Thursday, 30th April 2015 - Fairlight Sea Defence

I had a snoring bed buddy (not such a buddy this morning) who disturbed my need to sleep. I prised my eyes open and managed to serve delightful guests with a charming breakfast.

Facebook keeps distracting me from my day with pictures of Aidan in various states of undress.

We took a road trip to Aldi with Tim's Mum. I am looking forward to sampling the tins of herring in pineapple and curry sauce.

Fairlight Sea Defence

Watercolour

Watercolour Paper

Wednesday, 29th April 2015 - Mayday Decorations in Waiting

Tim and I have been rummaging in the hedgerows for hawthorn blossom which is necessary to wear in one's Morris hat on Mayday. We have found some in bud and have it on a sunny windowsill willing some flowers to burst.

There is a plan for a community shop in Benenden. Harriet and I went to a packed meeting with much information. Most interesting. We had a debrief in The Bull over a glass of white wine. 

Mayday Decorations in Waiting

Pen with Watercolour

Watercolour Paper

Tuesday, 28th April 2015 - Life Drawing Brain Block

While I was ironing piles of sheets I watched a dance competition programme. It was all to do with Streetdance. I have heard of HipHop and Breakdance but Popping, Locking and Krump are all new to me. I think I may try a bit of Krumping at the next party I go to.

Harriet and I went to the life drawing class. I had a bit of a concentraion problem - there has to be some excuse for the 'interesting' work I produced. 

Life Drawing  Brain Block

Mixed Media

Cartridge Paper

Monday, 27th April 2015 - Three of Four Treasures

Tom has returned from Shanghai and via Alan, who kindly took his slippers to Birmingham, we have gifts. I am looking forward to delving into mine soon. I will have to wait for Tom to visit China again first. He forgot to bring back one of my four treasures, I have the brushes, ink and stone but no paper. Harriet and I went to a class at West Dean many years ago now where we were taught Sumi-e painting. If we had not been I would have no idea what to do with my little box.

At my art class this evening some of the girls were discussing Poldark. Apparently they watched it because of the gorgeous scenery. Yeah, right!!! 

Three of Four Treasures

Pen with Watercolour

Watercolour Paper

Sunday, 26th April 2015 - Michael's Fertility on Test

My guests did not need me too early this morning which was gorgeous.

I snuck in a bit of play with Hetty and Bella. I think I need more practise as I can't keep up with them both at the same time. Bella likes some rather complicated books we have got. It is ok reading to her because she just listens. Hetty joined us and asked me many questions that needed someone rather more informed to answer.

Tim and I both made it for a walk across the fields and not so far away.

We have a broody hen. Harriet collected some eggs from Michael. Since the loss of our cockeral our eggs would be of no use for hatching. 

Michael's Fertility on Test

Pen with Watercolour

Watercolour Paper

Saturday, 25th April 2015 - Wren Flower

I continued in my weed removal task. I quite like this little beauty but it is growing where I don't want it and rather delightful in its ease of removal. In the bucket it goes. I have found out it have many names. I am not so sure about Death-Come-Quickly or Stinking Bob.

Nigel and Sarah were delayed in their early evening drinks with us. They visited the newly openend Goudhurst Inn but left shortly after due to the vast number of children. £15 for two drinks could have possibly contibuted another reason. We had a rather fine evening which improved after the arrival of Tescos and my guests so I could fully relax into my wine.

Wren Flower

Pen and Watercolour

Watercolour Paper

Friday, 24th April 2015 -- Eyed up by a Ewe

Elizabeth and I viisted Hole Park this afternoon. We managed lots of catching up along with a touch of gossip. My Barham had sent me a voucher giving us free entry, tea and cake. This presentation of this caused quite a bit of confusion from some of the (possibily volunteers) staff. The bluebells are stunning.

I went for a peaceful walk over the fields and through a watchful field of sheep and lambs.

Eyed up by a Ewe

Pencil

Watercolour Paper

Thursday, 23rd April 2015 - Bacon

Hetty and Bella came to say goodbye before their trip to London Zoo. They both commented on the smell and headed for the grill where I was cooking bacon for my guests and made me feel very guilty that it was not for them.

Brett and Harriet are celebrating their fourth wedding anniversary.

Another baby boy had been added to the Dwyer family.

Tim and some of The Weald of Kent Morris had a few minutes of fame on Radio Kent this morning. Tim will be ever reminded about the flock of sheep and number two incidents.

I met Alan and Tim for an early afternoon meeting at The Peacock.

This evening I celebrated St George's Day by watching The Weald of Kent Morris dancing at The Hopbine.

I had been given some lavender biscuits by my brother. I ate a couple with a mug of tea this afternoon. If you took a bit out of an old lady I imagine it would taste very similar. I am not a great fan of lavender.

Bacon

Pen with Watercolouor

Watercolour Paper

Wednesday, 22nd April 2015 - Walking Companion

Mike and Pippa are the proud grandparents to little Archie. Congratualtion. We helped them celebrate with a couple of drinks at The Woolpack. Tim and I are lucky to have our two little ones so nearby. Bella was watching the blossom fall from a tree and said it was magic. We are are lucky to be delighted with many many of these moments.

Tim joined me for a walk today. It is good to have the company. I am not sure that it has improved his back. I maybe out on my own again tomorrow.

Tuesday, 21st April 2015 - Seagull on the Wall

The shadows cast on the walls by the early morning sun were amazing. I was almost late serving breakfast due to following them around with my camera.

Harriet, Bella and I went to Peggaty's Tea Rooms in Tenterden. We were treated to a belated birthday tea by Pippa. I tried to share my two fruit scones, strawberry jam and clotted cream with Bella but she declined in favour of a book so I ended up having to eat it all myself. It can be tough being a Grandma. Harriet's anklet present did not fit round her ankle but mine did so we swapped and I was pleased to find that the anklet was indeed a bracelet. It can be tough being a Grandma!!

This evening while I walked on my own I considered something. Excited? I wondered if you walked the same distance but once you went faster so took less time and another slower, yes, so taking longer, would you use the same number of calories. Any thoughts on this intriguing matter?

Seagull on the Wall

Watercolour

Watercolour Paper

Monday, 20th April 2015 - Tulips

I am not so sure about my tulips this year but everyone else seems to delight in them so maybe I am being too harsh about their display.

I have sold two painting to some charming guests. I rather like having a blank space on the wall. The fact that a picture has been sold could possibly tempt purchases before they are all gone.

I failed to finish my portrait of Tom for my art class. I need to spend time in consideration before applying paint to the canvas. We were given a drawing exercise this evening to tone up our perspective skills - damn it was difficult. There were an awful lot of grumbling rumbling around the class.

Tulips

Indian Ink and Watercolour

Watercolour Paper

Sunday, 19th April 2015 - Ross Poldark

A 'Ground Hog Day' today. I have been round many cirlces.

Tim and I took a botttle and a painting I had done of Michael plucking our cockeral and visited Michael, Emily, Gabriel and Primrose in their new home. It is spankingly refurbished with a side of new. Fantastic rural location but minutes from the village. I should be an estate agent.

Elizabeth phoned to catch up on our ailments and news. She enquired about  my health. "I have an excruciating pain in my backside" I told her. She was very concerned until I admitted it was caused by my Mother.

I had a dreamy hour doing my ironing whilst watching the delicious Ross Poldark. I bet there are many a steamy Sunday night dream after viewing.

Ross Poldark

Watercolour

Watercolour Paper

Saturday, 18th April 2015 - Staff Training

Another glorious day with sun and family.

I have expelled many buckets full of weeds from the garden into the chicken run. Much nicer than getting engulfed by the flies that are sent swarming when you open the lid of our compost bins.

Tim has been teaching our second youngest family member how to maintain the grass. After finding that the tractor mower is unable to power up there is a treasure hunt for the battery charger. Not long to wait beforeHetty's lesson begins.

Another set of guests rejected my offer of tea and cake in the garden. Most mysterious.

Staff Training

Pen with Watercolour

Watercolour Paper

Friday, 17th April 2015 - Mug and Guinea Pig Snacks

I woke up in a sweat this morning. My bedroom door and window were shut and the heating had turned itself on. Thank goodness I thought I was suffering from a nasty ailment.

The problem, actually it is really only mine and not yours, is having a gap between guests slows my motivational cleaning routine down. It took me an uncontrollable amount of time cleaning carpets, teapots, an elephant and liqueur glasses. I considered donating them to a charity shop but then I would just have dusty empty shelves rather than dusty cluttered ones. 

Mug and Guinea Pig Snacks

Pen with Watercolour

Watercolour Paper

Thursday, 16th April 2015 - Going Green

I was looking forward to not being woken by Tim flashing his iPad. Instead it was a scouting wasp that was on maximum volume.

My Mother decided she needed to call 999 at 3am this morning for a bad back. I was beyond words and listened to her tell me that the paramedics gave her an ECG (ok) and left her with paracetamol and advice to visit her GP. Does she not realise how naughty she is?!? I am still dumbfounded as to her actions.

The walk I took today was cool and with a slight wind. The countryside is just stunning with its bursting growth. I spent a happy time watching some very springy lambs.

Hetty heard today that she starts at Benenden Primary in September. Where has the time gone. I think she will need me to be very close by for a while so I can get used to the idea.

Tonight my mind is a bit bogged with the politics on the televison.

Going Green

Watercolour

Watercolour Paper

Wednesday, 15th April 2015 - I am Growing a Beard

Tim has ventured to London for a few days. I am hoping his back holds out for the symposium.

Tescos delivered tips with my shopping:-

If you've got too many grapes freeze them and use to chill your wine or soft drinks. I feed them to the chickens.

I wont start on what they suggest to do with half an onion or what a teaspoon is good for (apart from stirring tea). I bet they have spent a good deal of money developing these charming tips on bags. Just give me the bloody money.

Our book group was intercoursel due to the length of the book we are reading. We decided upon a DVD evening. Before I purchased the film I checked with Sarah that we had read it. WE had. Kath had a memory lapse and had no recolition. Pippa watched behind her hands. She does not like a psychological thriller I now know. We came to the conclusion that it was not one we had read for book group. If you get the urge to watch Before I Go To Sleep I recommend the book not the film.

I am Growing a Beard

Watercolour

Watercolour Paper

Tuesday, 14th April 2015 - Trees and Chimneys

What a glorious day of sunshine to bring out freckles.

Tom rang from Shanghai. He was just off to a meeting with work colleagues. Now, what gift would I like from China? 

Harriet, Hetty, Bella (who is getting a fine black eye from yesterday's incident) and I  refreshed ourselves in Cocolicious. Hetty ate her cake and most of Harriet's croissant. Bella ate the nose, eyes and ears off her bear biscuit. I had fresh fig, goats cheese, leaves on yummy bread gifted to me by Lou Lou.

I am still walking alone and trying to speed up my cardiovascular exercise - makes me go a bit breathy in not a very sexy manner.

Trees and Chimneys

Watercolour

Watercolour Paper

Monday, 13th April 2015 - Ready, Steady....Burst

I have caught up with house stuff in a jumper as the sun has gone. It returned in time for an early evening walk past the Benenden Ice House. I was all alone again as Tim is still unable to accompany me with a sore back.

Bella took a trip to A&E following a fall on step. So lucky. She has two cuts under her left eye. It is stomach churning to think what could have happened. I think the bag of bubble wrap is very tempting to wrap her in.

Ready, Steady .... Burst

Pen with watercolour

Watercolour paper

Sunday, 12th April 2015 - Bella and Beans

Next door have two gorgeous guinea pigs added to their family. They have reversed me into childhood. There is a particular smell to them I remember.

Bella and Beans

Pen with watercolour

Saturday, 11th April 2015 - Cowslip

I bought a Cowslip for Tim hoping that it would give off some healing remedy for backs. Unfortunately not but it will strengthen the nerves and brain, takes off spots, wrinkles and other vices of the skin also it can improve memory. Sounds like a very magic herb to me.

Cowslip

Pen with watercolour

Watercolour paper

Friday, 10th April 2015 - Beals Farm

With all our wisdom Sarah and I were called upon to give advice to Linda who is starting bed and breakfast. I think she will make a fantastic job and enjoy it too. We had our meeting with coffee, tea and scones with a view of Bewl Water.

Beals Farm

Pen with watercolour

Watercolour Paper

Thursday, 9th April 2015 - Mayday Preparations

Hetty is looking forward to the Morris celebrating Mayday. She decided that pink, blue and yellow ribbons with bells were more appropriate in choice. Now I need to attach them somehow.

Mayday Preparations

Pen with Watercolour

Watercolour Paper

Wednesday, 8th April 2015 - The Demise of Our Cockeral

It is my birthday today. I spent the day in delightful enjoyment.

First, a hot chocolate with my children and granddaughters at Knoops in Rye.

Second, tea at Cocolicious with Lindsey. I had a birthday candle in my garlic croutons.

The afternoon was a sad affair. Our Cockeral has become rather vocal - 3am crowing is not a way to endear yourself to your family. The gorgeous Michael sorted him for us and prepared him for the pot.

This evening we had fish and chips with wine. Tom and I had just enough time for a quick drink in Tenterden while our cod was cooking.

Tuesday, 7th April 2015 - Hay

Back to work today. I had to walk alone to a back ailment at home.

Monday, 6th April 2015 - Deconstructed Bouquet

We had coffee in the garden in the sun. The trampoline is keeping Tom entertained.

This afternoon we walked and walked and walked with Tony and Wendy to Sissinghurst Gardens to close the greenhouses. The map readers got us just a little lost in the forest. There was a bit of struggling through deep brambles to make our way to The Milkhouse for a little refreshment.

We had leftovers for tea. One bonus of over catering.

Sunday, 5th April 2015 - Party

Today we celebrated Harriet's 30th birthday with a lunch party. Thirty seven family members were able to attend. We turned the kitchen into a three tabled cafe and were able to seat everyone. The weather was sunny so we spilled into the garden. The littlest ones had an Easter egg hunt - I managed to sneak a popping candy egg. What a great way to spend a Sunday.

Saturday, 4th April 2015 - Blue Lagoon

We have been preparing for Harriet's party tomorrow. I managed to sneak in a little afternoon sleep while the boys were cutting the grass.

An essential part was to make sure the cocktails tasted ok.

Blue Lagoon
Ink
Watercolour Paper

Friday, 3rd April 2015 - Tardigrade

It is Harriet's 30th birthday today. Bella and Hetty enjoyed opening her presents for her. We had breakfast in Cocolicious with coffee, tea, cake and salmon bagels. We were joined by Tom who has returned to us for a delightful short while.

The youngsters all went off to the hot chocolate shop in Rye and a trip to the beach.

This evening we celebrated Steve's birthday with a dinner party at his house. The conversation got onto a tiny creature that it just amazing. At only 0.5mm it can withstand temperatures above and below boiling and survive radiation. I think they will take over the world fairly soon.

Tardigrade
Pen
Watercolour Paper

Thursday, 2nd April 2015 - Warm Enough for Bubbles

Tim and I did a bit of babysitting today. The girls are a delight. Very, very, very busy. We just about managed to keep up with them and we only had Bella for the majority of the time.

Warm Enough for Bubbles
Watercolour
Watercolour Paper

Wednesday, 1st April 2015 - Periwinkle

I kept myself protected from any April Fools.

The garden is bursting with buds, bugs, blossom and tiny springing flowers.

Periwinkle
Pen with Watercolour
Watercolour Paper