Early morning post...a bit of this and that.

 

Time is flying along and I find the days full and rewarding...

Lately I have been pacing myself.

A wide variety of tasks await here in The Humble Bungalow.

Homekeeping

Baking

Creative pursuits

Reading

There are many choices and I like to mix them up...

a wee bit of work balanced with some knitting or reading

accompanied always with mug full of hot tea.

Tea has been my saviour during these past few weeks...

I've been reducing my food intake to shed a few pounds.

It is a challenge and a much needed focus.

Refining my diet to include protein with every meal...

adding fibre and a colourful array of vegetables.

So far I have lost about 8 pounds...

I cannot really see it but my jeans are looser.

The difficulty seems to be my stamina which is waning due to the chronic hip pain.

I won't go into much detail, suffice to say it is not pleasant.

I am embracing distractions at every turn :-))

This book was brilliant...I will be seeking out more of his many novels.

I've been baking sourdough french baguettes on repeat...

freezing them and giving some away.

The trick to the crust is to bake them above a roasting pan filled with ice.

Mr. HB bought this fabulous baguette pan for me...

it's a game changer.

Graham Thomas roses are putting on their last flush...

I asked Mr. HB to bring them inside so I could appreciate their beauty.

The petals are dropping off as I expected but their fragrance is strong.

~ Small Joys ~

These are especially important to me...

they lift my spirits and I find them soothing.

Those that are free and cost nothing are the BEST.

Perhaps that's what we gardener's enjoy the most?

The foraging habit continues to delight and reward me.

Pine cones, seashells, sea glass, free things on the nearby boulevards.

Books in the many wee free libraries.

So many things on offer.

Oh and this yummy recipe.

I can't remember if I shared this delicious pork 

marinade with you before?

Pork loin rib roast, 

I use the marinade to cook the roast in too.

So good...

easy too and most things are already in the fridge or pantry.

Let me know if you make it...

Our Christmas Cactus is in bloom.

I bought this orange variety last year, we have pink ones too.

Madly love these matte white McCoy planters with the drip tray attached.

Have been on the hunt for more 

Ebay and Etsy

but they seem to be as rare as hen's teeth.

When your cup and coaster match your knitting project...

Alexandra's Airplane Scarf

Churchmouse pattern using Knitting For Olive yarn

from my favourite local shop The Beehive.

So relaxing knitting this pattern...

quiet, meditative and great with a hot mug of tea.

Needs Must :-))

The front Hallway here in The Humble Bungalow.

Baskets galore...

dried hydrangeas and an antique pot.

Sourced locally from an estate sale about 30 years ago.

The woman having the sale showed me around each room filled with treasures.

I would have purchased many things if I had a wallet stuffed with cash.

Back in those days 

We lived within a tight budget,

 so extra expenditures were purchased with a LOT of thought

careful not to over extend ourselves.

The last "room" Mrs. Lettuce (not sure of the spelling) showed me was her garage.

Inside was a jumble of tools, an old car, a canoe, some old machinery...

and a bunch of pots and this antique pot with a chip in the rim.

I bought it for $10 or $20 dollars...

The large palatial home is still standing on the original site on Woodstock Street.

A new house has been built behind the old house...

I can still see Mrs. Lettuce working in her garden...

wearing her tweed skirt and cashmere sweater set.

Her messy bun and those serious black oxford shoes.

She was such a delight to chat with as I pushed the pram past her home all those many years ago..

a real character full of vim and vigour

such a charming gardener

full of knowledge 

and classy

in a genuine "old school" way.

Translation...in case you might like to know = old money.

Reminds me of The Duchess of Devonshire.

Hang in there...

a creepy spider waiting in its web for a tasty meal.

I've been "organizing" my baking stuff...

bought some Classic Anchor Hocking glass jars for the counter.

I got tired pulling out all my supplies from the cupboards.

Even though they take up valuable real estate I find them super handy.

I've been up for about an hour now and I am in desperate need of a frothy Espresso!

Hope you are keeping well and enjoying the small joys of the season. 

Take care and thank you for stopping by

The Humble Bungalow Blog.

Until next time...

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Faffing in The Humble Bungalow...

 

Foraged Teasel in a vintage vase...

set atop a distressed shabby chic farmhouse cabinet.

The sepia tones have inspired the redecoration of the room.

The mirror was a freebie on the boulevard several years ago.

I love finding useful things for free :-))

~ Sea Glass Collection ~

Collected over the years...stored in Vintage Sealer Jars.

Simple lines and soft neutral shades of paint...

the oak card table is destined to be a "tea station."

I am on the hunt for an interesting tea tray...

maybe antique mahogany with inlay

or 

a marquetry wood tray.

I've even seen toile painted metal trays that look like they would be suitable.

I think I might need a pretty glass jar for some cookies...

why not?

A cozy chair and a soft cuddly blanket.

The table has a few books and a lamp for reading.

Still enjoy re-reading The Simple Abundance Books by Sarah Ban Breathnach.

They continue to inspire after all these years...

I may bring my journal down here and sit with a cuppa and write at this table.

I've purchased a new~ to ~ me mug and a plate for my tea time.

The mug is white with a shiny gold handle.

 the plate is shiny gold with white accents.

The cat litter is to the right of this cabinet...

(Needs Must)

The main reason that I am "faffing" as this will be "my space" for a few weeks.

I plan to recuperate after my hip surgery downstairs 

(to avoid stairs)

plus there is a comfy bed and a walk in shower.

I just finished reading this great mystery book by Jess Kidd.

She's working on the follow up book and it will be available in February.

Cyclamens to perk up the front porch...

Can you see my black backpack and bag of groceries on the front mat by the door?

Priorities...plant the flowers first!!!

Can you see the reflection of the candles in the photo?

I like to light candles in the Fall and Winter...they add coziness.

Beeswax are my go to for tapers...

I like the Sand and Fog scented candles that I find at Marshalls.

Recently found a Vanilla Sandalwood candle that is lovely!

Bought 3 of their scented candles as the selection is huge right now...

they have all their Christmas stuff for sale.

Was a bit surprised to see it all so soon after Halloween 

but I know people like to shop early.

(Myself included)

I hadn't intended to write a post tonight.

It is a short one ~ hope you'll enjoy reading it.

I feel like I want to stay in touch...

Hope all is well with you...

are you enjoying the Autumn Colours?

Or perhaps it is Spring in your area?

Wherever you live I hope that you are savouring the Small Joys everyday.

 I must close for now as I have a few things to do before we sit down and watch The Bay on Britbox.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Health, Hips, and new things on my radar and in my closet!

 

~ Glorious Fall Colour ~

I went for a walk in the cemetery with my sister and we visited the family plot.

This "avenue" of plain trees is quite magnificent and changes throughout the seasons.

The dappled sun and birdsong lifted my spirits.

We walked by these gentle creatures slowly 

as they gazed up from their meal 

Only stopped for a brief minute to observe us as we passed by...

The cemetery is located a few short blocks from The Humble Bungalow.

 It is a lovely spot for a saunter or a quiet place to sit and savour nature.

I devoured this book in a few days...

it was an entertaining book of short mysteries in the style of Miss Marple.

It left me craving a meatier mystery book.

Mr. HB and I are watching Wire in The Blood on Britbox.

Very intense and so well done.

Val McDermid's writing is well crafted.

I had several weeks of "tummy trouble" and I figured out what was amiss.

It turns out I have developed an intolerance for lactose!

My father had an issue with lactose too so I come by it honestly.

I asked my BFF who also has a lactose intolerance,

 she suggested that I try lactose free Greek yogurt.

Well I am very happy to report that it is delicious and doesn't cause any distress.

I've switched to Natrel, a milk that is lactose free, and am carefully reading labels.

It has surprised me to learn that so many people have this issue!

My surgeon has suggested that I lose a few pounds to reduce the stress on my hips.

So I have been riding my new (to me) stationary bike and modifying my diet.

I have lost 5 pounds so far...

I can't tell by looking so it must be mostly water:-))

Anyhow the battle continues...

Let's move on and away from these pesky health issues, shall we?

Eileen Fisher 

basic top with long sleeves.

Perfect for fall and winter and a great layering piece.

Purchased at a local consignment shop on Estevan.

~ Twice Is Nice ~

It fits in with my minimalist wardrobe...

You can see the colour palette...

denims, black, white and grey.

~ Striped shirts ~

Worn over tee tops, usually with the collars and cuffs up.

(AND MY PEARL NECKLACE)

Why save it only for BEST?

For some reason I have gone a bit MAD for denim!

It has happened gradually but I am totally smitten..

I love the softness of worn denim...found easily in the thrift shops.

The shirt dress is several seasons old from Lands' End, it gets a lot of wear.

Do you love denim too?

A classic white shirt from Old Navy 10 years old and still going strong.

Lipstick is always a great accessory...

a pop of colour on a grey day.

I took a risk with this colour ~ there were no testers available...

It works and the lippy was on sale so a "win win."

This soft scarf will go well with that shade of lipstick!

So cozy for my beach walks here at the cottage...

SeaSalt is a Cornish Brand.

I love their colourful prints and clothing.

Columbia Rain jacket needed for the rainy days..

soft scarf for a warm and cozy neck.

My newest accessory is a necessity to reduce the pressure on my hip.

Things are ramping up in the hip replacement department...

appointments are scheduled and tests have been completed.

Will keep you posted...

Reading this book now...

rather a different subject matter but the writing is excellent.

Dawn French is one of my favourites...

especially her role in The Vicar Of Dibley!

Have you read any of her books?

For now that's pretty much all my news.

Lot's going on and I have to keep my eyes focused on the positives.

Thank you for popping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

October ~ A festival of colour and Gratitude.

 

Magnificent colourful display at The Market Garden in Victoria.

The shop is quite unique and has many wonderful items from around the Globe.

As soon as you enter the front door you are totally transported... 

it feels very European.

The displays are works of art.

I love to shop here and I never EVER leave empty handed!

Mr. HB is busy harvesting his home grown tomatoes...

so sweet and flavourful.

He grows some varieties in his greenhouse,

 the larger ones are grown in big pots outdoors.

These peppers should be yummy...

We've had a bumper crop of cucumbers this summer.

Eating a colourful variety of fruits and veggies is good for our health.

Paying extra attention to my consumption of food these days.

Particularly my food choices.

With osteoarthritis and a future hip replacement

 I am working on eliminating inflammatory foods.

They seem to exacerbate my pain.

I don't like to use aspirin or Tylenol on a regular basis.

Bought a stationary bike as per my surgeon's instructions.

Am riding 30 minutes everyday.

He told me that the fitter I am before the surgery means a faster recovery.

I pop my laptop on the stand and watch while pedalling.

It helps to keep my mind occupied while I am working out!

Lot's going on here with my decluttering too...

free stuff on the boulevard

things to the charity shops and a few better vintage items sold to a local shop.

The limelight hydrangeas are changing their colours for the season.

The rose shade adds interest and depth.

Most of the blooms will stay on the plants to over winter for the pollinators.

I've dried a bunch already and have them on display on the porch.

Most of those are a sepia shade...

Alum is supposed to help the hydrangeas keep their colour and form.

I dipped the stems in the powder and popped them in an inch of water...

fingers crossed.

Orange is a colour that I associate with October...

leaves change their colour

festive pumpkins grow.

There is so much beauty in nature during Autumn...

it is so wonderful to be outdoors breathing the crisp fresh air.

I've been foraging outdoors in our garden.

Need to take a walk to the local cemetery where large Pine and Fir cones are found.

Where the leaves have fallen and generously carpet the paths...

I might hear an Owl or see the local Deer.

Perhaps I will visit the family graves.

Thanksgiving is almost here in Canada...

we'll be celebrating with two dinners.

One with our son, girlfriend, and the grandchildren.

Another with our daughter and her husband.

Feeling grateful for our family.

There is so much to be thankful for...

Well that's it for now...

hopefully you'll stay tuned for another post.

I appreciate you popping by The Humble Bungalow Blog!

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Home in The Humble Bungalow ~ Who Knew I was SO ready to POST?

 ~ Last Week of Summer at The Cottage ~ 

The weather was warm and sunny

with a whisper of wind...

The pool was open and there were only a few cottagers on site.

This particular afternoon we had the entire pool to ourselves.

It was so relaxing floating with my pool noodle and moving my legs.

I find the movement in the warm water very helpful for my arthritis.

I've started taking Canadian made TruMarine Collagen...

apparently skin, hair and joint pain will benefit from Collagen.

It's been a few weeks and I am pleased to report that my hair has stopped falling out!

Seriously that was FAST!!!

My skin is clear...

Joint pain in my hips may take up to 5 months to be reduced.

(according to the research)

IF it helps it will be a real bonus.

I am also changing up my diet...

working hard on eating a diet of anti-inflammatory foods.

Cauliflower is a powerful veggie and is reported to reduce inflammation....

Recipe is from Barefoot Contessa's Modern Comfort Food.

Roasted cauliflower with anchovies, capers, lemon juice, rind 

topped with a bit of grated parmesan cheese.

Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

Roasted Cauliflower 

SO GOOD!

I found some "good things"

(isn't that what Martha Stewart used to say?)

at the Thrift Shops last week...

Two Vintage German porcelain Egg Cups.

Found a day apart in two different thrifts!!

Our Quarter Share Cottage, 

(why I named it Quarterdeck Cottage.)

At Otter Bay.

The ferry dock is very close...

we watch the ferries come and go.

We wondered if the ferry traffic would be an issue when we purchased the share.

Surprisingly it has turned out to be a form of entertainment.

When we see 5 ferries out on The Salish Sea we all shout FERRY YACHTZEE.

 ~ OOTD ~ 

Akoya Pearls and a white TEE

worn here with my new French Dressing Jeans

& 

Thrifted Ralph Lauren Striped Oversize Tee.

Thrifted Vintage Paste Crystal choker...

I hummed and hawed...

Should I buy it?

Would I wear it?

I did buy it...

Still not sure...

I know 2 darling granddaughters who might have fun wearing it :-))

No Regrets...

Time will Tell.

I captured some lovely sunset images...

with the mild weather we sat outside after dinner.

We don't watch much TV or stream shows when we are at the cottage...

daytime we walk, read, swim, play crib ( I lose) 

and I knit.

We savour the views and keep an eye out for sealife...

otters, seals, whales,

So much birdsong with many new songs that the Merlin App help to identify.

Home here back in The Humble Bungalow.

All is quiet...

Mr. HB is out in the garden weeding and planting bulbs.

I've been reactivating my sourdough starter, a batch of dough is on the counter.

Laundry is done...

So moving forward...some dietary changes are afoot.

Hopefully some weight loss might occur.

I meet with the surgeon this week,

 will find out if I am a candidate for a hip replacement.

I do wonder why my hip is worn out...

did I walk too much?

Have I been negligent of not getting enough calcium?

I have Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis.

I had a Hysterectomy in my early 40's so perhaps the lack of estrogen is to blame?

Whatever the case, I plan to fight.

If you've got any sage advice about inflammation and diet...

or arthritis 

or hip replacements...

I am all ears.

Don't be shy...

Share your thoughts.

Women need to stick together and share their wisdom.

These fluffy clouds felt like waving handkerchiefs at sunset..

were they waving hello or goodbye?

I appreciate you 

stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog :-))

In this vast world which is undergoing uncertainty,

we need to focus on making a positive difference in our daily round.

If you are able...

Do something nice for your family, friends, neighbours.

It need not be a BIG thing...

simple gestures can be such a welcome gesture.

OK that's all from me...for now, until next time.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~