May Daze...snapshots and snippets

 

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 ~

April Showers ~ Bring May Flowers

 

There is a smattering of rain outside today.

The gardens need the moisture.

The weather is mild and there is a symphony of birdsong.

Hummingbirds are flitting about...

I've been following the advice of the physiotherapist and kinesiologist.

Exercising and walking daily.

My new hip is getting a workout...

actually I think it is the muscles

that are getting the exercise and feel much more stronger.

I'm feeling less dependant on my cane and am now able to sleep better.

Thank goodness I can sleep on my side now.

The surgeon suggested that I buy some silicone cream, 

apply and gently massage the scar.

He told me that plastic surgeons tell their patients to do this...

This is my routine now after my morning shower and before I go to bed at night.

I went to the mall to buy some white pants...

Bagatelle wide legged pants in my size came home with me.

I took a picture but it is such a bad photo...

the outfit looks terrible but you get the idea of the pants.

Pants that fit are scarce (rare as hen's teeth) in my closet 

since losing almost 25 pounds.

I've had a couple of emails about my weight loss and how I achieved it...

 it started last October after meeting the surgeon.

It was gently suggested that if I lost some weight that I would not be in as much pain.

WOW!

That's what I needed to hear.

The pain was BAD.

So I cut out all alcohol.

(my daily wine was just a habit)

I started eating more protein and removing most breads and starchy carbs.

My lunches are Greek high protein plain yogurt, fresh fruit, and some chopped walnuts.

 ~ OR ~

Simple green salad with 2 hard boiled eggs and a homemade vinaigrette.

(I add a few nuts and sliced French pickles)

Dinners are lean chicken or fish, a couple servings of seasonal steamed veggies.

Every so often I add a baked potato or small portion 3/4 cup of rice.

For the first 6 months NO SWEETS.

Now I have a few pieces of chocolate or a couple of digestive biscuits with my afternoon tea.

I've had a few muffins when I have gone out for coffee, some biscotti and cookies.

These treats mean I compensate by walking more or cutting back on my main meals.

I'm wearing KUR Veil #8 by Londontown.

I need to paint several coats to get this darker coverage.

The shade is pretty and I like how easy the Kur polishes are to apply.

I found the cutest top by Cut Loose at Adventure Clothing on Oak Bay Avenue.

It has a crinkly texture and I adore the stripes.

The pockets are a cute detail too...

 

This will work with my black pants, jeans and the new white pants.

~ Anemone ~

Ground cover in The Humble Bungalow Garden.

Love the "almost periwinkle" blue shade.

We have a white one out front and this one is on the side near the slate patio.

We hung this vintage mirror last year before the Teeny Tiny Garden Tour.

The Hospice fundraiser had us perking up the garden for several weeks and we saw this idea in another garden and a friend gave us this mirror so we painted it black.

I quite like the effect...

All our garden furniture is black...

several iron tables and chairs 

the 2 new

Adirondack chairs are black.

Lots of our pots are black too...black seems to be a good background for colours.

New black cushions for the front porch.

My usual red geraniums...

after planting, sweeping and fluffing the cushions

I brewed a pot of tea and sat on the front porch and enjoyed the peace and quiet.

~ Flowers are wonderful ~

So many varieties, colours and forms.

I love seeing flowers on my walks and when I wander around our garden.

I think I have "aged" since my surgery...

my skin feels drier and I am now using a facial moisturizing oil from Merit.

Drinking more water as I think I need to add moisture from the inside out :-))

My body has been working overtime to heal too so it might be tired.

Losing weight has shown on my face...

more wrinkles have appeared.

Well I am 71 so that's what should I expect.

I do feel like I am getting stronger and my sleep has improved.

Getting outside in the fresh air and sunshine does give me a boost.

My energy seems to be improving too...

(will work on getting stronger and report back soon with an update)

Well that's enough about me...How are YOU?

Hope that you are doing well.

Leave a comment and let me know what's new.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

January ~ Chit Chat Catch Up & Thrifted Wardrobe Basics

 

~ Rose ~

Pope John Paul ll

Blooming in the Humble Bungalow mid January!

There are about a dozen buds ~ the weather is incredibly wet, but temps are mild.

If we get a freeze many many plants will be hit hard and not all will survive...

Fingers crossed that we don't lose many like we did a few years ago.

In my ongoing attempt to avoid carbs...
 I made meatballs in sauce and served them with a green salad.

They were delicious and I didn't miss the pasta.

I've been watching a variety of videos on You Tube about French Fashion...

Turns out that Blazers are a "Thing" and I haven't owned one for decades!

Well, I must confess that the power of persuasion is VERY real

 So I started my search...

In second hand and thrift stores...tried on many different types.

Plaids, tweeds, denim, boiled wool, canvas, knits...

None worked until I went to the Turnabout Luxury Resale store...

I had just finished a Yoga class across the street

spent time chatting and catching up with a former colleague 

and thought I would Pop In.

The blazer is black, was marked down, I tried it on, and that was it...

Reading a lovely book set in Cornwall...

Black Rabbit Hall by Eve Chase.

Eve wrote The Wilding Sisters which I also have in my TBR pile.

I'm enjoying the story and loving the large manor house and gardens...

can totally visualize the scenery and the dilapidation of the old house.

The author has a way with words, 

so vivid that it makes the reader feel they are right there!

One of the recent rainy afternoons I felt like baking...

I perused some old cookbooks and came across the recipe for Lazy Daisy Cake.

Have you ever made it?

All the ingredients were available in my pantry cupboard and fridge so away we go...

back to the 1970's

It was yummy

(cake = carbs)

I gained 9 ounces over a few days and a couple of pieces...

well in all honesty

it could have been the fact that I haven't walked much due to the rain.

I am trying to walk at the mall out of the weather and the floors are even...

so not many hazards except shopping!!!

Wooly Cozy Green sweater...

thrifted in Sidney

Accessorized with my thrifted vintage brooch.

Found it on Salt Spring Island last year.

Sparkles in the sunshine.

Butler Brand aka Fifth Avenue Collection

~ Bird of Paradise ~

(1988-1992)

The wool sweater is great with my black puffer vest...

wore the wool beret that I found in a James Bay thrift shop.

Surprising how cozy and warm a turtleneck is...have not had one in many years.

Treated myself to Murchie's Mint Tea!

So flavourful...this is how mint tea should taste.

Closing in on the 20 pound mark though which is very encouraging...

but it seems that I may have hit a plateau.

Hubby is working in the lower level of the bungalow...

he's building shelves and cleaning up and finishing his workspace.

There will be a new pantry/storage area for my extra household supplies.

The big bulky packages of toilet paper, paper towels, big sacks of flour

cases of tinned goods which I try to purchase 

when there is a good price at the supermarket.

All will be painted white and there will be some new wood flooring to finish it off.

I'll try to post a picture when it is all finished.

The surgery date is in late February which is not far off!

Any birthday celebrations ( March 3rd) will have to be put on the back burner

as they will only be a couple of days after my procedure.

I've been buying a few things for my post surgery recovery...

2 piece soft and roomy cozy grey top and pants outfit from the Gap

2 sports bras with front zips as it might be awkward to do up my regular bras.

(twisting is to be avoided)

Dressing will be uber casual especially the first week or so...

might just wear my nightie for a few days.

No one will see me except Mr. HB and he's not The Fashion Police!

(I suppose I could wear my pearls as they elevate any outfit)

How is your New Year shaping up?

What's new?

Have you any travel plans?

Started a new course, fitness class, read any great books?

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

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 ~