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 ~

Hostess OOTD ~ "Edgy Biker Style"

 

Butchart Gardens was one of the highlights that I enjoyed last week.

Walking slowly taking note of the gorgeous flowers on a sunny day was such a tonic.

We munched on a healthy salad sitting in the shade in the main courtyard.

Watching people come and go and listening to their delighted comments.

Butchart Gardens is a JOY to behold.

Moving on to an edgier OOTD...

~ Dressing Room Selfie ~

I went shopping for a new denim dress.

I love the denim jumper that I bought so much, I decided a dress would be handy.

It was a petite and on sale so what's not to love?

~ OOTD ~ 

The faux leather biker "Moto" style jacket is getting lots of wear.

I paired it with a simple white tee ~ Lands' End

Jeans  ~ MNG 

Chelsea boots ~ Josef Seibel

Faux Leather

Moto Style 

oodles of "edgy biker" details

great fit and very comfy to wear.

~ Reitman's ~  

a Canadian brand that hearkens back many decades.

I have just rediscovered the store...

reasonable prices

a wide range of sizes

(petites ~ plus size)

cute styles

My test results are in and I have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis.

My hands, back and hips are affected.

 I won't be moaning about my health, I am taking the news in my stride.

After all, I am 68, so some aches and pains are to be expected.

An appointment is booked to see a physiotherapist who specializes in osteoarthritis.

She will give me advice on exercises and administer IMS treatments.

I've been reading up on the condition and will be going to the pool for aquafit

there will be shorter walks, 

perhaps twice a day instead of one longer walk.

My Doctor has ordered a new bone density test as I have osteopenia.

He's asked me to take a higher dose of Vitamin D

and

take anti inflammatory pain medication as needed.

I've baked the sourdough, have a load of laundry in the wash.

This weekend The King was crowned...

Did you watch the ceremony?

The highlights I saw looked incredible.

It's the dawn of a new era for the Royals.

I do miss Her Majesty the Queen.

So what are your plans for the coming week?

Anything exciting?

Things might be kind of quiet here after such a busy week...

Will try out the pool and see what the Aquafit classes are like.

My responses to your comments are at the end of the comment section...

I am unable to respond to each comment automatically through Blogger

so if you comment as anonymous 

please put your name somewhere so I can respond at the end.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Last Week ~ in a wink of an eye...

 

Gorgeous flowers

a surprise cottage welcome bouquet from a friend.

Springtime seems to have finally arrived at the Cottage...

warmer days and sunny skies.

Such a tonic after all the grey gloom and rain.

~ Thrift Shop Finds ~

Adams English ironstone jug and a well used wood board

A soft wool sweater...

it is lovely but is a wee bit too small.

I have a friend who stretched a lovely wool sweater by washing it in conditioner and manually stretching it back into a larger size!

I hope the conditioner trick works!

Read this book and loved it...

set in a charming picturesque area of Cornwall

involves a woman who has a daughter

is recently separated

and

with her mother buys a rambling old house on a cove by the sea.

This book appealed to me on so many levels...

I would LOVE to buy an old rambling home by the sea and redecorate!!

If one cannot have a rambling old home by the sea...

how about a week at the cottage once a month?

(I cannot nor dare not complain, I am immensely grateful)

My husband brought a few lettuce plants with us so we could harvest it fresh.

He really has discovered his "green thumb" upon his retirement.

The expansive sea views feed my soul.

They never "get old" and there is always something to see.

Boats, otters, whales, birds...

I baked a sourdough boule and two kinds of cookies.

Found a "flat oyster" shell on the beach...

they are a European variety.

I walk the local beaches daily in search of sea glass and the occasional shell.

I am surprised by the amount of glass I find.

There must be 8 or 9 jars full downstairs here in The Humble Bungalow.

What to do with it?

I suppose if I felt creative I could make mosaics...

for now I just keep it on the window ledge in the vintage sealer jars.

Have you read Anne Morrow Lindbergh's book Gift From The Sea?

I love the gentle story that she weaves of her time spent alone in a small rustic cabin on the beach.

She went there to rest, restore and recharge...

we all need a place to find solace and peace.

Years ago when life was really busy and hectic I went to the Spa for relaxation.

It was not a frugal option, but I was working and could justify the expense.

As a retiree, now living on a pension, I chose to find relaxation in Nature.

~ Things I find soothing ~

puttering in the garden

 reading a good book

knitting

sipping a cup of tea from a pretty vintage cup

baking bread

walking

beach combing

soaking in the tub

looking in thrift shops

ironing linens 

What do you find soothing?

Our week at the cottage passed so fast...

in the blink of an eye and here we are back home in The Humble Bungalow.

Well I have a busy week ahead...

lots of social things planned and will be catching up with friends.

How about You?

What does your week ahead have in store?

Hope its a good one.

Until next time...

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~