Land's End...Bathing suit-able for a woman of a certain age.

Polka dots

lots of spandex to keep the wobbly bits stable

built in bra 

 custom sized

lined

ample coverage

slightly shirred at sides

deeper V to elongate

wide straps for support 

black because it has a slimming effect

dots because you need a bit of fun

a cover up to minimize sun exposure

allows for a wee bit of modesty

at my age I am not looking for attention

 nor do I want to have the tongues wagging

or fingers pointing in my direction!

I'd rather blend in gracefully

I do not wear my swimsuit often

but I do love to swim in the heat of summer

in the water

 I wear this one

from Lands End

 LOOK they have a sale!

Happy Shopping.

Sale-away... Cargo... Shoes...

I went to the shops today...

I was in a mood to browse

I did more than browse

I bought

the prices were attractive

40% off these...

Beachy and Boaty

not beautiful

rather...purposeful

waterproof

good for gripping

and not slipping 

when it's wet

 because a girl can never have too many black shoes

tip toe-ing in ballerinas

ME TOO

butter soft leather with a padded shoe bed

happy feet!

and 50% off these...

Faded blue cargo pants

boat worthy

would

 Katherine Hepburn

wear these?

partnering up with these will be a variety of white tees

and possibly my Bretonne stripe

they look short in this image but they are actually ankle length!

If you cruise the sales, what beckons you first?

I am reeled in by the shoe department!

Hook, Line, and Sinker!

Happy Sale-ing!

Burts Bees...baths and grandbabies.

My hands get much abuse on a daily basis...
washing the dishes, shelving books in the school library,
gardening, painting, and all things domestic.

Over the years I have employed many a hand cream that promised to deliver but disappointed.
I seek out the most natural additive free products to minimize the toxic load
good news...I have finally found a winner!

It has transformed my dry chapped hands...

and the winner is...

I want my hands to be soft and gentle when I cuddle Isla...

As you may know lovely grandaughter Isla has entered our lives and she is divine.
She is 6 weeks old and I spent the morning with her...
it was pure bliss....
my heart feels full.

When I was there she had a bath and it turns out she LOVES the water!
she took immense delight in the warmth of the water,
her face took on a look of peace and serenity
(grammy likes to soak in the tub too)
She smiled and cooed and kicked her feet...
she's totally cuddleicious.

I love everything about her...
I tickled her fingers and toes...
rocked her gently,
told her how beautiful she is...
and how lucky she is to have such great parents

Her skin is absolute perfection...
pale soft and blemish free...
that fabulous fresh new skin.

I am so happy that lovely DIL invited me on this fabulous playdate.
It's hard for me to find the right words to describe the feelings of joy...
it's humbling, it's wonderful, it's the best ever.
I am over the moon and cannot get enough Isla Time.

Just thinking of her makes me smile.

Shoes to wear for shopping....maybe in Finland!

Comfortable shoes

for extended periods of walking or shopping 

are a must for the Hostess

I like a bit of support

more than what these "spa disposable" flip flops offer!

I forgot my flip flops when I had my pedicure

I was grateful that I didn't have to leave barefoot!

I had to question myself as to why I forgot to bring mine...

it's disconcerting

I have become forgetful

and frankly it's scaring me...

let's shelve that thought and get on with the business at hand

(or foot)

I do not do sore feet well

no limping or blisters

I need a spring in my step

Josef knows how to pamper

details

shopping anyone?

I'm ready!

What will you be wearing for extended walking or shopping?

What can you buy for a dollar?

How to stretch a dollar.... a dollar doesn't buy what it used to...or does it?
Well...it depends where you shop.
Imagine the surprise and ensuing smile that crossed my lips when I spied this...

These charming little thumpers are hopping around this mug!

They are the cutest little bunnies!

  Grammy here,

just had to buy...

I am dreaming of the day when lovely granddaughter Isla will come for cocoa

or "Boston Tea" as my grandmother made me many years ago...

mostly milk with a splash of tea.

Hornsea England

1974

by John Clappison

That was the year that Mr. HB and I tied the knot!

Wait...there's more!

Birds on a branch... Hornsea

by John Clappison

and for the very modest sticker price

almost shocking at 50 cents apiece.

I couldn't open my wallet fast enough...

$1.00

The internet revealed that work by John Clappison is "collectible"

see here.

 I will brew a pot of tea and raise a mug to christen them.

Cheers!

Cat condolences...and postal packages from near and far.

Look what came in the post !

It's a surprise from fellow blogger metscan

she lives in Finland

This pamplet shows where all the artists, shops, hotels and bistros are located

it looks like a grand destination for shopping

mette knows fine design and great art

she is a bit of an experienced and savvy shopper herself!

She wears Chanel and Elm, 

carries CC and YSL bags

wears artisan designed jewelry

 displays her ensembles elegantly on a cream scalloped throw

I'll be toting this carry bag around the Market

if you see me

stop and chat!

look at this ceramic dish

it's handmade by Sarita Koirukosti

(I hope I spelled her name correctly mette)

Thank you for your thoughtful note and gifts mette

you have brought immense sunshine into my day

and my heart feels full.

Mette is warm and gracious 

has refined taste and style

we share the love of animals

she has dogs and horses

 I had a Golden Retriever named Rufus

 and recently said goodbye to my beloved cat Stickley

I received another package in the mail...

Our vet sent us a card and a pawprint

in memory of Stickley

My BFF gave me this card 

the cat looks like Stickley

I am so grateful for the support and kind words

I am going to go to the SPCA

 in a couple of weeks

and find a cat who needs a home.

I'll introduce you when the time comes!

Robed chinoiserie style...Saturday morning and I am not dressed yet!

What does your bathrobe look like?

Channeling Chinoiserie Chic

(I know...get over yourself Hostess!)

I feel vampy

it's my summer weight robe

so silky

feels like liquid against my skin

sexy.

The sleeves are wide and can be a hazard when cooking in the kitchen

which I have a bad habit of doing before getting dressed

I get carried away so easily

I do not own slippers

 so I pad around the house barefoot

in the cold of winter

 I don socks

What kind of slippers do you favour?

are they dainty marabou frou frou style

or chunky warm sheepskin mules?

it's all in the details

reversable...

Fire breathing dragon emblazoned on a black background

just doesn't exude rest and relaxation 

I keep the dragon well hidden

he has my back

I saw 3 different designs when I last visited Chinatown

they retailed for $80

Wine, Blue and Green variations

I hummed and hawed

this one is eons old and showing signs of wear

but it's very cozy

and cool

so I turned and walked away

there'll be another robe

when this one is in tatters

which could be sooner than later.

Anniversary thoughts...cards and roses...

Here we are a few years back 

snapped out front of the Humble Bungalow

just before we went out for our anniversay dinner.

Jude the Obscure

Rose, most fabulous

Metscan, materfamilias and myself are all celebrating our 36th year of marriage this year.

I commented on mette's blog about some thoughts of marriage and wonder how it is that we have managed to be a couple for so long.

I met Mr. HB when I was 15...I'm 55 now.

There must be a great deal of luck involved

I know that we have changed and morphed into the people we are today

as we were starry eyed lovers innocent  and green when we walked down the aisle of that church so many years ago.

We went from our family homes into the arms of each other

partners in life, for life

and that was the unwritten attitude that I embraced

I never ever thought that marriage would be hard work

(I was surprised, a little, I was so naive)

I never imagined that we would divorce

I don't know why 

I just felt that we would be together forever

maybe just that abiding belief was enough

 life and events have shaped us and made us grow closer 

we have adapted

we have had differences

there have been times when I wanted to walk away

but somehow

we have worked out the kinks

so far

one never can sit back and take it for granted

Many of these anniversaries have been celebrated with a romantic dinner.
We celebrated this year, with lovely daughter and we watched The Batchelorette!
She cooked her delicious Thai curry with chicken and rice...a bottle of bubbly made an appearance and soon disappeared!

at the risk of sounding sappy...

I do feel very blessed

I am grateful

What things are important for a long and happy marriage?

I feel they must be different for every couple

what rings true for you?

Please share your thoughts

Chris Craft Cruising....more Snippits and Tidbits

These cheerful burgees hang from the rafters in the Marina Pavilion

from near and far...

I blogged from here...

there was a power outlet and the WiFi signal was strong.

I walked about head up high, and looked at every burgee...

was quite a dizzying experience...

Check out this great Chris Craft

James has lovingly restored this vintage vessel.

There is a kinship among boaters

it doesn't matter if you have the largest yacht or the smallest tender

there is a commonality of spirit and a keeness to share and assist.

There's an ease on the dock

greetings and meetings of strangers

a casual calm

the melting away of tensions

it's as it should be

My wee bit of garden onboard keeps my green thumb content.

Basil

I am mad about Basil!

I use it in many recipes and absolutley LOVE the scent.

Morning routines are followed...

Coffee is the first order of business

It starts slowly 

after a good nights sleep in the V berth

I sleep so soundly onboard

cozy and snug

the gentle ocean action calms and lulls

getting up can be difficult!

Breakfast is simple

sauteed onions, potatoes, tomatoes and scrambled eggs

one pot wonder-ful!

The galley crockery

vintage restaurant ware

I call this the wave pattern...

are you feeling the waves?

Speaking of water...

I have been staying hydrated with lemonade

homemade simply with fresh lemons water and a wee bit of sugar

lapping it up...

Pottery Bowl from Orcas Island, Washington

from a previous cruise

Will be moored back at the Humble Bungalow for awhile

tending to weeds

deadheading roses

preparing for the next adventure on the high seas...