Tuesday, April 21, 2026

April Showers ~ Bring May Flowers

 


There is a smattering of rain outside today.
The gardens need the moisture.

The weather is mild and there is a symphony of birdsong.
Hummingbirds are flitting about...

I've been following the advice of the physiotherapist and kinesiologist.
Exercising and walking daily.

My new hip is getting a workout...
actually I think it is the muscles
that are getting the exercise and feel much more stronger.

I'm feeling less dependant on my cane and am now able to sleep better.
Thank goodness I can sleep on my side now.


The surgeon suggested that I buy some silicone cream, 
apply and gently massage the scar.

He told me that plastic surgeons tell their patients to do this...
This is my routine now after my morning shower and before I go to bed at night.


I went to the mall to buy some white pants...
Bagatelle wide legged pants in my size came home with me.


I took a picture but it is such a bad photo...
the outfit looks terrible but you get the idea of the pants.

Pants that fit are scarce (rare as hen's teeth) in my closet 
since losing almost 25 pounds.

I've had a couple of emails about my weight loss and how I achieved it...

 it started last October after meeting the surgeon.
It was gently suggested that if I lost some weight that I would not be in as much pain.

WOW!
That's what I needed to hear.
The pain was BAD.

So I cut out all alcohol.
(my daily wine was just a habit)

I started eating more protein and removing most breads and starchy carbs.

My lunches are Greek high protein plain yogurt, fresh fruit, and some chopped walnuts.

 ~ OR ~

Simple green salad with 2 hard boiled eggs and a homemade vinaigrette.
(I add a few nuts and sliced French pickles)


Dinners are lean chicken or fish, a couple servings of seasonal steamed veggies.
Every so often I add a baked potato or small portion 3/4 cup of rice.

For the first 6 months NO SWEETS.

Now I have a few pieces of chocolate or a couple of digestive biscuits with my afternoon tea.

I've had a few muffins when I have gone out for coffee, some biscotti and cookies.

These treats mean I compensate by walking more or cutting back on my main meals.


I'm wearing KUR Veil #8 by Londontown.
I need to paint several coats to get this darker coverage.
The shade is pretty and I like how easy the Kur polishes are to apply.

I found the cutest top by Cut Loose at Adventure Clothing on Oak Bay Avenue.
It has a crinkly texture and I adore the stripes.
The pockets are a cute detail too...
 

This will work with my black pants, jeans and the new white pants.


~ Anemone ~
Ground cover in The Humble Bungalow Garden.
Love the "almost periwinkle" blue shade.
We have a white one out front and this one is on the side near the slate patio.


We hung this vintage mirror last year before the Teeny Tiny Garden Tour.
The Hospice fundraiser had us perking up the garden for several weeks and we saw this idea in another garden and a friend gave us this mirror so we painted it black.

I quite like the effect...

All our garden furniture is black...
several iron tables and chairs 
the 2 new
Adirondack chairs are black.

Lots of our pots are black too...black seems to be a good background for colours.


New black cushions for the front porch.
My usual red geraniums...
after planting, sweeping and fluffing the cushions

I brewed a pot of tea and sat on the front porch and enjoyed the peace and quiet.


~ Flowers are wonderful ~
So many varieties, colours and forms.

I love seeing flowers on my walks and when I wander around our garden.

I think I have "aged" since my surgery...
my skin feels drier and I am now using a facial moisturizing oil from Merit.

Drinking more water as I think I need to add moisture from the inside out :-))
My body has been working overtime to heal too so it might be tired.



Losing weight has shown on my face...
more wrinkles have appeared.
Well I am 71 so that's what should I expect.

I do feel like I am getting stronger and my sleep has improved.
Getting outside in the fresh air and sunshine does give me a boost.
My energy seems to be improving too...

(will work on getting stronger and report back soon with an update)

Well that's enough about me...How are YOU?
Hope that you are doing well.

Leave a comment and let me know what's new.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Post Op ~ Pearls, Books and Blooms

 


~ Star Magnolia ~

This beauty is out front of The Humble Bungalow and is currently in BLOOM.


The sheer elegance...of pure white flowers.
I love a crisp white flower.

I am doing well post op into week 6 now...
walking more steps but still at a slowish pace.

The hip muscles are getting a workout!
I can tell because I need to pop a Tylenol
after a day of walks....
even these frequent short ones that the physiotherapist has recommended.

I am a rule follower and I am pushing ahead trying to be mindful of my capability.
Oh but the urge to go farther is so tempting...
that being said if I overdo I am not doing myself any favours.

I drove the car to meet a friend for coffee today and it felt so amazing!

~ FREEDOM ~


I've been reading a LOT...
I've read many books in the past 5 weeks.
I've just finished Mrs. Van Gogh...very interesting and well written.
Tartufo was a fun romp set in Italy, comical, it could be made into a film.

Lady Tremaine is up next...a Reese's Book Club Pick.
A Cinderella story told by the wicked stepmother's perspective.


I've been paying attention to my hands...
they've been quite dry so I've been slathering on the hand cream.


Wearing my Akoya Pearls...
always want to add a bit of polish to my plain white Tee and grey cashmere sweater.
They positively GLOW.


Mr. HB took me for a drive to the Beacon Drive In...
I had a soft ice cream cone.

The first one in about 5 YEARS!!!!
So Yummy.

Why did I wait SO LONG to have a cone?
I guarantee I'll be going more often to enjoy this wee treat.


I pulled out my paints...
made some Mud Pie Paintings.


Easter Colours Perhaps?

I feel like a kid in kindergarten when I paint...
no judgement just let the brush flow.

Healing over these past few weeks has made me realize what a lot I have to be thankful for...and feeling so much gratitude as I wake up every day.

The return to more normal activities is wonderful.
I am not taking anything for granted.

 Tea Time is a TREAT!

So many choices...

What blend to brew?

My friend Michelle gave me a tin of Harney and Sons Earl Grey which is so GOOD!
The tea is full bodied and in wee silk gossamer bags.
I feel very posh when I sip it.

I've been using mugs because I have a cane in one hand and I daren't juggle 
a cup and saucer just yet, but can imagine how lovely it will be to sip this POSH tea out of one of my fine china cups and saucers.
(lah dee dah)


Sun is shining and I've got to go for my afternoon walk...
(doctor's orders)


Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

Hope that your week is off to a great start.
Until next time...

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~