Saturday, 6th December 2014 - Working Mens Club, Marden

I breakfasted my guests. Who were delightful in their late need of sausage and bacon. I have become accustomed to going to bed late and getting up late.

The Volvo was in full working order which meant I had a cleansing session stuffing many bags of rubbish into the refuse lorry at Iden Green this morning. I came back to find Tim under the floor with his pipes again and Mum sitting in the kitchen. She thought we were all still in bed!!!

The Evans arrived with Jack. We had a few books with Great Grandma then piled into the car. I was driving and it became a rather stressful experience as it keeps cutting out mid flow. Brett said he has a technique. I would rather not know.

Brett has been building the kitchen units while Mum, Harriet, Hetty and Bella went to watch The Weald of Kent Morris display themselves at the Marden Christmas spectacular. Tim managed to shake off the dirt and dust that he had accumulated from his morning under floor expeditions. It was pleasing to see that Father Christmas joined in the dancing and he was giving his reindeer a rest and drove off in a rather pretty vintage car with his elves. Hetty questioned me about them being children and I explained that they would grow into adult elves - true isn't it?

Back home for more books and playdoh. Margaret came to collect Malcolm and couldn't resist having a smell.

I took Mum home. What an amazing moon and came home to a very tidy house. Thank you Mrs Evans. I am sorry I upset you today. Very very sorry.

Working Men Club
Pen and Watercolour
Watercolour Paper

Friday, 5th December 2014 - Jamie Oliver's Palmiers with a Twist

I think the cold caused Tim and I to have a minor hibernation. We got up quite late this morning. Tim lured me out of bed with a mug of tea.

I spent many hours finding much more necessary things to do than emulsioning. You know when the mood does not take you? So I hoovered ( I did have guests arriving and we did seem to have most of the leaves from the garden in the house), I put away many bags of shopping from a very jolly Tescos delivery man and made a mountain of puff pasty swirly things with mincemeat in. Eventually I got myself into painting gear and have finished the ceilings......yipppppeeeee.......I hate hate hate ceilings. Tim did the edges for me. The green wall is finished apart from the bits that escaped onto the ceiling - very naughty paint brush I had today.

We are off out for the evening to be fed grouse by John and Innis. I am looking forward to it very much.

Oh the twist was a sprinkling of demerera sugar - such a devil deviating from the recipe. There are meant to be eaten sitting atop a glass of sherry with a dollop of ice cream. Not very practical. I'll just have the sherry.

Jamie Oliver's Palmiers with a Twist
Pen with Watercolour
Watercolour Paper

Thursday, 4th December 2014 - Hetty and Bella visit Father Christmas

After a morning of a bit of painting. I have made my first colour mistake. In my over exuberance and relaxed confidence I have painted the skirting in the bathroom Buttermilk instead of Barley White. They do look very similar in the dim evening light.

We stacked the car with boxes for removals of goods from Canterbury to Benenden in 10 days time.

The spare underlay and carpet holder down strips to Screwfix and replaced them with 200 curtain hooks.

What a lovely afternoon. It has been crisp and chilly. Perfect weather for a trip to see Father Christmas. Tim and I were very impressed. Hetty and Bella a little more reserved. He was a rather muffled very beardy, large nosed chap. But for £4 each they got to decorate a gingerbread man with chocolate (how many did Bella test) while listening to a story read by a very youthful Mrs Christmas. On into the grotto where Bella said she had been naughty and would like a panda for Christmas. Hetty said she would put out a carrot for the reindeer and mince pie with a glass of milk (possible the Benenden one would prefer whiskey) for Santa. And...they got a stocking to put on the end of their beds with pencils, a colouring book and a candy cane. Excellent.

On our way home we dropped by Waitrose to spend our £10 off token on beer, cranberries and pasta. A quick trip to Tesco to collect four curtain poles and many many bags of fruit and vegetables at 10p a bag - good find Tim.

This is as close as Hetty felt safe enough to get.

Hetty Visits Father Christmas

Pen with Watercolour

Watercolour Paper

Bella was a little braver and discussed her toggles.

Bella Visits Father Christmas
Pen with Watercolour
Watercolour Paper

Wednesday, 3rd December 2014 - Game of Thrones Landscape

Today I eventually got around to cleaning the bed and breakfast rooms. I really did not need to spend many minutes chasing the cat from under the beds. She maybe old but she is wirely (just checked the definition of this - having thin, long appendages such as tentacles or proboscis  - not quite what I meant.  I cannot find the word I need even after referring to an online dictionary. She kept sneaking back - I had better check she is still not there ten hours later.

A man came and fitted carpet for Little Holt. Why does it always smell of fish? Looking cosy.

I have had another speedy painting session. I found myself telling myself out loud not to spill the paint on the new carpet. I am pleased that I was alone at his point of the day.

The Apprentice was excellent viewing again.

I am reading the first part of The Game of Thrones - I have not seen the TV programme but am enjoying the fantasies in the book very much. Just up my street.

Game of Thrones Landscape
Winsor and Newton Inks
Watercolour Paper

Monday 1st December 2014 - Little Wenlock

We had a bit of a panic today when Harriet called to say that they maybe moving on Friday, yes, five days time. Good thing Harriet used her silver tongue to persuade them that this was not a feasible idea. It threw me into a panic of painting frenzy, walls, skirting, windows.....there are still doors and more windows, walls, skirting and doors to do. Tim is very calm and is the buckles on my strait jacket and the padding in my cell.

Thank goodness the heating system was delivered today.

Little Wenlock
Pen
Watercolour Paper

Sunday, 30th November 2014 - Liquid Amber Leaves

I had a slow start to the day. I was still in my dressing gown when the Tescos delivery arrived. And only half dressed when The Evans' turned up. But fully dressed when Tim's brother David came for lunch. And still fully clothed for tea and chocolate fairies with Lindsey.

This afternoon us girls cleared leaves in the garden and played with our laughing hen while the boys continued with house renovations. We now have the side of the stairs filled in which makes a very convenient Hetty/Bella sized slide. This makes coming downstairs much speedier.

Tim and I met Tony and Wendy at The Woodcock for an early evening drink. I felt it was time to start practising for the festive season so I had port and lemonade - twice.

Liquid Amber Leaves
Pen with Watercolour
Watercolour Paper

Saturday, 29th November 2014 - Brocante

After tea refreshments Tim and I headed over to a buzzing Three French Hens sale at Silcocks - we bought some cheese and drank coffee.

Back home to painterly tasks. June and Barry came for tea and cake. We sat outside in the sun. Amazing.

Back to the painting. Tim and Brett did a bit of plumbing.

While I was ironing I caught the end of a programme about Slow Loris's (?sp). I saw them on the Isle of Wight and took quite a liking to them. They have a nasty venom that they inflict upon other Loris enemies that eats their flesh. The market in Java where they were being sold for pets was incredibly sad.

Mike and Pippa joined us for Puttanesca and wine.

My picture reflects my rather tired state.

Brocante
Pen and Watercolour
Watercolour Paper

Friday, 28th November 2014 - Christmas Card Preparation

I have succumbed to Black Friday after being bombarded with emails. I have been deliberating over curtain materials and linings. The temptation of 20% off was just too much to resist. Thank goodness I did not get caught in the portrayal on the news of the madness at the shops - I could have broken something.

I had a coffee with my long lost friend Sarah. She still looks just the same after all these days. It was good to catch up.

I visited many many shops in Cranbrook including the Drs and the opticians including the vet and the post office. I think they were very pleased with my custom.

Christmas Card Preparation
Pen, Watercolour and Ink
Watercolour Paper

Thursday, 27th November 2014 - Curried Parsnip Soup

The leaves are falling now we have had a frost. Tim has started the vast job of clearing them - this goes on for many months. The weatherboard is gleaming thanks to Tim and Hetty his little helper. Hetty had been to Benenden Primary School today to have a look around - she took Bella and her parents - they all liked it.

Curried Parsnip Soup
Pen with Watercolour
Watercolour Paper

Wednesday, 26th 2014 - A Plethora of Paint Pots

Tim has left me twice today. Once to go to London and then again to go to Morris. He came home in the middle with a box of delightful vegetables from Adam and Eve. When we found a snail in the cooked duck I had to have chicken instead. Not a pleasant surprise.

We have had the arrival of tile adhesive, paint brushes, kitchen drawer parts along with some other odd looking DIY things.

The Little Wenlock wood burning stove is on its way for Little Holt.

Time to was The Apprentice. I love it, it makes me squirm.

A Plethora of Paint Pots
Quink Ink
Watercolour Paper

Tuesday, 25th November 2014 - Tired Feet

We have had Tim painting, then Roger, then I joined Roger, he left, I carried on and later Tim joined me. The upstairs is looking nearly like a proper house.

I was a flithy dirt bag from all that work and changed into my PJ's and dressing gown to watch The Missing - keeps me on the edge of my seat.

Tired Feet
Pencil
Watercolour Paper

Monday, 24th November 2014 - Frost to Follow

Roger returned today to continue with the painting. I have been quite mean and not allowed him to do any of the colour emulsion as I want to do it.

The roadmap vinyl arrived for the bathroom floor. Unfortunately the helipad is going to be hidden under the bath.

Tim continued with the painting and I went to my art class. The car was frosted up and there is an awful lot of fog out there tonight. The smoke from the chimneys was horizontal due to some weather front I expect.

Frost to Follow
Watercolour
140lb Cloud Texture Fontaine

Sunday, 23rd November 2014 - A Tangle of Evans'

This morning I made a vegetable flan with pastry and everything.

My Tescos man spent a lot of time manually ticking off my chilled goods as he was a basket short - a check in his van and he found it behind number 46. Thank goodness for that.

It has rained all day.

Brett has been back to work on the house. Hetty and Bella helped me pot up my mincemeat while consuming many Baby Bel decorated with Christmas characters. Tim was a little surprised to find that Bella named the persimmon.

I really need to get some new playdough.

This afternoon Chris and Ewen called in on their way back from their cottage at the coast. We headed down to The Bull for a couple of beers and g&t's while the jacket potatoes baked. The flan was ok but I am still not a great fan.

We watched the film Hancock this evening. That is just the way I fly in my dreams.

A Tangle of Evans'
Pen with Watercolour
Watercolour Paper

Saturday, 22nd November 2014 - The Fox and The Greyhound, Keston

Breakfast was included for the five Chinese guests that stayed last night.

Lindsey, Tim and I went on an 80 mile road trip today. It was a bit bizarre. As teenagers they belonged to a youth club in Keston (where I was born and brought up), today it was a reunion with seven. I was a bit on the periphery as I had not been part of that social group but was able to drink the wine and eat the food at the pubs they frequented roughly 30 years ago.

We took a deviation to Wicks in Sevenoaks, passing the house we lived in when the children we toddlers, to get bathroom tiles.

Brett has been busy filling in holes in the floors and hanging a door while we were out playing. Looking good.

We had a couple of drinks in this one....

The Greyhound, Keston
Pen with Watercolour
Watercolour Paper

...followed by lunch here.

The Fox, Keston
Pen with Watercolour
Watercolour Paper

Friday, 21st November 2014 - Twice Smoked

I have had a lovely day. My cold is receding.

I met Elizabeth at The Wealden Times Fair at Bedgebury - very tempting to have a little look at The Gruffalo while I was there.

We spent four hours wandering around the many tents, tasting the alcohol and nibbling on the snacks. I think the Franke's Farmshop won out for lovely tasting treats. We purchased quite a few Christmas presents between us. Thank goodness the size of our breasts prevented us from spending far too much money on any of the charming clothing. It is good to have a 'big breast buddy'.

Tom rang on his way to see Winnie in Leicester for a weekend of relaxation after his six or maybe even his seventh week working at SAIC. I am very much looking forward to seeing him next month.

I have had many gestural derisions from Tim in a very short space of time this afternoon. I have had tutting, puffing, eye-rolling, head shaking, forehead rubbing and something I cannot quite put into words. Maybe I should have not laughed quite so much.

Just back from a lovely meal with the good company of Si and Lesley at The Peacock.

I had smoked salmon followed by smoked haddock. Tasty but I did not think about my fishy smokey choice very carefully did I!!!

Twice Smoked
Permanent Marker
Watercolour Paper

Thursday, 20th November 2014 - No Time

Roger returned to his major painting duties. I did some more undercoating and Tim did a bit of top coating this evening before we ate our fishcakes. I had a little glass of Dino - just to check it was good enough quality for Sarah. I had to have another just to make sure.

Harriet, Brett, Hetty and Bella were over today to look around Benenden Primary School. They could not go due to an Offsted inspection - the school only gets a days notice. Hetty and I walked back from the village together with a trip to the Village Shop for an energy needing lollipop and a visit to the butchers to get Wards minty lamb burgers for their tea. It is quite a long way for little legs. We decided a bench would be a good idea half way.

Hetty helped me make my mincemeat and liked squeezing the oranges and trying the juice. Most of the ingredients had a taste before they went in. It is now steeping for 12 hours before the next stage. It's beginning to smell like Christmas.

The girls had no time to take off their coats after egg collecting before serious play and reading took place.

No Time (Hetty)
Pen with Watercolour
Watercolour Paper

No Time (Bella)
Pen with Watercolour
Watercolour Paper

Wednesday, 19th November 2014 - A Dozen Dinos

Some more tins of paint were delivered today. Roger is doing a great job of not drowning in it.

On my daily visit to the chickens I thought we had lost all the chicks. They were no where to be seen even are my calling and tempting snacks. They had all gone back in there house I presume to the inclement weather rather than being bullied.

Tescos delivered me cold relief drugs that I am hoping will cure my cold overnight. We are preparing for Christmas and I have all the ingredients to make mincemeat for pies (I hope Hetty and Bella will help me with this tomorrow) and many bottles of sparkling wine. I have set one aside for my friend Sarah in an attempt to get her to take time out of her busy schedule of dog sitting and singing to come and see me.

A Dozen Dinos
Watercolour and Metalic Pen
Watercolour Paper

Tuesday, 18th November 2014 - Twenty Litres of Emulsion

Eight pots of emulsion paint arrived today along with a knotty pine door. Keep painting Roger. All the walls and ceilings are now mist coated. I took over after Roger left. Tim made us a yummy pizza for dinner.

I forgot to collect my new glasses.

I forgot to get the tax renewed on the Fiat.

I should have cleaned out the hens and done my bnb rooms but didn't feel like it.

I hope the Ebola crisis abates soon.

Twenty Litres of Emulsion
Pen with Watercolour
Watercolour Paper

Monday, 17th November 2014 - Wet Autumn Day

We have had rain, followed by rain and then a bit more rain today.

Roger has been filling holes in wood and painting for us. This is very much appreciated as I have not been feeling to great with a sore throat, a bit of a cough and painful back teeth. No art for me this evening.

The coloured wall paint is arriving tomorrow.

Oak worktops are due on Friday.

The list of things to do is getting shorter.

I have just finished watching a Panorama programme on Ebola ..... what an evil disease.

Wet Autumn Day
Watercolour
Watercolour Paper

Sunday, 16th November 2014 - Serious Colouring

First time for a while I have cooked breakfast for four guests - delighted that they were staggered.

I had not even cleared the breakfast table before The Evans Family descended and thankful that there were many helping hands, little and large to finish the job. We did lots of reading and playing with quite ancient toughened Playdoh. Bella made a multitude of worms and Hetty found a good use of all my unused cutters.

We let the new chicks out with the old hens - a bit or an 'argy bargy' but nothing too serious - yet. We all got rather muddy.

I have not visited Little Holt today but Harriet said the mist coating I did after two glasses of wine was really ok. It has been a been manic choosing bathroom flooring/tiles, kitchen worktops, paint colours and curtains - well done Harriet and Brett for forging on this evening and getting it all decided. I spent a long time looking at curtain material and got nowhere this evening. The ironing and Strictly Dancing Results were suddenly very important.

We have created a lot of recycling this past two weeks - I felt cleansed relieving myself of five crates plus enormous amounts of cardboard out this evening by torchlight.

And yes, Bella's lip does come out further than her nose when she is concentrating. Love, love, love those girls.

Serious Colouring
Pen with Watercolour
Watercolour Paper

Saturday, 15th November 2014 - Fruity Trio

Brett has been tidying up the rough plaster edges with architrave and skirting. I could not keep up the painting and had to go and do a sneaky bit when he had gone home.

I could have done a painting of Brett or Tim working but decided that fruit was more attractive.

I am having a cup of tea while I blog. Who has eaten all the Hobnobs?

Fruity Trio
Pen with Watercolour
Watercolour Paper

Friday, 14th November 2014 - Astilbe & Sorrel Delivery

It was work for me this morning. I managed admirably - nothing raw or burnt. An excellent start to the day.

I have had a few of deliveries today - one delivering Christmas PJ's for Hetty and Bella (shhh) Another was sample worktops. Tim and I like the more expensive oak - we are thinking about that one.

My best delivery was a surprise of a bunch of beautiful flowers from Sophie at Astilbe & Sorrel with a touching message from Tom. Thank you they are really very lovely and special.

There are some quince at the bottom of the painting just because I like them. They are now in a pheasant stew.

Astilbe & Sorrel Delivery
Pen with Watercolour
Watercolour Paper

Tim did some painting as I 'fart-arseing' about. I did get to paint Harriet's art room wall later but could not continue with the mist coating as the plaster is still drying. The paint peels of if one is too keen with ones painting. Best wait then.

Just Like This
Pen with Watercolour
Watercolour Paper

Thursday, 13th November 2014 - A Loveliness of Ladybirds

I have been mist coating today. It is a bit drippy. I was halted by the plaster not being dry.

The weather is getting cooler and the bugs have been collecting in nocks and crannies inside the house.

And, yes, I looked it up, this is what a collection of ladybirds is called.

A Loveliness of Ladybirds
Pen with Watercolour
Watercolour Paper

Wednesday, 12th November 2014 - Dorset Apple Cake

Yesterday was a day of many men. Today I have had very few - just the postman and a couple of delivery men bringing carpet underlay, paint, brushes, filler and gripper rods. The finishing touches for Little Holt.

I have found a use for a very expensive mop I bought for  a cleaner we had a few years ago who refused to get on her hands and knees to wash the kitchen floor. I have been merrily mopping up the mighty dusty floor in our newly plastered rooms.

Steve Adams arrived (another man yippee) for the evening. He didn't seem too keen on participating with the Weald of Kent Morris practice session this evening but may make it for the drinking at The Peacock. And he brought me flowers.

Dorset Apple Cake
Watercolour
Watercolour Paper

Tuesday, 11th November 2014 - Plastered

I have never had so many men in one day. The Baxi boiler engineer, followed by the Tesco delivery man, next the postman (even though he comes every day but Sunday), Alex and Steve the plasterers who were joined by Bob and Tony later. I am quite exhausted!!!

Bob, Tony, Alex and Steve have spent the last two days with us plastering. They were great guys and very tidy. If you need plastering you need Bob and his team. It is finished already and what an amazing job. It is looking like a real house now.

Plastered
Sharpie Pen and Watercolour
Watercolour Paper

Monday, 10th November 2014 - Bread and Soup

We have been overtaken with plasterers.

Tim made potato and onion soup.

I had a great time at my art class. We are exploring colour combinations. I have found a few that don't work so well.

Bread and Soup
Pen and Watercolour
Watercolour Paper

Saturday, 8th November 2014 - If Only I had Milk

My Carnival tulips are planted in pots as well as some hyacinths - why I bought hyacinths when I don't like them is a mystery.

We had delivery of a post driver today - we can now fence in or out chickens and in the near future grandchildren (from the road and dangers of ponds).

I ran out of milk which was a bit like torture not being able to have copious mugs of tea.

A man came from CarpetRight - we did arrange the appointment. He has measured up for bedroom and stair carpets. Very exciting.

Bob the Plasterer phoned today to let us know he will be arriving at 7.30am on Monday. More excitement.

A trip to Tescos this evening to get much needed milk supplies followed by a quick trip to see Mike and Pippa and check on their building situation - looking good and very muddy.

This evening we watched The Best Exotic Hotel Marigold - what a wonderful film.

If Only I had Milk
Watercolour
Watercolour Paper

Friday, 7th November 2014 - Tail Free Chicks

The optician gave my eyes a clean bill of health, apart from double astigmatism, one short sighted, one long sighted and one a little lazy. I sound like a multi eyed being. I now have to wait for my varifocals to be made and have 90 days to get used to them.

The Cranbrook Art Show was worth a visit this afternoon.

I have loaded the car with rubbish to take to the dump tomorrow morning. What a Saturday morning treat.

Rolls of pipe, pipe insulation, pipe caps and bendy things arrived today. Tim has a busy weekend ahead of him.

Our new chickens have survived their first night battling bravely with the wind and rain. Two have rather deformed feet. Hopefully they will straighten out. Makes them a bit hobbly at the moment. None of them have not grown any tails yet.

Tail Free Chicks
Watercolour
Waterolour Paper

Thursday, 6th November 2014 - Si Sausage Packing

The new chicken house and run has been treated for rot and red mite attack. It is now built and residing in the confines of the electric fence. We collected four chickens - will they be hens or cocks? They are still cheeping likes chicks so no telling what the future holds yet. Si has hatched them for us. We celebrated their collection with beer, wine, bread and cheese. I hope there are not too many casseroles in the future.

We dropped by Asda for beer and mushy peas, an electrical shop which did not stock the four core control cable we needed and Carpet Right for .... carpet. We have found delightful carpet for Little Holt but apparently must hurry and decide if we want it before Christmas. Really!!! So much pressure.

Si Sausage Packing

Pen with Watercolour

Recycled Card

Wednesday, 5th November 2014 - Night Inspection

A chicken house was delivered today - two very big flat packs - Tom we miss you!!! We were very brave putting it together in the temperature dropping weather.

We nipped over to see Mike and Pippa's building works. It makes me feel so much better than there are others on the planet experiencing the same extension dilemmas.

The house smelt of the strawberry jam I made this morning. This evening it is spiced banana chutney. What a domestic angel I am.

Got to go as The Apprentice is just about to start. Tim is at Morris practice so I have the television to myself. Lovely.

Night Inspection
Pen with Watercolour
Recycled Card

Tuesday, 4th November 2014 - Old Favourite

My day started in the dark and it seems a long one.

A bit of cleaning, lots of ironing and some gardening entertained me today.

The series on BBC called Missing is excellent.

Tim and I used to have papaya with a squeeze of lime in our younger days. It is good to discover its deliciouness again.

Old Favourite
Quink Ink and Watercolour
Watercolour Paper

Monday, 3rd Novemner 2014 - Shades of Grey

Todays picture sort of matches the weather and my mood.

My art class was great fun.

Shades of Grey
Pencil
Recycled Paper

Sunday, 2nd November 2014 - Great Aunty and Great Nieces

The Evans' came over today bringing five pots for my spring bulbs. A rainy morning prevented outdoor play. Bella liked to open the door and check the status of the weather at frequent intervals.

Lindsey came for mint tea and a play. She got a cuddly goodbye.

Hetty and Bella were playing with some sticks in the garden. Bella got hers caught in her wellington which made her go round in circles. She said she was dancing. A very funny sight. Maybe it was one of those moments you had to be there to appreciate.

Tim and I ate homemade curry (two types) while watching Dr Who on Iplayer - I do love the Cybermen - they scare me to bits.

Great Aunty and Great Nieces
Pen with Watercolour
Watercolour Paper

Saturday, 1st November 2014 - Early Birds

While filling the bird feeder yesterday some of the nuts missed. While my morning mug of tea was brewing I watched the magpies gathering them up for me.

I was meant to be helping with the building works today but my excuse is there was not enough room for me as well as Brett, Tim, a pile of plasterboard, a heap of tools and a mountain of insulation - so I watched the ends of some pipes in case they leaked air or water. They did neither.

It was another mighty warm day. I took my Kindle and lounged for a bit in the garden.

We went for an early evening drink at The Bell and Jorrocks with Nick, Tony, Wendy, Alan (Mary was puppy sitting Millie their new addition at home), Tim, Nick again (he went and came back) and Suzy before heading home for soupy stew and a rather flat but tasty homemade loaf of bread.

Early Birds
Watercolour
Gesso on Mountboard

Friday, 31st October 2014 - Hottest Halloween

It has been reported to be the hottest October 31st since records began. I took advantage and ate my lunch outside and read my Kindle storing in the suns rays for the long cold winter months ahead.

I had a 'day of duties' as my Mum refers to a day of domestic jobs.

My guests have eaten the brownie I made, and so has Tim.

I am delighted that Harriet has been thoroughly spoilt by Brett today with a trip to Emma Hellier in Bexhill for hair and nails - without the girls. Well deserved my lovely - looking even more gorgeous.

It is far too early to be thinking about Christmas....unless it is time to book The Santa Special on the steam railway for Hetty and Bella with Great Grandma ... feeling a little bit excited.

Hottest Halloween
Watercolour
Watercolour Paper

Thursday, 30th October 2014 - The Festival Spiegeltent

After some swift breakfasts for guests I headed to Canterbury passing Brett on the way. Hetty and I completed ten puzzles - Bella was busy playing with her animals and napping. Harriet provided us with delicious snacks.

Harriet had a puzzle of her own getting the girls car seats back together and then into the car. We headed over to the other side of Canterbury to watch a theatre production of Country Owl and Town Squirrel - the girls enjoyed it very much. There were many of their friends there. It was held in an amazingly beautiful tent with mirrors on the poles - now that was interesting. On the way back we visited the animals at the pet shop followed by a quick dash around Morrisons before heading to Riverbend for tea, stories and bed.

I drove through intermittent fog home to find more insulation, plaster boarding and wiring had been done.

The Festival Spiegeltent

Pen with Watercolour

Watercolour Paper

Wednesday, 29th October 2014 - Wood and Wires

Not much to blog about today from me.

Brett and Tim are still working many hours on the house.

Wood and Wires
Pen and Watercolour
Watercolour Paper

Tuesday, 28th October 2014 - Blackcurrant and Apricot Jam

A boiler engineer came to fix our ailing boiler which was intermittent in its production - this evening it has given up completely - no hot water - nor heating. Excellent job.

I have cleared my freezer of vintage fruit and made jam. The apricot was volcanic. Tim came to the rescue as it expelled itself from the pan onto the cooker. The blackcurrant was voluminous in quantity but much better behaved.

There are some very good series on the TV. We enjoyed Intruders very much this evening. I think Brett has gone home after a long day working on Little Holt.

Blackcurrant and Apricot Jam
Watercolour
Recycled Card

Monday, 27th October 2014 - Coffee and Cake

I left Brett insulating and Tim DIYing and met Sarah and Linda for a chatty coffee at Hartley Dyke Coffee House. There is a nice new farmshop attached to it. And even nicer to see Ian behind the butchers counter.

Harriet's (in fact it is The Evans' but I am guessing it will be mostly used by Harriet) kitchen sink and taps arrived. It looks rather lovely....and clean.

I seem to spend quite a bit of time moving things around trying to find a final destination.

A discussion involving mothers was taking place. Hence the serious expressions.

Coffee and Cake
Pen and Watercolour
Watercolour Paper

Sunday, 26th October 2014 - Hemsted Forrest

I love the extra hour in bed - guilt free lie-in.

Brett has insulated, plaster boarded and started to build a new wall. A lot done a lot to do.

Tony and Wendy collected us for a walk in the woods. We were chatting a lot and relied on Tim and his directions. We got a little bit lost. I heard on Gardeners Question time today that there are 25 ways to navigate by looking at a tree, unfortunately none of us knew any of them. Two and a half hours later as the sun was setting we arrived back home. It was a great walk.

Hemsted Forrest
Pen with Watercolour
Watercolour Paper

Saturday, 25th October 2014 - The Gruffulo Trail

We did not emerge from our bed until nearly 9am - how decadent are we. It was a timber delivery that  got us up.

A had one trip to the refuse lorry in the village with many sacks of rubbish from the building works. Then I went back again with an old dishwasher, bike and microwave - the metal salvage people were pleased to see me.

I have had a lovely afternoon with Harriet, Hetty and Bella. We went on a Gruffalo Trail at Bedgebury Pinetum at a very sedate pace followed by a trip to the play area. 

We got back home to have tea and birthday lemon meringue pie (very yummy) made by Harriet accompanied by some beautiful singing from Hetty.

A riot of television has entertained me while I cooked dinner, ate dinner and painted.

The Gruffalo Trail

Pen and Watercolour

Watercolour Paper

Friday, 24th October 2014 - The Kitty Fisher

A very Happy 56th Birthday to Tim.

After many many many months of deliberation I eventually purchased a new Barbour Jacket for Tim, accompanied by a jar of homemade pickled eggs and a new electric toothbrush - he seemed very happy with his presents. I did good.

We met with Mike, Pippa, Si and Lesley for a quick birthday drink at The Kitty Fisher. We ambled home at gone 10.30pm so the planned dinner did not materialise and we settled for toast and yesterdays leftovers.

The Kitty Fisher
Pen with Watercolour
Recycled Cartd

Thursday, 23rd October 2014 - Fuchsia and Rose

I am without guests this evening and for a few days to come.

A rather lovely white china kitchen sink is on its way for The Evans' new home.

There is very little flowering in the garden at the moment but a did find a few beauties.

Fuchsia and Rose
Pen and Coloured Ink
Watercolour Paper

Wednesday, 22nd October 2014 - BACS at The Bull

A bit of a chilly day but I kept warm hoovering and gardening.

Early evening we went to The Bull to celebrate 25 years of the Benenden Amenity and Countryside Society with drinks and nibbles. A few people we knew. It was a nice evening for a walk to and fro - the road was a bit busy.

I am enjoying watching The Apprentice in a cringey sort of way.

BACS at The Bull
Pen
Watercolour Paper

Tuesday, 21st October 2014 - Shhh - Birthday Pickled Eggs

I made Tiffin and flapjacks for my guests - they did not want any tea and or biscuits. We have plenty if you want any.

I have made bread for guests - I think they will like that with breakfast.

It is Tim's birthday on Friday. I have doing some preparations and wrapping today. I love birthdays.

Shhh - Birthday Pickled Eggs
Pen

Monday, 20th October 2014 - Foliage Frottage

Tim is home from Atlanta..

I collected leaves from our garden and they had a few hours in a press before being released at my art class.

Foliage Frottage
Derwent Aquatone Pencils
Cartridge Paper