Showing posts with label hydrangeas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hydrangeas. Show all posts

Sunday, October 22, 2023

October ~ Feel the Fullness of Fall


Last weekend we went to The BC Aviation Museum out by the Victoria Airport.
It was a lot bigger and way more interesting than I initially thought 
it would be...

Indoor activities are very much a Fall Favourite.
Keeping warm and dry while visiting museums and galleries.


We went with friends and had a guided tour by a volunteer which was almost 2 hours.

They have a designated area for children with games, flight simulators and small airplanes to ride inside...
there were lots of kids enjoying the space.


Afterwards we went to The Spitfire Grill near the plane refuelling station for lunch.
We were able to watch many planes land.

I ordered a bowl of the hearty mushroom soup as I wanted to warm up.

Soup making is back on the agenda here in The Humble Bungalow.
A big pot is made early in the week 
so we can enjoy soup on the days that I attend Aqua Fit classes.
It warms me up after the drive home.


BOO!
My sister and I had a walk last week in Oak Bay.
We spied many yards decorated in the Halloween theme.

I had NO IDEA how expensive these skeletons cost!!
My guess was about $100 and my sister looked on Amazon only to tell me that I needed to multiply my guess by 10 times!!
WOW

There is a Hallmark Christmas movie being filmed here in Victoria.
We thought we might see them at work on the Esplanade near the Tea Room.
They must have wrapped up that segment of the film as they have now moved on into the heart of Fernwood.


We have minimal seasonal Fall decorations...
for Halloween night, a small string of orange pumpkin lights.

~ Fall Porch Decor ~
I added these 2 wee white pumpkins and a white cyclamen.
The big cones are foraged from the nearby trees at the cemetery.
The dried alliums are from the garden and that grape vine wreath is decades old.


I just finished this book by Phaedra Patrick.
I enjoyed the quirky story and the characters felt very real.
About a year ago I read her other book and really like it too.


~ Pink Fall colour on the Limelight Hydrangeas ~
I am drying more hydrangeas to bring inside our Humble Bungalow.
This week I gave some away to a friend and realized that I needed some for us.
Hope they dry fast before the winds get crazy as they tend to fly around the garden.


A scarf knit on the bias is taking shape...
using a sumptuous yarn.
Japanese Noro which is a blend of silk, mohair and lambswool.
I found the wool at our local shop The Beehive.

Yesterday I went to Murchies and stocked up on their Princess Blend rose tea.
My tea caddy was almost empty...
I like to brew a pot and sip this tea while I am reading or knitting 
perfect for a cool Fall afternoon.


My current book stack...
all were found in the local little free library kiosks.

We are cocooning in front of the TV more this Fall...
Really enjoying the British crime dramas found on Acorn TV.
The Chelsea Detective, Cuffs, Whitstable Pearl, Cannes Confidential
and many more.


This arrangement was hand delivered by the neighbours...
a few minutes ago.
In appreciation for our gifts of harvested fresh grown veggies and apples!
Such a thoughtful gift...

Fall
~ Dinner tonight ~

I am making a "stringy" shredded beef roast in the oven...
4 pound chuck roast seasoned with salt and pepper 
baked in a covered casserole for 4 hours.
You take it out and using two forks you then shred the meat.

I am roasting potatoes, carrots, zucchini and beets in a drizzle of olive oil
sprinkled with salt and pepper to accompany the roast.

I hope it is a tasty meal because this is a super easy dinner!

Hope you are enjoying October.
It is almost Halloween :-))
and
I have a BIG bag full of treats.

Well I am about to put the kettle on and will brew a pot of tea...
now do I knit or start a new book?

Is it Fall where you live?
What are you up to this week?

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Sunday, October 16, 2022

Smokin' Sunday ~ I bagged a couple of bargains....

 


I planned to go for a long scenic walk on the waterfront...
but when I walked out the front door I was overcome with the smoke.

Forest fires are burning in the province and in Washington State south of Victoria.
I decided to go to the local Value Village store instead of my outdoor walk.

I perused the aisles for treasure...
many others were looking too!

I focused on housewares, clothing, boots and bags.

There were some used rain boots but seriously overpriced :-((
Some so worn out they were laughable...

I think I need to buy some decent new ones.
My last pair of rain boots lasted at least 10 years 
so even if I spend $100+
with any luck
the Cost Per Wearing will be amortized over many years.

I didn't spy any vintage pieces in the houseware section, it was pretty picked over.

I found a "funky denim" printed shirt which I just pulled out of the washer.


The tag inside says Reba Denim ??
I am going to wear it for my home keeping chore days
with my pearls!


The hydrangeas have been hanging to dry and are now ready for display.


I've been looking for a backpack for my walks.
Marshalls had several lovely Italian leather backpacks for $275 and $350 
but I didn't want to spend quite that much.

~ $11.49 ~
Leather backpack style purse.
Broken inside zipper, ripped leather toggle and lining, scuffed exterior.



~ DIY ~
Repairs are completed



I'm all set for hands free walking 

Not bad for the price...
the leather is very soft and the size is perfect for my needs.
(room for my wallet, extra glasses, IPhone, kleenex and stuff)


Am making progress on the Vest project...
After a busy day of laundry, baking bread and standing in line to cast my ballot for the local municipal election I popped the kettle on for a cuppa and knit for a bit.

Love the Rowan Felted Tweed Yarn 
part merino and part alpaca...
made in Italy.


Pope John Paul II
fragrant 
and
blooming in The Humble Bungalow Garden.

What's new with you?
Have you scored any bargains?

Please share your thoughts in the comments
I do appreciate them and it opens up dialogue which enriches our experiences.


~ Be Well and Be Kind ~


Tuesday, August 23, 2022

Weekend getaway...and flowers in The Humble Bungalow Garden


Last weekend we were invited to visit long time friends who retired to Thetis Island.
They built their dream home on the water's edge in Telegraph Harbour.

Other long time friends made the trek across the big pond from the Lower Mainland and we had a reunion of sorts...
we were celebrating Mr. HB's birthday.


I found a wee bit of time to work on the Miriam sweater...
the view was a bit distracting as
there were so many gorgeous yachts cruising past 
that I had to keep looking up from the knitting!

Just knitting the garter stitch front border, it will be finished soon!


Enjoying the newly purchased Tonka and Oud candle 
from a wee shop in Chemainus near the ferry dock.


The scent is woodsy and rich.


A lovely fragrant rose at the Telegraph Harbour Marina...
an old rose scent with soft apricot petals.

When I posted the picture on Instagram of the unknown rose...
several readers identified it as Just Joey.
Thank you :-))


Pulled out the stack of my TBR books
had a wee gander...
there are far more than I remembered.

Now my dilemma is to decide which one to read next?

What are you reading?


Our hydrangeas are the current stars in The Humble Bungalow Garden.
This hydrangea was a gift from my husband's architectural firm 
when my dad passed away years ago...
it has grown and never disappoints with its variety of blooms.


These limelight hydrangeas are just one of the dozen or so that we have planted over the years.

Their shade of chartreuse green glows
it lights up and illuminates the perennial borders.

Lots to keep us busy in the garden at this time of year.

I plan to go out and pick some of the various hydrangea blooms 
with hopes of drying them to bring indoors for the Fall and Winter months.

The weather is still very hot but i know that it will change as the summer wanes.

I'll be wearing boots and carrying my brolly before too long!
(I need to buy new rubber boots too!)

Well I must close and make lunch for us...

How are things going with you?

If you have a moment or two
please leave a comment and share your thoughts...
I always appreciate hearing from readers.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Sunday, August 7, 2022

August ~ Hydrangea Season and a wee chat...


Candles with a woody fragrance add ambiance to our arts and crafts bungalow.
I love to sit and read or knit 
 a candle glowing and the scent wafting about in the air.


Our Annabelle Hydrangeas are putting on a spectacular show!
 The Humble Bungalow Garden is looking quite lovely this summer.

Some years are better than others for certain plants...
 I think it is a very much a stellar hydrangea season.

They do love water so we need to keep the soil moist...


Look at the size of this bloom...
a HUGE mophead almost threatening to break the branch
with its weight.


The Sea Glass haul that nearly wasn't...


I fell on the uneven rocky shore not too far from the Humble Bungalow.
My instinct was to put out my hand to save my face from hitting the ground
when I fell...

My poor wrist took the brunt of the tumble and I sprained it.

It swoll up pretty quickly so I zipped off to the local pharmacy
a tube of Voltaren
 (which is an analgesic and an anti inflammatory)
a right hand wrist brace
a week later
yellow bruising remains but fortunately the wrist is feeling MUCH better!


The sweet peas are still blooming so we have bouquets in the bathroom.
Such a delightful fragrance!

Did you know that sweet peas must be picked regularly 
to keep them from going to seed?


I am looking forward to getting back to my knitting project...
I haven't snapped a picture of the progress that I made until my mishap.

Am working on the yoke of the Miriam sweater.

It will be lovely to wear this in the fall and winter.
I have so few sweaters...
the cooler fall weather will be here before we know it and I will want to be cozy.

I've been staying pretty close to home as my husband is up on ladders sanding and painting the pergola above the sundeck.

He's not accustomed to this kind of work, but since he retired, he has taken on various projects that I would usually hire people to fix.


I posted this quote on my Instagram...
so worthy of reposting here on the blog.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

It is really unfortunate that your comments are not forthcoming...
I have tried to fix this on my end but alas it is beyond my scope.

I do hope that you will continue to stop by and read my blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Tuesday, July 20, 2021

Anniversary of our wedding day from July 20, 1974


July 20, 1974
47 years ago...


We were so young 
but we knew that we were in love 
and
ready to spend our lives together
as husband and wife.


I have kept my wedding dress, veil and blue garter.
Maybe Isla will want to play "dress up" and wear it someday?

We went out for dinner with our friends on Sunday evening to celebrate.
We went to the Snug at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel and we were waited on by Mom's favourite server.
I had a glass of the wine that Mom always ordered.

Tonight
If it is not too hot we will sit on the deck and have a cocktail.
I will make my husband his favourite spaghetti dinner and a simple salad.



The sun is shining down on The Humble Bungalow Garden.

on the north side of the bungalow we have a slate patio
that is surrounded by a riot of hydrangeas, 
Limelight and Angelina mixed in with hostas and lady's mantle.

We spent the better part of the weekend in the garden getting caught up on the weeding and the deadheading of the roses.

It feels a little bit cooler today as there is a breeze...
an exterminator is coming by this afternoon to deal with a large wasp nest.

We are planning to buy a new TV and get an upgrade on our viewing subscriptions.

There are so many options and channels that it feels quite daunting trying to decide what to order...

Do you have any suggestions on particularly good channels?


Will close with this pretty sunflower grown from the seeds that dear reader Rosemarie sent to me in memory of my mom.

Thank you for popping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Friday, September 27, 2019

Surprises! Flowers and an unexpected Frock...


An unexpected bloom from one of our Calla Lilies...
they were in flower during the summer and most have become dormant.
Not this one!


This beautiful blue hydrangea bloom is outshining the rest on the plant.
Most of the other flowers have faded and are dry and crispy.

If you read my Instagram you'll know that this hydrangea was a gift from my husband's firm when my father passed away in 2007.

It was a small potted plant when it arrived.
Now, years later, it stands about 6 feet tall and 5 feet in diameter!


Am immersed in Where The Crawdads Sing and loving the story so much!


Replenished my supply of serum from IS Clinical.
This serum works hard and delivers on its promise for better skin.

A luggage strap for my carry on.
The book I plan to take on the plane.


I ran errands on Oak Bay Avenue on a sunny breezy Fall day...
to get in more steps and walking I popped into a few of the shops and browsed.

This black Nyan dress caught my eye in the Maresa Boutique
It looked interesting and has some fabulous textural details.
I had not planned to purchase anything 
BUT it spoke to me!!!

It will replace the black textured skirt I planned to take in my carry on.
It will be an easy dress to wear...with hose or capri leggings.
Perfect for the trip to Italy and France.


The garden is still quite colourful...
My desire to get out there and work and weed has completely vanished...

Busy elsewhere in The Humble Bungalow this week.
Packing lists, errands and painting.

We had to rip up the carpets and underlay as we had some rainwater seep in during the last torrential rainstorm.

My husband discovered that the rain barrel
which usually stores then distributes the precipitation to the garden
 via a soaker hose 
(which unfortunately was plugged) 
 so 
it saturated the soil right beside the floor and seeped inside.

He's installed and overflow gauge with a wider solid hose. 
(in case the soaker hose malfunctions again)

Spent several days painting the concrete floor in the guest room.
We have purchased a couple of runners for now and will monitor the situation.


I pass by a garden on my way to the wee lending library and often stop to admire the unusual plants that grow in it.

This pretty pink plant is in the garden across the street.
I have no idea what kind of plant it is but will make sure that I ask 
next time I see our neighbours out in their garden.

Hope you have a lovely weekend!

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Simply white...Home, garden and clothing.


Fluffy White Hydrangeas




Romneya coulteri


Thick white towels
Marigold the Mouse appreciates their softness.


White vintage ironstone platter
homemade rose scented bath salts
Avene thermal water
 (hot flash relief!)


Customize your bath salts with essential oils.
 I usually opt for lavender or rose.


Eileen Fisher 
I admire her philosophy and thinking when it comes to a minimal wardrobe.


Fresh out of the package.
I purchased a pair of jeans and a black cotton gauzy top at the EF shop on South Granville in Vancouver and I really wanted a white one too.
They didn't have one in stock but they could order one from the Toronto store 
with free delivery too!

 I jumped at the chance and it just arrived on the doorstep.
I'll need to give it a quick iron before wearing it 
but then it will be ready for the "mix and match ups"
as
it gets rotated in my basic black and white wardrobe.


Lands' End Towels
They are plush cotton and last a long time.
Great value and when on sale very affordable.


Natural accents
like this piece of coral 
add a touch of texture and they feel serene and calm.



The light from the window illuminates the pairing.


Beautiful white roses juxtaposed against this old rock wall.




A bar of soap set upon in a simple white soap dish.


White is a calm colour but it can make a BOLD statement.


One of my favourite bloggers
please pop by and check out her beautiful posts
she's so beautiful and her posts are inspiring.

Until next time...

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~