Monday morning...a few snippets...Victoria Sponge Cake!

 

Thank you for all the get well wishes...

I responded to your kind comments in the past post.

Life is rather slow here in The Humble Bungalow as I am following doctor's orders.

I CAN be quiet and REST despite my busy brain.

Fever has gone and I have 5 more antibiotic pills left to take.

Go for more tests next week and a CT scan with dye will be arranged.

I have also booked a haircut and a pedicure.

(NEEDS MUST)

My husband kindly chauffeured me to the local library...

I found 3 books in about 15 minutes which might be a record.

Reading and copious cups of tea are my go to cure all.

I made a quick pilgrimage to Murchie's for Queen Victoria Blend Tea.

I'm not a daytime TV watcher...never have been.

Books to the rescue.

Am almost finished this Kate Atkinson book...

set in 1920's London

A seedy view of the clubbing scene with drugs, sex, booze, and murder.

Despite the dark side of the life that The Bright Young Things dabble in,

 I am drawn to the glamour...flutes of champagne, dresses, furs and flashy cars.

The book is a departure from Kate's usual themes 

but is incredibly well written, atmospheric and rich.

One of the newer roses in The Humble Bungalow Garden is in bloom.

Meet Betsy Sinclair, a rose that Robin Sinclair cultivated in the memory of his wife.

Robin used to own and run The Brentwood Bay Nursery 

where I purchased most of the David Austin roses that started my collection.

He still dabbles in horticulture and  a friend of mine volunteers out there...

she was able to secure the purchase of this rose for me.

The rose is gorgeous and the scent is fragrant with a citrus overtone.

It reminds me a bit of my favourite David Austin Rose Jude the Obscure.

Joseph's Coat Rose

Staying at home more has opened my eyes to the coziness of our old bungalow.

Cocooning in my bathrobe longer in the mornings feels like a luxury...

no rushing, 

hardly anything to make me get up and get going :-))

Simple meals served by my husband...

a combination of deli food and take out ~ healthy and delicious.

This morning I decided to make some sourdough bread...

that is my mission for the day!

I feel a wee bit like an Edwardian woman...

drinking tea and reading

occasionally looking outside at the lovely flowers

contemplating the songs of the birds

slowly

rubbing rich hand cream into my idle hands.

Dreaming of wellness and future activities of my own choosing.

There is a garden party for some friends in a week

 I plan to make my favourite Victoria Sponge Cake.

These sweet peas are SO fragrant!

I popped them into a wee vintage battered silver jug.

I think the jug cost $3 and it had been passed up by many a shopper.

I kept seeing it on the shelf getting dustier and dustier, looking so forlorn.

It is my newest thrift shop vase!

Am so looking forward to attending...

it's lovely to be invited into a lush garden for tea

with friends.

Friends in a garden... Tea and Cake

What could be nicer?

Have you got any lovely plans coming up in the next few weeks?

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

I am calling in sick....

 

Love these simple white blooms with the yellow stamens.

A garden filled with all white flowers is stunning and elegant.

Do you have a colour theme in your garden?

Ours is a riot of colour.

My foray into black and white photography continues...

The Royal Oak Pharmasave is an amazing place to shop

they have some great buyers and a wide variety of gift items, clothing and travel accessories.

While perusing the aisles I spied this new cuticle lotion.

I tried the sample tube and walked around the store buying the items on my list.

When I was finished I went back to the display and grabbed a tube.

Made in Vancouver BC

Emollient, rich and it absorbs right into the skin.

using only a pea size amount I think this will be a hand and cuticle 

"game changer."

Am suffering with a nasty kidney infection that stems from those UTI's.

I ended up going to the ER as the pain in my back was so intense I could not sleep a wink.

The doctor decided that I should have a CT scan 

which showed the kidney infection

there is also a kidney stone floating inside the kidney.

First off I had never had a CT scan 

so when the nurse wheeled me off to the imaging unit

I was actually gobsmacked!

It was a huge white space age looking Seimens machine.

I am on some new antibiotics and hope that they kick the bacterial infection.

I'll be back to more tests after I finish the 10 days of pills.

The ER was a CRAZY BUSY place...

the staff was amazing.

The doctor and nurse who were helping me were so professional and calm.

The nurse Sarah was young, very sweet and had a bubbly personality.

The Dr had excellent bedside manner and was very attentive.

It felt to me that they were working under extremely challenging chaotic and stressful circumstances...

yet they both remained calm and treated me like I was the only patient in their care.

I have dropped off a small gift bag for each of them.

Tea, chocolate, and some triple milled French soaps with a card of thanks for each.

I still have a fever, am tired and so I am not doing too much as I recuperate.

Tea and reading every afternoon and perhaps a nap.

Alliums in an antique jug.

I am reading this series at top speed!

When I woke up early this morning I made a pot of coffee and got stuck in...

there are a few chapters left to read but will save them for tomorrow.

Isn't it fun when you find a series that you love to read and the author is still adding more books to the series?

Everyone seems to rave about this Thursday Murder Club Series.

My husband laughs out loud when he read the books!

~ Pink snow ~

Constance Spry 

a fragrant David Austin climbing rose in the Humble Bungalow Garden.

We can see people stop as they walk by and look up...

many remark about the fragrance and other swoon over the blooms.

All the roses are doing their best to knock our socks off right now.

I am barefoot and in awe of their extreme beauty.

Roses ARE my FAVOURITE FLOWER :-))

Perhaps you love them too?

I'm going to keep this post short and sweet.

Make a cup of peppermint tea...

wash and moisturize my face 

put my nightie on and lay down

wrap myself in a cozy blanket 

and watch some TV.

Hope that you are all well...

 MY personal PSA 

(heads up)

intense pain is a signal to take action

when it comes to your urinary system don't wait

ACT!

I think I waited too long and things went sideways.

I'll be slowly on the mend 

which sounds like it could be for many weeks.

Take Care

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~ 

June Roses in The Humble Bungalow Garden, swimsuit shopping and a recipe for an at home Spa Day.

June in The Humble Bungalow Garden 

is all about the roses.

Constance Spry is putting on a fabulous show here on the pergola.

The side garden patio is nestled between a lush border of Lady's Mantle

 a bed with two apple trees, various roses and foxgloves.

It's a lovely spot to sit and take tea.

I snapped this photo while sitting with my tea...

you can see the tool shed through the "jungle!"

My husband and I went on the Victoria Hospice Teeny Tiny Garden Tour.

We really enjoyed our day perusing the various gardens on the tour.

I got a few ideas to add to our garden...

for example we could use a water feature, and some more planters with annuals.

I'd also like to find some bamboo wind chimes and a tall wind ornament.

We have volunteered our garden for the fundraising tour next year...

it will be up to the coordinator in charge to decide if ours is worthy.

Climbing Royal Sunset Rose

fragrant and a vigorous growing variety.

Jude the Obscure is blooming!

It is my favourite rose.

I actually Love So Many Roses...

it is rather difficult choosing just one favourite.

The Miraclesuit shown here is 3 or 4 years old and is losing it's shape.

The Aqua Fit classes are fabulous fun!

I didn't know how much I would enjoy them.

The class is an hour and we are moving continuously.

The movements do not aggravate my arthritis or hurt my joints.

I dislike swimsuit shopping but I NEED a NEW one.

There is a limit on the number of suits that you can take into the change room

so you can try on maybe 6 then have to get dressed and take back the 6 to the clerk at the desk.

So it makes swimsuit shopping a really frustrating challenge.

It was a surprise finding this black suit.

I had already been to the Marshall's store 4 times in search of a decent style and fit.

Well this just proves that old saying...if at first you don't succeed Try Try Again.

Simon Chang

The wrap style is flattering.

I chose the size up for added comfort.

I am short so the adjustable straps are a nice feature.

The suit was $35 and I couldn't believe what good value it was.

My physio appointments are weekly and I am getting IMS treatments.

I have had two sessions so far.

I am hopeful that these will help loosen up the taut and tight muscles 

that are causing the pain in my lower back.

My doctor recommended them so I am hoping that they will make a difference.

It will be nice not to need any pain medication and be able to walk 5km as well as attend the Aqua Fit classes.

Sleep is much better with a thick pillow propped underneath my knees.

I lie on my back which is the most comfortable position.

I am learning to relax my back and get a better sleep.

Back to the garden...

Lady Angela a fragrant David Austin Rose is blooming.

She is a pretty variety and is trained as a climber.

Lots of flowers repeat throughout the summer.

I like to have some fresh flowers above the kitchen sink.

I spend a lot of time washing dishes and gazing out the window.

Eagles often soar high above in the sky floating in the air.

We live in an area quite close to the downtown and yet we have lots of urban wildlife.

Deer, raccoons, European Wall Lizards, eagles, owls, crows and various songbirds.

There are always some animal antics or birds entertaining us in the garden.

~ Hey Jude ~ 

Buds 

Blooms Present and Past

I've been busy this week and am planning some quiet time.

My energy and enthusiasm for social events are not always in sync.

Do you schedule days where you stay at home and relax?

I find I like to be out and about so much more than recharging at home.

You would think that I might not want to miss out on something!

(Life can be so full of fun that it is a challenge to wean myself off of the excitement)

After chatting with, and reading blog posts from women my age

I have found that many are "under the weather" because 

they have been "burning the candle at both ends."

So as an observer 

I have made note and am going to enact a day of quiet.

Perhaps a Spa Day?

Spa Day Bath Salt Recipe

What do you like to do when you feel the need for some self care?

Do you book yourself into a hotel?

Reserve a pampering package of treatments at a local spa?

Stay in your pajamas all day read a good book, sip tea and munch on chocolate?

I do love a great chocolate bar...

Lindt creamy milk chocolate with hazelnuts is my current favourite.

Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog.

Take Care

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

June 7th ~ Lots to chat about so I have written an early blogpost

This soft Merona Tencel dress was hanging in the Thrift Shop

just waiting for me!

I couldn't buy it fast enough...

I felt like the woman in that IKEA advert that says Start The Car!!!

Target carried the brand when they had a store here in Victoria 

a few years ago, which BTW I loved.

Frankly I was VERY disappointed when they closed the store.

It reminded me of The Monoprix in France...

a little bit of everything and food too!

So I have worn this dress 6 times since purchasing it...

I pair it with white capri leggings and my blue suede sandals

or Blue Converse Sneakers.

The fabric is dreamy...SO SOFT!

It reminds me of a well worn favourite but without the wear and tear or holes.

I wore it in the garden while deadheading the roses 

(with pearls and my chartreuse green linen apron)

 my husband said "That is the perfect dress for the garden!"

It is rare that he comments on my attire, so I was both pleased AND surprised.

I LOVE getting a bargain at a thrift shop.

Of course I had to purge a few items this past week...

I don't like to have the closet too crowded.

Our Bungalow is so very short on storage 

so I am mindful of accumulating too much STUFF.

I really dislike CLUTTER but I do love to collect...

it is a fine line that I walk.

This week I picked up a plant pot and a lone floral china teacup 

left for free at the side of the road...

I have a wee bit of a problem passing up FREE stuff!

Himalayan Blue Poppies blooming at Government House.

These are very difficult to grow, you can buy seeds at Butchart Gardens.

This grouping of poppies look very happy and healthy.

Walking at Government House is even nicer now that their tearoom is open.

The exotic plants make for an educational saunter and there are plant sales as well.

I recently met up with a long time reader Sue K Blaney, 

I brought her back to The Humble Bungalow Garden for a quick peek

then up to Government House for a walkabout.

She and her husband were on a tour visiting Victoria and Vancouver.

We had a few hours to walk, admire the gardens, and enjoy the spectacular views across to the Olympic Peninsula and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Afterwards

 We went to the Demitasse Garden Center and Cafe for a coffee 

because the tearoom was closed.

Peonies are in their heyday right now at the Gardens.

The bees just love these flowers.

We had some former clients of my husband's here for a garden tour and a happy hour.

I picked a few of our fragrant David Austin Roses 

placed them on the table in the sunshine then brought them inside where they promptly wilted but they still look gorgeous.

Fragrant Climbing Royal Sunset Roses

popped into my wee vintage Elephant and Urn Vase.

I've had this small vessel for about 20 years...I paid 35 cents for it.

I've shared it here before and we talked about how it is good luck for the elephant trunk to be raised upwards.

Sourdough Starter is coming in handy for other baking projects these days.

I regularly bake the boule, but now I am baking scones and biscuits.

I found two great recipes online and they have been well received 

so now I can add them to my regular repertoire!

Ignore this tidbit of news if you want but I've got a UTI...

am on antibiotics and it's the second one in weeks.

Perhaps the first one didn't get completely cleared up?

I am trying to increase my daily quotient of water.

I have friends who are plagued with these infections and suffer a LOT!

Truly, I haven't had anything like this, in many many years.

My sympathies to those of you who struggle with them...

I hope this is not the start of a new health issue.

The Aquafit classes continue to be a source of pure JOY.

I do miss my long walks but I am getting used to getting wet in the pool!

This week a woman complimented me on my bathing suit...

another one of my bargain finds at the local Marshalls Store.

Miraclesuit.

We are constantly in motion in the pool and the lively music helps me keep the beat.

My arms are getting a great workout too using the foam dumbbells in the pool.

I must look very serious as I have to focus so much on the instructor.

Other women in the class know what to expect and I am sure 

that in time I will as well.

Current Book Stack...

I started reading Richard Osman's The Man Who Died Twice...

told my husband about the book and he's keen to read the series too...

He zipped out to the bookshop and bought the two other books.

He's reading the first one now, The Thursday Murder Club.

The third is The Bullet That Missed and there is another one due out very soon!

When I was on Pender at Talisman Books 

the owner asked if she could help me find anything...

we got chatting and exchanged our tastes in books.

She recommended The Outlander and Ridgerunner by Gil Adamson

her book club read them and she (they) loved them so much.

I chose The Mayfair Bookshop on a whim.

What are you reading?

Golden Celebration Rose

Well I have rambled on about enough stuff for now...

don't want to bore you.

Please let me know how things are going with you.

I am enjoying the refreshing dialogue that we are having on the blog.

It keeps things interesting.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Hostess OOTD ~ "Edgy Biker Style"

 

Butchart Gardens was one of the highlights that I enjoyed last week.

Walking slowly taking note of the gorgeous flowers on a sunny day was such a tonic.

We munched on a healthy salad sitting in the shade in the main courtyard.

Watching people come and go and listening to their delighted comments.

Butchart Gardens is a JOY to behold.

Moving on to an edgier OOTD...

~ Dressing Room Selfie ~

I went shopping for a new denim dress.

I love the denim jumper that I bought so much, I decided a dress would be handy.

It was a petite and on sale so what's not to love?

~ OOTD ~ 

The faux leather biker "Moto" style jacket is getting lots of wear.

I paired it with a simple white tee ~ Lands' End

Jeans  ~ MNG 

Chelsea boots ~ Josef Seibel

Faux Leather

Moto Style 

oodles of "edgy biker" details

great fit and very comfy to wear.

~ Reitman's ~  

a Canadian brand that hearkens back many decades.

I have just rediscovered the store...

reasonable prices

a wide range of sizes

(petites ~ plus size)

cute styles

My test results are in and I have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis.

My hands, back and hips are affected.

 I won't be moaning about my health, I am taking the news in my stride.

After all, I am 68, so some aches and pains are to be expected.

An appointment is booked to see a physiotherapist who specializes in osteoarthritis.

She will give me advice on exercises and administer IMS treatments.

I've been reading up on the condition and will be going to the pool for aquafit

there will be shorter walks, 

perhaps twice a day instead of one longer walk.

My Doctor has ordered a new bone density test as I have osteopenia.

He's asked me to take a higher dose of Vitamin D

and

take anti inflammatory pain medication as needed.

I've baked the sourdough, have a load of laundry in the wash.

This weekend The King was crowned...

Did you watch the ceremony?

The highlights I saw looked incredible.

It's the dawn of a new era for the Royals.

I do miss Her Majesty the Queen.

So what are your plans for the coming week?

Anything exciting?

Things might be kind of quiet here after such a busy week...

Will try out the pool and see what the Aquafit classes are like.

My responses to your comments are at the end of the comment section...

I am unable to respond to each comment automatically through Blogger

so if you comment as anonymous 

please put your name somewhere so I can respond at the end.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Last Week ~ in a wink of an eye...

 

Gorgeous flowers

a surprise cottage welcome bouquet from a friend.

Springtime seems to have finally arrived at the Cottage...

warmer days and sunny skies.

Such a tonic after all the grey gloom and rain.

~ Thrift Shop Finds ~

Adams English ironstone jug and a well used wood board

A soft wool sweater...

it is lovely but is a wee bit too small.

I have a friend who stretched a lovely wool sweater by washing it in conditioner and manually stretching it back into a larger size!

I hope the conditioner trick works!

Read this book and loved it...

set in a charming picturesque area of Cornwall

involves a woman who has a daughter

is recently separated

and

with her mother buys a rambling old house on a cove by the sea.

This book appealed to me on so many levels...

I would LOVE to buy an old rambling home by the sea and redecorate!!

If one cannot have a rambling old home by the sea...

how about a week at the cottage once a month?

(I cannot nor dare not complain, I am immensely grateful)

My husband brought a few lettuce plants with us so we could harvest it fresh.

He really has discovered his "green thumb" upon his retirement.

The expansive sea views feed my soul.

They never "get old" and there is always something to see.

Boats, otters, whales, birds...

I baked a sourdough boule and two kinds of cookies.

Found a "flat oyster" shell on the beach...

they are a European variety.

I walk the local beaches daily in search of sea glass and the occasional shell.

I am surprised by the amount of glass I find.

There must be 8 or 9 jars full downstairs here in The Humble Bungalow.

What to do with it?

I suppose if I felt creative I could make mosaics...

for now I just keep it on the window ledge in the vintage sealer jars.

Have you read Anne Morrow Lindbergh's book Gift From The Sea?

I love the gentle story that she weaves of her time spent alone in a small rustic cabin on the beach.

She went there to rest, restore and recharge...

we all need a place to find solace and peace.

Years ago when life was really busy and hectic I went to the Spa for relaxation.

It was not a frugal option, but I was working and could justify the expense.

As a retiree, now living on a pension, I chose to find relaxation in Nature.

~ Things I find soothing ~

puttering in the garden

 reading a good book

knitting

sipping a cup of tea from a pretty vintage cup

baking bread

walking

beach combing

soaking in the tub

looking in thrift shops

ironing linens 

What do you find soothing?

Our week at the cottage passed so fast...

in the blink of an eye and here we are back home in The Humble Bungalow.

Well I have a busy week ahead...

lots of social things planned and will be catching up with friends.

How about You?

What does your week ahead have in store?

Hope its a good one.

Until next time...

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~