Wednesday, 30th December 2020 - Appledore Heath

 Today Tom left me.

The BBC weather app forecast snow falling from 7pm. Concerned my son driving home in inclement conditions I suggested he left today. Hoist by my own petard!!! I always thought it was 'foist'.

I am fuming. 

It has been an emotional day.

I was talking about my art and how I would like to take it more seriously. Do more than my sketchy blog pictures. Maybe get an income. Just a little one. "Treat it as a hobby", was the response. I felt crushed but undefeated. Just you see.

Tim and I went for a cold and bracing walk along the Royal Military Canal in Appledore. It looks a lovely place to live. Maybe I will move there.

I am going to bed with the anticipation of snow falling in the night.

Appledore Heath

Acrylic Ink

Tuesday, 29th December 2020 - Walking the Line

I enticed Harriet onto the mat with me today. 57 minutes with Adriene. I was just thinking I could have a rest in child's pose when we were off to one legged downward dog not forgetting to square our hips and pull our belly buttons in. No respite in corpse pose as she sneaks in a bit of leg scissoring for our core. Blimey. 

For the third day in a row with have eaten curry. Each day it has had an addition. Salmon the first day or chicken if you preferred, there may have been a bit of pheasant. Day two king prawns and sprouts. Today accompanied by runner bean chutney, naan sour dough made by Brett and a side of sprouts. I bought far too many sprouts when they were 19p for 500 grams. We now have them with every meal. I used to look forward to a sprout. Now they have become a bit of a mission.

Walking the Line

Pen and Watercolour

Monday, 28th December 2020 - Tom and Herbie

 It has been a slow day. Herbie came and played cars and we read a book or two. Tom was outside cleaning his bike. This looked a much more interesting activity even in the rain. 

I was meant to tidy my studio to get the works of art batting around my head onto canvas. I ended up lighting the woodburner and reading my Kindle. I think my eyes many have shut for a while.

We watched a programme about the 30 years of Have I Got New For You. What an amazing feat.

I wish I hadn't listened to the news today. Brexit and Covid are both horrific.

Tom and Herbie

Pen and Watercolour

Sunday, 27th December 2020 - Paths of Water

My absence has been due to evenings of knitting, being unable to get myself together and Christmas festivities. 

I was wearing the very beautiful blue sporty leggings Harriet gave me for Christmas as Adriene vigorously worked my core muscles this morning.  

An afternoon walk took us through mud, glorious mud. Storm Bella had morphed the footpaths into streams. Amazing to see so much water.

I managed to drag myself from the sofa to paint this evening. I have missed my diary.

Paths of Water

Charcoal and Watercolour

Saturday, 5th December 2020 - Calves

Adriene lulled me into a false sense of yoga. A 40 minute session called 'Kiss' started with lots of deep gentle breathing and stretching before ramping up into a breathless sweaty practice. 

 I made Felicity Cloake's extravagant mince pies filled with homemade mincemeat and pastry made with egg yolks. They look ok.

An afternoon walk removed my sluggish feeling until I opened a bottle of Prosecco and receded back into a relaxed state whilst cooking dinner.

Calves

Charcoal

Thursday, 3rd December 2020 - Next Stage

Thursday is the day I have got used to meeting up with Sarah, grabbing a take away coffee from Arthur's and wandering around Cranbrook and the outskirts. Today it was bucketing it down so we couldn't go. Can't meet in each others houses. Can't meet in a coffee shop. I felt miserable.

Tom has left us again. He will bubble back again in a couple of weeks. I am trying to be positive here.

I was back in my studio and took out my bad mood on my collagraph plate and getting the pressure right on my press.

Tim and I have found a series to watch on Netflix. Unforgotten. It is very good. Tonight we found out there are three series to watch. Excellent.

Next Stage

Collagraph

Wednesday, 2nd December 2020 - Christmas Collograph Plate

We are now in Tier Three Very High Alert!!! I am feeling rather miserable about it. A friend told me 'Pull yourself together woman'. I am trying.

So I have been working on our Christmas card. It was going to be simple/quick/easy. It has taken many hours drawing, planning and preparing. It really is just a good excuse to retreat to my studio with Tom Walker singing to me. 

Christmas Collograph Plate

Friday, 27th November 2020 - Zoom Night In

We cannot go to the pub. We cannot go to friends houses. Friends cannot come into our home.... so we are zooming tonight with beer and wine. So good to catch up. I am saving up your hugs for Easter.

Zoom Night In

Pen and Watercolour

Sunday, 22nd November 2020 - Scrumped

Herbie came over and played with some newly found Playmobile that had been lurking up in the loft. It must be at least 25 years old and still gives plenty of pleasure. Herbie enjoyed it too.

When I eventually broke away from my playdate Adriene sorted out my Chakras. I felt exhausted.

Tom went bike riding around Bedgebury. Now that is exhausting.

A family zoom revealed that our oldest family member at 91 years old thinks the new Covid vaccine is being experimented on the elderly. She could be right.

Tim and I walked until after sunset. Sounds pretty impressive but we didn't leave the house until 3.30pm and the sun set at 4.01pm. 

We are watching Emily in Paris. I love Paris. I am not keen on Lily Collins aka Emily. I would like a chateau.

Scrumped

Charcoal 

Friday, 20th November 2020 - St Dunstans Graveyard and Sarah

Adriene took me through a Deep Core Routine. There was quite a bit of swearing on my yoga mat.

Sarah and I met in the carpark in Cranbrook. Arthur's provided us with takeaway coffee. Not being able to seat ourselves in a cosy cafe we meandered through the graveyard and backstreets. It was surprisingly interesting. And we wondered how a hoppers hut that looks nothing more than a shed can be on the market for £475,000.

I masked up and got Tom an Advent calendar from Coop. I wish I had bought the Christmas pudding chocolate biscuits.

As I type I have Tom, our bubble boy, sitting on the sofa. So good to have him home.

St Dunstans Graveyard and Sarah

Pen, Charcoal and Watercolour

Tuesday, 17th November 2020 - Eye Level

I had a revolting task of clearing out the trap in the shower tray. No wonder the water was not running away. Yuk.

Tim and I tidied some of the mountains of debris from the garden. A never ending task with all the leaves falling. I tried to light a bonfire. Herbie came and joined in with his digger, motorbike and is a dab hand with the leaf blower. I don't think I have ever seen Tim play football. He was beaten by his 7 year old granddaughter. Good game Bella. Hetty gathered the ripened runner bean seeds for me ready to store until next spring. 

I have taken over the dining room producing colour wheels with oil paint. 

Eye Level

Pen and Watercolour

Friday, 13th November 2020 - At the Edge of Hemsted Forest

Harriet and I stretched ourselves along with Adriene. Harriet can do a fine lizard pose.

Now we are back in lockdown and not allowed out we zoomed with friends this evening over a bowl of Tim's cinnamon nuts.

We saw Tony and Wendy when we were out walking in the woods.

At the Edge of Hemsted Forest

Pen and Watercolour

Thursday, 12th November 2020 - Clouds

Sarah bought me a takeaway cafe Americano misto from Arthurs. With our refreshments we walked along the Crane Valley boardwalk. We found a bench to socially distance on. I left feeling fully mentally cleansed. Thank you my friend for your company it was very much appreciated.

Tim and I dragged our weary bodies for a stroll around the fields. 

Clouds

Watercolour

Wednesday, 11th November 2020 - Roots

I did not give my sour dough with enough love and attention. It over proved. The loaves are disappointing.

I met Leelee and Digby on a footpath in Iden Green. We took it in turns to push Digby in his buggy up and down some very steep hills but still managed a conversation to catch up with news.

I have watched The Octopus Teacher this evening. An amazing documentary if you like wildlife and photography.

Roots

Watercolour

Tuesday, 10th November 2020 - High Weald

Harriet and I cronked out 33 minutes of yoga with Adriene who seemed high on allergy medication making it difficult to keep up with which, what and where we were meant to be posed. Good fun.

I set myself up to clear the flower bed under the dining room window. It rained. I came in for tea.

An afternoon walk was sprinkled with sun, rain and the setting sun.

We were gifted some wild duck breasts that were delicious.

High Weald

Watercolour

 

Sunday, 8th November 2020 - Over Stone Quarry Wood

My bubble has burst today. Tom has left.

Tim and I found a new walk this afternoon.

I have been making colour wheels in oil paint tutored by Sarah Sedwick.

We Remember today.

Over Stone Quarry Wood

Watercolour

Friday, 6th November 2020 - In Anticipation of Fireworks

I made bread finger rolls and cooked sausages which we ate after a brief firework display in the garden.

In Anticipation of Fireworks

Pen and Watercolour

Thursday, 5th November 2020 - Linden Tree

I am watching the news while typing. Can things get any stranger.

It was marvelous to wake up without a hangover. Following a play with Herbie, Duplo and Brio I bashed out a couple of sessions of yoga. Have you ever done a stomach vacuum? Best not to look in the mirror while doing it.

I had a few things hanging over me today that I have been putting off doing as I wasn't sure how to approach them. Nailed it. How good does that feel.

Tim and I took a break in our tasks to walk the fields dotted with sheep and cows. It is unusual to have both animals together. I nervously skirted round the cows.

The vote counting still goes on.

Linden Tree

Watercolour

Sunday, 1st November 2020 - Happy Third Birthday Herbie

Herbie is three years old today. 

What an amazing grandson we have. 

After digging in his construction site birthday cake we took a very windy stroll along Rye Harbour.

Happy Third Birthday Herbie

Pen and Watercolour

Friday, 30th October 2020 - Brief Encounter

Adriene took me through 57 minutes of Replenish and Flow. I started well taking a vinyasa but ended up with a child's pose for the last few before heading into downward dog. I love it. I am not sure it is going to negate the wine and chocolate I have eaten today.

The news about Covid is pretty grim today. We seem to be on a precipice.

With the anticipation of Tom being with us for dinner I made a large quantity. He passed through like a ship in the night. Jon's company, or maybe it was the beer, was more attractive on a Friday night. We now have enough soupy stew to keep us fed for days. It needs to go into the freezer as I can't face eating it again tomorrow.

Brief Encounter

Pen and Watercolour

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Thursday, 29th October 2020 - Maple

Tears were rolling down my cheeks as I chopped onions for a pheasant stew. It is not the onions that made  me cry. I was listening to Radio 4 Covid Chronicles with Dr Jurgen Tittmar, a wonderful GP.

I donned my bobble hat and coat and headed into the garden. The chickens have nice clean nest boxes. The least they could do it reward me with an egg. None. We have five hens and not an egg between them. 

The maple tree in the garden is looking stunning. 

Maple

Watercolour

Wednesday, 28th October 2020 - ANOB

I went to see Sarah to admire her new fence and drink coffee. We managed a walk along the old railway until the mud looked like it was going to take our wellies. I think we were very clever to avoid the downpours today.

AONB

Pen and Watercolour

Tuesday, 27th October 2020 - Two Grandparents with Three Grandchildren

 I packed a backpack full of picnic delights.

Tim and I went on the steam railway with The Evans. It was an early celebration for Herbie's upcoming third birthday. The weather was foul but unable to damper the delight of the ride. What a great way to spend a couple of drizzly hours. Herbie had a thoroughly great time. 

Two Grandparents with Three Grandchildren

Pen and Watercolour

Wednesday, 21st October 2020 - Working

 Adriene got me stretching bits that needed stretching. I love that lady.

Pippa made coffee and the most delicious cheese scones with chive butter for Linda, her charming Mum and June. I have been missing meeting up with friends. I buzzed with caffeine through the rest of the day.

I returned to find Tim and Herbie on the sofa reading The Runaway Tractor. I am going to miss these times so much and makes me appreciate them all the more.

Working

Charcoal and Watercolour

Thursday, 15th October 2020 - Rory, Wendy, Gravel and Leelee

 I spent the day at Providence House for a day of painting with other arty types. I did a bit of fiddle arse drawing. The cake, coffee, company and walk up the stone hangman's steps was lovely.

Back home I continued in my potting up quest of Love-in-a mist before cooking a rather strange dinner from The Green Roasting Tin book.

We have found Orphan Black to watch on Netflix. I am not sure how it is going to progress to five series but it is keeping me amused for now.

Rory, Wendy, Gravel and Leelee

Pen and Watercolour

Thursday, 8th October 2020 - Sarah's Russets

I have woken up cross again. Once my untamed hormones have settled down I hope to be jolly again. 

I met Sarah in the carpark of the Lime Wharf cafe. We put on our masks, santised our hands and used our Covid app to sign in. Then we could take off our masks and drink coffee and tea while catching up with our news. I have a lovely box of apples from Nigel's orchards. What a lovely gift. 

The rain and a lack of motivation kept me on the sofa with my Kindle.

Sarah's Russets

Watercolour

Tuesday, 6th October 2020 - Rain On Its Way

Tim and I packed our rainproofs and headed across the fields to exercise our bodies and rest our minds.

Rain On Its Way

Pen and Watercolour

Thursday, 24th September 2020 - Fish for Dinner

 I met Sarah in the carpark of Hartley Dyke. We put on our masks, sanitised our hands and had our details taken. After finding a charming table we sat down and took off our masks. Drank our coffee. Put our masks on again so we could leave. I spent the next hour or so shopping and taking my mask on and off and on and off. What strange times.

Fish for Dinner

Pen and Watercolour

Wednesday, 23rd September 2020 - Stir Fry

I woke up in an extremely irritable mood due to a hormone disturbed night.

The day improved as the hours passed by.

Tim, Herbie and I took soup and apple crumble for lunch with Herbie's great grandma. I was taken back 30 years to when I forgot the kids bibs and we tied T-towels around their necks. It proved a good soup catcher for Herbie. I was thoroughly entertained by my grandson. 

I did a stir-fry for dinner to try and counteract our calorie laden lunch.

Stir Fry

Pen and Watercolour

Tuesday, 22nd September 2020 - Tonic

Happy birthday to Lesley. Si and Lesley dropped in on us for drinks and crisps after delivering some sheep. Sitting in the garden we watched the Baxi man mend the boiler and the gas man replace a bunged up regulator. We have our hot water and cooker restored.

It looked like it was going to be the last of the warm evenings for this year. And we may be heading for another lockdown. We took advantage of both scenarios with Tony and Wendy. We sat in the garden, drank beer and wine, and ate pots of rarebit outside until it got too cold and we moved into the kitchen for coffee and chocolate.

Sarah gave me a few bottle of tonic which was just what I needed for my gin. .

Tonic

Pen and Watercolour

Monday, 21st September 2020 - Benenden Fields

Tim and I did a bit of cardio exercise around the village.

Benenden Fields

Watercolour

Sunday, 20th September 2020 - Scrumping

Our fruit bowls are brimming with apples following a walk with Tony and Wendy. It was thirsty work which we quenched with beer and lager sitting in their garden while the tits ate their nuts.

Scrumping
Pen

Saturday, 19th September 2020 - Retracting Evenings

Saturday morning is our playdate with Bella and Herbie. Making bread and pizzas for lunch with Grandad is a good distraction from a productive cold. I am sure the baking in a hot oven kills any lingering cold germs.

A walk across the fields with Tim stretched some achy muscles and lifted my headache. I gathered a bag of grasses and seeds for future collagraph projects that are batting around in my brain.

Another session watching Cormoran Strike. I am a little bit in love with both Cormoran and his female side kick Robin.

Retracting Evenings

Watercolour and Charcoal

Friday, 18th September 2020 - Collagraph Studies

 I have had an indulgent day. Leelee and I have been with Birgitta learning collagraphing techniques in her garden studio. Birgitta gave us advice and techniques with generosity that was inspiring. I am shattered but buzzing with ideas.

I came home to find a very snotty Herbie on my sofa. He has a real stinker of a cold poor little chap. We got out the old red plastic train set and spent a lovely time crawling around the kitchen floor. I hope he gets a good night sleeping off his germs.

We are back to watching Spooks this evening with dinner on our laps. Perfect.

Collagraph Studies

Collagraphs

Thursday, 17th September 2020 - Self Seeded

Amazon delivered turmeric and black pepper tablets. They promise to stabilize my sleep and moods.

The flower bed I weeded beside the greenhouse should be done until Spring. I now have the rest of the garden to work through.

Harriet took the girls to look round their new school near Canterbury. It sounds delightful. I am mixed with my emotions. Maybe I should take another turmeric capsule.

Self Seeded

Pen and Watercolour

Wednesday, 16th September 2020 - Poultry Carers

At 5am our cockerel decided it was time to start the day. He is going to a new home on Friday. I am not going to miss his crowing.

I have recovered from my Indian indulgence. The cure was plenty of tea and yoga.

What a great way to end with day with Cormoran Strike.

Poultry Carers
Pen and Watercolour

Tuesday, 15th September 2020 - New Neighbours

Harriet and I did a session of yoga with Adriene in the garden whilst Herbie mastered his first morning at preschool. He did great. I am mighty proud of them both it has been a massive step.

Tim finished his second day of his symposium. It should have been in Scotland but due to Covid19 had to resort to being online. I miss not having had the chance to wander the streets of Glasgow.

Happy birthday to Roger. We dropped by their new house. The unpacked boxes are making it look like their home.

In Tenterden we sat outside Mike and Pippa's with beer and wine. We finished with an Indian takeaway. I am now awake at 1.42am with indigestion from eating too much madras.

New Neighbours
Pen and Watercolour

Monday, 14th September 2020 - Water Play

The Weald of Kent Art Society online exhibition is up and looking good. Take a browse.

https://www.wealdofkentartsociety.co.uk/exhibition-2020

I had two grandchildren to look after. It was hot enough to get the paddling pools out. We are making the most of the last sunny days for this year.

Water Play
Pen and Watercolour

Monday, 7th September 2020 - Naked Cyclamen

My nights are disturbed by flushes of heat. I can feel it start with a creeping tingle in my hands and feet followed by creeping heat that finishes at my head. Weird. Could this be the reason for my crossness.

It has been six months since Sarah

and I met at Cocolicious. It is now Wendy's. We had one tea, one coffee, one bacon roll and one bacon and egg roll. It was surprisingly expensive. I have been put off returning. We will have to find another meeting venue.

A collection of cyclamen are now flowering under the winter. I had forgotten that Wendy had given them to me in the spring. What a lovely surprise to see that they have survived.

Naked Cyclamen
Pen and Watercolour

Sunday, 6th September 2020 - Babysitting

Tim lit the BBQ for the first and probably the last this year. The black pudding, burgers, halloumi and corn on the cob I cooked with watering eyes. The two blackened bananas were only liked by me. I ate them both. You don't know what you are missing.

It was a brief babysitting requested.The grandchildren didn't really need me to look after them this afternoon.

Babysitting
Pen and Watercolour

Thursday, 3rd September 2020 - Money Plant

A couple of weeks ago my mate Leelee gave me a tiny plant. It is thriving on my kitchen table and soon to have offspring.

I have had my head stuck in the database for The Weald of Kent Society Art Unlocked Exhibition. . There are nearly one hundred delightful pieces or art for sale. Only a few days to go before we go live

Money Plant
Watercolour

Wednesday, 2nd September 2020 - Pippa, Mandi, Lizzie and Gloria

I have downloaded Adriene's yoga calendar for September. I will be working to 'Build'. Today was 42 minutes for Strength. It was very bendy.

I took our laden car to Sissinghurst. Lizzie and I unloaded her kit so she can set up for Benjamin Vintage Finds ready for customers looking for beautiful 1950's clothing. The setting up for the Three French Hens sale is looking like order will come from the chaos.

Pippa, Mandi, Lizzie and Gloria
Pen, Charcoal and Watercolour

Monday, 31st August 2020 - 9am at The Hub

Harriet had an idea. It was a great idea.

We went to The Hub in Bodiam for a 'before going back to school' breakfast. At 9am we were at the door. Tom came with us before heading off the cycle in another county. The food was delicious. We managed to squeeze in a 'Help Out to Eat Out' offer. A very relaxing start to the day watching the children play in the sunshine.

9am at The Hub
Pen, Charcoal and Watercolour

Wednesday, 26th August 2020 - Flowers for Harriet

I found it hard to get my eyes open and body out of bed this morning. I think I must being beginning to get ready to hibernate.

Tim has been teaching me how to use a database for the online art exhibition we are working on. I lasted about half an hour before getting bored. Give me a paintbrush.

Flowers for Harriet
Pen and Watercolour

Tuesday, 25th August 2020 - Little Stonelink

The weather caused us to cancel our plans to 'Eat Out to Help Out' at The White Dog. Eating under a garden umbrella whilst being peppered with rain and whipped by wind was not that appealing.

Wendy dropped off a bunch of flowers. I ordered them for Harriet to tell her how proud I am of her

The large quantities of ice in the freezer was preventing me filling it with ice cream and peas. While the freezer was defrosting we went to see Susan and Roger for a mug of tea. We left with a box of cars for Herbie.

As we limped back into the house we concluded it was the car journey aggravated both our backs.

Little Stonelink
Charcoal and Watercolour

Friday, 21st August 2020 - Swimming

Harriet invited me to go swimming with her and the children at Flackley Ash. It was a wonderful hour in a very warm pool all to ourselves.

Swimming
Charcoal and Watercolour

Thursday, 20th August 2020 - Bodiam

Leelee collected me in her new red beetle to drive me to Bodiam to meet with other Weald of Kent Art Society members for a few hours of painting. I have not been painting en plein air for months. It was inspiring to be like minded souls. We left after four hours with masterpieces completed. Next year we are going painting on Crete.

Yesterday's rain has not loosened the bramble tangle in the woods as much as I hoped. It was a tough and sweaty time I spend in my leather gloves.

Bodiam
Ink Pen

Bodiam
Pastel

Bodiam
Graphik Pen