Spontaneous Trip to Montreal to see my son for his Birthday!

Sometimes, it is important to listen to your instincts and follow your heart. This was one of those times and I have had a very wonderful few days visiting my son and his wife to surprise him for his 30th birthday.
We had a fabulous few days!
I'm back now and mailing out the monthly Patreon rewards. I made a little video about Montreal over there too. You'd be very welcome to join my Patreon Family! check out the way it all works here
/ thelasthomelyhouse
I have had another print run of the little books, so they are back in stock now.
www.thelasthomelyhouse.co.uk
the royalty free music is called 'Who Can Say'
Thank you to all the new subscribers - you are all very welcome!
Love
Kate
xxx

[@Booboonancy]

OMG, who says “ take only 3 bagels “ , especially from THAT shop. Bar none, these are the best bagels ever. They are the real deal. With cream cheese and lox. Born and raised east of Montreal but also lived there for a few years ( within walking distance of St-Viateur Bagel ) and I absolutely love that place, especially seeing the bagels being made. To anybody visiting Mtl, do not miss this place. Ok, Imma calm down now 🤷🏼‍♀️ It’s also in a lovely neighborhood.

[@brendastajkowski502]

I used to do Japanese Iris paper folding to make greeting cards twenty years ago so visiting the shop brought back many memories.

[@pkfamily7297]

I'm Canadian and it was a joy to watch you enjoying your visit to our country. Love your channel.

[@pennykyle9370]

I am sitting here in my little house in Nova Scotia, on a grey and winter rainy day "binge" watching The Last Homely House... . I was watching the Toad Hollow podcast late last week when Helen and Mary Beth said that someone had suggested that they might enjoy your podcast. They did and were now suggesting it, and I watched one. Fell down a rabbit hole, and quickly found #1. I am working my way along from there. What a lovely way to get to know you. I am really enjoying every episode. Thank you so very much.

[@thelasthomelyhouse]

I have seen a little spike in subscribers and wondered how that came about - maybe it was them - thanks - I will go and check them out! xxx

[@veronicamatsson151]

Ohhhh that way of brewing coffe was really popular in Sweden during the 60 /70. The brewers called don pedro and you can still find them at flee markets i think they are still produced and very expensive to buy

[@lisapfeiffer2266]

What fun! I live just west of Montreal and I never knew these shops existed! Except for the St Viature bagel shop. One time I did go downtown as a tourist and I did discover the museum's. The McCord museum had a quilt exhibit at the time. It is exhilarating to step away from the norm from time to time.

[@nelsonshakespeare2881]

And, BTW Kate, I like watching any of your videos because "YOU" can turn the most common things in life into such marvelous adventures. I doubt everyone offers so many people to go along with them on a country stroll with such lovely companions as a goose and a cat.

[@joflesher5270]

I agree wholeheartedly, Nelson Wilson!!!

[@annemaguire657]

I have a 10 min walk to the end of my lane and back, my cat comes with me when I’m leaving out my bins for collection 🐈 🚶‍♀️🚮

[@nelsonshakespeare2881]

Well Anne all you need now is a lovely goose...😉

[@annecrisp7818]

I would have loved all those shops...great visit... I did a visit like that to the UK in march 2019 .only my cousin knew I was arriving . It was a fast visit after 20 years , I hired a car and drove from Heathrow to Whiston Merseyside on arrival.. the best few days seeing my aunts.

[@paulinecaffrey6547]

Thank you for sharing this sport. I have relatives residing in Montreal 💕

[@TheNakedEwe]

That was a lovely coffee syphon at the end of the video. You used to see stovetop versions of it in old movies from the ‘30s and ‘40s. Sometimes they’re called vacuum coffee makers. I’ve never tried one, but you can find them on Amazon of all places. They range from pretty inexpensive to hugely expensive like just about every coffee maker.

[@glenysperry6351]

Oh you made me homesick, I am originally from Montreal, those bagels are the best on the planet. Merci for the nostalgia!

[@debclark7602]

I have never heard of ice canoeing. I learn so much from you Thank you I always enjoy your videos. (I live in Southeast Florida USA)

[@sharonvantroyen9686]

My sister lives in Montreal, and has never told us about canoe racing on the frozen river, or about the amazing coffee maker. I will be seeing her in another month and will ask her all about them, and much more! Fascinating! Thank you, Kate

[@jackyhaddon6036]

I have only recently discovered the last homely house. I really love the relaxed, gentle approach, the music and the gorgeous views of the garden and all the stitching. You have inspired me to resurrect some of my unfinished works. I am also making a quilt for my grandson and I’m hoping he likes it. Your KZbin films are a breath of fresh air in these turbulent times. Thank you

[@seasidestitches615]

Lovely. Thanks Kate. x

[@jonap5740]

What lovely stores you got to go inside! And Montreal bagels are famous in Quebec and Ontario. So delicious and chewy. My favourite was the paper store. Oh, and the people you met!

[@marywilson6760]

Another brilliant video Kate. That's the closest I will ever see a bit of Canada. Everything is always interesting. The coffee maker machine was amazing, Love it. thank you.

[@Ellie-yx8ni]

Was scrolling through the videos on your channel and realized this spontaneous trip was just before the pandemic. How wonderful you got to see your son and daughter in law before the world locked down and everything became so uncertain. :)

[@gailvandenberg546]

I'm so glad for you that you followed your heart and visited your son. So very soon after your visit everything closed down, so you got the visit in just in time. Thanks for sharing your trip, the ice canoeing and the lovely shops.

[@susancastleman5546]

Your intuition was spot on with this trip! Who knew soon after and over a year later we’d be so restricted! Lovely video, thanks for sharing ❄️

[@donnazavitz1095]

I came across your channel while looking for ideas for a log cabin quilt. Your channel popped up in my KZbin feed. You were doing a log cabin pillow top for a gift for a friend. I have been enjoying your channel ever since. Blessings to you from across the pond in Owen Sound, Ontario Canada

[@narelleworks8448]

How truly wonderful. He will carry it in his memory forever. We are never too old for special surprises especially from Mum. I'm so happy for you all. Happy birthday to you all. 💜🎂🥖

[@annbashir5888]

I’m so glad I found you Kate. Your videos are so so nice to watch. What a wonderful trip n so pleased you spent some time with your son n his wife . Take care see you soon

[@lindagunter8339]

Dear Kate you do not know how much joy you bring me because of your videos. I love Montreal and cleaning out your draws.

[@kimsharpe9504]

What a fun surprise for your son! My husband and I surprised one of our sons for his 21st birthday. We traveled from our home state to Nashville, TN, where he was attending university and we waited in the pub where his friends took him for his first legal beer. They were in on the surprise, of course. It was so much fun! And your son must be camera shy. It was good to see you with Rita. Thanks for sharing.

[@nancybloomfield1753]

Brilliant! Loved seeing everything!

[@MargueriteEudoraSmith]

Being originally from Montreal (now in upstate New York) your wonderful video brought tears to my eyes. I do miss the shops, especially on Sundays. What a wonderful trip you had to see your loved ones, thanks for taking us along! xoxo

[@wendymcfarlane9068]

Thank you so much for sharing that. What a thoughtful thing to do, your son must have been delighted. I am so glad I caught this one. Montreal/Quebec are at the top of my "desperate to visit" list! Christmas in old town Quebec would be my ultimate dream so ty so much. The shops look wonderful. I wonder did they have many book shops? Oh and to see the St Lawrence too, under ice. All my dreams come true!! Bless you. That coffee looked delicious.x

[@TheShmoo123]

Thanks for taking us with you Kate 👍🏽 I enjoyed seeing some different things from another part of the World.

[@revonda5204]

I'm only 3 years late to the party (birthday party!😂) but thank you for sharing sharing your trip to Montreal. It was lovely seeing all the shops. Those are all the kinds of places I would want to visit, too! ❤

[@jaebee9308]

As a coffee lover... seeing that coffee brewer was quite a highlight! I've never seen it brewed that way but it looked amazing!! So glad you got to see Owen and Girl Rita! I know how deeply contentful it is to spend time with my grown children so I can well imagine how enjoyable that was for you! 💗

[@pamcox8582]

There is never a dull moment on your channel. I was watching an old one out of order, so I last saw you and Rita sewing a quilt together, and then here you are in Canada! I never knew about that sport. Thank you for thinking to share your trip with us. And that Japanese paper shop! And the pottery. You really know how to provide the eye candy. Such a sweet treat. Your are really spoiling my appetite to be content with my other channels. I have to come here first and see what you are up to...ha! and now we will never be sure will we? You are living a joyful life and it shows in your smile.

[@thelasthomelyhouse]

I like to keep busy! and not be bored! ha ha!! xxx

[@janmiller1850]

You are intrepid, Kate. Thanks so much. 💚💚💚

[@glenhenry6394]

How lovely for Your Son to come Home and find You in His kitchen.. One of My sons,I have 3 , lives in the Falkland Islands, He has been over there for 30 years, so I don’t see much of Him I have been over there twice and He has been back 3 times. It’s such a lot of money for airfare £2.000 , I don’t think I will see Him again as He is going to live in Australia and because of ill health I don’t think I will see Him again, but He is living the life He enjoys and is happy and that is what You want for Your Children isn’t,, I have started EPP and really enjoying it as You say it’s nice to sit and just sew so thank You, stay Safe xx

[@barbaracarlson1331]

How fun watching the races and seeing wonderful shops that are not in my part of the world!

[@gracepatane9384]

Oh, that coffee looked so good! Of course I wanted a cup, but it was almost midnight here in New York, so I didn’t dare!!! 😂😂😂 coffee, bagels, & a good bakery! That would make my day!! You love all the same kind of shops that I love, Kate! Paper, stationery, & that Japanese shop - WOW!!! It all looked wonderful!

[@quiltingforthesoul]

I hope you enjoy yourself beautiful country. I love to fly happy birthday to your son God bless you and your family

[@ellascottagecompany2044]

Thank you for sharing your trip with us.

[@yvettealba7431]

I want that coffee maker. I love anything made in glass. Kate thanks for sharing. Hi Norma and kitties🐈🐈🐈🐈

[@susangannon5621]

How wonderful to surprise your son for his birthday. It is hard when your kids live far away, his neighbourhood looks amazing. Thanks Kate for yet another interesting video.

[@marywoolley5300]

My parents had one of those coffee makers in the 1960s and it was a talking point when guests came for dinner. They are still available and are called Cona coffee makers.

[@123uschie]

Lovely ! Thanks for sharing your visit🥰👍

[@nellsinnock867]

Oh my goodness, what an unusual contraption for coffee brewing, I am sure I would have enjoyed a cup of that IMMENSELY!!! Those shops you went in were all ones that I also would have happily spent hours in perusing all the lovely treasures. I especially enjoyed the Japanese paper store. I love doing collage and spotted some gorgeous candidates that would look pretty done up that way. Thank you everso for letting me "tag along" on your journey across the pond!!! SO glad that you had such a wonderful time!!!😊🤗 PS~ I am a brand new subbie and SO pleased to have stumbled across your channel.

[@lorettahenderson8979]

Thanks Kate ❤

[@nanigail395]

Such a sweet thing to surprise your son🎉Our son & family live a 16 hour drive away & we surprised the 3 grandkids one year-drove up-they were playing in the yard…hello Nani & Pop😮 loved all the specialty shops ❤ one of my favorite things to do, too! Thank you, Kate! 4 yrs later watching…so enjoyed it😊

[@feliciahazelton754]

I’ve become addicted to using Lovely and brilliant. Thanks Kate. Grin.

[@mirg4240]

Hi Kate! We have coffee brewed that way at one of your best friends birthday dinner. We call it "café de balāo" (coffee of ballon in a literal translation ☺️). It's one ritual every one loves. Cheers from Lisboa

[@KatiDebelic]

I am originally from Montreal (French Canadian) and moved to the Vancouver area in 1994. Thank you for this video. I ‘follow’ a fabric store from there that is called Elegante Virgule, they have fabrics that I love and I may well order from there because they have past collections of Tilda. You should have bought a dozen bagels, those are legendary! ♥ did you like them?

[@annemack3357]

You are so sweet person, do love to watch you and your beautiful cats. They are so special to you. Take care now , so proud Tonkin you thank you from Annie🦋🐝

[@carollord9371]

Lovely video! I'm so happy you had the chance to visit with your son and daughter in law. I was born and raised in Montreal and lived there for decades before moving west to Calgary, Alberta about 6 years ago. I miss Montreal terribly and loved seeing it again through your eyes.

[@nancisailormoy9135]

What a wonderful trip. I loved watching the ice races but also the little quaint shops. I still remember when my son turned 30, I had spent the year before making a scrapbook of his first 30 years and had so much fun memories. I've also been watching "call the midwife" lately and also think about you since it's set in east end London and in simpler times. Glad you had a lovely visit.

[@thelasthomelyhouse]

those women would have been my Mum and I would have been one of those kids in the hand knitted sweater and cotton skirt. big black pram and everything - very nostalgic! xxx

[@susanfryer1616]

A big birthday surprize how lovely

[@joanclare1873]

just looked at the date...you were so right to follow your instincts...because the next month ; OH BOY! here we are a year later and still in lockdown.

[@christinesellar3866]

Thanks for sharing Kate, hope you had a wonderful time.

[@debih8666]

Thank you for sharing this special time with us Kate. There is no distance too far to travel to be with our children.....no matter how big they are now! Loved the video, the coffee brewing technique at the end was awesome! x x

[@patbock5923]

Wonderful snapshot of your visit to Montreal!! Thanks for sharing with us!

[@jocropley]

oh how special.......we missed you but so glad you went . Thank you for sharing .. Please please make a long video I love having you in my sewing room..

[@joenperkins2138]

When you do something spontaneous you really do big. So happy for you. Blessings

[@denisehoffmann5006]

So glad you were able to go and spend time with your son and daughter in law.

[@jancavell5125]

Hi Kate. Thankyou so much for sharing your trip with us. My husband and I did a massive road trip in Canada many years ago. We started in Calgary and took cars boats and trains ending up on Vancouver island then came home via Montreal and Quebec. I know its tricky to square the air miles as our grandchildren live in Bangkok. Skype helps and I'm now making quilts for the boys and posting them out. My goodness I fancy a bagel and a coffee just now. I hope you are ok in the windy weather. Thanks again. Jan

[@thelasthomelyhouse]

this storm is ferocious! but I'm ok in this sturdy stone cottage. that road trip sounds fantastic! xxx

[@oscartc456]

Thanks Kate for taking us along, loved it!

[@Hiker_who_Sews]

Oh the things you see and the people you meet. Thanks for having me along!

[@jacquehabermel4827]

Kate, this video had an ad at the beginning for a plant identifier app. I saw your request to let you know, so here you go!

[@wanderingangelstudio1359]

What a lovely trip! Thanks so much for sharing it with us.

[@lucy7b]

Wow!

[@stellaunger8568]

What a wonderful trip for you, I’m so happy you went. Thank you for taking us along. The coffee maker was fascinating, you must explain, some day, how it worked. The racing was fantastic and the history interesting. Belated Happy Birthday to you son, your daughter in law looks to have make you feel very welcome. Lovely video Kate. ❤️😊🌺

[@kathytebbett8398]

Stella Unger It is same principle as the old percolators used in 60's and 70's.

[@shelaghmutch3422]

Wow, welcome to Canada! Hope you enjoyed yourself.

[@mlupton8929]

So lovely! Glad you did it.

[@stitchroadie4076]

Love the adventure that goes hand in hand with spontaneity ❤️

[@MyDaisy66]

Ahh Kate this was wonderful. I didn’t want it to end. How lovely that you did a few little interviews. People are so interesting aren’t they. I loved the shops you went into too .....such restraint! Looks like you all had an amazing time. I bet Owen felt very special that you made the trip to see him and Rita. Lovely to have you back 🌺

[@yvonneiversen8749]

What a lovely cold trip. Kate nothing ordinary about where you live I am on my vacation while you film there also. It's quite exciting for me to see where you spend your time. So glad you got to see your family then. I sure am missing mine I'm centrally located in Illinois while my daughter is in Tacoma Washington. It's been 3 years since I have been with her.

[@christinemcaleer7014]

Wow! that's my hometown, I now live one hour away, but Montreal is home, glad you enjoyed your time here as I enjoy your weekly chats.

[@tigerlily9051]

Thanks for sharing, Happy Birthday Owen! 💕.

[@sueanne3139]

Montreal has some great shops! love the bakers and the paper making shop. 💒🌲🍁 I'm glad you had time with your son in Canada Kate

[@margaretyates4937]

That was great. Iam never likly to visit Montreal but know I would love it Thank you.

[@donnawest866]

Thanks so much for sharing your lovely trip with us! I had never heard of ice canoeing 🛶, very interesting!

[@carolmorrison5173]

How fun for all.

[@rosesbaker]

Wow.... how fortuitous you decide to visit your son in Montreal just weeks before the world shuts down!! I'm sure you feel blessed from your sweet visit and made great memories....

[@rebeccajourney3183]

Oh how lovely for you to see Owen on his 30th and gorgeous girl Rita! What fun to see the ice boating (I'd hate to have to do that out of necessity though!) And you met such nice people there too and I'm sure the food was good! But oh, Japanese paper!! I have some from a convention in Orlando for paper arts, rubber stamping mostly, but it is so gorgeous! I dodo, coffee please!?!

[@cindycoile5989]

Welcome home Kate, you have been missed ! What a great surprise for your son . Happy birthday and many more. Love all your videos.

[@lindahirst6329]

Catching up on your lovely videos get well soon kate .💚

[@ericallerton809]

Enjoyed that,Kate! What a great quick get away for you,,,, Elaine😍😍

[@jeanettesmith3341]

Thank you Kate for sharing this wonderful trip. Really touched the heart. 😍😍

[@avrilplummer7047]

Oh how wonderful and such a lovely gift for your son having mum sitting in his living room. Loved the Japanese shop and the gorgeous paper. What a fantastic way to make coffee. I also just love those sorts of shops xx So nice to see how life is lived in different countries, thank you Kate. Loved the video. Hugs Avril xxx

[@Beate1404]

What a wonderfull Trip, I like this Coffemakers 😍

[@judithjunop]

My fave bagel shop when in Montreal. ❤️🇨🇦❤️

[@patriciasweet9102]

Oh what a lovely surprise for him. You were just beaming. Can't blame you. Love the boat races. The bagels looked so good. I loved the paper shop. I can"t wait to see what you are doing in the future.

[@margaretblank9351]

Oh my! Montreal -- the city nearest me when I was growing up in Huntingdon (50 miles SW, down near the US border)...and my home for several years -- 5 years at McGill U. (1969 - 1974), and 2+ years thereafter...before I married (1975) and moved west to Calgary with my late DH (1976). My favourite city in Canada, and the home of good friends and (still) some family. Bienvenue a Montreal! Welcome to Montreal -- and Canada, the most beautiful country on the planet. I'm writing this before I watch the video, but I don't care...because I just KNOW I will enjoy seeing my home turf again. I am SO looking forward to seeing which neighbourhood you visited and having some very happy memories. (I go home ever 5 years or so...and was last there in mid-June 2019.) Though I have spent over 40 years out West in Alberta, Quebec, Montreal, Huntingdon is still HOME for me.

[@thelasthomelyhouse]

good! I hope you enjoyed seeing some of your familiar haunts! xxx

[@reglindiseckhardt9777]

When I was a little girl I remember seeing coffee made that way in the corner diner. They didn't have a small glass coffee maker but a silver one that made a whole pot. It was done before percolators were in common use. Had one in my attic and had to explain to my kids how it worked. Montreal is wonderful!

[@carolynhoover9444]

I forgot to mention I visited Montreal! One of the cleanest cities and subways!

[@karenbartleet3744]

So lovely to see you surprise your faraway son! I will doing the same for my niece for her 13th birthday in April (she lives in South Africa). Any excuse to see family again 😊👪 I am making her a quilt, inspired by your enthusiasm. Thank you.

[@karenarmstrong9444]

I’ve had those bagels and they are delicious. Nothing like a trip to Montreal.

[@catedennis41]

What a wonderful video! Thank you so much for sharing. I loved the coffee maker part.

[@maiamitt]

My grandson, his wife, and their 2-year old live in Lery, a suburb of Montreal. I’d love to visit but can’t yet. 😊

[@serenagonzales5276]

wow, beautiful!!!Glad you got spend time with your kids, Aloha

[@carolburns8667]

Oh what a great video thanks so much🇨🇦

[@NadineTouzet]

That coffee maker is extraordinary. Glad you were able to be with your son and his wife for his birthday. What a surprise!

[@smpoir3114]

\My Old Neighbourhood! Lived 2 bloks from the Bagel shop. Would stop at all hours to pick a few hot ones up as it was on the way to my bus stop. I should mention this was in the mid 80"s to mid 90's ... Sylvia

[@amyholman354]

I notice that the woman explaining ice canoeing to you is acclimated to the freezing Montreal weather, with her jacket open and her neck bare. 😮 Montreal has some of the best food I’ve ever eaten.

[@sheiladale6200]

Soooo Happy for You!! YES! Follow your instincts; follow your heart!