Saturday, 28th September 2019 - Early Anniversary

Tony dropped in this morning while I was still lummoxing around in my dressing gown drinking tea. He delivered the most gorgeous flowers grown and gathered by Wendy. Thank you they are beautiful.

We have Jamie Olivers new cookery book. We have been experimenting with the recipes. The onion soup was ok but too sweet. The aubergine lasagne was pretty awful. Tonight I tried the mushroom lasagne which was delicious but it did take three hours to make and cook.

We were delighted to see Harriet and Herbie return home. He missed his sisters as much as they missed him. Take care little chap.

I am nearly at the bottom of my Bloom gin bottle. Luckily I have planned ahead and have a couple more litres in the cupboard.

Early Anniversary
Watercolour

Friday, 27th September 2019 - Ashford Hospital from Padua Ward

The GP decided Herbie should go to hospital. He needed a drip after having a stomach bug that has taken its toll. I am so proud of Harriet for being so strong. Herbie was so very brave. After being tested, prodded, blood taken and needles inserted he said 'Thank you" to the nurses and doctor and "Well done" for himself. It broke my heart. Harriet was able to stay with him overnight. He is having fantastic care.

Ashford Hospital from Padua Ward
Pen and Watercolour

Thursday, 26th September 2019 - Passion in the Garden

I am not sure that Tim listens to me sometimes.

Me "Is there any post?"
Tim "It is nice and crunchy"

We had toast for breakfast!!!

Passion in the Garden
Watercolour

Wednesday, 25th September 2019 - Near Home

After months of hunting I have found a toilet seat to replace a rather old one in a bed and breakfast bathroom. Not only is it soft close it also has quick release for deep cleaning. I am really very pleased with my new purchase which is a bit sad possibly.

I have trimmed some of my box hedge. It looks very smart.

Herbie was feeling a bit better and helped me take apart my Roomba for cleaning out the fluff.

Tim and I are both suffering with back problems but managed to limp around the fields for a bit of exercise.

Near Home
Watercolour

Tuesday, 24th September 2019 - After Velouté, Quail and Tart

My evening primrose capsules seem to have mended by heat control system. It maybe placebo but it works and I am happy with that. I have other things keeping me awake that will hopefully improve shortly.

This evening we went to The Poet for dinner and birthday celebrations. I have never been but always been intrigued. The food was amazing. So many flavours and little bits of deliciousness.

After Velouté, Quail and Tart
Pen and Watercolour

Monday, 23rd September 2019 - Frog in Stocks

I headed into the garden before the rain fell and planted out my stocks. A frog had taken refuge amongst the damp leaves.

Back to art class this evening. I had a marvelous time with charcoal.

Frog in Stocks
Ink

Wednesday, 18th September 2019 - Caught By The Reading Bug

Today it would have been my Mum's birthday. She was always there. Now there is a gap in my life. I miss her very much.......Happy Birthday Mum xxx

When I drop by nextdoor Hetty is often engrossed in a book. A lovely addiction.

Caught By The Reading Bug
Pen and Watercolour

Tuesday, 17th September 2019 - The Onset of Autumn

I managed to drag my unwilling body from under the duvet. The need to see my grandchildren was greater than the need for sleep. I caught them in time to join them on their walk to school.

I love this weather. Warm sunny days and cool nights - I like wearing my brush cotton pyjamas and can just about wait until bedtime to put them on.

I have potted up 120 mini plugs. Harriet took great care of them in my absence. They don't seem to have a label. The anticipation of what they will grow into is tremendous.

We are watching The Capture. Very thrilling so far. I highly recommend it.

The Onset of Autumn
Watercolour

Wednesday, 11th September 2019 -

It has been a stressful day for me and a friend. We had separate stresses and it was good to have her to share with. Thank you for your ears.

I spent a restorative hour or so in my studio.

I am watching GBBO - the vet's voice is getting irritating.

Hetty and Bella are back at school. It is the brand new horseshoe shaped school in Benenden. What an amazing building to learn in.

Back To School
Pen and Watercolour

Tuesday, 10th September 2019 - On The Catwalk

What is the point of hot flushes!!!!!!! None apart from disturbing my sleep and making me tetchy.

I have been potting red tulips and blue muscari bulbs in the lasagne fashion.

Tim has various wedding outfit options.

On The Catwalk
Pen and Watercolour

Monday, 9th September 2019 - New Tyre

Tim is home from Hong Kong. He had no incidents with umbrellas or face masks. He has gifts for the grandchildren. The girls have stripey tops and Herbie has two cars and a digger that come apart. We had great fun playing on the kitchen floor digging up pasta shapes.

My misconceptions about the Goudhurst Inn were reduced slightly. We met Nick and Alli for beer and tonic water. It was probably the company that made for an enjoyable evening.

Inspired by our trip to India, now long, long ago we had masala omelettes.

New Tyre
Pen and Watercolour

Sunday, 8th September 2019 - After The Fall

Look Sarah.... I have the correct month!!!

My guests have gone and I now have a few days where I can wander my home in my pj's anytime of day or night.

I had a surprise and very much appreciated invitation out for coffee. We went to The Lime Wharf Cafe in Northiam.

The weather at this time of year is just perfection. Sunny days that don't make me sweat followed by cool nights where I can put on my brushed cotton pyjamas - then take them off again when my thermostat goes wrong. Just love this time of year.

After The Fall
Watercolour

SOLD

Saturday, 7th September 2019 - Contrary Chickens

I have had enough time with my own company. I am finding myself a bit tedious. It is time for Tim to come home.

The tree removal earlier in the year has been excellent in providing more light into the garden. The plants are flourishing ..... but ...... so are the bloody weeds.

We have three hens that we feed and water. The buggers keep eating their eggs. Si suggested filling one with mustard. I am going to give that a go.

Contrary Chickens
Watercolour

Friday, 6th September 2019 - Double Date

Sarah and I met for coffee in The Hive. Good coffee. Interesting venue but not selling themselves very well. Putting a teaspoon of bee pollen in your drink would cost you an extra one pound. Maybe we are missing out on many benefits. Maybe next time.

We needed to try coffee in the Vape & Juice shop. We had coffee with CBD. It was like drinking stained hot water. I don't think we will be needing rehab yet.

Double Date
Pen and Watercolour

Thursday, 5th September 2019 - Tim's Ragged Robin

I had a brief interlude in the garden. Herbie joined me digging. He likes to be very close and keen to try out all the tools in the trug. I promised a worm. Fortunately we found a nice brown one.

There was a joint of topside beef lurking in the freezer. I took the opportunity of being a home alone meat eater to cook it. I had to look up the instructions. Paired with runner beans from the garden and watching The Great Interior Challenge made for a relaxing evening.

Mum has paid for us to go to Efteling with the children and grandchildren. I think it is going to be Grimm.

Tim bought some plug plants. They are now flourishing in the garden.

Tim's Ragged Robin
Watercolour

Wednesday, 4th September 2019 - Rudbekia

The rudbeckia is flourishing in the garden much to the delight of the bees and butterflies.

Wow - I have caught up with Poldark. I am not that keen on him as he is a bit diminutive for my liking but this evening he got me with his brooding looks. Good series. I think I was a bit distracted whilst painting my picture this evening.

It is bed time. I have left my Kindle in the kitchen. I cannot go and retrieve it as I am now attired in my tatty PJs and I know, just know, that however quietly I creep past the dining room where my guests are have evening wine, they will hear and worse still see me. Damn it.

Rudbeckia
Watercolour
Khadi paper

Tuesday, 3rd September 2019 - Short Still Life

I dropped Tim at the station. He is off to Hong Kong for a few days. He is a braver man than I. Still a bit active on the riot front. He arrived after an eleven hour flight to an incredibly packed built up city. I have been but cannot remember it being so full of high raised buildings.

I think I need a new hip. Or back.

Harriet collected some flowers for me to fill the vases in the guests rooms. I had some left over short ones which were perfect for my short blue vase.

Short Still Life
Watercolour

Sunday, 1st September 2019 - Weather Front Over An Apple Tree

How can I be hungry after eating such vast quantities of food last night? I think my full up stop has stopped.

I have made enough almond cakes to feed 40 people. It is good to be prepared. My guests may be very hungry.

I am very much enjoying the escapades of a fellow bed and breakfaster. She has some very interesting guests turning up on her doorstep. Better than any soap opera. I can't tell you more as I think she should write a book and I don't want to spoil the story.

I nearly spat my tea out laughing listening to The Archers this evening whilst chopping my courgette from Wendy.

I have 36 portions of almond cake left.

35 I have just eaten a slice.

Weather Front Over An Apple Tree
Watercolour