Tuesday, 31st May 2016 - Experimental Rain

I have been working on my diary for the SEOS and taken over the whole of the dining room. By the end of the day I was up to June.

The rain has been incessant. I was reading about a watercolour technique that I fancied having a go with using salt and washing out. I ended up with rather a puddle which I mopped up with some kitchen roll. It has left rather an interesting pattern. What was in my mind did not come out on the paper. Oh and a bit of cling film. 

Sunday, 29th May 2016 - Rough, Tumble and Cool

I now have a topiary slow worm in my box hedge. I have my eye on the twelve foot bay tree next.

Mark, George, Henry and Thomas were passing by. Hetty and Bella returned from the beach in time to rampage around the garden. The boys at 15 and 12 and 12 becoming a bit 'cool' to play with 3 and 4 year old. They gave in and were reduced to children for a while.

Friday. 27th May 2016 - Keep Healthy

Hetty had her first speaking part in a school assembly. Of course we attended as proud grand parents. Just a few tears quietly escaped down my cheek during their singing. Well done Hetty. Bella's enthusiastic clapping showed her enjoyment.

Monday, 23rd May 2016 - Legless

We have a nest of slow worms hiding discreetly under the wood of a raised bed. I only disturbed them slightly to show Harriet and Bella. Neither of them were terribly impressed.

The consultant I saw today at Benenden put my low ferritin levels down to being a woman and vegetarian. He had an irritating manner. I came away irritated. I should have been pleased that I am not suffering anything serious. Which I am in an irritated way.

Saturday, 21st May 2016 - Father and Son

The Three French Hens had a sale that I pottered around with a coffe and Lindsey. I purchased nowt.

This afternoon Lindsey (yes, twice in one day) and I collected with Chris and Jack at Mum's for a curry. Mum looked physically well but was out of sorts emotionally. Not a happy soul.

Thursday, 19th May 2016 - WOKAG AGM

LeeLee and I have been put on the WOKAS committee without our consent. Unless offering to help a hand now and again qualifies. Neither of us mind too much but were amused that we were not consulted first.

Wednesday, 18th May 2016 - Speedwell

I have been forced to stay indoors today due to rain. I was pleased as this gave me an excuse not to have to tackle our jungle of a garden.

This is a tiny and most delightful plant that is growing amongst the long grass. There has been discussion on Faceback offering various names. A search on the internet told me it was introduced to Britian from Turkey and is an invasive plant. I rather like it.

Friday, 13th May 2016 - Wax Moth Larvae

While I was cooking breakfast for guests Tim was at the kitchen table building new frames for our bee hive.

Michael gave up some much appreciated time to come and inspect our hive. As Tim's is still suffering with his back I was prime dismantler. Quite an engaging task when you have the calming voice of Michael by your side. I am not ready to go it alone. We are still on a huge learning curve. The discovery of a wax moth larvae is an experience I don't think I will ever recover from. After disturbing the dark headed beast it squirmed across the frame I was holding. I am still mightily impressed with my control not to throw it across the garden. It was swiftly dealt with by a leather glove. 

It was good to get out in the company of friends for wine and food this evening. We took a trip to The Star in Matfield accompanied by Si, Lesley, Nick and Alli. 

Wednesday, 11th May 2016 - Artist's Tool

I have been recommended these Felco secateurs by Wendy. She is a full and flowing fountain of knowledge when it comes to all things gardening.

Tim has been incapacitated today by back pain. We had dinner at Si and Lesley's planned and an evening of total enjoyment at The Star in Matfield with the Morris. None of it happened. He is now downing large quantities of drugs. I hope for a quick recovery. So does he. I do not have to best bedside manner.

Saturday, 7th May 2016 - Snappers

I have a bunch of these in my studio. I am waiting for them to die as I have been informed that the seed pods make a pleasurable snap when squeezed.

Thursday, 5th May 2015 - Girls at Work

The sun has warmed our bee hive enough to encourage a bit of foraging.

Tuesday, 3rd May 2016 - Out with the Old

It has been warm and sunny but I still had to drag myself into the garden to unpot the old bulbs. I find this a tedious task.

We watched a programme by Martha Kearney about bee keeping. I think we should treat out bees for Varroa mite as we saw a couple the last time we opened our hive. It looks easy and painless, unless you are a Varroa mite.

Monday, 2nd May 2016 - Tears and Rain

Tom has gone back to Birmingham. I will miss you my gorgeous boy.

Sunday, 1st May 2016 - The Last Dance

I have always wanted to cook the breakfast for the Morris on May Day. With the very much appreciated and needed help of Harriet, Brett, Tom, Lindsey and Fizzy I have got that one out my system.