An impromptu invitation from my impulsive friend led to a day on the scenic by-ways from Mid-Coast Maine to the Western Mountains. The day couldn’t have been more beautiful and we were met at the end – Sugarloaf ski resort – with a lovely arts and crafts fair AND these delicious mini-donuts glazed with apple cider!!
Irene and I have had a fabulous four days in Quebec City. The weather was perfect, the food amazing, the people delightful, a totally European ambiance without the transatlantic flight! and plenty of time to catch up.
Vieux Quebec (old town) from top to bottom and bottom to top!
Some of the food ..
Some of the art … we especially enjoyed a large exhibit of Berthe Morisot’s pairings (55) which just opened on June 21. The Musee National des Beaux-Arts du Quebec was a beautiful venue where we managed to while away six hours, including an amazing lunch at their restaurant.
We even created a piece of art ourselves!
One day was spent on a road trip to Charlevoix and the lovely little artist hamlet of Baie St. Paul on the St. Lawrence. We strolled the main street with its numerous galleries, and both of us fell in love with the paintings by Christian Bergeron with his bold colors layered with a palette depicting the beautiful scenery of the region. Some of the paintings,done in a prismatic style that he is known for, were particularly eye-catching with their straight lines.
After an amazing lunch – some of the best food I’ve had in ages – at Mouton Noir, we took a short ride down to the harbor for a blustery walk on the beach and through the forest.
The day was capped off with a stop at Chute Montmerency – falls 30 feet higher than Niagara.
The greatest gift one can give is thanksgiving. In giving gifts, we give what we can spare, but in giving thanks we give ourselves. BR. DAVID STEINDL-RAST
I give thanks consistently for our family and for the times we get to spend together; for the craziness that ensues; and for our camp where there is space for it all to play out!
A week sped by spending as much time as possible with our Dutch family and their friends Bert and Jantina. They all stayed out in Liberty experiencing “that camp life” and we got together either there or here in Belfast.
Luckily the beautiful Autumn colors were prolonged due to warm, dry weather and they were able to see Stevens Pond and the surrounding countryside in a full blaze of oranges, reds, purples, and yellows. Some canoe paddling was achieved – even a dunking!!! Wood was cut and split and Agnita and I took a lovely hike on Haystack Mountain.
We picked delicious Empire and Macoun apples at Hope Apple Orchard and several pies ensued.
Views from Mount Battie and visit to the Farnsworth in Rockland.
We joined Bert and Jantina for lobster at Young’s on a raining Wednesday evening, but even indoors the ambiance and lobster was great! Likewise at 3Tides. Pizza in the pergola was a perfect evening!
And then the week was over …… much too quickly!
My friend, Sherry, and I signed up for this afternoon class at Waterfall Arts. I had an ancient damask table cloth that I tore in to six serviettes and a narrow table cloth/runner. We had lots of fun experimenting with rubber bands, marbles, CDs, and more.
A terrific little city break in Montreal to meet up with Irene from Toronto. A great AirBnB apartment in south west Montreal and very convenient to metro and downtown.
May 17 was Montreal’s 375th birthday and we were treated to free metro transport! We visited the impressively huge Jean Talon market and Old Montreal.
Subway sights….
Despite the blistering heat (totally unexpected after all the cold weather!) we spent an enjoyable day at the botanical gardens. In another week or so we would have been wowed by the peonies, but I will be wowed by my own in the garden at home!!!
Santa came and brought lots of reasons for excitement in the McPherran household…
A quick hop into the Big Apple for a well executed tour (by our friend, Sue) of some highlights – the American Indian museum, housed in the former Customs House, a walk along Wall Street, lunch at an Indian restaurant in lower east side, exhibits at the New York Public Library, Bryant Park and a virtual reality experience at a Facebook demo lounge, and the cream on top – the Broadway show “Jersey Boys”! What a day!
Lady Justice and the Manhattan skyline from Guttenberg, NJ.
Fancy subway cars!
Grand Central & Lower Manhattan
The magnificent public library (research)
On the streets…
Shop windows, Christmas lights and experiencing VR!
Jersey Boys and total number of steps walked!! = 9.5 miles!!!
We started the day with an 11 a.m. Christmas Chamber Music concert at the Staatstheater, but actually held in the elegant foyer.
The afternoon we were in the Rheingau and Eltville for a walk through town and along the Rhein.
And ended the day and vacation at Gutschaenke Langehof in Rauenthal.
More wandering the streets of Wiesbaden with our friend, Sue, who flew in for the weekend!
A ride up to Neroberg to see the Russian Chapel.
Relaxing few hours spent at the Thermal Bad
An evening out on the town to see the shop windows, lights of the Weihnachtsmarkt, and a few songs at der Eimer!!
Henk and Agnita’s visit wouldn’t be complete without blueberry pancakes and a trip to 3Tides!
Only spent Wednesday evening until early Saturday morning, but we packed in quite a bit. The botanical gardens, IKEA (naturally!), a walk on the boardwalk at the Beaches, Queen Street, and Roncesvalles. It was all great!