Victoria Day Weekend

The May 24th weekend is the unofficial start to Spring! 

Long weekends are always a perfect time to relax,

 and visit with friends & family!

 Mine started early with lunch on Friday at my 

favourite restaurant, Days On Front, with 2 great ladies!

I tried their burger, topped with caramelized onions, 

which was fabulous!

 Our whole family was invited to good friends, on Saturday, for a nature walk on their charming property located on a lake.

If anyone needed a break, there was a quaint little 'shack', with a fully stocked fridge, to quench your thirst!

They have the most beautiful yard, with a Coy pond, a huge variety of plants & flowers, and unusual art.

Since it was also their 'twin' dogs' birthday, 

the table was set in tribute to them!

Supper was superb and the array of desserts 

was enough to satisfy any sweet-tooth!

To top off the weekend, we headed to Prince Edward County to try out a restaurant that had been on our 'must try' list.....The Acoustic Grill.

Their 'roasted chicken sandwich', with curry mayo, was a hit!

'The County' (as it is lovingly called), 

is the home to quite a few micro-breweries.  

A light pilsner from Parsons Brewing hit the spot!

The weekend ended all too soon!

Goodbye France

For my final day in France, I did my last bit of sightseeing by walking the cobblestone streets of Toulouse, that many had before me, hundreds of years ago.

I couldn't go on an empty stomach, so indulged in my last savour of typical French fare.

 I couldn't resist letting a neighbourhood cat lick up the leftovers.

(Shush, don't tell my sister)

 The view from my niece Victoria's apartment

 A blend of the new and the old....the original structure is the facade of this glass building.

 My final shopping trip.....such an amazing selection!

 My send off dinner!

 

 With a sad reason for my visit turning into a wonderful time with family and friends, I boarded my plane for home, knowing that I would be back before long.

Thanks to you all (you know who you are)!

The last few days....

All good things must come to an end....

...my French journey is soon coming to a close!

After having enjoyed our fabulous country lunch, it was time to work off a few pounds and take a walk along the Aveyron River.  My niece Clementine and I left the others to sip coffee, and with camera in hand, found a blissful, quiet piece of heaven.

This path was used by the Romans to come to the river to get water

The Romans were well advanced with their architectural skills.

This bridge still stand today!

Our country visit was over, 

so headed back to Toulouse to join a friend for dinner.

She is a superb hostess and regaled us with a wonderful meal.

Thanks for a lovely evening!

Check out this view on our drive home!

Hôtel Dieu Saint Jacques de Toulouse Hospital

One more day to go........

A day in the life of a French family

I love the French style of living....
it centers around family, friends and food.

While spending a few days not far from the village of Laguepie, my sister and I hosted a lunch for long time friends.  As everything is also bought fresh daily, we headed to a nearby village to buy what we needed for our meal.

 

I even found some duck confit to take home with me!

We started off with a selection of pate, saucisson
 and freshly picked, tangy radishes....

 .....followed by a traditional roast leg of lamb,
roast potatoes and flageolet beans

It was a meal that lasted hours.....

 The final courses were served.....a selection of cheeses

.....with a fruity red....

and....'the piece de resistance'.....fresh strawberries and champagne!

What a lovely way to spend an afternoon!