Update 9 - Secret in the Garden

One of our friends came over with her children, Zef and Oceanne, to visit and swim in the pool. Once chatting, swimming and snacking were done it was time for them to head home. While her mom was saying goodbye to us, Oceanne was hiding in the garden. She wanted to surprise her mom when she came out. I noticed her there when I walked past the bedroom. I quietly got my camera and snapped this shot from the other side of the window. She looks so peaceful and content. It's hard to imagine she was planning something mischievous. I guess looks can be deceiving.

Day 362 - Fellow Photographer

Had a lovely supper with Catherine and Julien this evening. We had a wonderful visit with them. We also got to hang out with L and A. They're both such sweet and charming children. The picture above is 'L' taking a picture of me taking a picture of him. He got his camera from his godmother Vanessa, who just happens to be an amazing photographer. Something tells me she'd me more than happy to take him out for a photo shoot or two if he decides to take up photography.

Day 348 - Let's play

Today after school some of our staff stayed at school and played Kinball. Kinball was started in Quebec and is a great cooperative sport. Those of you who know the game definitely noticed that the ball above is not the right size. Although it looks quite small, in reality it has a diameter of 64 inches. Anyway, we had a great time learning and playing the game. We took breaks for treats, beverages and snuggling babies. Catherine and Stephanie came to cheer and brought their little ones with them. Good fun, food, friends and babies, what more could we ask for?

Day 333 - Sleepy Visitors

I'm cheating a little as these pictures are from yesterday. I took them after I'd already posted for the day but these two are such cuties that I couldn't resist including their pics in my blog. Our friends, Catherine and Stephanie, joined us for lunch yesterday and brought their two little ones with them. Although they were both having a sleepy Sunday they were very well behaved. Little 'A' is above trying to stay awake while her mom sings "Ba Ba Black Sheep" to her. As hard as she may have tried to stay away she just couldn't keep those little eyelids open. Handsome 'A' managed to keep those beautiful green eyes (Yes Philip they are green.) open a while longer but gave in just before leaving.
It was nice to visit with friends and snuggle with the little ones. Hopefully, we'll be able to get together again sometime soon.

Day 283 - Happy Turkey Day

Celebrated Thanksgiving today at our friend Mike's. The above is our bird right after being taken off the BBQ. Kind of looks like it's been sunburned but it tasted delicious. Other than taste the other advantage of doing the turkey on the BBQ is that your whole house doesn't smell of cooked turkey. It was a fun evening full of good food, good friends and interesting conversation. I consider myself lucky to have so much to be thankful for and it's important to remember to take time to be grateful.

Day 263 - Braided Friends

Once again, Walk Around the World provided me with some photo opportunities. I was walking behind three of 'my' girls for most of the time. They posed for some other pictures but I took this one while they weren't looking. I like the way their arms are braided together. One of the students walking with me also noticed that they were lined up according to size. The fun part is I'm pretty sure it wasn't a conscious decision.

Day 245 - Jungle Bunnies

Another hot day but the kids seemed able to play hard just the same. This piece of equipment is called "The Skywalker". They use it to climb, hang, glide, and even sit (There's a chair behind the climbing wall.).
Other students were playing soccer, 4 corners, climbing on "The Spiderweb" or spinning on the "Super Nova". Of course there were those who chose to hang out in the shade chatting with friends.
Here's to playing with friends and learning new things.

Day 224 - On the road to Toronto

It was a long but smooth drive to Toronto. We managed to miss the Montreal traffic for the most part and arrived in Kingston around 3:30. We met our dear friend Kim who is visiting her son there. We haven't seen her since the fall so it was nice to catch up. She treated us to a lovely supper and then we got back in the car and finished the last leg to Toronto. I did all the driving so Peg used the iPhone to take a few pictures. There was a beautiful sunset but it was a bit much for the iPhone camera to handle. This is a shot of the 401 highway that goes through Ontario. It has 4 lanes on each side plus what they call collector lanes. It's a bit stressful to drive on at times but since it was later in the day it wasn't as bad. Made it safe and sound to Mississauga by about 9:30.

Day 223 - Last Lily

Well, I finally chose the last lily for our goddaughter's frames. We had 4 pictures printed and framed. I have to admit it's a rush to give my photos away and have them appreciated. I've had lots of positive feedback from friends and followers so I'll take a moment now to say, "Thanks."

So, we're off to Mississauga tomorrow to visit family and attend our goddaughter's christening on Sunday. I will definitely be taking pictures every day and will do my best to post them. However, due to possible technical difficulties I may need to post them when we get back home on Tuesday. Any positive technology vibes would be appreciated.

Day 185 - Wet Wishes

Had Karine and the boys over this afternoon for a swim. Unfortunately, Sadie was not invited to join them. She loves the water and would probably enjoy swimming. However, getting her into an above ground pool would definitely be easier than getting her out. She's neurotic about our stairs inside so there's no way we'd get her up the pool ladder :-). Guess she'll have to stay in the air conditioned house and settle for swimming in the pond next time we visit the farm.

Day 183- View from Mount Coton

Went to Kamouraska to visit friends. It was a beautiful bright day which is great for touring but not the greatest for taking pictures. However, we did appreciate and take advantage of the beautiful weather. After lunch we hiked up Mount Coton which reputedly was the home of a hermit years ago. It was a nice hike up the hill and the view was spectacular. The above picture only captures a fraction of the grandeur of the scenery. For those not from here, the body of water you see is the St. Lawrence River.

Day 171 - Happy Birthday Sarah!

Yesterday, we celebrated a life about to start. Today we had the privilege of celebrating one that has been being lived for forty years. We told Sarah that she is now 4 perfect 10's! Once again we had yummy food and enjoyable company. While there I had a great discussion with a mutual friend, Nat. We chatted about photography and we are now photo buddies. We've already planned a few photo shoot locations. It truly is a pleasure to share my photography passion with a fellow fanatic. In between discussions we ate and took pictures of course. The above picture was taken by Nat while she was playing with my camera. Thanks Nat. Here's to many more pictures and happy birthdays amongst friends.

Day 170 - Expecting

Of all the wonders of the world babies are definitely one of them. Peg and I attended a baby shower this afternoon for our friend Stephanie. The shower took place at our friend Catherine's new home. We had a nice afternoon enjoying good food and friends. Of course, people had to share their own birthing and parenting stories. After all, we want to make sure the mother-to-be has as much knowledge as possible. Our gracious hostess is also expecting so we didn't feel the event would be complete without a photo of the two of them together. I'm sure their children will be just like them, amazing and the best of friends.

Day 127 - Magnolia Bush

I love the contrast of the soft pink and fuzzy pods, smooth branches, light and shade. This was taken at Sarah's place while visiting at lunch. I was playing with my new lens. "E", at the ripe old age of 3 noticed the addition to my collection. He pointed to it and said "You got a new one?" He helped me take pictures of his mom's other flowers. He likes "rouge" ones best! Definitely a budding photographer in the works.

Day 107 - Ribbons

Ribbons are both pretty and practical. They can be used to tie things up or stretch them out to be broken at the end of the race. Connie, my bestest Befri, is running a half marathon tomorrow in Regina, Saskatchewan. I wanted to take a picture in honour of her courage to start and keep going. Since I have no race ribbons available I went with gift ribbons. Which, I feel, is just as appropriate because her friendship is indeed a gift. Go Connie go!

Day 73 - A Walk in the Park

Another beautiful day here in Quebec. Peg and I loaded up the dogs and headed to the Plains of Abraham to meet friends for a walk. It was a bit windy but a perfect day for a stroll in the park. We are indeed very lucky to have such a picturesque place so close to home.
Little 'L' joined his mom and dad for the outing. While the rest of us were walking he checked out the scenery from his backpack. He seemed to enjoy being on his dad's back and was, as always, in a wonderful mood. I couldn't resist taking a picture of him with his cool shades. It was quite easy to capture his smile while his dad (seen in reflection) was entertaining him. Fresh air, exercise, friends, and baby smiles...all the ingredients needed for a great outing.

Day 61 -Aspiring Photographer

Another night with godkids and friends. I took the opportunity to get some snapshots of 'S' and her little brother 'D'. Unfortunately, the cameras and lighting (or maybe photographer) weren't at their best. When we took the camera off to check things out, 'S' decided she'd take some of her own pictures using the tripod as her camera of choice. The photo itself isn't won't receive an A for technique, however the subject gets an A+ for cuteness. Of course, as her godmother, I may be just a little bit biased.

Day 60 - Bath, Bubbles and a Buddy

Had a lovely supper with our godchildren and their parents this evening. We made puzzles, hung a picture, listened to music, played "Buck Buck" and finished up with the bath time ritual. Peg and I decided to give the parents a break and give 'E' his bath. We had a great time filling up containers and watching them slide off the side of the tub and into the bubbles. The bath time buddy, affectionately known as Mr. P.U., stayed afloat after the festivities were over. I decided that would be a pleasant reminder of our evening.

Day 22 - Good Food and Good Friends

I'm only getting to yesterday's post now but I have a very good reason for being late. We had supper with friends and got home late, too tired to post. We had a lovely evening of eating and chatting. Most of us are teachers so of course we spent the better part of the evening talking about students and school. Hazard of the job I guess.
We started the evening with a lovely vegetable platter and then moved to the dining room to 'cook' our supper. We tried a variety of combinations on the raclette. My favourite was cheese, asparagus, mushrooms and egg but all the others were pretty tasty as well. After a leisurely meal we finished off with a delicious double choclate cake from Le Petite Cochon Dingue. We were all reasonable and stayed within the recommended portion sizes suggested by the dotted lines.
All in all a very enjoyable evening and something I should really do more often. So often I get swept up in my various tasks and responsibilities and don't make time for friends. I think maybe I need to work on my time management.
Have a great weekend and do yourself a favour; make time for your friends.