Health, Hips, and new things on my radar and in my closet!

 

~ Glorious Fall Colour ~

I went for a walk in the cemetery with my sister and we visited the family plot.

This "avenue" of plain trees is quite magnificent and changes throughout the seasons.

The dappled sun and birdsong lifted my spirits.

We walked by these gentle creatures slowly 

as they gazed up from their meal 

Only stopped for a brief minute to observe us as we passed by...

The cemetery is located a few short blocks from The Humble Bungalow.

 It is a lovely spot for a saunter or a quiet place to sit and savour nature.

I devoured this book in a few days...

it was an entertaining book of short mysteries in the style of Miss Marple.

It left me craving a meatier mystery book.

Mr. HB and I are watching Wire in The Blood on Britbox.

Very intense and so well done.

Val McDermid's writing is well crafted.

I had several weeks of "tummy trouble" and I figured out what was amiss.

It turns out I have developed an intolerance for lactose!

My father had an issue with lactose too so I come by it honestly.

I asked my BFF who also has a lactose intolerance,

 she suggested that I try lactose free Greek yogurt.

Well I am very happy to report that it is delicious and doesn't cause any distress.

I've switched to Natrel, a milk that is lactose free, and am carefully reading labels.

It has surprised me to learn that so many people have this issue!

My surgeon has suggested that I lose a few pounds to reduce the stress on my hips.

So I have been riding my new (to me) stationary bike and modifying my diet.

I have lost 5 pounds so far...

I can't tell by looking so it must be mostly water:-))

Anyhow the battle continues...

Let's move on and away from these pesky health issues, shall we?

Eileen Fisher 

basic top with long sleeves.

Perfect for fall and winter and a great layering piece.

Purchased at a local consignment shop on Estevan.

~ Twice Is Nice ~

It fits in with my minimalist wardrobe...

You can see the colour palette...

denims, black, white and grey.

~ Striped shirts ~

Worn over tee tops, usually with the collars and cuffs up.

(AND MY PEARL NECKLACE)

Why save it only for BEST?

For some reason I have gone a bit MAD for denim!

It has happened gradually but I am totally smitten..

I love the softness of worn denim...found easily in the thrift shops.

The shirt dress is several seasons old from Lands' End, it gets a lot of wear.

Do you love denim too?

A classic white shirt from Old Navy 10 years old and still going strong.

Lipstick is always a great accessory...

a pop of colour on a grey day.

I took a risk with this colour ~ there were no testers available...

It works and the lippy was on sale so a "win win."

This soft scarf will go well with that shade of lipstick!

So cozy for my beach walks here at the cottage...

SeaSalt is a Cornish Brand.

I love their colourful prints and clothing.

Columbia Rain jacket needed for the rainy days..

soft scarf for a warm and cozy neck.

My newest accessory is a necessity to reduce the pressure on my hip.

Things are ramping up in the hip replacement department...

appointments are scheduled and tests have been completed.

Will keep you posted...

Reading this book now...

rather a different subject matter but the writing is excellent.

Dawn French is one of my favourites...

especially her role in The Vicar Of Dibley!

Have you read any of her books?

For now that's pretty much all my news.

Lot's going on and I have to keep my eyes focused on the positives.

Thank you for popping 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 ~

July Joys ~ Roses, ( a surprise recipe) books and time at Quarterdeck Cottage.

 

The Lavender is ready to harvest...

I snipped a few stems off the plant and made some fragrant sachets.

This job takes a while to do...

patience is required to remove the buds and so I brew a big pot of tea

sit myself in a comfy chair on the front porch and get stuck in.

I love the scent of lavender and the sachets are useful in the drawers...

where I store lingerie, sweaters and nightgowns.

I found these wee gauze bags at the local Dollar Store.

I reuse them from year to year.

Yellow rose at the back is Climbing Graham Thomas...

the pink one closest is Strawberry Hill.

These two are out back by the greenhouse and the work area...

both are happy and have oodles of blooms and they are both very fragrant.

Strawberry Hill has deep cups with frilly petals.

Here's a closer look at Graham Thomas...

bold yellow blooms.

I love to look at the cheerful lush display when I am out in the garden working.

It feels like these jobs are so worth it,

a reward for our efforts when we get these rather stunning displays.

This lovely iris bloom is only one of many on the plant...

it is a newer plant in The Humble Bungalow Garden.

Another bright colour and the wee yellow stripe in the middle of the petals 

makes for a wonderful bold contrast.

Iced Latte...

a refreshing choice for a hot afternoon by the pool.

I loved this fun and fantastical book by Jess Kidd.

Her books are new to me, and they are a wee bit different than my usual books.

They are FUN and the mystery gets solved in the end...

a wild ride to get to the past page but ever so entertaining.

Mr HB and I play crib at the cottage...

he wins almost ALL THE TIME!

~ Beach walks and Sea Glass ~

The weather was lovely when we were at Quarterdeck Cottage...

sunny and warm, pools were open and water was perfect.

I need a new swimsuit...and I am going to go shopping these next few weeks.

My older black suit is 4 or 5 years old and is definitely needing to be retired!!

Canada Day...July 1st

Beaver Chairs at Roseland Park.

Knitting on the Miriam Sweater 

using the vintage Baycrest Aran Yarn. 

(darling daughter found at a local thrift shop)

Loved Jess Kidd's other book and saw this at the Pender Island Bookshop...

read it in 2 days...such a wild romp and lovely quirky characters.

Climbing Royal Sunset Rose 

a bowlful of petals...

Made some rosewater face spray...

easy and a lovely way to use up petals.

Roses are definitely my muse...

love them in the garden, love them in bouquets.

Do you grow roses?

I've had a molar crack and half of it fell apart...

I think I actually ate it :-((

I thought my burger had a crunchy bite, then I realized that my tooth was rough!

So I am booked in to see my dentist...

a crown perhaps?

Oh well at 70 one must expect these things...

We are watching Outrageous on Britbox...

it is about the Mitford sisters.

I read the book years ago and the series is staying very close to the book.

The scenes are lush and the locations and houses are fabulous.

I adore the fashions and am eager to watch each and every episode.

Are you watching a great period drama?

The trailer for Downton Abbey is out...it's a MUST SEE for me.

How about you?

Now to this next book...

another grand story is unfolding and turns out it is a real page turner.

Well that's about it for now...

lots to do here in The Humble Bungalow Garden.

Playing Catch up after our time away...

Thank you for popping by and checking out my little blog...

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 ~