Hi everyone. It's time for T again over at Bleubeard's and Elizabeth's blog. It's already the last T day of November, and for us in the US we only have a few days until Thanksgiving, which doesn't seem possible.
For today's post I am back in Quebec, It's the last day of our time in Canada, and that evening we'd pass over the international border back into the US, coming home through Vermont. (That will be next week's post.)
Today's post is about a garden and a historic home we visited called Jardins de Matis, otherwise known as Reford Gardens. This property was the summer home of Elsie Reford, one of the last of a generation of wealthy "British" Anglophones in Quebec.
Elsie was quite the woman. She served in World War one, loved to go salmon fishing and hunting, enjoyed a good hike, traveled extensively and was certainly not very domestic. However, when she got into her 50's and had to give up some of her activities, she decided to put in a garden at her summer home. She wanted the home and grounds to stay in the family , but due to all the changes in the world, her grandson couldn't afford to keep it up. The estate was passed to the Province of Quebec, where it is now a public garden.
In the house (that had been the Reford's summer home) was a great exhibit about Elsie Reford, as well as a small art exhibit on the first floor. Before I show you some lovely late autumn blooms, let me share this next photo that goes to show you what type of woman Elsie actually was.
Even if Elsie wouldn't want to be remembered for the gardens, I really enjoyed them. They were really lovely to walk around on this end of September day, and here are some photos of them.
Here's a view of the summer house from one side of the garden.
After we left the gardens we had a few hours of driving to get to northern Vermont where we'd spent our last night away. Just so that we didn't arrive too late, we decided to grab some fast food for dinner. We saw several A&W's along the way, and we stopped at one to get a burger to go. I only ever remember seeing one A&W as a kid in my general area and I don’t believe I’ve ever eaten at one, so it was also fun to try something different. And for a fast food burger, it wasn't bad.
Here's my drink that I had with my burger. It wasn't a root beer because I'm not a root beer fan, but it was a Diet Coke.
That's all for me today. I hope those of you in the US have a wonderful Thanksgiving and that everyone has a super T day and week ahead.
15 comments:
Elsie was my paternal grandma name. What a big ole house.
Lovely gardens
...there's still an A&W here!
Those are very beautiful gardens! I actually wouldn't mind being remembered for my garden, which most probably won't happen.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, Erika! Hugs - Carola
What a terrific spot to spend your last day. The gardens are amazing and it sounds like she was, too. Your photos, as always, are lovely and really tell the story! This is a wonderful finale to Quebec (and more travel to come!)
That’s funny — most owners of beautiful gardens would love that to be the one think they are remembered for.
Elsie may have been getting older but she certainly knew how to design a magnificent garden in her summer home.
Elsie sounds like an amazing woman! And what a beautiful garden! Those photos just have me long for the summer.
That´s a beautiful garden. And to imagine to be so rich to have a "summer house", ohhh.... but our little condo at least has a small balcony. To a nice T-Day, hugs
Your photos are so beautiful, what a fabulous place to explore ☺️. Wishing you a very Happy T Tuesday! Hugs, Jo x
Elsie's garden is gorgeous even if she wouldn't want to be remembered for her garden. I don't think I've eaten at an A&W either. Was very raw today. I hate to put on my Heat Warmer socks because my feet were so cold indoors! Happy T Day
Elsie sounds like my kind of gal. And the gardens are beautiful even in November (or was it October?). I also love the quirky sculptures.
The gardens are beautiful. Every time I see the word Anglophone, I think of Gamache. We must be due a new book soon, I must check. I will have to look up A & W because I've never heard of them. Happy belated Tea Day and Happy Thanksgiving to you Erika!
Thank you for joining me for T Tuesday this week. Some of you are aware I damaged my left arm and finally made a sling for it. Last Saturday I removed the sling because my arm felt better. Monday afternoon, I was headed to the basement when my sleeve caught the end of the banister and I took a tumble down all 14 steps. Yes, I once again landed on my left shoulder. It's a good thing I didn't throw the sling away, because it is quite handy. However, I am still in pain, but refuse to go to the ER because they will tell me to rest, as I've been doing and would probably issue a prescription I couldn't afford. Thank you for understanding why I made this a universal copy and paste entry and really, really appreciate you for sharing your T post this week.
Those gardens are spectacular. Hope you had a great Thanksgiving.
What a fabulous post. I loved hearing about Eloise, and now might have to go and find out more about her. The gardens are beautiful and your pictures are a joy to look at. I especially loved the summerhouse and the ring of stones.
Thank you.
Hugs, Neet xx
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