Hello there!  I am back after a long silence, caused in part by all the work that needed to be done around the house in preparation of winter, but mostly because of our computer's illness (a nasty virus) over the last week and some trouble with our internet connection.

I have a few things to share in the next few days, starting with some pics from our little escapade in Saint-Hyacinthe and Victoriaville which took place a week ago.  What took us there in the first place was an event called Salon Passion Bois, a kind of fair where woodworkers meet and sell their creations.  We had a great time there, and found many pieces that we would have gladly brought home.  Instead, we came back with some exotic woods like Canary wood, lacewood and amarante, to be used for inlays in Patrick's future creations.

We spent the night in a gem of a B&B in Saint-Hyacinthe, Le Nid Fleuri, and fell in love with our room.

The victorian patterned wallpaper covered all the walls and the ceiling, and even baseboards and switchplates!  It was the kind of bold decor that I would never dare have at home, but love to live in for one night.

The furniture was very interesting as well, like this reproduction of an Arts and Crafts armoire, made of pine instead of the traditional oak.

The next day, on our way back home, we stopped at every antiques places on the road.  It was our first time antiquing out of Quebec-city and we had a blast.  Most of these places we huge and packed with (affordable) treasures.  

This place is my favorite of all, Antiquité Michel Prince Inc., the picture comes from their website.

I came across lots of stuff that I would love to call my own, like this library card cabinet.  I am crazy about those, and I wish someday I can have one in my house, in my craftroom maybe...

via Benoît Rochefort

I also have a thing for floor grates, I like all the lovely lacey patterns, but I have no idea what I'd use them for, so this will be for another time.

via Benoît Rochefort

We met a bunch of cute cats all through the day, because it seems that every antique store in that area, ,most of them barns, had its mascot cat, and I just couldn't resist taking their pictures.

Yup, this is me with my new friend, who followed me to the car and would have jumped in if I'd have let her!

This little kitty is Zoé, and she was clumsily trying to catch a fly.  I thought it was funny that she'd choose to lay on a carpet with leopards on it.

I almost stepped on this one, she was lying very still behind a table, looking a me with her big green eyes.

Finally, here are our finds of the day.  Pictures are as we found them, they all need deep cleaning and a new coat of finish.

I wanted a small chair to use as a spare in our office, and I really liked the simple shape of this one -- and its price.  I can already figure it with a cute checked cushion, and I just happen to have the perfect fabric for it in my stash.

The telephone was an idea of my boyfriend.  It came to him while we were at a flea market a while ago, and we thought we might get one to hang in our living room as a decoration.  The small size of this one was perfect for our tiny space, and I really like the big tag Made in Canada.  We just don't see that much anymore...

And last, but not least, Patrick grabbed these two old planes.  They don't look like much today, but you should see what he can do with them, they'll be all shiny and ready to go when he's finished with them.

This was our little antiquing expedition.  If you ever are in the region and want to follow the route too, here is a link to the Antiques Roadways & Byways.

That's all folks, I will be back later this week with some stitching I've been working on lately.