Friday, May 9, 2014

Mother's Day Luncheon ~ Flip Flops and Orange Toes!

Mundane maintenance....
goes along with boats, homes, gardens, cars and so much more.

When we own "things" we have a responsibility to keep then in fine working order.
Regular maintenance is vital...it is boring, often costly but it must be done.

I schedule routine appointments with the dentist, hygienist, optometrist, hairdresser, mechanic and more.
If you let these things lapse you are going to run into trouble at some point.

Do you put off scheduling these things?

Our Humble Bungalow was re-roofed last Spring and is in dire need of paint but that is not going to happen for another couple of years so in the mean time I must avert my eyes and try not to cringe when I see the flaking paint on the porch and eaves.

Some things just cannot be put off...


We've had the boat hauled out for the annual mechanical servicing and bottom paint.


BOAT
have you heard what BOAT stands for?
"Bring On Another Thousand."


We own a small boat...
some might consider it more of a dingy and if you own a large yacht you might agree!



Here she is before the haul out...
she needs a wash, wax and a coat of bottom paint.
While she is getting some TLC I took time out to do the same.

Have you noticed that Orange is a really popular colour this Spring?
I know Radiant Orchid has been dubbed THE colour of the season but for me I keep seeing Orange at every turn.
The orange shade especially pops in the garden...
it seems like a happy tone.


For example this cheery euphorbia in the dappled sun blooming in the The Humble Bungalow Garden.


Or this fragrant and stunning Climbing Royal Sunset rose, our first rose to bloom this Spring.


I went with orange polish which is quite a departure for me...
Animalistic by OPI.


I could have opted for a soft pearly white.
Smilacena Racemosa looks quite frothy wearing this shade.


A fuchsia would have been fun...
an allium about to burst forth in flower.


Mauve might be a good choice as the Pacific Hybrid dwarf Iris shows us beautifully with her delicate petals.

~ ~ ~

We took Mother out for lunch to our favourite lunch spot Pure Vanilla to celebrate an early Mother's Day.
She ate a good lunch and had a cup of tea but she just seems to lack her usual lustre.
She seems tired...
I gave her a book which I think she will enjoy and perhaps she'll escape for a bit while she immerses herself in the story of the author's making.
A great book can be such a good tonic to what ails you...

She expressed her desire to have spaghetti and meatballs several times this past week and my sweet husband said that I make the best spaghetti and meatballs...I use Lydia Bastianich's recipe found online.
I took over a plate to her after lunch and she was so excited!

I am so happy and grateful to be able to spend time with Mother.
I expect that we will see more slowing down and deterioration in her as the days pass.
I hope that she perks up and feels better soon...
she'll be 87 this coming June.

It is Mother's Day this Sunday and many will be honouring their Mother's...
I'd like to think that I love and honour my Mother every single day.
It does not take a special day to remind me of her many gifts and I do not take her for granted.

"Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. 
Don't resist them - that only creates sorrow. 
Let reality be reality. 
Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like."

~ Lao Tzu ~


Wishing you a wonderful weekend.
Hostess



32 comments:

materfamilias said...

Wow! It looks as if you're several weeks ahead of us in the garden. My Royal Sunset is nowhere near blooming, although now I'm going to have to go out and look more carefully.
Very envious that you have that Euphorbia griffithi 'Fireglow" -- I had one in my garden years ago, for a few years, but it's long disappeared. . . .such a striking plant!
Have a lovely weekend. . .

LostRoses said...

I've been orange-phobic for years but have found it creeping into my life more and more and I'm loving it. Loving the orange toes, too! How blessed you are to still have your mother. My own died over 50 years ago and you and I are about the same age. Funny old world, isn't it? Love your flowers!

Madame Là-bas said...

It is very important to spend time with our mothers now because there will come a time when we no longer have them with us. I talk on Skype to maman most days while I am away and I send her Jacquie Lawson cards often. Our "things" and our relationships require tending and care. I have worn a lot of orange in the past and an wondering whether it will be too harsh with
my greying hair. I will spend time weeding my wardrobe when I return as I really have too much
and our things can become a burden. Your garden looks so bright and cheery with all the orange blooms. I have only one week left before I am home and right now I wish that I could wiggle my nose and miss out on the three travel days. Have a sunny and happy Mother's Day!

Jim & Sonya Guthrie said...

You are very fortunate to still have your Mother. Bless her and enjoy her!! I think of my Mother often and miss all the fun chats we use to have together. I can't believe that she's been gone for almost 8 years now. Will be missing her this Sunday :(
Orange is one of my favourite colours too...so bright and cheery. Hope you have a fun Mother's Day!! Will the men do the cooking?

Happy Mother's Day!!

Jen Lawrence said...

Love the sandals. Lovely to have the boat maintained and ready for summer. Happy Mother's Day!!

Anonymous said...

I understand your comments about your mom. My husband planted orange and red tulips in the garden last fall. They are starting to bloom after a harsh winter in south western Ontario.
My in laws had a cabin cruiser on the Great Lakes and there was lots of maintenance in the spring. My father in law always had a white paint brush in his hand. Enjoy your blog. Pat

Susan B said...

I hope your Mom perks up soon. How nice that she lives nearby and that you get to spend time with her. My BIL and SIL are in Thailand right now having their boat (a very large trimaran) hull completely overhauled. It's been an months-long process and they're not in the home stretch and hope to be back in the water by summer. Your garden is stunning. I have a few things blooming, no thanks to my non-existant efforts!

Holli said...

That boat look like the perfect place to sit and enjoy life. I do well know the maintenance involved. My parents have one and I spent many a weekend scrubbing the hull when it was pulled for cleaning or being hoisted up the mast to repair something or another! I chuckled when you mentioned what BOAT stood for-I hadn't hear that one. I just call it 'the gift that keeps on giving'.

That sounds like a lovely time with your mother. Such a gift to have her in your life. You are inspiring me to go and get a pedicure! With our current weather, I'm starting to pull out the sandals.

Have a great weekend!

La Vie Quotidienne said...

Your boat is so cute! I have never had one but I can imagine that they must take a lot of care, but I am sure the enjoyment is worth the effort.

Love the color of your nail polish, I am not a big orange fan but this shade is very subtle and looks very pretty.

Happy Mother's Day!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the quote - I just lost my dear Dad at 87, so it really resonated with me. I'm glad you have so much time to spend with your Mom.

Jennifer said...

I had not heard that definition of "boat" but if course it's perfect!! Our favorite was the two best days of being a boat owner, are the day you buy it and the day your sell it. Very true for us. We now like to use OPB...other people's boats. Such lovely sentiments about your Mum. Enjoy and cherish the time you have. Happy Mother's Day! xoJennifer

Jennifer said...

Please pardon all those typos...I hate commenting from my phone...:-O

Jeannine said...

I'm not an orange lover, but your euphorbia sure is beautiful. The orange toes look good on you, too. Thanks for the quote - good food for thought. Have a great week!

No Sacrifice Bags said...

Happy Mother's Day, Hostess. It's so nice that your mother is still able to get out and about.
My "Dear Little Mummy" is far too fragile to get up, and walk more than a few times a day. She'll be 93 in July. I'm very grateful to have her for another Mother's Day.
I so envy you, your beautiful roses.

SallyP said...

Change can be so hard, but that quote seems to soften it a little. Have a lovely day tomorrow.

Lorrie said...

You are so wise in appreciating your mother all the time, not just on one special day. A good lesson for all.
I'm not a fan of orange, but noticed some gorgeous tulips at Butchart Gardens this week.
Yesterday, my husband took me for lunch to the Sea Glass restaurant there at the marina. The sign you photographed is a unique one, isn't it? We're working on getting our boat ready for a little excursion next weekend. Your boat is lovely and sleek.

LPC said...

A wonderful weekend for you too, Hostess!

Stephen Andrew said...

I'm sorry to read your mother isn't quite feeling herself. You are so right about a good book. It's so much more intimate than a movie. It's a great way to get out of ones own head.
Ahhh, boats. I am an avid enjoyer of other people's boats. They require too much patience and money for me! I'm happy to make lunch and bring it on the boat while friends mess with all the other stuff :)

Awakening my Wardrobe said...

Happy Mother's Day Leslie. What a lovely post. You are a such a caring daughter and mother. Hope that your mom regains her energy soon.
We have native dwarf iris's that bloom this time of year on the trails that get filtered day light. So pretty.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

If you want me to dig some fireglow up for you I'd be happy to do so...I think you have family here in town and we could arrange to get it to them if you like and they could deliver it next time they visit you.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I have not always loved orange...it's a new crush!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Thank you Madame...your holiday highlights have been so enjoyable to read about and I love seeing the pictures of the areas that you explored.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Oh I'll be cooking!
Your happy memories will probably bubble up today as you remember your Mom...
Hugs Sonya.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Thank you for your comment Pat...
Sounds like Spring has arrived in Ontario. Those cabin cruisers, especially wooden boats are always in need of TLC!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Mom seems a bit better today....thank you.
Happy Mother's Day and I hope you get some time to relax and sit out in your lovely patio.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Sounds like you grew up boating Holli...we are fortunate that we have so many great places to cruise locally. Great memories and do you still go out with them?

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Funny but I have never heard that expression... it was a sad day when we sold our former boat but it was time! I know what you mean about IPhones and texting and typing...I am dreadful!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I love Sea Glass! We have eaten there several times and the food is amazing...
The signage is rather unusual...I have never seen anything like it before.
Enjoy your cruise next weekend and Happy Mother's Day!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Books and reading play a rather large part of my life now that I have retired...so many good books out there to choose from that it is rather daunting trying to decide what tor read next!
I like it when guests bring food!
I'm guessing that you'll be invited frequently by your boating friends...

Bonnie said...

I hope you have had a good day. This is such a lovely post. I hate that your Mom isn't feeling well. It sounds like you are a wonderful daughter. Take care. Bonnie

Susan ~ Southern Fascinations said...

The oranges are wonderful..so bright and cheery! My favorite pedi polish is OPI Cajun Shrimp...another lovely shade of orangey red. Hoping your dear mama has more good days than off ones. Smiles...Susan

Anonymous said...

Hello Hostess, I didn't know you were a boater too! I'll look for your boat when we're out and about this Summer! Happy Mothers day to you too, lovely blooms there!