Paris books...garden delights.

Memories of my trip last Spring to Paris have been flittering about in my mind...
by cultivating a few French habits this helps keep the feelings fresh and alive.

French Market Basket from Madison and Muse in the Cadboro Bay Village

Some things that help me recall my trip and french focus:

my morning ritual of a cafe creme served in a wide bowl...
the application of perfume
wearing pretty lingerie
nibbling a decadent croissant from time to time
walking in my neighbourhood and beyond
taking myself out for coffee and sitting outside watching the people walk by
reading about Paris in books and on blogs
perusing the produce and eating local fresh food that is "in season"
popping into a french charcuterie for lunch basics
harvesting our fresh home grown vegetables...our asparagus crop is amazing!
making a simple French vinaigrette
browsing in my French cookbooks

shopping in a French inspired store
I treated myself to a new French Market basket
a new linen apron
and a scarf!

a wee french inspired lunch

savoured at the table

with a large glass of sparkling Perrier

(if I was in France it probably would have been a glass of vin rose)

Heavy linen apron with large pockets...

great for cooking, cleaning and wearing in the garden.

(also from Madison and Muse)

I was on a roll and so why not buy a new linen scarf too?

Soft grey from Madison and Muse.

If you live in Victoria or come for a visit do yourself a favour and pop into the shop.

Margo, the owner, is very knowledgeable, has lived in France and her stock is sumptuous.

If I have a windfall I am heading straight to her shop to buy linen sheets...

happy shopping!

My Paris reading list has been getting larger 

especially after going to the library and Ivy's books on The Avenue

I have a few more on my book shelf waiting...

Our garden has a dedicated asparagus bed which is providing us with fresh picked asparagus.

We usually have this as an appetizer before our main course.

I pop it in a shallow pan with boiling water 

 let it sit in there bubbling for 5 minutes

drain and serve 

with a dollop of mayonnaise and a bit of salt and pepper.

Voila!

Strange things are happening to the rhubarb plants.

flowers are emerging

We have harvested several pickings 

 stewed the stalks to enjoy with a dollop of fresh yogurt.

oh and there is another strange thing growing in the garden...

looks like The Jack in The Pulpit plant.

I do not remember planting this!

Could it have come into the garden as a hitch hiker with another plant?

My goodness I am keeping my eye on this one.

Life is never dull when one has a garden to potter about in...nature is full of surprises!

Hope your weekend is full to the brim with lovely things.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

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 ~