May morning vista from a walk in Oak Bay.
My sister and I got up early
and soon found ourselves dressed and ready to head out the door.
Yesterday was a very important day for my sister and I
as we said our final goodbyes to to our Mom.
We spread Mom's ashes
enjoyed massages
dined in The Snug
drank a few flutes of bubbly
swam in the outdoor mineral pool several times.
The Buddha Bowl was amazing!
Mango, tofu, veggies atop quinoa
drizzled with a soy sauce balsamic reduction...
this is so tasty that I am planning to find an excuse to go back very soon!
The Oak Bay Beach Hotel is opulent and elegant
very well appointed which provides the ultimate in comfort...
beautifully located
on the edge of the shoreline looking east to the San Juan Islands.
The mineral pool was so inviting and warm...
we swam twice on Monday and once today.
This is the view that overlooks McNeil Bay
a few short blocks from the house where I grew up.
The snow capped mountains of the Olympic Range in Washington State.
Freighters use the international shipping lanes located in Juan de Fuca Strait.
Trial Island and the lighthouse are a short boat ride from shore.
The currents in this narrow passage can be fierce...
they are often referred to as rip tides.
My uncle Owen used to be the lighthouse keeper.
My aunt, uncle and cousins spent quite a few years on the island.
My cousins were home schooled and there was a supply ship that delivered their groceries.
There were some amazing stories of sea rescues.
The Ham radio was the essential lifeline...
which linked my family to the boats, the Coast Guard and others in Victoria.
If you look closely you will see the Native flowering camas
which is happily growing in the Garry Oak Meadow and rocky outcroppings.
Memories and thoughts are often jogged by scenery...
the power of suggestion is so powerful
that it can transport us back to the past.
The neighbourhood where I grew up has changed quite a lot.
Houses, new and modern, are mixed with the traditional and the heritage styles.
The workers next door are building the forms
for the foundations of the new homes under construction.
The sounds of saws and nail guns repeating are louder than the drone of the bees or the hummingbirds staccato chatter.
It has not been as invasive as I first expected...
or perhaps
I am getting accustomed to the noise.
Muguet des bois in The Humble Bungalow Garden
is thick with fragrant blooms.
A handful of flowers popped into an icy vase
make a room fresher
and more beautiful.
These wee white bonnets are so delicate and dainty...
perhaps the loveliest of May flowers in our garden.
My sister and I may make an annual pilgrimage to the OBBH and Spa
sometime close to Mother's Day
to celebrate our Mom
share memories and relax.
I had never heard of this book.
I saw it on the shelf at the book sellers on Pender Island...
and was immediately intrigued by the description on the inside cover.
It is a delightful story...
easy to read and very entertaining.
It's "light enough" to be considered a Beach Book
and very hard to put down.
Fingers crossed it is a quiet week...
Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow.
XO
