Author Archives: cjeanneb

An animated evening! Thank you Josee!!

Josee served us a Montreal feast with the best poutine ever (a healthy version with roasted potatoes) and Montreal smoked meat from the Beach Road Deli on Locke Street in Hamilton.

Loved the myriad discussions provoked by the themes of abandonment, white trash, culture and politics, with a hint of religion thrown into the mix just because it fit lol. It was a pleasure to have Ann join us for the first time, but too bad that Jill was unable to make it.

Early December 2015, another bookclub evening, Erin’s country retreat … some comments…

I think we all agree that this was a moving and lyrical novel.  Anthony Doerr’s attention to detail is magnificent – almost poetic with his descriptions. Karen

this has become one of my favourite books, dealing with many factions, and insight into war ,emotional feelings, compassion and the bravery of a blind girl. Jill

The book is a wonderful read. The writing is lyrical. The characters unforgettable. The intertwining stories reveal the humanity of people caught up in the horror of war. Bev

Erin went to very rewarding efforts to make the food for the evening “… a delicious French meal (roasted duck with peaches, with haricots, pommes de terre and pear clafoutis for dessert).”  Here are some pictures I wish I could include the smells and the warm energy feel of Erin’s kitchen and the evening. Karen, you are up if we are going to add any “gastronomic superlatives” !

On a warm fall night Karen pulled out all the stops!! We were greeted with Hurricanes and a welcoming fire. Our pre dinner conversation evolved into a political discussion of the election and the potential of Justin as Prime Minister. Dinner was a New Orleans experience! Gumbo and homemade biscuits, shrimp and a sauce made for biscuit dipping, and the topper; sweet potato pecan pie! Craig even joined us later and shared his version of their great Crawfish adventure!

We missed Jane and Moira and their insights

Best Banana Cake Ever

Lovely evening for dining in Karen’s beautiful back yard

And the spread:–)

Moira admires the Rhodos

Sangria on the deck

C’mon you guys there’s more cake

Joe and Kate Ruttledge have come to Ireland from London in search of a different life. In passages of beauty and truth, the drama of a year in their lives and those of the memorable characters that move about them unfolds through the action, the rituals of work, religious observances and play. We are introduced, with deceptive simplicity, to a complete representation of existence – an enclosed world has been transformed into an Everywhere.

and the dinner, simple and delicious!!

baguette and cheeses, wine of course:)

Roasted chicken with carrots, turnip and mashed potato and then carrot cake and coffee with Irish Cream, for those with any room left!

Thanks Jane!

Once again Karen created a memorable evening for us. Only Jane was unable to attend, though she was certainly present in spirit as we raised a glass and sent our love to her and Gerry!
The meal was an Italian feast: yummy soup, meats, breads, olives and more, with freeflowing wine and finished off with yummy cakes and butterscotch sauce:-)