We wanted to go to France this summer. We wanted to go on an adventure to a place different than our own. But because of multiple factors, it became apparent that it was not meant to happen this year. There was a bit of initial disappointment, but we thought about the next best spot that we could go that would have quite a bit of French influence, also right within our own country… Quebec! While we didn’t have to go far, it was an adventure just the same. We flew to Toronto, hopped on the train the next day and found our way to the first stop of our journey, Montreal.

I was immediately struck by the sense of history as we wandered the streets of Old Montreal. There was so much to see around every corner. However, it was also HOT, so we were taking many breaks in cafes, such as Le Petit Dep.

Always hunting for the green spaces, this little walkway was a nice reprieve from the noise of the city. We observed that Montreal had quite a few green reprieves in and around.

A food highlight included a meal at Perles et Paddock, but one of the best food moments was also one of the simpler ones- after a very long & hot walk in the sun in Jardin des Floralies, we stumbled upon some mango sorbet popsicles at a little canteen and it was exactly what was needed in the moment.

Even fire halls are beautiful in Montreal. After what felt like a very short stint in the city (we really only scratched the surface!), we found our way back to the train station to ride the rails to a destination that I was excited to see. I had been once before a very long time ago, so my memories were very vague, but Quebec City was an absolute treasure upon first sight. It immediately brought back memories of our time in Montmartre years ago.

So much beauty down every street in Old Quebec- all the small details were capturing me. For a very small moment, you could trick yourself into believing you were transported to Europe.

Our hotel was perfect. Just a step away from the busyness of the tourism and held an old-world charm as a renovated home to boutique hotel. (Hotel Nomad for those wondering). The only disadvantage being that we were at the very top of a steep hill which meant a lot of climbing every time we went anywhere, which was a lot!

I know a lot of this city is catered to tourism, but I couldn’t help but be a little enamoured by the historical feel of everything- the cobblestone streets, wooden shutters, ceramic address plaques, it was all quite beautiful.

On our last day, we descended this incredibly long staircase (photo shows about half of it) to relax in the pools of a spa on the water. I wasn’t able to take pictures, but you will have to take my word for it that it was stunning and a welcome respite for our sore muscles from the amount of hill walking we endured to take in the city!

My favourite day was the day we took to drive to Ile d’Orleans, an island just outside of Quebec City. It was perfectly relaxing. There were parts of it that reminded me of the east coast but with a bit more french countryside. Of course, I had to pop into the botanical gardens on the island, La Seigneurie de l'Île d'Orléans, which were breathtaking. Also, hot. And it was definitely nice to enjoy the shaded areas of the garden!

Pictures can tell a curated version of a trip. And truthfully, this trip felt like a challenge for a variety of reasons, one being some health issues that popped up that made it difficult to stay present in the moment. A vacation doesn’t always provide an escape from reality. But there were also beautiful moments that I know I will hold in my memory for a long time. We had said we were taking this trip to celebrate 10 years together, but I’m not yet sure if this was our 10 year trip. It felt like a little bit of a consolation prize to the trip we wanted to take for our 10 year anniversary and I think there may be another trip that will feel more celebratory. But this was a trip to practice traveling again. After a long period of not being able to travel, it felt like a step toward something bigger and there’s importance in that too.

We got a taste of, a survey really, of Quebec and especially Montreal. We both hope that it won’t be long before we can go back and get to know it better!

Spring
Linda Pastan

Just as we lose hope she ambles in,
a late guest dragging her hem of wildflowers,
her torn veil of mist, of light rain,
blowing her dandelion breath in our ears;
and we forgive her, turning from chilly winter ways,
we throw off our faithful sweaters
and open our arms.

Oh velvet bee, you’re a dusty fellow;
You’ve powdered your legs with gold!
O brave marshmary buds, rich and yellow;
Give me your money to hold!
-Jean Ingelow

In an attempt to slow down and calm a whirring brain, I took to capturing a few things happening within my garden this May. I used to do this quite often, but it got lost somewhere along the way. What a joy it is to notice the little happenings, the new surprises each day. I never seem to have trouble growing tomatoes and this year is no exception- they are a little behind, as are all my seedlings this year, but still growing beautifully.

This year, I decided to plant some clover in our lawn to add a bit more lushness and the hope of a greener space in the heat of summer. I mistakenly over-planted this one section, but I’m finding the lushness they already are providing is a delight. I also built some new bamboo structures to house my peas and beans- there is a simple joy in working with raw materials to build these structures each year.

The chamomile is growing back from seeds dispersed from a larger plant last year… That pop of red in the rhubarb patch is such fun- rhubarb grows so quickly and it won’t be long before it’s time to make rhubarb slush, relish, jam and more. This plant provides so much for us.

In an attempt to add more whimsy to the nighttime garden, I purchased these solar powered mushroom lights recently. I haven’t decided yet on final placement, but I thought I’d see how they fare among the lily of the valley. They already add such atmosphere when the sun goes down each day.

I look forward to all the ways my garden will continue to surprise me this year!