Tuesday, 31st July 2018 - Blown Artichoke

I blame the warm and wet weather for the deceitful flowing of my artichoke. It was hidden behind the greenhouse where I have not ventured for a few days. A thing of beauty but I would have preferred it steamed with butter to dip the petals in.

I had a delivery from Amazon that I had to take to Mum. A sore tongue is her latest ailment. It does not look very nice. They have sent a photo to the GP. This is an interesting way of consultation. I think I will take a grandchild to cheer her up. There cheerful spirit would aid anyones recovery.

Tim cooked Prawn Tagine with Preserved Lemon with twenty different ingredients. The time and effort was worth it especially as I didn't cook. A plate of Tagine with crispy kale on the sofa with Lucifer. A good way to spend a Tuesday evening.

Blown Artichoke
Pen and Watercolour
140lb Cass Art CP

Monday, 30th July 2018 - Long Grass and Moths

It was not too hot. It was not too wet. It was not too windy. Tim and I went for a walk when a window of suitable (I am the fussy one) weather appeared. The fields were writhing with insects.

Long Grass and Moths
Watercolour
35cm x 28cm
140lb Clairefontaine Rough

Sunday, 29th July 2018 - Cicerone Training

I have been ensconced in my studio working on my oil painting skills. I know my figs every nook and cranny intimately. I cannot paint the damn thing. I have a problem with suction on the knife pulling off the underlying layer of paint. I will master it.

Our guests joined us this evening. A few drinks were tested from Chicago to Hampshire and Scotland to Suffolk. The favourite was the Scottish Brewdog Punk IPA. I listened to the discussions about fruity notes while drinking tonic.

Cicerone Training
Watercolour

Saturday, 28th July 2018 - Evening Walk and Thistle Seed

Blackcurrant jam yesterday. Blackcurrant vinegar today. Thank you Sarah. Do you want any vinegar?

Woohoo. The temperature means that I can clean and ready bnb my rooms without the presence of a sweat beads.

We have returning guests. They are adorable. They walked to the pub for dinner. The road has no lights or pavement. This is not such a great feat but it is when you are in a wheelchair.

Tony and Wendy came round for a walk. It started well until I had to halt proceedings due to my leg feeling most peculiar. There must be some rerouting going on. It felt like it anyway.

We have had our daily dose of runner beans. More tomorrow.

Evening Walk and Thistle Seed
Watercolour
140lb Clairefontaine Rough

Friday, 27th July 2018 - Herbie and Runner Beans

Tim and I looked after all three grandchildren for a very brief period this afternoon. They helped us gather our runner bean harvest with gusto and enthusiasm. Wow. Harriet and Brett I admire your coping skills enormously.

I heard that Mum was feeling down. I have been neglectful with my visiting so called in to find her scantily clad. It was a bit of a shock. I hope once the heat has abated she will wear a bit more clothing for my next visit. I suppose it is good she has the confidence at 85 to let it all hang out.

There is thunder rumbling this evening. A short and explosive downpour has cooled a very humid day.

Herbie and Runner Beans
Pen and Watercolour
140lb NOT

Thursday, 26th July 2018 - Computer Studies

Sarah (great company) and I had coffee (which was good) at Bloomsbury Cafe in Biddenden (not charming at all). We were both rather disappointed by the state of the place. There was no cohesion. It felt like a bad jumble sale. A shame as it could be stunning.

It got very hot today. I had a fan wafting at my sweaty face while I ironed.

The evening I have had was lovely. Tim set up phones and computers for Mike and Pippa. We celebrated their new technology skills with a meal at The Ewe and Lamb. My lamb was delicious.

Computer Studies
Watercolour
140lb Clairefontaine Rough

Wednesday, 25th July 2018 - Waxing Gibbous

I have been baking blueberry cake and blackcurrant jam just to increase the heat in the kitchen.

There is a butcher in Ringmer called Lew. They make great vegetarian sausages. I ordered a delivery that arrived this afternoon with a very bemused elderly driver. He said he had been driving around for a while trying to find us. He has now put directions into his phone. He said this on his last visit a year ago. Maybe he has a new phone.

The moon was nearly full on our drive home from a night out with The Weald of Kent Morris.

Waxing Gibbous
Watercolour

Tuesday, 24th July 2018 - Ready to Root

I was feeling like a Sloth. It could be the hot weather. It could be I am tired. It could be I need chocolate cake - just had some, Happy Birthday Brett. It could be that I am a lummox. I have found the solution. An episode of Poldark. I am feeling fully vibrant now.

Whilst listening to the very frustrating Archers, (as if in passing they mention that Pip has had a blood transfusion and a Caesarean. Is that it??? ) I prepared some hydrangea cuttings. I have high hopes and great expectations of success. No pressure on my twigs.

Ready to Root
Watercolour
Clairefontaine 140lb Rough

Monday, 23rd July 2018 - Hetty and Horrible Histories

Happy 7th Birthday little Hetty.

Tim and I had tea and figgy roll biscuits with his Mum by the edge of Fairlight Cliff. We have come home in search of sharp sand for our nine hydrangea cuttings. This is the perfect time of year to strike them. Apparently. According to the internet. So I know who to blame if it goes wrong.

Hetty had been celebrating her birthday with the Evans family of cousins, uncles, grandad and nanna. When they returned from breakfast and boating at Northiam we helped the gorgeous Hetty celebrate with birthday cake and presents. She seemed to be very composed. I am impressed by her temperament. I am sure i would have had quite a few tantrums. I still do.

I feel a little sick. I have eaten half a bag of Liquorice Allsorts. They weren't even Bassetts just Aldi. Not even very nice ones.

Hetty and Horrible Histories
Watercolour
140lb Clairefontaine Rough

Sunday, 22nd July 2018 - Sunday Night, Curry Night

Tim has bravely taken Henry into the corners Roomba does not reach.

I had to go shopping for mushrooms. There were vegetable bargains to be had. Over mugs of tea in the garden of Caxton Cottage Tim gave computer advice to Mike and Pippa. This was very limited as no one could remember their passwords.

The cat is still with us and is sitting on the roof of our glass cloche as I type. She is still not eating.

Sunday Night, Curry Night
Quink Ink and Watercolour
Clairefontaine 140lb Rough

Saturday, 21st July 2018 - Thistle

The cat is still unwell. I am back behind the driving wheel so took her back to the vet. They have no idea what is wrong with her. A suggestion of keeping her in and doing a blood test was altered to taking her home and a painkiller when I said we didn't have insurance. I am sure the blood test would show up if she has kidney/liver/the wrong proteins but at 14 there probably isn't much they can do. She seems quite happy if a bit lethargic. I have tempted her with cheese, poached cod and Whiskas Senior tuna in jelly. She is sticking with water.

I swung briefly by Mum's. She seemed happy with her current treatment of antibiotics. My brother had visited which always perks her up.

I am debandaged. There is very little to see apart from a tiny bit of bruising. Amazing vanishing vein treatment.

Susan and Roger called in for tea and a Digestive biscuit in the garden now the rain has passed.

Impromptu bnb guests caused me to do a bit of manic panic cleaning. Mushrooms? Have I enough mushrooms for four in the morning?

Tim picked me a thistle from the garden. We were watching a film but he has gone to bed. So am I.

Thistle
Gouache
140lb CP

Friday, 20th July 2018 - Ailing Cat

Back to work for me today. My leg is still bandaged but feels ok unless it bends. Herbie kept me company while I made the beds. Stomach crawling and rolling got him where he wanted with amazing speed. The furniture legs were his mission. They got inspected closely. He has immense determination.

Our cat Morris, born on MayDay hence the name, was sitting in the rain. The vet could find nothing wrong with her. She had an injection to give her an appetite. It is 10pm and she is still sitting in the rain. I don't think it worked. I will return to the vet tomorrow for more medication. She is old.
Do cats get dementia or Alzheimer's?

Ailing Cat
Watercolour
140lb CP

Thursday, 19th July 2018 - Farewell Gerry

In the St Mary's Church at Ide Hill we celebrated the life Of Gerry. The service was wonderful. Michael and Emily brought their amazing voices. There were uplifting hymns and heartfelt poems, a recording of Gerry playing saxophone, readings and the most incredible Eulogy by Gerry's brother. Through tears and laughter I realised how little I knew this man. A wicker coffin festooned with flowers was beautiful. We finished at the Halfway House which was the ideal setting for the Morris to dance and play. We left while friends and family listened to the many musicians that had known and played with Gerry.

Farewell Gerry
Pen
140lb CP

Wednesday, 18th July 2018 - Lord Raglan

It has been another quiet day of recovery with books including one on Venice Walks to study.

I wasn't going to go but my FOMO was too strong to keep me at home. The Weald of Kent Morris entertained a moderate audience, including flying ants, at The Lord Raglan.

Lord Raglan
Watercolour
140lb CP

Tuesday, 17th July 2018 - Tim's Cherries

I cannot drive until Saturday. I was missing Mum and cannot get to see her. I think you do when you are not feeling 100%. I phoned her. She was little comfort with too many ailments, complaints and bodily issues of her own. She is the every diminishing woman. She is feeble physically through lack of use. A thirty step shuffle with a zimmer frame from her bedroom to the lounge is her daily exercise. The sad thing is she thinks this is enough. I give up. A little anger reset my mood.

I have been lounging and reading art books while I heal. Apart from a bit of stinging sensation my leg is feeling good. Having a bath with one leg out was not an elegant process but good core muscle exercise. My after care instructions tell me if I am standing in a queue to walk on the spot - how English.

My picture today was going to be our beehive with bees in flight. I made a complete hash of it. It will possibly be the background for a future picture. Instead I experimented with painting/pem methods using a cherry for subject.

Tim's Cherries
Pen and Watercolour
140lb CP

Monday, 16th July 2018 - Post Surgery Recovery

Pippa and I sat in the shade of her garden while the temperature rose to 28ºC. It is great to have such a great friend to deliberate things up, over and around.

This afternoon I spent 20 minutes flat on my face having endovenous laser therapy, percutaneous u/s guided, avulsions and foam sclerotherapy. It was painless apart from the multiple local anaesthetic injections. I am now sitting with a bandaged elevated leg eating cherries. I have got painkillers on standby for when the anaesthetic wears off.

Post Surgery Recovery

Pen and Watercolour

140lb CP

Sunday, 15th July 2018 - Lollo Rosso and Garlic

I woke and remembered that Tom was still with us. What a lovely way to start a Sunday.

Herbie entertained Tom with his impressive rolling and circular crawling technique. Their size difference make them an incongruous pair. Tom returned from underwater swimming with Hetty and Bella. We watched the men's Wimbledon tennis final. Not terribly thrilling. There was a tie-break. I like those. During the match I made a blueberry sponge which took far much longer than the recipe promised. The blueberries had been picked by Malcolm's fair hand. They sunk nicely to the bottom of the cake.

Tom left taking a little bit of me with him.

Tim was making pizza dough and we decided it would be nice to share it. Si and Lesley joined us. It was another evening warm enough to eat outside. The topic of sailing came up. I am not that enthusiastic. Possibly a catamaran and a trip around Greek islands may tempt me.

I had a Seedlip gin and tonic. The taste of peas is surprisingly pleasant.

Si has grown some lovely lettuce, apparently related to the daisy family, and garlic bulbs. The lettuce was a perfect accompaniment to pizza.

Lollo Rosso and Garlic
Watercolour
140lb CP

Saturday, 14th July 2018 - The Lollipop Man

It has been a hot day with The Weald of Kent Morris.

On the Classic 30th Tour a group of us and a side of Morris gathered for bacon or sausage or fried egg, or all three rolls, in our garden. In convoy, we went to The White Dog Inn where the dancing was superb. Tom rode in Carole's gorgeous Riley to our next stop at Rye Harbour and a drink at William the Conqueror. The perky young lady seemed to liven up the dancing here. Alan in his blue Morris 2000 joined us here. Onto some glorious dancing outside The Bell at Iden with Nick and Si in a BMW E30. One or possibly two MGB's to The Rose & Crown at Beckley with a final flourish of dancing followed by many plates of pasties. Lastly with two MGTD we finished with Mr Whippy ice-creams at The Bull in Benenden where there was no dancing.

An amazing tour. Thank you and well done to Alan C and Tim for spending many hours organising it.

The Lollipop Man
Pen

Friday, 13th July 2018 - See no Evil, Hear no Evil, Feel no Evil

My good friend Sarah was on her way to the dentist and kindly dropped off a tray of blackcurrants. I gave her tea and my company in return.

We walked from Dingleden with Tony and Wendy to The Star with a threatening thunder cloud following us. The food was surprisingly good. The options of homemade being a top consideration. I haven't had such a tasty spotty dick for a long time.

Tom arrived while we were watching an exciting tennis match between Nadal and Djokovic...to be continued tomorrow. He is coming on tour with us tomorrow.

See no Evil, Hear no Evil, Feel no Evil
Pen and Watercolour
140lb CP

LTP/LTP Oil Painting Course
I have been working on 'spirit of the line' exercises. How to control ones knife and brush loaded with paint is a technique I need to master and conquer. Thinning the paint with medium makes it a lot more workable but still damn difficult.

Thursday, 12th July 2018 - Evening Fields

The flooding in Japan is horrendous. That is one heck of a clean up operation.

I packed a picnic. Tim and I collected Hetty and Bella from school. It has been a while. It was their choice to visit the graveyard and inspect the gravestones. What lovely bouncy company.

I was lounging happily on the sofa after dinner when Tim suggested a walk!!! You should have seen my face. It was a delightful stroll across the fields as the sun was setting. Sometimes you need time to talk.

I am hoping for a thunderous non damaging storm tomorrow.

Evening Fields
Watercolour
140lb CP

Wednesday, 11th July 2018 - White Rose

I was woken from my sleep at 3.45am by three chickens singing a not so harmonious song. I waited them to finish. It went on and on. Eventually I had to go and find out what was causing their noise. I pottered in my bare feet and pjs into the garden to find it was a casual fox pottering along the hedge. They made a good alarm. One look at me and it was off. I thought about making tea but decided my bed was more tempting.

I am looking after Hetty and Bella after school tomorrow. I mentioned having a picnic in the graveyard and was met with great enthusiasm. What a funny pair. Tescos provided me the ingredients. There was a continuous stream of people buying boxes of beer. They must all be very thirsty. I was near Mum so felt the need to drop in. What a grump she was. A whole long list of terrible troubles from the food to drs and back again. I was the wrong person to sympathise with her today.

White Rose
Mixed Media

Tuesday, 10th July 2018 - Topless at The Pub

My thoughts are with a dear friend today.

I was running through the breakfast options with my guests this morning. You know. Fresh fruit, cereal, toast with homemade marmalade or blackcurrant jam. Eggs fried, poached or scrambled. Then to be told that one of them is a marmalade judge for the WI adds a bit of a wobble to a well oiled machine. I am waiting for my score.

A chilly start turned into a warm afternoon. We took the MG to The Lord Raglan and stuck up posters for a future Morris event on their posts. It was surprisingly nice sitting on the bench in the carpark.

I was preparing my cheese for grating onto lettuce. It is so good with a drizzle of salad cream. The packet said 'tear and reveal'. What an enticing statement. I had misled myself. It read 'tear and reseal'.

A weepy couple of episodes Poldark kept me occupied this evening.

Topless at The Pub
Watercolour

Monday, 9th July 2018 - Sweetpeas and Pods

It was a sad evening. I had my last art class of the term. We discussed the course. I was the only one that didn't enjoy transcribing other artists work. Studying artists, alive or dead, I find useful and enjoyable even if I don't like the work. But copying it doesn't teach me anything as we can only guess at their techniques or process. The rest of the year has been great.

Sweetpeas and Pods
Quink Ink and Watercolour
140lb CP

Sunday, 8th July 2018 - Wild Honeysuckle

Tom has been composing some music. He sent me his latest summer ditty. I listened on my phone but am not sure why I needed to watch at the same time as there was nothing to see. Great tune Tom.

Pippa and I sat in their garden drinking tonic water and watching the tits. The boys drank beer.

I am nearing the The History of Bees - I don't want it to end so am taking my time.

I have gessoed up some boards ready for a session in my studio tomorrow.

Wild Honeysuckle
Silverpoint and Watercolour
Gessoed Board

Saturday, 7th July 2018 - Judo Duo

My granddaughters were doing their Judo grading today. I forgot the emotion that creeps up from your stomach into your throat and then lodges in your heart. Wow. Well done girls. If this means anything to you Bella now has three black tabs on her white belt and Hetty is a red belt with one tab. Watch out world there are some tough girls in Benenden.

Mum was at her nursing home today. They were colouring outside on the terrace. She seemed happy particularly about her future trip to the hospital. I told her off for being rude to the girl who brought her lunch. Maybe I reacted a bit sharply and you shouldn't tell your mother off but I did. She had no reason to be rude. I don't understand her detachment with her home and all the chattels that he and dad gathered over so many years.

I am not a football fan but Tim was not present so I thought I would watch just out of curiosity. I was hoping for a penalty shoot out thingy as they can be quite exciting but England won with two goals. Maybe next time. It is still a mystery the whole obsession. Mine is art materials and art books. We all have our own.

Judo Duo
Pen and Watercolour
140lb NOT

Friday, 6th July 2018 - Evening at The Star

I went to see Mum. She had been to the GP this morning and I wondered how she had got on. I arrived to find she wasn't there!!! My immediate thought was that she was in hospital but no she was out on a trip to Hastings. I guess things had gone well this morning. I got a few answer phone messages from her whilst out and about. I returned her call. Sshe has battled her way to getting an appointment with a consultant. You have to admire her determination. She had been out with another resident Lady Helen. They had been taken to Hastings, had fish and chips and been wheel chaired along the sea front. A visit to the Drs, a consultants consultation in the pipeline and a trip out in the wheelchair. A perfect day for Mum.

Tim has been reconstructing our wax moth infested bee hive. Hetty was in another performance as a super hero this time with the school. Of course we attended. This evening we went with Tony and Wendy to The Ewe and Lamb where the beer was not perfect so we went onto The Star to test it there. Better apparently. What an amazing view from the garden.

Evening at The Star
Watercolour
140lb NOT

Thursday, 5th July 2018 - Hetty Playing Jasmine

An annual trip to the dentist made my gums bleed. My teeth are fine. I need to use my TeePee more often. Shhh don't tell them I haven't use one for about ten months. I now have new ones to daily bleed my gums with in the bathroom.

I am working on a picture in my studio of the family party last Saturday. Tom will be added in. Plenty of artistic licence to get everyone included. I am having a great time doing it.

Hetty goes to Charlotte Hudson Dance School. Today it was her end of term show from the Musical Theatre group. It was another proud Grandma moment. I am so proud of her. Well done Hetty it was a delight to be able to watch you.

Hetty Playing Jasmine
Pen and Watercolour
140lb NOT

Wednesday, 4th July 2018 - Morris at The Bull

I impressed myself with the amount of ironing I could do whilst conversing with guests. This was after reading my frog book that told me it is not good to multitask. I don't think ironing and talking were quite what it was referring to.

I visited a friend with strawberries. We had coffee in her beautiful garden. So much colour. She is recovering from a hip replacement. I am impressed with how well she is doing.

It was a fine evening to watch The Weald of Kent Morris dance and play. I got cold and had to go inside the pub for coffee.

Morris at The Bull
Pen and Watercolour
140lb NOT

Tuesday, 3rd July 2018 - Gaura lindheimeri Pink

Harriet found me a beautiful plant. It is tall and waif like with the prettiest tiny pink flowers. She knows what I like. Thank you for my gift it is very much appreciated that you thought of me when your arms and mind were occupied with children.

Damn mosquitos. There aren't that many but the ones we that get into our bedroom at night and feast on my blood must have very penetrating proboscis. They leave irritating marks for a few days and itch like mad.

Sarah and I had a coffee date. I have not seen her for a while and needed to check on her wellbeing. We found a charming cafe in Biddenden called The Bakehouse. She seems reassuringly fine.

Gaura lindheimeri Pink
Pen and Watercolour
140lb NOT

Monday, 2nd July 2018 - View from Providence House

The heat is slowing me down or it could be age related. I don't seem to move at the speed I used to. I do get easily distracted by the baby next door who is adorable. This makes tasks take a little longer but what better distraction could there be?

We were working en plein air at our art class this evening. From the sweltering heat of Benenden I was exposed to the winds of Lenham. I painting a rather dull watercolour that I am not exposing to you. I got home and felt like doing something much more expressive in black ink.

View from Providence House
Ink
140lb NOT

Sunday, 1st July 2018 - Sultry at Great Dixter

Blimey it's been hot. I don't think that my bnb guests noticed that my dress was shorter than my apron while I was cooking their variations on a full English. I managed to surreptitiously back out of the dining room following service.

A great day to get out in the MG with the top off and the wind whipping my hair in my face. I should have tied my scarf tighter it is a painful experience. We met Mike and my brave friend Pippa at Great Dixter for a wander among the rambling gardens.

Mum is not getting her way with the nursing home so she is trying to get around it via my brother. Stand your ground Chris.

Sultry at Great Dixter
Pen and Watercolour
140lb NOT