Tuesday, 13th January 2026 - Cox's Orange Pippin

I have made many many jars of marmalade that look glowing and gorgeous. The house smells amazing. My bed and breakfast guests will be able to have it on their toast.

I am getting stronger at doing press ups but have to confess that I am not quite up to 100 a day yet.

I took Sarah to see Song Sung Blue. It was a belated birthday present. Tuesday is a BOGOF day at the Kino in Hawkhurst. I like a bargain. We had prosecco to keep our fluids up during a very long film. It is a story about a Neil Diamond tribute band in the 90's. There were a few emotional bits that I managed not to make that snorty noise when you tear up. Happy birthday Sarah my very dear friend.

Day 13 #stradaeasel

A tiny painting of a Cox's Orange Pippin. They stay on the tree longer than a bog standard Cox which makes them sweeter and softer - perfect for Tim. I like a sweet crisp apple like yesterday's September Wonder.

Coxs Orange Pippin
Oil on board
2" x 2"

Monday, 12th January 2026 - September Wonder

I took our car for an MOT diverted by many irritating road closures, traffic lights and pot holes. Jon at Wealden Garage near Headcorn keeps our cars on the road. We only have one car in action at the moment so while it was being inspected I walked into Headcorn. The weather forecast when I left was dry. I was unprepared for rain. Half an hour of dodging cars and puddles I was rather soggy as I ordered a very much desired flat white. The car passed its MOT with a couple of advisories due to old age. 

It is the season for marmalade. I have 2 kg of seville oranges scrubbed, squeezed, pithed and shredded ready for preserving tomorrow. Love the smell. And I am partial to thick sliced buttered toast with marmalade accompanied by coffee. Such a treat.

Day 12 #stradaeasel

On my way back from Headcorn I went via Chittenden Farm to get fruit and vegetables. They are the best and freshest. I have sprouts and parsnips. I looked at the beautiful artichokes but don't know what to do with them so left them in their basket. We have a fruit bowl full of apples and pears. An apple called September Wonder was my model today for a tiny 2 inch square oil painting.

September Wonder
Oil on board
2" x 2"

Sunday, 11th January 2026 - Jam Jar Posy

After a lateish start and a good session on my yoga mat followed by a few of push ups we went shopping. All the way over the border in East Sussex. In Dunelm we found a cushion that I need to get my sewing machine out to make a cover for, a couple of cushions with covers and some candles for our next dinner party. I was very happy with our purchases. I am easily pleased. We dropped in to see Tom in St Leonards and found him among his many boxes from moving. A homemade chilli and turmeric loaf was still warm. Tom toasted it with cheese for lunch - very tasty. So good to have him so nearby. Back home we lit the woodburner to stave off the damp and cold. 

Day 11 #stradeasel

I was thoroughly indulged with thoughtful gifts at our dinner party Friday night. One of them was a jam jar posy from Nick and Suzy. They know I love the way Sophie at Astilbe and Sorrel puts together flowers. Beautiful subject for day 11 of the strada easel challenge.

Jam Jar Posy
Watercolour

Saturday, 10th January 2026 - Molly's White

Last night Nick, Alli, Si, Lesley, Nick, Suzy, Tony and Wendy are perfect guests to cook dinner for at home. There were enough leftovers for us to have a repeat of the meal tonight. It was worth the two days of cooking. We had chestnut and mushroom encroute (I was very clever making the rough puff pastry) with red cabbage (less vinegar and more apples make it more delicious), cauliflower cheese, green beans, broccoli and cranberry sauce. The pudding was a frangipane pear tart. I made three so two are in the freezer. The chocolate sauce is good with the tart and oranges in caramel. I am feeling very very full .... again.

Day 10 #stradaeasel

Nick and Alli gave us a hellebore wrapped in spotty cellophane. I had a great time painting it with one eye watching Berlin Station. A bigger board meant I could enjoy being more expressive. 

Mollys White
Oil on board
30 x 20 cm

Friday, 9th January 2026 - One and a half

A day of food prep. I love experimenting with new recipes on friends.

Day 8 #stradaeasel

An early one today as we have friends to dinner. This is a spare mushroom that didn't make it into the en croute I was making.

One and a half
Oil on board
2" x 2"

Thursday, 8th January 2026 - Tiny Tomato

I fitted a few push ups in between cooking and a visit to the optician. I thought it would be a quick eye test. An hour and a half later I left. I have new glasses on order, eye makeup remover, some sort of eye cleanser and a heated mask to get my eyes back to perfect health. And a lighter bank balance. 

Day 8 #stradaeasel

It was a good day to be in the kitchen steaming it up with cooking ready for friends coming to dinner tomorrow evening. I rescued a tomato from being roasted and used it for today's oil painting. Another tiny 2" x 2" to join the other tinies.

Tiny Tomato
Oil on board
2" x 2"

Wednesday, 7th January 2026 - Tiny Onion

I did push-ups enhanced or maybe they hindered a yoga session this morning. You can support me and cancer research Donate here

Day 7 #stradaeasel

I have made a pile of tiny gessoed boards. I love doing these tiny works of art. Day 7. An onion from the vegetable basket took my interest. Email me here if you would like to buy my onion. The purchase price will go towards my cancer research tally Buy here

Tiny Onion
Oil on board
2" x 2"