Mr. HB has retired from his role as a senior partner in Continuum Architects...

His career spanned 43 years at the longest running Victoria architectural firm.

He is looking forward to new hobbies, longer walks and more book time.

We spent the first week at Quarterdeck Cottage on Pender Island.

Friends joined us for the weekend and we rented another cottage...

we enjoyed their company immensely.

So great to be able to see long time friends, 

one couple we had not seen in over 2 years due to Covid.

The weather was lovely so we were able to sit out on the deck.

We went for walks, played crib, read our books and reminisced...

lots of laughter filled the cottage as we went down memory lane.

It was quiet after they left.

We went for walks and read our books.

Rain fell and the fog rolled in...

Fall is here !

We indulged in a "naughty Coffee" and it was delicious!

The Marina store is getting ready to close for the season.

They told us they plan to open earlier next year and serve more food options

and introduce music performances.

We're home now and busy putting the garden to bed for the season.

We gave away plants to friends who are establishing a new shady bed in their garden.

We have a few more plants to give away and other friends are happy to take them.

Mr. HB is outside right now tidying up the beds by the patio.

I have laundry in the wash and am going to make us lunch when I finish this post.

Fall feels like a transition in so many ways...

I took some summer clothes downstairs to the guest room closet.

Then I brought up some winter garments.

My basic wardrobe continues to serve me well and despite being small it works.

There are a few pieces that I am considering buying but not that many.

A new cashmere sweater is on the radar as well as some pretty new lingerie.

Cashmere socks are so cozy...

BTW this author, William Trevor, writes very intense stories!

I wasn't sure what would happen in this thriller and was on the edge of my seat as I read on...

I picked a beautiful bouquet of roses.

These are frilly frothy and fragrant...

Graham Thomas a stalwart David Austin Rose.

It grows out back in The Humble Bungalow Garden near my potting table.

The hydrangeas are drying, 

hostas are fading

but thankfully 

the roses continue to bloom.

Thank you for popping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

I appreciate your comments and readership.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

OOTD ~ It's all about pearls...

Cashmere V neck sweater by Black Goat overtop a simple denim shirt and jeans.

My "go to" OOTD for cooler winter days.

It has been given a wee bit more "oomph" 

with the acquisition of a vintage baroque pearl pin.

Darling daughter @thingfinder on Instagram 

had this pin ready to list in her ETSY shop 

when I spied it and saw just how exquisite it is

I knew that I wanted it!

The pearl looks like a juicy pear...

The jeweller must have seen it too 

an opportunity to create leaves and accentuate the pear shape.

A work of art.

Lovely nachre...

just a tip to those of you who may not be familiar with genuine pearls

do not spray them with perfume or scent as it destroys the natural lustre.

OOTD

black camisole fringed with lacy edges

Lands' End new cashmere cardigan

Gisel B pearl necklace from a previous My Stylish French Box delivery from France.

Layers in my hair thanks to my recent visit to my hairdresser...

my last visit was in September.

It felt wonderful seeing her and I enjoyed the "pampering."

Camellias are in bloom!

January bud on our Gertrude Jekyll rose 

out in the front garden of The Humble Bungalow.

Have you purchased any new clothes to wear during Covid?

Are you wearing athletic wear and casual cozy clothes?

I mix it up.

Some days I will wear my Yoga pants and go for longer walks.

The problem for me is that they are so forgiving...

so I think they have given me a sense of comfort despite gaining a few pounds...

my jeans tell me to stop eating so much, move more and get in shape!

So jeans are my guide to wellness.

Current Goals:

Walking more, counting my WW points and drinking less alcohol.

Have you embraced new healthy habits?

Wishing you good luck on your fitness journey.

As a small "non food reward" for my efforts...

I've ordered a vintage classic handbag and when it arrives I will share it with you all.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

Have some fun in your weekend whatever you do.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

OOTD ~ New sweater

New Lands' End cashmere cardigan

I own 6 sweaters; 3 of which are cashmere.

 This is my 4th and what I love about cashmere 

is the warmth without the bulk!

I chose this grey shade with black flecks.

I have a lot of black and a few pieces of grey in my minimal basic wardrobe.

I can see this as an all season sweater...

imagine this paired with white jeans in the summer time.

I put on jeans, a white linen Tee 

my pearls and some Chanel Lipstick with this new cardigan.

A super casual and comfy OOTD...

this is my basic Covid uniform for at home and my walks.

My hair is held back with a grey velvet scrunchie in a simple ponytail.

I am planning to get my hair trimmed an inch or so with longer layers next week.

I have been avoiding the salon but can do so no longer...

it has been months since I had a trim.

I know they have safety protocols in place and we will all be wearing masks.

We ordered in dinner last night from a local Thai restaurant 

I must admit it was a real treat not to cook.

The sun is shining here today and the temperatures are cold. 

There was ice on the roofs and cars when we woke up.

Snow is in the forecast 

 I doubt we will get much here.

My current book by Alice Hoffman 

The Probable Future.

A wonderful story of several generations of women...

Alice weaves a tapestry of magic and witchcraft into her stories.

This one has captured my attention and I am transported to another "world."

Escaping the tedium during the pandemic

through well crafted books

 is a gift that clever writers give to their devoted readers.

Talking about escape...

We are watching Bridgerton on Netflix...

The first episode did not excite me that much but after viewing the second and third I was hooked!

What are you reading?

Are you watching anything on Netflix that you can recommend?

Have you had your vaccination?

Stay safe and wear your mask.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

Enjoy your weekend!

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Shopping with a nod to Mom...

The damp cold rainy weather has kept me indoors more than usual...

I have gone for shorter walks and took a page out of Mother's book!
Going shopping when inclement weather prevails...
Mom was a super shopper...she could have taught lessons on how to shop!
Mother absolutely loved fashion and clothing , she found such joy wearing and accessorizing her beautiful clothes. She was well turned out until the last couple of weeks before she passed away...and then she only wore her PJ's and bathrobe.

Mom had 4 full closets when she died... many classics and some quite trendy pieces...unfortunately we were not the same size...
I have kept her grey cashmere waterfall sweater and a black wool wrap...
they are so cozy and remind me of her when I wear them.

I've brewed up numerous pots of tea

layered on the extra warm cashmere and wool sweaters and shawls.

(thanks to mom I have two of her coziest)

My hands feel the chill so its nice to warm them with a cup of something hot.

Something soothing and tasty with zero calories!

I am mindful of my WW points and the slimming is slower than last time.

My Chelsea boots are away at the cobbler getting some new heels

so I have been wearing my favourite red shoes...

the pop of red makes me feel happy.

A few red things in the Humble Bungalow kitchen...

"Walking in the shops" has been productive...

(of course mom knew this!)

AND

I found a new coat.

I'd gone into Aritzia to look at their Wilfred Free tops 

as they make a nice basic which fits and has a great shape...

with a silhouette that skims and in a knit fabric that can be casual or dressy

a U hem detail which looks good un-tucked.

I already have one in black.

They were out of my size so I ordered one in a neutral soft light grey shade that I will layer with my white jeans and pants.

While I was in the shop I noticed the Babaton line of lightweight coats...

in a light soft fabric, with almost a Tencel feel.

They were far too long on me and I did not want to pay extra to take one to the seamstress to have it drastically shortened.

I found a similar coat at The Bay by Vero Moda

a deconstructed trench coat in a very light and soft fabric.

It was marked down and I got it for a great price.

Have you noticed how many straw and wicker bags are showing up in the magazines this Spring?

I've got a straw tote bag but it is too large for everyday use...

it's more of a market tote 

one that I use when going to the farmers market or to the beach.

Never fear...

Etsy has oodles of vintage straw and wicker bags...

I spent about an hour looking online and then this one popped up 

I could not resist!

The bag is by Ann Taylor

look at that pop of red!

It will work with my denim skirt and jeans

my red ballet flats

 it has just that little extra oomph which I think will perk up my basics quite nicely.

I am eager to see this and hope that the delivery is speedy.

I found this distressed looking Tee at The Bay this week too...

it looks like nothing (well maybe like a dish rag) on the hanger

 it is much better on!

I will wear this with my white jeans

 layered with my denim shirt

underneath a long white and grey linen top

Maybe even pair it with my black ponte knit pants.

Its going to get a LOT of wear.

Last evening we met up with darling daughter and her husband 

to see their new place.

I found a vintage mint orange Catherine Holm kettle and an icy modernist piece of art glass as their housewarming gifts which were well received!

We took them out to dinner after at our favourite local eatery...Zambri's.

I ordered this succulent fish feature and I had a "Julia Child moment!"

Do you remember the movie Julie and Julia?

It is the scene where Julia is in Paris 

dining in a small cafe 

and tastes 

for the first time 

fish cooked in beurre blanc...

Oh my this dish was a little slice of heaven on earth.

I must try to make it at home.

I have kept this vintage avocado green Catherine Holm bowl in our kitchen cupboard for quite some time and I casually mentioned it to darling daughter and it seems that she would use it so it is off to a good home soon...

Before I close 

I want to share some of our very tall snowdrops...

Drenched with precipitation...

things are definitely greening up in the Humble Bungalow Garden!

Hope you are having a fabulous week...

and hey its already Friday!

I've got to get in some groceries and stock up on some cleaning supplies.

Maybe I will do some research on the beurre blanc recipe too.

Whats on your agenda for the weekend?

Have you been shopping for some Spring things?

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Birthday #63, the anniversary of Mother's demise...same day as it happens...

I had a rocky start to my birthday on March the 3rd...

coffee and cats were involved.

One of the cats knocked over the cactus in the bathroom and ripped all the leaves off of the plant...

it was Mom's cactus.

It is now in the compost.

The other cat "messed" 

on the carpet downstairs 

so I had to haul out the cleaner and wash the rug.

By that time I was REALLY ready for my morning coffee...

the espresso machine had other ideas!

It was not working.

My husband kindly offered to go out and buy me a latte...

bless his heart.

But after three tries, and a few cuss words

(I do not usually swear)

 I was able to make a cup.

I sat in my chair in the living room and thought about Mom.

I recalled the events of her last day with great detail...

I relived the feelings that I felt on that day.

A few salty tears rolled down my cheeks

 I spoke with friends on the telephone.

I wasn't sure 

if I would be able to go out of the house...

But I managed to pull myself together.

 leisurely showered 

got dressed.

On the agenda

shopping and lunch with my husband.

After lunch 

we went to Black Goat Cashmere on Government Street 

where I tried on a few sweaters...

In the dressing room...stripes are the theme.

OOTD

Saint James Top

Black Calvin Klein skinny ponte knit pants.

(see the black goats on the curtain)

My husband bought me the most luxurious cashmere sweater

it is really a jacket...

the cost of which,

 was, well, a wee bit more than I thought

let's just say that it is an investment piece and will be a workhorse in my wardrobe...

like so many other classics it will never date.

I am so happy with it and I know I will wear it often.

Flowers wired from our dear friends in France.

Here's the sweater...

thick cashmere and oh SO SO SOFT!

The silhouette is loose and the coat has a "swing style."

I wore it to the grocery store when the temperature was 6 degrees and was so very cozy and warm!

You can button up the collar or leave it open...its like a built in scarf!

This is going to be my "go to" sweater for the foreseeable future...

I have mom's grey cashmere waterfall sweater and the black V neck cashmere that I received from my husband for Christmas...

I do not own any other sweaters.

Chester likes playing in the bag.

Fast forward...

Besides writing this post 

I managed to wash the love seat slipcovers

 the bathroom towels

iron the linen

meet a friend for lunch

take mom's income tax stuff to the accountant 

(for the last time)

buy a roller ball of lavender essential oil for better sleep

(I swear by this stuff now...)

buy a big ball of Bernat cotton yarn that I will knit into dishcloths

run and empty the dishwasher

make a salad to go with our dinner

read a few chapters in my current book.

So enough about my day...

how are you doing and what is new?

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

OOTD...

Our dear friends from France gave me a lovely scarf for Christmas.
It is made by a company called Letol in France and I love it!

Keeping cozy wearing it
INSIDE the Humble Bungalow!
The gusty winds and freezing temperatures sneak into our home
via the single paned windows...
BRR!

In my wardrobe basic colours of black and grey 

with a smattering of green...

which just happens to be my favourite colour!

 OOTD

Grey cashmere cardigan Jones of NY

(formerly Mom's)

Tribal denim jeans

Cupio Star Tee shirt

Letol scarf

Clarks Chelsea Boots

a wee bit of a departure from my usual plain Tees...

but hey I felt like I needed to add a bit of fun and whimsy

I don't always want to be serious and conservative!

Thank you for popping by...

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Popping in to say Hello...and please enjoy the roses.

November Roses....

Sharing a few roses from The Humble Bungalow Garden...
It's been a crazy busy week with lots happening
unfortunately not all "good things."
We have had a death in my husband's family
a dear friend has been diagnosed with cancer has undergone major surgery.
I have been preoccupied with other "more pressing things" and I have not been able to find much time to sit at my computer.

I'll be brief with this post and share some pictures instead of a lot of text.

McCartney Rose

Jude the Obscure

Jude The Obscure

I picked one to cheer up the bathroom.

I grabbed my brush and acrylic paints the other evening when I was suffering a bout of sadness.

I was thinking of Mom and I played some of my favourite music and let the feelings flow through to the canvas...

I think Jude The Obscure is with me here!

Not a masterpiece 

I know, but "I own it"

 it felt good to push the paintbrush around on the canvas...

that's probably why they call it Art Therapy!

Cheap and cheerful chrysanthemums

in a simple terra cotta pop dress up our front porch.

Dressing up myself...

in a uniform of sorts 

for the recent chilly days.

A long sleeved top

skinny jeans rolled up

Chelsea boots

a puffy vest

my cashmere scarf

Vintage Coach Court bag...

Relaxing and reflecting in a quiet chair...

The Humble Bungalow Garden is getting a face lift in the back area...

this patio area will not be touched but we have big plans and the top stars will be:

 magnolia trees

ferns

camellias

hydrangeas

black mondo grass

and stay tuned for more.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~