Escape to the Cottage...

Dr. Bonnie Henry our official medical officer for Covid has informed us that we are in "Phase 3" which permits us to travel within our province of BC.

Mr. HB and I are enjoying a much needed week of respite at Quarter Deck Cottage on Pender Isalnd. The change of scenery is such a tonic and the fresh air walks are invigorating. We are feeling immense gratitude for this getaway.

Cottage life is relaxing and we get into the rhythm almost as soon as we drive off the ferry!

We brought some Graham Thomas roses from The Humble Bungalow Garden.

We eat quite simple meals here at the cottage.

Fresh French Radishes from our greenhouse for our salads.

Fresh from the Farm 

Strawberries, sweet tasting and delicious!

As a dessert or with my morning fruit and yogurt breakfast.

Fresh eggs from the Saturday morning Farmer's Market here on Pender.

The yolks are a dark orange colour and the flavour is outstanding.

My current book...

a page turner and a very interesting topic.

I have not read any of Jodi Picoult's books before and I am enjoying her writing.

Spaghetti and a glass of red wine from the local vineyard.

I make pasta once a week as it is my husband's favourite meal.

I make a batch of sauce that will last for two meals.

It's a very simple recipe.

Spaghetti Sauce

Pour a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in a large dutch oven.

add

1 medium diced onion saute until soft

then add:

 a cup of sliced mushrooms

 2 or 3 cloves of minced garlic

1 pound of lean ground beef or spicy Italian sausage

sprinkle with a teaspoon of red pepper flakes

(or to taste)

salt, pepper, dried oregano, a splash of worchestershire sauce

add a jar of good quality tomato sauce

small can of tomato paste

Simmer for about an hour.

Cook the pasta according to the directions on the package.

Top with the sauce and grate some fresh Parmesan cheese on top.

Enjoy!

The roses are wilting in the summer sunshine...

Staycations and local travel are the New Normal for residents of BC.

We must be vigilant and stay safe to avoid an upswing in Covid cases.

We have to make our own fun 

at home, at the cottage, at a resort, a marina, a hotel or campsite.

How are you doing?

What are your holiday plans?

Please share any tips you have for coping during the pandemic.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

Wishing you a lovely week.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Embracing Joy...

Do you feel Joyful?

Joy definition...

a feeling of great pleasure and happiness.
"tears of joy"
synonyms: delight, great pleasure, joyfulness, jubilation, triumph, exultation, rejoicing, happiness, gladness, glee, exhilaration, ebullience, exuberance, elation, euphoria, bliss, ecstasy, transports of delight, rapture, radiance

What do you enjoy in your daily round?

I've thought about what brings me pleasure on a daily basis.
After due consideration,
I discovered its really the simple things that bring me Joy.

Starting each morning with a mug of hot coffee...
with some quiet time to check my email, social media, and perhaps read a chapter in my current book.

A shower with fragrant soap or body wash, drying off with a pure linen towel and then applying some emollient lotion.

Washing my face and gently applying a rich serum followed by moisturizer.

Domestic routines are followed...

simple chores like making the bed
tidying up the kitchen
emptying the dishwasher
starting the laundry

these jobs are important home keeping rituals.

An organized home is less stressful for me personally
so staying on top of the mess and clutter is imperative.

Getting out for a walk every day.

Looking at the homes and gardens as I pass by
listening to the songs of the birds...
gazing across the ocean to the snow capped mountains
as I walk along the seafront.

Other things that bring Joy;

family
friends
gardening
roses roses roses!!!!
flowers
tasty healthy food
(cooking)
afternoon tea sipped from a beautiful china cup and saucer
thrift shopping
good books
scented candles
sunshine
a cozy cashmere sweater
comfy jeans
pearls
decluttering
donating to charity
a bouquet of David Austin roses picked fresh from the garden

                 ~ giving simple gifts ~

food...homemade soup, a frittata, or a casserole
delivering a posy of flowers
sharing a good book
a jar of jam and some fresh baked scones
soap with a handknit dishcloth
beeswax candles wrapped in a linen tea towel

"Giving" is rewarding and it is something I really enjoy...

There are so many things that bring Joy into our lives...
what are the things that you find bring you Joy?

I almost forgot to mention how much I love collecting sea glass!

and heart shaped rocks!!

So now its your turn to share what brings you joy...

please leave a comment if you have time.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog today.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~