Saturday, 31st March 2018 - Shy Hellebore

I have a guest that I don't need to cook breakfast for. This is excellent. His family are staying at another bed and breakfast nearby so he joins them there for breakfast. I think this is the perfect way to run my business. I wonder if I could use it as my 'strap line' - "BnB without the second B". Maybe needs a bit of honing.

I have finished by paintings. This is satisfying. They have lovely mounts and frames. This is pleasing. My down point was when I was just about the enroll for life changing painting course I have been planning to do 1) Tim thinks it is overpriced - this made me think that maybe I was making a mistake 2) I could not log on to the course - were the paint gods trying to tell me something? So, I cooked dinner and watched Dunkirk. I have tried again and enrolled. Now I have twelve weeks of immersion into something that I am terribly excited about. My determination to show a couple of family members that I can succeed as an artist is strong and ready to be proved. It may sound all rather trivial but to me it is something that I need to have a damn good try at or I will live regretting it. It can go either way but at least I will have had a damn good go.

The car is packed with wine, glasses and the painted dustbin ready for The Weald of Kent Art Society spring exhibition. We are setting up tomorrow. There is a preview 7-9pm tomorrow if any of you fancy calling by. It is in Tenterden for the rest of the week.

I am looking forward to going to bed to start reading my new book Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. Great choice Pippa. Well it maybe a terrible book but has good reviews and Zoê recommended it too. I had it waiting for me on my Kindle before Pippa suggested it.

Shy Hellebore
Pen and Watercolour
140lb Torchon Clairefontaine

Friday, 30th March 2018 - Five go to Caxton Cottage

After Tescos delivered and I made ready for a guest - just the one - I shut my studio door, turned on the music and continued with my exhibition pictures. I am reasonably happy with them at the moment. I may not feel the same way in the morning.

Tony and I decided that the heavy rain meant we would cancel our walk this afternoon.

While Tony, Wendy, Mike, Pippa and Tim were sampling the charms of The Three Leg Cross brewery I sat with Mum. She was exhaustingly talkative. I must admit that her move to a nursing home might be not such a bad thing. They have gone from five to ten and another two next week residents at Oakside. I am not sure if they increase the staff but they were working extremely hard when I was there. Mum would not like having to wait to have her buzzer answered.

I got collected and we had dinner at Mike and Pippa's. There is still quite a bit of work to do. I hope it is not taking a toll on their minds and bodies. We had a lovely evening with lovely food and lovely company. Still not a drop of alcohol has passed my lips. There was just a touch of brandy in the oranges and it would have been rude to refuse them.

Five go to Caxton Cottage
Pen
140lb Torchon Clairefontaine

Thursday, 29th March 2018 - Breakfast Book Club

It is a rare occasion that I go out for breakfast. Pippa, Sarah, Kath and I had book group at 9.45am at The Lime Wharf Cafe. The bacon was cooked to perfection. There was a lot to discuss including the book. Kath will probably be in a new house by the time we have our next meeting. The house they are moving to is gorgeous.

I checked in with Mum. She is moving to a nursing home on Tuesday. She wont like it but seems to think a bed with moveable parts will be the solution.

The paintings I did yesterday I reviewed in daylight. I have started again.

I had a very nice dover sole while discussing Mum latest antics with my siblings at The Globe Inn. It was packed and we had live music to entertain us.

Breakfast Book Club
Pen and Watercolour
140lb Torchon Clairefontaine

Wednesday, 28th March 2018 - Splendid Amaryllis

Before I had had my first cup of tea Mum was on the phone. Things are all sorted for her to move into a nursing home. She has an assessment tomorrow and should be in by Tuesday. This afternoon she was saying that she would like to stay where she is. Sorry very little chance.

I have finished three of my pictures that need to be done by Sunday. I will review them in the morning and may tweek a brushstroke here or there.

I have got Herbie a playmat instead of an Easter egg. It is rather stimulating. He will have to keep his enjoyment to short bursts. I hope Herbie gives Harriet a better night. She looked a tad exhausted today. I think four months without a full nights sleep would take its toll on anyone. I am so proud of her. What an amazing daughter I have.

I have the house to myself this evening and found One Born Every Minute - I had forgotten how traumatic it is. Great programme. The babies keep interrupting my painting.

Splendid Amaryllis
Pen and Watercolour
140lb Torchon Clairefontaine

Tuesday, 27th March 2018 - Wood Anenome

I was discussing with Harriet about how to eat frogs. An hour or so later she said she had managed to eat lots of feet and possibly a few legs. It has been one of those days in Benenden.

I have gathered my painting models from the garden. Daffodils - tick. Camellia - tick. Primrose - plenty - tick. Snowdrops - been and gone, whoops.

There is one hell of a storm brewing in Northiam. Mum is not happy. She wants to be moved into a nursing home - immediately. She really does not need that level of care. She is one determined beast when she gets an idea. My siblings and I know she will not let it drop until she gets what she wants. Her main reason is that it is too hot in her room. Give me strength.

Wood Anenome
Pen and Watercolour
140lb Torchon Clairefontaine

Monday, 26th March 2018 - Nearly Continuous

Harriet, Herbie and I went to see Mum. She was fast asleep in bed when we got there but as soon as she heard us come into her room she was wide awake, bright as a button and delighted to see Herbie. Up and in her chair, with a little help. Harriet and I were waiting for Herbie to join in the conversation - he can be very vocal - but Mum had verbal diarrhoea and he couldn't get a word in edgeways. Mum is thinking of going home with just a bit of help. Really. That is not going to happen. It is great that she is feeling positive and no one is going to quash that. Let's roll with it for now.

Tonight I have come back from art class needing to go to bed. You have a continuous line drawing (with just a few necessary breaks) of where Harriet and I had coffee and shared an 'Alternative Breakfast' at Will's in Northiam. We sat outside in the sun. It was charming.

Nearly Continuous
Pen

Sunday, 25th March - Broken

I don't like losing things. Today I have lost an hour. It was the one I found six months ago.

I have listened to an episode of The Archers three times this week and each time I have cried. It is only a drama but we know of someone who died from sepsis and it is a horrid thing.

I have cut four mounts for my pictures now I just need to do the painting. They are stacked up in my head.

For the whole of my life I thought that acoustic music was instrumental. Recently I found out it is not and thoroughly enjoying the selection that Alexa plays for me. I sung my way through ironing bags of bed and breakfast linen.

Our biscotti jar is full again. I made french sticks and have eaten too much of the delicious beasts. I have tried to negate it with vegetables.

Broken
Mixed Media
140lb Rough

Saturday, 24th March 2018 - The Little Bull

It was a fine morning for a walk into the village. We watched Bella and Hetty learning Judo. I wish I had learnt something similar at their age. Much more interesting than Brownies.

Brett identified the huge black birds that have been frequenting our garden as rooks. They are matey with jackdaws. It is going to be a noisy spring under the bird tables.

The ponds have been cleared and restocked with water lilies in very smart baskets. I was glad to be wearing gloves when hoiking out the weeds with newts attached.

Bella turned up on my doorstep with a stalkless periwinkle and a hyacinth. What a lovely gift.

I have been wanted to try a pub in Brenchley since it was divided. Si and Lesley joined us for a couple of drinks. It was quite lovely but we were the only people in it. How can they keep it going? By hiring out an eight bedroomed venue next door.

The Little Bull
Pen and Watercolour
140lb CP Clairefontaine

Friday, 23rd March 2018 - Koi Carp

We have attacked the pond. Tim went in with the newts. I kept to the edges. On a trip of many missions we bought some holey baskets to repot our water lilies into. I find Koi carp rather freaky. I am not sure where the Japanese see their beauty.

Koi Carp
Watercolour and Pen
140lb Torchon Clairefontaine
25cm x 17cm

Thursday, 22nd March 2018 - Periwinkle

Sarah and I were going to have coffee in the Waterloo House Tea Rooms. I wasn't sure about the boarded up window. We had an americano and cappuccino in Cocolicious accompanied by a couple of weeks of stories. Stoneydales had some bargain short flat brushes that I need for oil painting, some fluffy chicks and feathers for my Easter twig and some paint for brave Sarah to make people for her son's wedding cake.

I went into the jewellery shop to see if they could mend my earrings. After being buzzed in we were greeted by two whippets and the jeweller who said he could not mend my butterfly earrings as they were paste. I thought this meant costume jewellery but having since looked it up found it refers to cut glass. He has my fuschia earrings that he is going to put posts on. It all seemed a bit vague about price. He has my number.

Herbie tried some baby rice. He prefers fruit.

The garden is a messy project that Tim and I tackled a tiny bit of this afternoon. I thought I wanted to be inside painting pictures but once outside with Ed found it an enjoyable experience.

Periwinkle
Watercolour
140lb CP Clairefontaine
26cm x 18cm

Wednesday, 21st March 2018 - Someone Else's Socks

I didn't get to enjoy the sun today.

I have got a book about procrastination. How to stop oneself from procrastinating. Now I am procrastinating as to when to read this book. It is called Eat That Frog. Anyone read it?

I have not seen Mum for over a week. She is back at Oakside in a lovely room on the top floor with a house cat called Cindy. She was very positive today and even asked to have her morphine reduced. This I feel is a very wise plan as she can hold her head up now. I remarked upon on her jolly socks. They are not hers. She doesn't know where they came from. I came away feeling happy that she is happy.

I have four titles for my paintings for the Weald of Kent Art Society exhibition at Easter. Now I just have to bloody get on with getting them done. Maybe I will read that book about frogs first.

Someone Else's Socks
Pen and Watercolour
140lb CP Clairefontaine
24cm x 14cm

Tuesday, 20th March 2018 - Belated Birthday

The garden is abundant with daffodils and primroses. My sweet peas have emerged but there is no sign of the beans. I will have a poke around in the pots. My greater leaved amaryllis is about to flower.

It is lovely to go away but good to get home especially when greeted with a very talkative Herbie. He has been working on lots of intonation and pitch volume in our absence. There is little doubt that he will not be overruled by his sisters. Harriet has delayed Bella's birthday for us. She opened Harry Potter gifts from Tom. He is now back in Northampton. It was wonderful to be able to spend a decent amount of time with him. Maybe next time he will bring a girlfriend. When I was his age I had a ten and an eight year old. No pressure Tom. He sped his way home with a fixed car. Jon Carter is the man of motor mechanical genius.

Bella was given her presents from Tim and I after school. Their living room has become a major construction site. Hetty and Bella work as a well oil machine when Lego building. No adult help needed. I should not have concerned myself that it is for 8-12 year olds.

Mum has been discharged from hospital today. She is partly functioning. She has been assessed and back at Oakside for the time being. I was going to visit her this evening but she said she was too tired. There are a couple of future options open if need be.

Belated Birthday
Pen and watercolour
140lb CP Clairefontaine
24cm x 18cm

Monday, 19th March 2018 - À Vendre à La Brairet

We are packed up and are heading home. We are leaving a most enchanting part of France. I would like to visit in the summer when the trees have turned green and the wild flowers are in bloom. The diet is high quantities of cheese made from the goats and cows roaming the fields and mountains. Add a sprinkle of lardons and some potatoes and you have what you find in most of the restaurants served in many ways.

We dropped Lizzie at Geneve airport and had a bit of time to spare before our flight. So what do we do best. Search out the nearest hypermarket. I found some salted fish. I have looked at buying this in England but it is exorbitant. In Carrefour it was a bargain. Now I need to find the recipe I had over six months ago.

À Vendre à La Brairet
Watercolour
140lb CP Clairefontaine
28cm x 20cm

Sunday, 18th March 2018 - Weather Front over Le Molliet

Steve and Zoë left this morning They took a flask of tea for their four hour drive. Fergus and Lizzie are still with us. Tom is being pushed to his ski-ing limits by Fergus. There seem to be a few aches and pains around the dinner table this evening.

Myrtilles translate as blueberries. They don't seem to be the same fruit. The berries here seem to be a cross between blackcurrant and blueberries. One to ponder when eating a tart.

A game of Carcasonne revealed a new winner tonight. Well done Fergus. We have added rivers, abbotts and farms. It is getting confusing. I am sure I would have won if I understood the point system.

I was sorry to miss Hetty and Bella in their first dance show together today.

Weather Front over Le Molliet.
Watercolour
140lb Torchon Clairefontaine

Saturday, 17th March 2018 - Twenty Four Hours Later

It has snowed continuously. Tim decided to keep me company as ski-ing when it is snowing is not terribly pleasant unless you are young or hardy. He worked and I played at learning how to paint.

Tim and I took the prettiest walk into Sixt through snow capped trees. Being splashed by passing cars was not so pleasant. It snowed the entire time we were out which included a stop for coffee and tart (mine was noix, Tim had citron) in Tiffany's the boulangerie. 

Back to the chalet briefly to meet Fergus who was serving complimentary vin chaud outside the ski school. We missed him. A stop at a bar was most disappointing. I ordered grapefruit juice with sparkling water and Tom had lemon. Our drinks came flat and was like drinking weak squash. We both nearly gave into the evils of alcohol but muted our desire by choosing what we would have drunk from the cocktail menu.

Again, back to the chalet for a competitive game of Carcasonne. We have now added a river and priests. Whoo hoo guess who won?

Zoë cooked us a delicious spinach lasagne with a bit of intermittent help from Fergus and Lizzie as they were tempted away by Carcasonne.

Twenty Four Hours Later
Watercolour
140lb Torchon Clairefontaine

Friday, 16th March 2018 - Saint Jean de Sixt

The sun came through the clouds for me. Most of the party went snow hunting. They seem extremely happy with their adventures off-piste, on-piste and every which way. Fergus is giving Tom a few pointers to hone his skills. Tim if fallen finds the help of a nearby woman useful. These are all stories and conjecture as I am not present to witness them. There was a 'trending article' today of a horrific chair lift malfunctioning and flinging people off. This reassures me that my decision to not ski is wise.

I took a walk down into Sixt. I had an encounter with a french man who told me he could not see, he seemed to be doing a very good of walking his dog in the circumstances. I spent a couple of hours sitting on a wall painting today's picture. I think the rain has added texture. A very jolly Frank served me a chocolate chaud where I did a quick sketch of the scene in front of me.

La Cascade

We had a game of Carcassonne before dinner with newbies Fergus and Lizzie. Guess who won? Oh yes.

I have to go Steve has cooked steak and potato wedges....

Saint Jean de Sixt
Watercolour
140lb Torchon Clairfontaine

Thursday, 15th March 2018 - Watching Ski School Students

It is Steve's birthday. Happy birthday Steve.

Steve, Zoë, Fergus, Lizzie and Tom headed off in the rain to find some snow. A few hours on the slopes and they returned. We all headed up to the restaurant at the Fer á Cheval for a celebratory lunch. There were ski lessons going on even in the rain. Watching their antics amused us during our lunch. I have never had such a huge omelette. We were going to go for a walk but sleet stopped play.

Steve and Zoë were busy cooking dinner while the rest of us rested, worked and played. Thank you for the delicious meal. The cheesecake was wonderful.

We ended the day with film night warmed by the woodburner. It was the new Murder on the Orient Express. Even Fergus stayed for the whole film. I do like a bit of Johnny Depp.

I have had a very welcome long long long message from Harriet telling me of news from home. This is so very much appreciated when she is busy.

Watching Ski School Students
Pen and Watercolour
140lb Torchon Clairefontaine.

Wednesday, 14th March 2018 - Cobalt Blue Skies

The sun was shining all day. The sky was a blue out of a children's picture book. Just stunning. Apparently the ski-ing was good. Everyone took a tumble apart from Zoe. The snow being soft caused no injuries. There is a slope called the cascade is 14km with help points along the way. Being a long and arduous slopes it causes many accidents, heart failures and probably breakages. That confirms my decision not to take to the slopes today, tomorrow or in the future.

I walked up to the Fer à Cheval. I love walking through the villages and looking at the wooden buildings and people. It was good for people watching today. I got to the top, stripping off only my gloves on the way as it was sunny but chilly, and found the bench I sat on last year under a heap of snow. The drawing I did has been relegated to the back of today's painting.

Zoë has nipped to pick up Lizzie from Geneve.

I have been keeping tabs on Mum. She seems to be keeping my siblings on their toes. Sorry I am not there to help.

Cobalt Blue Skies
Watercolour
140lb Torchon Clairefontiane
28cm x 22cm

Tuesday, 13th March 2018 - Hanging Mist

The intrepid amongst us, that being everyone but myself, hit the mountains. Literally as well as the visibility was poor and a few tumbles took place.

I had a peaceful day watching the rain from inside the warmth of the chalet. I have a book with me. It is by Ann Blockley and has art projects for me to work on. I started today. I have learnt today that I get frustrated very quickly.

Tim and Zoe came back from ski-ing to collect me. We met Steve and Tom, followed by Fergus at La Reposette, Vercland. Tom and I had tomato juice with many accompaniments for us to add including celery salt. I told you Tom that it existed. You should never doubt your mother.

La Reposette
Pen
140lb CP
22cm x 15cm

Whilst eating pizza from SuperU we watched Annihilation. It turned out to be a sci-fi horror film. Not one I would recommend.

Hanging Mist
Watercolour and Inktense
140lb Torchon Clairefontaine
29cm x 22cm

Monday, 12th March 2018 - Three Stall Market

An alarm at 2.30am is evil until you wake and realise you are going on holiday. A cosy flight with British Airways (no complimentary drinks any longer) took us to Geneve. Our hire car is a rather ugly purple Cactus. Tim drove while Tom and I dozed. We crammed the car with food and drink from SuperU.

It was so good to arrive at The Adams chalet to find lunch laid out and a mug of tea. Fergus is a permanent fixture working in the mountains. There is snow. It is looking a bit slushy. More is forecast during the night which will be needed for the mad ski party.

It is a short drive to Sixt. Tom now has skis, boots and poles. The visit to the ski shop made me feel nervous about ski-ing even though I have no intention of getting anywhere near a slope unless I am well grounded in walking boots. A couple of bars have closed so nowhere to get an early evening drink. We did take a look at the market which was selling hot chicken, cheese and takeaway meals. That was it but meant there were no queue for Zoe to purchase her cheese.

Fergus is cooking us dinner. What a treat.

Three Stall Market
Pen and Watercolour
140lb Torchon Clairefontaine
28cm x 22cm

Sunday, 11th March 2018 - Silver Surfing

Happy firth birthday little Bella Bee. I regret not finding the time to play with you today. I hope we can make it up soon.

Tom, Tim and I had a lunch with Brenda. She made us soup, homemade bread and apple crumble. My Mum is getting bed sores.

Being a mother myself I get to get gifts today too. I have some beautiful leather gloves from Harriet. They are so so so soft inside. Tom gave me some Elbow cream and a packet of strawberry laces that I have eaten and a card that I will never forget. It is beautifully revolting.

We managed to catch a bit of time with Bella to sing happy birthday with cake enthusiastically decorated by the girls. The look of total delight on Bella's face when the sparkly fountain was lit was so adorable.

I must go as I still have to pack. The house, cat and chickens are in the safe hands of Bella and Hetty.

I hope to continue with my blog whilst on holiday.

Silver Surfing
Pen and watercolour
140lb CP
24cm x 19cm

Saturday, 10th March 2018 - Brothers and Sisters

As I type Tom and I are have a very incoherent conversation. No, we have not been drinking. Just talking too quickly and not listening. Bed time?

I have had a lovely time packing. It is now spread around the house needing a bag to go into. Deciding what art items to take is the hardest. Who needs knickers!

Susan and Roger called in with presents. We discussed family health, the outlandish price of houses and could a 5ft by 7ft room be classed as a bedroom.

Sahebs was heaving with people. I spent a happy three quarters of an hour people watching waiting for a takeaway. It was strange being at Mum's house without her. Chris and I discussed the various options Mum has. She will probably find an alternative that we haven't planned for. He said she was giving her neighbour Rose a list of things she wanted when he arrived at the hospital. He has a list too. Mum does like a list.

Chris has just got back from India. We both would like to go back again. He was with a party of 23. All of them including the guide fell ill in Varanassi. The worst part was that it started when they were on a boat on the Ganges. The first one fainted. Then others were sick overboard. Once off the boat he said the tuktuk ride back to the hotel seemed interminable. Very nasty.

The leftover curry I brought home. Tom came home and ate some. I am not sure that the onion bhaji dipped in houmous  looking terribly appetising.

Brothers and Sister
Pen and Watercolour
140lb HP
18cm x 14cm

Friday, 9th March 2018 - Drizzle

I have been briefly contemplating my future. I decided not to have a plan. Life takes its own course which I can bend a little here and there. I am possibly going to do an oil painting course. Oh the dizzy heights of my ambition. I am quite thrilled at the idea. Watercolour will always be my first love.

The weather was dismal on my drive to The Conquest hospital. Mum is not happy but then she is not getting five mugs of tea brought to her during the night. Her head was looking much better in an upright position due to reduced opiates. She was telling me that she is concerned that they are not concerned that she has not eaten for six days. It must be contagious as the woman in the bed opposite said she hadn't had anything to eat or drink all day - it was late afternoon when I visited.

I didn't know until today that badgers killed and ate lambs. I was saddened to hear this happened. Hopefully the rest of the flock will be safe.

Drizzle
Watercolour
140lb Torchon Clairefontaine
25cm x 16cm

Thursday, 8th March 2018 - Girls at Work

A very apologetic Abbie phoned me at 6.30am telling me Mum had gone to A&E with chest pain. All is well. Mum has no heart problem. Her actual condition is a self inflicted one due to her not taking what she should have been taking for quite a number of days. It was offered but if she refuses there is nothing that can make her take it. So, she is bunging up an already overloaded NHS with her bunging up. I am so grateful to have a sister, daughter, husband and friends. Thank you you lot.

I need a good book to read. Any suggestions? I like something with a bit of oomph of a plot.

I am incredibly proud of how my granddaughters have coped with the trauma of the past few months. Harriet and Brett have been at the school to see how they are getting on. Bloody brilliant the pair of them. Hetty has an amazing imagination which wends its way through her work. Bella is excelling. Herbie is rolling over. They are a wonderfully strong family unit.

Girls at Work
Waterolour
140lb Torchon Clairefontaine
20cm x 17cm

Wednesday,7th March 2018 - Naughty at Eighty Six

I warn you that the Albans Barnyard Lambcam is addictive. Hello lambs. Spring has sprung.

There have been a few phone calls today regarding Mum. I had no need to worry. The majority of her problems are down to her messing around with her medication. She seemed much better today. I think she is a very naughty. We have been here so many times before. I have been duped again.

Tim is in Cork. I am watching Keeping Faith. I am not sure why she has to keep lying down apart from that it is keeping me company.

Naughty at Eighty Six
Watercolour
140lb Torchon Clairefontaine
24cm x 17cm

Tuesday, 6th March 2018 - Sun on a Tuesday

Brett got to eat my guests sausages as they made no appearance for breakfast.

Sarah and I tried a new coffee venue. Hannah and Issac came to the Walled Nursery with us. The renovations on the greenhouses are quite splendid. I was very pleased that Sarah discovered a primula with two different shades of pink in one pot. They will be able to be split. They are for Tim's Mum. She always appreciates a bargain.

Mum phoned. Not usually a good sign. She sounded unhappy. Harriet and Brett were over Northiam way this morning and popped in to see her. Harriet mentioned Mum's head. I didn't understand until I went to see her this afternoon. She cannot hold it up for any length of time. She looked awful. I felt incredibly sorry for her. We are going to sort out the problem tomorrow. It could be due too much morphine. Possibly that combined with a lack of appetite would send most peoples heads downwards. Poor old soul. Life does not look much fun at the moment. She can't even do her colouring. Margaret moved chairs. At what point do we not realise that our cheeks are in the fresh air.

Sun on a Tuesday
Pen and Watercolour
140lb Torchon Clairefontaine
24cm x 18cm

Monday, 5th March 2018 - Apologies from Maggie and Pat

I don't think I am going to be offered a music CD from my guests. The breakfast I served them was delicious in every way but they seem to have their minds on music rather than gifting.

I am boggling with WOKAS meetings. We had a sub committee meeting first followed by a longer full committee one. Lots of sorting out of the Spring Exhibition. Following a major failure of productive creativity at my art class this evening (I went with a blank piece of beautiful watercolour paper and returned home with it still blank) I don't know if I will find the impetus to produce any work.

The best part of the day was getting smiles, goos and coos from Herbie. Oh, and the banana and butterscotch cake LeeLee brought to the meetings was mighty tasty.

Apologies from Maggie and Pat
Pen and Waterolour
140lb CP
22cm x 16cm

Sunday, 4th March 2018 - Amaryllis 'Singleton'

When I dropped by Sarah's for coffee last Monday her table had a stunning three flowered (possibly more) amaryllis in the centre. I admired it thoroughly. I have fondly been attending to mine but it seems to be terribly keen on growing leaves with just the thought of a flower bud.

I have an artist staying. I would have be thrilled if he had been the painting type. He is musically inclined so interesting to a point. I am hoping to get a free CD of the music he is here to record. I will make sure I serve a delightful breakfast tomorrow.

My art group, not the Monday night one, the society one, has an exhibition in just under a month. I would like to and probably will put some paintings in but cannot decide what to do. I need a few nights sleep when inspiration tends to come to me when I am in some weird not asleep not awake mode. I will have a pad and pencil under my pillow to write this epiphany or it will be gone by the morning and just be a nagging fuzz at the back of my brain.

I feel a need to mention the weather....it has rained on and off all day.

Amaryllis 'Singleton'
Mixed Media
140lb Torchon Clairefontaine
26cm x 18cm

Saturday, 3rd March 2018 - Terry Leach

Along with the temperature rise we have overly friendly bees. They seemed inquisitive while we were cleaning out the hens and investigated close to our ears. Noisy little beasts. It maybe time to start feeding them sugar syrup.

Tim and Alan are sorting out this years Morris dancing programme. We met Alan at The Knoxbridge to confirm the date there. I had a couple of hours with my favourite story teller. Terry and his saxophone were just getting started as we left.

Terry Leach
Pen and Watercolour
140lb Torchon Clairefontaine
20cm x 16cm

Friday, 2nd March 2018 - Deep, Crisp and Uneven

I did my civic duty this morning checking up on the elderly and infirm by phoning Sarah.

Mum has found a new hobby. We all will be getting bookmarks that she has coloured in. The home will even laminate them for her. I might tell her it wont work with my Kindle. That would be mean and ungrateful. So no I wont. On the plus side she was sounding mighty chipper.

It has been a few weeks since we have had our Friday check-in call from Tom. He called us today. He has been texting, WhatsApping and emailing us in between so I don't feel utterly neglected. We discussed our alcohol status. We are still without. Tom says his conversation skills have improved. I am awaiting for any physical or mental improvement.

Bella came round with a bowl full of snow with nestled chocolate eggs. The girls have been off school due to icy conditions. They are brilliant at amusing themselves mainly with paper, pens, lots of sellotape and Dirty Bertie playing the background.

When the snow stopped snowing Tim and I walked through what I guess will be the last snow fall we will see in Benenden for a year or so.

We were meant to be going out for a meal with Tony and Wendy but got cancelled as they have no safe vehicular exit from their drive. Damn I cooked dinner. I really fancied having a plate of liver and bacon.

Deep, Crisp and Uneven
Pen and Watercolour
140lb Torchon Clairefontaine
22cm x 18cm

Thursday, 1st March 2018 - Cabin Fever

I was treated to another phone call from Mum. Her glass is half full again. She must be exhausted not knowing which way up she is.

My phone app threatened heavy snow all day. I planned my day around this. Whilst clearing out my studio I uncovered the curtains for Tim's study. He has had a bare pole hanging for months. Poor neglected man. They just needed taking up. What a bloody palaver. I couldn't even use the sewing machine to speed along the seam, being the bottom one, it needs hand sowing. The cotton gods were against me sending knots, breakages, fraying and impossibly small eyed needles. They are done. They are up. I hopped between Radio Kent, Radio 2 and Radio 4 to try and found a weather forecast I agreed with. I find Ken Bruce incredibly irritating.

Cabin Fever
Mixed Media
140lb Torchon Clairefontaine
27cm x 18cm