Wednesday, 31st October 2018 - Venice Day Three

Tuesday, 30th October 2018 - Venice Day Two

Monday, 29th October 2018 - Venice Day One

Sunday, 28th October 2018 - Family Invasion

I woke in the night to the sound of rain. I love that sound.

Tom and I went to see Mum. Lindsey and Alice were already there. Harriet, Hetty, Bella and Herbie arrived too. Mum was not phased and thoroughly enjoyed the company including the many French Fancies.

This evening we briefly joined a jolly music event at The Bell and Jorrocks before returning home to feed on leftovers.

Family Invasion
Pen and Watercolour

Saturday, 27th October 2018 - Book Sorting

We brought down the boxes of books stored in the garage loft.

Book Sorting

Pen and Watercolour

Friday, 26th October 2018 - Autumn Roses

My sister was a saviour of the vegetable preparation today.

The menu was:- Fish cakes with fennel, radish and orange salad, Thai squash soup with rolls, game pie, carrots, beans with hazelnuts and orange, carrots and potato boulangere, marmalade slump cake, ice-cream, caramel oranges and white chocolate and raspberry tartlets. This will be a useful record for my failing memory.

We had a few drop outs for dinner this evening. We were sorry for their loss. Twenty two fitted quite perfectly around the table. Who came? Steve, Vivien, Lindsey, June, Barry, Si, Lesley, Nick, Alli, John, Innis, Tony, Wendy, Ewan, Kath, Michael, Emily, Ray, Linda, Tim, myself and Tom. It was a very enjoyable, at times a tad chaotic, evening. Happy 60th Birthday Tim.

Autumn Roses
Pen and Watercolour

Thursday 25th October 2018 - Members Session

Following a day in the kitchen it was good to get out and play around with my paints at the Weald of Kent Art Society evening. There were a few absent due to foot ailments.

Members Session
Watercolour

Wednesday, 24th October 2018 - A Birthday Book

Happy 60th birthday to Tim. Sixty seemed very old when I was twenty. Now I am just a bit older it seems young. We have many years of gorgeous delight ahead of us.

I have enjoyed celebrating Tim's birthday with presents, a trip out in the MG on a very warm autumn day (has October ever been this warm?), coffee in Fairlight with Brenda and Elizabeth sitting in the garden (I got rather hot), lunch at The Lime Wharf cafe with cider (that made me feel very relaxed) and back home for cake and candles with the grandchildren. Who doesn't love a birthday. Especially when you get an 'unbirthday' present of Caramac buttons.

A Birthday Book
Pen and Watercolour

Tuesday, 23rd October 2018 - Hospital Appointment

I took Mum for a hospital appointment this afternoon. I admire that she can talk continuously for the whole car journey. Mum zimmered her way to Outpatients A1. We were a little early so by the time her appointment was due she was getting a bit angsty. She napped. Then it got a bit later causing back ache. She napped. The waiting room emptied giving an angina attack - mild enough to pass without incident. She napped. An optician came and apologised for the lateness due to an emergency. We were there. We could wait. Mum felt too ill to continue. The staff were so kind to her. I took her back to the nursing home. She was pleased to find that she was just in time for supper as it had been a busy afternoon and she had quite an appetite.

I got home and had a glass of wine.

Hospital Appointment
Pen and Watercolour

Monday, 22nd October 2018 - Potato Harvest

We have been on a vegetable hunt. It started at Adam and Eve's with garlic and a trout, next Henhurst Farm Shop leaving empty handed, followed by The Potato Shop guess what we got there? Our journey ended in Waitrose. Our dedication to a red onion has to be admired.

Potato Harvest
Pen and Ink

Sunday, 21st October 2018 - Preserved Beans

Nothing much has happened today. It has been mighty pleasant. Apart from making very disappointing custard which I blame on the powder being two years old.

Preserved Beans
Pen and Watercolour

Saturday, 20th October 2018 - Birds on a Wire

I have delivered the battered old suitcase to Mum and we have been through a pile of clothes. She kindly offered me the rejects. I kindly declined. Chris and I rearranged her room to her exacting requirements while she laid on the bed. She has a powerful and commanding voice. The bureau in installed with two photos in frames on top. Nothing else is allowed to sully the top of the bureau. What a weird life she now has. The next few weeks have hospital appointments to fill her time. And ours.

We watched a fantasy film this evening. It was perfect for a tired body and brain.

Birds on a Wire
Pen and Watercolour

Friday, 19th October 2018 - Presents For Si

I am home. It is 2.25am. I have had a gastronomic evening celebrating Si's 60th birthday.

That is all you are getting from me today.

Present For Si
Pen and Watercolour

Thursday, 18th October 2018 - Harriet's Cold Cure

As I type I am babysitting for my three grandchildren. They are all asleep or at least quiet. Hetty was still up when Herbie woke up. Hetty said she knew what to do and stroked his back until he went to sleep. I don't think they need Grandma to babysit.

I have a cold and a sore throat which took me to bed this afternoon. Harriet bought me medicine from the village shop. Not the traditional Lemsip and much better. Thank you my lovely I feel much better.

Do I really want to buy lino to make Christmas cards? I think I really really really do need to.

Harriet's Cold Cure
Pen and Watercolour

Wednesday, 17th October 2018 - Apple Trio

I had to go to Cranbrook to get birthday ribbon and a bonus was I found half price watercolours. I found Sarah in Cocolicious for a coffee and bacon sandwich to catch up with her stories.

The majority of my day was spent at Mum's house. She wanted some clothes. It was quite a mission to find the blue sleeveless top. I did find Mum's wedding album. This is a beautiful piece of history.

This evening we have been working through our apples. I had mine with stilton.

I am cringing while watching The Apprentice. I love it. Tim has gone to bed in disgust.

Apple Trio
Watercolour

Tuesday, 16th October 2018 - Rose and Mozart

Did you know you can have botox on your bladder??? I learnt that today. I am not sure what the benefits are. I guess you would be wrinkle free and nice and smooth internally.

I delivered tea to Harriet this morning to find Hetty and Bella pleading to have more maths sums to solve. I can't remember ever doing this as a child. Herbie was practising being precarious.

Five bnb guests have eaten and approved a pudding/cake. This was another recipe trial. I never knew this would be an advantage of having guests. Very handy.

Today I have gifts from guests who must know me well. I have rose wine. Rioja which I always thought was red. It is in the fridge chilling for when I get an alcohol urge. And nutty, marzipan, chocolatey balls. I have eaten four this evening. One more and I would have exceeded the calories on one of my low cal days. I shall restrict my consumption now I know how calorific these little waist thickening gorgeous delights are. Thank you M and J. You spoil me and I love it.

The GBBO - excellent this evening.

Rose and Mozart
Pen and Watercolour

Monday, 15th October 2018 - A Study of Colour and Composition

With my secateurs I wandered the garden snipping bits of trees and hedges. I increased my finds on a walk. My kitchen worktop reminded me of the Nature Table we used to have at primary school. All this preparation for my art class. My tutor had us working on composition and colour with our twigs, berries and leaves. My stretched paper performed well under my wet washes.

A Study of Colour and Composition
Gouache

Sunday, 14th October 2018 - Pure Arts Exhibition

This afternoon I went to The Powder Mills in Battle. There is an annual art exhibition showcasing bit proper money making artists. Harriet was involved in its conception nine years ago. Lesley would like to get involved again. Maybe she will. I like to absorb visually, mentally and physically. The animal ceramics by Celia Allen are gorgeous. I am still not sure about mixed media that involves collage or photography. Libbi Gooch had some lovely lovely paintings, possibly my favourite. Will Taylor and Patsy Whiting - well...wow.

Dr Who - well... not so wow.

Pure Arts Exhibition
Pen and Watercolour

Saturday, 13th October 2018 - Whitstable

Our Uncle Dave is in Canterbury Hospital. He was really pleased that we visited him today. We went and got him a newspaper and an ice-cream. He was really pleased that we visited him today. He has dementia and his short term memory is shot to pieces. He blames it on heading many a football is his youth. Possibly. But he had many many enjoyable years with his mates playing football. Remove that from his life and he may not have the dementia he has now but it was such a large happy chunk of his life I wouldn't want to take that from him.

It was a gorgeous afternoon. We were close to Whitstable. We sat on a groin and watched the sun set over the sea. I had rose wine. Being in a plastic glass did not detract from the glory of the moment. We shared a bag of chips while wandering the streets. It is a very pretty town.

Back at home I now have a plate of white chocolate tarts to eat.

Whitstable
Watercolor

Friday, 12th October 2018 - Blue Tinged Fungi

I have been stretching watercolour paper. It is a tricky procedure. One advantage of having thighs with no gaps is that it is a great place for holding your parcel tape and scissors. That's TWO!!!! Even better.

Tim returned from his trip away and we went for a walk following the newly diverted path around Benenden Girls School. Probably to keep the polluting public away from the students. It is October. I wore a jumper. A few minutes later it was off. Blimey it's warm. We came across some large mushrooms.

Food this evening was experimenting for an upcoming dinner party. Mostly successful. I am not sure about the white chocolate tarts with raspberry. I feel very full.

Blue Tinged Fungi
Watercolour

Thursday, 11th October 2018 - Lavender for Great Grandma

Harriet, Herbie and I went to see Mum. She is working through a never ending list of ailments to get a visit to the GP. No success yet. Apart from that all seems to be well at Hawkhurst House.

On Harriet's recommendation we went on for coffee at Chegworths in Tenterden. I agree with her but think he coconut milk coffee was possibly better than mine.

Lavender for Great Grandma
Pen and Watercolour

Wednesday, 10th October 2018 - Cyclamen

Not having to get up for work I stayed in bed until the need for tea was so strong I had to get up. It wa so good to potter around in my PJs.

Cyclamen
Guache

Tuesday, 9th October 2018 - Turning Trees

At Hattens in Tunbridge Wells I had a very good piece of almond tart with coffee. June and Barry were there too. They have just returned France and loved it too. We wandered the streets of the town and through the park accompanied by a story or two.

I had a voucher for Thompson and Morgan. I had a lovely time searching their website and filling my basket. At the virtual checkout I found they charge £6.50 for delivery and my voucher didn't work. What!!! My disgust was dampened in B&Q. I filled my basket with tulips galore - Rembrandt in fact. They were cheaper and I didn't have to pay for delivery. As I happened to be passing by fuel didn't come into the equation either.

We dropped some batteries and drank tea at Si's. I am very impressed with the work they are having done in one of their cottages. I admired the stunning long reaching view from the garden whilst their abundant flock of chickens clucked nearby.

Rounded up with the GBBO it has been a good day.

Turning Trees
Watercolour

Monday, 8th October 2018 - Sliced Fruit I and II

It was dark when I got up and dark when I went to bed. I think I would like to hibernate.

At my art class we were painting slices of fruit. My tutor is great and I hope she doesn't think my grumpy attitude is anything to do with her. It is my frustration and annoyance and disappointment in myself that sets my mood.

I fiddle arsed far too much with this one....

Sliced Fruit I

Watercolour

A second attempt....

Sliced Fruit II

Watercolour

Sunday, 7th October 2018 - Charlotte and Don at Great Dixter

Tom remained with us until this afternoon. His house projects are very exciting. I am thrilled for him. He went to the beach with his nieces and nephew. We went to a Plant Fair in Northiam. It was not what I was expecting. It turned out to be a very beautiful affair. I have many glorious plants to fill my garden. Recommendation from a rather handsome man from New Zealand was that I overwinter them in the greenhouse. When the soil has been warmed by the spring sunshine I can plant them in the bald spots of my beds.

We called in for tea at Mike and Pippa's. Tim had wine. What an indulgence to get fish and chips on the way home and to find that Dr Who was programmed for this evening. I don't think it is right to have a female Dr.  I was determined not to enjoy it. But I did.

Charlotte and Don at Great Dixter
Pen and Watercolour

Saturday, 6th September 2018 - Tom's Flowers and Fruit

Simple guest breakfasts were complicated in their execution.

We headed over to Hallwood Farm and foraged apples. I was more interested in Sarah's stories than picking. A lunch of French cheese from Auchan was a reward for working so hard. Thank you for our car load of apples.

My plans to go to Great Dixter were thwarted by rain. So I came home, lit the woodburner and fell asleep on the sofa.

Tom's Flowers and Fruit
Pen, Charcoal and Watercolour

Friday, 5th October 2018 - Herbie and a Hose

My washing machine repair man mended my slipped belt, retrieved a tea towel, a sock and a pair of my knickers (good thing they were my lacy ones and not the Bridget Jones variety) from the fluff behind the machine. A couple of hours after he left I found a useful looking washer and screw on the floor. Possibly a cause for concern.

I operated on my Roomba and replaced its battery. It is now running much better.

The sun was warm enough for Harriet and I to have coffee in the garden while Herbie played with the water running out the hose.

Tom has come home for the weekend. He is delighted with his birthday gift of a multi-tool. I would have been very very very disappointed. As I type he is discussing with Tim his house renovation plans which involve a raspberry pie or two. I have not got a clue what they are talking about.

Herbie and a Hose
Pen and Watercolour

Thursday, 4th October 2018 - Karl Terry

We watched a heron descend from the top of an ironwood tree into our pond to collect a few fish. Our decoy heron has failed in its duty.

My evening was spent watching Karl Terry demonstrate oil painting. He was painting a picture of Venice. A great en plein air painting and a roofer when not at his easel. I rather like his dimples.What coincidence that I am going there at the end of the month. I don't think I will be dragging my oil painting kit out there.

Karl Terry
Pen and Watercolour

Wednesday, 3rd October 2018 - Hetty Front Crawling

I went to see Mum with a 90th birthday card for her friend. Amazing age to reach. Mum is reading a book written by a brain surgeon Henry Marsh, he was on Desert Island Discs and sounds an interesting man. I don't think this is a good read. It seems to be giving Mum ideas. Today's one was about the trauma you feel when you loose something you love. Objects not people.

I had the delight of watching Hetty having her swimming lesson. She does a mean butterfly. Well done Hetts.

Whilst in Waitrose scooping up reduced items I happened upon a Country Living magazine. I was disgusted that it had Christmas themes as I put it in my trolley.

Hetty Front Crawling
Pen and Watercolour

Tuesday, 2nd October 2018 - Macro Ivy Berry

Happy Birthday to Tom. I hope you had a great day my gorgeous boy.

For our anniversary Tim gave me a lens for the camera on my phone. I think the £400 camera I was angling for was a bit out of budget. On a walk I went in search of suitable subjects to bring home and expose. I have had great fun getting close and in depth with a piece of ivy. I am going to try an insect tomorrow.

I really want to make the puff/choux pastry pastries they made of GBBO but don't think I can be arsed unless there is a special occasion. They looked soooo yummy.

Macro Ivy Berry
Watercolour

Monday, 1st October 2018 - Clive's Studio

This morning I made breakfasts for three and had a cuddle with Herbie.

This afternoon I went to a Weald of Kent Art Society at Clive's House.

This evening it was colour theory at art class.

Now it is dark and time for bed.

Clive's Studio
Pen and Watercolour