The Humble Bungalow has a bit of a British theme going on....
The British are coming...the British are coming...
In the early days of Victoria
in the era when I grew up
we had a rather English flavour or "flair" if you like..
our historic association to "the crown"
Victoria was known as
"little bit of Old England"
particularly in Oak Bay...
(where I lived and went to school)
it was often referred to as the community behind "The Tweed Curtain."
Think Tweeds, Burberry, Barbour jackets, wellingtons, brollies, twin sets and pearls.
Old money
MG's, Bentley's, and Austins.
Stiff upper lips
Atco mowers, spades, shovels, gardening trugs.
Horticultural Flower Shows
Babies in smocked cotton sets and hand knitted sweaters.
Victoria has long been known as "The City of Gardens"
we have a thriving gardening community and there are many many garden groups and clubs.
Gardeners are a very dedicated lot and work very hard.
Walking around the city you can see their handy work everywhere.
Last week I stopped to take photos of these gorgeous dahlias in a garden on Hollywood Crescent.
My 5K route winds around the waterfront towards Gonzales Beach and then snakes back towards Dallas Road.
I find photo opportunities at every turn....
even weeds can be pretty.
You can't beat Mother Nature for her amazing pops of colour.
The light on the water changes constantly...
The muted colours here remind me of an artist's work...
This bench beckons...
if I had a coffee in hand I'd probably sit for a spell and observe the ocean.
There are often sightings of otters, seals and occasionally whales.
I am in awe of Kate Atkinson's writing...
I like her mysteries involving Jackson Brodie.
Mt favourite character is still
Louise Penny's Armand Gamache.
Life has taken on a quiet rhythm since retiring...
I'm still thrilled with this Red Kettle.
A good book, a cup of hot tea and a comfy chair in the afternoon.
long scenic walks
playing with the grand children
cooking
cleaning
gardening
weekly Mah Jongg class
and bridge games.
Mr. HB got his new English Halls greenhouse!
Next Spring there will be tomatoes, basil, cucumbers and possibly melons hanging out in here.
He surprised me with a gift this past weekend...
he came home and said "close your eyes"
when I opened them he presented me with this beautiful British Racing Green Haws watering can...
it's quite posh.
My favourite Black Toast Patterned Emma Bridgewater Bowl...
came out of the dishwasher with a chip on the rim.
I don't usually use chipped crockery but I cannot bear to throw it away.
because it's Fall and the nights are getting darker and the temperatures are dipping...
I've been lighting candles...
I'm off to exercise my democratic right and heading off to the Polling Station.
If you are in Canada don't forget to get out and cast your ballot.
It's our duty to VOTE!
Thanks for stopping by...
hope you have a fabulous week!
