Friday, 30th November 2012 - Frosty Morning

Frosty Morning
Watercolour
SAA Practice Paper

Thursday, 29th November 2012 - Back from China

Tim is home :)

We did some leaf (I wish it was single should be leaves leaves leaves) clearing in the garden this afternoon.

Dad was very chatty today. He seemed to be talking a lot about engineer related things involving pipes needing cutting with very big scissors, hydraulics and lots of water. Tom, I think you may have been of help in deciphering today. He asked how you were. He laughed at the idea of Hetty coming in with wrapping paper and sellotape to help wrap Mum's Christmas present. He said she was not much trouble. We had a lovely evening. Thank you Dad.

Back from China
Watetcolour
SAA Practice Paper

Wednesday, 28th November 2012 - A Zoo not a Farm

I was awoken by the phone telling me that Harriet and Hetty would be coming to brighten my day. We went to see a rather sleepy Dad. Hetty enjoyed yum, yumming while Dad was fed his lunch by Jason.

Tescos was a treat for Hetty as she got to ride in the trolley - very exciting.

We came home for mugs of tea and lunch. More tea with Aunty Lindsey once removed. A bit more tea with Brett.

I have two guests staying this evening. Both attending interviews at Benenden Girls School for Religious Studies positions. I wonder if there will be pistols at dawn? Or over breakfast?

Hetty listened to Uncle Tom on the phone. He was asking about her trip to the zoo and whether she saw any sheep or cows. Anteaters and gorillas Tom. Made her stop eating her grapes she was so confused.

A Zoo not a Farm
Watercolour
SAA Practice Paper

Tuesday, 27th November - Comfort

I needed a hot chocolate today.

Comfort
Watercolour
Saunders Waterford 140lb not

Monday, 26th November 2012 - Opium Weights

Due to circumstances beyond my control Mum's stay with me was cut short and I took her home this morning. Unless you are a very good friend and very brave don't ask why.

Lindsey and I paid dad visit. Lindsey went to her silver class and I went to my art class.

Opium Weights
Winsor and Newton Drawing Inks
SAA Practice Paper

Sunday, 25th November 2012 - Electric Chickens

What a wet and windy night.

I was kindly putting out the rubbish for the dustmen and found a dead rat in the flowerbed - now in the dustbin. I emptied Tim's study bin and a mouse jumped out. Charming.

I fed the chickens. The wind had blown down part of the fence. No trouble finding the sledgehammer in our now tidy shed (Tim must have had an urgent article to write) and a post. I was mightily pleased with myself for fixing it. May need a little adjusting when Tim gets home.

Dad had both eyes open today. Mum and Lindsey joined me for butternut squash soup. Mum is staying for a couple of nights while Tim is away.

Electric Chickens
Watercolour
Saunders Waterford 140lb not

Saturday, 24th November 2012 - Off to Chongqing

Tim has left me for China.

Off to Chongqing
Watercolour
Fabriano 140lb not

Friday, 23rd November 2012 - Dad's Liquid Diet

Avoidance tactics have been taking place today. I am meant to be planning my paintings for the Winter Weald of Kent Art Exhibition. We have a very clean bathroom and bedroom. I'll start tomorrow.

You may be surprised to hear that Tim and I visited Dad. He had a forehead like corrugated cardboard. Mum was there. Rose took her home and I stayed on and smoothed his brow with a cool flannel. Dad asked for whisky today so Tim 'borrowed' some from Mike and Pippa. Tim left and Lindsey joined me for tea.

Tim should have spent the evening packing for China but we ate tuna and watched Hunted instead.

Dad's Liquid Diet
Watercolour
Fabriano 140lb not

Thursday, 22nd November 2012 - Nothing to Worry About

I sat with Dad this morning. He seemed very peaceful. I stroked his head and reassured him all was well.

Harriet, Brett and Hetty came to play this afternoon. They have 15 weekends before the new baby arrives and so have emptied under their bed and put it up in our loft. I rustled out the unused watercolour paper - excellent.

We have just got back from seeing Skyfall - excellent film. Go and see it.

Nothing to Worry About
Watercolour
Saunders Waterford 140lb not

Wednesday, 21st November 2012 - When I Sleep

I was getting more and more convinced that the man staying was an inspector. So many questions. But no, he just liked talking. What a relief. I had stripped his bed before he was at the end of our drive. That was the extent of my extreme activity for the day.

Lindsey and I were very sad after seeing Dad. The matron told us he was better today. I think we missed that moment.

I am having great fun exploring my drawing inks. This looks like one of the places I visit in my dreams. Sarah seems to think I have a wire loose. Nice she is concerned.

When I Sleep
Winsor and Newton Drawing Inks
Saunders Waterford 140lb not

Tuesday, 20th November 2012 - Art Lesson

Tim and I went to see Harriet and Hetty today for lunch,  a knitting lesson and drawing lessons. Hetty gets the pens and paper and points to where Harriet should draw. Well is tough when you are only 15 months and can only draw lines one needs a Mum as a drawing aid. And yet another 'look' at the Apple iPad Mini for Tim in town.

I have rid myself of the obsession with Aldi. The one in Canterbury is now open and we took a visit. I was expecting wall to wall bargains. Most disappointing. Tescos prices are the same if not better.

I have a single man in this evening (Tim does not count) - lucky me.

Art Lesson
Watercolour
Bockingford 140lb not

Monday, 19th November 2012 - Liquid Amber

I spent a happy hour or so wandering the shops of Cranbrook this morning then went on to see Dad. Mum was at his bedside. I don't think he was up to music and exercise classes today.

Sarah and I went to our art class. I think I need to be more experimental looking around at what everyone else is up to. There is a limit to the number of thumbnail sketches and watercolour swatches one can do. I am enthused by my work with drawing inks - they just need a little understanding.

The leaves are nearly off all the trees in the garden.

Liquid Amber
Pen with Watercolour
Bockingford 140lb not

Sunday, 18th November 2012 - Tenterden Market

We went for a coffee at The Woolpack with Mike and Pippa. We got lots of reduced vegetables from Waitrose which will keep us in soups for a week and walked past the building site that will become the new market.

We had bargain tallegio(?sp) and shiitake mushrooms on toast for lunch inspired by Nigel Slater.

Lindsey, Fizzy and I went to see Dad. Mum coming at him with a spoon of food makes him furrow his brow.

I am still experimenting with drawing inks. Not my favourite medium yet.

Tenterden Market
Winsor & Newton Drawing Inks
Bockingford 140lb not

Saturday, 17th November 2012 - Pasty and Roses

Rather short on sleep today but the arrival of Hetty and Harriet at Headcorn station kept me going. Thank you so much Harriet for making the many trained trip. We went onto see Dad. Mum was there trying to feed him. Hetty found a leaf in the carpark and gave it to her Gread Grandad who said it was 'wonderful'. We drank tea. Lindsey and Fizzy came to visit too. Hetty loved the many brass buttons on Fizzy's coat.

Tim and I went for a quite drink at The Bell and Jorrocks with Alan, Mary, Sue and Gareth.

We had amazing pasties that Tim made from our leftover stew. Homemade rough puff pastry too.

I might manage to keep my eyes open to watch Casualty.

Pasty and Roses
Watercolour
Bockingford 140lb not

Friday, 16th November 2012 - On, Off and Pulse,

We had a dinner party.

Nick, Suzy, Lindsey, Si, Lesley, Gay, Hudd, Steve and Vivienne came bearing wine, chocolates and roses.

It was lovely to spend time chatting with such fine friends. 

My food processor has been working very hard making pastry and breadcrumbs.

On, Off and Pulse
Watercolour with Pen and Ink
Bockingford 140lb not

Thursday, 15th November 2012 - Casserole

Some of my day was spent cooking pheasant, rabbit and pigeon for dinner party tomorrow evening. We have no power for the most part of the day on Friday as the trees are being trimmed around the cables so I have tried to cook in advance.

Lindsey and I went to see Dad. I cried and told Dad I had a cold. Lindsey cried - she had a cold too! I don't think he was fooled one little bit. He was pleased to hear our daily stories. He liked a cold flannel on his forehead, Lindsey rubbed his back and we stroked his head. They said they had sat with him today because he said he was afraid. He asked if Katy was coming in today - I have not been called Katy since I was eleven. Of course Dad, I will be coming in to see you every day.

Tim made a therapeutic soup that we ate together.

Casserole
Watercolour
Bockingford 140lb not

Wednesday, 14th November 2012 - In Training

Don't worry Sarah it was not for the dinner you 'maybe' coming to. It is for another dinner party this weekend but I may use the successful recipes on you too!

I went with Lindsey to see Dad. We got tea and cake today. Dad was back on his oxygen.

I had so much shopping delivered by Tescos that they needed two delivery men.

In Training
Watercolour
Bockingford 140lb not

Tuesday, 13th November 2012 - Happy Experiments

Yesterday Dad asked me to get flowers for Mum. I chose some lovely bright Gerbera and took them for him to give to Mum today but he had seemed perplexed. A forgotten thought carried out.

I don't usually practice dishes for future dinner parties but today I tried out two along with experimenting again with my Drawing Inks. One out of three were successful.

Happy Experiments
Winsor & Newton Drawing Inks
Bockingford 140lb not

Monday, 12th November 2012 - Interesting Phenomena

Dad was impressed with my first two beasts for Noah's Ark. He was not on oxygen today but started antibiotics for his chest. He asked me to get some flowers for Mum. Oh course I can Dad.

Art class with Sarah was experimental. We are still working on our Autumn Light in the Garden Project. Following many thumbnail sketches and colour studies I now have an idea of where I am heading - for now.

Not quite ivy climbing up a tree Sarah. I think it may need a little adjustment!

Interesting Phenomena
Watercolour and Ink
Bockingford 140lb not

Sunday, 11th November 2012 - Mystery Vegetable

I poached, scrambled and fried this morning.

Three rooms changed and then we went to see Dad. Harriet, Brett and Hetty visited too. Dad made such an effort with Hetty. He was so pleased to see her. Hetty did not worry that Dad was on oxygen and enjoyed mimicking his oxygen pump.

Tim dug up what I thought was going to be kohl rabi (?sp) but it turned out to be a many rooted salsify.

Mystery Vegetable
Watercolour
Bockingford 140lb not

Saturday, 10th November 2012 - Almond Marzipan Bites

After serving six breakfasts to some delightful guests Tim and I went and admired to art at The Cranbrook Art Exhibition.

Lindsey and I went to see Dad. He is hardly with us anymore but still pleased to see us even if he only manages to open one eye. He says he is very tired. Go to sleep Dad.

Our guests went for a walk and one fell in a puddle. I washed his muddy jeans and socks. They gave me a present to say thank you. It was really no trouble but I do like marzipan very much.

Almond Marzipan Bites
Watercolour
Bockingford 140lb not

Friday, 9th November 2012 - Dorset Apple Cake made in Kent

I made a cake for guests today.

I have a sore throat.

I have not done much else.

Dorset Apple Cake made in Kent
Watercolour
Bockingford 140lb not

Thursday, 8th November 2012 - Knitted 'Paper' Chains

Tom was correct. It was Knitivity last year, tea cosies the year before. I feel your 'lucky Hetty' maybe a little tongue-in-cheek Sarah!!! Be careful or I may knit something for you.

Back to my diary....

I am happily exhausted. I have spent the day with Elizabeth. We admired the lovely work at The London Potters exhibition and voted for our favorite pieces. We had a lovely lunch there. Onto The Country Living Christmas Fair. It has either got bigger or I am just getting older. I did manage to buy some very charming gifts. Mostly for Harriet. Sorry everyone else. It was hot. It was busy. There were a huge number of things to look at and a few to sample. It was a great day.

Thank you Elizabeth for my lunch, afternoon refreshment and glass of bubbly. I hope your cold is  better and appreciate you spending the day with me in your dizzy state. You know who you can call if you feel unwell in the night?!?

Knitted 'paper' Chains
Pen and Ink with Watercolour
Bockingford 140lb not

Wednesday, 7th November 2012 - Noah

I collected the Volvo with a nice new tyre but still got an intermittent starting problem. Time for a replacement?

Lindsey and I went to see Dad. We took it in turn to have a cry. He is always so pleased to see us inbetween sleeping.

I am knitting Mr and Mrs Noah plus animals for Hetty.

Noah
Pen and Ink with Watercolour
Bockingford 140lb not

Tuesday, 6th November 2012 - Daughter and Granddaughter

Following lunch with Hetty made by Harriet at their home we pottered into Canterbury through the rain. Thank you for a precious afternoon.

Daughter and Granddaughter
Watercolour
Bockingford 140lb not

Monday, 5th November 2012 - No Leaks

Today I have filled holes and sealed our stains.

Tim has plumbed in a radiator in the kitchen so we are toasty warm for the winter.

Sarah and I arrived at our evening art class with trepidation. We needed not worry. We have a five week project entitiled 'Autumn Light in the Garden', this was our concern as to what to paint. Sarah and I had done our homework which gave us a good start. I have little idea as to what direction I am going but enjoying the preparatory work. Followed by a glass of wine at The Bell and Jorrocks and vegetable soup made by Tim rounded off a lovely day.

No Leaks

Pen and Ink with Watercolour

Bockingford 140lb not

Sunday, 4th November 2012 - Buzzard and Kestrels

On our millpond walk yesterday we watched a buzzard being eyeballed by kestrels. I have never seen this before.

Today on my drive to visit a rather sleepy but comfortable Dad I saw it again. Amazing sight.

Buzzard and Kestrels
Watercolour
Bockingford 140lb not

Saturday, 3rd November 2012 - Tenterden Millponds

I managed to fry and poach an egg :)

We went for over a two hour walk (ok so part of it was taken with coffee, bread and cheese at Silcocks) with Tony and Wendy.

I helped (I think) serve tea, coffee and cake at Abigail's cafe. I hope the evening was a success.

Early evening was spent at The Bell and Jorrocks before Tim cooked me dinner - I was incapable - followed by yummy apple cake with ice cream.

Tommy - I am so sorry about Tesco and I will be sternly emailing them tomorrow.

Tenterden Millponds
Watercolour
Bockingford 140lb not

Friday, 2nd November 2012 - Many Tools for One Job

I cleaned windows in preparation for paying guests. I hope I can remember how to fry an egg.

An afternoon visit to Halden Heights was upsetting to find Dad rather confused again. I think I need to find out what medication he is on and why. It could be he is just having a 'moment' but I doubt it somehow.

Tim has been doing some plumbing.

Many Tools for One Job
Quink Ink and Milton
Bockingford 140lb not

Thursday, 1st November 2012 - Women in Black

I was not taken by ghosts in the night.

It starts again with planning paintings for the Weald of Kent Art Group winter exhibition - I am very excited about what I am going to paint.

I have eventually made a visit to Juliet's in Tunbridge Wells. And my was it busy. Everywhere. Roads, carparks, streets, shops and tearooms. Sarah, Linda and June happened to be there too which made for a delightful afternoon. Refreshments of tea and cake included.

I wandered up the High Street with June (Linda would approve we have walked our hill today) and met with Sophy who was working at the Bobbi Brown counter in Fenwicks. She has a hot date with Max tomorrow night - hope it goes well and remember all my advice!!!

This evening I went alone (no one was available to accompany me) to an amazing painting demonstration by Chris Forsey. I love his work and am inspired by his techniques but need to collect some cardboard first.

Women in Black
Watercolour
Bockingford 140lb not