Hydrangeas...

My neighbour Diana has an orchid house

and she grows a wide variety of orchids year round.

A recently retired university professor,

 she has embraced orchid growing with an academic and scientific perspective.

Gauges, thermostats, heaters, fans, fertilizers

potting mediums, shade cloth, and on it goes.

She possesses a firm grasp on the Latin nomenclature

 of all things orchid.

The rest of her postage stamp garden is comprised of a few woody shrubs

and 

some climbing clematis

and 

her prolific and robust hydrangea bush

She lopped off numerous blooms as they were large and heavy

 bending the branches to the ground

 I just happened to be about

and gratefully accepted this bounty of blooms.

We are very fortunate to know our neighbours

we socialize on occasion

and keep watch when someone is away.

I have passed quite a few zucchinis over the fence between us this summer

it's so comfortable

sharing natures' bounty

with each other.

What's in the box?

 What's in the Box?

 open the latch...

read  the directions...

shells in a jar

a reed diffuser

a bit of a splurge

discounted slightly

what an interesting bit of background India!

Crabtree and Evelyn

India Hicks

has a variety of scented candles

perfumes, lotions

and soaps

The Bungalow Bathroom 

is delicately scented with a light tropical air

floral and fruity

as for the box...

what should I use this for?

it's too nice to discard..

(I don't have a pistol!)

I could use some ideas.

yellow blooms, a hasty planting...

a little burry image of my pudding bowl 

I planted these in a hurry

lots of things happening here

we have

a house guest

family obligations

and

we are dealing with a dysfunctional relative

there's one in every family!

         I thought that these were pansies

I do know

     they are sunny yellow

    and they add light to the grey rainy days

and I love blooming things

cheap and cheerful

they'll have a spot on the porch

on the black wicker table

I have taken all the cushions off and stored them for the winter

Fall is upon us...

summer is over

I feel like

pulling the covers up 

sipping hot tea

look what my houseguest brought for me!

from England

reading a good book

and 

cocooning in my nightgown

I'm off to the serenity of my bedroom

sweet dreams to all...

Hugs

Closet clean out and Recipe cards!

My closet is now ready for Fall and my work wardrobe is easily visible.

I have hung things in basic colour groupings...black, white, grey, navy...

with a few prints and coloured garments to the side.

I had some items to donate to charity and a few that I felt might be candidates for the consignment shop.

The consignment shop is on a busy street and parking can be difficult but I found a spot with ease and while they looked over my garments I perused their stock. 

The staff are very well turned out and fashionably accessorized...the stock is neat, clean and attractively displayed. 

Most items are name brand designers and are in current styles...some are new with tags still attached...

I did not find anything to purchase and was not really engaged in looking, having just pared down and added a few new recently purchased pieces.

Nextdoor to the consignment shop is a vintage decor shop which has great stock.
I browse here often and need to steel myself from making purchases as there is ALWAYS at least one thing that calls my name...

It might be the artfully arranged groupings of items which are so sumptuous that I swoon!
The owner has a keen eye and she finds unique time worn pieces...some very country, others very fine.

I saw weathered oars, concrete garden urns, antique inlaid wood dressers, country jelly cupboards, painted French trays, silver bowls, ironstone crocks, biscuit tins, costume jewlery, hat stands, crystal chandeliers, floral printed china, rugs, mirrors of all shapes and sizes, oil paintings, and a large collection of garden gnomes!

I found these...and they spoke to me!

circa 1969

French Recipe Cards!

 a complete deck...

recipes in the French style of eating

circa 1969

not low fat

high flavour

French women don't get fat!

there is a book available

with that title...

after reading these cards

I would like to believe that

but

I have my doubts!

Duchesse at Passage des perles

recently commented on my blogpost 

referencing a book "French Women" by Marguerite 

where a 3 bite rule

is suggested

thank you

great advice Duchesse!

one dessert and forks for all diners at the table

equals French chic!

and now...

Bridge anyone?

Lights, camera, action....

New lights in the Bungalow

kitchen

I am so excited 

I will be able to see so much better!

Arts and crafts style fixture

custom crafted

by Waterglass Studios

 if you look closely

you'll see some holes...

ceiling patching and paint 

will be added onto the "honey do list"

my trusty camera

an oldie but a goodie

a Nordstrom's box

wait for it...

my boots arrived

they fit and 

they're super comfy

and the desired flat sole

for the sake of my feet

buckle up

giddy-up

the leather is pebbled like my Roots bag

soft and supple

we get buckets of rain here in the Pacific Northwest

 so boots are required

"Gum boots" or  Hunter's for gardening or beach walks

lined boots with traction for snow days

and these for

window shopping

work and play

marketing

errands

sightseeing

antiquing and thrifting

and so much more...

I was very apprehensive about the sizing, shipping and quality

I am pleased and content.

these

 "generic fashion boots"

have a new home.

Nordstrom's

your service agents are so helpful

especially to a rookie like the Hostess

I heard no laughing

just efficient polite responses

which I do so appreciate

Thank you!