Showing posts with label holidays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label holidays. Show all posts

Sunday, August 6, 2023

Cottage Holiday ~ A few Snippets and Tidbits...


Cottage Time is so relaxing.
We find that we cocoon and relax and by the time we leave we are completely rejuvenated.

I suppose that is what holidays are all about.

We see the most beautiful boats sail by Quarterdeck Cottage.
This sailboat moors in the bay.
We watch the boat as the owner manoeuvers it out to sea and hoists the sails.

On this day there was a full crew aboard...
they were out for several hours enjoying the breezes.

We watch as the ferries pass by the cottage.
We play a game...
Ferry Yahtzee.

If there are 5 ferries all in view we call out Yathzee!

Our two weeks at the cottage seemed to fly by...

Our son and grandchildren were at the cottage for the first week.
Lots of fun activities and games.
The pool is still very much a favourite with all of us.

Meals were kept simple
desserts were served
we nibbled on snacks ~ chips and popcorn
ice cream cones were almost a daily thing!

Once they all departed it was almost TOO quiet...



My husband walked his 6 km island route in the mornings.
I puttered in the kitchen, planned our meals and shopped at the market.
Read my books, knitted on the Miriam Sweater, perused some magazines.

My walks are focused on the beaches nearby
I went to the end of the road and wandered down to the beach...
the tide was way way out!
Two fellows were fishing off the rocks but I had the beach to myself.

I took a leisurely saunter back and forth looking for sea glass.
Not much was found but I had a pleasant time walking.


The current jar is almost full...
I have quite a few jars full here in The Humble Bungalow.


Found an antique Lenox dish at the thrift shop.
The details are so pretty ands the porcelain is so luminescent.
Smooth and delicate, too dainty to leave at the cottage.


Blue label indicates that the dish is pre 1930.


We invited friends over to spend the day.
I don't think that they had ever been to Pender before. 

They arrived early on a direct ferry around 9:30
so I made The Barefoot Contessa's Apple Tart to serve with our morning coffee.

If you don't catch a direct ferry you will be on board for several hours while the ferry visits many of the Gulf Islands!

For lunch I made what we call a "Picky Plate" 
in case you are curious 
a picky plate is an assortment of foods mostly finger foods.

Cheeses, olives, breadsticks, crackers, salami, hummus, pickles, spreads...

Dinner was a strawberry spinach salad and lasagne.
Dessert was a blackberry pie with ice cream.
(my husband picked the berries)

We had a lovely day.
Drove around a wee bit, went to Hope Bay, Browning, The Driftwood Centre
 then we stopped in at Renaissance Antiques to look at the art.
Our friends Keith and Michelle,
 purchased an antique table with a marble top!


There were large full moons at night.
I love the way they sparkled on the sea...
I read that they were referring to these moons as Full Sturgeon Moons.


Can you see the moon at the top left?
This book is so good that I read late into the evening...
I highly recommend Friendship Point by Alice Elliot Dark.


I need to stay hydrated...
drinking low calorie or no calorie beverages is my goal.
Bubly water comes in many flavours and it is thirst quenching.
NO CALORIES!
I've been buying it by the case.


Found a lovely trench coat at the island Thrift Shop.
Banana Republic

I am excited to have found this classic coat 
which BTW I have been looking to add to my wardrobe for several years.
It is in perfect condition and was at a giveaway price!!



I am wearing Black!
I know it is odd to wear black in the heat of summer 
but this Cut Loose cotton dress is cool and airy.

I feel a bit like an Italian Nonna...
black capri tights, sandals and the dress.
Popped the hat atop and away I go...
met a friend for coffee at the cafe.


California Poppies are glowing up on the Ridge.
They capture the sun and reflect their beauty.

Simple Joys 
are found in everyday life.

I seek out these marvelous surprises that are just waiting to be discovered...


When I first started collecting Sea Glass I found mostly white.
I put the pieces in a vintage sealer jar and that my friends was the beginning of 
this very addictive habit that continues to this day :-))


I love a blue sky with puffy white clouds...


This is the biggest piece of amethyst glass that I have in my collection.
My husband found it for me on Pender Island.
Amethyst, cobalt blue, deep shades of green and aqua are the most difficult to find.

We are back home now and settled into our Humble Bungalow routines.
I've been busy getting in some groceries and my husband has been tidying up the garden.

Hope that your summer is ticking along nicely.



Abraham Darby


Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Wednesday, July 26, 2023

Holidaze in July...

 


Sunshine and Sweet Peas

Popped this posy into a thrifted English Ironstone Meakin sugar jar.
I LOVE finding interesting vessels that I can use for flowers.
If memory serves me I think this one was 35 cents!


We celebrated our 49th anniversary on July 20th...
no fanfare or big gathering just a quiet evening for two.


We ate some champagne truffles...
a surprise gift from friends.

Our closest friends had us over for a dinner on their lovely porch a few days before our actual anniversary and we felt very spoiled...


Those same friends will be celebrating their 50th next year so
maybe we'll have to do something exciting for our 50th?


We are enjoying some time at the cottage.


Have some special guests here to share the time with us.


I made a fresh loaf of sourdough bread...
this fun adventure in bread making is so satisfying!


We had a couple of days with rain 
which should help with the drought and the forest fires here in BC.


The deer obviously do not like to nibble these plants...
I think this might be Queen Anne's Lace?
Feel free to chime in if you know the name of this flower.


I believe this is Yarrow...
the bees love this flower and are usually busy buzzing atop these blooms.

I took the photo after dinner so they may have all gone back to their hive.


~ Hosta Flowers ~
In The Humble Bungalow Garden

This huge Hosta is called Sum and Substance.

We built a deer fence 
so that we can keep this safe from being nibbled to the ground!

Here at the Cottage...


I am taking a break to relax, restore and mend...

The last round of antibiotics are almost finished.

I've been going to bed earlier than usual and sleeping soundly.

Staying hydrated with cans of flavoured Bubly Brand Water.
~ Zero calories ~

While I am having LOTS of fun with the family and the three grandchildren...
I am also "pacing myself."

Reading Three by Valerie Perrin, knitting the Miriam sweater,
gazing out at The Salish Sea
taking time to reflect on all the good things in life and counting my many blessings.

Making time to be focused and calm is good for the soul.

Walking along the beach...
breathing in the fresh salty air
listening to the calls of the gulls and the songs of the eagles.


Picking up a few pieces of sea glass...

~ LIFE IS PRECIOUS ~
it is a gift
not to be wasted.

I feel Grateful everyday.

Hope that you are well and feeling positive.
Life can be a challenge as we know
it is a journey.

When we navigate the rough patches life teaches us more...
we can be resilient or we can be weak.

It is a personal choice that we make...
we can rely on others or find strength within ourselves.
Or a little bit of both...

How do you handle adversity?


~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Monday, July 25, 2022

OOTD ~ Summertime ~ Linen Dress




Beach Walk a week ago in Oak Bay on a hot summer day.

Wearing an Italian linen dress with capri tights.
Thankful for my sunhat, sunglasses
 the
COOL sea breezes blowing across the sand
while I peruse the beach for treasure.

I found a smooth white rock, very much like an egg...
a simple find but it begged to be picked up!


A handful of sea glass.


Behold the 4 jars full...
Working on filling up Jar 5 and I am well on my way!


The dress is a super simple style
loose and easy to wear in the heat.

Pearls accessorize and elevate the dress and sweater.


Pearls are the ultimate gift from the Sea.


My newest project...
Knitting pattern for the Miriam Sweater is available on Ravelry.


Rowan Felted Tweed Yarn is a dream to work with on any project.
I LOVE the softness of this yarn.


The Beehive Shop in Victoria is my go to yarn and knitting spot.
The staff are so knowledgeable and helpful.


Started knitting the Miriam sweater a few days ago...
a quiet few days at Quarterdeck Cottage and I am indulging in some knit time.

PURE BLISS

The weather hasn't been overly hot and we're enjoying a slow rhythm to our days.

Having an engaging project is wonderful 
when we are not swimming in the pool
or out walking.


Took advantage of the sunshine yesterday and knit 
while watching the pleasure craft
boats and ferries as they made their way across The Salish Sea.


Holiday time is perfect for relaxing and engaging in activities that one enjoys.
I would never spend as many hours knitting if I was home...
the household and garden duties and chores would keep me busy!


Lovely beach vibe bowls from our friends...
perfect for the cottage!

We celebrated our 48th anniversary on July 20th.


I made a simple penne pasta dish with a gorgonzola cream sauce and freshly shucked English Peas from the Humble Bungalow Garden.

Penne Pasta with Gorgonzola and Peas 

Melt several tablespoons of butter in a shallow pan 
add a couple of cloves of chopped garlic and some red pepper flakes
cook gently.
Whisk in a few tablespoons of flour add a 1/3 cup of cream.
Keep whisking then add crumbled gorgonzola and simmer until melted
then keep warm on low.
Meanwhile...
Put a large pot on to boil
When the water is boiling add the penne pasta and cook until al dente.
Drain
add sauce to pasta and stir to coat.

Grate some fresh pepper on top and serve.


I've had an extraordinary amount of SPAM here on the blog.
Really it has come out of the blue and I cannot for the life of me figure out why?

Comments have been streamlined to not allow Unknown accounts to respond.
Anyone with a legitimate google account can leave a comment.
Hopefully this will stop the crazed spam artists and robots 
who seem to have nothing better to do than to invade a rather calm and gentle place.

If you are unable to leave a comment and want to connect with me 
please send me an email, the address is on the blog at the left hand side.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.
Hope that you are making the most of the season wherever you are.

Be Back Soon!


~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Tuesday, August 17, 2021

Holidaze...The Humble Bungalow Garden Roses

 


Jude the Obscure Rose


Buttery yellow Julia Child Rose


Golden Celebration


Jude the Obscure up close


Jude the Obscure Rose is full of blooms.

We took our son and the grandchildren up island to Nanoose Bay for a getaway.
It is located 2 hours (driving) north from Victoria.
We stayed at Pacific Shores, which is s time share on Craig Bay,
 just south of Parksville.


Early morning views from the patio on Craig Bay up island.
We sat outside most mornings with our coffee and soaked in the pristine scenery.

We watched paddle boarders as they moved about the bay...
motor and sailboats, 
kayaks
swimmers and waders all playing in the sunshine.

Many families stayed at the resort so there were lots of kids.
 Our grandchildren enjoyed meeting and playing with some summer "friends."


Large rocks and sandstone 
warmed by the sun.


A few treasures from my beach walk.

We kayaked in the bay, swam in the pools, walked along the beach, played Monopoly, cards, read our books, went to mini golf and rode in bumper boats.
Lots of laughter and fun were had by all.

Summer is winding down...
today we have refreshing and much needed rain.


Reading Santa Montefiore's new book...
Here and Now
about a woman and her family 
as they navigate a journey involving memory loss.

I have read all her books and enjoy her style of writing very much.

How is your summer going?
Have you been away or are you enjoying a staycation in your own town?

We don't plan to travel very far in the near future.
The rates of transmission of the Covid Delta variant are rather staggering.

The Canadian borders are open to the vaccinated visitors.

Vaccinations continue to be offered and I hope that the children will be able to get their shots as school will be starting in early September.

Thank you for popping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.
Stay Safe.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~