Thursday, 31st January 2019 - Pretty Cottage, Poor Location

My accountant has filed my tax return. Thank you Tim. No tears this year.

I produced a much more pleasant non rubbery poached egg for my guest. It took me most of the day to get the room turned around. I had lovely interruptions (I visited nextdoor to brighten my daily bore) with Hetty who is home from school with a bug, she is a joyous little person.  Herbie helped me feed the chickens and had a 'nearly almost tantrum' as I shut the door. It was damn chilly out there, sorry Herbie.

We were intrepid going out in the sleet. There was a bargain of a house that needed investigation. We now know why the price is so low.

We have found a new series on Netflix to watch. Timeless. I think I am probably enjoying it more than Tim. There is a rather charming character that needs my close scrutiny.

I am fighting with some disgusting watercolour paper. The bargain price should have been the clue. It is sort of greasy and doesn't take the paint well. I should bin it but I have another another 25 sheets in the pad and another in the cupboard. Would giving it to the grandchildren be the best thing to do? See what I mean....greasy.

Pretty Cottage, Poor Location
Pen and Watercolour

Wednesday, 30th January 2019 - A Touch of Snow

A light sprinkling of snow delighted myself, Hetty and Bella.

A touch too much vinegar in ones simmering water makes a rather rubbery poached egg. It can't have been too bad as my guest is having it again for breakfast tomorrow.

A Touch of Snow I

Watercolour

A Touch of Snow II

Watercolour

Tuesday, 29th January 2019 - Queen Cat

It was my afternoon to spend with Hetty. We bravely visited The Great Grandma. Who is being as astropolas as normal. She has so many bodily disorders mounting up it is difficult to keep track. Blimey they have their hands full at her nursing home. I thought it would be a great idea for Hetty to make Angel Delight. She chose the healthier option of strawberry as it said it contained fruit on the packet. She politely ate a smidgen. It was the most revolting synthetic tasting stuff. Sorry Hetty for even thinking it would be a treat. I will strive to do better next time.

Queen Cat
Watercolour

Monday, 28th January 2019 - Pair of Persimmons

Herbie is very fond of the cat. It is not reciprocated. Luckily his crawl per hour is not up to the speed of her four paws per hour.

I am in full anticipation of a heavy snow dump tomorrow night.

It is a minimalist painting I have for you this evening. It is following a 'lesson learnt by mistakes' evening at my art class in not to overwork/think. So I have done neither. Apparently your brain fills in the gaps. See how you get on with this one.

Pair of Persimmons
Watercolour

Sunday, 27th January 2019 - 350 Bulbs

Tom very kindly (until I had to plant them) some bulbs which he had been tempted into by an offer on Martin's Money Saving Expert. I took to the chilly windy garden and an hour and half later had the little buggers planted into pots.

Tony and Wendy joined us for a stroll. It was planned to avoid the rain and sleet. We walked through sun, rain and sleet. Tony's tangy wine gums kept my spirits up nearly as much as the company.

I think Lexi Viktorova is pregnant with a Bulgarian baby.

350 Bulbs
Pen and Watercolour

Saturday, 26th January 2019 - Four Carters and a Dwyer

It was wonderful to celebrate Pippa's birthday in the bustling Woolpack at Warehorne. I had a gorgeous steak and a bit of wine. Love, hugs and the best of birthday wishes to Pip.

Four Carters and a Dwyer
Pen and Watercolour

Friday, 25th January 2019 - Addressing The Haggis

We were very proud grandparents this afternoon watching Hetty give an impressive power point presentation to the school about her Musical Theatre Group. Her confidence to speak all on her own to the whole school was magnificent. I would have been a gibbering wreck. The other children were marvelous too.

This evening we ate haggis and drank whiskey under the watchful eye of Robbie Burns. Alli told us of his proliferate antics with many a girl. No wonder he died so young. Si toasted the Lassies in a most amusing poem he wrote. I wonder where I left my tartan thong. Thank you Mr and Mrs Joy for hosting such a glorious evening.

Addressing The Haggis
Pen and Watercolour

Thursday, 24th January 2019 - Mark Fisher at WOKAS

I got on the scales. I seem to have laid down some winter fat. I will have to do something about that.....how boring. The 5:2 doesn't work for me. I can make up the calories lost on the two days quite happily during my five days. It just gives me an excuse to eat badly. Any tips/hints out there please forward them to me.

Sarah and I had a therapy session with coffee in Cocolicious. This afternoon I made my last batch of marmalade whilst doing my bloody tax return followed by a discussion about our cantankerous mother with my brother and sister.

This evening I was thoroughly entertained by watching a painting demonstration with a palette knife.

Mark Fisher at WOKAS
Pen and Watercolour

Wednesday, 23rd January 2019 - Three of Three

Two full English with fried eggs lovingly served to guests.

Herbie was showing me how to whistle. He has an interesting method which involves a lot of air and the occasional sound. Sooo adorable.

Tim is out. I am watching Dragons Den. He dislikes it. What a lot of twits with an odd brilliant idea. Why do people do that to themselves.

Three of Three
Pen and Watercolour

Tuesday, 22nd January 2019 - Bella's Reference

My guests chose Christmas cake to have with their tea. I now have a whole date and walnut cake to eat.

Bella came for sausage and mash this afternoon. She took a rather interesting photo on my phone which I have used for today's painting and abstracted it a bit.

I am very disappointed that it hasn't snowed.

Bella's Reference
Watercolour

Monday, 21st January 2019 - Winter Trees

I have some exfoliating shower gel. I presume you are meant to use it on every body part. I am so soft and smooth ... all over.

I have had to get baking today in readiness for guests tomorrow. I really wish I had sorted the rooms out sooner.

I was terribly tired today after being turfed out of bed at 4.50am to go and admire the moon. It was worth getting cold feet. What an amazing Super Blood Wolf Moon. It deserves it many names.

I dragged myself out to art class and thoroughly lost myself with my paints. Week one of our three week project. I may post it if I get it finished.

Winter Trees
Watercolour

Sunday, 20th January 2019 - Snowdrops

I found some snowdrops underneath the ferns I pulled up.

Do you wonder sometimes where you are heading?

Snowdrops
Watercolour

Saturday, 19th January 2019 - A Brief Refreshment

Another batch of marmalade done.

It was a last minute gathering at The Vine. June had to down three gin and tonics in quick succession as she had another date to attend. She did admirably.

A Brief Refreshment
Pen and Watercolour

Friday, 18th January 2019 - At The Nutmeg

I had a coffee and a walnut biscuit with Kath and Pippa in Tenterden which was fortuitous as I needed more granulated sugar for my every increasing marmalade mountain.

This afternoon I shut myself in my studio and skidded around with oils. Oooh that sounds rather naughty. It wasn't. But probably as much fun. My endeavours bore fruit, quite literally as I finished up with five paintings of apples.

At The Nutmeg
Pen and Watercolour

Thursday, 17th January 2019 - Tim Returns

I have marmalade in jars. One double batch done, two more to go. I feel this desperate need to make it while the Seville's are here.

My husband is home from the environs of Atlanta. We agreed on no gifts. I DIDN'T MEAN IT!!!

We went for a walk amongst the sheep. I was eyeing up the trees in preparation for my art project. Sort of, possibly, got an idea.

Tim Returns
Watercolour

Wednesday, 16th January 2019 - Moves to Moana

I have been a domestic goddess. Only a demi one as I have part made marmalade and a lamb stew.

It was a drizzly day to collect Hetty and Bella from school. We visited great grandma but she had a friend there and we were dismissed for being too lively. Back home we had a serious session with Playdoh. We played 'Guess the Animal' with Alexa. She got mine, a worm and Bella's Komodo Dragon. Simple pleasures.

Moves to Moana
Pen and Watercolour

Tuesday, 15th January 2019 - Prior to Shredding

Tesco delivered many kilos of Seville oranges and granulated sugar.

It's busy at Westminster.

Prior to Shredding
Watercolour

Monday, 14th January 2019 - No Apologies

It was a long Weald of Kent Art Society meeting with mince pies.

I was drawing trees and negative drawing with chalk at my art class. Most confusing.

No Apologies
Pen and Watercolour

Sunday, 13th January 2019 - Pylons

The sunshine was a bonus today and meant I could rummage for weeds in the flower beds.

I took a supply of toothpaste and combs to Mum. She has her own teeth and hair. I suppose that is a bonus.

How difficult can it be to paint one apple in oil paint. Very. It's a slippery beast with a mind of its own. I have yet to tame it.

This is watercolour and not an apple.

Pylons
Watercolour

Saturday, 12th January 2019 - Squiggly Thank You

Mum has just phoned. She was wondering if I had a catalogue for Inco Pants - NO.

Brett gave Harriet an amazing Christmas present. A trip to see Cirque du Soleil in London. The children were enthusiastically looked after by four adults including two grandparents. I think we will sleep well tonight.

Squiggly Thank You
Watercolour

Friday, 11th January 2019 - Birthday Bacon Roll

I was late for Sarah's birthday but we celebrated in style with a bacon roll with chilli jam.

Birthday Bacon Roll
Pen and Watercolour

Thursday, 10th January 2019 - Commuters

Tim is on his January migration to Atlanta this time. I left him at the station before heading down to Winchelsea for a bit more clearing. It was good to have Liz and Keith there for physical and mental support.

I had Herbie while Harriet made some calls. We had rich tea biscuits.

Commuters
Pen and Watercolour

Wednesday, 9th January 2019 - Still Life Set Up

I have been crying while cooking dinner. I was listening to Angela Barnes - You Can't Take It With You. Highly recommended by me.

I am back to my oil painting course. It can take a long time to get an apple's right side.

Still Life Set Up
Watercolour

Tuesday, 8th January 2019 - Walking Home from School

Mum and I made an express visit to The Conquest Hospital. I collected her at 9.30am and had her back in her room by 11.30am. My only distress was caused from navigating a wheel chair. With and without her takes a bit of manipulating.

I have had a glorious few hours with Hetty. We shopped for face wipes, toothpaste in a pump and a comb (for Mum), visited Mum (yes, twice in one day), and discussed her experiences during the Second World War.

Walking Home from School
Watercolour

Monday, 7th January 2019 - Pebbles in Grey and a Shell

My art class started this evening. We are learning how to make greys not look grey.

Pebbles in Grey and a Shell
Watercolour

Sunday, 6th January 2019 - Mill House, Wickhambreaux

Mill House, Wickhambreaux
Pen and Watercolour

Saturday, 5th January 2019 - A Saturday Night Quickie

While Tim has been working in his study I have covered the kitchen table and every available work surface in paintings. I am sorting last years Blog into date order. I really wish I had done it at the time. Do you know where the picture from October 4th is?

We broke from our work for a walk in the chilly January air. And rewarded our efforts with a couple of drinks at The Halfway House with friends who were keen to join us.

A Saturday Night Quickie
Pen and Watercolour

Friday, 4th January 2019 - Winter Hellebore

There is not much going on in the garden but I did find a bit of colour lurking amongst the leaves.

I am not sure I believe the research on screen time for children in the news today.

I settled down this evening with some fermented apple juice.

Winter Hellebore
Pen and Watercolour

Thursday, 3rd January 2019 - Still Learning

I have been inspired by Phillipa Goddard who gave The Weald of Kent Art Society a demonstration on Resist techniques. I need to invest in some new art materials so I can give it a go. I will be raiding the granddaughters crayon tin while they are sleeping.

I don't know if I can eat much more Stollen. I need to practice my 'resist' techniques.

Still Learning
Pen and Watercolour

Wednesday, 2nd January 2019 - January Sky

Tom is ahead of me with dry January. I thoroughly enjoyed by gin and Fever Tree Clementine tonic. That was yesterday today I have stuck with tea and just the tonic.

I was back in the garden today. It is a damn soggy weedy mess. I hope the frog I uncovered amongst the ferns has found an alternative warm home. Do I need to start planting my peas, sweet, broad, French and runner?

January Sky
Watercolour

Tuesday, 1st January 2019 - Rose and Hips

Happy New Year to you out there.

It has been an emotional start to the year. My brother gave me a CD The Unfinished Violin by Sam Sweeney. I have wept through the whole album. It is a surprise to me. I like a few lyrics to sing along to but not one is present. What a revelation. Glorious stuff.

When angst enters my head to stop my mind rampaging I listen to the radio. Now I have Sam.

I was weeding the rose garden. Bella enquired as to what I was doing. I explained. She wandered off looking bemused. Yes, I agree it is an odd activity.

We had fireworks and sparklers in the garden with The Evanses. I love a firework. The only one not impressed was Herbie.

Rose and Hips
Pen and Watercolour

Monday, 31st December 2019 - New Years Eve

We had a moderate lunch with Ewen and Chris at The Woolpack followed by a bit of NYE food shopping. I took Hetty on another trip to see Mum. Later we met LeeLee and Richard for a drink at The Three Chimneys which was shut so we filtered amongst the youngsters at The Milkhouse before heading home for lobster and champagne (I got this fine idea from a friend) to watch a film and the neighbors fireworks from the garden.

New Years Eve
Charcoal and Watercolour