August ~ Hydrangea Season and a wee chat...

Candles with a woody fragrance add ambiance to our arts and crafts bungalow.

I love to sit and read or knit 

 a candle glowing and the scent wafting about in the air.

Our Annabelle Hydrangeas are putting on a spectacular show!

 The Humble Bungalow Garden is looking quite lovely this summer.

Some years are better than others for certain plants...

 I think it is a very much a stellar hydrangea season.

They do love water so we need to keep the soil moist...

Look at the size of this bloom...

a HUGE mophead almost threatening to break the branch

with its weight.

The Sea Glass haul that nearly wasn't...

I fell on the uneven rocky shore not too far from the Humble Bungalow.

My instinct was to put out my hand to save my face from hitting the ground

when I fell...

My poor wrist took the brunt of the tumble and I sprained it.

It swoll up pretty quickly so I zipped off to the local pharmacy

a tube of Voltaren

 (which is an analgesic and an anti inflammatory)

a right hand wrist brace

a week later

yellow bruising remains but fortunately the wrist is feeling MUCH better!

The sweet peas are still blooming so we have bouquets in the bathroom.

Such a delightful fragrance!

Did you know that sweet peas must be picked regularly 

to keep them from going to seed?

I am looking forward to getting back to my knitting project...

I haven't snapped a picture of the progress that I made until my mishap.

Am working on the yoke of the Miriam sweater.

It will be lovely to wear this in the fall and winter.

I have so few sweaters...

the cooler fall weather will be here before we know it and I will want to be cozy.

I've been staying pretty close to home as my husband is up on ladders sanding and painting the pergola above the sundeck.

He's not accustomed to this kind of work, but since he retired, he has taken on various projects that I would usually hire people to fix.

I posted this quote on my Instagram...

so worthy of reposting here on the blog.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

It is really unfortunate that your comments are not forthcoming...

I have tried to fix this on my end but alas it is beyond my scope.

I do hope that you will continue to stop by and read my blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

OOTD ~ Summertime ~ Linen Dress

Beach Walk a week ago in Oak Bay on a hot summer day.

Wearing an Italian linen dress with capri tights.

Thankful for my sunhat, sunglasses

 the

COOL sea breezes blowing across the sand

while I peruse the beach for treasure.

I found a smooth white rock, very much like an egg...

a simple find but it begged to be picked up!

A handful of sea glass.

Behold the 4 jars full...

Working on filling up Jar 5 and I am well on my way!

The dress is a super simple style

loose and easy to wear in the heat.

Pearls accessorize and elevate the dress and sweater.

Pearls are the ultimate gift from the Sea.

My newest project...

Knitting pattern for the Miriam Sweater is available on Ravelry.

Rowan Felted Tweed Yarn is a dream to work with on any project.

I LOVE the softness of this yarn.

The Beehive Shop in Victoria is my go to yarn and knitting spot.

The staff are so knowledgeable and helpful.

Started knitting the Miriam sweater a few days ago...

a quiet few days at Quarterdeck Cottage and I am indulging in some knit time.

PURE BLISS

The weather hasn't been overly hot and we're enjoying a slow rhythm to our days.

Having an engaging project is wonderful 

when we are not swimming in the pool

or out walking.

Took advantage of the sunshine yesterday and knit 

while watching the pleasure craft

boats and ferries as they made their way across The Salish Sea.

Holiday time is perfect for relaxing and engaging in activities that one enjoys.

I would never spend as many hours knitting if I was home...

the household and garden duties and chores would keep me busy!

Lovely beach vibe bowls from our friends...

perfect for the cottage!

We celebrated our 48th anniversary on July 20th.

I made a simple penne pasta dish with a gorgonzola cream sauce and freshly shucked English Peas from the Humble Bungalow Garden.

Penne Pasta with Gorgonzola and Peas 

Melt several tablespoons of butter in a shallow pan 

add a couple of cloves of chopped garlic and some red pepper flakes

cook gently.

Whisk in a few tablespoons of flour add a 1/3 cup of cream.

Keep whisking then add crumbled gorgonzola and simmer until melted

then keep warm on low.

Meanwhile...

Put a large pot on to boil

When the water is boiling add the penne pasta and cook until al dente.

Drain

add sauce to pasta and stir to coat.

Grate some fresh pepper on top and serve.

I've had an extraordinary amount of SPAM here on the blog.

Really it has come out of the blue and I cannot for the life of me figure out why?

Comments have been streamlined to not allow Unknown accounts to respond.

Anyone with a legitimate google account can leave a comment.

Hopefully this will stop the crazed spam artists and robots 

who seem to have nothing better to do than to invade a rather calm and gentle place.

If you are unable to leave a comment and want to connect with me 

please send me an email, the address is on the blog at the left hand side.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

Hope that you are making the most of the season wherever you are.

Be Back Soon!

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Seeking Solace in Nature...

Sitting...

listening to the sound of the birds and the waves as they lap against the shore.

Lighting a candle...

Gazing out the window...

breathing and feeling grateful.

Reading a good book

sipping tea.

Walking along a beach

searching for sea glass

watching the otters and the gulls.

Taking time out to be soothed by the beauty of Nature.

Inviting Natural Beauty Indoors...

Bright and cheerful flowers

Diving into a new book.

Going for a walk in the misty rain...

Looking for bright pops of colour.

Taking in the views 

admiring the details

embracing the various colours and textures.

Wet logs strewn all over the beach and this one looked like a seal.

Do you see it?

Are you seeking the calm and soothing hands of Mother Nature?

Are you taking local action?

I'm looking into more ways to help...

We've made donations of money and plan to make more.

Fresh salt air 

the moist wet mist

slippery logs and mossy rocks.

The gentle lapping of the sea...

the Raven's Song.

A gentle breeze blowing 

shells crunch at our feet.

These don't solve our problems but they do help release tension.

Wishing, Hoping and Praying for Peace.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Holidaze...The Humble Bungalow Garden Roses

 

Jude the Obscure Rose

Buttery yellow Julia Child Rose

Golden Celebration

Jude the Obscure up close

Jude the Obscure Rose is full of blooms.

We took our son and the grandchildren up island to Nanoose Bay for a getaway.

It is located 2 hours (driving) north from Victoria.

We stayed at Pacific Shores, which is s time share on Craig Bay,

 just south of Parksville.

Early morning views from the patio on Craig Bay up island.

We sat outside most mornings with our coffee and soaked in the pristine scenery.

We watched paddle boarders as they moved about the bay...

motor and sailboats, 

kayaks

swimmers and waders all playing in the sunshine.

Many families stayed at the resort so there were lots of kids.

 Our grandchildren enjoyed meeting and playing with some summer "friends."

Large rocks and sandstone 

warmed by the sun.

A few treasures from my beach walk.

We kayaked in the bay, swam in the pools, walked along the beach, played Monopoly, cards, read our books, went to mini golf and rode in bumper boats.

Lots of laughter and fun were had by all.

Summer is winding down...

today we have refreshing and much needed rain.

Reading Santa Montefiore's new book...

Here and Now

about a woman and her family 

as they navigate a journey involving memory loss.

I have read all her books and enjoy her style of writing very much.

How is your summer going?

Have you been away or are you enjoying a staycation in your own town?

We don't plan to travel very far in the near future.

The rates of transmission of the Covid Delta variant are rather staggering.

The Canadian borders are open to the vaccinated visitors.

Vaccinations continue to be offered and I hope that the children will be able to get their shots as school will be starting in early September.

Thank you for popping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

Stay Safe.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Snippets from Quarter Deck Cottage

We've been enjoying our summer time stint here at Quarter Deck Cottage.

The first week our son and three grandchildren were here at the cottage so we slept on our boat at the marina...
we had full busy days with swimming, crafts and pool time.

Our grands made fast friends with the neighbour's grandchildren from the cottage across the street. They had oodles of fun together...made some great memories.

After the family left it was very quiet but we manage to keep ourselves entertained with the usual routine...

lazy mornings with our mugs of coffee
gazing out at The Salish Sea watching for sea life and birds

our habit of looking for 5 ferries at once...we call it Ferry Yachtzee!

I finished this fabulous book last night before dinner 

will be starting the next one sometime today!

reading our books


walks along the beaches

beach combing for sea glass

going to the Farmer's Market

swimming in the pool

eating tasty simple meals

Cottage Fruit Crumble 

4-5 cups fruit

I used blueberries and Gravenstein apples

place in a buttered deep ovenproof pie pan

add a few tablespoons of fresh lemon juice

a sprinkle of cinnamon

Topping 

1 cup flour 

1/2 cup room temperature butter

1/2 cup brown sugar

Cut the butter into the flour

when blended add the brown sugar 

Cover the fruit mixture

Bake at 375 degrees for 35-40 minutes

Serve with ice cream, whipped cream or yogurt.

Enjoy!

going to bed early
waking soon after the sun rises

a simple routine

We saw 2 humpback whales swimming past the cottage last night!
Big excitement!
We shared the binoculars...saw their water spouts and they were breaching!

This morning the sun is shining and the seas are calm...
we will let the day unfold slowly while we quietly sip our coffee.

I will hit publish before I have my second cup of coffee on the deck...

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.
Enjoy your weekend!

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~