Janine

Memory Lane

Forgotten Film

Above the Sky

Happily lost between columns of snow covered cedars, equipped with heavy duty garbage bags and rain boots, we raced and slid along Mt. Cypress, paving our own trails. I cherish hikes with friends, although breathless, the conversations exchanged were exceptionally deep. There is no awkward silence, as the song of nature is playing in the background. The hectic city became miniature toy houses, and the mess in our lives seems trivial and distant. The sea of clouds radiated brilliantly at our feet as we hurried down the hill before the last trace of light disappeared . It is the simple things in life that is marvellous. 

In Conclusion

My last food creation for 2012 is this petit dessert. It is one of my favourite because it has so fresh, light and shiny ..... putting on that layer of apricot jam makes the fruits look like jewels. This simple dessert just requires the art of assembling. 

My last get away for 2012 is to Harrison Hotspring resort, creating a warm kind of Winter ~ Harrison is becoming our Winter tradition. Even if it is just for a one night stay, we feel rejuvenated and rested, ready to tackle the year ahead.  The pork hock dinner, the fire place, the blueberry porte/ champagne after the soak, and of course good company is a must.

2012 flew past with biding farewell. In retrospective it is a rocky year for me.  I was glad I faced the challenges and that they eventually transformed into opportunities. However I could not have done it without the help and encouragements from family and friends. To that I am always grateful for. Now that I have my admission ticket, 2013 will be a year of growth, continuous learning ( plus lots of trials and errors), beauty and happiness along the way. My goal: to do my best and leave the rest for JH. 

Salted Air

Vibrant red earthy soil, breezy salted air , live lobsters dipped in melted butter, are things I love about the Maritime. It is a distinct frontier of Canada, tucked away in the sleeve of  the Atlantic.  There are no fancy restaurants or glamourous hotels, but it offers the beauty of nature untouched by man and  a priceless sense of tranquility. Retracing the footsteps of Lucy Montgomery through the Haunted Forest and Lovers Road made me believe I am quite suit in being the country girl. 

On our way to the Maritime we also past by Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec City. One of my highlights is the New France Festivals. Every year in the bright summer of Old Quebec, there hosted a New France Festival .  Metis warriors, elegant French Ladies with their laced umbrellas, and the odd Johnny Depp strides the cobble streets. Adorned with the soothing harp music and bustling street vendors this historic military fortress became a gem of the city, adored by locals and tourists alike.