#285 More Weekend PerfectShawn

I shouldn't be surprised. I mean, ever day we're at the Cottage on PEI oe in the Townships, well, they are pretty damned perfect!

Another fitful night's rest, and a lazy morning.  And then Prep prep prep for today's dinner.  Marcel's Mom and Sister came down and we had a lovely Thanksgiving Feast.  Turkey and Leek Pot Pie, Roasted Root Veg Brussel Sprouts with Bacon and Maple Glaze.  And for dessert an old fashioned White Cake with Raspberry filling for Sally's Birthday.

I don't know why, but I absolutely MUST have seconds at Thanksgiving and Christmas. To not do so seems sacrilegious. Lunch was at 2 PM, it's now 7 PM and I'm STILL FULL!

Afterwards we had another nice visit, then when they left, we tidied up a bit and then went for a drive.  We ended up seeing about a dozen White Tail Deer (there's plenty in the area)  We looked at them, they looked at us. We all went on our way.  

We Parked the car at a location where there used to be an old Covered Bridge, hoping there might be a photo op or two. Well there was nothing left of the Bridge, but there was an absolutely pristine woodland stream with little waterfalls, pools and calm water and moss covered slate cliff faces.  Old Trees and fallen leaves.We both took photo after photo.  Hopefully they turned out wel. (Fingers crossed)

Then back to the cottage, and the last of the post Thanksgiving meal clean up and now we veg for the rest of the evening.

Like I say, another perfect day in the townships...

#284 Weekend PerfectShawn

Today was an awesome day.  Practically perfect!

Slept in,  had some delicious home-made Pumpkin Waffles with Sauted Green Apples for breakfast. 

A walk under the fall colours with the dogs so we could all get some fresh country air. 

Then picked up Marcel's Mom and drove up Mont Orford to see more fall colours and have a delicious lunch at Auberge Quatre Saisons. Then back to her house for a bit of a visit.

And before we got back to the cottage we took a little drive and stopped off at a Native Artisans shop in Eastman.  They carry good and handicrafts from Tribes and Nations of First Nations People from all over Canada and the US.  Marcel picked up Shirt, and a pendant of his Spirit Animal (Sea Turtle) and I got him a small Wood Inlaid trinket box (also with his Spirit Animal) to store it. And I got a new Smudge Set (after having displaced an earlier one) a New Abalone Shell, some White Sage and a beautiful Raven's Feather. All the more special to me because the owner doesn't usually sell anything Crow/Raven there as it is his Tribes Sacred animal, so he didn't charge me what most of the other large Feathers were going for in the shop ($10.00, $15.00 or more) But I explain the Crow was my Spirit animal as well and so a fair trade price of $5.00.  I shook his hand when we left and said I appreciated the gesture. 

We'll be back to trade post because it's wholly owned and operated by Natives and quite frankly it's nice to be able to purchase their work and products directly from them and not some third party site on the web, or touristy shop in Old Montreal.

Back to the cottage and time to relax with the dags on the sofa and just relax and hear all the geese as the honk in the twilight hours as they rest on the lake before continuing their flight south in the morning.

#283 Autumnal Rest and RelaxaShawn

As regular as the Swallows returning to Capistrano, here we are at the Chalet on Lac Massawippi, in the Eastern Townships.

It's a long weekend; Thanksgiving Weekend to be precise. We may have missed the full brilliance of the Fall Colours by a couple of weeks, but there's still a lot of beauty about.

The weather will be on our side: Sunny with highs of 14'C and lows of 3'C. And to be truthful we love travelling the roads in the Townships. There's always something to see, places to go, things to do. We' NEVER be this active in the City! lol But in the Townships it's nice to just go out without a plan or an agenda... just let it be what it's gonna be.

Add into the deal a great meal out (for Marcel's Mother's Birthday) and even more delicious, our Thanksgiving Dinner.  Tack on some sleeping in, walks down dirt roads with the dogs and the sounds water lapping at the shore and of Geese flying sough for the Winter.

This is a recipe for a great weekend.

#239 Rose PlantaShawn

'Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.'

Truer words, my friends. Truer words.

Every year when Marcel and I are at the cottage, my Mom asks us to weed the garden around the front deck. And by "weed" she means remove all new sod of grass that has grown in because she never plants anything. 

Well this year I told her "No. Unless something is planted we are not going to do all the work just to have nothing planted next spring and then have to do the same work again next year."

I told her point me in the direction of a good nursery where I can buy some old fashioned rose bushes and I'll do the work it takes to dig up the "garden" again and this time plant some perennials - Rose bushes and we'll be done with it.

One day later I now have 8 rose bushes, 2 sedums and 2 day lilies to plant.  Sure it's because I opened my big mouth, but I have to tell you  I LOVE old fashioned rose bushes, so I really don't mind. Only problem is we will have to wait a year to see any noticeable results...

#181 Monday PerfecShawn

Honestly, this has been a rather wonderful long weekend.  I mean even a boring long weekend is a good long weekend, because, Long Weekend.  But this one has been amazing.

The weather has been wonderful. While sunny about 90% of the time (we had 2 or 3 momentary showers this morning) It's been hot, but no stifling high humidex like in the city. Being literally 15 feet from the lake keeps the place cool, well that and the old oak tree.  A few Summer ago when we were here the Humidex made the last 2 days really uncomfortable, but this weekend, could not have been better.

Another morning for sleeping in, and a nice diner breakfast of Bacon, Eggs, Hash Browns and Toast. Then because today is Marcel's and Peanut's Birthdays... there was a stack of cards and presents for them to open.

This afternoon, Marcel's Mom stopped by, we had some yummy Chocolate Birthday Cake and coffee. Had a lovely visit, and then went out for a short drive to a small Rose Farm, "Roses des Champs". And as amazing as the roses were, there were a few small lily/frog ponds just over-flowing with the most beautiful lilies. I've never seen so many in my life! Beautiful.

And naturally we picked up a few things in the boutique: Rose Gelée, Rose Vinegar, Rose Bath Salts, Rose Scented Candles, Rose Water and Rose Syrup. 

We're back in the coolness in the cottage now and just going to relax  for the remainder of our time here.  I hope this is a precursor of out main Summer Vacation at the end of August. (Fingers crossed)

#180 Sunday Double Down PerfecShawn

Another Perfect day in Quebec's Eastern Townships.

Another casual morning. 

Another walk with the dogs.

And then we hit the road.  Honestly if we had just driven the back roads all afternoon it would have been a great day, but stops in Georgeville to check out a local gallery, then another stop just past Fitch Bay to visit Bleu Lavande to take in the mellow relaxing scent of Lavender and drop a few greenbacks on soaps, and teas and salts and gels, and shampoos and and and...

Then to top off the day in North Hatley to make our regular visit to the General Store for the BEST Orange Marmalade in the world, and the finish off the tour at the Pilsen Pub for a late lunch and a drink.

Then back home again to the cottage to relax.

Ah yes... the long weekend has been perfect so far...

And tomorrow is Marcel's birthday, so lots more fun to come!!!!! 

#179 Saturday PerfecShawn

What can I say but today was perfect.

We slept in til 10, after a cool restful night's sleep.

We had a casual breakfast, then cleaned up and took the kids for a walk...  Aside from far too many little black flies in the shade, it was nice.

Then, off to visit Marcel's Mom and take her out for lunch. We hit this great little Pub/Cafe in Magog called La Shop.  They specialize in Grilled Cheese Sandwiches. We both had 'Le Petit Canard' Grilled Cheese; Rillettes de Canard, caramelized onions, cheddar and mozza. Deelish! Sally had one with Apple and Cream Cheese and Brie and Cranberries.  We now have to add another spot to our favourite food joints in the Townships.

After that, we headed back to the Cottage, and took it easy... well Marcel did,  he took a nap and I baked a cake for his Birthday (Monday)  and prepped for tonight's Pre-Birthday Dinner.   Scallops with Birch Syrup and Lime, Green Beans, and Saffron, Ginger and Garlic Rice. Again... Deelish!

And now the sun i setting, we'll mellow out a bit and finish off with some (local Quebec) Strawberry Shortcakes.

Can't wait for tomorrow!!!

#178 DestinaShawn RelaxaShawn

We have arrived. 

The weather is perfect, as are the views.

Time to slow life down and enjoy the moment.

#117 Today's EquaShawn

Cottage on the lake   +   (overcast, cold and rain showers)   +   a sick doggie   +   a pull out sofa   +   cable tv   =   the laziest day ever. 

It's 8:30 pm and we're still in our flannels.

But aside from a wee sick doggie with an upset tummy, we wouldn't have changed a thing about today.

#116 Perfect Cottage RelaxaShawn

Knock wood, (today isn't over yet but) no Septic explosions!

We had a wondrously, amazingly relaxing day.

Slept in, had Fruit Loops for breakfast (a guilty pleasure) and then Marcel made the most delicious lunch for his Mom, Sister and the two of us. It was a belated Easter dinner, so we has a roast Ham, with roasted veg (rainbow carrots, rainbow potatoes and asparagus). It. Was. Delicious!

After that we sat down in the living room and had a belated Birthday cake for his Sister. It was her often requested cake: a Cola Chocolate cake. It's unbelievably good! And this is either the 3rd or 4th time we've made it for her birthday.

There's something to be said for the comfort and familiarity of a the same meals, at the same times of years. With the same people and the fame food.  It might sound lazy, but to me it's in itself a tradition that you develop over time and make your own with those you love. Why else go through with it?

Then this evening, we took it easy and had some pea soup and a sandwich with left-over ham.  It could not have capped off a more perfect, lazy cottage weekend day. 

And we still have a day and a half to go.

#115 Cliche ReviShawn

You know that old saying, "The shit hit the fan"?

Well I think it's time we updated it... 

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A little back story first...

As mentioned previously, we are having a little postponed Long Easter Weekend at the BF's family's cottage on the lake... Well it's very much a cottage, with some creature comforts... Cable TV, Heat, Microwave and the requisite indoor plumbing.

The plumbing however is septic and come's with it's own challenges.

---

We arrived a little after 4pm (thankfully) and when we opened the door, we were greeted by the most powerful musty odour. As we entered a little further we noticed some drying parches on the hall and kitchen floor.  Odd. There was also a thin layer of flake white... and then Marcel opened the door to the bathroom.

Ground Zero.

It seems that with the recent heavy rains and late spring thaw and run-off that the septic system backed up. In a scene reminiscent from a late 80's horror flick the floor, walls and the thone itself was firmly ensconced in a layer of, well... stuff.

Fortunately Marcel's Uncle was here and the two of them, latex gloved took on the challenge of clean-up crew. I was fortunate enough to be left the task of emergency run for cleaning supplies... bleach, paper towel, scented candles and other miscellaneous  odour cancelling items.

Nothing quite says "Welcome to the cottage", like an exploded toilet.

Still, it's good to be here...

We just thank the gods that we left Montreal early in the afternoon, so that we arrived while there was still daylight and did not arrive in the dark, to the crime scene. 

And one can take rather guaranteed solace that things can only improve... (fingers crossed)

#112 Early Mental VacaShawn

It’s only Tuesday, but I’ve already checked out for this coming weekend.

We’re headed to the Eastern Townships for a late Easter Long Weekend.  We’ll be shipping off early Friday afternoon and heading back into the city on Monday afternoon.

I always look forward to our weekend trips to Marcel’s Family’s cottage on the lake (Lac Massawippi) and we haven’t been down since Thanksgiving weekend so we’re long overdue for a visit.

Mentally, we’ve already packed, loaded up the car, driven down the highway, un-packed the car, opened a couple of beer and are in super, slo-mo lazy cottage mode.

Wanna bet Wednesday and Thursday also move in super, slo-mo lazy cottage mode.