Thursday, 12th December 2013 - Baubles at Covent Garden

Tim and I have been enjoying the Christmas lights in London. We started in Regent Street and refreshed ourselves with coffee at The Hummingbird Cafe, Harriet makes amazing cakes from their cook book. We returned the size 18 jumper Tim mistakenly bought for Harriet from Primark. I managed to find a few things to replace it with. The Punch and Judy in Covent Garden was far too busy to get a drink so we found a table and wine at Belushi's after admiring the decorations. I would quite like one the enormous flashing Rudolfs - his nose flashed. The baubles were pretty amazing too. I am easy to please. Lastly we met Fergus for a pizza before returning back to foggy Kent.

Next year I am very much looking forward to taking Hetty and Arabella to see the lights.

Baubles at Covent Garden
Watercolour
Recycled Card

Wednesday, 11th December 2013 - Five White Eggs

After chasing a chicken around the garden - they can be very speedy - but a tackle to the tail nailed it, I had a look in the hen house and was amazed, surprised and delighted to find five little white eggs. If I wasn't going to The Great House for dinner this evening I would be cooking them for my tea.

Five White Eggs
Watercolour

Tuesday, 10th December 2013 - Fog

It has been a foggy day today.

Fog
Watercolour

Monday, 9th December 2013 - Pottery Studio

A quick stop at the vets with Morris this morning. She has a limp. We tried to investigate but were met with hissing and spitting so decided to hand her to someone else for diagnosis. They kept her in for investigation.

I had a lovely time in Fairlight in Elizabeths pottery studio decorating bowls for Christmas presents. It was like going on retreat. I had coffee, mince pies, lots of therapeutic discussions, homemade soup and bread brought to us by Keith. I felt very relaxed until.........

........I collected the cat after handing over hundreds of pounds. She had been bitten between the toes and needed an anaesthetic, relieving her of an abscess and then returning her to our care. We did get a complimentary tin of cat food.

Pottery Studio
Pen
Recycled Card

Sunday, 8th December 2013 - Leaves, Leaves, and more Leaves

Tim and I have recovered from our trip to Ikea and dinner with friends in Croydon yesterday.

We spent a merry afternoon clearing leaves and fallen trees from the garden.

Leaves, Leaves and More Leaves
Pen with Watercolour
Recycled Card

Saturday, 7th December 2013 - Dressing Gown Activity

We have a busy day ahead so I will be unable to paint/blog this evening. I will inform you of today's events tomorrow.

At 11.15am not much has happened in my day as yet. But I do have a brand new leaf collector/blower/shredder that arrived today. I am very much look forward to occupying myself with that this afternoon. Sarah, I know you want one too.

The MG number plate needs a little adjustment to fit the backplate that I beautiful painted.

Dressing Gown Activity
Pen
Recycled Card

Friday, 6th December 2013 - Three French Hens

I was happy inhaling a few Hammerite fumes this morning whilst painting little metal bits for the MG.

June and I met at Silcocks for very nice coffee and lots of chat. We had a preview of The Three French Hens Christmas sale. I left June buying a few bits and pieces - there should be enough left for customers tomorrow.

I came home to warming climes in Benenden and spent a happy couple of hours taming the garden.

Three French Hens
Pen with Watercolour
Recycled Card

Thursday, 5th December 2013 - Tree Chicken

Sarah, I will always listen to your advice.

I was very (quite to be honest) excited to hear the sound of a chicken laying an egg this morning. As I was in the middle of breakfast preparations I could not investigate. Tim informed me that one of the gold plated chickens was stuck up a tree. Chickens are not the only ones of little brains.

Bit wet and windy today. I hope all is ok in Bradford.

Tree Chicken
Watercolour
Recycled Card

Wednesday, 4th December 2013 - Not Neglected

Sarah made me feel terribly guilty that I had given Tom's Advent Tree to Arabella. This is just to show her that I do love him as much and he is delighted with the arrival of a Lindt chocolate advent calender.

I apologise for the bad portrayal of Tom.

Not Neglected
Pen with Watercolour
Recycled Card

Tuesday, 3rd December 2013 - Just for Bins

I went to Tenterden to get my 2014 bed and breakfast diary.

I was rather taken by the building that has been built for rubbish.

Just for Bins
Pen with Watercolour
Recycled Card

Monday, 2nd December 2013 - Leftovers

We had a Christmas party at art this evening as it was the last lesson until 2014. I took palmiers and sherry.

Leftovers
Watercolour
Recycled Card

Sunday, 1st December 2013 - Reflection of a Sunset

I had to set my alarm to get myself up in time to meet Harriet, Brett, Hetty and Arabella. We saw Frozen in 3D (yes we had the glasses including Hetty) at Ashford. Well a good majority of the film. It got quite loud and violent and for two little girls who do not watch television at home. They coped very well but I have a feeling the ice-cream may have been the highlight. A trip to Matalan for essential clothing items followed by lunch prepared by Tim at home. We had a lovely afternoon playing but were too late to feed the chickens. They like an early night.

Reflection of a Sunset
Watercolour
Recycled Card

Saturday, 30th November 2013 - Advent Tree

Excellent dinner party last night. Thank you Lindsey, Michael, Tony, Wendy, Steve, Vivien, Gareth, Sue, Nick, Suzy, Richard, Hazel, Malcolm, Margaret, Chris, Ellen, Alan and Mary for an entertaining night.

I spent a happy time this afternoon wrapping presents for Hetty and Arabella's Advent calenders. Tom I hope you don't mind Arabella borrowing yours this year?

Advent Tree
Pen with Waterolour
Recycled Card

Friday, 29th November 2013 - Rolls and Pink Ribbon

We are having a few people over for dinner this evening.

I am a little rushed with my picture and the rolls look a bit like eggs.

Rolls and Pink Ribbon
Caran D'Ache Pencils
Cartridge Paper

Thursday, 28th November 2013 - Explosion

My cranberries decided to explode themselves out of the saucepan. Messy little devils.

Explosion
Pen with Watercolour
Recycled Card

Wednesday, 27th November 2013 - Any Beetles?

Tim told me 60% of dried dates and figs contain beetles. I like dried figs very much and always thought the crunch was the seeds. Possibly a bit of beetle too. No side effects yet.

Any Beetles
Charcoal
Cartridge Paper

Tuesday, 26th November 2013 - Just Peel

I ate the inside of my tangerine before I had time to draw it. I cannot find my putty rubber.

Just Peel
Charcoal
Cartridge Paper

Monday, 25th November - Napkins

I had a very stressful time at art this evening trying to get my foreshortening correct - I was not the only one. It took me nearly two hours to do one simple pencil drawing. That serves me right for thinking that I would be able to do the exercise relatively easily. I relaxed by doing a two minute pen and ink when I got home while drinking tea.

Napkin I

Pencil

Sketchbook

Napkin II

Pen and Ink

Sunday, 24th November 2013 - Russets

I am still feeling full of food from Vivien's delicious dinner Friday evening.

I spent a merry morning making mincemeat palmiers (delightful served with sherry and a mug of tea) and other nibbles for Sarah, Nigel (thank you for the huge box of beautiful apples), Innis (has she disposed of John???), Mike and Pippa. Thank you for entertaining us on a chilly afternoon.

Russets
Watercolour
Recyled Card

Saturday, 23rd November 2013 - Dr Who

A late start to our day after a late night.

The sun drew me out of the house onto my hands and knees to do some gardening.

Tim and I are preparing for an evening with the Daleks.

I have frightened myself doing today's picture.

Dr Who
Pen with Watercolour
Recycled Card

Friday, 22nd November 2013 - Waiting for Mincemeat

We are off out for the evening to Hastings so I need to get my blog done early.

My Christmas cake is cooked but worryingly took an hour less than recommended. My skewer came out clean and it springs back as detailed by Delia so I have done my best. My mincemeat is cooling ready to be poured into their jars.

Waiting for Mincemeat
Pencil
Cartridge Paper

Thursday, 21st November 2013 - Concentration

I was over in Canterbury this afternoon.

Sarah will recognise this technique.

Concentration
Pencil
Recycled Card

Wednesday, 20th November 2013 - Two Little Helpers

The weather prevented me from wanting to go outside today. Bit chilly. Tesco delivered my ingredients so I could start making mincemeat (soaking nicely) and the beginning of a Christmas cake (fruit infusing in a bit of brandy). I have designed my Christmas cards, scanned and started printing - just need to colour them in now. What a productive day.

Oh and I got time to make the carrot cake I have been hankering to do since the weekend. Even better that the guests ate some - still about two thirds left. Anyone for carrot cake?

Tim came home from London and took apart his computer. He needs a few aids these days.

Two Little Helpers
Pen with Watercolour
Recycled Card

Tuesday, 19th November 2013 - Syphoning

I have run out of pots to plant my tulips in. Maybe the garden will do but that means probably weeding first. Ho hum. At least the sun was shining while the cold was creeping into my toes and fingers.

Tim and I took the special MG TD anti freeze to Albans Barnyard for insertion. It did not need it. Should have thought that the car being in Chicago was a bit of a clue. Good thing Si neglects his pre 1968 (only suitable machine for the anti freeze) tractor. Tim found an old bit of hose and syphoned off some radiator water. The tractor is now safe in low temperatures.

Tim took me for a spin in the MG. What a beautiful car it is. It starts better than our Volvo. And is very much prettier. I am looking forward to happy days motoring.

Syphoning

Watercolour

Recycled Card

Monday, 18th November 2013 - Not The Right Type For an MGTD

I felt a bit like my Mum today and cleaned the house on a Monday.

Art class this evening with Sarah was quite hard work - lots of concentrating and catching up with loads and loads of stories which continued with a glass of rose at The Milkhouse - still a bit odd on the sound front in there but busy.

Not The Right Type For an MGTD
Caran D'Ache Pencils
Cartridge Paper

Sunday, 17th November 2013 - Directing

Harriet, Brett, Hetty and Arabella came to lunch. Brett planed our sticking doors and the oak posts that are going to hold up the porch.

Directing
Watercolour
Recycled Card

Saturday, 16th November 2013 - Dad's Empty Shed

I was planning to make a carrot cake today. I had the recipe and all the ingredients sitting waiting on the worktop. Then Mum rang. She had a problem with her phone and was getting in bit of bother so we went to see her. Tim sorted her out and I drank coffee. Mum's garden is still overrun with Dad's sheds. He did like a shed. It is very sad to see them there and empty. I miss my Dad very much. Tim and I were saying how much our Dads would have enjoyed helping him with his MG. Back home and I made a sponge filled with jam - none of my guests wanted it. Anyone for cake?

Dad's Empty Shed
Watercolour
Recycled Card

Friday, 15th November 2013 - Buttons

After Tescos has delivered my provisions I went over to Canterbury and met with the Natural Parenting Group - good thing Harriet, Hetty and Arabella were there too. Hetty chose the buttons to go on the cardigan I have knitted her. An afternoon spent playing and a short walk along the river as it was getting dark before I headed home.

I was gritted twice driving home. Are we forecast a cold spell? Not according to my phone.

Back home for a rather emotional evening watching the last episode of Poirot.

Buttons
Pen with Watercolour
Recycled Card

Thursday, 14th November 2013 - Research

Part of my day has been looking through cooking books for recipes for a future dinner party enagement.

Research
Pen with Caran D'Ache Pencils
Recycled Card

Wednesday, 13th November 2013 - Ironing

Elizabeth and Brenda came for coffee. Elizabeth had collected her unsold pots from the gallery in Smarden. I have commissioned her to make some bowls for Harriet for Christmas - very exciting. We were talking about the horrors of having a MRI scan.

I spent a few hours ironing while catching up on Strictly.

Ironing
Watercolour
Recycled Card

Tuesday, 12th November 2013 - It Works :-)

After a pretty normal start my day turned out to be glorious. Tim and I took the started motor over to Paddock Wood where while Tim was reinserting it back into the MG I had a very happy couple of hours drawing Si's tractor engine. A mighty jolly afternoon.

This is under the bonnet of the MG. Rather cleaner than the tractor. and yes it is red.

It Works :-)

Pen with Watercolour

Recycled Card

Monday, 11th November 2013 - Service Resumed

Due to technical malfunctions I nearly missed blogging today. All ok now.

The cold has permeated to my feet. I am wearing my new slipper socks from Tesco. Very warm they are too.

Sarah and I concentrated very hard at our art class this evening.

It is Sarah's suggestion that I put a picture of my tractor up. I feel it is a bit of a cheat as I did not take the original photo that the picture was done from.

So two pictures this evening.

Sunday, 10th November 2013 - On the Kitchen Table

Most people has a roast on their table on a Sunday. We have an MG starter motor. I am very happy for it to be there too.

On the Kitchen Table
Pen with Watercolour

Saturday, 9th November 2013 - In Albans Barn

Following a morning of work Tim and I went armed with socket sets, sketch pad and pencils over to Pembury.

 n Albans Barn

Pen with watercolour

Friday, 8th November 2013 - Coffee and Walnut Cake

I ventured into the realms of cooking outside my comfort zone today. I had four guests to delight with my bakery concoction. No one wanted it. We have a huge uneaten cake.

Lovely day for a walk.

Coffee and Walnut Cake
Pen with Watercolour

Thursday, 7th November 2013 - Three Parrots

I have had a busy day filling my pots with bulbs with delightful little toppings of primroses, violas and aubrietia.

When it started to get cold and dark Tim and I took to Cranbrook to collect a parcel the postman refused to deliver without us being in the home yesterday. We visited the Cranbrook Art Show - wonderful pieces of work.

Three Parrots
Charcoal
Bockingford Tinted Paper

Wednesday, 6th November 2013 - Great Grandma Has Still Got It

I took Mum over to Canterbury today. We had a lovely time shopping for warm clothes for Hetty and Arabella. Back to Riverbend Cottages we left Mum in charge of her great granddaughers - no problem reading to Hetty while holding Arabella.

Great Grandma Has Still Got It
Watercolour
Bockingford Tinted Paper

Tuesday, 5th November 2013 - Still to Open

Not a lot happening today. I have a very tidy house and twelve bottles of Benenden Sauce.

Still to Open
Watercolour

Monday, 4th November 2013 - Afternoon Walk Sunset

It is not just the evenings that are getting darker earlier. It is the afternoons too.

Afternoon Walk Sunset
Watercolour
Recycled Paper

Sunday, 3rd November 2013 - Waking From Sleep

Waking From Sleep
Watercolour
Bockingford 140lb

Saturday, 2nd November 2013 - Old Fashioned Start

To Sarah:- You must have very smooth potatoes and no it was not jam sugar.

Tim took advantage of the fair weather and fixed the roof on the chicken house. Its third new roof in 25 years. I think the chickens will be delighted to be able to sleep in the dry tonight.

We went over to Si and Lesley's to look at the MG. Steve and Vivien were there collecting a shoulder of lamb. The draw of the MG was too much to resist. A charged battery was found. The starter motor seems to be uncooperative. Good thing there is a starter handle - shame you need to loosen the bumper to use it. Vivien and I, later joined by Lesley who was busy making pizza, looked on as the boys tinkered and spoke in a foreign language. It did start a couple of times and sounded beautiful but seems to have a problem with keeping going. Si was on the end of the starter handle and may be in need of some pain killers for his back later. Steve was in charge of a can of 'Easy Start'. Good thing the weather is not conducive to trips out.

Old Fashioned Start
Pen
Bockingford 140lb

Friday, 1st November 2013 - Spot the Replacement

I made a Victoria sandwich today but did not have all the correct ingredients. I have set a quiz for you.

Spot the Replacement
Watercolour
Bockingford 140lb Tinted

Thursday, 31st October 2013 - Ballet

After a not so bright and early start, it was still dark when I reluctantly exited my bed this morning, I headed over to Canterbury. A lovely afternoon I had too. Hetty showed me her new ballet moves. You have to watch those toes very closely.

I am very happy and very tired. Perfect end to a day.

Ballet

Pen with Watercolour

Bockingford 140lb

Wednesday, 30th October 2013 - New Pastime

Tim and I have a new arrival to our family. A rather beautiful black with red leather interior MG TD. We are looking forward to many jolly excursions. Just need to get it started.

New Pastime
Watercolour
Bockingford 140lb

Tuesday, 29th October 2013 - Falling Leaves

No exciting events today.

Falling Leaves

Pen with Watercolour

Recycled Card

Monday, 28th October 2013 - Stormy Day

We had a well forecasted storm early this morning. In our garden we have an old tree down and the chicken house took a bit of a battering but lucky compared to some.

I spent a lovely afternoon with Sarah. I wish we had more time to spend together as I enjoy her company very much.

Tim has stayed up in London this evening due to the uncertain train situation caused by falling trees and leaves.

Storm
Watercolour
Recycled Card

Sunday, 27th October 2013 - By Candlelight

Harriet, Brett, Hetty and Arabella came to play with homemade birthday shortbread for Tim. We fed the chickens and collected pretty leaves.

Even before the predicted storm, which has not arrived as I blog, we had a power cut. It has been off for about eight hours and I painted my picture by candlelight. Back on now or you would not be receiving me.

By Candlelight

Quink Ink

Watercolour Paper

Saturday, 26th October 2013 - I Don't Know

We have a tree in the garden that produces these pink buds that open and orange pips come out. Very pretty but no idea what it is.

I Don't Know
Watercolour
Recycled Paper