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

Tuesday, 15th September 2026 - Little Yellow Squash II

Book group last night was a great evening full of stories past and present. I find other peoples stories very interesting. The book got the thumbs up from us all. I will add another Kate Mosse book to my reading list. I like her way of writing. I find it thought provoking. Unfortunately the Halfway House had no liver and bacon. I had a chicken salad which was probably a better option health wise as we are out to dinner this evening.

It has been a round and round and round day today. I have part done two bed and breakfast rooms and part cleaned the cottage. There are piles of towels, washing and ironing done and undone in many rooms. I am going to have a blast at getting most of it done after I have posted this blog.

Happy birthday to Roger. I left the plant Lindsey and I found in Bumbles and a bar of Tony's chocolate on his doorstep. I hope he is out celebrating.

We are meeting Chris and Ainhoa for dinner in a pub in Linton. As well as having a meal with them because they are lovely friends we have an alternative motive. Ainhoa grew up in the Basque region of Spain. She will be able to give us tips for when we visit next month. Maybe they will have liver and bacon on the pub menu?

Day 15 #stradaeasel

We haven't eaten the little yellow squash yet. Too many evenings eating out. It became my challenge today for an oil painting. I thoroughly enjoyed painting this characterful little fellow with its long stalk.

Little Yellow Squash II
Oil on board

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