Starting 2023 slowly, thoughtfully and with intention...

 

 ~ New Year ~

Thoughts of change and the steps required to take the necessary actions

easing slowly...

mulling over the multitude of possibilities.

What to do?

Stay the same or move ahead in a fresh new direction?

Take a risk or keep it safe?

Current read...

I heard so many lovely things about this book that I bought a copy.

Numerous friends told me that it was the BEST book that they had read last year.

That says a LOT!

I am not yet finished it...

reading slowly to absorb and digest the thoughts 

and 

significance of the words.

It is very beautifully written, full of emotion and poignant life experiences.

Very Sad...

the attention to detail is divine, the author writes like an artist paints.

In the spirit of not rushing...

I've signed up for a 30 day online Yoga challenge.

On day 4, I realized how much I have missed my Yoga practice.

Watching the instructor,

  (who looks effortless) 

while she moves through the poses

was quite discouraging for me.

 I was struggling on my mat!

I signed up at my former Yoga Studio 

for in person classes with the instructor whose teaching style I love.

Her calming voice, slow movements and gentle spirit are absolute BLISS!

Classes start in 2 weeks and I am very excited.

Our naughty cats were guilty of shredding my old Yoga mat...

it was time to replace it.

I bought a new one today which is 6mm thick to cushion my 67 year old achy joints.

While I was shopping I found a small bolster and a lavender scented cleaning spray.

Do you practice Yoga?

Sunday morning post on Instagram today...

Sand and Fog Candle

in a lovely soothing fragrance

~ Roses and Sandalwood ~

This scent would make a great perfume.

The painted rock above was designed and painted by my former neighbour.

It reminds me of a mandala...

I'm going to keep this post short and sweet.

 We are immersed in a Netflix series called The Stranger...

oh my goodness it is so complicated!

We've watched a few good ones lately...

Treason and another one called The Bodyguard

coincidentally

 they are all British.

The Stranger is British too with an all star cast.

You might enjoy them too...

let me know.

What are you watching?

Thank you for stopping by...

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Baby it's Cold Outside!

Slow mornings...

candlelight and silver

fairy lights

twinkling 

reflecting on the modernist crystal

sipping coffee in the quiet of the bungalow.

embracing gratitude.

Wondering what will the day bring?

New Year has entered softly...

gently

a white snow fell from the sky 

blanketing us with cold Arctic winter weather.

We were able to go for a short walk along the seafront.

Only a few stalwart and dedicated people were out...

Mostly dog owners!

There were lots of children outside building snowmen.

We heard the shouts of glee from the children as they tobogganed 

down the hill at Beacon Hill Park.

I've been cocooning here in The Humble Bungalow.

Staying warm and cozy

(cashmere is currently my best friend)

Drinking lots of hot tea and making soups.

Watching the new series "And Just Like That" on Crave.

The Sex and The City cast has made a return, albeit with an "older" theme.

I am not sure if it's going to hold my attention...

but I do like to be entertained :-))

Reading this gem...

a crime thriller which is a page turner.

Am halfway through and wonder how this is going to end.

I've picked up the needles again and am making progress on The Doocot Sweater.

One sleeve finished and the other one started...

I've made a few mistakes but will attempt a repair...

Who knew?

But

apparently quilters and knitters embrace

"wabi sabi"

a wee mistake is intentionally included in the finished product.

Did you know that?

Once this cold snap has left us I am going to restart my walking regime.

I am feeling fuller through my mid section from all this time spent indoors.

How are you starting the New Year?

Have you exciting new dreams and goals for the next 12 months?

Would love to hear your thoughts.

In the meantime 

we still need to mask up despite having two vaccinations and the booster.

It will be so lovely to put this pandemic well and truly behind us...

Thank you for popping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

Stay Safe.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

OOTD...

 

OOTD

Lord and Taylor Cashmere 

It is officially 

"sweater weather"

Stormy

Rain and gusty winds

power outages across the Island and The Gulf Islands

Tress and branches are down...

rain is hitting the windows sideways!

Timberland Boots

Vintage America Jeans

Dressing casually for comfort and warmth during the stormy weather.

I ran a bunch of errands...

had my annual mammogram.

Grocery shopping

Refill for our Method dish soap pump bottle

Joie silicone soft gentle scrubber

Bamboo brush scrubber for tough jobs

I use a vintage porcelain pudding bowl for these items beside our farmhouse sink.

Water drains away from the brushes as the bottom of the bowl has a raised pattern.

Super sponge cloths they last and last 

washable 

up to 300 times!

One towel replaces 15 rolls of paper towels

absorbs 20 times its weight in water

compostable

It surprises me how much better I feel when I get some new cleaning supplies.

Daily domestic chores are a big part of my routine.

Spending so much more time at home 

means that I cannot avoid seeing what needs to be done!

 ~ New Book ~

by Gill Paul 

She wrote a book that I recently read The Secret Wife

which I really enjoyed and highly recommend.

What are you reading?

Have you been watching any good shows on Netflix ?

We discovered The Duchess, a quirky British series which we are enjoying.

Also an older series, After Life written, directed and starring Ricky Gervais.

(Dark subject matter but quite brilliant and funny.) 

Doing it Ourselves, a French castle renovation by a British family is on You Tube.

I welcome your suggestions...

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

OOTD mixed with some Netflix suggestions...

Mod-O-Doc patchwork top

worn here with the skinny knit Calvin Klein knit pants

Cut Loose top and the Calvin Klein skinny knit pants

Clarks shoes.

OOTD 

to play bridge and take lessons at the club.

They are simple easy pieces that can be dressed up with accessories.

Authentic, honest clothes that reflect my no nonsense approach...

(sometimes I might be a tad too serious)

SO

I have been considering buying a fun Tee shirt...

not sure exactly what it will look like

noticed a few women "of a certain age" 

wearing interesting Tees with variations of patterns 

textures

some with writing

which for years I have never considered.

Perhaps there is a Tee for me 

that would look not quite as "out there" worn under a simple sweater

like Mom's cashmere waterfall sweater

 that I wear often as

it feels just SO COZY! 

Speaking of cozy

that reminds me of "comfort food."

French Toast for breakfast 

 our garden grown apples with a drizzle of maple syrup.

Cafe Creme

of course...

We just finished watching the Netflix series Atypical 

which I can highly recommend...

it is about an autistic boy and his family.

Jennifer Jason Leigh is the lead actress.

I am now glued to the Netflix series "This is Us"...

and loving it!

The show reminds me so much of "Thirty Something" 

a series that my husband and I watched with our friends 

many years ago

 I discovered that Ken Olin is involved...

he was in Thirty Something 

and it has a similar vibe

perhaps that must be why I love it so much.

Hope that you have a lovely week.

I am looking forward to a slower pace after our busy weekend cleaning out the basement!

We found all kinds of things that we could get rid of, things we will never use

 things were popped outside on the boulevard for passers by to take 

 the rest is off to the thrift shop.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

There's a thing about the Sea...

I was in grade 5 or 6 when I was asked by my teacher to memorize and recite a poem in front of the class...I think it was Mr. Miller...at Monterey School.
We called him "Killer Miller" I have no idea why!

The pressure was on as there was a short timeline, but Father had a book of poetry and he helped me choose a few and we whittled it down to this one...
because it "spoke to me."

Sea Fever

by John Masefield,

I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,

And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by;

And the wheel’s kick and the wind’s song and the white sail’s shaking,

And a grey mist on the sea’s face, and a grey dawn breaking.

 

I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide

Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied; 

And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,

And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying.

 

I must go down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life,

To the gull’s way and the whale’s way where the wind’s like a whetted knife;

And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover,

And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick’s over.

How was I to know at that age that the sea would play such a large part in my life?

I spent much of my teen years cruising on the sea and met my husband as a result of boating...

We married young and raised two children and bought a boat as soon as we could...we sailed the Gulf Islands and had many adventures.

The kids are grown up and we now have a smaller boat, 

a 27 foot Sea Ray Sun Dancer that I like to refer to as "the Go Fast"...

her real name is "Waterlust" named so as we have a lust for the sea.

I wonder if the call to the sea was meant to be?
Did my early yearnings lead me to this chapter in my life

or was it destiny?

Do you believe in destiny?

I've always been drawn to the sea.

Especially in times of joy and many times of despair...

weeping salty tears.

I love to walk along the seafront and to go beach combing

hopefully seeking 

while

searching for shells and beach glass.

Sea shells, white vintage ironstone, mirrors and candles...

a vignette that calms

and 

satisfies...

Candles are such a simple thing 

yet

I would not be happy if I did not have some in the house.

They add such ambiance...

not unlike 

 staring into the beach fire

or the Guy Fawkes bonfire

it stirs something deep within...

dare I say primordial?

Walking along the seafront offers up so many different views...

 light

 weather

colour

my mood can be altered in a matter of minutes...

Mother Natures's paintbrush is ever changing...

she can be moody

dark

stormy

uplifting

we are mere observers...

speaking of observing

and watching....

I have been watching The Crown on Netflix...

such a grand production with a stellar cast

I am savouring each and every episode.

Are you watching too?

I have been knitting...

and it just so happens that I have been knitting Crowns...

Yes dear reader, 

crowns for the grand children!

 Ravelry pattern in the royal spirit and free...

fun might be in the household of the children as they play Queen and King.

I received an email from a reader in the UK saying that she cannot leave any blog comments and I have checked all my settings and can find nothing amiss...

if you have had trouble commenting on my blog please send me an email.

I hope that all will be well.

Hope you have a great week...

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Monday the view from here....

Walking at my usual pace has been difficult recently due to a sore knee...
I don't know what I have done.
I could have twisted it or pulled a muscle,
so I am walking slower and trying not to exacerbate it.

Really must not complain too much as there are so many more serious things to consider out there, other than knee pain...
I'm sure you can think of a thing or two worse.

"Sorbis Hupehensis"

Aren't these wee pink berries adorable?

They are growing on a bush on a street nearby The Humble Bungalow.

Mr. HB made me a fancy cocktail...

a Chambord Cosmopolitan.

Chambord is a raspberry liqueur from the Loire Valley.

Here is a link to the recipe.

We used pure unsweetened cranberry juice and it is delicious!

The cooler weather inspires me to make roasts on Sunday evenings.

A free range organic chicken or a prime rib is a tasty treat at this time of year.

Yorkshire pudding is yummy too!

Root vegetables roasted in a shallow pan with a bit of olive oil brings out their flavours.

All the produce is locally grown.

It's important to support the island farmers.

This is the current view out the kitchen window...

the crew that are dismantling the home beside us have chosen a yellow dumpster which looks quite pretty with the autumnal foliage.

The noise starts around 8am and goes until about 4pm.

We will have two homes on this site once the building gets started.

Two couples eager to get into the housing market have purchased the old home from an estate for just under a million dollars!

(Our real estate market has been brisk but is showing signs of slowing down)

The couples have been by and introduced themselves to us 

and all the neighbours near to the property.

Just down the street 

there are 3 or 4 significant home renovation projects happening...

our little street seems to be quite a popular place for tradesmen these days...

Chester is not amused...

the constant truck traffic is disturbing his naps.

He and Pepper frequently sit on the front window ledges and keep watch.

Have you been watching The Durells in Corfu on PBS?

I am really enjoying the series...

I read most of Gerald Durrells' novels when I was growing up.

Peacock pecking on the ground in Beacon Hill Park this afternoon.

It did not seem to mind that I was slowly creeping closer...

He glanced over in my direction and then got back to the task at hand...

there were oodles of pea hens whose drab colouring helped them blend into the foliage also pecking for tidbits.

It was chilly today so I bundled up in a scarf and my puffer coat.

 Purposely I chose a different route with varied and interesting scenery 

I felt would keep me focused on distance rather than my pace.

I passed quite a few walkers who were also enjoying the park.

Hope your week is off to a great start.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

OOTD domestic style and some good news.

Is there Glamour in the way that you dress to attend to the everyday domestics?

I do not run around in high heeled pink Marabou mules and a kimono over top of a silk chemise...
while that does sound quite luxe it is far from my reality!

OOTD

Domestics Style

The most important piece is my linen apron

Bon Appetit by Now Designs

(it keeps what I am wearing clean)

White Eddie Bauer shirt

Skinny NYDJ

JCREW Venus Flytrap necklace

slippers

I have been washing windows, clearing the clutter and sorting out some junky drawers.

The laundry is swishing away in the LG machines.

Have I ever mentioned that I LOVE doing laundry?

Ironing used to be a chore until I started ironing by the window

gazing out to the garden beyond 

where I can see the birds and admire the green grass and the flowers.

Some people iron in front of the TV but I never turn the TV on in the daytime.

I do like a great BBC or PBS series 

or something like Last Tango in Halifax or Happy Valley on Netflix 

but that is about all I watch.

The gorgeous Easter bouquet has been front and centre.

I kept it away from the cats when I was not at home as a reader kindly mentioned that the lilies were toxic to cats.

The stamens in the flowers stain anything that they come in contact with so do use caution.

I found this out many years ago and sadly my tablecloth was a goner.

Quite by accident I happened upon these vibrant autumnal leaves 

still clinging to a vine in the blazing afternoon sunshine.

Walking has taken me out of my neighbourhood

finding myself sauntering along the streets of Oak Bay 

gazing at the well tended yards 

looking for some real life garden inspiration.

We have a few beds that need some interesting plants and pots.

The tulips are putting on quite a show this Spring.

Mass planting of bulbs really do have an impact.

The deer have not eaten these...

and this patch is a block from our Humble Bungalow 

where the deer have munched ours down to the soil!

We were informed at the Garden Centre that Deer do not like Hellebores.

We popped this one in a pot out front and we will see if that is true.

There is some encouraging news...

actually it is really really GOOD NEWS!

The predicted 4-5 month long wait for that ultrasound was been reduced to a 3 month wait...

then I thought about it and wondered

why not ask to be put on the list for a priority appointment and take a cancellation.

I am retired and have a flexible schedule 

plus we live close to the office where they do the tests...

and wonders never cease

they called me!

By the end of the week I will have my test and next week I meet with the specialist.

So we are in the queue and will see what is next.

In the book front I finally finished reading The Luminaries.

It took me ages as it was 822 pages and very detailed and had a convoluted storyline.

And now for something completely different!

The Love Market from our wee library box across the street looked interesting...

It is written by an English born author, Carol Mason who now resides in BC.

The book jacket suggests it is chick lit...

will give it a whirl.

Thank you for stopping by, now I must get back to work.

There are some dishes to wash and the laundry needs to go into the dryer.

Cheerio,

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Flowers and the occasional treats...

The beautiful colours of this exquisite fuchsia stand out against the grey gloom of a February day.

After a delightful trip away in Seattle I am trying to get back on track and eat more modestly.
Focusing on lean protein, fruits, vegetables and salads.

Recently my daily dose of Thyroid medication has been reduced substantially.
It is interesting to me that our thyroid glands can fluctuate so much and I am curious as to why it has changed so radically in the past 6 months, I have done some research but have not discovered any answers.
The Thyroid affects many systems in the body and losing and gaining weight can be affected by an malfunctioning Thyroid gland.
If you have not had yours checked in awhile it might be a good idea,
all that is involved is a simple blood test.

While staying the course I have been rewarding myself with non edible treats...

floral bouquets.

Cafe au lait's 

which have helped keep me satisfied...

the skim milk foams up far lighter than regular milk and it is easy opting for skim over full fat cream.

One needs a few treats now and then so a bowl of coffee with frothy milk is something I enjoy.

I have paid extra attention to my hands and have started painting my nails

 it is fun trying out new and different shades.

I am getting better with the application of the polish.

Practise makes perfect!

Paying attention to details 

Wearing a variety of accessories with my basic classic outfits

scarves, jewelry, shoes, boots and interesting tights and socks.

The bangle collection has recently grown thanks to darling daughter...

she found me the new one 

(on the far right)

Thank you @thingfinder.

I've been walking and getting plenty of fresh air and exercise.

Chronic pain is fairly new to me...

my right arm and shoulder are giving me grief.

The doctor has diagnosed me with Supraspinatus tendonitis and has suggested physiotherapy.

There will be exercises and a course of treatments and if they fail to provide relief there is talk of a cortisone shot.

No more heavy handbags for me!

Mr. HB and I have been savouring the last season of Downton Abbey.

Julien Fellowes has been writing such wonderful episodes for the past few years that we have come to expect that the Sunday evening PBS series will always be there...

sadly 

we are a few episodes away from the finale.

We finished watching the English murder mystery River 

we started watching Lie To Me.

(both on Netflix)

Grand Designs is a BBC production that we are loving...

 behind the scenes stories and details during the construction of the architecturally designed homes.

We have enjoyed each episode and highly recommend the series.

What are you watching these days?

Have you tried these candies?

The "bad news" is that they are very tasty

the "good news" is...

They are just 1 Weight Watcher Point.

Guilt free pleasure that I am happy to indulge.

in moderation of course!

Lisa from A Mid Life of Privilege blog has posted on an interesting topic this morning.

Pop over and read her post and the comments left by readers.

Lisa is happy with her 5 pound gain which still has her in a healthy normal BMI range.

I am working to shed 5 pounds as I am in the overweight category at 25.4 

My goal is to be at a BMI of 25 which is considered at the higher end of the"normal " range.

The Weight Watcher goal of 132 pounds for a 5'1 woman

 is not an unreasonable goal 

nor am I in any way going to look "skinny!"

I feel better at that weight...

less stress on my hips and knees

my clothes fit better

and

 in the end feeling good on your own skin is what it is all about

"bien dans sa peau"

Perhaps you will care to share your thoughts on weight gain and weight loss.

Does it matter to you?

Do you put your health as a priority?

Has weight gain or loss affected your confidence?

Has your doctor ever suggested that you make changes in your lifestyle to protect your heart health?

If you have been reading my blog awhile you might remember when my blood pressure went through the roof and I was on medication...my doctor mentioned that IF I could lose 10% of my weight that I would substantially reduce my blood pressure.

I lost 20% of my weight...and fortunately I no longer require the medication.

February is HEART month...

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

"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 ~