Home for Christmas

Our new home. The brick wall and overhead lighting are warm in winter.

Going Green for Halloween

Working in a children's library on Halloween makes it all the more fun. I love dressing up. A few years ago I was Dorothy. This year I was the Wicked Witch of the West (East really...) Some children cried when they saw me, others cackled.

Maritime Marvels - July 2007

We vacationed this Summer in New Brunswick. We camped at 6 sites in 7 days. The coast was tempestuous, the mosquitoes voracious and the sun timid. The company fully compensated.

Our visits to an Acadian village, The Bouctouche Dunes, Buffalo Safari, Hopewell Rocks, and kayaking at Fundy Bay were beyond expectations.

Baking Bread at the Acadian Village - 10 July 2007
http://www.villagehistoriqueacadien.com/



The Bouctouche Dunes - 11 July 2007




Buffalo Safari, Mother and calf - 12 July 2007



Hopewell Rocks at low tide - 13 July 2007



Kayaking at Fundy Bay - 14 July 2007

Our Anniversary in Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue

Philippe took Friday off and we enjoyed the day together. Luxury! We biked in the afternoon and in the evening went to Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue. The town is situated on a lakefront and the downtown businesses face the dock. Sunday we exchanged love letters and small presents - marriage to Philippe is the greatest gift and I look forward to eternity.

Bye-Bye Bodilys

Our friends the Bodilys are leaving Montreal and moving to Sparks, Nevada - NAFTA in action. We took this final picture of them with the Primary. You'll notice the beautiful children...

English Class

My English Class was extraordinary. My students represented the far corners of the globe. Pictured are 8 of 12 of my students. From L to R: Lahcene from Morocco, Dmitry from Russia, Kyung-mi from Korea, Patsy from Argentine, Nancy from Mexico, Greg from France, Hyun-suk from Korea, Kim Lee (Carlos) from Korea.

Fort Lennox- May 2007

Fort Lennox Prison- May 2007

Richelieu River- May 2007

Picnic with Mom and Philippe on the shore of the river

Richelieu River- May 2007

Fort Chambly- May 2007

Fort Chambly - May 2007

I am courteous and point to show from which way "the British are coming."

Fort Chambly - May 2007

Philippe is likewise courteous and helps with directions. Fort Chambly is at the edge of Richelieu River. It's beautiful.

Mom-treal - May 07

Mom visited Montreal for a week. She was fascinated by the metro as modern and the market as anachronistic. Sunday, 29 May we had a family dinner. This picture shows the story well - I am surrounded by loving mothers.

A flower as big as a feeling - May 07

Philippe gave his Mother an unforgettable flower for Mother's Day.

Parliament, eh! - 24 March 2007

The tour of Parliament was educational. The Parliament Library was Victorian eye-candy - scrolls upon scrolls.
In the background of this picture is the "Peace Tower" erected initially as a momument to WWI soldiers inscripted involutarily from Canada.

That tickles - 23 March 2007

The Canadian Museum of Nature was fascinating. We couldn't resist taking this shot with the T-Rex. There is another one taken of me, but...for once my face was inexpressive.

Flight Check - 23 March 2007

We went out-of-town to Ott-o-wa. Our first stop was the Canadian Aviation Museum. Philippe is nearly touching the propeller of a WWI biplane. 2 hours wasn't enough time to admire the aircraft.

Partners in Primary - 10 March 2007

Natalie, me and Emilee are in charge of the LaSalle Primary. It's the "toughest job I've ever loved."

Vieux Port View - 3 March 2007

The view from the belfry - through the eyes of an angel.

Upward Spiral - 3 March 2007

On 3 March the city hosted a "Nuit Blanche." Museums opened their doors without entrance fees from 8:00 p.m. till the early morning. Philippe and I took advantage. This picture is taken at Notre Dame de Bonsecours - the current building (and presumably narrow staircases) date from 1771.

3 Feb 2007 - Fete des neiges - Snowfest

Saturday we went to the winter carnival with Eve. The ice sculptures were more fascinating than any I'd seen at a buffet ;-)
Philippe and I posed with "Snowball."

13 January 2007 - Skating is unnatural for a desert dweller...

This was my first lap around the rink at the Old Montreal Port - by the 25th lap, I had only faltered once...in a while. Philippe instructed that it was like "walking." I "walked" with my legs in a perpetual inverted "V" and my ankles awkwardly angled. I'm glad winter sport competency is not a requisite for official residency ;-).

7 Jan 2007 - 34!

We celebrated my birthday at a family dinner. It's my favorite way to celebrate. In the photo, I am next to my Mother-in-law and in front of one of three desserts served for the event! In Primary they sang to me. At work they made me a crown. This does feel like "happily ever after.."

6 Jan 2007 - The only thing better than your own wedding...

is attending the wedding and reception (reception translated in French is 5+ hours of food and partying - not a pillow mint on the premises) of friends. Francois & Brigitte's wedding is the 3rd wedding we've attended in less than a year. Philippe started an exceptional trend by marrying me.

Nöel, Nöel!

Dad came to visit for Christmas with the Lemblés. It made it all the merrier. On Christmas Eve we stuffed ourselves (rather than a turkey) with hor d'oeurves and dessert. We sang carols - bilingually and elected the youngest member of the family present as "The Elf." My "elf" hat lit up. Fun and festive!

Hummus Happiness - Dec. 06

We met the Jarvises and the Kaufmans for dinner at a Lebanese restaurant. Clever conversation, fresh food and kind friends make Montréal a happy home.

Mother Goose Moms and Me - Nov. 06

On Thursdays, We sing and chant nursery rhymes to a very discriminating audience of toddlers and mothers. It's exceptional training for when I get my M.O.M. degree ;-)

Lunch for Two chez Mt. Orford - Oct. 06

With Philippe’s Aunt and Uncle we drove to Mt. Orford, Quebec. A promotional “leaflet” announced in French, “La Flambée des couleurs” literally the “flaming of colors.” Leaves “flame” with the same beauty that flowers bloom.

Philippe gives me Phlowers - Sept 06

Philippe took an extra vacation day and we traveled to Mt. Tremblant. I had requested that we visit a place where there was a town, a mountain and a lake. He delivered precisely.

I can fly...almost - Aug. 06

My Sister-in-Law has given me her "flyer" and we take full advantage of Summer Saturdays.

Not so Ancient Greece - July 06

We added a few days in New York City to our Honeymoon. The visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art was a petite proxy to an old world tour.

Ping Pong in Paradise - 28 June 06

The Cruise Ship docked at a private island in the Bahamas. As per obligation, we had already run up and down the pristine beach and swam in the turquoise waters pictured in the brochure.

Wedded Bliss - 17 June 2006

For more wedding photos, copy this link into your browser: http://www.kodakgallery.com/BrowsePhotos.jsp?&collid=253314917105.389289819305.1167794418210&page=1