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Posts tagged ‘Canada’

Color Your World: 120 Days of Crayola; Burnt Sienna

Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada

 

Quebec City, Canada

Quebec City, Canada

 

Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada

The Trees in Canada go from Burnt Orange to Burnt Sienna! Crayola has featured Burnt Sienna in their line of crayons since 1903. Since Crayola has a color selected for every state in the US I think I will name Burnt Sienna the color for Quebec, Canada! Beautiful, beautiful shades of Orange!

This post is just one of many in the Color Your World: 120 Days of Crayola Challenge! Enjoy!

Photography 101: Day 7, Landmark

My Teddy Bear, Winnie

My Teddy Bears

Landmark: a very important event or achievement. Have you ever wondered why teddy bears are left at memorials by grieving mourners? I have. I think we repeat gestures that we no longer know the meaning of or never knew the meaning of, we just follow tradition. It gives us comfort and is meant to give comfort to others.

As many of you know, I have been studying a free online course with FutureLearn called WWI, Trauma and Memory. Although the war was very grim and the aftermath devastating for many men and their families, there have been enlightening moments as well. So, today on Veteran’s Day I am going to share a positive story. For many children I am sure it is a landmark event. This story is about Harry Colebourn, a veterinarian from Winnipeg, Canada.

Harry Colebourn, enlisted in the Canadian Army as a surgical veterinarian and soon was shipped out to Valcartier, Quebec, the mobilization point for 35,000 volunteer troops. He was with the Fort Garry Horse, the 34th Regiment of Cavalry, and would be taking care of the horses, an amazing feat in itself.  Along the way the train stopped for supplies, and Harry got off and noticed a chained small black bear near the tracks.  A hunter, who had killed the cub’s mother was trying to sell it.  Harry paid twenty dollars for the cub and got back on the train with it. He named his new best friend, Winnie, after his hometown, Winnipeg. When Harry reached Valcartier,  he trained Winnie, in his spare time, how to play and be gentle, with treats of condensed milk and lots and lots of apples.

Harry With Winnie, Picture Courtesy Colbourn Collection

Harry With Winnie, Picture Courtesy Colbourn Collection

Harry With Winnie, Picture Courtesy Colbourn Collection

Harry With Winnie, Picture Courtesy Colbourn Collection

Winnie soon found she had many soldier friends to play with and she was made the mascot for the regiment. The men were very fond of Winnie and wrote to family and friends about her and sent pictures too.  Before long the regiment shipped out (literally) to Salisbury Plains, Britain, where all of Britain and her colonies were trained for war. Winnie went with the men. When orders arrived for Harry to go to the front lines he knew this was not a place for Winnie to go and sadly left her at the London Zoo, on the condition he could return after the war and take her back to Canada. On his rest and recuperation from the madness of the war, Harry always went back to the zoo to visit Winnie, who was doing quite well. The keepers were amazed at Winnie’s gentleness, which they predicted could not last. But, it did and Winnie became a star with the children, who visited her at the zoo. She was so gentle, the children were allowed to touch her and feed her. One of the children enthralled with Winnie, was Christopher Robin Milne, the son of A. A. Milne. After the war Harry Colebourn, realizing the children adored Winnie and with Winnie thriving, decided it was best to leave her at the zoo and went back to Canada, where he practiced veterinarian medicine for the rest of his life.  A. A. Milne, inspired by Winnie’s gentleness and comfort, went on to write the Winnie the Pooh books, so beloved by children and children at heart.

Pooh in an Illustration by E. H. Shepard.

Pooh in an Illustration by E. H. Shepard.

The first Winnie the Pooh story was published in the London newspaper The Evening News on December 24, 1925. It has been suggested this may be one of the reasons that teddy bears are left at memorials. Winnie brought so much comfort to soldiers during a trial of death, horror and despair and then went on to bring comfort and love to children all over the world.

Winnie the Pooh Monument, Winnipeg, Canada

Winnie the Pooh Monument, Winnipeg, Canada

For the anniversary of WWI, Ryerson University has put together a collection by the Colebourn family titled, Remembering the Real Winnie: The World’s Most Famous Bear Turns 100.  They have graciously shared the archives and collection online for those of us who can not travel to Toronto, Canada for the exhibit. It is a must see and will make your day! Enjoy!

Photography 101: Day 2, Street

Two weeks ago I was in my favorite city, Quebec City, Canada! I love this shot in Bas-Ville and the view of the street that is now closed off to vehicular traffic. Notice the cruise ship in the background? Enjoy!

Photography 101: Street

Photography 101: Street Quebec City, Canada

One Word Photo Challenge: Scarlet

On a recent visit to Baie St Paul, Quebec, Canada, I came upon these vibrant scarlet berried trees.  Can anyone tell what the name of the tree is? Enjoy!

Scarlet Berries, Baie St Paul, Quebec, Canada

Scarlet Berries, Baie St Paul, Quebec, Canada

Quebec City Town Hall, All Dressed Up for Fall

The Ship is Moored and Awaiting the Harvest! Quebec City, Canada

The Ship is Moored and Awaiting the Harvest! Quebec City, Canada

The new underground parking lot at Town Hall has been completed. There is now a lively garden area on top of the underground parking complex and it is the perfect spot to spend a fall afternoon! This year the focus of the park surrounds a sunken pool area, where a replica old sailing ship is moored among the fields of the harvest. Every year I can’t wait to see the adventure that awaits at Town Hall! Using the same props from year to year the displays created are always a new design. Hats off to all the workers and designers who make these displays possible! It is what sets Quebec City as the premier city  in North America!  Let’s load up the Harvest! Quebec City goes all out to decorate their city for Fall. What fun! Enjoy!

The Welcome Sign at the Public Market during Fall Days in Quebec City, Canada

The Welcome Sign at the Public Market during Fall Days in Quebec City, Canada

Can Mums be More Beautiful? Quebec City, Canada

Can Mums be More Beautiful? Quebec City, Canada

Gotta Have the Spooky Tree! Quebec City, Canada

Gotta Have the Spooky Tree! Quebec City, Canada

Gotta Have the Spooky Tree! Quebec City, Canada

Gotta Have the Spooky Tree in a Field of Pumpkins! Quebec City, Canada

Stacks of Pumpkins, Quebec City, Canada

Stacks of Pumpkins from a Vintage Truck, Quebec City, Canada

A Maiden in the Garden! Quebec City, Canada

A Maiden in the Garden! Quebec City, Canada

A Vintage Tractor in the Fields of Pumpkins, Quebec City, Canada

A Vintage Tractor in the Fields of Pumpkins, Quebec City, Canada

The Mums of Quebec City, Canada

The Mums of Quebec City, Canada!

Carefully Planned Fields of Pumpkins, Wheat, and Mums, Quebec City, Canada

Carefully Planned Fields of Pumpkins, Wheat, and Mums, Quebec City, Canada

A Farmer in the Field, Quebec City, Canada

A Farmer in the Field, Quebec City, Canada

Rows and Rows of Pumpkins! Quebec City, Canada

Rows and Rows of Pumpkins! Quebec City, Canada

The Sunflower Fields Surrounding the Harvest Ship, Quebec City, Canada

The Sunflower Fields Surrounding the Harvest Ship, Quebec City, Canada

The Harvest Ship, Quebec City, Canada

The Harvest Ship, Quebec City, Canada

The Harvest Ship, Quebec City, Canada

The Harvest Ship, Quebec City, Canada

The Harvest Ship Is Ready to Load!, Quebec City, Canada

The Harvest Ship Is Ready to Load!, Quebec City, Canada

The Back Side of the Harvest Ship, Quebec City, Canada

The Back Side of the Harvest Ship, Quebec City, Canada

Giant Red Pots of Blooms in the Park! Quebec City, Canada

Giant, Giant Red Pots of Blooms in the Park! Quebec City, Canada

Giant Red Pots of Blooms in the Park! Quebec City, Canada

Giant Red Pots of Blooms in the Park! Quebec City, Canada

 

Quebec City On Fall Weekend

La Park au Petit-Champlain, Quebec City, Canada

Le Parc au Petit-Champlain, Quebec City, Canada

It’s that time of year for the annual trip to Quebec City. Without a doubt, it is my favorite city in North America! The shops and parks are decorated for Fall and the weather is sunny and cool!  Here are just a few of my favorite sights on a quick walk through Petit-Champlain!  Lots to look at here! There is COLOR everywhere! Enjoy!

Fall Decorations at My Favorite Hotel, Hotel Saint Germaine

Stick Trees! Fall Decorations at My Favorite Hotel, Hotel Saint Germaine

My Favorite Basket Planters, Quebec City, Canada

My Favorite Basket Planters, Quebec City, Canada

Fall Planters! Quebec City, Canada

More Fall Planters! Quebec City, Canada

New Planters in the Park! Quebec City, Canada

New Planters! Quebec City, Canada  

 Simple and Chic!

New this year were the four different displays of Plastic in Bas-Ville. Entertaining to say the least and as I studied them there were some baskets I could have used!

Plastic Baubles Anyone?

Plastic Baubles Anyone?

More Plastic! Quebec City, Canada

More Plastic! Quebec City, Canada

And Yet Another! Quebec City, Canada

And Yet Another! Quebec City, Canada

And Yet Another! Plastic Everywhere! Quebec City, Canada

And Yet Another! Plastic Everywhere! Quebec City, Canada

Perhaps the Plastic Baubles  remind us of the fun of Summer and the Sea?

Fall Decorating in the Park! Quebec City, Canada

Fall Decorating in the Park! Quebec City, Canada

Apple Anyone? Quebec City, Canada

Apple Anyone? Quebec City, Canada

Street Sign, Quebec City, Canada

Street Sign, Quebec City, Canada

Outdoor Seating at Park Next to Le Lapin Restaurant, Quebec City, Canada

Outdoor Seating at Park Next to Le Lapin Restaurant, Quebec City, Canada

Pumpkins, Corn and Rakes!

Pumpkins, Corn and Rakes! Where Is That Rabbit?

Another View of Le Lapin Restaurant, Quebec City, Canada

Another View of Le Lapin Restaurant, Quebec City, Canada

I Loved the tiny purple pots!

Decorations at Le Lapin Restaurant, Quebec City, Canada

Decorations at Le Lapin Restaurant, Quebec City, Canada

Le Lapin Restaurant, Quebec City, Canada

Le Lapin Restaurant, Quebec City, Canada

Weekly Photo Challenge: Sign

I’m Back! We had the most wonderful time in Quebec City! More posts to come about Thanksgiving weekend in my favorite place! Won’t you join me? I’m ready for fall!

A Furrier Sign in Quebec City, Canada

A Furrier Sign in Quebec City, Canada

Joan of Arc Park, Quebec City

One of the Displays in Joan of Arc Park

One of the Displays in Joan of Arc Park

Yesterday we took a carriage ride through Quebec City.  The guide was very attentive and we learned more about this fabulous city.  We eventually rounded the Joan of Arc Park and I knew I wanted to come back on my own time to take pictures of the wonderful decorations in this neighborhood park.  So early this morning we piled into a cab and asked to go to the Plains of Abraham, the large stretch of parkland and battleground where the Joan of Arc Park is located.  We roared up the hill and through the town and through the town and through the town. I was thinking I didn’t remember it being very far, but hey I had been enjoying the carriage ride so maybe it was.  We got out at a field track and the taxi driver pointed to a bend in the road so we were sure the Joan of Arc Park was right around the corner, even though we didn’t see it.  We walked around the corner and nothing, just another road going along the St Lawrence River, but it did look to be a park.

The Beautiful Gardens we Walked through to Get to the Park

The Beautiful Gardens we Walked through to Get to the Park

The Woods where the Kids were having the Best Time!

The Woods where the Kids were having the Best Time!

We walked back to the field track where several people were jogging or walking, enjoying the beautiful warm fall day. An elderly woman stopped to ask if we needed help. Ah! The babushka lady to the rescue again! See https://cadyluckleedy.com/2013/03/27/safetyand-the…ndparent-types  When she realized we spoke English and she spoke only French the pantomiming began. Basically we got the message to follow the river road.  So we started walking.  And Walking.  And walking.  There were woods between the river road and the river and in the woods we could hear the voices and laughter of children.  Lots of children.  They must have been on a field trip we decided.  Boy were they having fun whooping it up!  We walked on.  We had a map and finally came to a sign that was actually on our map.  We were outside the boundaries of our tourist’s map!  We kept walking.  We walked on the road then we walked on the path.  Then we walked on the road again.  I decided to walk up up up the hill in the grass to see if anything looked like what were looking for.  I could see another path up there but wasn’t sure I could reach it without going all the way along the bottom of the road until the two paths finally met up. How far would that be?  We walked some more, passing joggers, more joggers, and those show offs jogging pushing a baby carriage too. Finally another couple, that looked as pooped as we were, moved across a wide meadow and we decided we would follow suit. We FINALLY made our way up to the higher street where there was a bench to rest on, thank goodness! There were kids everywhere!  School outings!  One group of  nine and ten year olds were lined up on the grass: one group dressed as Indians the other group dressed as soldiers.  They were having such fun and so were we watching them!  We eventually made our way to the Joan of Arc Park where there were more students and teachers.  What a great way to teach history!  The displays were eye catching, entertaining and there were signs pointing out the historical meaning to each display.  I learned a lot!

The Joan of Arc park and Garden

The Joan of Arc Park and Garden

One of the displays in Joan of Arc Park

One of the displays in Joan of Arc Park

Flowers and Foilage

Flowers and Foliage

The Scarecrow in the Middle

The Scarecrow in the Middle

The Rock

The Rock

Purple Foliage

Purple Foliage with Red Berries

More Pumpkins

More Pumpkins

Still More Pumpkins

Still More Pumpkins

The Tunnel Pumpkins

The Tunnel Pumpkins

The Pirate Ship

The Pirate Ship

You Are a Monster If You Pick the Flowers!

You Are a Monster If You Pick the Flowers!

The Gaol

The Gaol

The Chain Gang Sign

The Chain Gang Sign

The Duelers

The Duelers

Grave Markers

Grave Markers

The Coffin

The Coffin

The Pumpkin Streetlight

The Pumpkin Street Light

Several times during our stay in Quebec City we ate at the Buffet de Antiquaire,  clustered in a row  of antique shops.  Every time we ventured by this restaurant it was packed!  One evening we decided that this had to be the place to try.  Walking up a few short steps into a cozy diner atmosphere we were greeted by a young waitress who promptly seated us.  There was a tiny main floor room and a room upstairs. The chalkboard revealed the “Specials of the day.” The food was generous in proportions, home made like grandma’s and the atmosphere welcoming! One of my best local finds!  Enjoy!

Buffet de Antiquaire

Buffet de Antiquaire

It’s October! City Hall Decorations in Quebec City, It Doesn’t Get Any Better Than This!

Today we are going to discover the fabulous decorations at City Hall and around Quebec City! I just love all the beautiful displays at this time of year!!  Enjoy! There was construction around and drilling going on, they are making an underground parking lot with a garden above.  Can’t wait to see that when it is finished!

Pumpkins for Everyone!

Pumpkins for Everyone!

The Bat Tree

The Bat Tree

The Bat Tree With Spooky Cats!

The Bat Tree With Spooky Cats!

The BiiiiiiiiG Witch!

The BiiiiiiiiG Witch!

The Witches Clothes Line

The Witches Clothes Line

The Street Lights are Even Decked Out!

The Street Lights are Even Decked Out!

The Pirate Ship

The Pirate Ship with Cargo of Purple and Orange Pumpkins!

The Mast

The Mast

The Fog Even Rolls in For Effect!

The Fog Rolls in For Effect!

Another Pirate Ship!

Another Pirate Ship!

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Another Witch

The Pirates have Arrived!

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I Love the Orange ans Red Grass!

I Love the Orange and Red Grass!

It must take them forever to work out the artwork, set up the displays and plant the planters!  Unbelievable and sooooooo enjoyable!

The Plant Scapes

The Plant Scapes

And here are a couple of shots of cool buildings in the area!

Serenity

Serenity

The Half Round Building

The Half Round Building

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I think they are putting in an ice rink!  Looking ahead to the Christmas Season!

The Coach Ride with The Dog

The Coach Ride with The Dog

Ok, we are heading out of the protective walls of Quebec City! Come back tomorrow to see what is in store for us on the other side!

Out We Go!

Out We Go!

Oh Canada!!

Folk Music

Street Folk Music

Basse-Ville

Basse-Ville

The Beauty in the Walls

The Beauty in the Walls

Today we are walking to Haute-Ville, the next layer of Quebec City.  We leche-vitrine (window shop) along the Petit-Champlain passing lovely art galleries and shops, when I am compelled to stop at Pot en Ciel, a delightfully and artistically decorated kitchen ware shop that always seems to have the latest in cuisine accessories, cooking and table ware.   Afterwards, mingling with the tourists from the cruise ships that dock and depart here, we take the funicular to the promenade walkway that is in the front of the famous and majestic Chateau Frontenac, the most photographed hotel in the world, due in most part  because of how it dominates the skyline of Quebec City. Designed by American architect, Bruce Price, it was one of a series of “chateau” style hotels built for the Canadian Pacific Railway during the late 19th century.  The hotel was named for Louis de Baude, count of Frontenac, who was governor of the colony of New France from 1672 to 1698, with a few years off in the middle.  In 1944 the Chateau became the action center of Quebec Conferences of WWII.  A tour of the Chateau with costumed tour guides gives you a glimpse into the rooms of  “The Who’s Who of Who Has Slept Here” (my term, don’t ask for that as the tour!).

A View from the Funicular

A View from the Funicular

The Cruise Ships

The Cruise Ships

The Frontenac Hotel

The Frontenac Hotel

The Promemade

The Promenade

The View From the Promenade

The View of the Frontenac and the Promenade

The sight is breathtaking.  Here artists and musicians reveal their talents as we walk the promenade gazing down at the cruise ships in Vieux-Port and up, up, up at the Frontenec Hotel.  It looks like a castle, but has always been a grand scale hotel. I am sad to say many tourists go no farther than the promenade and surrounding shops and restaurants.  Meandering through the streets we find shops, cafes, restaurants  and charming fall displays.

Aux Anciens Canadiens Restaurant

Aux Anciens Canadiens Restaurant

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Quebec City Canada Cafe

Haute-Ville Streets

Haute-Ville Streets

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Quebec City Canada Sculpture

Some make it the tiny rue du Tresor, a small alleyway lined with working artists.  For those who trek on, meandering the winding streets of Haute-Ville there are the Christmas shops, boutiques, plant landscapes and the Morrin Center awaiting you.

Plant Displays!

Plant Displays!

What Great Pumpkins!!!

What Great Pumpkins!!!

The Morrin Center is one of my favorite stops.  I can’t wait to show you this years decorations and pictures from past years!  We’ll start there tomorrow! As we finish up the day we return to Vieux Quebec and one of the best restaurants in the quarter, the Lapin Saute, the rabbit restaurant.  I love the food, ambiance and the outdoor decorations of this restaurant.  It is truly what you would imagine a French bistro to be!

Le Lupin Saute

Le Lapin Saute

Outdoor Seating at Le Lepin

Outdoor Seating at Le Lapin (Notice the Rabbit Tables)

Le Lapin at Night

Le Lapin at Night

Inside Le Lepin

Inside Le Lapin

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The Menu

The Menu

The French Onion Soup

The French Onion Soup

I began my meal with the french onion soup studded with a thick white Canadian cheese followed by the rabbit (french) cassoulet. Absolutely yummy! I was so digging into the cassoulet I forgot to take a  picture!!!!  I’m headed back to the Germain-Dominion Hotel and after a mocha night cap I’m off to bed!  See you tomorrow at the Morrin Center!

For more information about Pot en Ciel, 27 Petit Champlain, Quebec, Canada view http://www.quartierpetitchamplain.com for a street map of all the shops and restaurants located there.

For information on the Chateau  Frontenac, 1 Rue des Carrieres, view TripAdvisor.

For information on Le Lapin Saute, 52 Rue Du Petit-Champlain see TripAdvisor.

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