Pretty Garden Pinks, a road trip and a picnic...and it is only Wednesday!

Oh the weather these past few days has been so hot!

Darling daughter celebrated her birthday on Monday.

Here she is on one of her first walks.

In 1979 we lived on Marlborough Street by Beacon Hill Park which is just off Dallas Road 

in a big old rambling house which still stands today.

I love this picture of the two of us 

with the snow capped Olympic Mountains in the background.

So much time has elapsed...

Our daughter has grown into a lovely woman and she will be tying the knot with her Kiwi fiancee this summer.

Darling daughter and I drove up island for the day...

poking our noses into 

antique shops and a couple of thrift stores.

This is the view from the Bridgeman's Bistro at The Mill Bay Marina.

The water was so calm...

just like a "mill pond" which by the way is not usual for "Mill Bay!"

The crab cakes were delicious!

We came home with a few bit and bobs...but no "big" treasures.

It is aways fun spending time together.

I wore my bangles...

she says it makes me easy to find in a shop...she just listens for the sounds of the bracelets jingling!

The lilacs are blooming and it is not even May!

I have had to venture downstairs to my "out of season" closet
to find some summer garments to wear in this heat...

It is "slim pickins" down there too....not much more than a couple of dresses, a few Tees and a couple of pairs of pants. I must have done a major cull last season when I put the summer stuff into storage.

Thank goodness I had the peace of mind to keep my Italian black linen dress...
it is loose and very cool..perfect for this weather.

Last year I noticed that In the south of France loose linen dresses seem to be the preferred choice of women of a certain age...so I promptly went out a bought one when I came back from my trip...a very sensible choice too and one that makes sense as the fabric breathes in the heat.

I love to wander around in the garden in the morning before it gets too hot... to see if there are any major weeds that need pulling and to see what is in bloom.

The roses are starting to bloom...this Pavement series rose has an intoxicating scent...

unfortunately it bears lots of thorns which make it hard to pick.

These sweet little "money plant" volunteers have seeded themselves in the front beds.

This area is "under construction"

Our clematis is very old and woody but is a stalwart when it comes to putting on a spectacular show.

This picture was taken before the clematis came into bloom.

We planted variegated iris, several hostas and black mondo grass in this shady bed. 

The patio was redone by our garden gals.

The clematis has twined itself high up into the neighbours Dogwood tree.

Close up of a rhododendron...like a jewel box inside.

I bought a few geraniums to put on the front porch.

They are a great value

 inexpensive

will last all summer 

look so cheerful.

My sister and I took Mother to the beach for tea and a late afternoon snack yesterday.

Inside this basket I keep 3 pretty china cups and saucers, 3 matching side plates, assorted silver wear.

Picnic ready 

with a tablecloth, napkins when the sun shines on Willows Beach.

I've got some more posts on the back burner so I will be back soon.

Thank you for your kind and thoughtful emails after the recent shenanigans...

I did not think that the post would have generate so much discord among readers...

if I have personally offended any of you, 

I humbly apologize.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Colour me Coral for Spring...

Coral seems to be "the shade" for Spring.
It keeps popping up on my radar...

Coral, coral and more coral!
Shops showcasing the new season Spring fashion collections and at the cosmetics counters.

Fortunately I can wear coral...
if you cannot there are lots of other ways to add a smidgeon of coral.
Think of all the coral accessories you could wear.

Belts, necklaces, bangles, shoes, hand bags, scarves, and nail polish.

My "colours" are those of Cool Winter. 

"Bittersweet" is the shade of coral suggested for my colouring.

My new London Fog Trench coat in navy with white polka dots.

New Lipstick by L'Oreal in the shade called "Everbloom."

The Dior coral polish is lovely.

The shade is Adventure #551.

The formula is easy to apply and my nails shine with a bright pop of colour.

The young receptionist at my RMT's office complimented on how pretty my nails looked,

 as did the middle aged sales clerk at the pharmacy, 

the lovely woman who owns the consignment shop

and 

the cute teenage clerk at the grocery store Peppers in the Cadboro Bay Village!

It seems to appeal to women of all ages.

Our lovely DIL chose this shade for me 

she packaged up a thoughtful gift pack of nail products for my birthday

which I am enjoying immensely!

There is something so uplifting about buying a new shade of lipstick.

My grandmother said she would do without hose, or new clothes in favour of a new red lipstick.

I now understand what she meant when she told me that many years ago.

~ Cheap and cheerful ~

I wore this to the bridge luncheon and fundraiser at my club.

It was an interesting group of players.

80 keen players mostly women gathered together for a tasty lunch and an afternoon of cards.

I looked around the room and noticed that there were many well turned out ladies.

Most had grey hair, were dressed very smartly and wore statement jewelry.

Bold ethnic and artisan earrings and necklaces that were on the larger scale.

Many women opted for silk scarves tied casually around their necks.

OOTD
Calvin Klein ponte knit pants and a black and white tunic top 

new Pegabo flats

white scarf 

arm full of my silver bangles

dangly quartz earrings that my daughter made for my birthday

London Fog trench coat

Hellebore

Hope that your weekend is full of fun and laughter.

Don't forget to stop and smell the flowers!

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Monday Jewels...

Welcome to my blog...
I hope that you will continue to pop by and catch up.

Life has been busy and full and I am feeling immense gratitude these days...

The latest posts have been smaller and while I do apologize, my inability to sit and type for very long due to the shoulder issue have necessitated that I keep my time at the computer short.

But let's get on with it and put aside any whining and complaining!
The Spring flowers are working their magic...

This is one stunning Hellebore!

I love the colour and those stamens are like little jewels.

Henry, our grandson, came over last week to spend a morning with Grammy.

We had a fun building with blocks, we coloured in our book, shaped things with Play Doh, ate a healthy snack and read books. 

Next time it will be Isla's turn and I plan to make cookies or cupcakes and we can decorate them together and she can take them with her when she goes home.

One on one time is a lovely way to connect with the grandchildren.

Essie Jag-u-are lasts about a week 

I wear my gloves when doing the house work and washing the dishes.

I bought French's ketchup and learned that Heinz pulled out of Canada and laid off all the employees.

French's stepped up and has started making ketchup as well as their classic mustard.

I like the idea of keeping Canadians working and buying local.

(you can read the story here)

My car was in the shop again...

this time not as a result of vandalism but wear and tear.

My 2001 Volvo Estate is a high maintenance gal.

I have to keep her running as I cannot afford a new car right now.

The comfort that this car offers suits me and I do love Volvo's for their safety features.

I have owned 2 Volvo's prior to this one and I would opt for another one in the future.

While the car was being serviced I went shopping...

I bought this beautiful rhinestone brooch for resale at Vanity Fair Antiques.

Darling daughter and I rent a shelf in a case where we sell a few things.

Mostly jewelry and a few other bits and bobs.

Scottish citrine Hallmarked silver pin

Glasgow 1956

If I can figure out how to launch an Etsy shop I might try my hand at selling online.

It is fun to go browsing for treasures and beautiful things.

These Mexican silver earrings are for my personal use.

Since I got my hair cropped I am wearing bigger earrings.

You can see the reflection of me taking this photograph!

I stopped for a healthy lunch at The Grindstone Cafe.

Their salads are tasty and they make a great tortilla soup.

So that's about all for now...

Hope your week is off to a great start.

Be Well and Be Kind.