Tuesday, 22nd September 2026 - Morning Glory

After my guest left I put a load of washing in the machine and headed over to Wickhambreaux. There were road closures (yes, I did try to go through but had to turn around) along with very confusing diversion signs that disappeared or made no sense. I got lost in the outskirts of Canterbury for a short while until Google maps directed me back on route. I had a lovely time with Harriet and Herbie. We used the writing tablets and drew many complicated battles that stretched my imagination to its zenith. We had a stroll to the park before I headed home with no diversions. I have come back with lots of precious memories made. I was sorry to miss the girls but plan to go back next week with some lamb as requested by Herbie to see them.

Day 22 #stradaeasel

My sister gave me a morning glory a couple of years ago. It has self seeded into plant pots and between paving stones. They flower briefly in the morning. Who would have guessed? Today I had two. I sat on the doorstep to draw them but I could not quite capture their amazing colour. Lindsey has up to 14 flowering at one time. There are seeds beginning to ripen. I will leave them to find their perfect place for germination and next year I may have 14 morning glories.

Morning Glory
Pen and watercolour

Monday, 21st September 2026 - Tangerines

It has been another home day today. They are good days to have. The cupboards, fridge and wine rack are topped up thanks to Tescos delivering this morning. 

I continued with my endeavour to get the garden back into some sort of order. It was hot. I needed a hat and sunglasses when painting the top coat on the soffit board and my nose. Our roof is looking less gappy and more tiled.

Bookings for bed and breakfast and Little Holt continue to keep me busy. The best part is listening to stories of people's lives. Much more interesting than my own. I know all about that.

Day 21 #stradaeasel

Yesterday Tom gave me a tangerine. I love a tangerine. I had two nets delivered from Tescos today. They reminded me of Tom. A good challenge for today that is emotional and physical. This is my second attempt. I drew in the one using a non permanent ink pen. It was going well until I added watercolour. Then it turned a muddy murky brown. That one is in the recycling.

Tangerines
watercolour

Sunday, 20th September 2026 - Cucumber

I have had a pottering day in the garden. Tim has worked like a Trojan on our roof accompanied by Tom. Tom, thank you so much for helping. Dad is enjoying relacing his shoes with elastic laces as I type. It was lovely to see Fable briefly potter around the garden. He spent the rest of the day in Tom's car. I think he knows that if he stays in the car he won't be left behind without Tom. Clever.

Sunday night is online with Tescos who we have deliver to us on a Monday morning. They have some very tempting offers of wine and chocolate! I have been persuaded to add them to my basket. How easily influenced I am.

I am looking forward to another episode of The Undeclared War.

Day 20 #stradaeasel

My greenhouse is looking diminished. I have one tomato plant that would be better on the compost heap BUT the cucumber Wendy gave me is having a second spurt. I took my pen and paper and crouched at a very uncomfortable position to draw for today's challenge to celebrate its rejuvenation in paint. How I suffer for my art.

Cucumber
Pen and watercolour

Saturday, 19th September 2026 - Three Stages of Cyclamen

We have had a DIY day maintaining house and garden. Two years ago we went to Cornwall and stayed with John and Diane. I bought a bottle of gin there. After a day of work it seemed a good time to open it. It does have a much more flavour than Gordons. Tim had a white port with his tonic. Sometimes a Saturday night in is just what is needed.

We are watching a great series called The Undeclared War. It is a cyber thriller. 

Day 19 #stradaeasel

Tucked in the shade of our greenhouse tiny cyclamen are pushing up between the pots. Get close and they are quite extraordinary. The buds are tight swirls. The flowers throw their petal up and back. The seeds are protected by a curly stem. I picked each stage for my challenge this evening.

Three Stages of Cyclamen
Pen and Watercolour

Friday, 18th September 2026 - Wendy's Plums

When I have been out in the evening I find I need a while to 'come down' before I go to bed. I had a late night last night after the excitement of spending a night with artists. Fortunately I had no breakfasts to serve and was able to lumox in bed this morning.

The day was perfect for some gardening and painting a very long soffit board. Mike dropped in this afternoon. Pippa has a sale at King Johns Nursery with a collection of brocante people. I hope to go tomorrow. I have been following her adventures on Instagram and there are some lovely bits and pieces. 

Day 18 #stradaeasel

Wendy gave us a bag of plums. They are chopped up and frozen. Ready for me to make jam. A good subject for today's challenge for they were chopped.

Wendys Plums
Indian Ink and Watercolour

Thursday, 17th September 2026 - Garden Flowers

I met with Sarah in the charity shop in Cranbrook. I have three books for Herbie. I suggested we share a bacon sandwich with our coffee. It was very delicious with mustard. As we were leaving my niece came in with her new baby. She was sleeping and looked very adorable. I love a new baby. 

Back home I spent a while getting Little Holt Cottage ready for a new guest. It looked charming. I think she will be very happy there. It does have a very peaceful feel.

Day 17 #stradaeasel

It is our first winter meeting of the Weald of Kent Art Society this evening. I am taking my challenge with me. I have a vase of flowers from the garden and my favourite vase that my sister made and my mum's table cloth. I painted over an old failed painting. 

Here it is.

Garden Flowers
Oil on board

Wednesday, 16th September 2026 - Cremant

Brett has a van that can accommodate a five metre soffit board. He dropped it off today. He is looking very well. Being a husband to my gorgeous daughter and amazing three grandchildren must be the reason.

It took over an hour to get to the bottom of my ironing pile. Harriet and Herbie made the job most enjoyable by entertaining me via WhatsApp video. 

I heard water gushing outside our bedroom window. We had swarf in our water tank overflow causing a blockage and the water to gush out. I am very fortunate to have a practical husband who undid the obstruction.

My GP is working on getting my HRT levels sorted. Now with a third hormone added as long as I don't grow a beard and develop a deep voice I will be feeling even more delightful.

Day 16 #stradaeasel

It has been a busy, in a good way, few weeks. Tonight Tim and I are home alone. I opened a bottle of sparkling wine. There isn't much left. Perfect subject for today's challenge. And I cleaned my watercolour palette making the paints clean and easier to work.

Cremant
Pen and watercolour