrings
Remember Fimo? Some very cute decorations for the tree and some darling Christmas earrings
Lots of amazing handmade jewellry
Lots of amazing handmade jewelry
And too cute for words the primary school had made Christmas tree decorations,  painted mugs and offered a wrapping service. I am happy to report that every single thing they made was sold. So exciting for them.
And too cute for words the primary school had made Christmas tree decorations, painted mugs and offered a wrapping service. I am happy to report that every single thing they made was sold. So exciting for them.
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Melanie Lebel had a terrific display of potions, aromatherapy, crystals and other healing sources. She is well known as a healer in the village. Very interesting to get to know her.

The biggest excitement for the children , of course, was the arrival of Santa Claus.  Guess what  -he arrived at the Caisse (for those from out of Quebec that is the bank and it is on the main corner of the village) and rode up the hill on the back of a nicely decorated Lamarche tow truck!!. Everyone met at the appointed place and the fire, police and first responder personnel escorted Santa and the children up the hill to L’Eauberge. Santa led them into the little outside village set up for this purpose and then his chair was placed at a discreet distance so each child could have a private audience with Santa to share their wishes. The yard was beautifully decorated there was even an ice bar with frozen juice slushies for the kids and substantially more potent juices for the adult types!! There were marshmallow trees and a fire pit to roast them on. It was really very special – and this was only day 1.

Santa leads the children and their parents to the L'Eauberge
Santa leads the children and their parents to the L’Eauberge
Firs responders and fire personnel carry Santa's throne
First responders and fire personnel carry Santa’s throne
Parents and children all arrive together with Santa
Parents and children all arrive together with Santa
One of Santas helpers
One of Santas helpers
Santa waiting for secrets
Santa waiting for secrets
Marshmallow trees . You can take the branches and cook over the fire
Marshmallow trees . You can take the branches and cook over the fire

On day 2 there was more of the same but the end of the day there was a closing party for all the volunteers and the artists. First there was a terrific choir made up of adults and children from Tadoussac to Longue Rive.  The music was wonderful and it was a real singalong as well which was a lovely ending.

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Then a less sedate party started in the bar. Children of the volunteers were allowed to attend and two local very well known musicians Eric Cyr (dark hair – rocker in summer and traditionalist in winter) and Raoul Hovington (grey hair)  played traditional, foot stomping, hand clapping music for 2 hours straight. Some of the children were helping to keep the beat and Sean Thompson , who many of you know from marina was fantastic guitar accompanist. The place was rocking and the drink flowed. Alan and I were given what we suppose is the  Tadoussac version of a Newfoundland screech – in and we were given a shot of what can only be translated as Beaver Balls shots. There was something floating in the bottle and I have no idea what it really was and when they tried to tell me I refused to listen!! We instantly  needed a beer and a glass of wine to wash it down!! Oh man.

Sean Thompson on extreme left, two local children then Raoul and Eric in front. This picture does not at all capture the sheer fun of it all.
Sean Thompson on extreme left, two local children then Raoul and Eric in front. This picture does not at all capture the sheer fun of it all.

Another great community event to launch into the Christmas spirit. For us an amazing way to meet lots of people as we begin to get more and more into the community.

On the Saturday night Alan and I went to a local dinner dance that is sponsored by the local club for people 55 and older. There was an amazing dinner – cooked by the Chantmartin and throughout the evening dancing. Of course Alan and I were the only ones that no one knew so we were quite the object of interest.  Everyone has been super friendly and again, as in most small communities these events are a wonderful mix of many generations. Alan sat beside a couple who knew his Dad very well and so they were thrilled. and so was Alan. I actually won a brunch at the Chantmartin for the next day and when we arrived there was a whole room of people who had been at the dance and they all started joking with us about staying up late and partying.

I imagine that it will quiet right down now. The constant thread of conversation amongst the women was “as soon as this weekend is over, I have got to get my own stuff done!!” I feel the same way. I was sewing all day today and need to get some baking done. The tree and decorations will be Saturday.  The basement progresses. We told Michael that as of yesterday he could take a shower but could not yet pee as there is no toilet!!

We feel like our progress in the community has taken some big steps this weekend. Slow and steady wins the race.

Hope you are all well.

Answer View #3 and next view

Bright, cold and howling wind here today. I have a feeling that the howling wind is the big constant. So many people have put up shelters around their doors. Even the post office has  created a shelter because they get really swept  being on top of the hill. Everyone is covering their houses with decorations and especially lights to ward off the long dark days – really very pretty. We got about 6-7 cm of snow overnight.

View #3 was taken from the Dewart platform directly in front of the little white house. I took this one (view 4) this morning. So many of our houses have a similar view but just a twist of difference. Here is the next one.

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Finally home after a big road trip – Dec 2nd

Well what started out small,  ended up to be a rather wild but successful week.  We started with a lovely bonfire and then hot tub at George and Susie’s, then went to see my Mom and family for a few days. We returned to Montreal and signed all the final papers for the sale of our house – what a relief. Al was saying yesterday that this is the first time in our married lives that we have actually had all of our blessed possessions – or junk – in one place.

We celebrated birthdays Becky turned 4!

Becky loves birthdays!
Becky loves birthdays!
Raspberry amazement!
Raspberry amazement!

Then celebrated my birthday early, first with a dinner at our friends Colleen and Dennis’ and thank goodness there are no pictures as it involved hats and balloons and special effects! Then a great dinner with the kids

peggy cooked my favourite Taiwanese dishes with some new recipes added in
Peggy cooked my favourite Taiwanese dishes with some new recipes added in
yet again another beautiful cake - no weight loss on this trip!
Yet again another beautiful cake – no weight loss on this trip!

Probably the 2nd greatest feat after the sale of the house was that we were able to retrieve all of Alan’s lost computer data. Last month Alan’s hard drive died completely, it was backed up – or so we thought. A new hard drive was inserted and programs uploaded again and all was good  – except that the back up was mysteriously empty. At any rate to make a very long story short. We went to 3 Future Shop Geek Squad places and finally found a young guy who persisted keeping the computer for 4 days and restoring every little bit of lost material. We were really freaking out as Alan has kept a day to day journal of every step of our house build and all of his sermons and other writing. But all is found so AMEN!

We went to see Susan Turcot’s Art Show in Montreal. I know several of you have been already but it is well worth a visit. She is showing in conjunction with a large group of artists from around the world and the themes focus on the changing world we live in and how hard we are using and abusing our earth. Some of it is very hard to understand and other pieces just knock you off of your feet.

We rounded out the week with tea with Tom and Heather, Christmas shopping, hair cuts, visits with friends and finally spent a night with Lew and Cathy on the way home. We even snuck in a quick visit with Al Stairs to pick up grapefruits that we had ordered through MacKenzie’s school.

We arrived home last night and sadly our snow is almost gone. But we woke this am to a light dusting. The temperature has plummeted and it was -20 this am when we walked the dogs. The men are still working on the wharf on the Baie Ste Catherine side. Some are welding in skiffs at water level. I would not want to be them this morning.  Winter has definitely arrived.

This weekend is the grand “Marché de Noel” which is a number of events combined into one to get everyone into the mood. There is a food drive, a parade for the children which ends at the Auberge with a Santa’s village  and a large Christmas bazaar in the Auberge itself. Should be lots of fun.  I’ll take some pics.

It is so nice to be home. We launch back into the basement project this am with our goal of it being finished before the kids arrive for Christmas. We are almost there.

Stay warm wherever you are!

 

Answer to “Whose view” today!! and view #2

Ok Ok I can’t stand it. You can imagine how difficult Christmas is for me – I simply can’t wait. Chris and Chris are absolutely right  The picture is indeed the one “that sustains them through the winter”. It was taken from the Turcot main house back porch door where Ella goes to look for the BBQ and the bowl of water – and is now disappointed because they are not there.

Thanks to everyone who sent a note.

Here is the 2nd view. Look carefully. There are several who could have the same view but angles are important.

Nov 18 View #2
Nov 18 View #2

Susie wants there to be prizes!!! We will see.

Answer to “Whose view?” – to be posted Wednesday

Hi everyone, Some of you are so right and others – not so much. I will post the next view on Wednesday and let everyone know what the Nov 16th view spot was. We saw a large pod of belugas heading into the Saguenay mouth to go up the river this am. We have seen very few whales lately so it was nice to see them.  Have a great day!