Forced relaxation....Simplified Easter Weekend

Sunny bold yellow chrysanthemums...

cheap and cheerful.

Just what I needed to perk up my spirits.

My ankle injury is slowly on the mend...the swelling has gone down.

Bruises remain and I am now able to move it in a more "normal" way.

I've taken smaller slower beach walks.

My Inner Hippie Vibe was activated when I spied a bamboo cane on the beach...

The bottom of the cane was split so I used duct tape to reinforce it.

I purchased a roll of sisal at the Hardware store.

This DIY project was easy and fun.

My walking Aid is ready for the beach walks.

It really helped my stability as the sand and rocks along the seafront are unpredictable.

I used it for every walk and have it in my car for local beach walks.

We are home now...

came home early as I have a medical appointment for a bone density test.

I have been on the wait list for almost a year!

Our medical system is overloaded...fewer family doctors. 

Many people are waiting to be assigned a doctor.

A nursing shortage, an aging population, long waits for treatments and surgeries.

It is a national crisis.

My Eddie Bauer sun hat must be over 30 years old...

you can see my walking pole.

We collect feathers...not sure why?

 But it is definitely a thing.

Our cottage partners participate too.

I got my husband more involved in meals this week...

we had quite a few BBQ dinners.

Easter Sunday dinner was this big fat burger!!

Boy was it tasty...I had made quick pickled red onions.

 I mixed up some beef patties using ground beef, egg, salt, pepper and Panko crumbs.

We added some cheese, lettuce, tomato slices and condiments.

Dinner was quick and easy.

Just the two of us.

It is OK to keep it simple.

We like to keep things relaxed at the cottage.

Thanks honey :-))

My husband likes to take sunset pictures at the cottage and post them on his Instagram Page.

We had some lovely sunny warmer 

weather at the cottage.

What a gift to be able to sit outdoors.

It felt like a luxury.

I am knitting a shawl...

"Easy Goes It" 

Using Rowan's Felted Tweed in Pink Bliss.

The pattern is not difficult but it changes a lot.

I keep track by using a book and make note of where I am in the pattern!

My lipstick matches the colour of the yarn!!!

I was able to keep my mind off of my ankle by knitting and gazing out across the Salish Sea watching the ferries and boats as they floated past the cottage.

We went to the Market...

the new soap company Island Soul Soaps had a variety of interesting soap.

It was a tough choice to choose!

Perhaps I will need to sample many more to discover my favourite!

They have interesting combinations and I love the names that the owner has chosen.

Last night, Wednesday, I snapped this image.

Hubby was taking his photos and copycat me decided I can do that too!!

I didn't notice the birds until after I looked at the photo.

Lots going on this coming week...

things often get super busy and before I know it my daytimer is FULL.

Hope you all had a lovely week.

Do you celebrate Easter?

Did you have a big Easter dinner?

What did you serve?

Thank you to those who have sent me emails 

or commented on my Instagram 

sending positive and encouraging words that help during my time of healing.

I will be back in action very soon.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Wee luxuries...and remembering MOM

Willows Beach in Oak Bay

(a favourite spot of my late mom's and mine)

I took my coffee in a thermos and sat in the stillness

watched the sea, the sun and the clouds

listened to the waves as they met the shore

embraced

the sound of the gulls as they soared overhead.

A few precious moments of peace outdoors in nature to start the day

sets the tone for the hours ahead.

Unwrapped a lovely soap from Fragonard in Paris.

The porcelain soap dish accompanied the soap which was in a recent 

My French Country Home Box.

The scent is soft, subtle and sweet.

Hand washing happens many many times a day here in The Humble Bungalow.

I can still hear my mom's voice

her mantra was

"Soap and Water are Cheap."

Mom always kept a few bars of triple milled soap unwrapped in her lingerie drawer.

I think her favourite was Yardley's English Lavender Soap.

Mom was an avid gardener and worked for many hours outside 

before coming in and soaking in the tub...

a cup of restorative tea on the edge of the bath.

Lavender scents wafted throughout the house.

She'd dress up for my father's arrival home from work.

A dainty apron worn atop of her dress...

mom was a much tidier cook than I.

I remember so many lovely snippets of mom and learned so much from her.

Not a day goes by that I don't think of her.

Mom sipped her tea in a pretty cup and saucer.

She had a fondness for those decorated with flowers.

While I don't ALWAYS choose one of mine for tea.

(several inherited from mom)

I do more often than not.

My face is getting some serious TLC

the recent and ongoing IPL treatments are reducing the rosacea redness 

the broken capillaries are slowly disappearing...

My skin however is dry 

so I purchased a hardworking moisturizer to use in tandem 

with the IS Clinical Pro Health Serum.

Fingers crossed it will perform as was suggested at the clinic.

Healthy lunch at Brown's Social House

Tuna Poke Bowl

loaded with fresh veggies

delicious!

Eating mindfully 

adding lots of veggies with lean protein

 high on my radar.

Choosing healthier alternatives is becoming much easier...

although

the lure of french fries is still very strong.

If my husband orders them I ask to sample a few :-))

The interesting thing about eating tons of veggies and a small amount of protein is that I don't feel "stuffed" after I eat.

It is such a different feeling than when I order a burger and fries.

I actually prefer it and I am not hungry afterwards.

Sale item from Joe Fresh.

A simple basic which will get worn on my walks

and

paired with jeans perhaps layered overtop of a denim shirt.

Love the warm cozy feel..

great texture.

So many thoughts are swimming around in my head today 

as I sit here in The Humble Bungalow kitchen and type.

I am not sure how to wrap up this post...

writing about and remembering mom 

often skews my thought process

with

emotions tugging at my heartstrings...

Auriculas are starting to put on a show!

Perhaps it is time to find or build a theatre to display them?

They are all the rage in the UK.

How are things with you?

Hope that you are enjoying the start to the week.

Thank you for popping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

April Showers bring May flowers...

Tulips are blooming in the glorious Sunshine.

With so much uncertainty in our world 

we are clinging to the comforting rituals and safety of our homes.

Feeling grateful for so much right now...

Food in the fridge and cupboards

hot water for baths and showers

scented soaps

candles

flowers

books

the cats

family

friends

our small cozy bungalow

fresh air

sunshine

walks outdoors

I loved this new book by Santa Montefiore.

This is the 4th book in The Deverill series and it did not disappoint!

Healthy dinner 

steamed assorted vegetables with a Tasty Bite package of Ancient Grain Mixture.

My digestive system has been really acting up...

major heartburn!

maybe it is caused by stress or just plain old age

it would appear that I have all the signs of a hiatus hernia.

I had a telephone call to my GP and I am on some new medication.

Hope that we have nipped it in the bud as there are not many other options right now with all the closures in place.

I've tidied up the pots on the patio.

Primula

Not sure why Chester was hanging out in the clawfoot tub?

He's so entertaining!

Am looking forward to reading this new book.

I placed an order with my favourite independent local book seller 

Ivy's Bookshop on Oak Bay Avenue.

 I am reading so many books during this pandemic...

it is a wonderful "escape" during these quiet weeks.

We have been washing our hands so many times each day that we are getting low on our favourite lemongrass liquid soap.

So I went online and purchased more soap from Nezza Naturals 

another local small business, we were able to pick up our order just outside their front door.

I do hope that we can help small business owners "stay afloat" until more "normal" business can resume.

What are you reading?

Have you been sewing masks?

How are you occupying your time at home?

Love to hear from you...

(use Google as Safari is not working if you want to leave a comment)

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Flowers. thoughts and ramblings from The Humble Bungalow...

Deep indigo grape hyacinths are a welcome pop of colour.

We have quite a few of these in our front garden.

Thankfully the deer do not nibble these sweet flowers.

How are you managing during the "shelter at home" order?

Are you busy or bored?

Do you get "dressed up" or have a PJ Days?

Keeping quite busy with home and gardening tasks.

Baking bread every few days...

to accompany homemade soups and stews.

We were down to a few cups of flour and we hit the jackpot yesterday 

by finding 10kg package of flour

it felt like a lottery win!

(We are not taking anything for granted.)

I'll be able to keep baking bread for the next few months with this supply.

I purchased an antibacterial spray from Nezza Naturals.

I've been wiping the counters, light switches and door handles.

We have a few lilies blooming in The Humble Bungalow Garden.

Planted these a few years ago and they pop up early each Spring.

Such a delightful dainty little flower 

which reminds me of The Flying Nun's hat

do you remember Sally Field in this television show?

Love the variegated foliage of the Trillium

When the flower is in bloom it is a dark magenta shade.

I sat on the front porch this past weekend and enjoyed the sunshine and birdsong.

Tapio Wirkkala Ultima modernist mug made in Finland.

Darling daughter has a large collection of Ultima

which I covet!

Timo Sarpeneva Finnish Festivo icy candlesticks.

Baked banana bread and pasta were delivered to our son and the grandchildren.

We waved at each other through the windows and they came out on the front porch while we stood at the bottom of the stairs.

Later we Face-Timed with them

the kids were in fine spirits when they

demonstrated a dance routine that they were working on!

Thank goodness for the internet to help us stay connected.

Loving this Lemongrass Tea Tree soap

the scent is divine and the sudsy soap makes it easy to keep up with the necessary hand washing.

With all this hand washing I need to moisturize my hands.

This cream absorbs quickly and protects my hands in between washes.

I apply and small amount at tea time when I sit to read my book.

Hooray!

Hellebore blooms are not deer food.

 ~ Vintage Enamel ~

Bread tin and colander just part of the small collection in our laundry room.

All is calm...

the ironing has been done

(such a soothing task.)

Clothes are washed and hung to dry.

Counters washed ~ floor swept.

Feeling in control of my own home 

is just one part of how I am keeping my focus positive.

It's time for lunch and I'm making a simple sandwich.

Will pop the kettle on and brew a pot of tea.

Hope you are finding ways to amuse yourself while you cocoon at home.

~ Stay Home and Stay Safe ~

Shopping my closet...casual denim for Spring

I have been wearing my go-to cashmere sweaters with jeans but with the sunnier days and Spring flinging our way I've been looking in my closet and thinking about dressing in lighter clothes.

Cailey 22 lightweight denim shirt 

In winter I layer this shirt under my black V neck cashmere sweater.

Gap heavier denim shirt

this works alone or layered over top of a Tee or top.

Gap shirt

Eileen Fisher sleeveless top

Letol French scarf

(was included in a previous delivery of My Stylish French Box)

Gap denim dress

layered over a long sleeve Eileen Fisher top

(I may purchase a pair of white capri tights to pair with these two pieces)

A lovely scarf...

with

cheerful colours

heavier and can also be worn as a shawl.

Works really well with denim and chambray garments.

I am trying not to panic 

after the recent announcement of the world wide Covid-19 pandemic.

Looking at the bright spots in my daily round.

I plan to do some "deeper cleaning" here in The Humble Bungalow.

Bathrooms, surfaces and door knobs will be disinfected.

We have not travelled on a plane or left the country and hope that people who  are ill will stay at home and self isolate.

Nice scented soap

Wash your hands well and avoid touching your face 

to minimize your chance of getting the disease.

Make sure you have 2 weeks of non perishable food on hand 

in case of an emergency.

(just like you would have in your earthquake preparedness kit)

Many people have been panic purchasing toilet paper and hand sanitizers.

According to scientists soap and water are more effective than hand sanitizers.

Of course we don't have access to these when we are in our cars 

so maybe keep a bottle handy when you are between the shops and your home.

Planning to avoid large crowds...

Having had pneumonia 3 times in the past and at 65 years of age

 I may be one of the demographic that needs to exercise more care.

Happy Weekend!

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~