Friday, 31st May 2019 - The Woodcock

My lovely forest boys have left.

We visited Mum. She surprised us by being awake, drinking tea and eating yogurt. There was quite some discussion as to the time of day, what day it was, where she was and where Dad was.

I have new guests who had both chocolate brownie and almond cake in the sunshine.

We had a brief drink at The Woodcock with Tony and Wendy. We talked about medical plumbing and water plumbing.

The Woodcock
Pen and Watercolour

Thursday, 30th May 2019 - Ice-Cream Iris

I enjoyed cooking breakfast for my forest men. They are a jolly pair.

Mum was very sleepy. She roused for tea this evening. She looked very comfortable.

I have baked lots of cake today.

Ice-Cream Iris
Watercolour
Mulberry Paper

Wednesday, 29th May 2019 - Dragon at The Holt

You know how it is and you thinking you are coping. Then one little thing whilst shopping at Tescos just tips the balance and the tears come tumbling down. Better out than in.

Mum's nursing home have been consulted as to her lack of care. She is very small and frail. There is some good, some very good, some not so good and some ridiculous. I hope we have got rid of the ridiculous.

Having two guys who are working on the grounds at Bedgebury staying for bnb should keep me on occupied. I am not sure that is what I want or need.

My new fridge and the refigured kitchen that Tim has worked damn hard at looks wonderful.

My bed and a good book is what I need tonight.

Dragon at The Holt
Pen and Watercolour

Tuesday, 28th May 2019 - Honeysuckle

I have been in to see Mum a couple of times today. Unfortunately, they were short staffed. This means she does not get the care she should be getting. It could be, should be and will be better. I really appreciated having great family support. Thank you. You are much loved.

A pile of ironing whilst being mentored by my oil painting guro Roisin was good therapy in an otherwise tough day.

The honeysuckle in the hedges is gorgeous. Not so much now as I have a vase of it on my kitchen table. According to Google it will protect me from evil. Shame. I do like Lucifer on Netflix.

Honeysuckle
Pen and Watercolour

Monday, 27th May 2019 - Tithe Barn

Why is it called domestic bliss? What is domestic bliss? If it is to do with cleaning I don't find it very blissful.

The Pilgrims Way Art Show in Lenham is always worth a visit. I was hoping to get inspiration for a painting or two. Unfortunately, the artists I admire I have seen before. I have to find inspiration from within.

Tithe Barn
Pen and Watercolour

Sunday, 26th May 2019 - Beer and Ice-Cream

Work continues in the kitchen. Brett gave us a hand reducing the worktop. It looks like we have just moved. Actually worse as the contents of the cupboards are all over the place and not in moving boxes.

I had a couple of hours in my studio while Tim Morrised in Cranbrook at their festival. I joined hime later to find the dancing all over. But was recompensed with a Mr Whippy bought for me my the gorgeous Alan. He didn't need much tempting to join me.

This evening I sat with my siblings drinking gin from Cornwall. I laughed until I cried over the misinterpretation of the man on the chocolate bar.

I got back home to find the dishwasher moved and replumbed. The kitchen is up and running again. Amazing job Tim it looks great. Now I don't have to delve around in the depths of the chest freezer for ice for my G&T. Our new fridge has a freezer bit. Perfect.

Beer and Ice-Cream
Pen and Watercolour

Saturday, 25th May 2019 - Priory Corner

At 8am we had our new fridge delivered. The kitchen needs a bit of a rearrange to fit it in. Tim has had his power tools out.

We met friends at The Cellar Head Brewery. Back home and one bottle of Bacchus later I had to lie down and close my eyes for a bit. What is it about drinking at lunchtime that makes you soooo tired.

Mum told me it had been a lovely day when I arrived at her bedside today. I agreed it had. She said everyone was so nice and Prince Charles was there but she couldn't remember who else. Ahhh so she wasn't referring to the weather.

Priory Corner
Watercolour
Mulberry Paper

Friday, 24th May 2019 - Vetch

I was over enthusiastic with the quantity of sausages my guests would eat. They got eaten by Herbie and Tom. Tom and Tim fixed our TV aerial and it now faces Dover. No more pixelated pictures.

Harriet, Herbie, Tom and I visited Mum. We are having mixed information as to what is the best way forward.

Gin and tonic with Lucifer is a wonderful to wind down after a long day.

Vetch
Pen and Watercolour

Thursday, 23rd May 2019 - Steve With His Top Off

It has been a hot day and perfect for a drive in the MG. A call from Si and we were tempted to The Woodcock with Steve, Pamela and Carol. An over order on the lunch menu meant Tim and I got to share a delicious seafood linguine.

Mun was a little brighter today but she still isn't eating. Tom came home to see his Grandma. We had a late night catching up over beer. I now have some new Podcasts on my phone.

Steve With His Top Off
Pen

Wednesday, 22nd May 2019 - Deputy Gardener

Herbie helped me plant my runner beans. Hopefully most of them have survived his vigorous methods.

Mum is very poorly today. They have arranged for the GP to come and see her tomorrow.

Deputy Gardener
Pen and Watercolour

Tuesday, 21st May 2019 - Holden Farm

I joined the Weald of Kent Art Society painting near Biddenden. Loads of subject matter. What do I choose a field with trees?!?

Holden Farm
Watercolour

Monday, 20th May 2019 - Speedwell and Buttercups

I woke with my finger nails digging into the palms of my hands. I had been dreaming about revising for my English O Level. How odd.

I have spent a few delightful moments playing with Herbie in the garden. Ants are fascinating when you are so close to them. I had jobs to do in the house but they could wait. Time with Herbie cannot be replaced. .

I have not been to see Mum recently but she is causing a few issues at the nursing home. I'll go tomorrow.

I wasn't sure I could muster the energy to go to my art class this evening. I was so pleased I did.

Speedwell and Buttercups
Watercolour

Sunday, 19th May 2019 - Sweet Williams From John

John, Diane, Chris and Ewen came for Tim's homemade pizza lunch. We had forgotten that the last time John and Diane came we fed them pizza. Whoops.

We had enough tickets complimentary and otherwise to get into Hole Park to admire the gardens and collect unsold works. I collected for a friend. Remember....mine was sold.

Sweet Williams From John
Ink and Watercolour

Saturday, 18th May 2019 - Hole Park

Tim and I were out and about and at the last minute decided to drop in at Hole Park to see how the En Plein Air exhibition for Pilgrims Hospice was going. I was taken aback to find I had one the Best Watercolour along with a prize and just to make me feel even more delighted my painting had sold. Wow.

Hole Park

Watercolour

A Piece of Hole Park - Sold

Watercolour 

En Plein Air Competition

Friday, 17th May 2019 - Fertility Aid

It is the asparagus season. We are buying it from many sources whilst it lasts. From supermarkets as long it is from Kent and not Peru. My favourite is Froghole Farm. They sell the best for making soup, better for stir frying and the very best for dipping in hollandaise.

Fertility Aid
Khadi Paper

Thursday, 16th May 2019 - A Gift of Thanks

I had half an hour after levering myself out of bed to leave the house. I left without make-up and without brushing my teeth. How disgusting is that?!? Harriet was going to the hospital for an appointment with Herbie and of course I wanted to go too. We celebrated on the way home by going to Matalan and buying Herbie a top with a shark on the front. The best bit is the zip that opens to reveal sharks teeth.

This evening I had a surprisingly enjoyable evening at The Weald of Kent Art Society AGM. The banter and discussions were lively.

A Gift of Thanks
Pen and Watercolour

Wednesday, 15th May 2019 - LeeLee Under Pressure

LeeLee and I joined 30 or so artists at an En Plein Air event at Hole Park in Rolvenden. It is run by Joanne Weaver (and helpers) in aid of Pilgrims Hospice. You have one day to paint, complete and hang a picture. The canvas is stamped at the beginning of the day and returned at the end. So there is no cheating. It is not allowed to be prepared in any way, shape or form. We started late and very relaxed. Panic set in after a ham sandwich as to how short on time we were getting. I spent a long time wandering the grounds sketching my composition. And I chose to do a diptych so had paintings that needed to be cohesive. We finished and left with a sense of achievement. And thank you to those who came along and supported us with tea.

This evening I drank rose whilst being entertained by The Weald of Kent Morris at The Stilebridge. A good way to unwind after my painting extravaganza.

LeeLee Under Pressure
Pen and Watercolour

Tuesday, 14th May 2019 - Bella and Tortoise

After a couple of hours removing brambles I look like I have been whipped.

Bella and I have had a busy afternoon. We shopped in Waitrose for items for Mum. French Fancies in the trolley expertly driven by Bella. We dropped by Mum who was sadly not terribly interested in her great granddaughter - how very very sad. So we went to see Sarah's puppy. I think he has entered a wonderful family with dogs and children and adults and a farm to roam. Bella was very taken with their tortoise.

Fleabag is so good.

Bella and Tortoise
Pen and Watercolour

Monday, 13th May 2019 - Cowslips

It was back to school for me this evening. I am working on a gathering of Tim's family. There are plenty of them.

We planted a couple of cowslips a few years ago. They are multiplying.

Cowslips
Inktense Pencils

Sunday, 12th May 2019 - Great Dixter Goes Abstract

Tom told me about Ted's podcasts. I plugged myself in and listened about how to be successfully creative whilst cleaning bathrooms and making beds. They used Einstein and Darwin as examples. Not really your everyday folk. I bet they didn't clean their own toilets. Still something to aspire to. I do like a challenge. The key is multitasking.

The MGTD got an airing to Great Dixter. I am a bit obsessed with honesty. The plant. They had a gorgeous dark version that I really need.

We had hummus with peas and taramasalata on our return. There was a 200 calorie per serving difference. That is a lot. Guess which was the 'fat boy' dip?

Tim cut the lawn and I visited Mum. She was interminable with her bodily complaints. I came home and drank wine.

Great Dixter Goes Abstract
Watercolour

Saturday, 11th May 2019 - Cure for the Heart

The horrendous rain made me do my ironing when I would have preferred to be tackling triffids.

It was an interesting afternoon stewarding at the last day of the Weald of Kent Art Society spring exhibition. Harriet and Hetty came to view the art for which I was touched. I have returned with my pictures plus another I purchased. Not a terribly profitable event.

I needed to have a walk to get my sedate body moving again. The weather was the most glorious it had been all day with warm sunshine and no rain. I plucked a sprig of double pink hawthorn to use as my model this evening. What a beautiful specimin.

We watched Midsummer Murders this evening. There were a few murders to investigate.

Cure for the Heart
Pen and Watercolour

Friday, 10th May 2019 - Leaves

There is a nursery near Tenterden that opens occasionally during the year. The signs tempted us and we ventured in and came home with some lovely plants. I like the ones already in flower so I can see their ability to please me. The geum is called 'Mai Tai' - I thought that was a cocktail. All but one are now in the garden. The garden has been overtaken by triffids. I am ready for the battle.

Leaves
Pen and Watercolour

Thursday, 9th May 2019 - Rain Forecast

The postman gave me a package containing a pair of bamboo socks. I had a free pair last year so was pleased to have another. They are very soft. The enclosed catalogue did not temp me to buy more.

I got fed up with the rain while trying to plant out my nasturtiums. I gave up and came in for tea but did get my bluetooth headphones working so I can now listen to Podcasts. Suggestions welcome.

Rain Forecast
Watercolour

Wednesday, 8th May 2019 - New Puppy

This morning I was privileged to meet Sarah's new puppy. He slept in his bed during coffee. Wandered outside for a wee and back to his bed. I am going to take a grandchild to increase his vibrancy next time.

This evening it was the first Morris night excursion of the season. For me it is the start of summer. I drank rose to celebrate even though it was a chilly evening and a hot chocolate would have been more appropriate. Good to hear the glorious songs that have been learnt during the dark winter evenings.

New Puppy
Pen and Waterolour

Tuesday, 7th May 2019 - Teething

It is good news that Mum has been to see her dermatology consultant and all is well.

I have asked for book recommendations on Facebook. Thank you guys for all the suggestions. I have got a busy couple of months ahead on the sofa to complete the list.

Teething

Charcoal

Monday, 6th May 2019 - Herb Robert

It has been a quiet bank holiday. My sweetpeas have made it out of the greenhouse into the garden. They are looking perky so far. I weeded this tiny pink flower from the flowerbed. I had to look it up on Google for a definition. It has many names for such a tiny plant. It could be Red Robin, Death Come Quickly (something to do with Robert being a devilish sprite) Fox Geranium, Stinking Bob, Squinter-pip (no idea) and Crow's Foot. Wow.

We watched a rubbish film and took to bed for an early night to sleep off our malaise.

Herb Robert
Watercolour

Sunday, 5th May 2019 - Red Door and Wisteria

My guests were here for another day!!! Yes, of course I knew that.

Today it is the setting up of The Weald of Kent Art Society exhibition. Because you have been following my blog closely you all will of course know this due my recent oil painting frenzy. Considering most of them are over 60 is was jolly fun. I was on the bar at the Preview - the cheesy tortilla chips were very popular with the red wine. There was the thrill of a raffle and the excitement of the presentation of the Chairman's prize. I didn't get it!!!

I do love wisteria. We had one at the front of the house but being a damp spot it got a rotten bottom and died.

Red Door and Wisteria
Pen and Watercolour

Saturday, 4th May 2019 - Minutes From Cellar Head Brewery

After today I have a few days off from cooking breakfasts. I have to get my arse into gear or I will just fritter the time away.

Tom, Tim, Bella and I met Brett with his van at Mum's and cleared some more furniture. It is looking very sad.  I have a place for it in the house. Tim is not so certain. It is in the garage for now. Thank you Brett for the loan of your muscles and van. The hail and sleet was amazing.

We had coffee and cake with Brenda. Bella was a delight considering she had only us to play with.

At 4pm we were collected by Tony and Wendy and taken to the Cellar Head Brewery. We walked to Bewl Water before returning to the brewery for beer. I had rhubarb cider which was refreshing under the showers.

Minutes From Cellar Head Brewery
Pen and Watercolour

Friday, 3rd May 2019 - Focus on Framing

I am grateful to my bnbers phoning to say they were arriving late this evening. I would not have remembered to put an extra bed in their room otherwise.

This afternoon we wandered through showers into the village to watch Hetty being a chimney sweep in her school assembly. She looks good in a flat cap.

Tom and Tim framed my four oil paintings. I gave them a varnish and they are now ready for exposure to the public on Sunday.

Focus on Framing
Watercolour

Thursday, 2nd May 2019 - Local Elections

I struggled getting out of bed to cook breakfasts for my guests. I blame it on a Morris man.

I met Mum at the GPs. She was confused, the GP was confused and I was confused with all her appointments. A couple of hours later it was all sorted. She was looking rather grey and frail today. I think we are losing her physically and mentally.

Tom is still with us. It is useful to have his young muscles. We had a wooden fence panel that needed putting on the bonfire. Done. Thanks Tom. I thought he might like steak for dinner. He did and so did I.

Local Elections
Pen and Watercolour

Wednesday, 1st May 2019 - Morris under a Chestnut Tree

It is Mayday. We were up to celebrate the end of winter with the Weald of Kent Morris at 5.32am.
My children and their children were there too. They were all terribly jolly at what is normally a time to be in bed. The breakfast at The Halfway House was great. When I collected Tim from The Milkhouse in the afternoon his Hawthorn blossom was looking a little wilted. I confined him and Tom to their bedrooms while I was welcoming my bnb guests.

Morris under a Chestnut Tree
Pen and Watercolour