Sunday, July 25, 2010

Cat condolences...and postal packages from near and far.

Look what came in the post !
It's a surprise from fellow blogger metscan
she lives in Finland






This pamplet shows where all the artists, shops, hotels and bistros are located
it looks like a grand destination for shopping

mette knows fine design and great art
she is a bit of an experienced and savvy shopper herself!
She wears Chanel and Elm, 
carries CC and YSL bags
wears artisan designed jewelry
 displays her ensembles elegantly on a cream scalloped throw


I'll be toting this carry bag around the Market
if you see me
stop and chat!


look at this ceramic dish
it's handmade by Sarita Koirukosti
(I hope I spelled her name correctly mette)



Thank you for your thoughtful note and gifts mette
you have brought immense sunshine into my day
and my heart feels full.

Mette is warm and gracious 
has refined taste and style
we share the love of animals
she has dogs and horses
 I had a Golden Retriever named Rufus
 and recently said goodbye to my beloved cat Stickley


I received another package in the mail...

Our vet sent us a card and a pawprint
in memory of Stickley


My BFF gave me this card 
the cat looks like Stickley

I am so grateful for the support and kind words



I am going to go to the SPCA
 in a couple of weeks
and find a cat who needs a home.

I'll introduce you when the time comes!

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Robed chinoiserie style...Saturday morning and I am not dressed yet!

What does your bathrobe look like?

Channeling Chinoiserie Chic
(I know...get over yourself Hostess!)
I feel vampy
it's my summer weight robe
so silky
feels like liquid against my skin
sexy.
The sleeves are wide and can be a hazard when cooking in the kitchen
which I have a bad habit of doing before getting dressed
I get carried away so easily

I do not own slippers
 so I pad around the house barefoot
in the cold of winter
 I don socks

What kind of slippers do you favour?
are they dainty marabou frou frou style
or chunky warm sheepskin mules?


it's all in the details


reversable...


Fire breathing dragon emblazoned on a black background
just doesn't exude rest and relaxation 
I keep the dragon well hidden
he has my back

I saw 3 different designs when I last visited Chinatown
they retailed for $80
Wine, Blue and Green variations
I hummed and hawed
this one is eons old and showing signs of wear
but it's very cozy
and cool
so I turned and walked away
there'll be another robe
when this one is in tatters
which could be sooner than later.


Thursday, July 22, 2010

Anniversary thoughts...cards and roses...

Here we are a few years back 
snapped out front of the Humble Bungalow
just before we went out for our anniversay dinner.

Jude the Obscure
Rose, most fabulous

Metscan, materfamilias and myself are all celebrating our 36th year of marriage this year.
I commented on mette's blog about some thoughts of marriage and wonder how it is that we have managed to be a couple for so long.


I met Mr. HB when I was 15...I'm 55 now.
There must be a great deal of luck involved
I know that we have changed and morphed into the people we are today
as we were starry eyed lovers innocent  and green when we walked down the aisle of that church so many years ago.
We went from our family homes into the arms of each other
partners in life, for life
and that was the unwritten attitude that I embraced
I never ever thought that marriage would be hard work
(I was surprised, a little, I was so naive)
I never imagined that we would divorce
I don't know why 
I just felt that we would be together forever
maybe just that abiding belief was enough



 life and events have shaped us and made us grow closer 
we have adapted
we have had differences
there have been times when I wanted to walk away
but somehow
we have worked out the kinks
so far
one never can sit back and take it for granted



Many of these anniversaries have been celebrated with a romantic dinner.
We celebrated this year, with lovely daughter and we watched The Batchelorette!
She cooked her delicious Thai curry with chicken and rice...a bottle of bubbly made an appearance and soon disappeared!



at the risk of sounding sappy...
I do feel very blessed
I am grateful




What things are important for a long and happy marriage?
I feel they must be different for every couple
what rings true for you?
Please share your thoughts





Chris Craft Cruising....more Snippits and Tidbits

These cheerful burgees hang from the rafters in the Marina Pavilion
from near and far...


I blogged from here...
there was a power outlet and the WiFi signal was strong.


I walked about head up high, and looked at every burgee...
was quite a dizzying experience...


Check out this great Chris Craft
James has lovingly restored this vintage vessel.

There is a kinship among boaters
it doesn't matter if you have the largest yacht or the smallest tender
there is a commonality of spirit and a keeness to share and assist.
There's an ease on the dock
greetings and meetings of strangers
a casual calm
the melting away of tensions
it's as it should be



My wee bit of garden onboard keeps my green thumb content.


Basil
I am mad about Basil!
I use it in many recipes and absolutley LOVE the scent.

Morning routines are followed...
Coffee is the first order of business


It starts slowly 
after a good nights sleep in the V berth


I sleep so soundly onboard
cozy and snug
the gentle ocean action calms and lulls
getting up can be difficult!



Breakfast is simple
sauteed onions, potatoes, tomatoes and scrambled eggs
one pot wonder-ful!


The galley crockery
vintage restaurant ware
I call this the wave pattern...


are you feeling the waves?

Speaking of water...
I have been staying hydrated with lemonade
homemade simply with fresh lemons water and a wee bit of sugar
lapping it up...


Pottery Bowl from Orcas Island, Washington
from a previous cruise

Will be moored back at the Humble Bungalow for awhile
tending to weeds
deadheading roses
preparing for the next adventure on the high seas...






Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Funky Farm Stand...Wee Island style.

A short walk from the Marina I found this...
















No one was about...lots of things to choose from
and all island grown goodness.