Autumn splendour...last cottage visit.

Autumn is such a glorious time of year 

the vibrant colours elevate my energy 

making the time outdoors richer

with

walks that have become saturated in beauty.

a few raindrops do not dampen my spirits

they look like tiny jewels

embellishing the fallen leaves

 Isla and I were exploring at the cottage when we were last there...

we spied some interesting seed pods on this tree.

 Natural "treasures" from our nature walk

perfect "souvenirs" to take home.

Have you read The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady?

It is an illustrated journal and quite lovely.

This vignette reminds me of that book.

I love seeing life through the eyes of an energetic and enthusiastic child.

Those moments of excited spontaniety...

sharing many magical moments at school 

during the course of my career

 in the classroom and the library

with our own children 

and now our delightful grandchildren.

The moss on these rocks proved to be VERY slippery

Grammy had to say that it was "an unsafe place to play."

I didn't want to have an injury "on my watch!"

Peeking outside 

we spied raindrops on the leaves

"liquid sunshine"

inside we were cozy and content.

We were engaged in creative pursuits...

 felts, crayons, paper, 

colouring and activity books

Lego, games and toys.

"Pursue some path, however narrow and crooked, in which you can walk with love and reverence."

~ Henry David Thoreau ~

"Just as treasures are uncovered from the earth, so virtue appears from good deeds, and wisdom appears from a pure and peaceful mind. To walk safely through the maze of human life, one needs the light of wisdom and the guidance of virtue." 

~ Buddha ~

Wishing all American readers a very Happy Thanksgiving.

Hope that your week is off to a grand start!

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Autumnal Splendor....

Autumn is one of the most beautiful seasons...
rich in colour and texture,
this weekend we have been treated to clear blue skies and sunny warm days.

Perfect weather for walking...
and a bonus while we are at Quarter Deck Cottage on Pender Island.

Golden hues tinged with green.

We walked slowly so that I could stop and take pictures 

besides the fact that I have been recently diagnosed with shin splints...

my doctor suggested that I slow my walking pace and perhaps the distance that I travel

to make sure that I have supportive shoes 

 to replace my walking shoes at least every year if not every 6 months.

This is a painful condition and so I am heeding his advice.

The distance we covered was just a tad under 3 km

the road was perfect for our walk 

very little car traffic

quiet

homes and acreages dotted every so often along the byway

the leaves were stunning in their beauty

so picturesque.

This old home was situated at the end of the road overlooking the ocean.

I'd love to peek inside but this is as close as we could get to it.

The road curved ahead and we spied this boat...

We discovered a lovely sandy beach at the end of the road with a public beach access.

Mr. HB saw a mink run into the brush just ahead.

Kelp and maple leaves mingling together on the beach.

Walking with the leaves crunching neath our feet...

a glorious day 

with dappled sunshine peeking through the canopy of trees.

Feeling such gratitude to be able to enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds us.

How was your weekend ?

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Pops of colour...

Autumn is a lovely time of year for enjoying the colours.

I wear mostly blacks and greys 

so I can see here with this example of contrast 

that a spot of colour

may be in order!

The pumpkin patch was full of families this Sunday.

Many local farmers grow pumpkins and they also offer hayrides, hot chocolate and some even have corn mazes.

I just love the field of orange pumpkins!

A sea of orange...

It is lovely when one discovers a magazine that has well written and informative articles.

one that has a balance of 

fashion

style

travel 

people 

homes

gardens

Today I am cozying up in my newest linen scarf...

no pop of orange today 

instead

I am wearing a red lipstick 

which is helping to liven up my OOTD.

L'Oreal on the far left # 315 True Red

followed by

a spritz of Le Labo Rose 31 and I am ready.

Hope you have a great week!

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

A quiet weekend, focusing on our home....

Autumn brings chilly days 

and it's time to do some work inside the Humble Bungalow.

The garden will have to wait!

Mr. HB and I are "deep cleaning" the storage area and workshop downstairs where the furnace is located in our home...

it is an area that tends to be a catch all and because it is behind "closed doors" 

we do not look at it often...

 extra stuff gathers

  it mounts up 

one can be happy ignoring 

the bits of debris and recycling and cardboard only for so long!

Exhausting work but certainly satisfying...

I needed to take a break late in the day and have a cafe creme 

 now writing this blog post before starting dinner.

My tummy is grumbling!

Sharon Santoni's new book...

she lives in such a pretty home and her garden is beautiful

and how wonderful that she has shared some of her favourite recipes!

Speaking of recipes...

I took this book out of the local library and I love the recipes so much that I have placed an order with the booksellers in Oak Bay.

I have read most of Jane Green's novels and find them very entertaining.

Tonight I am making Jane Green's Maple Glazed Pork Chops 

served with my whipped potato bake

shown here ready to go into the oven...

AH COMFORT FOOD!

I recently shared the recipe...

this time I had no cottage cheese so I substituted some cream cheese.

NEEDS MUST!

Must get on with the rest of the dinner prep so I will close.

How is your weekend going?

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Thanksgiving and some Autumn Colours

It's Thanksgiving weekend and I have been very busy cleaning the Humble Bungalow and preparing for our family dinner...

I went to the local nursery and bought some lovely plants and things to add some Autumn colour to our home and front porch.

A simple chrysanthemum in a terra cotta pot

which I hope says Welcome to our home.

A white pumpkin and a mixed planter with mixed foliage plants.

A new orchid which I popped into a vintage white planter.

These orchids last for years and re-bloom several times each year...

the blooms usually last for 3-4 months.

I purchased 5 of these wee white pumpkins to use on the dinner table.

A sweet little Kalanchoe in a wee pot for the powder room.

Mr. HB has been busy outside 

harvesting the apples from the dwarf trees that we planted a few years ago.

I am making an apple crisp for our Thanksgiving dessert.

Greenhouse tomatoes are finished for the year but this last harvest will be enjoyed and the green tomatoes will ripen in a few days.

I must get back to my cooking...

The menu for the family feast:

Prime Rib of Beef

whipped mashed potatoes

carrots cooked in orange juice with parsley

peas

macaroni and cheese 

(4 year old Henry's favourite)

crab cakes 

(for the non meat eaters and extras for those who like both!)

my sister is bringing a veggie dish

butter buns

gravy

Apple crisp with coconut ice cream

banana bread

salted caramel truffles 

coffee and tea

Must get back to the duties at hand.

Happy Thanksgiving!

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~