Greetings from The Humble Bungalow.
There's not too much news here...
Still in recovery from my hip replacement and have not been away.
Life is moving quite slowly
but I'm feeling positive and content to be a homebody.
There are always things to do here...
mostly home keeping jobs.
The kettle is often boiling and there's fresh tea in the pot.
Good books at the ready and a cat that loves attention.
I've been enjoying watching You Tube Videos.
So many great people out there that are sharing their homes, gardens and hobbies.
Do you have any favourite You Tube Accounts?
~ Japanese Peony ~
Seen on one of my walks...
At Government House in The Rockland area of Victoria.
Gorgeous details and a pristine white bowl of petals.
Government House Gardens are open to the public most of the year.
The gardens are a mix of Garry Oak meadows, large areas of lawn, rocky outcroppings and perennial borders.
Several ponds with ducks, a rose garden and a fountain.
Quite a few benches are available to sit and enjoy the peace and quiet.
Spectacular views of The Olympic Mountains
across the Strait to Washington, USA.
Native plants and rock and alpine plants have there place here too...
A small museum of vintage clothing is located in the Mews where
there is a charming tea room.
Volunteers help take care of the grounds and there are plant sales during the year.
I like to visit several times each year to see what is blooming.
If you visit Victoria or live closeby this is a great spot for a walk or a picnic.
I snapped a picture of this peony just as I was leaving...
I found this antique platter at Ross Bay Villa's Saturday sale.
I was drawn to the black and white colours and the mottled age of the piece.
I popped this on our arts and crafts wooden shelf in the bathroom.
The sun has been out for a few days and we have been enjoying the warmer weather.
Warm enough for a soft ice cream cone treat!
Chester is loving this warm sunny spot.
He's been finding sunny patches to have a nap in most days...
I'd love to be able to nap like a cat.
I've been bringing out some of my summer clothes...
I love the details on the sleeves of this white linen shirt.
It's a versatile piece...can be worn as a jacket or a simple shirt.
My new denim jacket..by Angels from Marshall's.
I looked at thrift and consignment shops for several weeks but had no luck so I decided to go look at Marshall's and found one for under $40.
The silk scarf is by local artist and crafter Lise Lotte Design.
She has the scarves for sale on her website in 2 sizes...I opted for the smaller one.
It's light and lovely and has a beautiful pattern on it
she made this using a technique called cyanotype
that harnesses the power of the sun!
Do you watch the Miss Fisher mysteries on TV?
I've seen a few and was delighted when I found a new book.
I love the details, the era that the stories are set in and the opulent fashions.
Am halfway through the book and enjoying the story...
I now can see why the books are so popular.
Have you ever tried to monitor your portions by using a smaller plate or bowl?
This is one of the tricks that I am using to help me from overeating.
My lunch 5 out of 7 days
is high protein Greek Yogurt, fresh fruit and chopped walnuts.
I vary the fruit so that I am not bored.
I actually feel like I am eating dessert when I eat this lunch...
and it keeps me satisfied until dinner time.
~ Pasta ~
my husbands' favourite food.
To make it satisfying I usually serve it with a salad.
I have 1 cup of noodles and 1 cup of sauce.
The sauce recipe is pretty basic...
1 diced onion
1-2 cloves of garlic minced
2 stalks celery diced
several sliced mushrooms
saute in olive oil on medium heat until soft
stirring often.
Add sliced Italian sausages
(they look like meat balls)
saute until cooked.
Add 1 large large can of minced or chopped tomatoes.
(San Marzano are very flavourful)
salt, pepper, red pepper flakes and dried oregano
(all to your taste)
Simmer for an hour and serve over top of any pasta.
Native Camas is in bloom.
Many Local Victoria Parks have these plants growing...
Beacon Hill, Playfair and Uplands Parks
Lovely spots to walk and enjoy nature at its best.
Wee auricula from the plant sale table at Ross Bay Villa.
Love love love these darling flowers :-))
I am trying to get in as many steps as I can to build my muscles up.
It is taking a longer time to get my speed back.
As a result I'm feeling stiff and have just purchased a big bag of epsom salts!!
A soak in the tub is on my radar...
Hope that things are going well for you.
Well it's your turn now...
perhaps you can share what you are up to, what you are reading
or watching on You Tube?
Until next time.
~ Be Well and Be Kind ~
