Thank you so Muchness!

This past weekend I went to visit a friend who has retired to a wonderful idyllic island.
She and her husband have built a lovely home perched high above the waterfront with large windows capturing the expansive views beyond. If one is ambitious and energetic there is a steep staircase that goes down to the rocky beach which is great for beach combing or watching the eagles and wildlife frolic.
Rock walls, raised beds, large pots with plants and an orchard grace the landscape and more beds are being designed and planned.

I snapped this image before I commenced the road trip...

The interior of the car was infused 

with the intoxicating scent of lily of the valley.

I had popped this wee bundle of blooms in water for the journey in the morning

worked my usual day at school and when I opened the car to get in

I was met with a warm and heady atmosphere!

Traffic was surprisingly light

and 

I employed the Cruise Control 

and listened to music

and the next thing I knew

I was at the ferry terminal.

A short ferry ride later

I arrived

on the island

here life moves slowly

a state of balance and ease is embraced

people have time to stop and smell the flowers

no rushing about

 friendly moments to chat with friends and neighbours

even strangers

(as I found out)

lush gardens 

superior birdsong

 warm sunshine

a comfortable bed

great friends

and fun

wisteria canopy

it's sweet scent wafting

Slumber was long and deep in the still and quiet night

I awoke each morning early and refreshed

I lay in bed waiting to hear that my hostess was up and about

I took the book I am currently reading

(which is well written and utterly fascinating!)

 I would read a few chapters 

until 

I felt that my hostess was ready and expecting me to join her for morning coffee.

We went off island for some sightseeing...

 a vineyard,

a country bakery / coffee spot

and we indulged in

a pedicure at an Aveda salon

BLISS!

I chose Thank you so Muchness!

We also did some shopping...

there were many interesting boutiques and home decor shops

dotting the small streets.

My hostess knew all the "hot spots" and directed me accordingly!

I found much to tempt me...

but I did not succumb until I saw these..

Canadian Company

 Sympli

I was very pleasantly surprised by the comfort and fit of this garment

it does flatter a size 12 woman's curves!

There is some flaring at the bottom and the hem is uneven

jersey knit

3/4 sleeves

 fitted through the bodice

so it doesn't look enormous and baggy

I will pair this with...

The Sympli waterfall jacket in a jersey knit

and skinny black knit pants.

Such great basics

and they are reasonably priced.

I will have fun accessorizing these

as they can be worn casual or for dressier occasions.

We enjoyed sharing meals

sipped cool cider on the deck overlooking the ocean

played a few games of Cribbage

went for long hikes on the island trails

watched a DVD

visited the Sunday Market

and drove to the nursery 

where we loaded up my car with plants for both our gardens!

It was a weekend of laughter

and 

relaxation...

which all too soon 

found me sitting in the car at the Ferry Dock

 As I sat alone

I realized how happy the past few days had been

and how sad I felt that it was at an end.

I suppose that is how one measures a great getaway.

Thank you so Muchness

to my Hostess

I am forever in your debt...