Category: Uncategorized

The past year has been hard for many of us...so much loss, sacrifice and suffering.  For me, it meant losing both my mom and my precious little dog, Chloe.  Although time eases the sadness, when special occasions or holidays come along, the heartstrings are tugged on once again...   Not only is it Mother's Day… Continue reading An Uplifting Mother’s Day… →

The retailer in me is always hopeful that local businesses are doing well.  Last summer, I'd ask employees at my favourite garden centres how business was, and at first, I was surprised at how well they were doing, in light of what the media reported daily about how devastating the impact of the pandemic had… Continue reading More boxwood… →

  Who would have ever thought we would be celebrating another Easter in the midst of the pandemic?  Although we are so much further ahead in understanding the virus that has gripped the world, most of us are in some stage of lockdown or restriction. Some are lucky enough to have been vaccinated, but so… Continue reading Another “Zoom” Holiday… →

    In the northern hemisphere, Spring officially arrived on March 20, along with the promise of longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures. Other signs that Spring is on the way; the geese are back, the birds are singing, and the squirrels are scampering about having a heyday. And after a long, dark winter often… Continue reading Spring-ish… →

    Looking ahead, not too far into the future, we will once again start socializing with friends and family.  I rarely host dinner parties, but I love having my family home for Sunday dinner or celebrating special occasions. Unlike many of you, I have not been honing my cooking skills during the pandemic.  That… Continue reading Sunday Dinner… →

Every February 2,  groundhog, Wiarton Willie (Punxsutawney Phil in the USA), pokes his head outside and decides our fate as to whether Spring is around the corner or if we still have weeks buried in snow and freezing temperatures.  At least one of the cable TV networks runs the romantic comedy movie "Groundhog Day" on… Continue reading Finding inspiration… →

        Wishing you all a Merry Christmas...         ...with some time to relax, reflect, and daydream ...       Spring is just around the corner...   xox Judy              

There are always a few disappointments in the garden every season.  This year it was the Dahlias.  Last year was the first year I planted dahlias in containers, and I was over the moon by their performance.  Cafe au Lait is my favourite variety along with another large dinner plate dahlia called Fleurel.  I just assumed that the… Continue reading Dahlias… →

We left off last week at the La Closerie des Lilas and a suggestion that this is a good spot to stop for lunch or refreshments...or better yet...both.  After a well-deserved break, the next stop is Luxembourg Gardens just a few steps from the bistro.   Jardin du Luxembourg, 75006 Paris The original Luxembourg Palace… Continue reading An Afternoon with Hemingway… →