Keep calm and carry on and The Humble Bungalow roses

Mother's illness has brought stress into the forefront and try as I might I cannot shake this feeling.
With no time for Yoga I am trying to concentrate on my breathing.
Short shallow breaths have made me feel anxious...
closing my eyes and focusing on my breath offers some relief.

Fortunately we live close to each other so I can be at Mom's in minutes
it's a pleasant walk and one that allows me to clear my head a bit.
I've been waking earlier than usual and feeling like I haven't really had a restorative sleep.
Spending more time talking on the phone with my sister keeping her in the loop.

I'll be spending most of my day with Mother keeping watch.
She has colour in her face and has been able to keep food down
so I am guardedly optimistic that she is on the mend.

 I made lunch at 2 o'clock after I had tended to Mother and walked back home.

Part of me wanted to have something comforting like a grilled cheese sandwich

but my inner voice said don't go down that road...

bread has not passed these lips in many weeks.

The little fry pan is one of the newer additions to The Humble Bungalow kitchen.

Chartreuse green in sturdy cast iron.

I think of this dish as a hot salad...

I think it was Lisa from a mid life of privilege who suggested hot salads

thanks Lisa.

Add a free range egg for the protein portion of the meal.

Protein has been instrumental in my improved eating regime.

Colourful vegetables elevate my mood and excite my taste buds.

Aren't these cheery cherry tomatoes?

Roses can take me to a happy place...

I am nothing if not passionate about growing roses.

the glorious fragrant climbing Royal Sunset

Joseph's Coat

Abraham Darby

heavily scented

the name of this rose escapes me at the moment

Constance Spry

a hardy climber and a reliable repeat bloomer

Graham Thomas

 There are many more roses growing in our soil

tended lovingly by The Hostess.

"Hostess Rose Tips"

If you want to grow roses you must be willing to put in the time.

Dead head spent blooms

when you cut a rose make certain that you cut above the 5 leaves on the stem

feed them a handful of epsom salts once a month during flowering and water well

water during the day to avoid getting black spot

prune hard in March

buy roses that are fragrant and preferably from a reputable grower like David Austin 

opt for repeat bloomers

choose an array of colours

don't be afraid of cutting some and bringing them indoors to enjoy

and always bring a bouquet with you when visiting friends

sharing your passion with others just feels right.

Kenneth Cole Reaction

cheap sandals from Macy's

superior comfort

for easy walking

and I will close and be off to see Mother.

Hope you enjoyed the brief foray on The Humble Bungalow roses...

Thank you wonderful readers for your kind, thoughtful and supportive comments 

they have really been helping me put on my brave face and go forward with what I need to do.

~ ~ ~ 

Keep Calm and Carry On

is the mantra of the moment.