LOTS of new things here in The Humble Bungalow...

Meet the gorgeous bold yellow fragrant climber Graham Thomas.

A stalwart David Austin Rose.

This repeat bloomer grows in the "work area" of The Humble Bungalow Garden.

Every garden needs a work area...

it is a space dedicated to storage of things we use.

Bamboo stakes, empty pots, the wheelbarrow, extra soil, tools and such.

We have it cordoned off by a half lattice fence with a smallish entryway.

It is rather like a linen closet...that holds extra sheets, towels and TP.

So necessary, but not really an inviting space

well except 

that this rose beckons me in...

I regularly deadhead it to encourage more blooms 

pick a few blooms to bring inside

who could resist?

Things are moving along fast here in The Humble Bungalow.

We had an unexpected "oopsie" with the oven...

it died completely last Wednesday.

No warning...

I did some research and the life expectancy of the former stove was 13-15 years.

Ours was 15 years and 1 month...

So we scrambled off to the shop.

A locally owned one 

where we purchased a freezer during Covid.

We were pleased with their staff, service and delivery options.

Thursday morning bright and early we stepped into the showroom

5 minutes later I was paying for the stove.

With a next day delivery and they hauled away the old one.

How fabulous is that?

~ LG STOVE ~

I LOVE the blue interior.

Ceramic stovetop with expandable elements.

Convection and regular baking settings.

It has a built in air fryer, and a proofing setting for bread.

So let the baking begin...

the first order of business will be The Victoria Sponge Cake

followed by the weekly sourdough boule.

I have been trying to get out for some short walks in this glorious weather.

Need to build up some strength...

lots of idle time spent inside resting up and trying to get better.

Stopped for a cuppa at The Willows Tea Room.

Mom and I used to come here when we walked the Esplanade.

Thought of her while I gazed out to the sea.

Good news is that I am not in such terrible pain,

feeling better and sleeping soundly.

I finished the antibiotics and go for some more tests this week.

Another diagnostic CT scan, this time with dye.

Fingers crossed the specialists can figure out what is going on and how to fix it.

Sweet peas are putting on a lovely show in the garden...

picking them insures that more flowers will follow.

If you don't pick the flowers the seed pods set and no more flowers.

The new mug is a thrift shop find...

I had 30 minutes before my dentist appointment and I was close to the Sally Ann.

So I went in and made the rounds...

I got lucky!

A cute Banana Republic top that I plan to wear with my white jeans.

(and Pearls)

Silver trivet for the teapot

all it needed was a quick polish.

Some days all the stars align and the thrift GODS smile down from above...

feeling grateful.

I've been reading a LOT!

I just finished Bloomsbury Girls this morning...

I really enjoyed it.

The first book was The Jane Austen Society.

I can recommend both these novels by Natalie Jenner.

I will start The Lipstick Bureau later this afternoon...

I have read and enjoyed all of Michelle Gable's books so I am pretty confident that this one will not disappoint.

Been on a spending Spree...

Bought this vase at a yard sale...

not sure that it has any age to speak of but it spoke to me!

I also upgraded our toaster as the old one was not working very well.

Bought a Zwilling long slice toaster in matte black.

It will accommodate the longer sourdough slices.

Also I bought a new All Clad pot and ordered a new All Clad Pasta pot.

Put all the old pots on the boulevard and they went to new homes lickety split!!!

With the stove on the fritz

Hubby took me out to lunch last week...

we went to Faro in The Oak Bay Beach Hotel for pizza.

The oven fired Italian thin crust pizza was delicious.

We ordered an arugula pear salad to go with it and couldn't eat it all!

On our way back to the car we stopped by the Hen House...

I had to stop and say hello to the darling girls.

There were quite a few in the yard and they are very friendly.

I love free range eggs...those amber coloured yolks have so much flavour.

We had to order in a few meals with no cooking facilities available

but that was fun because we seldom order in, it is so easy to make a meal.

Now that I have a new oven there will be no excuse not to cook!!

Since my UTI and kidney infection I have been mindful of drinking more fluids.

A LOT of water with MANY MANY cups of tea have passed through my system.

If you follow me on Instagram you may have seen this post in my stories.

Fortnum and Mason Tea 

a gift from Christine who asked her son to pop into the shop in London and buy some tea for her friends...

fortunately I was one of the lucky friends who were given a tin of tea.

This blend is so amazing! I may need to order some more...

or else I could pop over to London and shop in person?

(HAHA)

That's about all the news I have to share for now.

Will pop in again soon for an update.

Take Care.

XO

In the meantime...

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Monday morning...a few snippets...Victoria Sponge Cake!

 

Thank you for all the get well wishes...

I responded to your kind comments in the past post.

Life is rather slow here in The Humble Bungalow as I am following doctor's orders.

I CAN be quiet and REST despite my busy brain.

Fever has gone and I have 5 more antibiotic pills left to take.

Go for more tests next week and a CT scan with dye will be arranged.

I have also booked a haircut and a pedicure.

(NEEDS MUST)

My husband kindly chauffeured me to the local library...

I found 3 books in about 15 minutes which might be a record.

Reading and copious cups of tea are my go to cure all.

I made a quick pilgrimage to Murchie's for Queen Victoria Blend Tea.

I'm not a daytime TV watcher...never have been.

Books to the rescue.

Am almost finished this Kate Atkinson book...

set in 1920's London

A seedy view of the clubbing scene with drugs, sex, booze, and murder.

Despite the dark side of the life that The Bright Young Things dabble in,

 I am drawn to the glamour...flutes of champagne, dresses, furs and flashy cars.

The book is a departure from Kate's usual themes 

but is incredibly well written, atmospheric and rich.

One of the newer roses in The Humble Bungalow Garden is in bloom.

Meet Betsy Sinclair, a rose that Robin Sinclair cultivated in the memory of his wife.

Robin used to own and run The Brentwood Bay Nursery 

where I purchased most of the David Austin roses that started my collection.

He still dabbles in horticulture and  a friend of mine volunteers out there...

she was able to secure the purchase of this rose for me.

The rose is gorgeous and the scent is fragrant with a citrus overtone.

It reminds me a bit of my favourite David Austin Rose Jude the Obscure.

Joseph's Coat Rose

Staying at home more has opened my eyes to the coziness of our old bungalow.

Cocooning in my bathrobe longer in the mornings feels like a luxury...

no rushing, 

hardly anything to make me get up and get going :-))

Simple meals served by my husband...

a combination of deli food and take out ~ healthy and delicious.

This morning I decided to make some sourdough bread...

that is my mission for the day!

I feel a wee bit like an Edwardian woman...

drinking tea and reading

occasionally looking outside at the lovely flowers

contemplating the songs of the birds

slowly

rubbing rich hand cream into my idle hands.

Dreaming of wellness and future activities of my own choosing.

There is a garden party for some friends in a week

 I plan to make my favourite Victoria Sponge Cake.

These sweet peas are SO fragrant!

I popped them into a wee vintage battered silver jug.

I think the jug cost $3 and it had been passed up by many a shopper.

I kept seeing it on the shelf getting dustier and dustier, looking so forlorn.

It is my newest thrift shop vase!

Am so looking forward to attending...

it's lovely to be invited into a lush garden for tea

with friends.

Friends in a garden... Tea and Cake

What could be nicer?

Have you got any lovely plans coming up in the next few weeks?

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

I am calling in sick....

 

Love these simple white blooms with the yellow stamens.

A garden filled with all white flowers is stunning and elegant.

Do you have a colour theme in your garden?

Ours is a riot of colour.

My foray into black and white photography continues...

The Royal Oak Pharmasave is an amazing place to shop

they have some great buyers and a wide variety of gift items, clothing and travel accessories.

While perusing the aisles I spied this new cuticle lotion.

I tried the sample tube and walked around the store buying the items on my list.

When I was finished I went back to the display and grabbed a tube.

Made in Vancouver BC

Emollient, rich and it absorbs right into the skin.

using only a pea size amount I think this will be a hand and cuticle 

"game changer."

Am suffering with a nasty kidney infection that stems from those UTI's.

I ended up going to the ER as the pain in my back was so intense I could not sleep a wink.

The doctor decided that I should have a CT scan 

which showed the kidney infection

there is also a kidney stone floating inside the kidney.

First off I had never had a CT scan 

so when the nurse wheeled me off to the imaging unit

I was actually gobsmacked!

It was a huge white space age looking Seimens machine.

I am on some new antibiotics and hope that they kick the bacterial infection.

I'll be back to more tests after I finish the 10 days of pills.

The ER was a CRAZY BUSY place...

the staff was amazing.

The doctor and nurse who were helping me were so professional and calm.

The nurse Sarah was young, very sweet and had a bubbly personality.

The Dr had excellent bedside manner and was very attentive.

It felt to me that they were working under extremely challenging chaotic and stressful circumstances...

yet they both remained calm and treated me like I was the only patient in their care.

I have dropped off a small gift bag for each of them.

Tea, chocolate, and some triple milled French soaps with a card of thanks for each.

I still have a fever, am tired and so I am not doing too much as I recuperate.

Tea and reading every afternoon and perhaps a nap.

Alliums in an antique jug.

I am reading this series at top speed!

When I woke up early this morning I made a pot of coffee and got stuck in...

there are a few chapters left to read but will save them for tomorrow.

Isn't it fun when you find a series that you love to read and the author is still adding more books to the series?

Everyone seems to rave about this Thursday Murder Club Series.

My husband laughs out loud when he read the books!

~ Pink snow ~

Constance Spry 

a fragrant David Austin climbing rose in the Humble Bungalow Garden.

We can see people stop as they walk by and look up...

many remark about the fragrance and other swoon over the blooms.

All the roses are doing their best to knock our socks off right now.

I am barefoot and in awe of their extreme beauty.

Roses ARE my FAVOURITE FLOWER :-))

Perhaps you love them too?

I'm going to keep this post short and sweet.

Make a cup of peppermint tea...

wash and moisturize my face 

put my nightie on and lay down

wrap myself in a cozy blanket 

and watch some TV.

Hope that you are all well...

 MY personal PSA 

(heads up)

intense pain is a signal to take action

when it comes to your urinary system don't wait

ACT!

I think I waited too long and things went sideways.

I'll be slowly on the mend 

which sounds like it could be for many weeks.

Take Care

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~ 

June Roses in The Humble Bungalow Garden, swimsuit shopping and a recipe for an at home Spa Day.

June in The Humble Bungalow Garden 

is all about the roses.

Constance Spry is putting on a fabulous show here on the pergola.

The side garden patio is nestled between a lush border of Lady's Mantle

 a bed with two apple trees, various roses and foxgloves.

It's a lovely spot to sit and take tea.

I snapped this photo while sitting with my tea...

you can see the tool shed through the "jungle!"

My husband and I went on the Victoria Hospice Teeny Tiny Garden Tour.

We really enjoyed our day perusing the various gardens on the tour.

I got a few ideas to add to our garden...

for example we could use a water feature, and some more planters with annuals.

I'd also like to find some bamboo wind chimes and a tall wind ornament.

We have volunteered our garden for the fundraising tour next year...

it will be up to the coordinator in charge to decide if ours is worthy.

Climbing Royal Sunset Rose

fragrant and a vigorous growing variety.

Jude the Obscure is blooming!

It is my favourite rose.

I actually Love So Many Roses...

it is rather difficult choosing just one favourite.

The Miraclesuit shown here is 3 or 4 years old and is losing it's shape.

The Aqua Fit classes are fabulous fun!

I didn't know how much I would enjoy them.

The class is an hour and we are moving continuously.

The movements do not aggravate my arthritis or hurt my joints.

I dislike swimsuit shopping but I NEED a NEW one.

There is a limit on the number of suits that you can take into the change room

so you can try on maybe 6 then have to get dressed and take back the 6 to the clerk at the desk.

So it makes swimsuit shopping a really frustrating challenge.

It was a surprise finding this black suit.

I had already been to the Marshall's store 4 times in search of a decent style and fit.

Well this just proves that old saying...if at first you don't succeed Try Try Again.

Simon Chang

The wrap style is flattering.

I chose the size up for added comfort.

I am short so the adjustable straps are a nice feature.

The suit was $35 and I couldn't believe what good value it was.

My physio appointments are weekly and I am getting IMS treatments.

I have had two sessions so far.

I am hopeful that these will help loosen up the taut and tight muscles 

that are causing the pain in my lower back.

My doctor recommended them so I am hoping that they will make a difference.

It will be nice not to need any pain medication and be able to walk 5km as well as attend the Aqua Fit classes.

Sleep is much better with a thick pillow propped underneath my knees.

I lie on my back which is the most comfortable position.

I am learning to relax my back and get a better sleep.

Back to the garden...

Lady Angela a fragrant David Austin Rose is blooming.

She is a pretty variety and is trained as a climber.

Lots of flowers repeat throughout the summer.

I like to have some fresh flowers above the kitchen sink.

I spend a lot of time washing dishes and gazing out the window.

Eagles often soar high above in the sky floating in the air.

We live in an area quite close to the downtown and yet we have lots of urban wildlife.

Deer, raccoons, European Wall Lizards, eagles, owls, crows and various songbirds.

There are always some animal antics or birds entertaining us in the garden.

~ Hey Jude ~ 

Buds 

Blooms Present and Past

I've been busy this week and am planning some quiet time.

My energy and enthusiasm for social events are not always in sync.

Do you schedule days where you stay at home and relax?

I find I like to be out and about so much more than recharging at home.

You would think that I might not want to miss out on something!

(Life can be so full of fun that it is a challenge to wean myself off of the excitement)

After chatting with, and reading blog posts from women my age

I have found that many are "under the weather" because 

they have been "burning the candle at both ends."

So as an observer 

I have made note and am going to enact a day of quiet.

Perhaps a Spa Day?

Spa Day Bath Salt Recipe

What do you like to do when you feel the need for some self care?

Do you book yourself into a hotel?

Reserve a pampering package of treatments at a local spa?

Stay in your pajamas all day read a good book, sip tea and munch on chocolate?

I do love a great chocolate bar...

Lindt creamy milk chocolate with hazelnuts is my current favourite.

Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog.

Take Care

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

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 ~