Sunday, November 5, 2017

What a difference a day makes...


Sunny daze
last week
found us sitting outside on the deck 
at Quarter Deck Cottage...


before the rains came
followed quickly by an Arctic Front 
bringing with it some SNOW!

"Snow Day Soup" 


I added more water as some of it evaporated while it was simmering
probably about 2 cups
 you could use vegetable broth instead but I did not have any on hand.



My lunch
warmed me up.

After the soup making I decided to bake a chocolate banana cake and found a wonderful recipe in my newest cookbook Good Taste by author Jane Green.


The kitchen looked like a bomb had gone off after the busy day in the kitchen so I put the dishwasher on and popped the kettle on for tea...
time for a bit of a rest.

At least that's what I thought....
until my dishwasher started spewing copious amounts of water onto the floor!
Quickly grabbing towels and turning off the appliance I mopped up the mess
then laboriously emptied the water inside the dishwasher using a ladle and a bowl.

Still faced with all the dirty dishes 
 I proceeded to hand wash the entire load...
UGH!
By the time I had finished 
the tea was cold 
so I brewed another pot and started researching new dishwashers.
I've decide on a Bosch 800 series 
the quietest machine on the market and it has a great rating.

We ordered it and will have to wait about 10 days until it arrives and we will have it installed and the old one carted away...
it gave us at least 10 years of good service maybe 13 we cannot remember
I hope the new one will perform better and last longer.

Hope you are keeping cozy.

It's chilly here but the snow has melted
our furnace is on and working hard

I am wearing a down vest.

Single paned windows and minimal insulation does not keep us toasty warm
unless we dress in layers.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Thursday, November 2, 2017

Goodbye October, Hello November

Hello November!


Our October passed in a heartbeat...
how is it possible that it can rush by so fast?

Time feels like it slows down when we are at the cottage.
Perhaps we are too busy at home?

A simple floral bouquet elevates our modest and humble IKEA tray.
It is a wee but blurry but the vintage enamel dish 
is where I put my rings 
when I wash dishes...

the silver star holding down the napkins was a birthday gift from a dear friend.


I found this interesting paperweight at the thrift shop.
I have no idea if it is new or from the mid century moderne era.


All the sides are different... 


Reminds me of the style of jewelry created by Robert Larin or Guy Vidal.


Anyone recognize the artist or the era?


Ferries ply the water out front of Quarter Deck Cottage on The Salish Sea.

The views have a hypnotic effect...
the waves lull one
the sun warms
the fresh salty air refreshes.

Two deer lie in the sunshine below the deck.
Its absolutely still
so quiet
that we can hear ourselves breathing!



The Lilias Spalding Heritage Park on South Pender Island
 we explored this area after walking up a rather steep hill.
The views to the valley below were quite spectacular.
I regret not taking a picture now.


Crockery and old bottles


Mossy rocks


Comfort Food for dinner.

mashed potatoes and a bean salad.


Those sleepy deer woke up and munched a bunch of foliage
 then the one with antlers starting pushing the other one around...
they sauntered off along the cliff.
I am wondering if one of them is responsible for eating all my lovely chrysanthemums that were on the front porch!


Have you got plans for the weekend?

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Sunday, October 29, 2017

Autumnal Splendor....

Autumn is one of the most beautiful seasons...
rich in colour and texture,
this weekend we have been treated to clear blue skies and sunny warm days.

Perfect weather for walking...
and a bonus while we are at Quarter Deck Cottage on Pender Island.


Golden hues tinged with green.


We walked slowly so that I could stop and take pictures 
besides the fact that I have been recently diagnosed with shin splints...
my doctor suggested that I slow my walking pace and perhaps the distance that I travel
to make sure that I have supportive shoes 
 to replace my walking shoes at least every year if not every 6 months.
This is a painful condition and so I am heeding his advice.


The distance we covered was just a tad under 3 km
the road was perfect for our walk 
very little car traffic
quiet
homes and acreages dotted every so often along the byway
the leaves were stunning in their beauty
so picturesque.


This old home was situated at the end of the road overlooking the ocean.


I'd love to peek inside but this is as close as we could get to it.

The road curved ahead and we spied this boat...



We discovered a lovely sandy beach at the end of the road with a public beach access.
Mr. HB saw a mink run into the brush just ahead.


Kelp and maple leaves mingling together on the beach.







Walking with the leaves crunching neath our feet...
a glorious day 
with dappled sunshine peeking through the canopy of trees.




Feeling such gratitude to be able to enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds us.

How was your weekend ?

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Thursday, October 26, 2017

Hard workers...



There's a real hard working cleaning spray in The Humble Bungalow.
I use this dandy spray for everything 
from the kitchen sink to getting stains out of clothes.

Did you notice that we have a new faucet?
Our previous Franke faucet from 1988 was replaced when we had a leaky pipe.
The plumber who came to the house was punctual, prompt and polite 
AND he cleaned up all the mess too!


Janet's recent post on How to Wash Slip Covers reminded me of how much I use and love this cleaner.
We have white slip covered love seats in our family room 
they require regular laundering...
if there is a stain or a spot I pre-treat ours with this Method cleaner.


Another product that I use a lot is Bon Ami...
I have written about it before and it works really well without harming the environment.

Do you have any favourite cleaning products?

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Monday, October 23, 2017

Pops of colour...



Autumn is a lovely time of year for enjoying the colours.

I wear mostly blacks and greys 
so I can see here with this example of contrast 
that a spot of colour
may be in order!


The pumpkin patch was full of families this Sunday.
Many local farmers grow pumpkins and they also offer hayrides, hot chocolate and some even have corn mazes.
I just love the field of orange pumpkins!
A sea of orange...


It is lovely when one discovers a magazine that has well written and informative articles.
one that has a balance of 
fashion
style
travel 
people 
homes
gardens


Today I am cozying up in my newest linen scarf...
no pop of orange today 
instead
I am wearing a red lipstick 
which is helping to liven up my OOTD.


L'Oreal on the far left # 315 True Red
followed by
a spritz of Le Labo Rose 31 and I am ready.

Hope you have a great week!

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~