December ~ love, loss and memories.

Are you ready for the Festive Season?

No matter how hard we try to make Christmas special 

we cannot be prepared or predict what might happen.

Christmas has always been one of my favourite holidays.

Family, friends, giving to others, baking, bright lights and song.

It's never been a picture postcard storybook Christmas 

but that is what makes it special

we try 

but

because we are human things can go sideways...

This past weekend we went over to the cottage and rode on the Salish Orca.

(our regular ferry is out for annual maintenance)

While we were driving onto the ferry my husband's cellphone rang

it was the nurse from the care home.

 Mr. HB's mom, who is 100, took a turn. 

The next morning

my husband boarded an early ferry and returned to town...

his mother passed away within a few minutes after he arrived.

We have lost our beloved matriarch

the last of the long lived Scottish family.

It is the end of an era...

Elaine lead a long and rich life 

she was a spunky woman, 

"a force to be reckoned with"

her gifts and talents were many

she will be missed by all of us.

I feel blessed to have met her when I was fifteen 

 she taught me so much...

she was generous with her time, fiercely loyal to her family,

 she shared so many wonderful things with all of us

her tried and true recipes

boat skills, crocheting, card games,

how to live within a budget

everything from hostessing tips to the full on turkey feast.

She will be missed...

Fortunately we all have many years of great memories to recall.

I am confident that they will help comfort and sustain us 

in the days and weeks ahead.

I made a pasta dinner for my husbands' return to the island.

I knew that he would need a warm hug and a hot meal.

We rely on comfort food to help soothe us in times of distress.

We hunkered down in the cottage as the skies grew dark and ominous...

The weekend weather was very stormy...

rain pelting sideways with powerful gusty winds

the seas churned up with choppy waves covered in white caps.

I started reading this new book by Beatrice Colin...

it is set in Paris around the time that the Eiffel Tower was under construction.

We spent most days quietly thinking of her

 reminding each other of our favourite memories.

Laughing and weeping.

We were cozy and warmed by the fire

while outside the storms raged on...

We ventured out when there was a break in the rain...

for a welcome breath of fresh salty air.

We went to the Chocolate Shop where Mr. HB enjoyed a rich hot chocolate 

I opted for a salted caramel mocha...

I've never tasted one before today!

(it was so tasty!)

I purchsed some of their delicious chocolates for a few people on our Christmas list.

Dessert in a mug.

Looking to the light...

Holding fast to the memories of Christmases past

when all our loved ones were gathered...

several generations at the tables

wearing our paper hats from the Xmas crackers

an older family member saying grace

before

 we dined on turkey and all the trimmings.

This year there are many empty chairs...

we will gather around

in their memory

and 

toast to them.

Wishing you a Very Happy Holiday Season.

~ 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 ~