#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.

#177 Long Weekend DistracShawn

Day four of four...

And I'm alive.  

The old bird returns tomorrow and I leave the office at 12:30. I have a list of her mistakes for her to correct... frankly I was far too busy and more to the point I didn't want to. 

At this point I'm already checked out and looking forward to 4 days and nights at the cottage on the lake. Four days to sleep in. Four days to laze about... take leisurely walks, country road drives to no-where and back. Fireflies. Loons on the lake. And if all goes well at least one meal of Lac Brome duck. (yum) 

Long Long Weekend, here we come!

#176 Document Sorting CompilaShawn

Day three of four...

Exhaustion is beginning to set in. And god-forbid I did something tonight I've never done before... brought work home.

I managed to do just a little over 22 weeks of filing. Well, I didn't file from home, I brought the stack of papers hone, sorted and arranged them so that I can just put everything in the filing cabinets in a couple of minutes.

It took just a little over an hour, but just that would have taken more than 3 at the office, with people coming to my desk, clients calling and other assorted other interruptions.  Normally i try and do it once every 2 weeks, but once it gets out of hand, it's like some monster consuming your desk. And there was no way this beast was getting its due slaying with the way things have been going lately.

I'm glad did it, but hope I never have to bother doing it again. (Fingers crossed)

#175 Co-Worker CorrecShawns Part deux

Day two of four...

Only one error today.  Shipping a clients order ground from Dorval, QC to Abbottsford, BC is not the smartest maneuver. Especially when your client's patient is scheduled for a Tuesday morning appointment.

But don't you worry  I'll take care of everything!

Even considering that, today was still a good day. Working on June 24th in Québec = double time and a half. Cha-ching!