Thoughts on living through a pandemic...and coming out a changed person.

Please join me on the porch of The Humble Bungalow.

Not in person, of course, but in the spirit of friendship.

Our porch is a quiet contemplative place to sit outside 

in the sunshine

a place to chat and perhaps sip a beverage

make yourself comfy...

The news over the past few years has been disheartening and grim.

We've suffered a catastrophic worldwide pandemic...

Covid has changed us all and not necessarily for the better.

Many of the early days of Covid were dark and filled with fear...

we couldn't see our friends or family.

We were set adrift from our comfortable and often predictable routines

left alone to endure and weather the storm.

The Nightly News was focused around the serious nature of the disease

the deaths and the spread of the virus.

Things were incredibly bleak.

We were told the scientists were already working on a vaccine.

We waited and waited

often impatiently 

for the promised vaccine.

I had to limit my exposure to the news broadcasts 

to prevent myself from going down a dark rabbit hole...

I embraced the basic simple joys to keep my spirits level...

my moods were not euphoric but the little things in my daily round kept me going.

Getting outside in the garden was a gift...

We were so fortunate that we could dig in the dirt

plant seeds and watch them grow.

I think we grew closer as a couple and relied on each other 

more than ever before in our married life.

Our "BUBBLE" was small...

two humans and two cats.

The roses rewarded us with blooms for our hard work tending to their needs.

We took JOY seeing things bloom and thrive, 

excited to see seeds sprouting.

Cutting a few blooms and bringing them inside was a luxury.

Popping them in a vessel, be it a jam jar or a crystal vase

was a tonic that enriched our days.

Escaping safely to the cottage to cocoon was an absolute godsend.

We were able to self isolate and have a change of scenery.

It helped to temporarily soothe our worried minds...

We've now come through several years living with this virus.

have had our 4 vaccinations and we have changed...

Life as we knew it will never be the same.

I've learned a lot about myself...

Discovered that I am resilient, and can rise to a challenge.

Am able to amuse myself for long periods of time without going stir crazy!

Can make do and mend.

Will laugh at the littlest things...

Found out the small (est) things can and do bring JOY...

sweeping the floor

cooking new recipes

listening to music

washing the dishes

knitting

reading a good book

collecting sea glass on the beach

walking 

the songs of the birds

butterflies

the smell of a scented candle

coffee

fragrant soap

I think expectations I have held onto for years have been drastically altered.

I no longer crave expensive things...

or even "things" if I am being honest...

I desire only the comforts of home, family and friends.

It is a shift in mindset, 

honestly it is the one huge takeaway for me, from these past two years.

 

I also decided to declutter the entire bungalow...

donated most everything that we no longer use.

Gave away a lot to charity.

We do not NEED to KEEP stuff we don't love and use.

The feeling of having less stuff is so uplifting.

I did that to my clothes closet too!

My scarf drawer has been reduced to about a dozen scarves in total...

The cupboards look really organized and some quite bare!

I don't crave designer or name brand things...

a few well made items work and I have not shopped as much as pre Covid.

I did buy two lovely linen aprons which I have happily

worn to cook and clean...

with my pearls :-))

My daily household uniform is simple...

Jeans and a Tee, or top, linen apron and a strand of Akoya pearls.

While I know that pearls might be considered a wee bit "mumsy"

I don't care if they are not "on trend."

I wear what I like and they bring me JOY.

Family and friends are so precious...

we make time to see them whenever possible.

When it wasn't safe we saw people outside from afar...

thankfully now we can see the nearest and dearest close up.

What a huge relief that is!

I drank too much alcohol during Covid...

Possibly I was trying to numb myself from reality.

I've not had a drink for 3 months now 

am sipping a tasty faux beer called Partake these days.

Enjoying a de-alcoholized bubbly from Italy called Bottega.

Surprising

it was not hard to quit drinking, but now I crave chocolate!

I haven't decided if I will drink alcohol again or not?

It is too early to know...

I know that I sleep better without the wine.

Our recycling box is not very full these days :-))

I have a lot more things that I could say about Covid and how it changed me...

 this is a good start or maybe it's enough?

How has Covid changed you?

While I am on the subject...

there is a lot of room for (self) improvement left here too...

for example I could lose at least 15 pounds.

Maybe WW is in my future?

I'll close for now 

hope that you will chime in and share some of your thoughts...

What simple JOYS do you enjoy?

The fresh air walks are one of my favourite ways to banish

any negative thoughts and energy.

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~ 

Roses and reading...

 

Golden Celebration 

a beautiful yellow David Austin Rose

This rose has black spot on the leaves 

besides dead heading the roses 

I hand pick the leaves that have black spots on them.

Jude the Obscure Rose

what a stunner!

 Now showing off with a second full flush of blooms 

The fragrance is unbelievable...

a hint of citrus and a deep scent.

Loved this book!

The story is perfect for those of us who love to look at gardens,

work in gardens, plan and dream about gardens.

Set in three different eras all revolving around the British country home and garden.

Those of you who have been reading my blog for awhile 

will know that I absolutely adore Louise Penny's mystery series set in Three Pines Quebec.

I read this one in 3 days...

could not put it down!

Louise is such a gifted and brilliant author.

I understand that there is a series being produced by a UK film studio that will feature her mysteries. It will be streaming on Amazon this coming fall and winter.

I look forward to watching the series with a friend who has Amazon.

Romneya Coulteri

a member of the Poppy Family.

Grows in gravel and looks like a fried egg...

I love the delicate crinkled petals.

Our weekend is going to be super busy...

lots going on here in The Humble Bungalow and Garden.

Hope that you are keeping safe.

The 4th wave of Covid is now infecting the unvaccinated.

We obtained our Vaccination Passports and will be required to show these at restaurants and all venues.

The only exceptions are essential services like grocery shops, medical clinics and such...

Take care and thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

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 ~

Flower Power ~ a cheerful and bright pop of colour and a new murder series to read.

Abraham Darby

David Austin Rose

Fragrant frilly and frothy petalled rose in The Humble Bungalow Garden.

How is your summer going?

Ours has been a hot one with no rain.

We are staying hydrated by drinking lots of homemade lemonade 

reading in the shade of the front porch in the afternoon.

Trying to get our garden chores done early in the morning 

while keeping up with the watering.

Blooming Artichokes

seen on my walk.

These bloom every summer 

they always catch my eye when I walk down the street.

Buttery yellow Roses in the front yard.

Jude the Obscure

another David Austin Rose

citrus fragrance

deep cupped blooms

that are 

repeat blooming.

The sweet peas are growing vigorously this summer.

I cut them each day and the next time I go out there are more flowers!

It must be because of the heat and constant sunshine that we are experiencing.

Angel's Fishing Wand

aka Dierama

We have two clumps of this planted in our front garden.

The hummingbirds like them!

Jude the Obscure 

I almost swoon when I see these blooms.

The limelight hydrangeas are brightening up The Humble Bungalow Garden.

Their chartreuse shade GLOWS!

Verbena Bonariensis

I finally found this in a local nursery after hunting for it for well over a year!

It felt like winning the plant lottery...

I must have been in the right place at the right time.

I discovered a new mystery series by Canadian writer Steven Burrows.

"The Birder Murder Series"

which is set in the UK.

A memorable group of characters and a murder with birds featured in the story.

Steven Burrows is an experienced "birder" and has written for many birding magazines.

This book is the second one in the series...

A Siege of Bitterns is the first book.

I am planning to read it as soon as I finish this one.

Good News...

There are 4 more books

something to look forward to!

Hope that you are keeping well.

Our Covid cases have spiked again...

The delta variant seems to be spreading quickly.

We have had both our vaccinations but are not taking any chances.

Masks indoors and avoiding close contacts.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Summertime Blues...

Himalayan Blue Poppy 

snapshot from my latest visit to Butchart Gardens.

These poppies are so pretty but are not all that easy to grow.

I had some about 10 years ago and they lasted for a few seasons and then they disappeared.

I have toyed with the idea of buying the seed packet from Butcharts and trying my hand at growing them again.

Old Navy Boyfriend Jean Jacket.

Very soft

distressed

and super comfy to wear.

Purchased in the store at 30% off the regular price.

It is very versatile and I love it with my white Tees and jeans.

(with pearls)

I added this scarf from France.

This scarf was in a subscription box from My Stylish French Country Home.

I think they sell them in their online store. 

There are a few rips which gives the denim character...

I wear this with my blue and white striped Talbots linen skirt.

My black UPP capris. and black lace top...

I popped it over a black dress

and can imagine that this will become a workhorse in my wardrobe.

We received our second vaccinations this morning and I am very pleased that we were able to get the second shot.

There is a sense of calm now as we move toward opening up things here in Victoria.

Dining inside is permitted, as are movie theatres and plays.

Looking forward to being more social.

Seeing our family and more friends.

How are things going where you live?

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Escape to the Cottage

 

We escaped to the cottage for a few idyllic days.

The weather was mostly warm and sunny albeit a bit breezy.

The first night it rained late in the day 

we had a perfectly lovely stroll around the complex after dinner.

I spied this beautiful fuchsia magnolia bloom with luminous raindrops.

We love seeing this boat go out to sail.

The owner must love sailing 

 we see him set sail almost every time we are at the cottage.

We spend a lot of time reading and walking.

I read The Bookshop of Yesterdays

Some Women 

The Keeper of Lost Things

I absolutely LOVED The Keeper of Lost Things.

Ruth Hogan also has written another book called

The Wisdom of Sally Red Shoes

which I immediately ordered from my favourite bookshop Ivy's.

Found Son of a  Trickster by Eden Robinson 

in a little free library box on South Pender.

It's my next book...

We enjoy beachcombing here on Pender.

I spied a lovely red spotted scrap which I thought was a scarf or a rag...

turns out it is kelp and it is so beautiful!

I received a note today that Feedburner is being discontinued 

so the Follow Me Widget that sends an email of every post to you directly 

will no longer work.

You can follow my blog on Bloglovin if you so desire.

Hope that you are well and staying safe.

We are experiencing a third wave of Covid cases here.

My husband and I will have our first shots before the end of the month.

In the meantime we are wearing our masks, washing our hands a lot and only seeing people outdoors.

Thank you for popping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Roasted Tomato Pasta Sauce and a few tidbits from the weekend...

Sayward Beach 

We packed a wicker picnic basket with some sandwiches and fruit

popped in our water bottles 

got in our car and drove out to Sayward Beach.

The sand was warm and soft

there was a gentle breeze blowing, blue skies and sunshine.

There were only a handful of people there...

  it didn't take us long to find a quiet spot to eat.

So soothing....

listening to the waves as they crashed along the shore

 the cries of the gulls

the warmth of the sun

the ripples on the sea

a lovely lunch and a perfect spot to bring the grandchildren

which we will do when we are allowed to gather safely again.

I bought two new David Austin roses on Easter weekend.

Imogen and Boscobel

We planted them in large black pots

placed them inside the new deer fence

on the gravel.

Our Star Magnolia is in bloom.

Roasted tomatoes and garlic are ready for a pasta dish.

Tomato Sauce

Saute: 1 diced onion, 2 ribs of celery sliced thinly, 1 red pepper diced

 in olive oil until softened.

Add:  the roasted tomatoes and garlic

1 can of San Marzano tomatoes

1 tsp. red pepper flakes (or more if you like it spicy)

2 tsp. dried oregano

salt and pepper to taste

Simmer for about an hour.

Cook dried or fresh pasta, drain and add sauce

 Top with a fresh grating of reggiano parmigiano 

Enjoy!

My "to be read" Book Stack.

What are you reading?

I've been reading less as I am walking more.

Walking is a healthy habit that many people have recently embraced especially because it is a safe activity during Covid.

Many wear masks now when walking as some of the parks are busy and crowded...

I try to walk in quieter areas.

We are experiencing an uptick in the number of covid cases...

the 3rd wave has hit Canada.

Vaccinations are ongoing and we should be eligible for our shots in a few weeks.

It has been a tough year for all of us.

I am so looking forward to moving on and seeing friends and family safely.

How are things going where you live?

Hope that your week is off to a great start.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~