Sunday, March 29, 2015

Snapshots ~ Highlights from the past week.

It's a rainy Spring day and I am feeling quite lazy...
so I'm writing a blog post instead of going for my usual walk.
I've got a pot of chili simmering on the stove and a pot of Lapsang Souchon tea brewing...

There have been so many opportunities to capture beauty this past week...
maybe my eyes have been "more open" or possibly I have been "tuned into my surroundings."

Walking with eyes open wide...scanning the scenery looking for something worthy of a picture...


I took quite a few pictures this past week of things I have seen on my walks.
If you follow me on Instagram you will have seen a few of these pictures.


There's a lot of varied textures coming together in this image...
the ornate shell, the gritty concrete wall, the calm sea.

All of the photos taken on my walks are captured with my IPhone.




 Driftwood structures are fun to make as a shelter from the sun and the wind.
I like to think of them as "Log Homes." 


Hardy mosses growing in the crevices of the rocks along the seafront...
they thrive despite the salt air and brisk winds.
Nature is so resilient and adaptive.


We enjoyed a delicious brunch at Zambri's earlier...


The food at Zambri's is always fabulous...
Our son and DIL arrived at the restaurant in a newer BMW, which they recently purchased in preparation for the birth of their third child which is due in August.
 It was fun getting together and I just want to say we got some big hugs and cuddles from the two wee ones...
who by the way made our day extra special and who were on their very best behaviour.


Brunch frittata and salad...


The Paris Architect was a great book...
written by an architect it is set during the second world war in Paris.
It was so well written that I didn't want it to end.


A pretty pink rhododendron from the Garden Centre.



Mr. HB wants a green house for our Humble Bungalow Garden.
He was checking out the various models that they sell...
and I do not mean these "models!"


I should have taken note of the artist of this wonderful sculpture.
It's quite beautiful...


Chester decided to take a nap in the sink...
 we had a dinner party and I had cleaned up the dishes
 popped the linens into the washer 
 it was very late and
all I wanted to do was to wash my face and get to bed!


I did a bit of shopping this week...
Dressing room shot of a pretty coral blouse which I didn't buy...


Tahari blouse which I thought was silk, but turned out to be polyester...
the price was too high for a polyester blouse even though the style was nice.
I bought socks which I did need.

I made and delivered David Lebovitz's Coq au Vin recipe for my friend L and her family.
The recipe is from his Paris Kitchen cookbook and wow it was tasty!

It's been a busy week!
How about you what have you been doing?

36 comments:

Susan B said...

The color of the blouse is pretty on you, but I am also usually loathe to pay high prices for polyester. I love the soft colors and interesting textures of your seaside, and also the interesting mosses!

Anonymous said...

I have been in post term torpor this past weekend. I have the most unusual class i’ve ever had. Very low academically and soooooo needy and babyish for eleven year olds! Hence, first few days of holidays just catching some sleep and catching up with the little boys and my children. I have just finished doing my nails and then I’m heading off to do the shopping. I have soup on my mind as we have experienced some cool autumn weather. And eating healthily as it’s slipped a bit. I wasn’t a fan of the blouse actually. I think it was too floaty around your hips and you are so slim that you can take a more fitted look there. Lovely photos in your post today. Tonkath

materfamilias said...

I agree that the colour of that blouse is pretty -- for me, the price of the polyester isn't as relevant as the fact that it's so awful in any heat at all.
Fun to imagine you at a table in Zambri's someday when we walk in there and we recognize each other -- it wouldn't be the first time I've been surprised to meet someone I know there! One of these days. . . ;-)

Madame LĂ -bas said...

That really is a lovely colour and the tunic style is versatile but unless you really love an item, it's best to leave it. I really enjoyed The Paris Architect too. Your seaside photos are beautiful.

LPC said...

Sounds like a lovely week.

Seawashed said...

Oh my goodness those seaside photos are so beautiful. Now I am off to find you on instagram! xo

The Vivenne Files said...

Your photographs are lovely! And I think you made the right choice on the polyester tunic - lovely yes, but miserable in warm weather. Why would polyester be so expensive???

KSL said...

Beautiful photographs - did you pick up the shell? I love that coral color on you.

Anonymous said...

The color of that blouse is very pretty on you! I don't want to go off on a rant, but what is it with SO much polyester clothing in the stores? Even more maddening, the prices on most of it are so out of line, and the "heat" factor is awful. If ever you come across a blouse in that color but a nicer fabric, you should definitely purchase it !

Anonymous said...

My daughter and I have spent part of the week planning our May trip to Paris. Love your blog. Look forward to hearing about your busy and fun life.
Linda

Jennifer said...

I just cannot imagine why they would charge a high price for polyester!! Your photos and views are amazing. I love the cozy description of your chilli and tea simmering. 😄👏

Jim & Sonya Guthrie said...

Loved Chester in the sink ;) What a character!!

Sheree said...

I love the seaside photos.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Too floaty...a good reason to leave it at the shop! Class configurations are different every year...funny how they go in cycles and the maturity level too. Hang in there Tonkath :-)

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Poly is so hot too!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I think it was you that suggested I read it...merci beaucoup!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

It was...rich and full to the brim of enjoyable activities...I see that you have been gardening...the weather is perking up and the plants are all popping up.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Isn't IG fabulous for posting photos? I'm addicted and it will be my go to for sharing Paris images.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I know hey? Poly is not a friend of the mid life woman :-(

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I left the shell for someone else to enjoy...I do like coral and have a cashmere V neck cardigan in that same shade...it makes me feel perky when I wear it!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

One of these days...when are you in Paris? I think we might be there at the same time.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

If the blouse had been in silk I would have seriously considered it...I do love natural fabrics and their ability to breathe and help to keep us cool.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Exciting !
Please email me your dates...perhaps they will coincide with my visit.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I suppose it is because it was designed by Tahari...I love their clothing line but opt for better fabrics when I see them.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Isn't he funny? Anything to get attention...he's quite clever when he wants some TLC!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Thank you...the scenery can be so evocative and isnpiring and changes every day...I suppose that is why I never tire of walking along the seafront.

Marie-ThÊrèse said...

That color was, indeed, lovely on you, but I don't think it flattered your curves -- a little too flowy, bordering on shapeless. You can do better. I have nothing against a bit of polyester, in a blend, but the price has to be right.

Your Chester is just adorable. Such a great face!!

Jill said...

Beautiful photographs. Love the amazing colours of the mosses and rocks, so calming. We are still waiting for spring here in Ottawa. Cool temperatures are keeping the snow on the ground but the warmth of the sun will eventually win out.

I'm glad you decided against the blouse. Polyester is hot and I find it seems to capture odours.

Pondside said...

I love the shell shots - they should be enlarged and hung where they can inspire all year 'round!

Anonymous said...

Just discovered your blog this past week and I am enjoying your posts. Lovely photos and you have a great sense of style.
I am just listening to The Paris Architect as an audio book downloaded from BC Libraries. I am finding if a provocative read.

About Last Weekend said...

You looks so chic and fabulous - and heralding summer in that shirt - love it on you!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

You must be right...or I might have bought it anyways!
Chester is an imp isn't he?

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

You've had a harsh winter this year but Spring will be here before you know it!
We've had an unusally mild winter...I think this is the predicted climate change that we have been warned about.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I'm thinking of doing some art cards...so these might be part of the collection...if I had a larger home I might be tempted to have them enlarged but we have such little room... I will mull it over.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Welcome and thank you for taking the time to comment.
It's nice to hear from readers of my humble blog...
I hope you enjoy the book.

Stephen Andrew said...

So nice to see the spring blooms! We're close...but nothing yet!