Pretty Garden Pinks, a road trip and a picnic...and it is only Wednesday!

Oh the weather these past few days has been so hot!

Darling daughter celebrated her birthday on Monday.

Here she is on one of her first walks.

In 1979 we lived on Marlborough Street by Beacon Hill Park which is just off Dallas Road 

in a big old rambling house which still stands today.

I love this picture of the two of us 

with the snow capped Olympic Mountains in the background.

So much time has elapsed...

Our daughter has grown into a lovely woman and she will be tying the knot with her Kiwi fiancee this summer.

Darling daughter and I drove up island for the day...

poking our noses into 

antique shops and a couple of thrift stores.

This is the view from the Bridgeman's Bistro at The Mill Bay Marina.

The water was so calm...

just like a "mill pond" which by the way is not usual for "Mill Bay!"

The crab cakes were delicious!

We came home with a few bit and bobs...but no "big" treasures.

It is aways fun spending time together.

I wore my bangles...

she says it makes me easy to find in a shop...she just listens for the sounds of the bracelets jingling!

The lilacs are blooming and it is not even May!

I have had to venture downstairs to my "out of season" closet
to find some summer garments to wear in this heat...

It is "slim pickins" down there too....not much more than a couple of dresses, a few Tees and a couple of pairs of pants. I must have done a major cull last season when I put the summer stuff into storage.

Thank goodness I had the peace of mind to keep my Italian black linen dress...
it is loose and very cool..perfect for this weather.

Last year I noticed that In the south of France loose linen dresses seem to be the preferred choice of women of a certain age...so I promptly went out a bought one when I came back from my trip...a very sensible choice too and one that makes sense as the fabric breathes in the heat.

I love to wander around in the garden in the morning before it gets too hot... to see if there are any major weeds that need pulling and to see what is in bloom.

The roses are starting to bloom...this Pavement series rose has an intoxicating scent...

unfortunately it bears lots of thorns which make it hard to pick.

These sweet little "money plant" volunteers have seeded themselves in the front beds.

This area is "under construction"

Our clematis is very old and woody but is a stalwart when it comes to putting on a spectacular show.

This picture was taken before the clematis came into bloom.

We planted variegated iris, several hostas and black mondo grass in this shady bed. 

The patio was redone by our garden gals.

The clematis has twined itself high up into the neighbours Dogwood tree.

Close up of a rhododendron...like a jewel box inside.

I bought a few geraniums to put on the front porch.

They are a great value

 inexpensive

will last all summer 

look so cheerful.

My sister and I took Mother to the beach for tea and a late afternoon snack yesterday.

Inside this basket I keep 3 pretty china cups and saucers, 3 matching side plates, assorted silver wear.

Picnic ready 

with a tablecloth, napkins when the sun shines on Willows Beach.

I've got some more posts on the back burner so I will be back soon.

Thank you for your kind and thoughtful emails after the recent shenanigans...

I did not think that the post would have generate so much discord among readers...

if I have personally offended any of you, 

I humbly apologize.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Salt Spring Island Day Trip...

On a rainy weekday morning last week we got up at the crack of dawn and headed out to the ferry to spend the day on one of the Gulf Islands.

Salt Spring Island is a short scenic 35 minute ferry ride from The Swartz Bay terminal.

The island is the largest of our Gulf Islands and it is very lush and green.
A popular spot for many who are fortunate enough to call it home...
and a lovely place to go for a visit.

Many of the homes along the waterfront have low bank beach access with private docks while others with expansive water views, are built high up on the cliffs that plunge sharply to the sea.

SSI is home to a diverse mix of locals... from affluent celebrities, talented writers, gifted artists, wealthy retirees, farmers, vintners, potters, quilters, organic produce growers, "back to the earth" hippies, professionals, chefs, gardeners, families, teachers and the list goes on...
definitely an eclectic group... which makes for a very "colourful" community.

Mr. HB had business on the island so I tagged along for the ride...
While he worked, I walked and explored the galleries and shops in Ganges which is the retail hub of the island.
It was a quiet day as not that many people were out and about.
Perhaps it was the rain...
but then I am comparing it to the busy summer season
when tourists are on their holidays and the marinas are full of boats.

There are some lovely women's shops with sumptuous imported linen garments in fashionable styles.
Shoes, scarves, hats, and stylish accessories.
Many of which are beyond my budget...but it is fun to browse.

There are two thrift shops...
well worth perusing
as you never know what you are going to find.

There was an adorable bright pink and lime green classic Lily Pulitzer sheath dress,
alas it was too small.
Lots of designer labels and most in good condition, some of the pieces I recognized from last season.

I did find an Eileen Fisher "jacket"....
very simple and in a versatile navy for under $20.

Mr. HB and I met for lunch at Auntie Pesto's on the waterfront overlooking the marina.
The food was tasty and the half portion of pasta that I opted for was more than adequate.
Judging by the crowd that were dining there it must be a favourite with the locals.

After lunch we walked the docks and looked at boats before heading back to Fulford Harbour to catch the ferry.

Fulford Harbour is quite small and features a couple of funky shops,
a mercantile store, book shop, restaurant and a cafe.

After we parked the car in the line up, we poked our heads into all the wee shops and had a good look around.
There was a surprise in one of the shops... a yellow silk scarf!
The one that I have been hunting for to wear with my navy coat and yellow walking shoes.

Who would have thought that I would find it on a Gulf Island?

If you get the opportunity to visit Salt Spring Island try to make time to drive around the entire island.

Perhaps you'll find a charming B and B in which to stay for a few days

or if you have "deep pockets" you can stay at Hastings House

 a luxurious spot that has beautiful gardens and a Spa.

Mr. HB and I stayed there one long weekend in May many years ago and we both felt so pampered...

our suite was in The Post House

the grounds are beautiful

the food was delicious and the service impeccable.

 The Farmer's Market is held on Saturdays from April until October.

You will find jewelry, paintings, jams, crafts, clothing, collectibles, food, spices, soaps and more...

it is held on Saturdays in Ganges.

It is a "must see" if you are on the island.

If you need any more information on SSI go here.

 you will find places to stay and things to do.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble  Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Ellie in Paris and a few Vancouver tidbits...

Do you read Ellie O'Connell's blog Have Some Decorum?
She is an amazing woman who lives in Paris and writes a blog.
Witty, talented, creative, funny and her strength will surprise you as she bravely faces ALS head on.
Be warned that she does not mince words.

She has been living with and battling ALS for several years...it is a terribly debilitating disease and Ellie has enlightened and educated readers about the various challenges that she faces with this condition.

Quite recently her health has deteriorated...and the lovely and gracious Vintage Contessa who met Ellie when she visited Paris, has posted a couple of items for sale to help Ellie...
one of which is a Chanel handbag.

If you prefer to donate on a Go Fund Me Page her friend BFF Yolanda, wife of David Foster and one of the Real House Wives Of Beverly Hills has set one up here.

Ellie needs your support...and prayers.

On our recent trip to Vancouver we explored some new venues...
I though you might like to see a few snapshots.

Pottery Barn Kids window display had ballerinas and a tea party theme.

We always try to walk and browse the shops on South Granville.
Meinhardts, West Elm, Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, Williams Sonoma, Indigo,
Diane's Lingerie, Lords Shoes, Ming Woo Kitchen Shop, Anthropologie and many more...

Emma Bridgewater HUGE teapot for sale at the consignment shop Turnabout Home.

You would need to use your muscles to pour tea from this pot!

After perusing South Granville we walked towards Granville Island 

on our way we popped into a few shops

Granville Island Florists

Heather Ross is a Vancouver based artist and she has just released a new book

Natural Eclectic."

Her studio is a mix of her paintings and natural and vintage finds.

It is small but well worth a visit.

The Imported linen towels were very tempting...

Fullhouse is a large home decor warehouse that features mid century modern 

mixed with a few choice new items. 

I love this vintage Dansk ice bucket that they have used as a planter.

Kay Bojesen monkey 

larger than any of the other monkeys I have seen by Bojesen.

We walked through Granville Island and the market.

Ate a tasty lunch at SandBar restaurant before hopping on a little ferry to cross False Creek to Yaletown and walked back to our hotel.

We had a fun filled weekend with good friends, lots of walking and a wee bit of shopping.

The weather was fabulous and the views spectacular.

We are back into our usual routines...

with a lovely weekend away still fresh in our mind

which reminds us of why it is so important to take time off and get away

time to relax and to recharge our batteries 

explore something new and different

and enjoy the scenery

if you cannot travel far

go to a local event or peruse a new shop

visit an exhibition

walk in a different area of town

buy local produce from a farm market stand

have a coffee somewhere new

try something new

be bold

stretch yourself

try being a tourist in your own home town

Have Fun.

Carpe Diem

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

France, French Food and Friends...

This month is the anniversary of my trip to Paris and the SW of France...
While recalling the details of my trip...I cannot help but smile.
I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to visit Paris.
It was a dream come true.

I looked at all the France travel snapshots that I have on my lap top...
and they brought tears of joy to my eyes.

The love locks now removed as they were causing the railings to break.

Notre Dame

Saint Germain Des Pres is where I stayed and it was a lovely neighbourhood for walking,

 shops, boutiques, cafes, bistros, boulangeries and markets.

This classic bookshop is popular with tourists and has been in business for many years.

My love for Paris is very much alive and while a future trip is not in the works

 I want to read a few books that are set in Paris.

"Armchair travel" can transport you if you use your imagination...

Looking for books and novels that are set in Paris online has been fun and I and have complied a substantial list.

Many are available at our local library and a handful are in stock at my favourite book shop, 

Ivy's on Oak Bay Avenue.

Auvillar France

this wee house is where our friends John and Cheryl live.

They are moving to France on a permanent basis and we went to Vancouver to say our goodbyes...

Cheryl is a very talented artist.

She had a sale and sold most of her paintings and all her supplies from her studio.

They have sold their boat, car and are selling or giving away most of their things.

This week they are finishing up the packing and will be flying off to France.

We snapped up one of Cheryl's paintings as soon as we heard that she was having a sale.

We will miss them dearly.

The weather was sunny and hot while we were in Vancouver.

We walked for many hours exploring the city.

I had a "bee in my bonnet"

looking for a sunshine yellow printed silk scarf 

to wear with my new navy and white polka dotted trench coat.

(and my sunny yellow walking shoes)

Shopping for a scarf proved difficult as the shops are not showing much yellow.

I might have found one at Hermes 

but thought I would be patient 

and look in the consignment and thrift shops for a vintage one.

Candles were an easy fix.

Holt Renfrew keep these lovely scented Diptyque candles stocked on their shelves.

Laduree opened on Robson and there are line ups out the door!

Macarons are a sweet indulgence and now that they are readily available 

one has no excuse not to enjoy them on a regular basis...

a wee bit of Paris has come to Canada!

We dined at Vij's at their new location on Cambie.

Vikram Vij was on hand to greet us and we savoured a delicious meal.

The Bistro Wagon Rouge is the tiny little French restaurant where we enjoyed a flavourful feast.

The bistro is very popular and they do not take reservations 

so they send their diners down the street to a distillery called The Odd Society 

to have a cocktail until the table is ready.

We spent the weekend walking, shopping and eating with our friends.

My current novel...almost finished.

My Paris Book List

The Hotel on the Place Vendome

Tilar J. Mazzeo

Lessons in French

Hilary Reyl

Books, Baguettes and BedBugs

Jeremy Mercer

I'll See You in Paris

Michelle Gable

A Moveable Feast

Ernest Hemingway

My Paris Dream

Kate Betts

Bonjour Tristesse

Francoise Sagan

Madame Bovary

Gustave Flaubert

The Flaneur

Edmund White

The Dud Avocado

Elaine Dundy

The Only Street in Paris: Rue de Martyrs

Elaine Scilini

I have read so many books on Paris but there are lots still to discover.

I have a favour to ask...

if you have read a book that is set in Paris that you would recommend  

please mention it by sending me an email or by writing a comment.

Merci Beaucoup

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~