Hoping for a Sun day...while waiting, I shop.

Greetings...

our weather has been really rather beastly.

This weather is for the birds!!!

Rain with high winds and all manner of things blowing away.

We are hanging onto our hats in hope

as we read the forecast for the start to the week 

which is promising (teasing) us warmer temperatures and some sunshine.

If you are reading this post you know that I have decided to continue to blog

using the free Blogger platform.

My research revealed that it would cost me about $2,000 to transfer all my posts

and migrate to a new host. The host would then be charging me an annual fee for the posts and GB that I would be using to keep my blog live.

I am retired and this is a hobby so that was not going to be reasonable.

Thank you again for following.

It is great to read all your comments, I really appreciate them.

I have been forced indoors during the inclement weather

so I have had a few shopping trips to 

 the local shops and malls.

I found a comfy and fun pair of Converse sneakers.

I chose the blue ones but they were also available in red 

which was SO tempting...I really didn't NEED two pairs.

I think they will look great with all my denim pieces and my white jeans.

I have a faded blue linen skirt that I purchased last year which might be fun to

wear white ankle socks and these together.

Oh and I also found a new backpack...

to replace the thrifted one that I repaired .

Hands free for hiking, walking, shopping and beach combing.

Soft leather, attractive details and wonderfully made.

Big enough to pop in a book and my usual wallet, keys, sunglasses and lipstick.

It looks smart too...

I am pleasantly surprised by the quality for the price.

I've been having an espresso on these cold windy afternoons.

I made coffee this way when I was in Roccatederighi, Italy

The Lavazza brand Crema coffee is smooth and needs no cream.

The new to me espresso /demitasse cups are vintage by Susie Cooper.

Made in England.

I found them at Kay's Korner in the Cook Street Village.

I love Karin's shop...

I regularly walk in our Fairfield neighbourhood and will pop in on my route.

If you haven't been to Kay's Korner yet...you have a treat in store.

 Spook Street is a book in the popular British spy series by Mick Herron...

my husband has read the entire series and purchased all the books so I am reading them now.

Interestingly, he has picked up the Louise Penny series which I love and is reading the first one now!

I have a few more things to share with you but will leave those for the next post.

For those of you who were enquiring about my back...

I had some X Rays of my back and hands, 

both have been very surprisingly stiff, uncomfortable and very painful.

 The doctor also ordered blood work.

I haven't seen my doctor since before Covid.

He is very busy and it takes a long time to get an appointment to see him.

He's thinking it may be arthritis 

 I won't know more until my follow up appointment in early May.

In the meantime I am taking Tylenol at night which is helping me sleep a bit better.

We'll see...

Hope that your week has some sunshine and fun packed into it.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Tea time, a french chic book and a drug store purchase...

Afternoon Tea in The Humble Bungalow

Canterbury pattern cup and saucer 

one of several patterns of tea cups that I use for my afternoon tea ritual.

I am on the lookout for a spectacular ornately decorated floral cup and saucer.

Reading an inspirational French themed book by Tish Jett

I read and enjoyed her first book Forever Chic.

A lovely tea from our local Tea Merchant Murchies

Paris Afternoon is sweet and tastes like a decadent dessert.

My last mascara was gloppy and had not performed that well.

Frustrated, 

but on a mission

 off I went to the local pharmacy to buy a new mascara.

Always one to seek advice from the knowledgeable gals in the cosmetics department 

I asked the clerk what she uses and could recommend.

Marcelle was her hands down winning performer.

 She handed me the gift pack that included a Kohl eye pencil.

This pencil is SO soft and easily lines the eye without tugging or pulling.

It is rather like Velvet Gel.

So now I am regularly defining my eyes with Kohl 

and they are the focus when wearing my mask.

New Year Goal

walk a minimum of 4 km each and every day

I've downloaded the Walk Meter App which is free and helps me track my distance.

The IPhone tracking is not that accurate but it does record the individual steps.

So I am using both to keep tabs on my progress.

Do you have any New Year resolutions or goals?

My winter accessories

consist of 

a cashmere scarf and a vintage Coach bag.

Do you switch out your handbag often?

I am a creature of habit and frequently use one for years...

I  have other bags.

A straw bag for summer

a vintage wine coloured quilted bag

a travel bag

a small vintage black Coach bag for evening.

Hope that you are staying safe.

Our provincial doctor has just extended our Covid restrictions until February.

Our numbers of new cases continue to go up...

hundreds are in hospital with many in critical care.

I'm going to have to get creative to help pass the time.

Another month of not seeing my grandchildren and family is going to be difficult.

I walk with a friend each week but we stay a safe distance from each other.

How are you coping?

Thank you for popping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~ 

Tea from Paris....and a new book which sounds so exciting!

Red flowering currant in our neighbours garden...

the hummingbirds love it!

Versailles Rose Tea

with

rose petals, grapefruit and sunflowers

The label is in French but I can provide you with a "rough" translation...

It is with a lot of love that I made this tea

the passion to do what I love 

and the love of a woman 

who is still waiting...

I am happy.

English Royal Chelsea cup and saucer

probably my favourite of the bunch.

A new mystery written by Jessica Fellowes...

she wrote all the companion books to the Downton Abbey series.

She is also the niece of Lord Julian Fellowes who wrote the Downton Abbey series.

I just finished reading Six, the book about the Mitford sisters

 and lo and behold this new book pops up on the shelf at the book sellers...

I grabbed the last copy!

 Also a new "can" to help me keep all the container plants well watered.

I like to have one on the front porch and one in the back so that I don't need to lug a heavy can throughout the garden and strain my back or arms.

My frozen shoulder has been slowly improving...

I am optimistic that it is in the thawing stage.

Tea time is over 

the flowers are in bloom and I am embracing the possibility of change.

Perhaps a trip?

Or maybe a new class or a course?

Feeling like I need to kick things up a notch...

What plans are you making?

Hope that your week is ticking along nicely...

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Beach walks...scenery snippets

The vibrant blue native camas is in full bloom.

This plant grows in and around the Gary Oak Meadows here in Victoria.

The First Nations Peoples used the root for food.

My walking partner and I went out for lunch at Lure

then we sauntered along the ocean front near Victoria's Inner Harbour.

It was a beautiful sunny afternoon and there were lots of people out and about enjoying the fine weather.

The scenery is aways changing on the waterfront...

boats, sea planes, kayaks, the Coho Ferry,

seals, otters, gulls, blue herons

Along the wide walks

we jostle for position

 baby carriages, joggers, walkers, and runners all share the space.

People sit on park benches and admire the view.

Picnic blankets are spread with snacks.

Tourists take photos.

The snow covered peaks of the Olympic Mountain range look so close

their stunning beauty frames the vista.

We chatter as we walk and gather speed...

I made the mistake of wearing my new periwinkle blue shoes without socks and today I have blisters on my heels.

(I should have worn my Merrell walking shoes with socks.)

I wore the same shoes to the beach on the previous day outing with the grandchildren.

They were fine on the sand and easy to transition back to the gravel lined playground where we played on the swings.

Mount Baker, which usually is in full view, was shrouded by low lying clouds.

The afternoon was chilly and the sky was grey.

The Willows Tea Room reopened for the season on April 29th.

This was where I would take mom.

Often we would sit with a pot of tea 

watch the passers by and sail and power boats on the sea...

Mom would smile

she was happy here.

Mom always loved an outing to Willows Beach.

 The Esplanade was a picturesque and gentle walk...

on a windy day she'd laugh at us braving the walk

in the rain with our brollies

she'd say how silly of us to try and walk 

in this beastly weather

Yet we would finish the walk and somehow feel energized.

When I revisit places that Mom and I regularly frequented

I feel a sadness creep in...

it is

not anything too overwhelming 

but my throat gets tight

and then I breathe as I picture her there beside me.

Our summertime picnics at Willows were always an adventure.

My basket with silverware and fine bone china

made passers by stop and comment.

My sister and I will be spreading Mom's ashes this coming week.

We have finished most of what we need to do for her estate and are ready to toast to Mom and dine in her favourite spot.

First we will swim in the pool

followed by a massage

and relax...

perhaps we'll even hop in the hot tub after dinner.

Mom and Dad in the early 1950's.

Dad died in 2007 and Mom in 2017

I'd like to think that they have been reunited and are watching over us as we remember, honour and celebrate their lives.

~ Love and Family ~

 the greatest gifts that I will cherish forever.

Hope that you have a lovely weekend.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

XO

OOTD, flowers, "serviettes vs. napkins"...

Surprise delivery of flowers from a friend...

a lovely and thoughtful gesture of kindness.

beautiful blooming buds 

such beauty 

soft delicate blush pink roses

sunlight on the floor

reflections

of the blinds

OOTD:

Northern Reflections crisp white shirt

NYDJ skinny jeans

Ferragamo flats

 Mr. HB took the photo...

it's a silly one

Delete?

Publish?

I am not a professional model and do not take myself too seriously...

so the pictures stay.

What is so funny you may ask?

Mr. HB was snapping photos so fast I could not keep up with him.

Stop now, please...

Crisp Fresh linen from Belgium

an extra large tea towel

that may be used as a tablecloth 

on our small arts and crafts 

kitchen table.

I noticed the pretty native lilies are blooming in the park.

Today I've been busy washing the bedding and catching up on the ironing. 

It is pouring rain outside and there is a chill in the air.

In the previous post 

several comments were made about the inappropriate use of the words 

"serviettes" and "napkins."

I use both...

We use paper "serviettes" as well as linen "napkins."

What about you?

ser·vi·ette

ˌsərvēˈet/Submit

nounBRITISHCANADIAN

plural noun: serviettes

a table napkin

nap·kin

ˈnapkən/

noun

1.

a square piece of cloth or paper used at a meal to wipe the fingers or lips and to protect garments, or to serve food on.

synonyms: table napkin, dinner napkin, cocktail napkin, serviette; More

2.

NORTH AMERICAN

another term for sanitary napkin.

What are your thoughts?

Tea is served in a variety of vessels here in The Humble Bungalow...

Emma Bridgewater mugs...

Fine bone china cups and saucers...

this one is my favourite as it is a wide deep bowl with a bright bold pattern. 

Speaking of favourite things...

My "go to casual fave" outfit.

Jeans, a white shirt or Tee

sterling bangles and pearls.

Chester found the one sunny spot for his nap.

Must close for now as I am making a new recipe for a comforting soup.

It is a curried sweet potato carrot and red lentil soup.

Vegetarian and perfect for a cold day like today.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow.

XO

The Humble Bungalow kitchen...and cats.

So before we get too far into this post let me just say that our current kitchen is not the original 1913 arts and crafts design or layout.
The kitchen had been muddled many times,
years before we even set eyes on it and it was a disaster.

Mr HB took time thinking about the improvements and figuring out a workable design...with 3 doors in the space and a set of stairs it was tricky...

The room off to the left is our TV room where we have two love seats.

The stove and island are in front of the stairs that lead 

 to the laundry room, hobby room, Mr. HB's work area and guest room.

Shaw French country sink and pantry cupboard on the right.

Glass fronted cupboards for crockery...

and an open workspace are essential.

Above the sink ~ windowsill orchids...

White ironstone

  an assortment 

Sophie Conran Portmeirion, 

Emma Bridgewater 

and 

vintage china.

McCoy basket weave pot with my favourite wooden spoons and spatulas.

Two of these pots sit behind the stove with utensils at the ready.

I like using wooden spoons and they develop a patina over time.

The radio is on when I am in the kitchen...

I tune into the CBC most of the time.

The Kitchen Aid...

I keep it handy on top of the counter as I find it so useful.

Many of my other seldom used appliances are hidden out of the way.

My day starts with a cafe creme every morning.

A luxury that I acquired while visiting Paris and SW France.

 This De Longhi espresso machine is small and efficient.

The sink "work station" 

domestic life needs some organization.

Many hours every day are spent in the kitchen by choice as I love to cook.

So naturally it plays a prominent role in our home.

Working in a space that is pleasing to the eye...

with tools and equipment that help it function efficiently 

and a few extras make my job here easier.

A drawer full of tea towels and napkins...

There is not a lot of storage on our small bungalow so I try not to buy too many gadgets.

Keeping things to a minimum is simple and it saves money too.

My feline "companions" are here most of the time keeping me company.

Chester lying on the table...

Pepper drinking from the tap...

I apologize for any inconvenience but in light of the recent flurry of spam and unpleasant comments

 I have opted to moderate all blog comments.

 ~ Be Well and Be Kind ~