#186 The $64,000 QuestShawn

Question:

What do you call a day where you sleep in, have a lovely walk in the Summer breeze, a lazy relaxing afternoon, a lovely barbecued meal, and a kick-ass cocktail?

Answer:

Today.

#183 Commute HydraShawn

Well it's finally here. The MAIN reason Summer Sucks, Humidity in the Metro.

When it's in the low thirties for the daily high, and in the mid forties for the Humidex it's time to start daydreaming about living at the Sough Pole. And the temperatures in the Buses and Metro are no better. Add in the packed, rush hour human-sardine like conditions and holy crap. Just standing or sitting and you break out sweating bullets.

Time to start carrying a water bottle to and from work, to keep hydrated and a wee bit cool. The real challenge is not having to go to the bathroom before getting to the office or home!

FYI,  only 172 days until Winter.

#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!!!

#172 Solstice CelebraShawn

So today is the first day of Summer.  

The longest day of the year. 

Yipee.

Fine, all the Summer / warm weather lovers can have this day, but just be aware that starting tomorrow, the days get shorter, the nights longer, darkness begins to regain it's power.

Blessed Litha to all, and a Happy Yule to those in the southern hemisphere, where it is the first day of Winter... Lucky ducks!