It's now February ...

By the old Irish or Scottish calendar, yesterday and today is Imbolc... "Imbolc is the day the Cailleach — the hag of Gaelic tradition — gathers her firewood for the rest of the winter. Legend has it that if she intends to make the winter last a good while longer, she will make sure the weather on Imbolc is bright and sunny, so she can gather plenty of firewood. Therefore, people are generally relieved if Imbolc is a day of foul weather, as it means the Cailleach is asleep and winter is almost over.^[11] On the Isle of Man, where She is known as Caillagh ny Groamagh, the Cailleach is said to have been seen on Imbolc in the form of a gigantic bird, carrying sticks in her beak." -Quoted from Wikipedia... There is of course more to Imbolc depending on which country you come from as it changes from country to country...

So on Sunday, Feb 1st, I went with my partner and his parents to a place about an hour outside of Montreal along the Richelieu River, called Auberge Handfield.

At Christmas I had gone to the Montreal Board of Trade's monthly cocktail, which I attend regularly. I entered my business card into the door draw and won! I was so shocked when I heard my name! The prize I received was a gift certificate for two for brunch.

I must say it was quite a lovely experience. All natural wood inside, plants everywhere and large windows in every room letting in the winter light. We were served complimentary orange juice with champagne in it. A lavish brunch buffet was available, spread through three rooms filled with decidant foods. There was even a live piano player. Thinking about it makes me feel tempted to go back.

It was amusing to look out the window and see they had both Christmas and Valentine's day decorations above the entry way.