Things are still pretty quiet here in Beaconsfield. The snow continues to melt – the local village looks so different without snow – and as we walk the streets we are now seeing lawns and small bushes appearing in people’s gardens. The grass isn’t pretty at this stage of the process – a yukky grey colour. But if there’s enough sunshine over the next few weeks it’ll change to a brilliant green and be very beautiful. We of course will be in France! Leave Canada on April 12th.
Our house sit home owner – Alexandra – has come back a couple of weeks early. Traveling non-stop for two months through Ecuador, Peru and Chile proved exhausting and it was time to come home. So we have moved into the basement area with its large very comfy living area/bedroom and separate bathroom. Reg has set up a desk to do his study – still loving his research into the Greek language and its interpretation in scripture. I on the other hand have been reading lots, thinking heaps, and following both The Voice USA and The Voice UK on the computer. I love to see the passion of the contestants and the progress they make. And I’m always amazed at how much they support each other – even though they’re in a competition and would all love to win. And the coaches become so proud of their team. I get quite teary at times. I know – don’t say it. I need to widen my circle of activities! I need to get out more! But I’m a sucker for people caring for each other and love to see people follow their dreams. Anyway I will now move on.
Alexandra took us out to visit Sucrerie de la Montagne on Tuesday – about a 40 minute drive from here. Its a place that grows maple trees and processes the maple sap. They collect the sap by cutting into the tree, then fastening a bucket underneath to catch the sap as it slowly runs out. They then boil it to make maple syrup, toffee and other products. It was very interesting to see the process. There was a little treat when one of the staff poured little strips of maple syrup on fresh snow to chill. We then took a small wooden stick and wound the syrup up on one end – like a lolly pop. It was very yummy! Sucrerie de la Montagne also has lots of interesting split log cottages dotted about and a large stone barn with different entertainment/dining areas. Apparently the meals are huge and include a lot of maple syrup. It’s poured over a wide assortment of foods such as baked beans, pies and bacon. All eaten with freshly baked bread. We didn’t stay for a meal but it seemed popular with other visitors – part of the Sucrerie de la Montagne experience.
We then drove through the countryside along the St Lawrence Valley checking out the farms. Very low, flat countryside. They grow lots of corn to feed their cattle – so there were heaps of empty fields with bits of stubble poking through the receding snow. We didn’t see any cattle which apparently is pretty normal for most of the year. They are kept in big heated livestock sheds, never getting to experience the change in seasons or breathing in the fresh outside air. Bit sad really. We also visited Trestler House, a beautiful old stone manor on the banks of the Ottawa River. We then had a traditional Canadian “comfort food” lunch at a cafe. This consisted of poutine (french fries with cheese curd and gravy) and steamed hot dogs with coleslaw. Heaps of carbohydrates so felt very full and sleepy on the way home.
We are off to New York City for 3 nights. The bus leaves Montreal at 3:45am tonight and we return on Monday evening. We had put visiting New York aside – we had heaps of other things to organize at the time – but realized that booking a bus tour was just as cheap and they do all the organizing for you!! It has worked out well. We are in New York over Easter which apparently is quite special, and we’ll get out of Alexandra’s hair for a few days. Will tell you all about our trip next post.
Lots of love
Di and Reg
This entry was posted in Beaconsfield, Montreal, Canada, House Sits
Every time you say you are going to get out more you actually mean out of the “Country”!!!!!! That will always be one of our special sayings LYLxxxxxx