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