Where have I been?
It started with a week at this year’s Soroptimist International Convention held in Montreal. They are held every 4 years and are quite incredible! There were women from all over the world. My highlights were the private concert in Notre Dame Basilica, having my photo taken with Adrienne Clarkson and meeting Western Canada members – there were about 100 Canadian women standing on a staircase in the convention centre singing Oh Canada waiting for their picture to be taken. It was quite moving.
Steve then joined me for a few days to explore Montreal and then off to Quebec City. I discovered a passion for Ice Apple Wine … wow! It is really good. I wouldn’t necessarily go back, it was a bit touristy for us. Everyone I’ve spoken to said it was fantastic but they were there at least 20-30 years ago. I do want to go back to the Isle d’Orleans in the St. Lawrence. It sounds like a mini-island equivalent to our Niagara and was where many of the cheeses and liqueurs we (I) sampled.
It’s taken a bit to get back into the swing of things, and I didn’t really want to post while we were away (you know, cyber safety and all that good stuff). So this weekend, I recovered by canning. A lot.
- three types of salsa (corn & tomato, lime, cider vinegar)
- three types of pickles (low sodium, dill and bread & butter)
- tart apricot jam
- two batches of strawberry & balsamic vinegar jam (with & without pectin)
- stewed fruit (sans sugar)
May not sound like a lot but it took Friday evening, most of Saturday and Sunday morning. I feel happy. My dining room table is unsuable from all the jars, but its filled with deliciousness.
