Friday, 31st August 2012 - Nutmeg Coffee

Busy at our house again. Guests or workmen round every corner.

Tim and I escaped to Tenterden and met with his Mum and two sisters for coffee. They had been to look at the art exhibition. I don't think they were quite what they expected. Mine are still for sale. 20 have sold out of 180 so I am not too disheartened - yet.

This afternoon I went to see Dad. I have asked Mum to take him home. It is heart wrenching to see him.

Nutmeg Coffee
Pen and Ink with Watercolour
SAA Paper 140lb not

Thursday, 30th August 2012 - Mark

I have a sore throat so not much from me today.

Mark
Watercolor
SAA paper 140lb not

Wednesday, 29th August 2012 - Mr Holford's Snack

I was surrounded by men today. One inside the house writing a technical paper. One painting windows. One on my roof. Then it rained and I was left with two. How lucky am I?!?

I had to get rooms ready for guests today which was a bit of a mission after a few days rest. I was kept going with the aid of my daily snack allowance. Sometimes I allow myself more than four almonds with my apple.

Mr Holford's Snack
Watercolour
SAA Paper 140lb not

Tuesday, 28th August 2012 - Party on the Beach

It was a good thing that Hetty is up bright and early as Mark is repairing our holey roof and likes to start  shortly after the sun has risen. It would have been rather rude of me to still be asleep when he arrived.

I took Hetty and Harriet to admire my paintings. None sold quite yet.

Then we went down to Pett Level to meet up with family and friends for a picnic. It was very windy and helped blow away colds, cobwebs and the ball Hetty was playing with. Henry at 9(?) can count up to ten in fifteen languages. Tom you must be very proud of your Godson. Elizabeth did an amazing job organising us, the food, drinks and windbreaks. We had a fantastic time.

Party on the Beach
Pen and Ink with watercolour
SAA paper 140lb not

Monday, 27th August 2012 - Patiently Waiting

I was able to drink tea in my PJ's today.

The Morris Men were dancing at the Lord Raglan where the annual Onion Festival was being held. The sun shone on us. Hetty, Brett and Harriet joined us and have come to stay the night with Jack.

We have the holes in our roof being repaired tomorrow. Tim got the scaffolding up, lined up the nails, cedar shingles and adjusted the roof ladder.

Patiently Waiting
Watercolour
SAA 140lb not

Sunday, 26th August 2012 - Cricket Watching

I handed in my paintings. It was all not too stressful in the end.

Some of Tim's work colleagues and wives came over for coffee, croissant, walk in the sunshine, pub lunch at The Woodcock and a walk back to The Bull to have a drink while watching cricket on the green. Then back to ours for tea and cake.

This evening we went to the Private View of the WOK Art Exhibition. Thank you Mike, Pippa, Sarah, Nigel, Lindsey and Fizzy coming to support me.

Cricket Watching

Watercolour

SAA Paper 140lb not

Saturday, 25th August 2012 - A Bit Teary

yes, Yes, YES.

I have painted, framed and labelled my pictures for The Weald of Kent Art Exhibition.

Now I will be able to concentrate on my diary a bit more.....for you Sarah!

There is a preview tomorrow evening 7-9 pm for friends and family. We will be there if anyone would like to join us. It is in the Tenterden Town Hall.

Lindsey and I went to see Dad this afternoon. We were told he seems to be improving albeit very slowly and that they did not think he would. Maybe it would have been told a little sooner. I suppose it was a bit of a clue that they asked if he wanted to be resuscitated but sometimes it is difficult to see that which is directly in front of you. I told him he has to get well so he can meet his new great grandchild in March. No pressure Dad.

A Bit Teary
Watercolour
SAA Paper 140lb not

Friday, 24th August 2012 - Micro Puppy

This evening we went to see Si and Lesley. Their holiday cottages are looking mighty fine. They are delighted with the ten pictures  Harriet has drawn of their animals to decorate the walls.

We met Roo, Charlotte's puppy. She modeled her Berber jacket for a photo shoot.

We finished the evening with a drink and melted camembert with bread in The Wheelwrights Arms in Brenchley.

Micro Puppy
Watercolour
SAA Paper 140lb not

Thursday, 23rd August 2012 - Checking up on Grandma

After the guests left I went over to Canterbury.

I babysat twice today. The first time, Hetty and I went into town while Harriet did some drawing for Si and Lesley to put in their holiday lets. The second time, Hetty and I read books and ate yogurt raisins while Harriet and Brett had a scan of their new baby. I have a picture of the scan which I could bore you with :) We celebrated with a drink in the garden of The Dolphin.

Checking up on Grandma
Watercolour
SAA paper 140lb not

Wednesday, 22nd August 2012 - A First for Tim

I have finished two of three paintings.

Tim has got glasses.

My Dad is very frail.

A First for Tim
Watercolour
SAA 140lb not

Tuesday, 21st August - 2012 - Cottage Exposed

I rushed into the village this morning to get my bacon as the butchers shut at midday on a Wenesday.

I was delighted to find I have gained a day this week.

There are some lovely properties in Benenden but the majority are behind hedges and fences. This pretty little one is open for all passers by to see and delight in.

Cottage Exposed
Pen and Ink with Watercolour
SAA Paper 140lb not

Monday, 20th August 2012 - Many Apologies

Sarah, Pippa, Kath and I met at The Ewe and Lamb in Rolvenden Layne for our book group to discuss Hotel on the Corner of Better and Sweet. Kath and I enjoyed it but I am not sure about the others.

They had free wi-fi so I was able to download the book chosen by Sarah, Tiny Sunbirds Far Away, onto my Kindle then and there.

Sarah requested that I did my picture of them outside the pub as we were sitting in the dark and she thought the lighting would be a nice challenge for me. Sorry I was unable to take up my challenge. 1) Tim was in bed when I got home so I could not turn the light on to find my paper and paints that are in my studio at the end of our bedroom, 2) it is too late and I need to go to bed. 

Many Apologies

Pen

Copier Paper

Sunday, 19th August 2012 - Time's Up

I have too many things to do and not enough time.

Time's Up
Watercolour
SAA Paper 140lb not

Saturday, 18th August 2012 - Present in Spirit

Following breakfasts and changeovers I left Tim in charge of new guests checking-in and went to see Dad.

On the way I called in at the framers in Tenterden. Complete waste of time. I feel a bit of panic setting in as the handing in day is Sunday week. Tim is keeping me calm. Just.

The hot weather caused the majority of people in the South East to descend upon Camber causing long and boring queues into Rye. A side effect being sunburn to my right arm. Harriet, Brett and Hetty visited Dad too. Lindsey and Felicity were there. Dad is feeling better - I never thought that would happen a week ago! Mum phoned four times while we were there. Somehow we got the sense she was feeling a little left out. She was too hot and dizzy to drive. By the time we left the hospital the traffic was flying along so Hetty was able to play with the stones at Great Grandma's house much to Mum's delight.

It has left me with a rather sad feeling about my parents as to their future.

Present in Spirit
Pen and Ink with Watercolour
SAA paper 140lb not

Friday, 17th August 2012 - Unnecessary Beauty

I went to the market in Tenterden. Pippa and I took Bertie, their new Fox Terrier for a coffee. He is rather handsome. I returned with many things I did not need but am reducing the quantity rapidly being on my third white nectarine. I bought two bunches of pom pom - not sure whether they are dahlias or chrysanthemums which have brightened up our house.

I have done many other things today but they are rather boring chores so I will not bother you with them today.

Unnecessary Beauty
Watercolour
SAA Paper 140lb not

Thursday, 16th August 2012 - Coffee Working Coffee

Tesco delivered my shopping for me this morning as I have guests in again. I now pay a monthly one off amount and can have as many deliveries as I want. Yes, the catch is you have to spend £40 - not too difficult to achieve.

I met up with Sarah (I saw you yesterday), Pippa (still not met Bertie), Sally (who came later so we had a second drink, then Jane (more coffee). We only had two each really. We sat in the sun, then under the umbrellas due to a sudden shower, then the sun returned. We had a mighty fine gossip.

This afternoon/evening I finished my oil painting for the exhibition. Yippee. I have sent a photo to Harriet for criticism as there is still time for minor corrections. I have set it up in front of Tim so he can admire it. Not my best work but not my worst. I am reasonably happy with it. I think it will look better framed.

Coffee Working Coffee
Pen and Ink with Watercolour wash
SAA Paper 140lb not

Wednesday, 15th August 2012 - Working Lunch

Hartley Dyke Coffee House invited all the local bed and breakfasts along for a free lunch and bring a friend. Sarah took me as her friend. We had quiche and salad starting with coffee and followed by coffee/tea. There were a few people I knew and even more that Sarah knew. It was concerning to see such a large number. No wonder bookings are on the thin side with all the competition.

This afternoon, late afternoon, I started my oil painting for the WOK art show which is fast approaching. I think it will have to be open framed as it wont be dry in time. Hopefully I will like it enough to exhibit. All a bit daunting. My choice though so I should not complain......but I will. Poor Tim.

Working Lunch 

Watercolour

SAA Paper 140lb not

Tuesday, 14th August 2012 - Serious Business

Hetty entertained me this afternoon while her Mum went for an interview to become a Breast Feeding Counsellor. We managed to squeeze in lunch at The Veg Box Cafe. Hetty took and the major task of sorting out the table condiments while we decided what delights to eat.

Serious Business
Watercolour
SAA Paper 140lb not

Monday, 13th August 2012 - Ripen at Home

At 9.30am I was still in my PJs and dressing gown and drinking tea. Such a splendid start to the week.

Yesterday my poor old Dad had been taken to A&E Resus. He is having two hourly obs and they found his blood pressure and heart rate had dropped alarmingly low. They treated him at The Conquest  and he was back at Rye Memorial Hopsital by the evening. Nothing like a Sunday drive.

Lindsey and I went to see him this afternoon. He was looking rather grey and frail. He told us about the red tray he has his food on which makes them check how much he has eaten. Lindsey did a great job helping him with his supper and we left wondering where it was all going and what we can do about our stubborn mother. The hospital are looking after him as best they can and are very kind.  He has become rather a frequent visitor and they have got to know him well. Double edged sword comes to mind.

I am patiently waiting for my plums to become edible.

Ripen at Home

Watercolour

SAA Paper 140lb not

Sunday, 12th August 2012 - Scrutiny

12 slices of bacon, 10 sausages, 6 tomatoes, half a pound of mushrooms, eggs poached, scrambled and one croissant later and breakfast was done. Guests gone and Sunday was mine.

Harriet, Brett and little Hetty came for a walk and lunch. Hetty is a delight. Jack enjoyed having his ball thrown by Hetty even it was not much further than her feet. A thoroughly entertaining afternoon spent in the sun.

Brenda, Elizabeth and Keith joined us for chicken and salad in the garden.

A slight miscommunication between the Brookers meant the keys got locked in their car. RAC came to the rescue while we carefully inspected how he was going to fix the problem. He seemed a bit nervous of our attention. Can't think why?

Scrutiny
Watercolour
SAA Paper 140lb not

Saturday, 11th August 2012 - Sickness at The Holt

You would have thought that having a late start due to guests liking a relaxed time for breakfast I would have been terribly well organised. But no. I was still rushing around like a headless chicken. Getting spattered by my over enthusiastic eggs and fusing my mascaraed eyelashes together due to blinking from the heat thrown out from opening the oven.

I painted a card for Alan and Mary to thank them for our charming night out.

Morris was looking rather unwell and needed a trip to the vets. £58.83 later and we left hoping for a speedy recovery so we don't have to go back for a while.

Tim has got potato blight. It has not affected the potatoes just the leaves. We had some for dinner and they were very tasty.

Sickness at The Holt
Watercolour
SAA Paper 140lb not

Friday, 10th August 2012 - Hospital Two

What a fine day of sunshine we have had in Kent.

Not sure what has happened to the diary but it seems to have filled up with bed and breakfast guests. I have some days off next week which will be very much needed for me to complete my three paintings for the Weald of Kent Art Group Exhibition which seems to be looming. Oh dear.

I ventured over to East Sussex to see my Dad who has moved from The Conquest to Rye Memorial Hospital for rehabilitation. He is still very poorly and very agitated about not getting better quicker. The nurse was lovely and explained that it would take a while yet which seem to make him a little happier. Poor old Dad. We wish you better very soon.

Hospital Two
Watercolour
SAA Paper 140lb not

Thursday, 9th August 2012 - The West House

A treat for Tim and I today. Alan and Mary took us to The West House in Biddenden. It is the first time  I have been to a Michelen star restaurant.

I was going to do a picture of our meal but I ate my line caught mackerel with beetroot and raspberry dressing followed by the roast chump of lamb, lamb bacon, goat's milk, courgette, broad beans and tapenade before I remembered. So here is my pudding of Riesling poached cherries, pistachio cake with white chocolate soup.

It was a delicious meal. Thank you very much Alan and Mary.

The West House
Watercolour
SAA paper 140lb not

Wednesday, 8th August 2012 - Fraudulent

Pippa is having a tough time. For a bit of literary education and to take her mind off things we went to the Cranbrook Book Group. It is great you don't even have to read the book. Good to find out what book not to read. The coffee was not bad either.

Fraudulent
Watercolour
SAA Paper 140lb not

Tuesday, 7th August 2012 - Slowed me Down

 I was kept amused for many hours watching the Triathalon. Well done the Brownlee brothers

Slowed me Down

Pen and Ink with Watercolour

SAA Paper 140lb not

Monday, 6th August 2012 - My Day For Tom

Here you are Tom.

After the disappointment I gave you yesterday.

I have abstracted my day for you.

Love you loads Mum xxx

My Day For Tom
Watercolour
SAA Paper 140lb not

Sunday, 5th August 2012 - "Oh My"

Engrossed in my book sitting in the garden I now am a lovely shade of pink.

Go on take a guess at the book title.

"Oh my"
Watercolour
SAA Paper 140 lb not

Saturday, 4th August 2012 - Tears for The Tower House

Sad news for Mike and Pippa. Little Hector their fox terrier had to be put down. He was only three. We will miss the little chap.

But well done for Team GB at the Olympics. Six gold medals today.

Tears for The Tower House
Watercolour
SAA Paper 140lb not

Friday, 3rd August 2012 - Holding Tight

After a marathon of breakfasts I left torrential rain in Benenden and arrived to glorious sunshine in Canterbury.

Hetty entertained me for the afternoon.

We played at the park. I was on the other end of the seesaw. A great afternoon.

Holding Tight
Pen and Ink with watercolour
Saunders Waterford 140lb not

Thursday, 2nd August 2012 - Artichoke

Artichoke
Watercolour
Gerstaecker Paper 140lb not

Wednesday, 1st August 2012 - Too Tired to Wash

Evening

Tim brought me multiple mugs of tea this morning. Shame the first one was cold otherwise I would have got up before 10am. It was very naughty but very nice too. Then I had to have a bath and get dressed. It was a very stressful morning.

Well done Mr Wiggins. I enjoyed watching the cycling dashing between all three bnb rooms. I think the olympics is improving my athleticism no end. Monday I wanted to do show jumping. Yesterday athletics with a bit of swimming. Today the cycling looks rather enticing. Tomorrow???

I did a bit of frantic gardening while waiting for guests to arrive.

It was the last evening of Morris dancing for the season at The Castle Inn. Some very fine dancing followed by sandwiches and song. A rather late night which will be followed by an early morning. Hence just a pen and ink this evening without any watercolour.

Too Tired to Wash
Pen and Ink
Gerstaecker Paper 140lb not