Showing posts with label bouquets. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bouquets. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 9, 2017

The last "Mother's Day" with Mom.


May morning vista from a walk in Oak Bay.

My sister and I got up early
and soon found ourselves dressed and ready to head out the door.

Yesterday was a very important day for my sister and I
 as we said our final goodbyes to to our Mom.

We spread Mom's ashes
enjoyed massages
dined in The Snug
drank a few flutes of bubbly 
swam in the outdoor mineral pool several times.


The Buddha Bowl was amazing!
Mango, tofu, veggies atop quinoa
drizzled with a soy sauce balsamic reduction...
this is so tasty that I am planning to find an excuse to go back very soon!

The Oak Bay Beach Hotel is opulent and elegant 
very well appointed which provides the ultimate in comfort...
beautifully located
on the edge of the shoreline looking east to the San Juan Islands.


The mineral pool was so inviting and warm...
we swam twice on Monday and once today. 


This is the view that overlooks McNeil Bay
a few short blocks from the house where I grew up.

The snow capped mountains of the Olympic Range in Washington State.
Freighters use the international shipping lanes located in Juan de Fuca Strait.

Trial Island and the lighthouse are a short boat ride from shore.
The currents in this narrow passage can be fierce...
they are often referred to as rip tides.

My uncle Owen used to be the lighthouse keeper.
My aunt, uncle and cousins spent quite a few years on the island.
My cousins were home schooled and there was a supply ship that delivered their groceries.

There were some amazing stories of sea rescues. 

The Ham radio was the essential lifeline...
which linked my family to the boats, the Coast Guard and others in Victoria.


If you look closely you will see the Native flowering camas
which is happily growing in the Garry Oak Meadow and rocky outcroppings.

Memories and thoughts are often jogged by scenery...
the power of suggestion is so powerful
that it can transport us back to the past.

The neighbourhood where I grew up has changed quite a lot.
Houses, new and modern, are mixed with the traditional and the heritage styles.

The workers next door are building the forms 
for the foundations of the new homes under construction.
The sounds of saws and nail guns repeating are louder than the drone of the bees or the hummingbirds staccato chatter.

It has not been as invasive as I first expected...
or perhaps
I am getting accustomed to the noise.

Muguet des bois in The Humble Bungalow Garden 
is thick with fragrant blooms.


A handful of flowers popped into an icy vase
make a room fresher
and more beautiful.


These wee white bonnets are so delicate and dainty...
perhaps the loveliest of May flowers in our garden.

My sister and I may make an annual pilgrimage to the OBBH and Spa
sometime close to Mother's Day 
to celebrate our Mom
share memories and relax.


I had never heard of this book.
 I saw it on the shelf at the book sellers on Pender Island...
and was immediately intrigued by the description on the inside cover.

It is a delightful story...
easy to read and very entertaining.
It's "light enough" to be considered a Beach Book
and very hard to put down.

Fingers crossed it is a quiet week...

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow.
XO

Thursday, March 16, 2017

Week two...

Life has been moving at a fast pace here in The Humble Bungalow.
I prefer to take my time accomplishing tasks
"needs must"
feels like the right phrase
to explain why we are living at this high level of activity.


The bungalow is scented with floral bouquets.


Chrysanthemums, lilies, hydrangeas, roses...


Flowers and food from friends offer up such care and comfort.
They are my go-to gifts when friends and family experience turmoil and loss.

We are on the receiving end this time and it does help...


Coffee has been a key player for me these past few weeks...
sleep and early mornings and a foggy brain have needed a little extra boost!


I've taken myself out for coffee in between meetings with the lawyer, the bank and various agencies.
It has been a full roster of appointments with little time to cook or prepare decent meals.
I have relied on the kindness of friends
and indulged in some easy meals.
The staple BBQ chicken and deli salads are becoming a fast favourite of mine.


Tea and an apple with cheese 
at Mom's 
after I staged the condo for the Real Estate Photographer.

Sitting in the quiet 
listening to the ticking of the clock
surrounded by mom's things
offered up a wee bit of respite.


Mother Nature has been busy tending her garden.
Spring flowers are emerging from their winter slumber.


Parrot tulips for a wonderful friend who kindly made us a meal and has stood by us through thick and thin...

Thank you
XO

Today for the first time in many weeks I slept in...
the bed felt warm and cozy and I slowly got up
easing into a quiet morning
with no appointments until after lunch
I put the laundry in the washing machine
made a coffee
and opened up my dusty laptop to write this post.

It feels good to be alive
I feel such gratitude
and 
although my heart aches for my Mom
I know that she would not want me to be maudlin for too long...
she was a sensible woman
resilient
strong
stylish
with a no nonsense approach to life.

So, in her honour, I am going to try to do my best...
moving ahead
 I will cherish her and keep her memory alive in my heart.


Thanks MOM
XO

Friday, March 10, 2017

Week one....

It's been a week since Mom passed away.

Lots of things to do and little time for the blog
or for commenting 
on all your wonderful stories 
that you have so kindly shared
 about your experiences with death of loved ones...
mostly our Mothers.


Mother 
a picture taken at Christmas 
on our annual visit to Laurel Point
to view the decorated gingerbread houses.
We are using this for her obituary 
which will be published in the newspaper this weekend.


Beautiful bouquets in The Humble Bungalow.


This one, is from our dear friends in France.
It brought tears to my eyes when I read the card.
XO


Beauty abounds...
I adore green and white flowers.

I was home when these arrived and was able to sit and chat for a few minutes
with the special couple who brought them.
XO


Tulips from the bridge ladies.
XO


Members of our "adopted family" brought these!
XO


The grandchildren...
XO


The days are full and busy.
So many details to attend to and lots of phone calls to make.
Lawyers appointments
family to call
sorting
cleaning

Trying to keep things simple means not stressing about the "little things"
like cooking and eating WW friendly foods right now!

Something has to go out the window...
time for some comfort food.

Croissant for breakfast...
flaky and buttery
eaten slowly...
the flakes fluttering down onto the plate moistened by tears.


A skinny latte
with a little heart to start the day...

I will post your comments as they come in and please know that I appreciate and read each and every one.

At this demanding time 
I am unable tor respond individually to your comments.
I humbly apologize
but I think you'll understand.

Hope that you have a lovely weekend.
XO