Saturday, 31st December 2012 - Loyalty

This is my last blog for 2012.

I have painted and drawn three hundred and sixty six paintings and drawings. I must admit that I am rather proud that I have not missed one day.

Am I going to continue? You will have to wait and see.

I battled through the wind and rain to take Dad's clothes (a rather strange feeling) to the funeral directors along with his photo for the order of service. I also got notifications of his funeral printed - I am just hoping there is no typo.

I needed tea and called in at Hallwood farm. What a sickly couple I found.

Off to prepare for  New Year's Eve party leaving a rather pale Tom holding fort on the sofa - no partying for him tonight.

Today's painting is for one of my most loyal followers although I wish you lot would comment more often as it gets lonely on my blog.

Loyalty
Watercolour
Saunders Waterford 140lb not

Sunday, 30th December 2012 - Home Comforts

The house is a tip. Every room is disrupted in one way or another. I tried to make inroads a bit today but feel I am going backwards.

I went to Mum's this afternoon to meet with Rev Moseley to discuss Dad's funeral plans. Not the happiest two hours I have known.

Back home to dinner cooked by Tom in front of a log fire watching television. Perfect.

Home Comforts

Pen and Ink with Watercolour

Saunders Waterford 140lb not

Saturday, 29th December 2012 - Peacock Singing

After a lazy start with tea in bed. Tim and I had a thoroughly enjyable day with the Morris Men. Starting at The Working Mens Club in Goudhurst, Tom joined us following a night with Klodian, The Star and Eagle, The Goudhurst Inn and lastly The Peacock. It was good to meet up with Gordon, Dawn and Ellyse and catch up on their news.

I spent the evening ironing and watching Return of the King - I have no idea what it was about.

Peacock Singing

Watercolour

Saunders Waterford 140lb not

28th December 2012 - Christmas Continues at The Holt

I went to Mum's to meet with Perigoe & Sons (just one son came) to discuss and arrange the details of Dad's funeral. Harriet, thank you so much for being there with me. We have to wait for a date.

The Evans Family went home.

I went home feeling a little more peculiar than normal. The arrival of Ewan, Kath, Chloe and Martha revived me. The girls gave Tom some exercise.

Tim and I eventually go to open our stockings. I do like this spreading the presents over a few days.

We watched the second part of Restless. I recommend it.

Christmas Continues at The Holt
Watercolour with Pen and Ink
Saunders Waterford 140lb not

27th December 2012 - A Helping Hand

This morning Tim came with me to register Dad's death. It was a very sad to have to confirm details of someone who is no longer here.

We came home to more present opening and playing with little Hetty. She is a delight and reminder of what life is all about. Hetty has not quite got ripping presents open yet and needs encouragement mostly due to her Grandma's insistence.

We all ate fish pie together. Hetty decided she needed to sit very close to Grandad Tim. The evening was spent eating necessary Christmas sweets watching Poirot. I am sure there used to be more than one murder on the Orient Express. I need an early night.

I hope everyone has had a fantastic Christmas and I look forward to finding out what gifts have been received and given.

A Helping Hand
Watercolour with Pen and Ink
Saunders Waterford 140lb not

26th December 2012 - Dr Who

Mum and Chris left after breakfast. We gathered ourselves to finish the Treasure Hunt (made easy for the benefit of Hetty). Then a walk followed by a rather lazy afternoon/evening opening presents (still more to open tomorrow) and catching up on recorded television programs.

Dr Who
Pen and Ink
Saunders Waterford 140lb not

Tuesday, 25th December 2012 - Balloon Crackers and Squashed Frogs

Christmas Day........yipppppeeeee

What a wonderful day we have had. But the Treasure Hunt is still to be concluded due to many visitors.  

An amazing lunch made with Michael and Emily's Bertie. Tim, Tom, Harriet, Brett and Hetty all helped.

Mum, Chris. Lindsey, Fizzy, and Alice came to share our festive dinner. I am sure Dad was with us and enjoyed it very much too. Happy Christmas to our family. Thank you for making a memorable day. I am sure that Tom,or Chris or Alice, maybe Brett but definitely not Fizzy cheated at Risk or I would have won.

Balloon Crackers and Squashed Frogs
Watercolour
Saunders Waterford 140lb not

Monday, 24th December 2012 - Hawking

Hetty was feeling a little confused today. She enjoyed all the festivities but must wonder what is going on.

We have a beautiful turkey from The Whites called Bertie - all ready for the oven tomorrow.

Si and Lesley were having some rabbits removed by ferrets, pole cats and three hawks. We watched briefly but it was very cold and windy. An amazing event to watch. I was quite pleased I missed a rabbit catch.

Sarah and Nigel hosted a very lovely tea and cake, or beer (if you were brave enough at 4pm to drink it) party. We enjoyed it very much. So sorry to here about Moby. Are you sure you are not going to get a puppy?

Home for a delicious pheasant casserole with dumplings cooked by Tim. Lindsey and Alice called in for tea and mulled wine. Hetty was quite taken with the beautiful Alice. A perfect end to a lovely day.

Hawking
Watercolour
Saunders Waterford 140lb not

Sunday, 23rd December 2012 - Carols

I made some macaroon biscuits today. I thought "Dad would like these". It is going to take a while to adjust to him not being here.

We had a lovely day with family, doing family things.

A great Carol singing session as The Peacock. Tom joined in with the singing. Hetty liked dancing.

An evening watching Miracle on 34th Street eating burgers made from Si and Lesley's very tasty beef.

Carols
Watercolour
Saunders Waterford 140lb not

Saturday, 22nd December 2012 - Blue Sky with Birds

I have had a strange day today.

Dad died last night. We are all very sad.

Driving back from Mum's there were loads of birds in the blue sky.

Good bye Dad

Blue Sky with Birds
Watercolour
Saunders Waterford 140lb not

Friday, 21st December 2012 - Drinks at Shrubcote

What a glorious sunny day. I spent a happy time with my secatures collecting foliage to adorn the house. Bows and fairy lights added and it is starting to look a bit more like Christmas.

We collected Tom. Shopped at Adam and Eve's for sprouts and briefly visited Dad. He was pleased to see us all but is unable to eat anymore. Not that he is hungry. I hope to see you tomorrow Dad.

A much needed mug of tea at The Carters new home followed by an even more much needed glass of wine.

So good to have Tom home even though he has gone out this evening and it is just Tim and I amongst our decorations.

Drinks at Shrubcote
Watercolour
Saunders Waterford 140lb not

Thursday, 20th December 2012 - Comfort Cooking

Lindsey, Mum and I got a call from Dad's nursing home. He had another TIA and they didn't think he would pull through. Mum was in Rye and Lindsey working. I went and sat with Dad who was peaceful but his breathing was a bit scary so I spent a lot of time holding his hand and stroking his head. Lindsey came in and woke him up. Amazing. He wanted whisky. Mum came. I went home for something to eat. Tim had made soup for me. We collected Mum. Dad was still awake and the staff are a bit flummoxed. Go Dad go.

After therapeutic chips in Rye we dropped in at The Olivers for a glass of wine.

Back home to the reassurance of our kitchen.

Comfort Cooking
Watercolour
Saunders Waterford 140lb not

Wednesday, 19th December 2012 - Winter Warmer

I set the alarm this morning. I have not had to do this for a while. I was up and out the door ready for a day with Harriet and Hetty before the frost had cleared off the fields.

We had a lovely time bouncing at Play Gym. Even Father Christmas came to play. Hetty shared her chocolate snowman with me. I needed after all that bouncing. We found the Veg Box cafe was a lovely place to have lunch with enough left for a doggy bag. Hetty fell asleep as Harriet and I wandered the festive streets of Canterbury and ended up in the Champagne Bar at Abode to warm up with a hot chocolate.

I left Hetty tidying up the bookcase at Riverbend Cottages and went to see Dad. He seemed a little bit better. The oxygen and drip probably helps. He asked for a small glass of red wine. Lindsey helped him enjoy it off a sponge - no fluids allowed yet.

Winter Warmer

Pen and Ink with Watercolour

Saunders Waterford 140lb not

Tuesday, 18th December 2012 - Pink Cava

Soon I am going to regret eating too much Terry's chocolate orange while I type....

What an odd mix of a day. A late start after a restless night.

I worked out a puzzle - more of this after Christmas or it will spoil the surprise.

Stuff and necessary nonsense performed in the home.

I visited Dad. The most traumatic experience of my life. Dad I am so proud of you. It involved oxygen, suction, drips, nebulizer and some amazing and incredible staff. I hope you have a peaceful night Dad.

A trip to Tesco which filled our trolley (Tim met me as I was in a bit of a state) with 10p bargains.

Back home where I tucked into a bottle of delightful pink cava.

Tom I have got a bottle of Midori and Advocaat for your squashed frogs. Becoming one of my favourite Christmas delights.

Pink Cava
Pen and ink
Saunders Waterford 140lb not

Monday, 17th December 2012 - Hendy's Groupies

I am out in the world again.

Sarah and I had a tour of Linda's ensuite before heading down to Hastings. Thank you for driving Sarah. We met Pippa and Caroline at Linda's beautiful cottage. Found Mandy outside Porters where we had wine and lunch. We pottered around the shops. I found a perfect Christmas present for Lindsey in Made In Hastings. Lastly we all had a tour of Hendy's Christmas House. I had never heard of it before. It is a charmingly restored Tudor house. The mulled wine was good too. Sarah and I left the rest of the party and headed up many stairs and hills to find the car.

I came home and went out again to see Dad. Considering I have not seem him for a number of days he seemed not too have got any worse. How lovely was it to sit with Lindsey at his bedside and knit again. I had a lovely afternoon thank you Dad.

Home again for a mug of tea before heading to The Bull for a festive couple of drinks with Tony and Wendy.

A great day. The only disappointment was seeing photos from the jolly time everyone had at the dinner party we could not go to on Saturday.

Hendy's Groupies
Watercolour
Saunders Waterfored 140lb not

Sunday, 16th December 2012 - O2 Overdose

What a glorious day we spent in the garden.

I took three paintings to the art exhibition. Tim came back with four!

I cleaned out our muddy chickens and the goldfish.

O2 Overdose
Watercolour
Saunders Waterford 140lb not

Saturday, 15th December 2012 - Button Bunting

This evening Tim and I should be celebrating Christmas at our annual dinner with June and Barry, Si and Lesley and Steve and Vivienne. I am still in quarantine. I will be able to go out on Monday. How miserable is that?!?

I put the first of our Christmas decorations up today to cheer myself up.

Button Bunting
Winsor and Newton Inks
Saunders Waterford 140lb not

Friday, 14th December 2012 - Cards by Candlelight

It has been stormy today. We had a power cut.

Cards by Candlelight
Watercolor
Saunders Waterford 140lb not

Thursday, 13th December 2012 - Paper Run

I have been wrapping presents. I need more paper.

I am hoping for snow tomorrow.

Paper Run
Ink
Saunders Waterford 140lb not

Wednesday, 12th December 2012 - Steward Duty

I am very annoyed that I am not well. What a waste of time. I cannot get any energy for anything. I did my stewarding duty at the Weald of Kent Art Show this morning and have spent the rest of the day asleep.

Steward Duty
Watercolour
Saunders Waterford 140lb not

Tuesday, 11th December 2012 - Snow on the Way

I battled with the garden.

On my way to see Dad I was sure the clouds were full of snow.

Snow on the Way
Watercolour
Saunders Waterford 140lb not

Monday, 10th December 2012 - Christmas Cards

I have been making Christmas cards today.

Lindsey and I knitted with Dad.

Christmas Cards
Winsor and Newton Ink
Recycled Card

Sunday, 9th December 2012 - Beyond a Hangover

I was perfectly fine this morning. My hangover grew as the day went on. I dropped off my paintings at the show in Tenterden. We drove to the coast. I had to stop at Mum's as the roads were very windy. Tim went on to his Mum's to deliver a box of Jacob Lamb. Chris was up to see Dad so it was good to see him. More hear him, I had my eyes shut most of the time. Following a rest this afternoon we went to the preview in Tenterden town hall. We bought a painting by John Hanson, a Benenden artist. A bargain at £40.

Beyond a Hangover
Watercolour
Saunders Waterford 140lb not

Saturday, 8th December 2012 - Morris and Friends in Marden

I have no time to write. I am preparing dinner for Mike, Pippa, Sarah, Nigel, Ewan, Kath and Ray and Linda.

Tim, plus a few other Weald of Kent Morris Men danced and sung in Marden. No wonder I am running late and slow after two gin and tonics and no lunch.

Morris and Friends in Marden
Pen and Ink
Saunders Waterford 140lb not

Friday, 7th December 2012 - Advent Tree

I drove through rain and sleet to see my daughter and granddaughter today.

Advent Tree
Watercolour
Saunders Waterford 140lb not

Thursday, 6th December 2012 - Another Working Lunch

I have finished my paintings for the WOK Winter Exhibition. Handing-in on Sunday morning. Preview Sunday evening.

I arranged a lunch for the b&b girls back in October. We went to Chapel Down for lunch. The food was a rather disappointing affair. Good thing the company was charming.

Lindsey and I ............ not difficult to guess............. went to see Dad. He was not a happy man this afternoon. He was annoyed. I hope he feels better once his antibiotics get to work.

Tim and I had a last drink at The Tower House with Mike and Pippa and then another at The Woolpack. It is very cosy in there with the roaring open fires.

Another Working Lunch
Pen and Ink with Watercolour
Saunders Waterford 140lb not

Wednesday, 5th December 2012 - Nurses in Blue

I have almost finished my third painting. Just a couple of finishing touches to do. To them all.

Dad was ok today. He was being amusing but don't think he meant to be. As we left the nurses were writing up tomorrows menu.

Nurses in Blue
Watercolour
Saunders Waterford 140lb not

Tueday, 4th December 2012 - Tim's Apple Harvest

A fine day for more leaf collecting.

Dad was in a happier mood today. His concern today was batteries. He likes the lions I am knitting for Hetty's Noah's Arc. Lindsey is knitting little squares.

Back home for an evening of painting. Not going quite so well today.

We have another addition to Tim's Apple collection. An iPad Mini to go with his iPhone, MacBook Air and iMac.

Tim's Apple Harvest

Monday, 3rd December 2012 - Art Class Christmas Party

I have not ventured much further than my studio until this evening. One and a half paintings done. One and a half to go. Very pleased with myself.

After managing to remove the volvo from the mud I collected Sarah and we went to our art class. We did an hour of painting then stopped for a party. We took it in turns to hold up and discuss our work. Not my favourite thing to do. Sarah and I returned to the carpark to find the car not where we had left it. So the garage did not fix the handbrake. Good thing there was no car parked behind and a patch of grass to halt its progress.

Art Class Christmas Party
Pen and Ink
Saunders Waterford 140lb not

Sunday, 2nd December 2012 - Morning Moon

It was another frosty morning.

Morning Moon

Watercolour

Saunders Waterford 140lb not

Saturday, 1st December 2012 - Pippa's White Pots

I cooked breakfast for delightful guests.

I have started my paintings for the WOK Winter Exhibition. Three in all. I know what I am painting which is half the work. I hope you are all going to come to support me.

Mike and Pippa came for coffee during their whirlwind of moving house. Thank you so much for all the while china. It is fantastic.

I looked at the form for the SEOS which I am taking part in next June - please come. Pippa is serving tea and cake.

Lindsey and I visited Dad. He has not been out of bed for about a month. Today he was sitting in the lounge eating a figgy roll biscuit (he has been only able to eat puree) and drinking tea with very minimal help. He was chatting and loved our stories. We are still in disbelief. Go Dad go.

Three gin and tonics at the Bell and Jorrocks and a trip to Coop to get curry rounded off a very good day.

Pippa's White Pots
Watecolour
Saunders Waterford 140lb not