Saturday Snippets ~ December 27th...

Thank you for all your Christmas Greetings :-))

Last post I fell behind responding as

I've been busy with the festive celebrations...

not enough hours in the day to do everything so some things fell by the wayside.

We've never been restrained when it comes to white fairy lights!!

They illuminate our dark bungalow and add warmth and ambiance.

Sabayons, a new store in our downtown opened up just before Christmas.

It is a special place with imported stock mostly from Europe.

It is the second store run by the owners of the Market Garden on Catherine Street.

Which is our "go to" for interesting and different food items.

Displays are exquisite...

The store is full of gorgeous things...who doesn't LOVE a picnic hamper?

Creative paper mache flowers were dotted around the shop.

Choose your own shade of paper and have some creative fun...

Soaps were plentiful and we opted not to buy any this trip.

 Next time...LOOK OUT !

I sniffed all the varieties and can say that I am smitten with their fragrances...

they'll make great gifts and I may need to test out a bunch to decide on the best one.

Eye Candy...

 The attention to detail reminds me of Paris Shops and window displays.

I am already excited to go back.

They are working on the second floor of the store.

This was the floor above the escalator...

the area where we glimpsed

the pianist playing the grand piano!

We purchased:

Raspberry Vinegar

Hot Pepper Jam

Honey Mustard

French Sable Cookies

Scented Candle

We've been using our new crib board and playing 2 games most days...

Hubby wins!

(I enjoy the game so I win too)

Boxing Day table set for our darling daughter and her husband.

On the menu...

Prime Rib of Beef Roast

Yorkshire Pudding

Maple Glazed Carrots

Brussell Sprouts

Mashed Potatoes

Gravy

Pavlova

topped with Bonne Maman Lemon Curd

Kiwi and Blueberries

and

Coconut Whipped Cream

I left the coconut whip off the dessert and had everyone top their own slice.

(I tend to go overboard with the whip)

You can see the two aerosol cans in the background.

(Lazy way of serving whipped cream, I know)

Mrs. Claus bought herself a cozy jacket...

I tried on the hooded version with plaid lining but the colour was not that flattering.

Quilted in navy blue...a shocking departure from the usual BLACK!

I need to branch out a bit more...take a risk.

Hope that you enjoyed your festivities and are ready to ring in the New Year.

In other news...

I got my surgery date and await further instructions and appointments.

Hopefully the procedure will go ahead as planned and that the results will be good.

The recovery sounds fairly quick but there are lots of rules, do's and don'ts.

Exercises and physio appointments.

By all accounts, if things go well, 3 months is the "back to normal" goal.

I'll close for now as we have to get ready for tomorrow when we host a games night and dinner here with our son, his girlfriend and the 3 grands.

All The Best To You!

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

October ~ A festival of colour and Gratitude.

 

Magnificent colourful display at The Market Garden in Victoria.

The shop is quite unique and has many wonderful items from around the Globe.

As soon as you enter the front door you are totally transported... 

it feels very European.

The displays are works of art.

I love to shop here and I never EVER leave empty handed!

Mr. HB is busy harvesting his home grown tomatoes...

so sweet and flavourful.

He grows some varieties in his greenhouse,

 the larger ones are grown in big pots outdoors.

These peppers should be yummy...

We've had a bumper crop of cucumbers this summer.

Eating a colourful variety of fruits and veggies is good for our health.

Paying extra attention to my consumption of food these days.

Particularly my food choices.

With osteoarthritis and a future hip replacement

 I am working on eliminating inflammatory foods.

They seem to exacerbate my pain.

I don't like to use aspirin or Tylenol on a regular basis.

Bought a stationary bike as per my surgeon's instructions.

Am riding 30 minutes everyday.

He told me that the fitter I am before the surgery means a faster recovery.

I pop my laptop on the stand and watch while pedalling.

It helps to keep my mind occupied while I am working out!

Lot's going on here with my decluttering too...

free stuff on the boulevard

things to the charity shops and a few better vintage items sold to a local shop.

The limelight hydrangeas are changing their colours for the season.

The rose shade adds interest and depth.

Most of the blooms will stay on the plants to over winter for the pollinators.

I've dried a bunch already and have them on display on the porch.

Most of those are a sepia shade...

Alum is supposed to help the hydrangeas keep their colour and form.

I dipped the stems in the powder and popped them in an inch of water...

fingers crossed.

Orange is a colour that I associate with October...

leaves change their colour

festive pumpkins grow.

There is so much beauty in nature during Autumn...

it is so wonderful to be outdoors breathing the crisp fresh air.

I've been foraging outdoors in our garden.

Need to take a walk to the local cemetery where large Pine and Fir cones are found.

Where the leaves have fallen and generously carpet the paths...

I might hear an Owl or see the local Deer.

Perhaps I will visit the family graves.

Thanksgiving is almost here in Canada...

we'll be celebrating with two dinners.

One with our son, girlfriend, and the grandchildren.

Another with our daughter and her husband.

Feeling grateful for our family.

There is so much to be thankful for...

Well that's it for now...

hopefully you'll stay tuned for another post.

I appreciate you popping by The Humble Bungalow Blog!

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Home in The Humble Bungalow ~ Who Knew I was SO ready to POST?

 ~ Last Week of Summer at The Cottage ~ 

The weather was warm and sunny

with a whisper of wind...

The pool was open and there were only a few cottagers on site.

This particular afternoon we had the entire pool to ourselves.

It was so relaxing floating with my pool noodle and moving my legs.

I find the movement in the warm water very helpful for my arthritis.

I've started taking Canadian made TruMarine Collagen...

apparently skin, hair and joint pain will benefit from Collagen.

It's been a few weeks and I am pleased to report that my hair has stopped falling out!

Seriously that was FAST!!!

My skin is clear...

Joint pain in my hips may take up to 5 months to be reduced.

(according to the research)

IF it helps it will be a real bonus.

I am also changing up my diet...

working hard on eating a diet of anti-inflammatory foods.

Cauliflower is a powerful veggie and is reported to reduce inflammation....

Recipe is from Barefoot Contessa's Modern Comfort Food.

Roasted cauliflower with anchovies, capers, lemon juice, rind 

topped with a bit of grated parmesan cheese.

Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

Roasted Cauliflower 

SO GOOD!

I found some "good things"

(isn't that what Martha Stewart used to say?)

at the Thrift Shops last week...

Two Vintage German porcelain Egg Cups.

Found a day apart in two different thrifts!!

Our Quarter Share Cottage, 

(why I named it Quarterdeck Cottage.)

At Otter Bay.

The ferry dock is very close...

we watch the ferries come and go.

We wondered if the ferry traffic would be an issue when we purchased the share.

Surprisingly it has turned out to be a form of entertainment.

When we see 5 ferries out on The Salish Sea we all shout FERRY YACHTZEE.

 ~ OOTD ~ 

Akoya Pearls and a white TEE

worn here with my new French Dressing Jeans

& 

Thrifted Ralph Lauren Striped Oversize Tee.

Thrifted Vintage Paste Crystal choker...

I hummed and hawed...

Should I buy it?

Would I wear it?

I did buy it...

Still not sure...

I know 2 darling granddaughters who might have fun wearing it :-))

No Regrets...

Time will Tell.

I captured some lovely sunset images...

with the mild weather we sat outside after dinner.

We don't watch much TV or stream shows when we are at the cottage...

daytime we walk, read, swim, play crib ( I lose) 

and I knit.

We savour the views and keep an eye out for sealife...

otters, seals, whales,

So much birdsong with many new songs that the Merlin App help to identify.

Home here back in The Humble Bungalow.

All is quiet...

Mr. HB is out in the garden weeding and planting bulbs.

I've been reactivating my sourdough starter, a batch of dough is on the counter.

Laundry is done...

So moving forward...some dietary changes are afoot.

Hopefully some weight loss might occur.

I meet with the surgeon this week,

 will find out if I am a candidate for a hip replacement.

I do wonder why my hip is worn out...

did I walk too much?

Have I been negligent of not getting enough calcium?

I have Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis.

I had a Hysterectomy in my early 40's so perhaps the lack of estrogen is to blame?

Whatever the case, I plan to fight.

If you've got any sage advice about inflammation and diet...

or arthritis 

or hip replacements...

I am all ears.

Don't be shy...

Share your thoughts.

Women need to stick together and share their wisdom.

These fluffy clouds felt like waving handkerchiefs at sunset..

were they waving hello or goodbye?

I appreciate you 

stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog :-))

In this vast world which is undergoing uncertainty,

we need to focus on making a positive difference in our daily round.

If you are able...

Do something nice for your family, friends, neighbours.

It need not be a BIG thing...

simple gestures can be such a welcome gesture.

OK that's all from me...for now, until next time.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Mother's Day Post and a wee bit of shopping...

Happy Mother's Day!

Hope that you are having a good one...

Whether you are celebrating with your family

perhaps remembering and honouring your precious memories of your Mom

or sharing this special day with other women...

Cheers to all of the great women in our lives who helped us.

Who mentored us in our careers...

inspired and cheered us on

and 

continue to be beacons of light.

We were at the cottage last week...

the weather was great!

It was a mixed bag of activities and meals were quite simple.

Knitting, reading, beach combing, thrifting, visiting with friends.

I am surprised that we didn't even get in one game of crib!!

Found more sea glass and a vintage boat "block" at the thrift shop.

I like the distressed look of the block with its peeling paint...and a wee bit of rust.

Summer feels like it is on the way.

My trusty vintage Eddie Bauer sunhat...going into its 3rd decade 

(Thank you Patricia !) 

Found feathers add to the age and charm...

Hosted a Happy Hour on the Deck...

We sat outside until the winds picked up and practically blew us indoors!!

I bought a new sweater by the French Company Saint James...

it was on sale locally at W&J Wilson's.

I have a Breton striped top and a Black sweater by the same company.

The quality of their clothing is absolutely top notch.

Periwinkle Blue Cashmere Cardigan...

reminds me of the shutters in Provence.

Will be a workhorse in my wardrobe....

Paired well with my Akoya Pearls and a simple white Tee.

Wore it with my wide legged black rayon pants.

Black Vessi slip on shoes.

In other news :

Won the Mother's Day draw at a la mode Consignment in Oak Bay!!!

Will be picking up my gift when they open on Tuesday.

Thank you Alexa :-))

If you live in Victoria and shop in Oak Bay don't miss this gem of a shop...

We are so fortunate here in Victoria to have a variety of great second hand and consignment shops...so many great ones. I LOVE shopping in this shop!

My other faves are :

Twice is Nice

House of Savoy

Well I have my first cold since Covid hit the planet...

So I am feeling a wee bit foggy in the brain.

Will close for now as

I need to pop the kettle on and make some honey and lemon.

Hope that you are feeling good and keeping your spirits up.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Almost Easter...

The Erythronium Lilies are in bloom...

Easter is almost here.

Are you celebrating with an Easter dinner with friends or family?

The lily plants have been multiplying since we planted them 

over a decade or so ago...

I love their delicate form and nodding heads.

We have some Native white Fawn lilies but they are slow to multiply.

Dried Annabelle hydrangeas are still hanging out in the dining room.

Picked them last year when they were in full bloom.

They've faded but they still perk up the dark corner here in The Humble Bungalow.

The hallway was bathed in morning sunlight and I had to capture the moment.

A different view of the Hall and Dining Room 

to the right is the small living room.

I've been washing the inside windows...

we hired a local company do the outside a week ago.

I cannot reach the high small panes as my step stool is too low 

 I do not like working on step ladders!

It feels too wobbly and risky to be 5 feet off the ground.

Not sure if we will just live with them slightly hazy?

Perhaps hire that same company to come inside next time, 

in the fall perhaps?

Do you wash all your windows?

Spring cleaning is rewarding once the tasks have been done...

I find now at 70, that I procrastinate.

I do keep the house "tidy" and try to keep "clutter" under control.

How do you feel about housework?

Dust and cat hair are always with us...

with 2 cats and an old home we seem to be constantly vacuuming and dusting.

When we were at the Cottage I treated myself to a bunch of yellow roses...

too bad that greenhouse roses from the florist are not fragrant.

They lasted the entire week...glowed bright and bold such a sunny shade.

I changed the water daily and recut them twice,

 first when I got to the cottage

then again halfway through the week.

On the yellow theme I purchase a new cookbook!

I follow Julius Roberts on Instagram...he is a farmer and a chef.

The picture from his book spoke to me!!!

I knew that this simple recipe would be amazing...

So flavourful...

I learned how to spatchcock a chicken too.

The fragrance from the pan was unbelievably rich.

Served it with mashed potatoes and some steamed fresh asparagus.

We had enough for two meals and then I used the carcass for soup.

Keeping things fresh and interesting is very much on my radar.

A new Ikebana presentation was advertised...

Happily my friend and I attended.

Such a simple idea to find things in nature and make them into beautiful art.

The black container is so interesting...

a curly twiggy branch

 reeds, a pink rhododendron and some feathery foliage.

Leafy branches, red rhododendron blooms and a twiggy branch on the table.

Gerbera daisies, flowing curvy branches and some Pieris in a shallow dish.

The presenter has taken 120 lessons.

 She has learned all the rules and principles of the practise and has graduated to the "freeform" stage of Ikebana.

She suggested that we look for interesting vases and bowls at the local thrift shops.

The Kenzens are available online.

 We are fortunate to have a local shop here in town that sells them...

Gardener's Kit.

I bought 4 small ones and a large round one.

It's fun to learn new things and explore creative pursuits and hobbies.

What are you learning?

A new skill, or a foreign language?

Pottery, Sewing, A Craft?

The weather has been sunny and warm these past few days.

My skin is sensitive and I have rosacea 

so I ordered some Eminence sunscreen from a Canadian website.

They have reformulated their powdered sunscreen...

I like how easy it is to use and it is buildable.

There is a built in brush.

We've got a Federal election here in Canada and we vote soon...

it is a very important election what with new trade war and the tariffs.

I hope we can build a stronger Canada, one that will not result in a recession.

We've got many issues that need fixing...

our medical system needs more doctors and nurses

there are too many people that are homeless

 lots of families are struggling financially.

~ PLEASE VOTE ~

Well I have to get some dinner ready now.

On the menu tonight...

Tossed green salad, gnocchi with cheese and bacon, Maple BBQ chicken thighs.

Thank you for taking time to pop in and read my blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~