Thursday, May 24, 2012

Unbelievable!

On my walk I saw something so strange that I had to look twice...
it was not a bird sighting or a whale spy hopping in the bay.
It was...
well you'll have to see it to believe it.


Scene
as seen
 on top of a man made rocky groyne
in the bay not too far from The Humble Bungalow.

Old love seat and chairs 
that someone has obviously dumped there.

In my opinion this is littering of the first order
it looks ridiculous 
and 
makes our pristine waterfront look like a tip.

Bypassers were stopping their cars and hopping out to take pictures.
Some brave ladies, in heels no less...
scaled the rocks and logs and took photos of each other sitting 
on the
precariously perched pieces of furniture.

I stopped my walk to capture this image 
and then hastened on my merry way.

This must have been done under the cover of darkness
no one in their right mind would attempt this during daylight hours
I am sure there would be a substantial fined levied if the city caught them.

Maybe it was a Graduation prank...
there are lots of grad ceremonies going on and schools do try to "outdo" each other.
UBC engineers used to hang VW bugs from the Lion's Gate Bridge
at least they did that when I worked for UBC.
(that was back in the mid 70's)

Did your graduating class participate in any pranks?
I cannot remember what, if anything, my class did
but hey that was in 1973....
and we were still the peace and love generation.

Mr. HB and I were high school sweethearts
we've been together since I was 15 years old...
this is our song
and I am still in love with him....

Have a great Friday....
Hostess
XO

Salad daze....

In the spirit of health and weight reduction I am working my way to a more healthy style of eating.
Salads and proteins are my new go to partners in crime.
Colourful meals that could come from a spa are finding their way into the Humble Bungalow
a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.


Salad daze
look at the colours!

Romaine and red lettuces, red onions, radishes, yellow peppers, black olives, tomatoes, and shredded carrots. 

There's lots of chewing involved so it takes longer to eat
add some lean chicken or steak
(about 3 ounces)


a small amount of dressing for added flavour
and lunch or dinner is ready.

Rebar basil vinaigrette
I made a batch and keep it in the fridge for a few days and use it sparingly...
olive oil is the base with lots of spices and basil leaves
it is delicious.


I am avoiding bread
although I did have two slices last evening with my bowl
of vegetable beef and bean soup.

No hunger pangs after dinner.

I have also been moderating the amount of wine I am consuming.
Funny that I could convince myself that a liquid could be calorie and sugar free!


Yesterday afternoon when I walked home from work the sound of dueling chainsaws could be heard before I rounded the corner and saw the chipper truck.
Our tree is gone...
the large acacia tree was felled in the garden yesterday 
so after work
we were dong some clean up
and Mr. HB stacked wood!

I did not get a long walk in but I did get a work out in the garden.

Thank you for all your emails of support 
on my recent post about the frustration of post menopausal weight loss.
They really mean a lot to me.


While life may not always be rosy
you can always grow roses!

Your Humble Hostess
XO



Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Shine or tarnish what camp are you in?

Vintage Silverware has been frequently cropping up in the thrift shops in our area which makes me wonder if it has fallen out of flavour.
I am rather like a crow when it comes to shiny things so it's no surprise when I am lured by something that sparkles.
Mother has already given me the lion's share of the family silver as my sister dislikes polishing what Mother gave her and poor Mother shudders every time she sees the tarnished items!

Polishing days occur twice a year here in The Humble Bungalow
with the exception of the everyday silver teapot which needs monthly attention with Twinkle.


I purchased this wee drinks tray recently for under $20.

Perfumes, toiletries and jewelry would look attractive massed on top.

Dainty tea sandwiches, wee cakes...
there is no shortage of uses for this newbie.


Made in England and artfully carved.

Where do you stand on silver?
If you inherited a box of it would you use it and keep it gleaming or hide it away?
Or would you sell or donate it?

Just wondering if I am old fashioned!

Hope that your week is ticking along nicely...


Sunday, May 20, 2012

Flowers, friends, and an avocado top...


The Humble Bungalow Garden is starting to bloom...
May is truly a great month for flowers.


Columbine


Lilacs in mauve and white
(same tree!)



 poppies...



Pure white lilacs


showy pavement series rose


Pacific Iris dwarf variety


 my current read
I did buy this book because of the cover!



alliums



Lily of the valley
I have masses and masses of this plant.
I could probably set up a stand and sell it to people as they wander by...


love the scent 
of
"muguet de bois"



If the weather holds I'll take my tea down to this wee table 
sit in the sunshine and soak in some vitamin D
after I've done my weeding.


Later perhaps I'll soak in the tub with some restorative epsom salts
and  I might pop on this new top with white capri's.

Green is my favourite colour and this avocado shade called my name.

It's from the Joe Fresh line
perfect for summertime
light and rather gauzy.

I realized that I "need" to go sandal shopping
I only have one pair of decent sandals and they are going into their 4th year of service.
Flip flops are OK for casual wear 
(and I have two pairs)
but with a dress or a skirt I like to have something a little more stylish.

I looked at lots of shoes but nothing really spoke to me.
I don't want anything too heavy or verging on frumpy
and a bright colour would be fun.
And why are decent shoes so darned expensive?

My BFF got a fabulous dress for the wedding
and we found an unconstructed cover
rather like a sweater alternative 
soft light cotton
with great details that add a chic effect.
She also bought a new Roots cross body bag
and we lunched at Rebar and both enjoyed a delicious quinoa and wild rice salad with beans and avocado.
If you are looking for a fabulous vegetarian spot to lunch do not miss this diner.

Nothing like a fun day with my BFF and some successful shopping 
to put a contented happy smile on my face.

Hope that your weekend is ticking along nicely.



Friday, May 18, 2012

Someone is sending me a message....

Oh dear....
someone is sending me a message.

I remember that when I got on the phone when the children were young that they would go to great lengths to get my attention...
those were the days before cordless phones.
I had a 20 foot cord and a box of "telephone toys" these toys were only used when Mommy was chatting on the phone.
I can still hear " Mommy I have to pee"
"Mommy Stewart is drawing on the wall"
"Mommy I 'm hungry"
or worse a loud crash and a scream.

Well my children have grown and moved out of the nest...
but
we do have a cat who will do anything to get our attention...


if you don't hear from me for awhile
it's Pepper's fault!

Hope that your weekend has some time for relaxation.

maybe you'll chat on the phone to a friend
go shopping or enjoy lunch out

That's what I have planned for tomorrow
then later in the weekend
plant some vegetable seeds and work in the garden.
Weather permitting.