Monday, 14th September 2026 - Feeding Bluetits

Lindsey came and collected me. We took a trip to Bumbles. I got a plant for a birthday present. Many of the plants were looking neglected which was sad to see. We then travelled onto Pets World to get suet balls for my garden birds. What a bargain. Half the price of the last ones I bought. 

I have had some very lovely bed and breakfast guests. And they went home with some cards and bought this painting.

Roses and Stocks
Oil on Board
30 x 40 cm

This evening I am meeting Alli, Lesley and Suzy at The Halway House for book group. We have read The Taxidermist's Daughter by Kate Mosse. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It will be interesting to know what the others say. I am hoping that liver and bacon is back on the menu.

Day 14 #stradaeasel

I took my paints and brushes into the garden. It took a while before the birds landed on the feeders maybe being hesitant about their new food. Today's challenge was trying to draw them. They are very speedy.  

Feeding Bluetits
Pen and Watercolour

Sunday, 13th September 2026 - Little Yellow Squash

Our meal at a very busy Bell and Jorrocks was great. I had steak pie. I chose rainforest nectar ice cream being intrigued as to what it was. I am still not sure but think it may have been mango and honey and delicious. It was good to be with freinds and hear their stories.

I find waking to see the rain turning the lawn green very pleasing. The flower beds were looking bare. Now there are tiny seedlings growing everywhere. It is a mystery to what they will be. Their true leaves will reveal their identity soon.

Today guests have been going, staying and coming to keep me busy. I am listening to a great detective series to keep me company. I am feeling ready for a holiday.

Day 13 #stradaeasel

We had three squash given to us. We ate one. The little yellow one was my subject for today's challenge. And it proved a challenge to paint. 

Little Yellow Squash
Watercolour

12th September 2026 - An Eloquence of Crepe Myrtle

A day of bed and breakfast work for me. A day of roofing for Tim. I visited Tescos for fruit and milk. Some winter pyjamas were added to my trolley. I am very pleased with them.. 

We are off the the Bell and Jorrocks for dinner with Tony, Wendy, Mike and Pippa this evening. I think I fancy chips. I will let you know tomorrow what I have.

Day 12 #stradaeasel

It was August one year we went to a party in Fongrave. Mike and Pippa throw the best of parties. We visited the local towns they had beautiful trees flowering. I have one in a pot that is looking beautiful. The flowers are frilly and very strangely delicate for such a robust plant. We have invested in a bigger pot for an autumn transplanting.

An Eloquence of Crepe Myrtle
Watercolour

Friday, 11th September 2026 - Gerbera

The tiles are going back on the roof and looking very smart.

I was back in the garden weeding with my audio book this afternoon. One third completed and looking good. 

This afternoon - that turned into early evening - we met with Mike and Pippa who are briefly back from France. We went to my favourite pubs, the Ewe and Lamb, for a couple of drinks. So great to catch up with their news. I don't think they have any regrets about moving to France. They have made a venue for visitors.  Maybe we will go next spring?

We had sardines on toast with Lea and Perrins. The simplest of meals sometimes taste the best.

Day 11#stradaeasel

Si and Lesley gave me a charming bunch of flowers last weekend. They needed clean water and attending to and are still looking gorgeous. A gerbera was a bit on the droopy side. After a trim and support of a small vase I used it for my painting today. The vase is a bit wonky. I blame that on the large glass of wine Mike bought me.

Gerbera
Watercolour

Thursday, 10th September 2026 - Two Tomatoes

One positive about being woken by an alarm is seeing the sunrise. A bigger positive it having a mug of tea.

Another day of poaching eggs. I made a couple of extras that were perfect for lunch.

The weather was perfect for a bit of gardening. The soil is soft enough for weeding. Two buckets loads were gifted to the chickens who love sifting through for buggy treats

I find great pleasure in drying my washing on my roundabout washing line. It is stiff but smells wonderful.

I had to go and see my sister this afternoon to tell her of some news. Being a mother and grandmother she is very understanding of my delight.  We sat in her garden room and drank tea. Fritha was most put out about the lack of attention. She dragged her bed onto the lawn. A wicker shopping basket was next. Finally the shredding of a toilet roll got our attention.

 Day 10 #stradaeasel

A watercolour depiction of a tomato and its appendage. 

Two Tomatoes
Pen and Watercolour

Wednesday, 9th September 2026 - Herbie's Choice

I had my alarm set. I woke 20 minutes before it was due to go off. Go back to sleep? Unfortunately not. I needed a wee.

The eggs I poached for my guest were perfect and decided to stay beautifully pert.

I went to Wickhambreaux to see Harriet and Herbie. I was so looking forward to seeing them and playing. It was a precious time making memories. Herbie stretched my imagination. I caught a few moments with Harriet. We exchanged gifts. I took chocolate and books. I took a bag full of thoughtful delights to take home with 0% Peroni infused with blood orange (for the days I am not drinking) and a bottle of gin (for the days I am drinking), tomatoes for my easel challenge, seeds to sprinkle on salad and sweets that I will keep in the car. Thank you for a lovely day. 

Day 9 #stradaeasel

I asked Herbie to choose tomatoes for my painting today. Here they are. Three tiny works of art.

Herbie's Choice
Oil on board

Tuesday, 8th September 2026 - Alli's Flowers in Oil

We had a bit of rain outside and inside today. 

I have had a blood test to check my hormones. Dr Griffin will tell me in a couple of weeks how I am adapting to HRT. Nine months in and nothing feels any different yet but keeping my bones strong, mind active and body supple is a good incentive to keep going.

We have two lots of guests in. One from a few yards down the road who is having some plumbing done on his home. The others are from Canada and having a holiday. I felt responsible for the rain and pleased it stopped. They will have a much more enjoyable time exploring in the sunshine.

Day 8 #stradaeasel

I had a mental battle when it came to paint another version of Alli's flowers. I had a blank mind in front of a blank canvas. The joy of squeezing out of oil paints onto my palette was wonderful. I lost myself for an hour or so in a flow state. What a great feeling. 

Alli's Flowers in Oil