June 7th ~ Lots to chat about so I have written an early blogpost

This soft Merona Tencel dress was hanging in the Thrift Shop

just waiting for me!

I couldn't buy it fast enough...

I felt like the woman in that IKEA advert that says Start The Car!!!

Target carried the brand when they had a store here in Victoria 

a few years ago, which BTW I loved.

Frankly I was VERY disappointed when they closed the store.

It reminded me of The Monoprix in France...

a little bit of everything and food too!

So I have worn this dress 6 times since purchasing it...

I pair it with white capri leggings and my blue suede sandals

or Blue Converse Sneakers.

The fabric is dreamy...SO SOFT!

It reminds me of a well worn favourite but without the wear and tear or holes.

I wore it in the garden while deadheading the roses 

(with pearls and my chartreuse green linen apron)

 my husband said "That is the perfect dress for the garden!"

It is rare that he comments on my attire, so I was both pleased AND surprised.

I LOVE getting a bargain at a thrift shop.

Of course I had to purge a few items this past week...

I don't like to have the closet too crowded.

Our Bungalow is so very short on storage 

so I am mindful of accumulating too much STUFF.

I really dislike CLUTTER but I do love to collect...

it is a fine line that I walk.

This week I picked up a plant pot and a lone floral china teacup 

left for free at the side of the road...

I have a wee bit of a problem passing up FREE stuff!

Himalayan Blue Poppies blooming at Government House.

These are very difficult to grow, you can buy seeds at Butchart Gardens.

This grouping of poppies look very happy and healthy.

Walking at Government House is even nicer now that their tearoom is open.

The exotic plants make for an educational saunter and there are plant sales as well.

I recently met up with a long time reader Sue K Blaney, 

I brought her back to The Humble Bungalow Garden for a quick peek

then up to Government House for a walkabout.

She and her husband were on a tour visiting Victoria and Vancouver.

We had a few hours to walk, admire the gardens, and enjoy the spectacular views across to the Olympic Peninsula and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Afterwards

 We went to the Demitasse Garden Center and Cafe for a coffee 

because the tearoom was closed.

Peonies are in their heyday right now at the Gardens.

The bees just love these flowers.

We had some former clients of my husband's here for a garden tour and a happy hour.

I picked a few of our fragrant David Austin Roses 

placed them on the table in the sunshine then brought them inside where they promptly wilted but they still look gorgeous.

Fragrant Climbing Royal Sunset Roses

popped into my wee vintage Elephant and Urn Vase.

I've had this small vessel for about 20 years...I paid 35 cents for it.

I've shared it here before and we talked about how it is good luck for the elephant trunk to be raised upwards.

Sourdough Starter is coming in handy for other baking projects these days.

I regularly bake the boule, but now I am baking scones and biscuits.

I found two great recipes online and they have been well received 

so now I can add them to my regular repertoire!

Ignore this tidbit of news if you want but I've got a UTI...

am on antibiotics and it's the second one in weeks.

Perhaps the first one didn't get completely cleared up?

I am trying to increase my daily quotient of water.

I have friends who are plagued with these infections and suffer a LOT!

Truly, I haven't had anything like this, in many many years.

My sympathies to those of you who struggle with them...

I hope this is not the start of a new health issue.

The Aquafit classes continue to be a source of pure JOY.

I do miss my long walks but I am getting used to getting wet in the pool!

This week a woman complimented me on my bathing suit...

another one of my bargain finds at the local Marshalls Store.

Miraclesuit.

We are constantly in motion in the pool and the lively music helps me keep the beat.

My arms are getting a great workout too using the foam dumbbells in the pool.

I must look very serious as I have to focus so much on the instructor.

Other women in the class know what to expect and I am sure 

that in time I will as well.

Current Book Stack...

I started reading Richard Osman's The Man Who Died Twice...

told my husband about the book and he's keen to read the series too...

He zipped out to the bookshop and bought the two other books.

He's reading the first one now, The Thursday Murder Club.

The third is The Bullet That Missed and there is another one due out very soon!

When I was on Pender at Talisman Books 

the owner asked if she could help me find anything...

we got chatting and exchanged our tastes in books.

She recommended The Outlander and Ridgerunner by Gil Adamson

her book club read them and she (they) loved them so much.

I chose The Mayfair Bookshop on a whim.

What are you reading?

Golden Celebration Rose

Well I have rambled on about enough stuff for now...

don't want to bore you.

Please let me know how things are going with you.

I am enjoying the refreshing dialogue that we are having on the blog.

It keeps things interesting.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Roses in The Humble Bungalow Garden are in the spotlight...these are just a few of the 30 + roses that we grow.

 

~ The Humble Bungalow Kitchen ~

The window ledge above the farmhouse sink

featuring the elegant vintage Japanese porcelain vase.

Darling Daughter found this and thought it would be perfect for our garden blooms.

The rose is Abraham Darby, a fragrant David Austin rose, grown in our garden.

It is one of my favourites!

Stay tuned.

More pictures of this gorgeous rose are coming up.

May and June are the best months for our garden roses.

~ Showy Pavement Rugosa Rose ~

Bright Fuschia Pink

hardy

fragrant

very thorny

repeat blooming habit.

A close up...

while waiting for my husband to back the car out of the driveway 

I went in for a "sniff"

was I surprised

 when as I got closer, there was a bee working, inside all the petals!

Fortunately I did not get stung, the bee was preoccupied.

~ Reine des Violettes ~

David Austin

Old Rose

Strong Fragrance

repeat blooming

almost thornless

~ Abraham Darby ~

David Austin Rose

fragrant

pinky apricot

thorny

repeat blooming

One of my favourite roses.

A beautiful cut rose, great in bouquets or floating in a shallow dish.

~ Climbing Royal Sunset ~

Orange 

rich deep fragrance

repeat blooming

vigorous growth habit

hardy and reliable

I researched the local Recreation Centres for Aqua Fit Classes...

it all looks great on paper but one must actually attend and participate in person

to decide if it is a "good fit."

So I took the plunge, and I am happy to report that the class went very well.

My arthritic joints were not sore or painful during the class.

I was able to keep up 

although I was often doing the movements opposite to the instructor!

(I looked around and I was relieved to see that I was not the only one.)

There was a large group of about 30 women in attendance 

they obviously have been doing the class for quite awhile 

as they were chatting before class started 

signing a card in the change room for the instructor.

One particular woman went out of her way to say hi 

she mentioned that foam dumbbells were used in class 

so I put a pair on the edge of the pool where other women had set them down.

The instructor made the class FUN.

She had oodles of energy and was encouraging us to smile and laugh.

The hour passed quite quickly.

The next morning I didn't have much discomfort but was "aware" that I had used muscles not normally used when I walk.

The water is much more gentle on my joints than my regular walking.

I walked today, 

only 3.2 km but my hips and low back hurt.

So I will be returning to Aqua Fit and aim to attend 2-3 times a week.

I am very pleased with the pool and the class.

Feeling very optimistic, excited, and hopeful after only one class.

~ Grateful ~

My first Beach Read of the season ticked all the boxes...

While reading this book

my afternoon teatime and reading became longer and longer

(extending well into my dinner prep time) 

as I made my way through the chapters.

I enjoyed Erin's colourful characters and interesting story

set in Nantucket.

Nantucket sounds idyllic...

If you are looking for a Beach read this is a good one!

We've got lots going on here socially...

so I thought that I had better get this written and published before I forgot.

Do you love to garden?

What do you grow?

We watched the last season of Ted Lasso...

Loved the series so much.

The writing was rich and deep

the characters were spot on

very funny, yet poignant

 quality entertainment.

Will now need to find another great series...

any suggestions perhaps?

"Still" the newly released documentary film with Michael J Fox 

was brilliant.

It raised my awareness of Parkinson's disease...

I have a whole new respect for the disease Michael has,

how he is dealing with it, and the many challenges that he is facing.

He's a very brave fellow...

I wonder how he manages to be so stoic?

Obviously

a good support system and ample funds help with

the numerous medications, doctors and therapy.

Very little is known about what causes the disease.

There is a genetic connection in some cases...

Michael J Fox has set up a foundation and to date 

the foundation has raised more than 2 billion dollars.

Speaking about raising money...

My husband and I are thinking about offering our garden for next year's tour.

The Hospice Fundraiser ~  Teeny Tiny Garden Tour

Mom was in Hospice the last few days of her life.

The staff were incredible and the facility, although old, was very cozy.

There was a family area, a small kitchen, and a beautiful rooftop garden oasis.

It would be a very worthwhile cause...

Well that's about it for now...

I appreciate all your comments.

You may have noticed that I respond with your name 

but cannot link directly to your account.

It is a glitch with Blogger.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

Hope you have a FUN weekend!

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Cottage week...Retail and water therapy

I have been thinking about a lot of things this week.

Spending quiet time here at Quarterdeck Cottage is conducive to reflection.

The beautiful scenery fills me with immense gratitude.

Gratitude to be alive and be a witness to this natural majestic beauty.

Beach walks and Sea Glass Collecting go hand~in~hand.

My first marble found in a gorgeous turquoise blue!

I felt quite excited by this discovery...

 a small snippet of Joy.

It's the little things in my daily round that make the most difference.

I wonder if I appreciate these so much more now that I am older?

Years ago I never would have dreamed about the feeling of Joy 

that finding a marble would bring to me.

The pool has been a godsend this week.

I've been "taking to the waters."

My achy and painful joints are responding positively to water therapy.

Moving without stress on my joints while getting exercise is wonderful!

I know now that I need to find a pool at home.

I will probably return to the Athletic Club in the hotel

where I swam when I worked in James Bay.

They have a lovely pool and a hot tub...

offer daytime Aqua Fit Classes

which I can easily add to my schedule.

My 68 year old body is far from a svelte youthful form!

The bathing suit is called a Miracle Suit...

it is comfy and keeps the jiggly bits from flapping too much!

Did you see Martha Stewart on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition?

She's 81 and looks so amazing!

I bet she had lots of fun on the photo shoot.

She's looking better and better these days.

Her skin is radiant and she looks very vibrant and healthy.

Sunshine in the morning makes me feel so happy.

Mornings would not be the same for me without a couple of tasty cups of coffee.

I do love my coffee.

Funny thing is, years ago, I drank tea in the morning...

I make time to savour the mornings.

Starting slowly

Check my socials online, play a few words games, 

perhaps read a chapter or two in my current book.

Think a bit as I gaze around the room...

When I feel ready I

do a quick tidy up in the kitchen

maybe pop a load of laundry in the wash

then I shower and get dressed for the day.

Maybe that's boring for you to read but it was an interesting exercise for me to think about what it is that I do in the morning that takes so long!!

I've been wearing my bangles more...

I took them out and gave them a good old polish.

Most of these are gifts...

from

mom, my husband, and my darling daughter.

A couple I found at thrift shops.

I popped into the local boutique here on the island.

I usually check out their new stock when they are open.

Well dear reader, it proved fruitful when I was there this week!

Not only did I have a pedicure but I found some comfy sandals.

I do love bows...

I have another pair of shoes by Bueno

they are unbelievably comfortable to wear.

These new "slides" are soft and cozy on my feet.

I haven't had a pair of white shoes in any form for many many years!

I always think white shoes are for car salesmen...

why I think that I haven't the foggiest?

So this casual top caught my eye 

and it wasn't until I tried it on that I knew it had to come home with me!

I have a soft linen skirt in a blue shade that I can pair this with as well as my jeans.

The white jeans have not made their debut yet this season...

they hang waiting in the closet...

now that there are white sandals and this cute top I think it's time.

What are you wearing this season?

Have you found anything new and exciting?

Fashion is fun and I am enjoying shopping more these days.

I think that Covid curtailed a lot of my creativity

especially with views of expanding my basic wardrobe.

As a minimalist, I don't tend to go crazy at the shops

if money and space were no issue who knows what I might be like in a shop?

Would I be rather keen and amass a huge pile at the checkout?

( Have you ever done that?)

I watched movies as a young teen where women need a helper to carry all the boxes and bags after shopping.

Those stores would be situated on an elegant avenue in Paris or New York.

I cannot recall the names of those films but they were rather fun to watch!

Well I have rambled on a bit long

more tidbits and thoughts than I had originally planned...

Oh and just before I close 

Have you been watching the coverage of  The Chelsea Garden Show?

I am totally smitten with the plants and show gardens.

It would be fun to attend in person and wander in The Grand Hall.

Have you ever attended the show?

Thank for popping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Playfair Park ~ A quiet and serene walk in the Gardens ~ Arthritis Walking update

 

~ Playfair Park ~

A scenic oasis of beauty in our city.

Camas, azaleas and rhododendrons dot the landscape.

The Birdsong is heavenly.

This park is situated between two major streets and I didn't hear any traffic.

It a lovely spot to escape to and be in a lush green space.

A reader asked me to share any tips on my arthritis journey...

It's very early in my journey but I will attempt to share a few tidbits.

I am easing into this new phase taking baby steps

avoiding at all costs 

going down a rabbit hole of gloom and doom.

New beginnings...

Embracing Daily Delights

Snippets of beauty

Gorgeous Fawn Lilies.

Like the famous Nike slogan says...

Just Do It!

Walking with intention...

slowly and mindfully.

A gentle warm up helps prepare the hips.

Moving sideways and backwards first to get the hips to get ready

then moving forward, slowly at first and pace yourself in a comfortable speed.

Each day my hip feels different, some days there is more pain than other days?

I have no clue why?

All questions to ask my physiotherapist when I meet with her.

My goal is to halve my usual walk into two shorter ones.

These steps and km were accomplished by taking three shorter walks.

I am feeling weary now and have taken an Advil.

My doctor told me that I could take them during the day and the most important one

 is for nightime to help me with pain and allow for sleep.

It feels weird taking a pain pill as this is so not on my usual radar

but Needs Must...for now at least...in time who knows?

But hey let's check out the flowers...

Camas grows in large areas below the Garry Oak Trees.

Camas close up, 

the First Nations People used this as a food source.

A lovely rhododendron, one of many here in the park.

Pink, red, white, mauve and yellow dotted throughout the gardens.

Last week I walked in Playfair Park, along The Esplanade at Willows Beach

then I met up with a friend for a walk near her home in South Oak Bay.

I feel like I have accomplished something positive...

these are the most steps that I have recorded since my initial diagnosis.

One other thing that my doctor mentioned was to take extra vitamin D.

He indicated that there is a lot of scientific research to support its use.

I am enjoying lots of salads with fresh lettuce harvested from the Humble Bungalow Garden.

My lunches are focused completely on salad.

I am getting creative by adding nuts, feta and cooked quinoa to the lettuce and veggies.

I use a simple Kraft dressing that is oil based.

One type has Italian pesto and spices and the other one has Greek Feta.

Both are 35 calories per tablespoon and they add a LOT of flavour.

That's about all for now as I need to get up and move.

BTW

Thank you for your many supportive and encouraging emails

I am excited to be taking charge of my Health and continuing to explore new options.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Current Topics ~ What is on my radar and mindful walking.

Greetings from The Humble Bungalow Garden.

The Muguet des Bois are blooming...

SO FRAGRANT!!!!

I invited a couple of friends over to dig up some lily of the valley plants.

We have so many :-))

Gardeners like to share their plants with other like minded enthusiasts.

The Auriculas are blooming and they are so charming...

I have several plants and could repot some of them as they have multiplied over these past couple of years.

I see many new varieties in the UK which are so tempting...

not that many are here in the garden centres 

unless they are already in private gardens!

Haven't actually seen many of these auriculars locally at all this year.

I am not moaning here on the blog about my health but I am being proactive...

I've been online researching arthritis...

there is a lot of information to sift through.

Basically I know now that I need to keep moving...

take pain medication and get some physiotherapy.

I've got my appointment lined up and will see the specialist in June.

My walks are around 3 km and am getting 5,000-6,000 steps in during the day.

That number may not be totally accurate because the step total is from my IPhone

I don't have it on me the entire day.

I suppose I could buy a watch that counts the steps...

but does it really matter?

Two 3km walks might be the way to walk now...

a rest in between seems sensible and will help with the pain.

I'm taking Advil and it helps.

In other news I have switched up my skincare routine a wee bit...

I don't tend to spend a LOT on products.

Skin care basics need not break the budget.

Andalou make a sensitive line which works well for my everyday skin regime.

These lotions and potions are very affordable and free of nasty ingredients.

I love using the CC cream as it goes on easily and has SPF

it evens out skin tone and adds a dewy healthy glow.

The Great Lash is an iconic mascara and is often on sale...

The Burts Bees glow stick is a creamy blusher that I use on my cheeks and lips.

It takes me about 5 minutes to do my daytime make-up.

I tried an organic glow stick

 which developed a rough grainy texture

which I did not like at ALL :-((

(I returned it)

Burt's Bees All Aglow is lovely...

it is creamy and very easy to apply.

The shade gives me a soft natural looking blush.

~ Simple make up ~

My favourite red lippy from Miss Pupa of Milan.

Fresh haircut...

(in a bob style)

My thinning hair needed a makeover so my hairdresser gave it a blunt cut.

I can wear it wavy or flat iron it...I like the versatility of the style.

It will be easy to maintain.

Saw this gorgeous iris at Government House on one of my walks this week.

I love to wander about in the local gardens here...

so many great flowers and plantings that inspire.

The weather forecast is for hotter temperatures...

unseasonably hot, or so we are told.

I have swapped out my winter clothes for the spring and summer cottons and linens.

I found a few things that were no longer useful.

Dropped a bag off to the local charity shop, 

had a good browse and came home empty handed.

I replaced a white linen top that I donated with a fresh new one from Marshalls.

It is a simple basic...

Under $30...

will wear it a LOT.

I DO love a bargain.

Well I must close for now and get some stuff done here...

hope that you are enjoying your weekend so far.

Happy Mother's Day!

I will think of my dear MOM...she was one of a kind.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~