Thursday, 31st January 2013 - 8:18:54 am - Daily Bread

Tim came home from Dallas today.

I have been painting cards for one of the very few orders I get through a website Tim set up for me about 15 years ago. You can have a look - www.cards-by-hand.co.uk. 

We have done very little else today but catch up.

8:18:54am
Daily Bread
Watercolour
SAA Practice Paper

Wednesday, 30th January 2013 - 8:16:16 am - Cheerful Gold

Harriet packed to go home. Hetty and I played in the garden collecting eggs, planting primulas and finding slugs and worms. Grandma fell over in the mud.

We went to Tim's Mum's for homemade soup and rolls. It was a lovely lunch and afternoon.

Harriet drove us back to Canterbury. We had tea. I came home. The exhaust on the car must have a hole or I had mysteriously acquired a racing car. Time for a trip to the garage.

I got back to a very quiet lonely house. I will miss Hetty very much. I have had an amazing time with my little Granddaughter. I am very much looking forward to Tim coming home from Dallas tomorrow.

8:16:16 am
Cheerful Gold
Watercolour
Saunders Waterford 140lb rough

Tuesday, 29th January 2013 - 8:13:38 am - Book Before Breakfast

After breakfast and getting dressed, which seemed to take rather a long time this morning, we headed to Winchelsea Beach.

Mum took ages answering the door. She does not like to wear her hearing aid as it is irritating so has the volume up on the television so loud she cannot hear the door bell. You have to wait for a quiet moment and then knock very loudly. We took soup and bread for lunch.

A very wet and windy journey home. We had Albans Barnyard lamb for dinner. We are planning an early night tonight as we are all very tired.

8:13:38 am
Book Before Breakfast
Watercolour
Saunders Waterford 140lb rough

Monday, 28th January 2013 - 8:11:00 am - Tea Set

Harriet and Hetty were up and about before I was this morning. Grandma's get tired.

We all cleaned out the chickens, collected the eggs and enjoyed the short burst of sun before the wind and rain took hold.

Jess came to colour and cut Harriet's hair. It looks lovely. I had my ragged edges tidied. I look lovely too!

Tony came and put our bent hinges straight. Thank you so much Tony.

This evening I had a charming evening at my art class. Sarah's picture of "Winter Light" was held up in front of the class as an example of perfection. It was very good - damn I must try harder. Followed by a glass of rose and a much needed chat in the pub.

I came home to a sleeping house and a much appreciated dinner made by Harriet.

8:11:00 am
Tea Set
Watercolour
Saunders Waterford 140lb rough

Sunday, 27th January 2013 - 08:08:23 am Where's Morris?

Not quite as quick out the shower this morning. Hetty waited patiently until I was dried and dressed before we went to play.

The chickens have been well fed again. Hetty and I collected grass for them and collected their eggs. We squelched through very wet grass now the snow has gone and the rain has arrived. Our first snow drops have come out.

We had pancakes with banana ice-cream (frozen bananas whizzed with milk). Lindsey came for coffee and told us Chris has sorted out Mum's latest money worries.

We made butterfly cakes to take to The Olivers this afternoon.

Back home for a picnic tea and bed.

08:08:23 am
Where's Morris?
Watercolour with Pen
Saunders Waterford 140lb rough

Saturday, 26th January 2013 - 8:05:44 am - Where's Hetty?

I was up, showered, dressed and playing with Hetty sticking before  8:05:44 am this morning. A lovely start to the morning.

The chickens have been well fed. Hetty showed Harriet how Grandma plants flowers. We headed into Tenterden with a quick trip to buy essentials from Tescos. Hetty was a bit disappointed we had to leave the trolley in the carpark. We had a lovely afternoon at home playing.

Harriet and I went through some hypnobirthing bit and pieces after Hetty had gone to bed. It is a good chance to learn while we have the opportunity together.

I am exhausted and very happy.

8:05:44 am
Where's Hetty?
Pen and Ink with Watercolour
Saunders Waterford 140lb rough

Friday, 25th January 2013 - 8:03:07 am - Fruit with No Flavour

My alarm disturbed me from my sleep at 5.20am. I was up and ready to take Tim to Staplehurst station even though it was cold and icy. He has gone to Dallas.

I cooked a chicken, got meatballs ready for dinner and stewed some rather tasteless fruit with honey and orange.

Next off to Hartley Coffee House to celebrate Sarah's birthday that has gone and Pippa's that is to come. Corinna joined us later.

I headed off to Canterbury to collect Harriet and Hetty who are going to keep me company while Tim is away. Hetty and I played. Harriet packed.

Back home. Hetty and I played with the dolls house while Harriet cooked dinner. There is something amiss here as I am meant to be letting Harriet get some rest before the new baby arrives. Tomorrow will be a more organised day.

8:03:07 am
Flavourless Fruit
Watercolour
Saunders Waterford 140lb rough

Thursday, 24th January 2013 - 8:00:29 am - Condensation

It is still very cold outside. Icy outside, warm inside makes for very pretty window patterns in the old part of the house.

Tim went to London today and left me alone. I did some major pruning with the snow still at my feet.

We have not seen Mike and Pippa for a while. We had drinks by the woodburner  at The Woodcock. Rounded off by a very good steak, far too many chips and an extravagant raspberry creme brulee. A very lovely evening.

I had great fun painting my picture today.

8:00:29 am
Condensation
Acrylic with pearlescent tint and glass beads
Acrylic Paper

Wednesday, 23rd January 2013 - 7:57:51 am Early Birds

The garden was full of life when I went out to feed the chickens.

I have filled in, sent off and paid for my SEOS entry for June. I hope you are all going to come and support me. I will make you tea.

The snow is melting. Mum is happy as it means Chris can come and sort out her Income tax this weekend.

We had dinner suggested by Patrick Holford.  Tandoori Cod, Oven Baked Bhajis and Indian Spiced Butternut Squash. Such a shame he doesn't come and cook it for us. But it was delicious. I think maybe I should have gone out with Tim to Morris practice to exercise some calories off.

7:57:51 am
Early Birds
Pen and Ink with Watercolour
Saunders Waterford 140lb rough

Tuesday, 22nd January 2013 - 7:55:13 am Which Boots?

I had a choice of many boots to wear when I went out to the chickens this morning.

I have hardly ventured out the door although the snow is melting.

I have looked at my advertising for our bed and breakfast. Tim had finally finished our tax return. What a job that has been. I am delighted that Tim has done the majority and very thankful.

I cleaned and ironed and made beds.

I spent a few hours producing a 20 x 30 inch painting. I had a lovely evening.

7:55:13 am
Which Boots?
Acrylic
Fabriano Pittura Acrylic Paper

Monday, 21st January 2013 - 7:52:36 am Eucalyptus Tree

Still lots of snow in the garden. We admired the snow laden trees from our cosy bed.

I had one phone call and two emails telling me my art class was cancelled this evening.

Many texts this morning ended with an invite (I sort of invited myself) to Sarah and Nigel's for amazing game pie and lovely apricot crumble. The company was quite good too. Thank you.

7:52:36 am
Eucalyptus Tree
Watercolour
Saunders Waterford 140lb rough

Sunday, 20th January 2013 - 7:49:58 am - Snow Hens

I was out in my wellies and dressing gown before 8am defrosting the chickens water.

Then I came in out of the snow - yes, we have snow - to make tea.

Another day of tax returns not helped by me not saving the numbers I had put in yesterday. They disappeared overnight. Nearly nearly done.

I have been working on my entry for the South East Open Studios in June. I am now not sure I have the skill to put on an art show. I think I need to get some advice. Anyone?

Early evening we ventured out onto snow covered roads to Kell's birthday party in Horsmonden. We had a lovely Prosecco infused evening. Thank you Kell and Pat.

Back home to homemade mushroom pate on toast.

7:49:58
Snow Hens
Pen and Ink with Watercolour
Saunders Waterford 140lb rough

Saturday, 19th January 2013 - 7:47:20 am Bedside Tea

I had to have two mugs of tea delivered to my bedside this morning. Well, it is the weekend.

A couple of calls later and our planned day became unplanned.

Tim and I spent a couple of hours in separate rooms working our way along the tax return road until we  had enough.

Wrapped up in coats, scarves, hats, gloves and boots we ventured out to Winchelsea to see my Mum. Tim sorted and reassured. Then we went onto Tim's Mum and had tea and cream cakes with Susan and Roger. We slid our way home.

I made pizzas - took ages but well worth the effort even if I praise myself.

What has the weather in store for us tomorrow I wonder?

7:47:20 am
Bedside Tea
Winsor & Newton Ink

Saunders Waterford 140lb rough

Friday, 18th January 2013 - 7:44:42 am

Teeny tiny amount of snow today.

We went shopping at our local grocery store. It was packed. Panic buying?

Todays picture is inspired by the fruit salad I was making at 7:44:42 am and William Morris.

7:44:42 am
Artist Pen and Watercolour
Daler

Wednesday, 17th January 2013 - 7:42:04 am Frosty on the Inside

It was dark when my alarm woke me so I could prepare for a trip to London. Very exciting when one lives in the depths of the country.

There was ice on the inside of my studio window.

I just made my train due to a huge Volvo crawling along in front of me due to a few icy bits on the side of the road - come on!!!

The train very slowly (must be that Volvo) took me through the most beautiful frosty landscapes to Charing Cross. I met Elizabeth who I nearly walked past due to her wrapped up state.

We started our day at The Mall Gallery where Stephanie Wright was exhibiting lovely pottery with The Society of Designer Craftsmen. She is a friend of Elizabeth's so I am not quite sure why there is none of Elizabeth's pottery there!!! There was some beautiful pieces and a coffee with Guiness cake shop.

Next we took the tube or two across the whole of London to The William Morris Gallery in Walthamstow. We had tomato soup without meatballs for lunch. Both of us were a little disappointed as we were both expecting the rooms to be set out. Loads to see and it is free so if you are that way it is really worth a visit. I had to drag Elizabeth away from the childrens activities on more than one occasion. I do love a bit of William Morris.

I came home to find pheasant stew bubbling on the cooker. Accompanied by a glass of red wine (and Tim) made for a charming evening. I do not even mind having guests tonight. I just hope the snow does not prolong their stay.

A food and art day - just perfect.

Frosty on the Inside
7:42:04 am
Watercolour with wax
Langton 140lb not

Wednesday, 16th January 2013 - 7:39:27 am

What a very frosty start to the morning.

I spent a lot of my day shuffling receipts, huffing, and numbers, puffing, for my Tax Return (?caps). Tim does all the complicated bit I just have to do a bit of adding up but it is still a dull job.

I am still waiting for snow.

7:39:27 am
Watercolour
The Langton 140lb not

Tuesday, 15th January 2013 - 7:36:49 am

I was padding around the garden hugging a mug of tea in my dressing gown while taking photos of an amazing sunrise. I was awarded with a little snow.

Tomorrow I am reacquainting myself with Patrick Holford. Today I am trying Tim's amazing weight loss plan of 5:2. I may have slipped a little over my 600 calorie intake for today.

7:36:49 am
Watercolour
Daler Rowney 110lb not

Monday, 14th January 2013 - 7:34:11 am

I drove through snow covered landscapes to Canterbury. Harriet, Hetty and I went to Ickham were we had a hypnobirthing session with Jackie. First time I have been hypnotised. It was a very interesting and positive visit. I have quite a bit of homework to do.

Sarah picked me up for our art class where we did preparatory work for our 'Winter Light' masterpieces. I really needed my glass of rose this evening.

No snow on the way home.

7:34:11am

Pen and Ink with Watercolour

Daler Rowney Aquarelle 110lb not

Sunday, 13th January 2013 - 7:31:33 am

Croissant and toast with fruit for guests - nice and easy.

Another little snow flurry today.

7:31:33 am
Oil
Hahnemuhle oil paper

Saturday, 12th January 2013 - 7:28:55 am

What an amazing sky this morning. I admired it then went back to bed.

I consoled myself with the fact that Tom was leaving us by making him a huge pile of sandwiches to see him through his long train journey back to Bradford.

There was a small snow flurry which seems to have moved north.

Tim and I met Tony and Wendy in the King William this evening for drinks by the open fire.

I look forward to climbing into bed very shortly.

7:28:55 am
Watercolour
Saunders Waterford 140lb Rough

Friday, 11th January 2013 - 7:26:18 am

A therapeutic day spent cooking for friends this evening.

Still practising my no drawing technique, Tom.

7:26:18 am
Watercolour
Saunders Waterford 140lb rough

Thursday, 10th January 2013 - 7:23:40 am

I wondered where I was when I awoke at 7:23:40 this morning.

Following a restless night I had a relaxed morning with Mum.

Dad's funeral was lovely. I may have shed a few tears. It was hard to say goodbye. We were surrounded by so many good friends and family which made it a very special day.

7:23:40 am
Watercolour with preliminary drawing
Saunders Waterford 140lb rough

Wednesday, 9th January 2013 - 7:21:02 am

Happy Birthday to Sarah.

I am off to stay with Mum tonight.

Today's painting is done under instruction from Tom to put into practice what Caroline, my art tutor, asked of us on Monday. Straight into painting without any preparatory drawing.

7:21:02 am
Watercolour
Daler Rowney 110lb not

Tuesday, 8th January 2013 - 7:18:24 am

It is a pleasurable experience to get up to a mild morning even when it is dark. Sort of. Rumour has it is not for much longer. We are in for a cold spell. I hope we get snow.

I managed to serve some toast and then got on with other household tasks. My Roomba seems to have taken on a life of its own and keeps wandering off.

I admit to a sleep this afternoon. Tom's dental appointment went much better than anticipated and he did not need any extractions just needs to undertake less vigorous brushing.  His relief meant he was able to cut the grass.

Dad's funeral arrangements seem to be keeping Mum occupied.

Off for an early night.

I hope Bonnard comes to mind.

7:18:24 am
Pen and Ink with Watercolour
Saunders Waterford 140lb rough

Monday, 7th January 2013 - 7:15:46

Bit of body shock getting up at 6am to work but I soldiered on.

Hetty and I did some gardening while Harriet showered. Weeds were ordered 'out' and Hetty directed my planting.

This afternoon Harriet, Hetty, Tom and I called in at Mum's for tea and biscuits and more biscuits.

A quick gathering of my painting implements before I collected Sarah for our first art class of the year. We had a lovely time painting trowels and an even lovelier time catching up on stories over a glass of rose.

I am very very tired.

7:15:46
Watercolour
Saunders Waterford 140lb rough

Sunday, 6th January 2013 - 7:13:09 am

A very misty start to today.

Lady Tesco delivered eventually. I busied myself getting a guest room ready.

Our weatherboard has got a delightful touch of green this year. So I washed it off. Malcolm said he has the same problem and we think it is possibly due to damp weather conditions.

Tom returned with Harriet and Hetty this afternoon.

We all went to The Peacock where we were very well entertained by Steve, Alan M and Gerry on their instruments and a bit of singing by Suzy, Alan C and Tim. An excellent afternoon.

Unfortunately, we returned home to find our guest waiting in the drive. Luckily we were not late he happened to be early.

We thoroughly enjoyed a Red Ruby Rump steak. It was huge and delicious.

An early night is in order as I have to get up to serve my first breakfast of 2013.

Good night.

 7:13:09 am
Watercolour with Table Salt
Saunders Waterford 140lb rough

Saturday, 5th January 2013 - 7:10:31 am

I was up bright and early ready for Tesco to delivery my groceries - took me a mug and a half of tea to realise I was a day early. Can I survive the day without sparkling water?

Tom has left us for Canterbury.

The purr of the chain saw and an exploding bonfire kept Tim and I amused for the afternoon.

Three vodka and cranberry juice with Mike and Pippa at The Three Chimneys started our Saturday evening delightfully. I hope the open fire masked my rather smokey perfume.

7:10:31 am
Acrylic Painted with Card
Canvas Textured Acrylic Paper

Friday, 4th January 2013 - 7:07:53 am

I have not ventured much further than the compost bins today.

Our house is nearly back to normal again. I even was brave enough to go through Dad's bag of clothes. I was going to keep just a couple of things until I spoke to Pippa. She suggested that I make something from the ones I was going to recycle as a reminder. Great idea but now I have another task. Thanks Pippa. Good to have you home!

Tim and Tom spent a sunny afternoon chain sawing down a conifer, that turned out to be two, in the garden. I could have done a painting of that but that is not my plan for my blog this year.

No game of Risk this evening.

7:07:53 am
Watercolour
Saunders Waterford 140lb Rough

Thursday, 3rd January 2013 - 7:05:15 am

Thank you to all those that have taken the time to comment on my blog.

I am hoping that due to Tim's recovery tonight I will be able to return to my own bed and not camp out in a bed and breakfast room.

I had a wonderful day with Harriet and Hetty. Hetty and I spent a lot of time playing with the Duplo house that some very kind Grandparents gave her for Christmas. It used to belong to Harriet and Tom so must be at least twenty years old and still as good as new. We walked into town and had a very good lunch at La Trappiste. Following which Hetty fell asleep in her buggy which meant Harriet and I could wander the shops undisturbed and ended up (this is becoming a bit of a habit) having hot chocolate in Abode while Hetty slept. We are making the most of the very few quiet moments we have before the next baby Evans arrives.

Back home for amazing burgers from Si and Lesleys Red Ruby beef or it could be Ruby Red!!

And a game of Risk that Tom won by luck alone. Wait until tomorrow Tom!

7:05:15 am
Pen and Ink with Watercolour
Saunders Waterford 140lb rough

Wednesday, 2nd January 2013 - 7:02:37 am

Christmas is coming to an end at The Holt. The decorations are being removed leaving a trail of needles.

Tim was still unwell in bed.

I chose flowers to go on Dad's coffin. Mum needed persuading that £10 was really not quite enough to spend.

Tom and I played Risk. I won. Again!!!

I think I need to get out more.

 7:02:37 am
Watercolour
Saunders Waterford 140lb not

Tuesday, 1st January 2013 - 7:00:00 am

I have an idea for my blog for the next year. Let me know when you have guessed what it is.

Tim and Tom have started the New Year with a virus. Good thing I am fit and well and able to eat my way through all the Christmas sweets.

I threw open doors and windows to rid the home of unwanted guests it was such a mighty warm and sunny day.

Tom and I played a two man game of Risk. Guess who won?

As I type Tom and I are watching Terminator II - Judgement Day - I do love a bit of Arnie.

7:00:00 am
Watercolour
Saunders Waterfod 140lb not