Home in The Humble Bungalow ~ Who Knew I was SO ready to POST?

 ~ Last Week of Summer at The Cottage ~ 

The weather was warm and sunny

with a whisper of wind...

The pool was open and there were only a few cottagers on site.

This particular afternoon we had the entire pool to ourselves.

It was so relaxing floating with my pool noodle and moving my legs.

I find the movement in the warm water very helpful for my arthritis.

I've started taking Canadian made TruMarine Collagen...

apparently skin, hair and joint pain will benefit from Collagen.

It's been a few weeks and I am pleased to report that my hair has stopped falling out!

Seriously that was FAST!!!

My skin is clear...

Joint pain in my hips may take up to 5 months to be reduced.

(according to the research)

IF it helps it will be a real bonus.

I am also changing up my diet...

working hard on eating a diet of anti-inflammatory foods.

Cauliflower is a powerful veggie and is reported to reduce inflammation....

Recipe is from Barefoot Contessa's Modern Comfort Food.

Roasted cauliflower with anchovies, capers, lemon juice, rind 

topped with a bit of grated parmesan cheese.

Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

Roasted Cauliflower 

SO GOOD!

I found some "good things"

(isn't that what Martha Stewart used to say?)

at the Thrift Shops last week...

Two Vintage German porcelain Egg Cups.

Found a day apart in two different thrifts!!

Our Quarter Share Cottage, 

(why I named it Quarterdeck Cottage.)

At Otter Bay.

The ferry dock is very close...

we watch the ferries come and go.

We wondered if the ferry traffic would be an issue when we purchased the share.

Surprisingly it has turned out to be a form of entertainment.

When we see 5 ferries out on The Salish Sea we all shout FERRY YACHTZEE.

 ~ OOTD ~ 

Akoya Pearls and a white TEE

worn here with my new French Dressing Jeans

& 

Thrifted Ralph Lauren Striped Oversize Tee.

Thrifted Vintage Paste Crystal choker...

I hummed and hawed...

Should I buy it?

Would I wear it?

I did buy it...

Still not sure...

I know 2 darling granddaughters who might have fun wearing it :-))

No Regrets...

Time will Tell.

I captured some lovely sunset images...

with the mild weather we sat outside after dinner.

We don't watch much TV or stream shows when we are at the cottage...

daytime we walk, read, swim, play crib ( I lose) 

and I knit.

We savour the views and keep an eye out for sealife...

otters, seals, whales,

So much birdsong with many new songs that the Merlin App help to identify.

Home here back in The Humble Bungalow.

All is quiet...

Mr. HB is out in the garden weeding and planting bulbs.

I've been reactivating my sourdough starter, a batch of dough is on the counter.

Laundry is done...

So moving forward...some dietary changes are afoot.

Hopefully some weight loss might occur.

I meet with the surgeon this week,

 will find out if I am a candidate for a hip replacement.

I do wonder why my hip is worn out...

did I walk too much?

Have I been negligent of not getting enough calcium?

I have Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis.

I had a Hysterectomy in my early 40's so perhaps the lack of estrogen is to blame?

Whatever the case, I plan to fight.

If you've got any sage advice about inflammation and diet...

or arthritis 

or hip replacements...

I am all ears.

Don't be shy...

Share your thoughts.

Women need to stick together and share their wisdom.

These fluffy clouds felt like waving handkerchiefs at sunset..

were they waving hello or goodbye?

I appreciate you 

stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog :-))

In this vast world which is undergoing uncertainty,

we need to focus on making a positive difference in our daily round.

If you are able...

Do something nice for your family, friends, neighbours.

It need not be a BIG thing...

simple gestures can be such a welcome gesture.

OK that's all from me...for now, until next time.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

What's in my make-up bag? September starts...

 

My washable make-up bag from the local Pharmasave.

It holds all the tools that I need for my 5 minute face routine...

Do you recognize any of these products?

Jane Iredale face powder foundation ~ "Satin"

Marcelle eye shadow palette ~ Plum Perfect

Marcelle Kohl eye pencil ~ Black

Marcelle Fortifying and Lengthening Mascara ~ Black

Marcelle lipsticks ~ Loving Red and Living Rose

L'Oreal lipstick ~ #251 Wisteria Rose

I like a light hand and a simple approach to make up...

like a French Woman.

What are your "go to" products?

Do you like a certain brand or are you tempted to try new products?

Our lovely neighbours next door dropped off a bouquet of flowers,

to welcome us back from our holiday at the cottage.

Chester seems to be drawn to the flowers!

He is in fine form...

full of snuggles and enjoying his cat toys.

He was cared for by our wonderful cat and house sitter Tina.

XO

He tried to sleep in our bed when we got back...

it did not go well, I hardly slept a wink that first night!

He kept waking me up licking my face and "kneading" my hair!

He must have missed me?

So he's snoozing outside the door on the rug at night which seems fine...

he must be missing Pepper as they used to sleep very close together.

Often on the same small fuzzy cat blanket.

Thank you for all your kind messages and condolences

 on the passing of our beloved Pepper.

The Hollyhocks are still in bloom.

Some of the roses have had another flush of flowers.

The garden is a riot of hydrangea blooms too...

am going to try and pick some to dry for inside the Humble Bungalow.

I am on the hunt for "alum" which is supposed to help the blooms stay fresh.

I've had a few days at home to get back into the swing of things here...

the sourdough starter has been refreshed and a boule was baked this morning.

I've made a batch of fresh pasta and we plan to make a lemon and prawn sauce

with grated parmigiana reggiano.

The recipe is simple...

September is here and the weather is already cooler...

such a quick change.

I'll be back in the Yoga Studio this week, I've missed my sessions.

and

I have an appointment to get my hair cut which always perks me up!

What have you got planned for your week?

Thank you for 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 ~

Garden snippets, vintage silver and almond nuts ~ recipe included.

 

Greetings from The Humble Bungalow Garden.

We have been enjoying the garden and have had a few quiet days.

We celebrated our darling grand daughter's 15th birthday and Father's Day.

Snacks on the deck with a variety of things...

cheese and crackers, 

veggies and hummus, 

homemade foccaccia bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar

raspberry tarts with coconut whipped cream

watermelon

Presents were well received :-))

(a list from the birthday girl helps)

We purchased some planters from the garden centre for the tour...

they are a great pop of colour.

Roses are in their glory...

May and June are the prime months for roses here in The Humble Bungalow Garden.

Climbing Royal Sunset Rose 

and a riot of foxgloves dotting the perennial beds.

Josephs's Coat Rose...

a huge rose that puts on an amazing show.

Very thorny but multiple blooms on each branch.

This rose has masses of blooms...

I cannot remember the name but think it might be Mary Lester.

The bees buzz here all day long!

Darling daughter found us a fabulous silver tray...

~ arts and crafts art nouveau ~

The tray is beautiful and beside it the rose is Ambridge Rose...

it has so many blooms on it this year!

Look at the details...

morning glory?

wheat?

James F Tufts 

Boston Ma. USA

Have placed it on the plate rail in the dining room for now...

it is a stunning piece.

Thank you Jennifer.

Monday morning starts with Yoga...

Thank you Jules and Ajna Studio.

I look forward to each and every class.

I came home and made a simple lunch...

sourdough bread toasted with a salmon and celery salad topping.

Open Face sandwich for me and a regular sandwich for Mr. HB

I did some clean up in the kitchen and vacuumed the floor.

I have started a knitting project using the wool that darling daughter found at the thrift shop.

I am making another Miriam sweater...

the colour is a warm beige.

Knitted a few rows then got back to the kitchen and did a fridge clean out...

Decided to make some spiced NUTS!

I know I know...it is usually a winter project 

but that big bag of almonds called to me.

I only used almonds in this batch...

I use sealer jars to store these and often give these as hostess gifts.

They are so yummy!

I made a single batch today...

popped in a load of laundry while these were cooking.

Spoon them into jars right away so they don't get stuck on the sheet pan!

Cool completely before putting on the top.

Knit a few more rows...

Dinner was easy...

I made a "home grown lettuce" salad...

and 

baked frozen pizzas!

I've decided that I need to pace myself...

if I have a busy day.

How is your week starting off?

I recently have received some lovely emails...

from readers that I am just getting to know.

So nice to know that after all these years there are new readers who enjoy the blog!

Love hearing from you and what you are up to...

A lovely reader shared her "comfort book" suggestion:

 Pilgrim's Inn by Elizabeth Goudge.

She reads it every year.

A Gift From The Sea by Ann Morrow Lindbergh 

is one of my favourite "comfort books"

Have you read it?

I have ordered Pilgrim's Inn from my favourite local bookseller 

Ivy's Books in Oak Bay.

Do you have a good book suggestion?

How is your week going so far?

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog

until next time...

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~