What a difference a day makes!

First Snow Day of the New Year

2020

Humble Bungalow

Day 2 

Very heavy snowfall overnight in the garden.

Hydrangeas weighted down by the snow.

The Ilex berries look very pretty in the snow

the red shade just pops against the white.

You can see how deep it is on the deck.

I found this book in the wee little library on our street.

My walks were curtailed due to the icy conditions

so I busied myself in the house

attending to some chores then mixing it up with reading and my knitting project.

Many cups of tea were sipped.

A Doocot Scottish design available on Ravelry.

Are you familiar with Ravelry?

It's an amazing site for knit and crochet patterns and tips a very helpful community of crafters are able to network and share their projects.

Wool sweater in the making...

learning some new techniques and loving this yarn.

This wooden maul is coming in handy as a yarn holder.

Many women in the knitting group that I belong to 

use crafted wooden bowls 

which have a hole in the side for their yarn to slip through...

it helps the skein from getting all tangled up.

Have you started any new projects?

The weather has improved and we are back to our usual rain days.

So I am able to get outdoors again for my walks.

Very grateful to be able to get some fresh air and exercise.

"Give yourself a gift of five minutes of contemplation 

in awe of everything you see around you. 

Go outside and turn your attention to the many miracles around you. 

This five-minute-a-day regimen of appreciation and gratitude will help you to focus your life in awe."

~ Wayne Dyer ~

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Snowmageddon!

Our snow event has become known as
"Snow~ mageddon!

The Humble Bungalow Garden

is covered in snow!

Looks like a Winter wonderland.

Iced tea anyone?

That's my husbands' car under that blanket of white!

Our red chairs look quite comfy with their thick white cushions.

I've been spending most of these snow days indoors.

Knitting, reading, sipping tea, and making hot soups and curries.

The front steps are swept clear of snow

 the sidewalk gets shovelled...

we have been keeping the fire in our fireplace going 

as it really takes the chill off.

Our single paned windows let in so much cold air...

sitting next to a window one can feel a chilly draught!

My husband has been busy.

He's kept up with the supply of kindling and wood.

Walking back and forth to and from his office downtown.

Many of the staff are unable to get into town to work.

Schools, UVIC, Camosun College and the Naval base at Esquimalt are all closed.

Buses are delayed or not running...

roads are icy and covered with snow

its pretty to look at but is proving difficult "getting around."

It is still snowing 

we are expected to get another 5 inches today...

more predicted for the rest of the week and into the next one.

Stay safe and cozy.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Snow and soups...

It's COLD!
Not as cold as our neighbours back east or southeast of us...

The temperatures are quickly dipping and the forecast is calling for more snow...
tomorrow and throughout next week!

            When its really cold I like to serve a hearty meal of homemade soup.

I discovered this book at the library while perusing the soup cookbooks...

the authors suggest that drinking bone broth has many health benefits.

I have tried bone broth at restaurants and love the flavour.

So I figured I might try making it at home.

Many of the recipes in this book suggest using a crock pot.

You cook the bones with a mirepoix of veggies, and several quarts of water

 for 12-24 hours on the low setting of the crock pot.

( I used a large slow cooker)

You can use beef, pork, turkey or chicken bones.

(No salt is added during the cooking process)

The bones are removed and cooled

( I picked the meat off the bones and set them aside for my soup)

strain the rest of the ingredients

cool on the countertop

before

putting it into the fridge

the broth can be used in soups or heated up as a drink

it can also be frozen 

in quart mason sealer jars

(fill only 3/4 full)

Ready for the freezer.

Hearty beef and vegetable soup

simmering on the stove.

Smells delicious!

I used the meat from the soup bones, the mirepoix and added a bit of pepper.

When it snows here...

there is very little in the way of snow removal equipment

so if we get a big dump of snow 

getting around town is quite the challenge.

Snow is really beautiful to look at...

so pure

 it muffles any noise 

a white blanket that covers us

kids love it

So much fun

for

making snowmen

snow angels

sledding

I remember 

when I was a child 

 a snowfall was so exciting.

Almost 64 years ago 

I was born on a snowday.

My father had to shovel the driveway, 

which was on a slant, 

before he could get the car out.

My mother was quite worried that she would not make it to the hospital

before giving birth to me.

They made it in time and for many years (in March) 

it snowed on my birthday.

Is it cold where you live?

Do you have snow?

What do you like to cook when the mercury drops?

Do you make a big pot of soup or stew?

Perhaps you bake bread or buns?

Do you have a favourite recipe that you can share?

Stay warm and cozy!

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Snippets from Quarter Deck Cottage

Our week at Quarter Deck Cottage has rolled around again and despite the snowy weather we decided that we would go...

We can look up from our books and (me with my knitting)
gaze out upon The Salish Sea between the flurries...

There was a weather warning which made us sit up and take notice but we were easily able to drive on the roads, visit the florist to grab our flowers and provision at the Driftwood Centre.

The snow is not as deep as we were led to believe by the forecast...

it's just a dusting here on Pender Island.

Easy Peasy dinner

Homemade Chicken wings and deli salads

I love to cook but at the cottage our life takes on a slower pace and a relaxed rhythm.

We indulge in our books, go for walks, watch the boat traffic... 

 I knit.

You can see the snow on the hills across The Salish Sea on Vancouver Island.

The ferries run regularly...

Plying the waters to and from 

Victoria

Vancouver

Salt Spring

Pender

Mayne 

Saturna

The tulips have opened up quite quickly in the warmth of the cottage.

The Lacy Batkus scarf...

this is a free pattern on Ravelry.

I used the Shoppel sock yarn from Germany.

Such cheerful colours!

This is the same yarn that I knit the socks out of...

the socks that turned out to be too big so I ripped them out!

I didn't want to waste such pretty wool.

Waste Not Want Not!

We are loathe to waste a sunny afternoon so we are going to head out for our walk.

I must close for now.

What are you up to this weekend?

Are you reading a great book?

Knitting a fabulous project?

Cooking up a storm?

Decorating?

Shopping?

Crafting?

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

What a difference a day makes...

Sunny daze

last week

found us sitting outside on the deck 

at Quarter Deck Cottage...

before the rains came

followed quickly by an Arctic Front 

bringing with it some SNOW!

"Snow Day Soup" 

I added more water as some of it evaporated while it was simmering

probably about 2 cups

 you could use vegetable broth instead but I did not have any on hand.

My lunch

warmed me up.

After the soup making I decided to bake a chocolate banana cake and found a wonderful recipe in my newest cookbook Good Taste by author Jane Green.

The kitchen looked like a bomb had gone off after the busy day in the kitchen so I put the dishwasher on and popped the kettle on for tea...

time for a bit of a rest.

At least that's what I thought....

until my dishwasher started spewing copious amounts of water onto the floor!

Quickly grabbing towels and turning off the appliance I mopped up the mess

then laboriously emptied the water inside the dishwasher using a ladle and a bowl.

Still faced with all the dirty dishes 

 I proceeded to hand wash the entire load...

UGH!

By the time I had finished 

the tea was cold 

so I brewed another pot and started researching new dishwashers.

I've decide on a Bosch 800 series 

the quietest machine on the market and it has a great rating.

We ordered it and will have to wait about 10 days until it arrives and we will have it installed and the old one carted away...

it gave us at least 10 years of good service maybe 13 we cannot remember

I hope the new one will perform better and last longer.

Hope you are keeping cozy.

It's chilly here but the snow has melted

our furnace is on and working hard

I am wearing a down vest.

Single paned windows and minimal insulation does not keep us toasty warm

unless we dress in layers.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

White Wednesday ~ a fluffy blanket of Snow.

Welcome to our White Winter Wonderland!

The Christmas lights are illuminating the snow laden climbing rose.

I am so happy that those white lights are still strung on the climbing rose...

they add such a pretty touch to the back porch.

These rustic seats and table are part of the local area known as the common.

The common is a spare lot that will never be developed 

apparently a brick culvert runs beneath the surface...

(too close to the surface and vulnerable)

there was a creek that ran through the property 

the First Nations used to portage along the creek

on their way to the Inner Harbour.

A former resident, who was a gifted woodworker, scavenged the local beach for the materials and built the seats and table.

Neighbours gather here in nicer weather to chat and have picnics or coffee.

Children climb the trees, run around the site and play on the swings.

Our "wee lending library" is situated out front for anyone wanting to borrow a book.

The policy is based on the honour system.

It is suggested that you "take on and leave one."

The turnaround of books is quite amazing...

I took one for Mother yesterday...

The Lake House by Kate Morton.

I plan to read it when she is finished as it has been on my list for quite sometime.

Looking out the back door of The Humble Bungalow at dark.

Thats a lot of snow!

The fluffy white carpet of snow softens sounds

the neighbourhood feels quiet and very hushed.

The trees are laden with snow...

according to the forecast more is on the way.

Chester has found a cozy blanket of his own!

In between their usual cat naps they have been sitting at the windows

watching the snowflakes fall.

Last but not least...

this lovely white heart shaped rock.

This rock has come all the way from Hyeres France,

 a thoughtful gift from a local BC reader.

She spends each Fall season with her husband living on the Cote d'azur

they love Provence

 and 

spend many days exploring the quaint and beautiful villages...

we have met up several times and most recently we had lunch at which time 

 she shared her favourite spots to visit.

Thank you A for your kind and special gift.

XO

Hope you are cozy and warm.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Snow Day, Flowers, Candles, the Gym and I could use your help...

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow.

The past post on women generated numerous comments, emails and there was a wee bit of controversy.

The blog posts here in The Humble Bungalow are varied and focus on 

beauty, joy, cooking, home keeping

are polite 

rest assured

the mood here is peaceful and calm.

This week has been a busy one and I have done a little "fluffing" in our home.

Scented candles and fresh flowers are two of my favourite affordable luxuries.

 Its the little things that make life at home more enjoyable.

Flowers and fragrance

light and warmth.

TEA!

Time for a cup of Tea 

decaf Yorkshire blend is my daily brew.

I enjoy sipping from a pretty mug like this one from Emma Bridgewater.

Snowdrops are dainty, sweet and we have planted then in our garden.

Yes that IS snow...

it was falling most of the day.

The black mondo grass is peeking through the blanket of snow.

You may be surprised to hear

I've taken the plunge and joined a gym.

Dominique, a reader of my blog, 

emailed me and suggested this particular gym

  I am very grateful.

Thank you!

The gym is for the over 55 group and located not too far from The Humble Bungalow.

 A personal trainer is teaching me how to use the equipment and is assessing my levels and recommending how long and at what levels I need to be working.

I have worked out 3 times this week and my muscles are slightly tender.

It feels good to be actively working out to change my shape.

I have come to the gym somewhat reluctantly...

I was hoping not to pay for fitness but I have not had much success recently with my walking.

The weather has kept me indoors more often and I have gained weight.

The weight training should speed up my metabolism and I am hopeful that the scale will reflect all my efforts in due course.

The trainer told me to stay off my scale for the first month...

muscle weighs more than fat and she does not want me to get discouraged.

My goal is to go to the gym 2-3 times a week.

The people are friendly and the staff are knowledgable.

The space is clean and the atmosphere is quiet and relaxed.

After my work out I went to the mall and bought a new bra, two magazines and a new mascara.

My mascara had passed its use by date and I thought I would try a less expensive brand but I still want to use one that is free of nasty ingredients.

Physician's Formula makes this one so I will test it out and see if it delivers on the promise of fuller lashes.

My workout has left me feeling weary tonight and I am happy to relax on the sofa and watch some TV with my husband.

I have a question for you...

It is my hope that you can help me find a perfect 

or close to perfect 

basic white Tee shirt.

I want one that is simple and very plain

no logos or writing or pattern on the front

in a cotton that has some weight to it 

so it does not cling.

I have spent so much time trying to find one in the local shops

 so far I have come up empty handed...

it should be easy to find

 I am not sure why I am having such trouble.

So I figured you might have the answer and be able to steer me in the right direction...

Thank you for dropping by and I hope that you have a wonderful weekend.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~