Sunday, 31st March 2013 - 10:54:04am - Easter Treats

Even with the loss of an hour last night I happily cooked breakfast for my charming guests.

Followed by a manic bit of knitting to finish a hat I started for Hetty months ago along with wrapping various presents and Easter gifts for family (Tom is getting a Tescos food order from us to make up for not being with us). We missed you very much.

We had a lovely afternoon/evening at Mum's. Doreen and Colin, Lindsey and her friend Clare, Fizzy and Alice, Chris, Rose and The Evans Family all managed to eat, drink and catch up merrily. Hetty did her first Easter egg hunt in the garden and enjoyed the proceeds very much but also was happy to share. Arabella was passed among many welcoming arms. When it started to get dark we all headed to Pett Level beach and set off Dad's ashes which had been made into four rockets. They were stunning soaring out over the sea (mostly). Dad would have loved it. We think of you and miss you every day Dad.

10:54:04am
Easter Treats
Pen with Watercolour
Jacksons 130lb not

Saturday, 30th March 2013 - 10:51:27am - Too Cold to go Out

Happy Birthday to Primrose White who arrived early this morning. Many congratulations to Emily, Michael and Gabriel.

It was snowing when I looked out from under my cosy covers this morning.

Then the sun tempted me out into the garden. The temperature is too low for my greenhouse plants to go out yet.

10:51:27am
Too Cold to go Out
Pen with Watercolour
Jacksons 130lb ot

Friday, 29th March 2013 - 10:48:49am - Map, Twiglets and Torch

I have got the hang of our new mount cutter. No stopping me now. Three done. Just over fifty to go.

Tim gathered together items needed for our afternoon excursion. A snack, map and torch.

Tony and Wendy arrived at 2pm for a walk. Tim and Wendy are in charge of the map which came out frequently but did not stop us taking a few more scenic turns than necessary. We stopped at The George in Cranbrook for refreshments and returned home five hours after setting out in snow. We must be getting old as we all sat happily around a pot of tea at the kitchen table.

10:48:49am
Map, Twiglets and Torch
Watercolour
Jacksons 130lb not

Thursday, 28th March 2013 - 10:46:11am - Rapid Delivery

Tim promised me snow - we have had a couple of unsettling flakes.

The three orders I placed on Tuesday all arrived this morning. I can now mount, frame and present my pictures for SEOS in a delightful way. Good thing I have two and a half months to prepare.

Emily and her baby are 6 days overdue. We dropped round with a packet of raspberry leaf tea. She politely said she was grateful.

10:46:11am
Rapid Delivery
Watetcolour
Jacksons 130lb not

Wednesday 27th March 2013 - 10:43:33am - Arabella watching Hetty

I made tuna and sweetcorn sandwiches and headed off to Canterbury. I had a thoroughly enjoyable day with my little granddaughers. Hetty is a lovely big sister and likes to include Arabella in her games. Arabella is not quite up to drawing yet but it wont be long.

I headed home after yet another cold day with a boot full of Spitfire that is on offer at Sainsburys.

10:43:33am
Arabella watching Hetty
Watercolour
Jacksons 130lb not

Tuesday, 26th March 2013 - 10:40:55am - Delia's Suidgey Chocolate Log

Due to the raw egg ingredient in Delia's pudding Harriet was unable to eat it while pregnant. Now Arabella has arrived I have made one in celebration for my visit tomorrow. Eight eggs is a lot for one recipe.

I have ordered many many materials for my exhibition. I am going to be busy when they arrive.

A trip to Cranbrook revealed a surprisingly chilly day. Lesley was delivering triplets when Tim was speaking with Si - I hope they are not suffering from the cold. Amazing news footage showing live sheep being dug out of snow drifts.

10:40:55am
Delia's Suidgey Chocolate Log
Watercolour
Jacksons130lb not

Monday, 25th March 2013 - 10:38:18am - Any Brand Will Do

A mighty cold day.

I warmed myself up doing domestic duties.

Sarah and I went to our last art class before the Easter holidays. I had another productive evening followed by much needed catch up chat over a glass of rose and a packet of crisps at the pub.

10:38:18am
Any Brand Will Do
Pen with Watercolour
Jacksons 130lb not

Sunday, 24th March 2013 - 10:35:40am - BOGOF Tesco Lillies

I had a lie-in and a lazy start to the day. Perfect Sunday morning.

I have been sorting out how to display 366 pictures for the SEOS Exhibition. Bit of an enjoyable mission. Work in progress.

This afternoon Tim and I went to an art exhibition in Sutton Valence where my art tutor Caroline Clough had some paintings on show. Not many had been sold but I was proud to see that two were my tutors.

We had home made curry and a new series of Foyle's War to watch. Perfect Sunday evening.

10:35:40am
BOGOF Tesco Lillies
Watercolour
Jacksons 130lb not

Saturday, 23rd March 2013 - 10:33:02am - Babies at Riverbend Cottages

I was up before 6am, just and wearily until I had a mug of tea inside me - to cook for a guest.

To my delight I had arranged a day with Harriet, Hetty and Arabella. It is Harriet's first day alone, Brett is working in Dover, so of course I offered my support. I have not seen my gorgeous granddaughters for 8 days and missing them so very much.

Then it snowed. It was not enough to keep me off the roads which were clear and caused no delay in my trip.

I have had a wonderful day. Hetty is such a delight to be in the company of. At lunch she reminded Harriet to say 'please' - you should have seen our raised eyebrows. Excellent manners Hetty. Little Arabella is not so little and a bundle of cuddliness who is difficult to put down.

An update on yesterday. The meal at Sankeys was excellent. I did not realise that it was a fish restaurant which was a bonus. The food was delicious especially the sardines. I was pleased we were not seated near the lobster tank. The company wonderful. Thank you June for organising it. Don't leave it so long next time!

When I arrived at Harriet's some friends were there to meet Arabella with their son. I think many of Harriet's friends with toddlers are thinking about second baby's and bringing their little ones to see what their reaction to a baby is. My diary alarm went off during their visit. Perfect for a picture.

10:33:02am
Babies at Riverbend Cottages
Pen with Watercolour
Jacksons 130lb not

Friday, 22nd March 2013 - 10:30:24am - Wrappers

Today has been a long time coming. This evening we are meeting June and Barry for dinner at Sankeys, Tunbridge Wells. It has been far too many months since we have seen them. I am looking forward to it very much.

I was making bread when my alarm disturbed me today. Surrounded by many empty wrappers I decided the creases may make an interesting drawing for today.

My throat is nearly better probably due to Tim getting up at an unpleasant hour to serve my guest breakfast at 6am. I managed to stay in bed long enough to be presented with two mugs of tea. And very much appreciated. Thank you Tim I love you very much.

10:30:24am
Wrappers
Pen
Jacksons 130lb not

Thursday, 21st March 2013 - 10:27:46am - Spring Clean

I have my old MacBook back. Tim has given it a good clean inside and out with a different hard drive and dust free interior. What more could a girl ask for? A pink one!!!!

Off to The Bull for book group this evening with Sarah, Pippa and Kath. Can I remember the book? It was a very good one - oh and my choice too. Just looked it up on my Kindle. It was The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce - I loved it. Also a very good read is The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson.

10:27:46am
Spring Clean
Contour Pen line drawing with Watercolour
Jacksons 130lb not

Wednesday, 20th March 2013 - 10:25:09am - Spontaneous Growth

The first time this year I have had four guests at the breakfast table. I still get nervous scrambling, frying and boiling eggs.

I took to the garden for a bit of sun and fresh air to recuperate. The pots on my potting bench seemed to have self planted and now are sprouting. I wonder what they will become?

My sore throat is still with me. I have steam treated myself with piles of ironing.

10:25:09am
Spontaneous Growth
Watercolour
Jacksons 130lb not

Tuesday, 19th March 2013 - 10:22:31am - Not So Good

The day started ok with breakfast completed. I took to my bed feeling rough and woke to restore myself with a Lemsip and honey.

A late booking for this evening followed by a call on my mobile to say that another four guests had arrived at our front door ready for their stay. Madness ensued to get everything ready. Totally my fault with the booking but all sorted now.

I have a sore throat that is bothering me today.  I need my bed and a new brain. The bugs in my throat seem to have affected my ability to draw perspective.

10:22:31am
Not So Good
Watercolour
Jacksons 130lb not

Monday, 18th March 2013 - 10:19:53am - Steve got Stuck

Happy First Week to Arabella.

All was going smoothly this morning. Steve and Fergus after breakfast. Then came back. Steve decided that he would like to take a tour of the Church field in the car...and got stuck, well and truly stuck in the mud. Many buckets of stones, old sheeting and eventually Russ with his Land rover extricated Steve from the mud and in time for them to visit Harriet and Kent Uni.

Sarah and I went to our art class. I had a productive and messy evening with charcoal. I am a little worried that Sarah is slowing down in her old age as she only produced one painting. She did manage to get a stray pony off the road and back into its field on our way to the pub. I held the torch. We enjoyed our rose wine very much.

10:19:53am
Steve got Stuck
Pen with Watercolour
Jacksons 130lb not

Sunday, 17th March 2013 - 10:17:15am - Tidy Up

While I was working inside Tim was outside taking the excess paint off the window. He managed to find the only dry spell in the day. It has rained ever since.

Steve and Fergus arrived from France. We met with Gordon, Dawn and Ellyse in the Woodcock thinking it would be a quieter option out of the local pubs for a drink. I think the rain must have prevented the usual Sunday walkers from walking. Unless you are Sarah and Nigel who like to ramble through mud and rain.

Back home where in front of the log fire we are about the have an Indian takeaway - a bargain delivered for £1 from Gram Spice. Fergus seems bemused by the black and white Miss Marple film we have found to watch.

10:17:15am

Tidy Up

Pen with Watercolour

Jacksons 130lb not

Saturday, 16th March 2013 - 10:14:37am - Blossom and Buds

Even with the freezing weather spring in the garden carries on regardless. We have tiny flowers in many nooks and crannies.

 Our Granddaughter now has a name - Arabella Frances, a pretty name for a pretty baby.

I have my back turned to the rugby as I type. No point watching now I feel. How disappointing. Toby - what happened?

We have been invited to have scallops at The Carters. I think we will go. I can drown my sorrows about the rugby.

10:14:37am
Blossom and Buds
Pen with Watercolour
Jacksons 130lb not

Friday, 15th March 2013 - 10:11:59am - Early Baby

I had one guest to cook breakfast for. With my one card order it has been a busy week for business!!!

I was shopping in Mothercare when my rather embarrassing diary alarm went off. Baby Evans, no still no name yet, needed her Grandma to get some clothes that fitted her. I spent a happy time rummaging through the sale items. Early Baby and Tiny Baby seemed to be the ones. I spent a lovely few hours with Brett, Harriet, Hetty (we flew to many different countries today) and cuddles with 'peas' - Hetty has named the baby. Harriet is feeling a little exhausted but otherwise all is fantastic in the Evans home. I don't think I will be visiting for a while as they seem to have a plethora of family/friends/midwives over the next few days.

10:11:59am
Early Baby
Pen with Watercolour
Jacksons 130lb not

Thursday, 14th March 2013 -10:09:22am - One is Better Than None

My cards are selling like hotcakes online. I have had another order for 'one' card.

The postman brought me 36 tiny plug plants. They are a mysterious patio collection. I think they must have been on offer. They are all now potted up and warming up nicely in the greenhouse. The frozen potting compost was probably a bit of a shock.

From the phone calls I have had The Evans family seem to be settling in with their new member very well. Hetty seems a perfect big sister and likes to play next to her little sister. I am so proud of them.

I have a guest in this evening. The lack of guests is a little worrying but all the local bed and breakfasts seem to be experiencing the downturn in numbers. Good that Tim has work to keep the bread on the table.

10:09:22am
One is Better Than None
Watercolour
Jacksons 130lb not

Wednesday, 13th March 2013 - 10.06.44am - Facebook

I have been reading all the fantastic comments from friends on Facebook.

10.06.44am

Facebook

Watercolour

Jacksons 130lb not

Tuesday, 12th March 2013 - 10:04:06am - Alstroemeria

Tim and I drove through icy roads to look after Hetty while her baby sister was having a check at the hospital. Everything is perfect with baby Evans. Hetty and I lined up the Duplo people, read books, dressed up her teddies and much more. I forgot how busy at little person is at 19 months old. Tim had cuddles with the new family addition multitasking with a glass of celebratory pink sparkling wine. Harriet managed to eventually prise the baby out of Grandad's arms. We came home exhausted, proud and so very happy.

10:04:06am
Alstroemeria
Pen with Watercolour
Jacksons 130lb not

Monday, 11th March 2013 - 10:01:28am - Surprise Snow Swirls

I was surprised by the snow as I was driving over to Canterbury today.

Hetty and I went for a walk into town with Hetty's friend Flossie and her mum Natalie. Both girls went to sleep. It was bitterly cold in the wind.

Brett's Dad Roy and I played with Hetty as Harriet and Brett seemed busy.

At 4.30pm Brett delivered baby girl Evans (6lb 9oz) in the bathroom and I am delighted to say I was there at the time. The midwives were stuck in traffic and arrived about 20 minutes later. Harriet did amazingly. The hyponobirthing they have done worked perfectly.

Congratulations to Harriet, Brett, Hetty and baby Evans.

I drove home through even more snow.

I had an excuse not to go to art. What was yours Sarah?

What an incredible day. Tim and I are very proud grandparents.

10:01:28am

Surprise Snow Swirls

Acrylic on Paper

Sunday, 10th March 2013 - 9:58:50am - Mother's Day

While I type I am having a lovely time watching Toby and his muddy thighs - thank you Tom for telling me this match is on.

I made a card for my Mum. Here it is.

We have had rain, snow but no baby. I am not going to take up a career in fortune telling as I was convinced baby Evans was going to be early.

9:58:50am 

Mother's Day

Winsor & Newton Drawing Inks

Jacksons 130lb not

Saturday, 9th March 2013 - 9:56:13am - Inside my Drawers

I did planting, weeding and digging waiting for a call that never came.

It was lovely to meet with Alan, Mary, Gareth, Sue, Nick, Suzy, Michael and Emily at The Bell & Jorrocks for an early evening couple of drinks.

9:56:13am
Inside my Drawers
Pen with Watercolour
Jacksons 130lb not

Friday, 8th March 2013 - 9:53:35am - Out of Time

I met Sarah for a couple of coffees and a chat in The George. I like the coffee there very much.

I collected four rockets containing 50g of Dad's ashes in each along with a cardboard tube with his remaining ashes from the funeral directors. They said it was the first time they had had anyones ashes made into rockets!!! Dad adored fireworks and he would have been quietly amused I think. We have not got a date for his send off yet.

I knew Harriet was seeing the midwife at 1.20pm I decided that when it go to 3pm I should really try and occupy my mind elsewhere. I vigorously potted up many sweetpea plants that arrived very flat in the post. Harriet is still very well and the midwife checked all is well with the baby. No rush there then.

9:53:35am
Out of Time
Pen with watercolour
Jacksons 130lb not

Thursday, 7th March 2013 - 9:50:57am - Grey Rain

What happened to the fine sunshine of yesterday. We have drizzle and mist.

Pippa and I had bad coffee, good cake and excellent gossip at a very quiet Rolvenden Farmers Market.

What no baby? No and stop asking. I will tell you when.

9:50:57am
Grey Rain
Watercolour
Jacksons 130lb not

Wednesday, 6th March 2013 - 9:48:19am - Road Trip

I took a picture on the road today.

Harriet is not well with a cough so I met her at the Canterbury drs and spent the day in the sun in the park. I sent Harriet to bed. Hetty and I played with Playdoh, did some drawing and read books while drinking tea. Brett took over when he got home from work to do tea, bath and bed. Well done BrettHarriet is feeling better this evening but still no baby.

9:48:19am

Road Trip

Ink with Watercolour

Jacksons 130lb not

Tuesday, 5th March 2013 - 9:45:41am - Ready and Waiting

The car has been packed with my birthing equipment for two weeks. We are still in waiting. It is all very exciting from this end but not so sure that the Evans family are feeling the same.

I have been gardening in the sun very close to the house and phone today. I did make an express trip to Cranbrook. Maybe I will have news for you tomorrow.

9:45:41am
Ready and Waiting
Pen with Watercolour

Monday, 4th March 2013 - 9:43:04am - Fruit for Hetty

Tim and I went to Canterbury. On the way we got four pears for Hetty and a pot of honey for Harriet from the farm shop between Smarden and Pluckley.

Harriet still has her cough and holding onto the baby.

9:43:04am

Fruit for Hetty

Pen and Watercolour

Jacksons 130lb not

Sunday, 3rd March 2013 - 9:40:26am - Preparations

It has been an intermittently sunny day.

I planned to do some gardening but ended up doing housework.

9:40:26am
Preparations
Pen with Watercolour
Jacksons 130lb not

Saturday, 2nd March 2013 - 9:37:48am - More Lines

I am liking this line drawing very much.

I have done gardening. Tim has been writing an article or two. Harriet is growing a baby.

Tim is making pizza and bread so we have invited Si and Lesley. Then Mike and Pippa rang and we had to invite them too because they are bringing scallops.

9:37:48am
More Lines
Pen with Watercolour
Jacksons 130lb not

Friday, 1st March 2013 - 9:35:10am - Dough

Tim made some amazing bread by hand. We have nearly eaten the whole crust loaf today.

Sarah and I had coffee and then another coffee in The George in Cranbrook. I am finding it difficult settling to anything. I was wrong that The Evans baby was going to be early. Their due date it today and Harriet is back to polishing and cleaning. In hypnobirthing terms there is no due date just around about now. I should really relax but I am terribly excited.

9:35:10am
Dough
Continuous Line Drawing with Pen
Paper