Birthday - Cruise Style

Emile celebrated his birthday on Monday in Sydney, Nova Scotia.   We arrived early in the morning and after breakfast he went ashore for a tour at Fort Louisburg.   It was a reenactment and I think he really enjoyed it.

I stayed behind to do some birthday things.  Our room stewards were extremely helpful in making it a festive occasion!

Happy birthday to my sweet husband.

Green Gables

For several weeks I've been looking forward to this visit to Prince Edward Island and to the home that was the inspiration for "Anne of Green Gables".   I recently read the book for the first time and have been enchanted by the wonderful story that has entertained and inspired for generations.

 
The house was one that was often visited by the author as a child.   The rooms have been restored and furnished in as they would have been at the time the book was written.

We could even walk "Lovers Lane" and other paths that Anne invented.    It was delightful!

  

Quebec

Thursday was spent in Quebec City.   We spent a few days here on a vacation several years ago and it is one of the most romantic cities in the world.   As with Montreal, French is the official language and the city has a lot of French influence.

When we selected our tours we were sitting in our living room at home - not thinking about the temperatures in Canada in October.    It was a very brisk 41 degrees and windy when we set out for our walking tour of this beautiful city!

The Hotel Frontenac is a beautiful property in the upper city.   The board walk of the hotel is bordered by the St. Laurence River and has breathtaking views of the city below.    We spent some time there in the afternoon enjoying "high tea" and confections. 

We walked through some beautiful cathedrals and churches downtown before making our way back to the ship.    Here are a few pictures...

By the end of the afternoon, we were VERY happy to get back to our room and warm up!

Fall Foliage....

In Florida, we only have two seasons....summer and January.    So we get excited about an opportunity to experience fall foliage.      We booked this cruise several months ago - Montreal to Miami.    We will board the ship later today and set sail this evening.

We flew to Montreal a couple of days early to enjoy the city.   Unfortunately the first day was spent in airports after cancelled flights and being rerouted - but we arrived safely.   

The view from our hotel was beautiful - exactly the color I had hoped we would see!  We walked through a spectacular Basilica that was nearby.   It's hard to imagine the work that went into creating this place of worship.   I could sit inside for hours just taking it all in...

The day was cool and very windy, but that didn't stop our walking tour.   Montreal has a complete underground city that includes restaurants, shopping malls and even a train station.   I found a wonderful creperie for lunch and plenty of window shopping to keep us busy.

Hoping we will have good internet service so I can update the blog as we continue our journey!
 
 
 

Ordinary Days....

Ordinary Days....

Life has been really busy lately and I had almost forgotten how wonderful it is to have an ordinary day.    A day without appointments.   A day when I can go for a leisurely walk....or read a book....or try a new recipe...or write a letter...or even clean the house and nothing has to get pushed aside to make room.

Fall is in the air and it feels wonderful.   Cooler mornings and nights.  Blue skies with lots of puffy white clouds and lots of sunshine.     Living in Florida we don't see much of a seasonal change so we have learned to embrace even the simplest changes.    

I always get a little nostalgic at this time of year.   It's such a wonderful family time and brings a smile to my face remembering holidays of the past and celebrations yet to come.   I'm reminded of friends who are currently facing challenging times; as well as friends and family who have overcome challenges to arrive at this present moment.    I am thankful for my friends, and my family, and the wonderful faith that my mother instilled in me as I was growing up (even when I didn't want to listen).

Happy Fall.    I hope you can soon enjoy an ordinary day....they are good for the soul.   I think I might try to package together an ordinary WEEK!!!