Église-de-la-Visitation

Église-de-la-Visitation, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

Photos: February 23, 2013.

We went to a concert of Clavecin en Concert on Sunday at Église-de-la-Visitation. It is one of the oldest churches in the Province of Quebec - the last church from the French Régime (before 1759) that is still standing on Montreal Island. According to this site (in French only), the church was built between 1749 - 1751. The interior took many years to complete.



Here's a detail of the ceiling. Most of the architectural details were done by Philippe Liébert while the interior details were by David Fleury-David. I've been to concerts at this church before - somehow visiting with my camera made me really look around. I'm always amazed at how much I used to miss.

Flower Therapy

Flower Therapy, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

When the winter blues get you down, there is nothing like flower therapy. My spouse brought me this beautiful orchid. I have featured orchids before in this blog. Unfortunately I lost many to aphids (yes I tried cleaning them with a soapy solution and washing them with alcohol to no avail). So this new addition brightened my day. When the skies are grey - this flash of colour captivates me.

Which Way

Which Way, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

These two weather vanes stand side by side. Don't trust this dog to help you find your way. He will lead you astray. Released from his perch he will never find his way home if he follows his directions. I hope he is better at sniffing at trails and following his nose.

What Next

This building started as an imposing bank - architecture of the late 1800s. Some years back when the bank sold it, it was bought by an antiques dealer. She added the portico - creating this odd mix of styles. The building was recently sold. I wonder what the new owner will decide to add.

Woodpecker

Woodpecker, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

Photos: February 9, 2013

It was a perfect day for a walk on the mountain - sun shining and brilliant blue skies. The air was cold, but the walking kept us warm.

All winter the bird feeders are filled to keep the feathered population well-fed all winter. It's odd how some feeders were deserted and others attracted a crowd. This one was very busy.



Chickadees flitted back and forth from the nearby trees oblivious to the people watching or passing by. The constant movement spilled seeds onto the ground.




A resourceful chickadee feasted below along with a plump squirrel. What a delight to watch these creatures.

And then we were off continuing our walk around the summit. The lives of so many Montrealers are intertwined with memories of time spent on the mountain. It's our oasis in the middle of the city.

A Birthday Celebration

Duck, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

Photos do not do justice to the meal we ate at Tuck Shop to celebrate (only a bit belatedly) my son's birthday. Each dish was beautiful and delicious. The duck, seen above, served with a pomegranate sauce with a variety of vegetables, a variety of textures and the sensuous burst of flavour as a pomegranate seed exploded in one's mouth - was one of the best meals I have ever eaten.

This salad, which included beets and goat cheese was one of the starters.



My spouse and I shared a portion of smoked salmon croquettes - a melt in your mouth experience. Years ago I tried making the Dutch equivalent (bitterballen). One attempt was enough!




I had a taste of this dish of lobster, chanterelles, pasta and other goodies. Another mouth-watering masterpiece. This was truly Foodie Heaven.

Snowy Branches

Snowy Branches, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

Photo: February 15
I woke up to winter magic - a light dusting of snow dressing up the trees. A moment to capture as the temperature rose, robbing them of their finery.