December ~ love, loss and memories.

Are you ready for the Festive Season?

No matter how hard we try to make Christmas special 

we cannot be prepared or predict what might happen.

Christmas has always been one of my favourite holidays.

Family, friends, giving to others, baking, bright lights and song.

It's never been a picture postcard storybook Christmas 

but that is what makes it special

we try 

but

because we are human things can go sideways...

This past weekend we went over to the cottage and rode on the Salish Orca.

(our regular ferry is out for annual maintenance)

While we were driving onto the ferry my husband's cellphone rang

it was the nurse from the care home.

 Mr. HB's mom, who is 100, took a turn. 

The next morning

my husband boarded an early ferry and returned to town...

his mother passed away within a few minutes after he arrived.

We have lost our beloved matriarch

the last of the long lived Scottish family.

It is the end of an era...

Elaine lead a long and rich life 

she was a spunky woman, 

"a force to be reckoned with"

her gifts and talents were many

she will be missed by all of us.

I feel blessed to have met her when I was fifteen 

 she taught me so much...

she was generous with her time, fiercely loyal to her family,

 she shared so many wonderful things with all of us

her tried and true recipes

boat skills, crocheting, card games,

how to live within a budget

everything from hostessing tips to the full on turkey feast.

She will be missed...

Fortunately we all have many years of great memories to recall.

I am confident that they will help comfort and sustain us 

in the days and weeks ahead.

I made a pasta dinner for my husbands' return to the island.

I knew that he would need a warm hug and a hot meal.

We rely on comfort food to help soothe us in times of distress.

We hunkered down in the cottage as the skies grew dark and ominous...

The weekend weather was very stormy...

rain pelting sideways with powerful gusty winds

the seas churned up with choppy waves covered in white caps.

I started reading this new book by Beatrice Colin...

it is set in Paris around the time that the Eiffel Tower was under construction.

We spent most days quietly thinking of her

 reminding each other of our favourite memories.

Laughing and weeping.

We were cozy and warmed by the fire

while outside the storms raged on...

We ventured out when there was a break in the rain...

for a welcome breath of fresh salty air.

We went to the Chocolate Shop where Mr. HB enjoyed a rich hot chocolate 

I opted for a salted caramel mocha...

I've never tasted one before today!

(it was so tasty!)

I purchsed some of their delicious chocolates for a few people on our Christmas list.

Dessert in a mug.

Looking to the light...

Holding fast to the memories of Christmases past

when all our loved ones were gathered...

several generations at the tables

wearing our paper hats from the Xmas crackers

an older family member saying grace

before

 we dined on turkey and all the trimmings.

This year there are many empty chairs...

we will gather around

in their memory

and 

toast to them.

Wishing you a Very Happy Holiday Season.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Vancouver weekend

We recently spent a weekend in Vancouver...
attended the AGM for the cottage strata, shopped, walked, enjoyed lunches and dinners out.
We also met up with friends we knew when my husband attended school over there...
we have kept in touch...over 40 years!

The view from our hotel.

A wee bit of snow on Grouse Mountain.

We did not stop for tea...

We opted for a Chinese dinner at a small restaurant on Robson Street 

after our afternoon walk and shopping.

The food was delicious and obviously a popular spot with the locals 

as there was a steady line up outside the door.

A fresh new candle...

and a few goodies in the bags.

Some loose tea...

A refill for my Hermes fragrance.

Mr. HB bought his Hermes scent as well.

We dined at an Italian restaurant called Cin Cin and the food was amazing!

Grilled lettuce with pancetta...

a WOW moment for this Hostess!

It was actually more like a "Meg Ryan" moment.

(the scene from When Harry Met Sally!)

Mr. HB enjoyed Osso Bucco

and I opted for the lamb chops with lentils.

NOM NOM NOM

A single bloom in the bathroom packed a powerful pop of colour.

We enjoyed our weekend getaway in the big city!

We will be busy getting ready for Christmas here in The Humble Bungalow.

The wreath has been hung on the front door 

inspired by the Country Living Christmas issue there will be more festive touches coming soon.

Hope that you are enjoying your week.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

My Stylish French Box...unveiling the elegance

My favourite luxurious splurge is my annual subscription to
My Stylish French Box

The November box arrived a couple of weeks ago and I was so thrilled by the contents...
Sharon Santoni and her team do such a fabulous job of finding special items
all are sure to please.

Vintage silver sugar tongs

attention to detail

 the shipping box is beautiful

Chester enjoyed the box too!

I keep the inner boxes and use them for storage.

The booklet that accompanies all the boxes gives us the information and details of the products and the companies and artists that are behind the luxury wares.

Beaded votive sconces...

the beads will reflect all the light from the candles

by Merci Louis

Candle by Secret D'Apothecaire 

ornaments from Merci Louis

a whisper soft wool scarf by Petrusse

( I have been wearing mine everyday!)

Love the soft feel of the wool and its so cozy

in the perfect colours for my basic wardrobe too!

Festive linens...

tea cloths by Serie Limitee Louise

Lovely necklace from Belle Mais Pas Que

set with a stone of Labradorite

If you want to treat yourself or give one as a gift 

here is the link to order.

The next box will be sent out in February 2019...

I read that Sharon is currently adding a few extra boxes from the November 

issue if you are quick you might be able to snap one up!

I would have posted this last week but our Internet was not working and my IPhone was getting used so much that I went over my data and incurred substantial fees so I had to curb my usage!

Hope you have a wonderful week.

 ~Be Well and Be Kind ~

Blooms, books and sprinkles...

One of the many sunflowers that have bloomed...

A thoughtful reader sent me some seeds in memory of my mom.

I sprinkled the seed packet on a walk last spring

 on a street adjacent to where my moms condo was located.

It was a daring guerrilla gardener moment!

Don't think anyone saw me...

a whale tail

created from pieces of driftwood

on the beach where I walk

These books are waiting to be read...

I have been busy 

volunteering, cooking, walking, shopping, polishing the tarnished silver...

A few stalwart roses are still blooming in The Humble Bungalow Garden.

When you forget to buy caramel sauce for the ice cream dessert you are serving after the Sunday family roast beef dinner ...

you need to be creative.

Cookie sprinkles

 in festive Christmas colours 

are hastily used to amp up the plain vanilla ice cream!

NEEDS MUST!

A cheery yellow rose in The Humble Bungalow Garden.

If I had to choose just one colour that I associated with cheer, positivity and joy

it would be yellow.

Hands down it is my favourite colour for a rain slicker or boots...

we get so much precipitation here in the PNW that it can become tedious 

 people (myself included) often feel gloomy.

I do not own a yellow rain slicker or boots...

my Saint James rain coat is beige

and

my boots are rather pedestrian 

as they are black!

The winner of the coveted Scotiabank Giller Prize was recently announced 

 it went to a talented writer who lives here in Victoria!

She won in 2011 for her book Half Blood Blues.

You can read more here.

This book is now on my must read list and I have not read her previous book either so I will look forward to both of those novels.

One of the many perks of retirement 

is being able to make and take time to read.

Hope you are having a great week.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Autumn splendour...last cottage visit.

Autumn is such a glorious time of year 

the vibrant colours elevate my energy 

making the time outdoors richer

with

walks that have become saturated in beauty.

a few raindrops do not dampen my spirits

they look like tiny jewels

embellishing the fallen leaves

 Isla and I were exploring at the cottage when we were last there...

we spied some interesting seed pods on this tree.

 Natural "treasures" from our nature walk

perfect "souvenirs" to take home.

Have you read The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady?

It is an illustrated journal and quite lovely.

This vignette reminds me of that book.

I love seeing life through the eyes of an energetic and enthusiastic child.

Those moments of excited spontaniety...

sharing many magical moments at school 

during the course of my career

 in the classroom and the library

with our own children 

and now our delightful grandchildren.

The moss on these rocks proved to be VERY slippery

Grammy had to say that it was "an unsafe place to play."

I didn't want to have an injury "on my watch!"

Peeking outside 

we spied raindrops on the leaves

"liquid sunshine"

inside we were cozy and content.

We were engaged in creative pursuits...

 felts, crayons, paper, 

colouring and activity books

Lego, games and toys.

"Pursue some path, however narrow and crooked, in which you can walk with love and reverence."

~ Henry David Thoreau ~

"Just as treasures are uncovered from the earth, so virtue appears from good deeds, and wisdom appears from a pure and peaceful mind. To walk safely through the maze of human life, one needs the light of wisdom and the guidance of virtue." 

~ Buddha ~

Wishing all American readers a very Happy Thanksgiving.

Hope that your week is off to a grand start!

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~