November update...Autumnal colour, halloween, books and more...

 

~ Fall Colour ~

The limelight hydrangeas are turning pink.

I picked a big armful to dry on the porch and placed them in a jardinere on the buffet.

~ Trick or Treat ~

We had a VERY BUSY Halloween night answering the door and giving out treats!

Fortunately I purchased 250 treats...

we started the evening out by handing out 3 each,

then quickly realized the street was abuzz with children!

We had well over 100 children pop by and we ran out by 7:30

so we turned out the lights

coincidentally, our neighbours did the same at that exact time!

Fall colours are putting on a lovely show here at the cottage.

As we walk and drive the rural roads we are very aware of the different foliage on display.

I found this book in a free library on my walk.

I had not heard of Bobbi French or the title but was interested after reading the cover.

I read the book in a couple of days and am giving it to a friend.

It dealt with a difficult subject but was done so with such sensitivity and grace.

I recommend it.

BC Ferries sail by the cottage many times each day...

this one looked like a Cruise Ship all it up.

Our neighbours here refer to them as "birthday cakes!"

We also play a Yachtzee game...

if you see 5 ferries all at once on the sea you call Yachtzee.

I am so thrilled with the vintage ironstone transferware platter.

I found it at Kay's Korner in the Cook Street Village.

We don't have a Blue themed decor in The Humble Bungalow but the cottage does!

I think this tray elevates the casual beachy vibe.

Found another great book in the wee free library.

I have read several of Gill Paul's other books and really enjoyed them...

this one has hooked me already and I am enjoying the story.

I found this distressed and tarnished jug at the thrift shop.

I think it was 35 cents...

it has come in handy for casual flower displays.

I bought a silver tea strainer at the thrift shop for $1

I plan to polish it up but need to buy some silver cleaner...

it will be lovely not having to use those gauzy paper slips 

 for my loose teas here at the cottage.

I am drinking a lot of loose teas these days and most of it comes from Murchies.

The Princess blend is a lovely floral rose tea which I drink most afternoons when i sit and read my book or knit.

A scarf knit on the bias.

This will go with lots of my blue denim and my blue down puffer coat.

The yarn is Japanese Noro blend of alpaca, wool and silk.

I found the pattern and yarn at my favourite local wool shop The Beehive.

The "feel of a yarn" while knitting is very important to me...

I spend a long time making a project so I like to enjoy the process.

This lovely wash cloth was knit by my friend Michelle.

It is whisper soft and such an interesting pattern.

I purchased two new soaps when I was at Marshall's the other week.

Love the packaging...

Orange and Cinnamon

Asquith and Somerset

English 

(a generous bath size bar)

Will be savouring this for awhile!

I better close for now and put the kettle on and do some knitting.

It is a grey rainy day here at the cottage and I have soup simmering on the stove.

Feeling Very cozy and the views are wonderful.

Hope that you are enjoying the start of your week.

Have you got anything exciting planned?

Are you reading a good book that you care to share?

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

A quick post ~ Sunday

 

~ Shopping ~

My Play day involved a purchase...

Marshall's dressing rooms are quite small...

there are many of them so one never really needs to wait to get inside.

I had a good look around the store and found 

only 2 items that I was interested enough to try on.

~ Casual OOTD ~

I am wearing my Lands End denim shirt and some black Yoga pants.

The barn coat is Ralph Lauren and was recently found here at Marshall's.

Warm Hoodie to wear to and from my aqua fit classes at the pool.

I feel cold after I have been exercising for the hour in the water.

I have a shower and slather on body lotion then get dressed.

It is a herringbone pattern in my favourite color combo!

So soft, very cozy feels so warm.

Rachel Zoe

Pocket detail

Nice hood and there are snap details on the cuffs as well.

I've got the family coming for dinner tonight so I am going to be busy in the kitchen getting ready...hence the short post.

On the menu...

"Stringy Beef" Roast

Scalloped potatoes

Carrots

Broccoli Wild Rice Casserole

Peas

Blueberry Pie and ice cream for dessert

Must get cooking!

Bye for now...

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

A WEE post ~ in between...stay tuned for the regular post on Sunday!

 

I am so thrilled with the lavender soap that I ordered from French Larkspur.

I love a scented soap and treat myself regularly to a fresh new bar...

I find it difficult not buying fragrant soaps :-))

If I go into a shop that sells gifts I head to the soap section first.

Rarely do I leave without buying a bar or two.

Mom loved her Yardley's English Lavender Soap

she actually kept it in her bedroom so that the rest of the family  didn't use it all up!

I wonder if it was an expensive luxury item back in the day?

She would unwrap bars and scent her lingerie drawer with the bars of soap.

This soap has found a "home" beside the farmhouse kitchen sink.

The wee posy is still looking lovely!

Twas a gift from our lovely neighbours 

In appreciation for all the veggies and apples that we gave them over the summer.

Look at the most recent harvest of the peppers!

My husband has outdone himself growing all the veggies this year.

I am using the peppers in all kinds of dishes...

salads

soups

spaghetti sauce

chili

I love baking sourdough bread, tending to the starter is like feeding a pet.

I make a boule each week 

we enjoy the bread sliced and served with butter or toasted with jam.

The texture is dense, requires a lot of chewing and the crust is crunchy.

Not only is it fun to make it is very economical.

With food prices rising it is nice to know that homemade bread is still affordable.

Chili for dinner tonight!

Saute 1 chopped onion, 2 cloves minced garlic, 

3 stalks of celery and 2 green peppers diced and cooked until soft.

Add 1 pound ground chicken (or turkey or beef)

cook until no longer pink.

Drain and rinse 2 cans of red kidney beans add to pot.

Then add a large can of diced tomatoes (stewed tomatoes work well too)

2 Tbsp. Chili powder, 1 Tbsp cumin, 1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp salt

Simmer for at least an hour, stirring often.

I serve the chili topped with grated cheddar cheese and sour cream.

Bon Appetit

Currently reading this book...

it is rather like a travelogue.

I am enjoying the whimsy and honesty of the author as he retells the story of his trip.

We keep our "heart" lit up 

on behalf of the local hospital workers who work hard.

Covid is making a comeback here in town...

people are back wearing masks in the shops.

We both have just had our 6th vaccination and we took advantage at the pharmacy and had the annual flu shot as well.

I had a reaction to the shot(s) was awake at 2:30 with aches 

stayed awake the rest of the night...

but I managed to go to aquafit and had a great workout.

Feel totally normal now!

I've been so busy in the kitchen that I haven't really had a PLAY DAY.

I promise I will take off my apron.

I plan on taking myself to Marshall's for a WALKABOUT.

STAY TUNED :-))

It is always fun looking at their stock and I rarely leave empty handed.

What's new with you all?

Don't be SHY...leave a comment.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

October ~ Feel the Fullness of Fall

Last weekend we went to The BC Aviation Museum out by the Victoria Airport.

It was a lot bigger and way more interesting than I initially thought 

it would be...

Indoor activities are very much a Fall Favourite.

Keeping warm and dry while visiting museums and galleries.

We went with friends and had a guided tour by a volunteer which was almost 2 hours.

They have a designated area for children with games, flight simulators and small airplanes to ride inside...

there were lots of kids enjoying the space.

Afterwards we went to The Spitfire Grill near the plane refuelling station for lunch.

We were able to watch many planes land.

I ordered a bowl of the hearty mushroom soup as I wanted to warm up.

Soup making is back on the agenda here in The Humble Bungalow.

A big pot is made early in the week 

so we can enjoy soup on the days that I attend Aqua Fit classes.

It warms me up after the drive home.

BOO!

My sister and I had a walk last week in Oak Bay.

We spied many yards decorated in the Halloween theme.

I had NO IDEA how expensive these skeletons cost!!

My guess was about $100 and my sister looked on Amazon only to tell me that I needed to multiply my guess by 10 times!!

WOW

There is a Hallmark Christmas movie being filmed here in Victoria.

We thought we might see them at work on the Esplanade near the Tea Room.

They must have wrapped up that segment of the film as they have now moved on into the heart of Fernwood.

We have minimal seasonal Fall decorations...

for Halloween night, a small string of orange pumpkin lights.

~ Fall Porch Decor ~

I added these 2 wee white pumpkins and a white cyclamen.

The big cones are foraged from the nearby trees at the cemetery.

The dried alliums are from the garden and that grape vine wreath is decades old.

I just finished this book by Phaedra Patrick.

I enjoyed the quirky story and the characters felt very real.

About a year ago I read her other book and really like it too.

~ Pink Fall colour on the Limelight Hydrangeas ~

I am drying more hydrangeas to bring inside our Humble Bungalow.

This week I gave some away to a friend and realized that I needed some for us.

Hope they dry fast before the winds get crazy as they tend to fly around the garden.

A scarf knit on the bias is taking shape...

using a sumptuous yarn.

Japanese Noro which is a blend of silk, mohair and lambswool.

I found the wool at our local shop The Beehive.

Yesterday I went to Murchies and stocked up on their Princess Blend rose tea.

My tea caddy was almost empty...

I like to brew a pot and sip this tea while I am reading or knitting 

perfect for a cool Fall afternoon.

My current book stack...

all were found in the local little free library kiosks.

We are cocooning in front of the TV more this Fall...

Really enjoying the British crime dramas found on Acorn TV.

The Chelsea Detective, Cuffs, Whitstable Pearl, Cannes Confidential

and many more.

This arrangement was hand delivered by the neighbours...

a few minutes ago.

In appreciation for our gifts of harvested fresh grown veggies and apples!

Such a thoughtful gift...

Fall

~ Dinner tonight ~

I am making a "stringy" shredded beef roast in the oven...

4 pound chuck roast seasoned with salt and pepper 

baked in a covered casserole for 4 hours.

You take it out and using two forks you then shred the meat.

I am roasting potatoes, carrots, zucchini and beets in a drizzle of olive oil

sprinkled with salt and pepper to accompany the roast.

I hope it is a tasty meal because this is a super easy dinner!

Hope you are enjoying October.

It is almost Halloween :-))

and

I have a BIG bag full of treats.

Well I am about to put the kettle on and will brew a pot of tea...

now do I knit or start a new book?

Is it Fall where you live?

What are you up to this week?

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Thanksgiving Weekend at Quarterdeck Cottage

 

We welcomed friends to the cottage for a Thanksgiving Dinner.

The sun shone and the winds abated for their arrival.

The menu was Italian themed and Julie and I cooked in the kitchen while the guys hung out on the deck watching the boats.

I was Julie's sous chef :-))

It is a great day being in the kitchen when Julie cooks 

I Watch and Learn.

Caesar Salad to start...

Julie mixes her dressing (which includes anchovies) directly in the bowl.

Then we added the romaine, croutons and cheese.

Julie also adds bacon which gives it a real zesty flavour!

We made Stanley Tucci's Favourite pasta dish.

On an episode of his series Eating Italy they featured the recipe.

Julie got her recipe from Chef John Pierre who has a You Tube Channel.

The basis of the sauce is deep fried zucchini slices...

it tastes delicious, nutty and thick and you'd never guess it was zucchini!

WOW

I made an apple crisp using our Liberty apples

served it with French Vanilla ice Cream.

The wine we served was Italian from the Tuscany region...

(I had to get Mr. HB to go out to the recycling bin and snap a photo)

We went to the Pender Island Museum...

saw this buck sitting in the sunshine.

Tried to walk at Roseland but the tide was in and so we couldn't get across

the inlet to wander along the scenic trails.

For breakfast the next morning I served a fruit salad and a smoked salmon frittata.

The frittata was simple to make...

Frittata

Sliced small red onion

diced red pepper

sliced 4 large mushrooms

6 ounces smoked salmon cut into small pieces

grated cheeses about 1 1/2 cups

a dozen eggs whisked til frothy

salt pepper and some chopped mint leaves

Bake in a deep dish at 350 for about 40 minutes until eggs are cooked and no longer runny.

Lunch was a charcuterie board...

we call it a "picky plate"

We walked at Hamilton Beach in the rain...

our friends left later in the afternoon before dinner.

I made scallops for dinner...

Chef Jean Pierre's scallop recipe is on his You Tube Channel and online at his website.

Delicious!

Will be reading these books over the next few days...

Am really enjoying The Last Devil to Die!

I love the Thursday Murder Club.

We are fortunate to have a great little boutique on the island.

I always pop in and peruse the stock...

you never know what you'll find!

C'est Moi

White Linen shirt

I found another one in a sleek percale cotton but I couldn't justify buying two...

I love a crisp white shirt to wear with black pants or jeans and my pearls.

Well I suppose that I better get some lunch ready for my husband...

he's out walking in the rain and will be cold and hungry when he returns.

In case you are interested lunch will be bacon and home grown tomato sandwiches on homemade sourdough bread!

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~