Poutine is a Delicious Mess of a Good Thing

A couple of years ago, while vacationing in Switzerland and active on Facebook, I posted that my desired last meal on earth would have to be the Canadian fave: Poutine. Today, my husband sent me this informative article from USA Today. Having recently returned from Montréal, poutine is fresh on our minds and ON our bellies. The article traces the history of poutine back to Quebec in 1963. For those not familiar with the sensation, poutine is three ingredients: French fries, cheese curds and gravy. Right?

Poutine translates into "mess"

Creative Ventures Indoors

I remember too many frigid days growing up in Chicago winters. A good snowfall generated some outdoor play, but most of the time the cold, grey days were spent indoors. Summers in SWFL are the opposite. The days hinge on oppressive humidity, temps in the 90's and state of emergency downpours. It's best to stay indoors after 10am. 

That said, I'm loving my new iPad Pro with the Pencil and Procreate app; providing hours of creative amusement during these early summer days. Will's birthday gift is also coming in handy: a Sofia + Sam lap desk. The desk will be perfect for the camper, too! Here's my new logo I just sketched in Procreate:

 

Asheville NC to Marco

We left Montreal on Thursday, June 27th. Having underestimated the hassle of living out of a suitcase for nearly a month, we decided to take our time heading back home. Asheville seemed like a good place to break up our ride. There, we stayed at an over-priced Aloft hotel so as to be right downtown. Location, location, location. We enjoyed two great dinners on Biltmore Avenue, one at Chestnut and the other at Posana. Tupelo Honey for breakfast was really good. It was challenging riding our bikes to the River Arts District, but we found a short cut home. My aching body!

Asheville to Marco was on the agenda Sunday but not before a meandering and scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Auto-pilot and the need for speed brought us home at 10:45pm! We were on the road for one month.

Montreal

Bill met me in Montreal on Monday, June 24th. He's always happy after I return rejuvenated from a six chix fix. We settled in our first Airbnb, which was very nice. We toured the lovely city by foot and took in some good food, too, especially poutine at Saint-Houblon Brew Pub in the Latin Quarter. My body was aching after a climb up Mont Royal so we Ubered to Chuck Hughes Garde Manger restaurant near the old dock. We were disappointed in the overall dining experience at Garde Manger, but did enjoy the dinner despite the very slow service.

Prince Edward Island

Jill welcomed us into her Chelton home on PEI for a girls weekend. It's a beautiful Island with plenty to do. Here's are some noteworthy spots:

Terre Rouge Restaurant - Charlottetown
The Inn at Bay Fortune FireWorks Feast - Souris
PEI National Park - Greenwich
Chelton Beach Provincial Park
PEI Preserve Company - New Glasgow
Celtic Performing Arts Centre at the College of Piping -Summerside
Lobster Barn - Victoria
Island Chocolates - Victoria
The Dunes Studio Gallery & Cafe - Brackley Beach

Too Busy Traveling for Travel Blog

It got pretty crazy down at the NJ shore once family started streaming in at the beach house. Despite all the June celebrations, Bill stole the show on Father's Day. We had a really nice time in Beach Haven with friends, family, bikes, hikes, pickle ball, cards and dice. Some of the noteworthy restaurants are listed below.

Noteworthy restaurants:
Stefano' Seafood and Pasta - fine dining
Blue Water Cafe - casual and byo cocktails, long wait
The Chicken or the Egg - bargain, iconic, 24 hours
Pearl Street Market - close to rental, to go items, and lobster bakes for a crowd
The Gables - fine dining
Barry's Do Me a Flavor - Philly Cheesesteaks
Dockside Diner - casual
The Bagel Shack - casual
And of course Ship Bottom Brewery