Tuesday, 31st March 2020 - Pruned Japonica

It has been a packed day today on lock down which is beginning to feel more like a 'lock-in'.

I plucked my eyebrows this morning. Always feel so much better after a bit of epilation. You never know who might call by. I will move further down my body tomorrow to my armpits. This could be one of those 30 day challenges.

I have planted beans and mangetout and straightened up the greenhouse. I did more weeding and was getting a bit fed up with the cold when Herbie came along and cheered me up. We dug up some worms. He said 'Excuse me', and wandered off with my kneeler so that was the end of my gardening.

Piano practice continues. I have found a book of very easy duets. Bella wasn't at all keen on my accompanying her. I will have to work on Hetty. She has learnt middle C and D so it could be a couple of weeks yet before we have our own YouTube channel.

I ordered art supplies from Jacksons two days ago. Four big parcels arrived this afternoon. Wonderful.

I don't like that there seem to be an increase in the number of young people dying of Coronavirus. Stay safe my lovely people.

Pruned Japonica
Watercolour

Saturday, 28th March 2020 - A Pot of Flowers

Hetty and Bella have put up a tent in the garden. They zipped themselves inside with their books. How lovely.

I had a Tesco delivery today whoopeee. I booked it about a month ago. We have virus fighting vitamin C rich oranges.

Brett has been giving his chain saw a workout. Wind and storms have felled a couple of trees and we have a poplar with fungus. They are now logs and the brash burnt. I love a bonfire.

A Pot of Flowers
Watercolour and Charcoal

Friday, 27th March 2020 - New Life

There are broccoli and lettuce seedlings emerging in our dining room. We never have much luck growing vegetables. Possibly with less neglect there might have a lettuce or two in a few weeks.

We should be on holiday in France. That could be one reason I have the hump today.

Tim and I took Hetty on a long walk this afternoon. She ran, jumped, talked and bounced for the whole hour and a half. Oh to have so much energy.

I have the television on whilst blogging. I really should turn it off before the news....too late now I am going to have to watch it. Why is Boris wearing a suit and tie when he is working from home with Coronavirus? Bloody stupid comment to say this is a reminder that the virus doesn't discriminate.

New Life
Ink

Tuesday, 24th March 2020 - Tiny Blue Flowers

We on our first day of our semi lockdown. We are so lucky to have the garden and countryside to rampage through. Bloody tough times for others.

My Monday evening art tutor has sent us homework. I am going to have a go tomorrow and will post.  It is about hands. Bet you can't wait.

Maybe I should ???.... I have no idea what I was going to type? I wonder what I should or shouldn't be doing?

Tiny Blue Flowers
Watercolour

Monday, 23rd March 2020 - Home Schooling

What a strange day it has been today.

Hetty and Bella are now at home. Possibly for twelve weeks. The school has sent a lesson plan. Harriet and Brett spent the weekend setting up their house to accommodate the new regime. Whiteboards with plans on the wall, they have a room for quiet reading, the table is set up for lessons - I am very proud of them it is going to be tough. Thank goodness the weather was sunny and they could bounce on the trampoline between lessons.

Then tonight - I am not sure -it looks like a 'lockdown' but they are not calling it that. Blimey. Makes you  feel a bit wobbly. Take care everyone.

Home Schooling
Pen and Watercolour

Friday, 20th March 2020 - Immune System Boost

A friend of Harriet's, Annelli, is a Holistic Therapist. She has been making bottles of oil to keep immune systems in tip top condition. I have a bottle and it smells glorious rubbed onto my collarbone. Thank you Annelli. She is on Facebook under Woodstock Holistics.

Tim and I walked and walked and talked and talked. Blimey that north wind was chilly.

I am limiting my exposure to the news to mornings and evenings. I found I was spending too much time reading and rereading the same articles that I was in a whirl. Today pubs, clubs and restaurants have been closed. What will the outcome of this be?

I am hoping for a deep sleep after a couple of blood orange gin and tonics.

My yogurt maker has been dug out from the back of the cupboard and is working its magic this evening. I will wake to either yogurt or cheese. Good night.

Immune System Boost
Pen and Watercolour

Thursday, 19th March 2020 - Tea and Coffee at a Distance

I have a pain in my knee ligament from jogging on my heels. Brett has put me right I should be on my balls!!! Harriet has given me some trainers.

We dropped by Tony and Wendy to wish a happy birthday to Wendy. We kept our six foot distance while having tea and coffee.

It has been a heavy grey day. I topped up the bonfire with brambles and weeds.

Tea and Coffee at a Distance
Pen and Watercolour

Wednesday, 18th March 2020 - Green Calm

In my HIIT sessions this morning I was climbing ropes and mountains. I have a bruise on my knee where I came down a bit hard from trying to do a press up.

Well there has been a huge turn of events due to the coronavirus. As from Friday all schools will be shutting for the foreseeable future. Blimey.

I heard that some gin manufacturers are turning their production to hand gel. Now that is bad news.

Tim and I found some peace from the chaos amongst the fields and woods. Our grand children will be  able to accompany us soon. There is nothing like a bit of space and air to reset yourself.

Tescos delivered my three tins of tomatoes. I have some Marmite peanut butter. I like Marmite. I like peanut butter. I am not sure I like them together.

Green Calm
Watercolour

Tuesday, 17th March 2020 - A Day With Herbie

This morning my HIIT was high knees, reverse leg lunges and toe touches (thigh in my case).

Tim and I have been in charge of our grandson for most of the day. He has been an absolute delight and kept us mightily busy. What a delight he is.

A Day With Herbie
Pen and Watercolour

Monday, 16th March 2020 - A Lane in Cranbrook

Today in my HIIT session I did spiders and crabs.

After a routine blood test at a very patient sparse surgery this morning I called by my friends Sarah to drop off a blackcurrant sage as a gift. What a glorious sunny day. We had coffee sitting in her garden.

A Lane in Cranbrook
Charcoal and Watercolour

Sunday, 8th March 2020 - The Waterworks

Driving into my mother-in-laws drive we find her doing a bit of gardening. I admire her bendiness. Very impressive at 90.

I love Rye. We went to The Waterworks for a drink. Everything you sit on and rest your drinks on is for sale. Such a great place. I wonder if there are any houses for sale?

Tom returned my car. He kindly put it through to car wash but left the aerial there. He left with pheasant stew.

The Waterworks
Pen and Watercolour

Saturday, 7th March 2020 - Open Day

I got up half an hour early so Joe and I could do some slow mo burpees. They were really slow. I haven't quite got the hang of them .... yet.

I left my guests with Tim whilst I headed into Tenterden to spend a very delightful few hours promoting The Weald of Kent Art Society. I sat and painted whilst talking to visitors. Thank you Pippa, Tony and Wendy for coming to see me.

Open Day
Pen and Watercolour

Friday, 6th March 2020 - Adam and Eve's

Tim had a meeting in London that possibly involved a few beers so I ferried him to and from the station. En route I collected a bag of apples from the farm shop and a goose egg for egg loving Herbie.

Adam and Eve's
Pen and Watercolour

Thursday, 5th March 2020 - Shepherdess and Reflexologist

Blimey it was wet driving to The Halfway House this evening for my monthly meeting with Lesley and Alli. Just outside Sissinghurst I hit a massive flood. I just kept going. The sudden lack of white line on the road should have been a good indication but my mind was on a chilled glass of white wine.

Shepherdess and Reflexologist
Pen and Watercolour

Wednesday, 4th March 2020 - Tottenden Wood

I am watching Albans Barnyard lambcam. Yes, there is such a thing. I had a text telling me a first time ewe is in labour. I am watching in great anticipation.

We have 25kg of potatoes for £4. What a bargain. It says on the bag to share with neighbours and friends. Sorry I like potatoes.

Ewe Update
Lamb arrived and the mum looks delighted. Well done.

Subsequent Ewe Update
Whilst washing her first one she had another. As one does.

Tottenden Wood
Watercolour

Tuesday, 3rd March 2020 - Becoming Green

I went to the GP for a routine blood test. I need to have my functions checked now and again. I arrived to find the door shut. They had a suspected case of coronavirus. By this afternoon it was open again and all was well.

I called into Coop to get some bread flour. I wandered by the antibacterial gel aisle just out of curiosity. Completely empty. We have entered a strange era.

Our flight to France in three weeks was cancelled. Not too sure why. We have our suspicions. Tim has got us on a later one that day so that's ok...for now.

Becoming Green
Watercolour

Monday, 2nd March 2020 - Vinca in the Woods

I have a list growing for the things I need to make a collagraph using a pasta maker. It amounts to about one hundred pounds at the moment. I cannot decide whether to proceed with my purchases.

The logistics of getting to my art class this evening failed me. I stayed home and Tim and I watched Erin Brockovich. What a great film. I love Julia Roberts.

Vinca in the Woods
Pen and Watercolour

Sunday, 1st March 2020 - Flowering Currant

Tumbling hormones have kept me at home today.

The sun was restorative as I wandered around our garden topping up the bird feeders and collecting eggs. Shame I was in such a vile mood.

Flowering Currant
Pen and Watercolour