I can remember back to a time in my life when this time of year meant seasonal work for me, getting up at 5 in the morning, packing a lunch, dressing my children in warm clothes, and heading to the potato fields (first dropping off the kids with Grandma) to put in as many as 15 hours bent over a harvester table, picking out rocks and rotten potatoes. It makes my back ache to even think about doing such things today. Has it been that long? Yes, nearly 20 years since I've even set my feet on a potato harvester. My last year of service was around 1987 or 88, and I told my boss I was working for my PHd that year--aka: Potato Harvester Diploma--my one and only degree.
In 2007, I've managed a complete *about-face* and Hubby and I got away for a few days, travelling to the Saguenay Region of Quebec, escaping the everyday chores and ho-hum, to just savour each other and God's creation all around us. Of course our area here offers the similar landscapes, autumn spendor, rolling farms, but seeing different people and experiencing the French culture was a treat for us. And, leaving your comfort zone can be rejuvinating.
Our travel plan took us to Riviere-du-Loup to cross the ferry, from there on up the Saguenay Valley (or the Fiord Route) to Chicoutimi, stopping the first and second nights in B&B's in Petit-Saguenay and St. Felicien. Since last fall, we've been raving about the B&b experience and this trip did not dissapoint.
All three B&B locations offered garden settings on the property--right outside our door in Old Quebec in fact. The hospitality and "geting-to-know-your-table mates" conversation at breakfast was definitely high on the list of *good things* for me. I will mention here the names of the places where we stayed in case you, my readers, are interested: Auberge Les 2 Pignons (Petit-Saguenay), A La Pepiniere Ticouape (ST. Feliciene) and A l'Augustine (Old Quebec). You will find all of these on:
The first 2 mornings we were pretty much on our own at the table. But that was certainly not the case in Old Quebec. Actually, the first morning there we had to wait for a place setting, while the first *group* enjoyed their meal. When our turn came, we were absolutely delighted with the folks who not only engaged in jovial conversation but shared tidbits of their *home* countries: Belgium, France, Australia and Germany. Arend even got to speak a little Dutch to a couple of the guests. To say that we thoroughly appreciated the light-heartedness of our companions would be an understatement. I'm sure you could hear our laughter all the way to the St.Lawrence River ( I saw a few twinkles in the eye of our hostess as well:))I even sang a Patsy Cline tune to the circle around the antique table, much to their surpise (I'm not sure if they were delighted or not--grin:0))
As per usual, I'm going to *show* you the truth of what I've been writing about this morning, to share in the best way I can our own way of *de-stressing*. If you're planning a get-away any time soon, don't rule out B&B's as possible lodging. You may very well be pleasantly and unexpectedly delighted as we were.
On this day, Tuesday, September 25, 2007, I wish you and "Yours" many blessings--Until the next time, right here on Bits & Pieces, Barb
Side note: "Hello" to our friends at the breakfast table in old Quebec--we still think about you fondly and hope you all had safe travels back to your homes!
