The last "Mother's Day" with Mom.

May morning vista from a walk in Oak Bay.

My sister and I got up early

and soon found ourselves dressed and ready to head out the door.

Yesterday was a very important day for my sister and I

 as we said our final goodbyes to to our Mom.

We spread Mom's ashes

enjoyed massages

dined in The Snug

drank a few flutes of bubbly 

swam in the outdoor mineral pool several times.

The Buddha Bowl was amazing!

Mango, tofu, veggies atop quinoa

drizzled with a soy sauce balsamic reduction...

this is so tasty that I am planning to find an excuse to go back very soon!

The Oak Bay Beach Hotel is opulent and elegant 

very well appointed which provides the ultimate in comfort...

beautifully located

on the edge of the shoreline looking east to the San Juan Islands.

The mineral pool was so inviting and warm...

we swam twice on Monday and once today. 

This is the view that overlooks McNeil Bay

a few short blocks from the house where I grew up.

The snow capped mountains of the Olympic Range in Washington State.

Freighters use the international shipping lanes located in Juan de Fuca Strait.

Trial Island and the lighthouse are a short boat ride from shore.

The currents in this narrow passage can be fierce...

they are often referred to as rip tides.

My uncle Owen used to be the lighthouse keeper.

My aunt, uncle and cousins spent quite a few years on the island.

My cousins were home schooled and there was a supply ship that delivered their groceries.

There were some amazing stories of sea rescues. 

The Ham radio was the essential lifeline...

which linked my family to the boats, the Coast Guard and others in Victoria.

If you look closely you will see the Native flowering camas

which is happily growing in the Garry Oak Meadow and rocky outcroppings.

Memories and thoughts are often jogged by scenery...

the power of suggestion is so powerful

that it can transport us back to the past.

The neighbourhood where I grew up has changed quite a lot.

Houses, new and modern, are mixed with the traditional and the heritage styles.

The workers next door are building the forms 

for the foundations of the new homes under construction.

The sounds of saws and nail guns repeating are louder than the drone of the bees or the hummingbirds staccato chatter.

It has not been as invasive as I first expected...

or perhaps

I am getting accustomed to the noise.

Muguet des bois in The Humble Bungalow Garden 

is thick with fragrant blooms.

A handful of flowers popped into an icy vase

make a room fresher

and more beautiful.

These wee white bonnets are so delicate and dainty...

perhaps the loveliest of May flowers in our garden.

My sister and I may make an annual pilgrimage to the OBBH and Spa

sometime close to Mother's Day 

to celebrate our Mom

share memories and relax.

I had never heard of this book.

 I saw it on the shelf at the book sellers on Pender Island...

and was immediately intrigued by the description on the inside cover.

It is a delightful story...

easy to read and very entertaining.

It's "light enough" to be considered a Beach Book

and very hard to put down.

Fingers crossed it is a quiet week...

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow.

XO

Beach walks...scenery snippets

The vibrant blue native camas is in full bloom.

This plant grows in and around the Gary Oak Meadows here in Victoria.

The First Nations Peoples used the root for food.

My walking partner and I went out for lunch at Lure

then we sauntered along the ocean front near Victoria's Inner Harbour.

It was a beautiful sunny afternoon and there were lots of people out and about enjoying the fine weather.

The scenery is aways changing on the waterfront...

boats, sea planes, kayaks, the Coho Ferry,

seals, otters, gulls, blue herons

Along the wide walks

we jostle for position

 baby carriages, joggers, walkers, and runners all share the space.

People sit on park benches and admire the view.

Picnic blankets are spread with snacks.

Tourists take photos.

The snow covered peaks of the Olympic Mountain range look so close

their stunning beauty frames the vista.

We chatter as we walk and gather speed...

I made the mistake of wearing my new periwinkle blue shoes without socks and today I have blisters on my heels.

(I should have worn my Merrell walking shoes with socks.)

I wore the same shoes to the beach on the previous day outing with the grandchildren.

They were fine on the sand and easy to transition back to the gravel lined playground where we played on the swings.

Mount Baker, which usually is in full view, was shrouded by low lying clouds.

The afternoon was chilly and the sky was grey.

The Willows Tea Room reopened for the season on April 29th.

This was where I would take mom.

Often we would sit with a pot of tea 

watch the passers by and sail and power boats on the sea...

Mom would smile

she was happy here.

Mom always loved an outing to Willows Beach.

 The Esplanade was a picturesque and gentle walk...

on a windy day she'd laugh at us braving the walk

in the rain with our brollies

she'd say how silly of us to try and walk 

in this beastly weather

Yet we would finish the walk and somehow feel energized.

When I revisit places that Mom and I regularly frequented

I feel a sadness creep in...

it is

not anything too overwhelming 

but my throat gets tight

and then I breathe as I picture her there beside me.

Our summertime picnics at Willows were always an adventure.

My basket with silverware and fine bone china

made passers by stop and comment.

My sister and I will be spreading Mom's ashes this coming week.

We have finished most of what we need to do for her estate and are ready to toast to Mom and dine in her favourite spot.

First we will swim in the pool

followed by a massage

and relax...

perhaps we'll even hop in the hot tub after dinner.

Mom and Dad in the early 1950's.

Dad died in 2007 and Mom in 2017

I'd like to think that they have been reunited and are watching over us as we remember, honour and celebrate their lives.

~ Love and Family ~

 the greatest gifts that I will cherish forever.

Hope that you have a lovely weekend.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

XO

OOTD, flowers, "serviettes vs. napkins"...

Surprise delivery of flowers from a friend...

a lovely and thoughtful gesture of kindness.

beautiful blooming buds 

such beauty 

soft delicate blush pink roses

sunlight on the floor

reflections

of the blinds

OOTD:

Northern Reflections crisp white shirt

NYDJ skinny jeans

Ferragamo flats

 Mr. HB took the photo...

it's a silly one

Delete?

Publish?

I am not a professional model and do not take myself too seriously...

so the pictures stay.

What is so funny you may ask?

Mr. HB was snapping photos so fast I could not keep up with him.

Stop now, please...

Crisp Fresh linen from Belgium

an extra large tea towel

that may be used as a tablecloth 

on our small arts and crafts 

kitchen table.

I noticed the pretty native lilies are blooming in the park.

Today I've been busy washing the bedding and catching up on the ironing. 

It is pouring rain outside and there is a chill in the air.

In the previous post 

several comments were made about the inappropriate use of the words 

"serviettes" and "napkins."

I use both...

We use paper "serviettes" as well as linen "napkins."

What about you?

ser·vi·ette

ˌsərvēˈet/Submit

nounBRITISHCANADIAN

plural noun: serviettes

a table napkin

nap·kin

ˈnapkən/

noun

1.

a square piece of cloth or paper used at a meal to wipe the fingers or lips and to protect garments, or to serve food on.

synonyms: table napkin, dinner napkin, cocktail napkin, serviette; More

2.

NORTH AMERICAN

another term for sanitary napkin.

What are your thoughts?

Tea is served in a variety of vessels here in The Humble Bungalow...

Emma Bridgewater mugs...

Fine bone china cups and saucers...

this one is my favourite as it is a wide deep bowl with a bright bold pattern. 

Speaking of favourite things...

My "go to casual fave" outfit.

Jeans, a white shirt or Tee

sterling bangles and pearls.

Chester found the one sunny spot for his nap.

Must close for now as I am making a new recipe for a comforting soup.

It is a curried sweet potato carrot and red lentil soup.

Vegetarian and perfect for a cold day like today.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow.

XO

Friday ~ Food, fragrance, and fiction....

Wednesday afternoon...

2 squares of Belgium chocolate 

Lapsang Souchong tea

a delightful magazine Victoria with a favourite French focus.

Mother's Paragon cup and saucer, now mine, and her sweet wee sterling basket.

A bittersweet day

 as we handed the keys to mom's former condo over to the new owners...

the end of an era.

I took the afternoon "off" and cocooned at home.

It was wise to stay home as there were a few moments when I teared up.

Mom was a strong believer in stoicism and she bore all her trials with grace and dignity.

She never "aired her dirty laundry" in public and advised us to do the same.

I am doing quite well under the circumstances...

am taking one day at a time

taking life slow

going to Yoga 

appreciating beauty where it pops up

giving thanks...

Home grown asparagus 

harvested from The Humble Bungalow Garden.

Steamed lightly and served with a dollop of mayonnaise.

Sweet and tasty.

It is two years since I was in Paris

nibbling fresh white asparagus dipped in mayonnaise.

Its hard to believe that it has been so long since that dream trip.

Chartreuse green Euphorbia putting on a stellar show in the garden.

I like to think of these as flowers but I believe they are considered bracts.

A pretty little mix of perennials stand out against a weathered tree trunk.

The Demitasse Garden Centre has a wide assortment of plants.

They are located not too far from the home where I grew up and I love to pop by and wander along the aisles 

perusing their stock for something new and different.

Many of our Humble Bungalow plants were purchased from this special nursery.

Soup for lunch after plant shopping...

this is a popular spot for local landscapers and trades people to grab a bite of lunch.

Cleaned out my closet and pared down my wardrobe even more...

who knew it was possible that I could find more things to consign?

I am making room for a few new things that I have on my wish list.

Bought a pink ball for the grandchildren to play with in the garden 

and on the boat.

Have you heard of the Big Love Balls?

They have quite a following on Instagram.

New fragrance from France.

I ordered the reasonably priced sample pack of testers from Sylvaine Delacourte awhile back 

and after wearing them for a few weeks I finally decided which one I like best.

Dovana

a beautiful atomizer

with a spray bottle inside and a spare one to use after the original is empty.

Current read...

picked up from the wee library 

outside author Laura Bradbury's home in Oak Bay.

"Beach Combers Library"

when I am finished the book I will return it and drop of another one to share with the readers in that neighbourhood.

Public art on Oak Bay Avenue...

Time for me to close for now and get our dinner.

Hope you have a lovely weekend.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

XO

OOTD and some new bits and bobs.

Selfie of my OOTD

Cut Loose top

 Zella skinny pants

Jessica Simpson flats

I've been wearing comfy clothes more frequently since Mother passed away.

I crave comfort in all the areas where I have control.

Clothing is one area where I abhor discomfort...

I could not resist this classic Saint James raincoat.

It is lightweight and a very comfortable and sensible choice for our April showers.

I am smitten with this line of garments designed in France.

Their Breton striped tops are wonderful and they make some fabulous sweaters and coats...

You may remember that I bought their navy and white striped brolly 

a few weeks ago.

I spy a new gadget in the Humble Bungalow...

this wee machine makes quick work of pills 

found on cashmere and wool sweaters

it is fast and easy to use.

I give it two thumbs up!

a soft scented candle recently found its way into my shopping basket

I love roses and our garden roses are still at least a month away from blooming

so I found a way to imbue the home with the scent of roses...

cheating a bit, I know,  but that's fine by me!

The spiky ball that we use at Yoga is now working overtime to help me at home.

It is amazing how this wee thing can loosen up hips and rid shoulders of tension.

It works really well on the balls of the feet too...

just go easy until you get used to the sensations!

In other news...

the view from here is dramatic.

The driveway has shrunk and our fence has too. 

We consider ourselves kind and decent neighbours...

so we have allowed a portion of our fence to be removed 

some of the driveway has been "loaned" 

to the developers 

to allow them to excavate with ease at the property line.

Deep holes have been fenced off so that no one falls into the pit!

Looking out the window you can see the site which is ready for construction to commence.

Which we have been told will be any day now...

On the past post I asked for books suggestions 

I was most surprised as you went above and beyond my expectations.

Thank you!

Hope that your week is ticking along nicely.

Cheerio from The Humble Bungalow.

XO