Forced relaxation....Simplified Easter Weekend

Sunny bold yellow chrysanthemums...

cheap and cheerful.

Just what I needed to perk up my spirits.

My ankle injury is slowly on the mend...the swelling has gone down.

Bruises remain and I am now able to move it in a more "normal" way.

I've taken smaller slower beach walks.

My Inner Hippie Vibe was activated when I spied a bamboo cane on the beach...

The bottom of the cane was split so I used duct tape to reinforce it.

I purchased a roll of sisal at the Hardware store.

This DIY project was easy and fun.

My walking Aid is ready for the beach walks.

It really helped my stability as the sand and rocks along the seafront are unpredictable.

I used it for every walk and have it in my car for local beach walks.

We are home now...

came home early as I have a medical appointment for a bone density test.

I have been on the wait list for almost a year!

Our medical system is overloaded...fewer family doctors. 

Many people are waiting to be assigned a doctor.

A nursing shortage, an aging population, long waits for treatments and surgeries.

It is a national crisis.

My Eddie Bauer sun hat must be over 30 years old...

you can see my walking pole.

We collect feathers...not sure why?

 But it is definitely a thing.

Our cottage partners participate too.

I got my husband more involved in meals this week...

we had quite a few BBQ dinners.

Easter Sunday dinner was this big fat burger!!

Boy was it tasty...I had made quick pickled red onions.

 I mixed up some beef patties using ground beef, egg, salt, pepper and Panko crumbs.

We added some cheese, lettuce, tomato slices and condiments.

Dinner was quick and easy.

Just the two of us.

It is OK to keep it simple.

We like to keep things relaxed at the cottage.

Thanks honey :-))

My husband likes to take sunset pictures at the cottage and post them on his Instagram Page.

We had some lovely sunny warmer 

weather at the cottage.

What a gift to be able to sit outdoors.

It felt like a luxury.

I am knitting a shawl...

"Easy Goes It" 

Using Rowan's Felted Tweed in Pink Bliss.

The pattern is not difficult but it changes a lot.

I keep track by using a book and make note of where I am in the pattern!

My lipstick matches the colour of the yarn!!!

I was able to keep my mind off of my ankle by knitting and gazing out across the Salish Sea watching the ferries and boats as they floated past the cottage.

We went to the Market...

the new soap company Island Soul Soaps had a variety of interesting soap.

It was a tough choice to choose!

Perhaps I will need to sample many more to discover my favourite!

They have interesting combinations and I love the names that the owner has chosen.

Last night, Wednesday, I snapped this image.

Hubby was taking his photos and copycat me decided I can do that too!!

I didn't notice the birds until after I looked at the photo.

Lots going on this coming week...

things often get super busy and before I know it my daytimer is FULL.

Hope you all had a lovely week.

Do you celebrate Easter?

Did you have a big Easter dinner?

What did you serve?

Thank you to those who have sent me emails 

or commented on my Instagram 

sending positive and encouraging words that help during my time of healing.

I will be back in action very soon.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Week of Fun!

My husband and I hopped on a small BC Ferry and went to Salt Spring Island.

Weekdays Monday through Thursday seniors travel for free.

We only had to pay for the car...so an inexpensive day to travel.

There are numerous galleries, gift, clothing and thrift shops.

In the summer on Saturday, they have a huge open air Market.

I found this soft Gap top at the thrift shop behind the Ganges Pharmasave.

They carry a wide variety of clothing and accessories.

Their vintage and boutique rack was amazing!

Most of the items were in small sizes.

After I went to Pod Contemporary, a favourite of mine...

I love their clothing and some of it is quite expensive.

Very carefully curated and the displays are wonderful.

It was very busy when I visited.

Lots of women having fun shopping.

A basic white tee top.

Nubby texture and a great looser style that flatters amd skims my midsection.

We had lunch at Moby's pub with a view of Ganges Harbour.

My salad was enormous! 

I managed to eat the chicken, avocado and maybe half of the greens.

Hubby had a rich short rib ramen dish...

I had a wee nibble and WOW!

So good.

We really enjoy avocados...

they have been on sale lately at the Root Cellar in the Cook Street Village shop.

For a quick lunch 

I will make avocado toast using the homemade sourdough bread that I make weekly.

I drizzle the avocado with some Worcestershire sauce 

top it off with a fresh grind of Pink Himalayan salt.

Nutritious, delicious with high fibre and healthy heart fats.

Do you like avocados?

I made a "bowl" of food for lunch.

It could have been healthier if I had served brown rice or quinoa...

I love these "bowls" of food that local restaurants are serving.

My grandmother used to put out a variety of things for lunches at her home.

Cut up fresh fruits, veggies, cheese, pickles, sliced meats

served with her freshly baked homemade bread.

I loved the smell of her kitchen...

bread baking, soups or stews simmering on the stove.

Such fond memories...

Went for a walk at Butchart Gardens with my BFF.

She brings her dog and we have a look at all the new flowers and enjoy a coffee or tea on the patio after our walk.

Love these double daffodils (Narcissus)

must try to get bulbs in the fall when the shops still have some in stock!

In other news..

Feeling encouraged that my hair is growing longer 

I want to put it up for aqua fit class so it doesn't keep falling into my eyes!

Most of the participants wear updos or have short haircuts.

With a minimalist wardrobe I rely on accessories.

Here I am wearing a whisper thin huge scarf (sarong size)

Folded it into a triangle wrapped it around my neck front to back

brought the ends in front

tied them underneath the front of the scarf.

Simple and it adds colour and interest to my old vintage faded denim shirt.

Pearls help to elevate the look...

wearing Michael Kors black pants.

New from Marshalls...tag said retail was $165 and I paid $49.99

They have a texture and gold button details at an angle near the waist and hips.

They are so comfy and way nicer than my old Yoga pants!

Am reading The Best Laid Plans by Terry Fallis.

He writes with a lot of humour.

I have read two of his books and can recommend them.

My week hit a snag on Sunday when we went to the beach at Cordova Bay.

 We parked and tried a new beach access...

it went sideways in a heartbeat.

The bottom of the concrete steps said BIG DROP.

I looked and thought I would step down slowly and carefully...

well I twisted my ankle and fell on the rocks!

I heard a snap.

People nearby came to help.

(I was so embarrassed)

I have twisted my ankle and am hobbling.

I thought it may have been broken but it appears to be a snapped ligament.

I am taking it easy and avoiding stairs.

Have been able to cook and bake as it only involves standing for short periods of time.

Knit a cotton dishcloth and am reading my book.

Feeling like a prize idiot...

thinking I was a younger agile girl instead of an aging senior lady.

Well I have learned a valuable lesson.

Thankful that my injuries were not worse.

So tell me, have you had any mishaps lately?

How have you handled them?

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog!

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Wardrobe Basics ~ A symphony in Black and White, a recipe and our Star Magnolia

 

Our Star Magnolia

is

blooming out front of The Humble Bungalow.

I love the elegant waxy white flowers.

They emerge from fuzzy cocoons...

if you look closely you can see one as it is about to pop.

The tree was planted many years ago and has grown quite slowly.

It is in the middle of a bed and makes a bold statement.

My linen skirt has an asymmetrical detail that makes it more interesting...

I like a flounce and it sways as I walk.

I can dress it up or wear it simply 

with a casual white top and my distressed denim jacket.

I actually wear it with my white "trainers" or tennis shoes and lacy white socks.

The length is longer on me so I don't feel I NEED to wear capri tights.

My legs are not at their best...they have scars and marks which I try to hide.

One cannot live to 69 and still have pristine unblemished skin.

This white blouse is a favourite of mine.

I love the texture and the fabric is pure white.

The shape is forgiving especially for my mid section 

which is where I now carry most of my weight.

Nice detail on the cuffs.

I wear this with black Eileen Fisher pants, and often with casual denim jeans.

The Big Baroque Pearls add an interesting touch.

I feel so much more "dressed up" with pearls.

Black and white wardrobe basics are so easy...

I can get dressed for almost any occasion and have a lot of mix and match options.

Recently I found a lovely Saint James black sweater which has a good structure.

I purchased it second hand for a fraction of the original price.

It is almost like a sweater jacket...

Saint James make lovely clothing...I visited one of their stores in Aix en Provence.

I have my sourdough boule baking in the oven as I write this blogpost.

The kitchen smells wonderful...

I just finished making Hamburger Soup.

It is a recipe that I have been making for many decades...

I used to make a big batch and freeze it in containers for my lunches when I worked in the schools.

We had a bowl for our lunch today with a couple of small pieces of sourdough toast.

I try to make soups once a week...

the soups is quick to heat up and works well on my aqua fit days.

I arrive home hungry and my husband has soup and toast ready when I get home.

Do you like to make soup?

Have you tried making sourdough bread?

I got my starter from a good friend and I have given batches of it to many people...

she has shared hers with many others as well!

We both use the recipes on Alexandra Bakes.

I have recently discovered Farmhouse on Boone and am enjoying Lisa Bass's site.

She lives on a large farm and has 8 children!

I wear a vintage rhinestone brooch on my wool beret and other hats.

Wearing vintage pins are a bit of a habit of mine. 

I don't seem to find many but I always look!!

Do you enjoy thrifting?

Thank you for popping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

I appreciate your comments and invite you to share your thoughts.

Take care and until next time...

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

March ~ Birthday and some other tidbits....

 

Tulip Mania has begun with a bold red and yellow bunch!

Such great mood lifters on a grey winter's day.

I love to buy these cheerful blooms...

deciding which colours to choose is always a challenge!

I had my birthday yesterday March 3rd.

I turned 69 and don't feel OLD.

My new glasses are Face a Face from Paris.

I had my former pair for 6 years and when my prescription changed I decided it was time for a new pair of glasses and sunglasses.

Vintage rhinestone brooch pinned on my wool beret.

My beret is made by The Canadian Hat Company.

Decades old Burberry scarf

Eileen Fisher Coat

Still having FUN and playing around with clothes and my personal take on style.

Been very lucky at the Thrift Shops lately...

Gold bracelet

I don't have anything like this in my jewel box and thought it might be fun.

Heavy crystal etched vase, possibly Swedish.

Perfect for wee flowers.

Snowdrops are what come to mind.

I love to hunt for sea glass on my beach walks.

On my birthday beach walk 

I found a lovely piece of aqua glass just as I stepped on the beach!

Aquamarine is the March birthstone 

so I thought it an appropriate find.

The sunset was quite remarkable the other evening...

looks like The Danish Flag hanging over Salt Spring Island.

Perhaps my ancestors waving hello?

Our family tree goes way back...

to a former Queen and King of Denmark.

So many interesting names along with that incredible detailed history.

Sabine Be sunglasses...

Mom had macular degeneration so my eye doctor advised me to wear sunglasses.

I need to remember to wear them regularly.

Treated myself to a new candle and some dark chocolate bars.

I recently read that dark chocolate is full of good polyphenols

which help with inflammation, digestion, cognitive function, and protect cardiovascular health.

Adding a couple of squares with my afternoon tea seems pretty easy!

Been eating more avocados on sourdough toast...

they are nutrient rich and high in fibre.

After my colonoscopy the doctor told me that he removed 3 polyps.

(I watched the entire procedure on the screen) 

He also mentioned to keep my diet rich in fibre as it has many benefits.

Staying on top of one's health is a priority.

Healthy habits and being mindful of stress and toxins in the environment are so important.

What is new with you?

How are you managing the aging process?

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog!

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

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 ~