Rest in Peace

Today is a sad day, I am one with my former coworkers as we mourn the death of our friend, R. Life is indeed fleeting. Here today, gone tomorrow. I am filled with great regrets that I was not even able to say hi, how are you while he was battling cancer. I thought I still had tomorrow, but I failed to realize it is never promised. I always tried to put it off for reasons so close to home. I was afraid the feelings of grief and hurt from my mother's passing that I tried to keep at bay would resurface. I wish I could have said hello and tell him his fast recovery was in my prayers at night.

There are always words left unsaid and actions left undone. Sometimes, we don't know if second chances will ever come. I hope I take this realization to heart.

You will be sorely missed, R. Soar high for there are no more pain and suffering in heaven. </3

Out and About

After spending the long weekend cooped up in our home and watching the snow cover the entire Montreal, we decided today was a good time to go outside and enjoy a change of scenery. It was also the last day of Jardins d'Hiver, an outdoor trail in Place des Arts that leads to a giant Christmas tree. The place also boasted festive lighting at night and has stationary food trucks selling crepes, churros, hot chocolate, hot wine, coffee, and hotdog among others.

We also found out Jardin Botanique de Montréal was offering a free admission to its outdoor gardens. We took it as a welcome invitation as it would normally cost $16. We took a stroll along its cemented pathways and had some detours here and there to check out some of its gardens, which features Chinese, Japanese, the First Nations, et al. The fresh air, cool temperature, beautiful pine trees, and great company made for a perfect walk.

Bonjour from Mr and Mrs Ong :)

My obssession with red doors continues...

Happy New Year, friends! Let me know which part of the globe you're from. I would love to connect with you. Stay safe! <3

Visiting Saint-Eustache, Quebec during the Pandemic

When quarantine was lifted sometime in August, we took the advantage of going some place we've never been to. The day started cloudy, but the summer sun finally showed up during our scenic drive. We chose St Eustache, a suburb off-island of Montreal. I wanted to take my husband to a cabane a sucre (sugar shack) or to a cabane a pomme (apple shack) but both were closed on the weekend, I'm guessing because of the virus. We are not big fans of apple picking but any excuse to go some place green and filled with nature was surely an inviting idea. 

While seated on the passenger seat, many wonderful things about my childhood spent during summertime resurfaced. The drive was pleasant and smooth-- one that called for a travel down memory lane. :)

Jardins Michel Corbeil was a sure retreat from the warm afternoon sun. I think we paid $8 for the entrance fee. It was nestled between corn fields and cute, cozy cottages. It was mainly a plant nursery and garden center. Those who were inclined to horticulture would find this a gem.

Edamame field

Edamame field, hair up :p

What would you write?

Did somebody say ferns?

If I could only spend my days here...

What a lovely refuge <3

clear blue skies behind the majestic willow tree

before

after

gumamelas or hibiscus are colorful ornamental plants commonly found in my hometown, the Philippines <3

Mr & Mrs Ong enjoying the beautiful weather

stop the car and take a photo of me

look left, look right, no cars in sight... strike a pose :p

good bye St Eustache, it's time for supper :p

What's to See in The Eastern Townships (Part 2 of 2)

Visiting The Eastern Townships means not missing Mont Orford and Coaticook even if they were both situated a few hours drive from our B&B. We looked forward to driving because the views were really a feast to our eyes. 

Jan and I got very Canadian and experienced apple picking ourselves. Apple farms and grape vineyards were scattered all over area. You need not look any further. 

Coaticook is even smaller than Magog. It is even quieter here than it was in Magog or Sherbrooke. Please don't judge us when I say we were just here for the ice cream.

Mont-Orford National Park was the highlight of our third day. The park was so huge, it was impossible to see everything in one or two days. The park has several camping sites for recreational vehicles. It also has a clear, unobstructed view of Lac Memphrémagog. It was only a day trip for Jan and I, but we instantly fell in love. So many things to see and do yet so little time.

leading through the inside of the national park

 

 

 

 

 

We chose the easy to medium trail, perfect for beginners who haven't hiked in a long time

We came, we saw, we conquered!

 

When the pandemic is over and we have the luxury of time, I would'nt mind visiting the place again.