Saturday, 28th February 2015 - Gorgeous Gift

We have packed for our upcoming holiday. I have managed to squeeze in loads of painting necessities along with a few items of not so important clothing.

The Weald of Kent Morris celebrated many years of togetherness. There was a debate as to how long. 27 or 28 years seem to be the most popular. Twenty four of us were at The Green Cross. The slow cooked beef was delicious. There were toasts to the Queen, a historical speech, a thirteen hundred slideshow of very similar Morris dancing poses, amazing singing from Emily, body tingling singing from Michael and some rather charming music from a variety of talented musicians with a bit more singing. I was presented with a huge gorgeous bunch of flowers and Tim the components for a raspberry pie (a packet of pastry with a tin of custard and raspberries - very clever) - the Raspberry Pie computer on its way. Very lovely gifts. Tim is the real force behind the Weald I am lucky to benefit too.

Gorgeous Gift

Pen with Watercolour

Cloud Texture 140lb clairfontaine

Friday, 27th February 2015 - Eight Chickens and One Cockerel

The sun drew me out into the garden and further on to collect 19 eggs. In two days from 8 hens something odd is going on. They are no longer laying their eggs in poo. I have lots of muck in my runner bean trench. Really, really it was not that bad. They are very happy. Just a bit wet due to the rain and mud.

Hetty and Bella went to a birthday party this afternoon. It was one and a half hours of total delight and stimulation. They came home needing to switch off. Well done Harriet for reading their rather tender temperaments.

I have accumulating piles of packing for our holiday. Do I really need so much art stuff? I would prefer to go knicker free and have an extra watercolour brush.

Eight Chickens and One Cockerel
Watercolour and Indian Ink
Watercolour Paper

Thursday, 26th February 2015 - Gorse Sprig

If can't find me I am in my studio. Love my new space.

Tim's cough has been joined by sneezes. Hopefully this is the 'getting worse before it gets better' part.

Mum told me she was feeling unwell this week but managed a trip into Rye. After her shopping she stopped in a cafe (does a very good cup of tea for £1). She did not have her glasses so got the waitress to count out the change in her purse. The waitress returned offering mum a pastry for free. I think they thought she was hard up. She thinks it was because she was looking ill. Yes, she accepted the bun but asked for it to be put in a bag for her to take home. She gave it to the decorator. Is this good practice???  I don't know whether to laugh or worry.

Gorse Sprig
Pen
Watercolour Paper

Wednesday, 25th February 2015 - Flocks and Herds

I have a new device. A little black Bolse box. It is a speaker with bluetooth that I can play my music and radio through my iPad wirelessly. It gives a most pleasing sound. Tim spent quite a bit of time putting many CDs onto my iPad. Last night I did a bit of syncing with my MacBook Air - whoops it has deleted all my music from my iPad. I have turned it to manual sync now. It won't take him long to reinstall them.

There are many sheep in the field opposite our house. They look at you with mysteriousness if you get too near then gently wander away. The smell from the gorse bushes reminds me of walks around the fishponds in Keston when I was a child.

Flocks and Herds
Pen with Watercolour
Watercolour Paper

Tuesday, 24th February 2015 - Life Drawing

I have been entertained by little Bella today. She is very busy. Hetty joined in when she got home from her full day at playgroup. They decorated little cakes with very colourful butter icing - it was sticky, it was not too messy and lovely to see them enjoying something so simple.

Mum is going on a cruise with Chris in the summer. Great idea. She is not getting off the boat because of her feet troubles. I could go into detail about her corns and hard skin but thought it best not to. She told me Chris will go on the excursions and tell her about them. Really? What? Surely this is not normal.

Harriet suggested I join her at her life drawing class this evening. I got email confidence from my tutor and went along. I frowned a lot.

Life Drawing
Pencil and Watercolour
Cartridge Paper

Monday, 23rd February 2015 - Biscuit Swap

I love our new neighbours. We caught up on weekend gossip over a coffee and Playdoh.

Harriet uses lettuce leaves instead of savoury biscuits. They are really very tasty with smoked salmon pate.

My art class project this evening was drawing using line, perspective and pattern - sounds easy? I am exhausted. I took along my still life painting for critic. Caroline gave me advice on how to correct my muddy mistake. I will work on that tomorrow. I have chosen to do portraits for my next piece - oh dear that means facial features. I did suggest doing one from a back view - no, I thought that was not an option.

Biscuit Swap
Watercolour
Watercolour Paper

Sunday, 22nd February 2015 - Wild Crocuses and Empty Snail Shells

The brambles in the woods have been minimally reduced this afternoon.

I made a very unusual meal this evening. A low GL so the book said. Lentil bottom, aubergine fried in coconut oil middle and a hummus and egg topping. It was very tasty with a touch of dijon mustard.

I am loving the new art programme on BBC. 6pm on a Sunday - kind of guess what audience it is aimed at. Me for one.

Wild Crocuses and Empty Snail Shells
Watercolour
Watercolour Paper

Saturday, 21st February 2015 - Mossy Bottom

While still in bed we were descended upon by two little girls - it was gone 8am - to be shown that it was snowing. It looked great - for a short while.

I had an afternoon appointment to watch Frozen with popcorn, meringues, blueberries, tea and the same two little girls who were excited by the snow this morning. It is rather a good film. Cristophe is gorgeous. Shame he is an animation.

The trees in the woods have grown an incredibly beautiful coating of moss at their bases. I had heard on Gardeners Question Time that moss is extensive this year. It is quite magical looking.

The hens are laying rather productively.  Jane kindly took a dozen today to lighten our egg basket.

This afternoon I took to my studio. I had an excellent time with my acrylic paint, card, wool, palette knife and imagination. Just perfect.

A couple of glasses of cold white wine this evening ended a very charming day.

Mossy Bottom
Watercolour
Watercolour Paper

Friday, 20th February 2015 - Too Much Nigel

It was a day of two outings.

The first to Cocolicious to meet with Sarah and Jane, who has returned from visiting her daughters and grandchildren in Australia. Very good coffee and chocolate cake and coffee. It was good to discuss the highs and lows of art classes with Jane.

I purchased some very dangerous looking sewing needles and a box of dressmaking pins to continue my curtain project. Finished in time to get them on the rails for bedtime. Great going Grandma.

The second outing was to The Holt at Salehurst for a late Valentines meal (not terribly intimate with a crowd)) with Sarah, Nigel, Mike and Karen. There seemed to be some overpayment problem with the bill. Could have been the fault of the rather astringent brandy do you think Nigel?

Too Much Nigel
Pen with watercolour
Watercolour Paper

Thursday, 19th February 2015 - Cats and Sheep

I managed to get Mum to confess to me that she does not want to move. What a relief I found out before having to hear a sales pitch from McCarthy and Stone. Let someone else have the apartment who is going to take delight in it. Am I sounded a little harsh? I don't like being hoodwinked.

The curtains for Hetty and Bella are coming on beautifully. Just the hem to do.

Cats and Sheep
Watercolour
Watercolour Paper

Wednesday, 18th February 2015 - Prezzo

The weather looked fine and sunny, so we opened the back door, then closed it again. Bit premature with our hot weather expectations. That blue sky is deceptive with its beauty.

It was book group this evening. We discussed The Lifeboat - not one of my favourite books. There seemed to be a bit missing but just my opinion. Sarah got money off vouchers for Prezzo making it a bargain night out. It was packed when we arrived. Aaaah it is half term that explains all those young ones. The service was interestingly brusque and the second cup of coffee hot.

Prezzo
Pen with Watercolour
Watercolour Paper

Tuesday, 17th February 2015 - Frozen Hearts

As soon as my guests were out the door Harriet, Hetty, Bella and I headed to Cocolicious for pancakes and teddy biscuits. I did a fine job of eating what they didn't want. The maple and bacon ones were good. Not so sure about the rose and pistachio cheesecake. Bit too rosy. They have a great basket of toys if you ever go in there with little ones. We took the girls up to the park for a run around and realised we were pushing them while they rested on the swings.

Back home just in time for the arrival of Mum and Lindsey. We had tea and crumbly date cake. There were no slipper socks in M&S so they were replaced with chocolate lollies - I think a more popular choice made by Great Aunty. An awful lot of reading took place.

I have stocked myself up on more pancakes this evening. Well, I could neglect Tim could I?

Frozen Hearts
Pen with Watercolour
Watercolour Paper

Monday, 16th February 2015 - Just There

Now I have studio space I have room for all my gorgeous art books. They had a systemetic thorough cull - of one. It may as well join the others.

I have had a headache on and off today....

Just There
Pen with Watercolour
Watercolour Paper

Sunday, 15th February 2015 - White Grapes

My plan chest is back from the garage along with some rather mouldy paintings - bit damp out there. My studio is looking good it even has a bath.

A bit of gardening this afternoon produced some lovely large pink worms for Hetty to feed the chickens.

This evening Tim and I met with Ewen and Chris for a birthday curry at Gram Spice. Take your Taste card and get the food half price. So we did. Next stop The Milkhouse for an after curry coffee. If you are looking for young men they are all at the pub. Hardly a girl in sight. I had to prod the grape hyacinths on the table to check if they were real. They were.

White Grapes
Watercolour
Watercolour Paper

Saturday, 14th February 2015 - Love ???

We have moved into our new bedroom. The third bedroom in the house in less than a year. I am not doing it again for a very long while.

There was an exchange of secret admirers gifts today. I got strawberry laces from Hetty and Bella. Not so secret but we could share them. Tim got a basket of lychees and passion fruit from someone very lovely. It is ok we discovered some chocolate Christmas tree decorations keeping the health ratio down to normal Valentine levels.

We watched a very enthralling film this evening which has delayed my blogging as it took most of my concentration disabling my painting ability. I am still pondering the confusing ending.

I wonder if there is a ring in my tin of mints???

Love ???
Pen with Watercolour
Watercolour Paper

Friday, 13th February 2015 - Not What I Intended

Emulsion completed. We are moving in tomorrow.

We had an early evening drink with Mike, Pippa and John at The Three Chimneys. Very very nice white wine.

The scrambled eggs and salmon were an easy meal when one is feeling a little leggless.

I had a different picture planned and finished but a giggle from someone along with the suggestion that I still needed tuition with faces has put it in the bin. Harsh critic but true.

Not What I Intended
Pen with Watercolour
Watercolour Paper

Thursday, 12th February 2015 - Tools of Obliteration

Paloma Faith, Adele and James Blunt joined me on my decorating task. I need get some more tunes. The Pale Gold I have chosen for our bedroom is a light orange - I seem to be in a time loop.

My tea break at Little Holt included an interesting game of pass the parcel. A box is passed around, (a bit heavy for Bella to manage) when the Backson song stops you take out a toy. When it finishes you can play with your gathered toys. We are planning birthday parties. One for a two-to-be year old and another for a thirty-to-be year old. I love a party. Mum is making a cake - should be interesting.

I was amused while listening to the radio to hear that the Fire Brigade are prepared for more call outs due to the film Fifty Shades of Grey being released at the weekend. They are expecting a higher number of people getting stuck in handcuffs!!!

Tools of Obliteration
Pen
Paper

Wednesday, 11th February 2015 - Eggs and Fruit Froosions

The problem with buying cheap painting pads is they take off much of the paint that has been previously applied. Damn frustrating. When I get my layer of Pale Gold over the top of the boring cream which is fending off a bright orange I think it will all be fine.

Tom sent me a bit jittery today. He had his Viva for his PhD. Hours and hours and hours after the start time we eventually heard that all had gone well. A very stressful experience for a parent. Well done Tom you are nearly at the finish. You have a very proud family.

Our mighty handsome beast of a cockerel may not be with us much longer. He is becoming rather confident. A bit of feather ruffling and strutting went on at Brett today.

I was delighted to watch The Great British Comic Bake-off this evening.

Tom Twyman is back in my fan (tasy) book after posting a rather lovely song on Facebook. Gorgeous.

Eggs and Fruit Froosions
Pen, Watercolour and Ink
Watercolour Paper

Tuesday, 10th February 2015 - Happy Man and His Van

I am wishing Tom all the very very best for tomorrow. Don't drink too much alcohol tonight or coffee tomorrow. We are with you my lovely with lots of love and hugs. Remember to breeeath.

Today I have eventually got around to tackling decorating Tom's-soon-to-be-our-room. What a lot of Blue-tak and its stains, accompanied by spiders and webs. Gone, all gone. First coat of paint to obliterate the charming orange done. I am sure my 'motion sensitive' Sure helped. Really?!? I do wonder what they are trying to sell us with these products.

A couple of tea/biscuit breaks with my gorgeous funny family next door have kept me going. 

I am at home this evening while Tim whoops it up a black-tie awards dinner in London. I have had chicken with a glass of rose wine so not so bad.

Brett has taken his new self employed status at full speed. He has a van, tools and much work. Well done that man. Anyone need timber restoration done get in touch.

Happy Man and His Van

Pen

Watercolour Paper

Monday, 9th February 2015 - Cakes at Cocolicious

I love Monday's.

The first delight of today was meeting up with Sarah. We had to have a second coffee. One was not enough time catch up with all our stories. I was very restrained and avoided having the Mabel cake - I hope Mabel did not mind.

I visited the chemist to get some face moisturiser. I came home with half price L'Oreal Revitalift which promises me firm skin with a bounce. I should have got a bigger jar I can think of many more body parts that could benefit from that kind of result.

My second delight of the day was going to my art class. I got totally engrossed in my own world with my acrylic paint. Fantastic feeling. I love it more than a gin and tonic.

Cakes at Cocolicious
Pen with Watercolour
Watercolour Paper

Sunday, 8th February 2015 - Sunday Lunch

I am not good at functioning after less than eight hours sleep, I really like nine, so with little more than five and a half last night I think I performed my breakfast duties to a very high standard.

Tim and Brett have made a stepping stone path to try and avoid the ingress of mud into Little Holt. Harriet cooked us yummy homemade burgers for lunch. We ate together in The Evans home which had been nicely warmed by a lightly purring wood burner. Paddington was discussed. Hetty would very much like to go back to the cinema but not to see Paddington. Bella said it was 'very serious'. Some of it was!!!

This evening has been a peaceful affair. This week the births went uninterrupted.

Sunday Lunch
Pen with Watercolour
Watercolour Paper

Saturday, 7th February 2015 - Move Over Tom Twyman

Tim and I took Hetty and Bella to Paddington. The Kids Club is a bargain at £6.50 for one adult and one child. We watched about three quarters of the film, I should have been more perceptive to Hetty wiping her occasional tear .... a sudden explosion, smoke and fire was just too much. Great film but more suitable for the age six plus viewer. A packet of sweets seemed to help the trauma.

The Police were taking finger prints outside Budgens. Bella declined. I had her sticker and was offered a job as a Police Support Volunteer - I declined this time - maybe in the future.

I had 'on-time' guests. Always excellent.

This evening we were invited to see Steve Knightly from Show of Hands at Ade and Anna's. I have to admit I have never heard of the band. Tim did a bit of research on Spotify. Steve was excellent. His cuatro, tenor guitar, string guitar and octive mandolin were beautiful. Adrian had won him in a charity auction. We were entertained, fed and then entertained some more. I have fallen in love with his voice. Very strong and romantic in a moody sort of way. I now have a CD to remind me of our time together.

Move Over Tom Twyman
Pen with Watercolour
Watercolour Paper

Friday, 6th February 2015 - Arctic Trampolining

I was rewarded (I am not sure what for) with a fine sprinkling of snow this morning.

It was good to talk with Tom. I do miss him and his fridge cleansing appetite. All the best of luck for next Wednesday my gorgeous boy.

I had Hetty on my lap while I was replying to a bed and breakfast enquiry. Just a slight sideways slip of the righthand and - 'night' can easily become 'bugger'. Good thing I mostly read my emails before sending them.

Hetty helped me plant my ten bargain polyanthus. It was a rather speedy violent exercise. She certainly has an expert technique of removing them from their pots, sometimes with most of the soil. Fortunately the majority of them had a good root ball to hold themselves together.

Tim joined us in the garden and warmed up nicely on the trampoline. Great afternoon entertainment from those viewing. Someone was complaining of cold feet and it was not the girls!

Arctic Trampolining
Pen with Watercolour
Watercolour Paper

Thursday, 5th February 2015 - Short, Sharp, Snow Shower

We have had snow!!!

All 20 minutes of it this afternoon. Harriet and I grappled the girls into coats and wellies. We took full advantage, writing in it, making footprints and looking under a microscope. I don't think I have ever taken so much joy in the delights of such a short snow shower. I recommend a grandchild or two to make you see the small lovely things about us.

We have a glut of eggs. I searched for a recipe and found one in a shabby chic copy of Delia Smith's Frugal Food cookbook. Poached eggs enveloped in spinach soufflé. I reduced our clutch by ten.

Short, Sharp, Snow Shower
Watercolour
Watercolour Paper

Wednesday, 4th February 2015 - Blue Trees

I collected Hetty from Mr Noah's Playgroup. We did a bit village shopping to get gifts for the sick, a few sweets seemed to have slipped into our basket. I got a peanut butter Twix - I hope Brett appreciates it. I wish it was mine.

I am enjoying Wolf Hall immensely.

I maybe giving myself brain damage with my painting. I hold my breath in concentration.

Blue Trees
Watercolour
Watercolour Paper

Tuesday, 3rd February 2015 - Finest January King

Following feeding my bladder consultant - a guest not personal - Harriet, Bella and I headed over the Ashford to hear good if not brusk news from Harriet's rheumatologist. She is doing amazingly well - I am very proud.

Matalan proved entertainment for a worrying long amount of time. We purchased some very useful delights including a new bin for Little Holt and some voluminous tops for myself and very essential Frozen cutlery for Hetty. Bella was jolly but we should have seen the warning signs of not wanting any snacks or treats. An incredible amount of vomit later proved that she was not feeling so good.

Tim was showing me the rather gorgeous hotel he has booked for his trip to Atlanta. I exuded not a hint of jealously/fed upness or pissed offness that I am not going. He has booked us a weeks break next month to France.

Silent Witness causes a lot of concentrated frowning from myself and the actors.

Finest January King
Watercolour
Watercolour Paper

Monday, 2nd February 2015 - Wall Shadows

A bright morning was causing some amazing shapes on the walls.

I have move the boxes I moved from Tom's room into the dining room back into Tom's move. Fruitless and frustrating. I am sure Mr Moore will appreciate it.

I had a lovely time observing the girls playing this afternoon. Hetty wrapped animals in Playdoh clothing and Bella had a rhinoceros and a hippopotamus (we could not find the tortoise) falling down the stairs in the dollhouse.

I had a great time at my art class. I am covered in acrylic paint. A huge work in progress.

Wall Shadows
Watercolour
Watercolour Paper

Sunday, 1st February 2015 - Ivy and Bramble

I missed the delight of falling snow due to my eyes being shut. The first I knew about the morning was a mug of tea at my bedside.

Tim and I looked after the little ones briefly. They returned to their parents with Frozen tattoos.

Today I spent part of it on my knees removing weeds and anything else that looked far too hearty to be a plant in the garden at this time of year. Who needs scented candles when you have the slight aroma of septic tank nearby. Much more country. Tim joined me this afternoon and we did some mammoth bramble extraction.

It was fortunate that the Tesco delivery arrived this evening between very difficult births.

Ivy and Bramble
Pen with Watercolour
Watercolour Paper