Home in The Humble Bungalow ~ Who Knew I was SO ready to POST?

 ~ Last Week of Summer at The Cottage ~ 

The weather was warm and sunny

with a whisper of wind...

The pool was open and there were only a few cottagers on site.

This particular afternoon we had the entire pool to ourselves.

It was so relaxing floating with my pool noodle and moving my legs.

I find the movement in the warm water very helpful for my arthritis.

I've started taking Canadian made TruMarine Collagen...

apparently skin, hair and joint pain will benefit from Collagen.

It's been a few weeks and I am pleased to report that my hair has stopped falling out!

Seriously that was FAST!!!

My skin is clear...

Joint pain in my hips may take up to 5 months to be reduced.

(according to the research)

IF it helps it will be a real bonus.

I am also changing up my diet...

working hard on eating a diet of anti-inflammatory foods.

Cauliflower is a powerful veggie and is reported to reduce inflammation....

Recipe is from Barefoot Contessa's Modern Comfort Food.

Roasted cauliflower with anchovies, capers, lemon juice, rind 

topped with a bit of grated parmesan cheese.

Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

Roasted Cauliflower 

SO GOOD!

I found some "good things"

(isn't that what Martha Stewart used to say?)

at the Thrift Shops last week...

Two Vintage German porcelain Egg Cups.

Found a day apart in two different thrifts!!

Our Quarter Share Cottage, 

(why I named it Quarterdeck Cottage.)

At Otter Bay.

The ferry dock is very close...

we watch the ferries come and go.

We wondered if the ferry traffic would be an issue when we purchased the share.

Surprisingly it has turned out to be a form of entertainment.

When we see 5 ferries out on The Salish Sea we all shout FERRY YACHTZEE.

 ~ OOTD ~ 

Akoya Pearls and a white TEE

worn here with my new French Dressing Jeans

& 

Thrifted Ralph Lauren Striped Oversize Tee.

Thrifted Vintage Paste Crystal choker...

I hummed and hawed...

Should I buy it?

Would I wear it?

I did buy it...

Still not sure...

I know 2 darling granddaughters who might have fun wearing it :-))

No Regrets...

Time will Tell.

I captured some lovely sunset images...

with the mild weather we sat outside after dinner.

We don't watch much TV or stream shows when we are at the cottage...

daytime we walk, read, swim, play crib ( I lose) 

and I knit.

We savour the views and keep an eye out for sealife...

otters, seals, whales,

So much birdsong with many new songs that the Merlin App help to identify.

Home here back in The Humble Bungalow.

All is quiet...

Mr. HB is out in the garden weeding and planting bulbs.

I've been reactivating my sourdough starter, a batch of dough is on the counter.

Laundry is done...

So moving forward...some dietary changes are afoot.

Hopefully some weight loss might occur.

I meet with the surgeon this week,

 will find out if I am a candidate for a hip replacement.

I do wonder why my hip is worn out...

did I walk too much?

Have I been negligent of not getting enough calcium?

I have Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis.

I had a Hysterectomy in my early 40's so perhaps the lack of estrogen is to blame?

Whatever the case, I plan to fight.

If you've got any sage advice about inflammation and diet...

or arthritis 

or hip replacements...

I am all ears.

Don't be shy...

Share your thoughts.

Women need to stick together and share their wisdom.

These fluffy clouds felt like waving handkerchiefs at sunset..

were they waving hello or goodbye?

I appreciate you 

stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog :-))

In this vast world which is undergoing uncertainty,

we need to focus on making a positive difference in our daily round.

If you are able...

Do something nice for your family, friends, neighbours.

It need not be a BIG thing...

simple gestures can be such a welcome gesture.

OK that's all from me...for now, until next time.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Playfair Park ~ A quiet and serene walk in the Gardens ~ Arthritis Walking update

 

~ Playfair Park ~

A scenic oasis of beauty in our city.

Camas, azaleas and rhododendrons dot the landscape.

The Birdsong is heavenly.

This park is situated between two major streets and I didn't hear any traffic.

It a lovely spot to escape to and be in a lush green space.

A reader asked me to share any tips on my arthritis journey...

It's very early in my journey but I will attempt to share a few tidbits.

I am easing into this new phase taking baby steps

avoiding at all costs 

going down a rabbit hole of gloom and doom.

New beginnings...

Embracing Daily Delights

Snippets of beauty

Gorgeous Fawn Lilies.

Like the famous Nike slogan says...

Just Do It!

Walking with intention...

slowly and mindfully.

A gentle warm up helps prepare the hips.

Moving sideways and backwards first to get the hips to get ready

then moving forward, slowly at first and pace yourself in a comfortable speed.

Each day my hip feels different, some days there is more pain than other days?

I have no clue why?

All questions to ask my physiotherapist when I meet with her.

My goal is to halve my usual walk into two shorter ones.

These steps and km were accomplished by taking three shorter walks.

I am feeling weary now and have taken an Advil.

My doctor told me that I could take them during the day and the most important one

 is for nightime to help me with pain and allow for sleep.

It feels weird taking a pain pill as this is so not on my usual radar

but Needs Must...for now at least...in time who knows?

But hey let's check out the flowers...

Camas grows in large areas below the Garry Oak Trees.

Camas close up, 

the First Nations People used this as a food source.

A lovely rhododendron, one of many here in the park.

Pink, red, white, mauve and yellow dotted throughout the gardens.

Last week I walked in Playfair Park, along The Esplanade at Willows Beach

then I met up with a friend for a walk near her home in South Oak Bay.

I feel like I have accomplished something positive...

these are the most steps that I have recorded since my initial diagnosis.

One other thing that my doctor mentioned was to take extra vitamin D.

He indicated that there is a lot of scientific research to support its use.

I am enjoying lots of salads with fresh lettuce harvested from the Humble Bungalow Garden.

My lunches are focused completely on salad.

I am getting creative by adding nuts, feta and cooked quinoa to the lettuce and veggies.

I use a simple Kraft dressing that is oil based.

One type has Italian pesto and spices and the other one has Greek Feta.

Both are 35 calories per tablespoon and they add a LOT of flavour.

That's about all for now as I need to get up and move.

BTW

Thank you for your many supportive and encouraging emails

I am excited to be taking charge of my Health and continuing to explore new options.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~