I have been in my studio working on a commission today. Jack Reacher keep me company. He gets into some terrible scrapes poor man.
I am typing whilst waiting for Tom to complete his journey from Northampton. It will be lovely to see him even though it is in sad circumstances. I have treats for Fable. I am looking forward to walks with them both. I haven't ventured into the fields for weeks. It will be good to go exploring.
I am in awe of a very brave friend today. You know who you. Family, friends and The Gorgeous Grannies are with you every step of the way.
I was out with the Viridians painting at Boldshaves. We were missing one of our group due to more important commitments. I did ask myself as to what could be more important than a day out with Clive, Alison, Wendy and myself? It was my first visit to the depths of Woodchurch. An amazing garden run by Peregrine and his wife. I am in awe of what they have achieved and at over 80 are running a holiday let with six bnb rooms with now outside help. We spent six hours interspersed with coffee, cake and lunch, pondering and painting. What a glorious sunny day to share the woes and triumphs of the canvas with other understanding artists. I struggled and fought with willful oil paints. Not quite complete....like so many things in my life. Good intentions and all that.
I was having a very angry heated argument with a bearded man when my alarm went off this morning. What a relief.
After collecting our now mended car, thank you Jon, Tim and I parted ways. I went to Smarden and met up with five other artists. We distributed ourselves amongst the gravestones at St Michael the Archangel Church for a few hours. This was our last en plein air outing with the Weald of Kent Art Society. We celebrated a good season of painting with lunch at The Flying Horse. At times Clive looked a little bemused surrounded by our female chatter.
Before we Broke for Lunch
Yippee, our chickens are all laying. Well done girls. I took my mug of tea and sat amongst them while they pecked at the leftover scraps from breakfast. Noisy bunch too. I had a pad of paper, a brush and some paint. The painting I did got splattered into near oblivion by the rain. I topped it up this evening after eating a rather hot chilli that I had found lurking at the back of the freezer. We have some unnamed containers which could be sweet or savoury. We won't know until they are defrosted. Sometimes I feel like I am living on the edge!!!
Our broken car in now in the safe hands of Jon who is going to restore it to its former glory. Ok it has never been that glorious but at least the exhaust pipe won't be rattling and shaking.
I am going to bed to read a crime thriller. At 9.30pm I always thought it seemed too early until we spoke to some friends and they all seem to be heading to bed about then. By the time we have loaded the dishwasher, brushed our teeth and changed into our PJ's (ooh I have new ones to put on tonight) it can be nearing te!!! It's bucketing it down as I type. I love going to sleep listening to rain.
Four A Day
I have had a peaceful day confined to home. I didn't have a car to transport me anywhere. I could have used the 'Get Around for £2' and got a bus somewhere but the weather has been revolting all day so I stayed in.
This evening I terrified myself watching a psychological thriller while eating a chicken salad. Making a painting with many layers stopped me thinking there was a serial killer on the loose.
Lilies from Joe
I had a tingling sensation in my left leg. I was wondering if this was the start of a heart problem. Then I remembered I had been attacked by stinging nettles while tipping the vegetable peelings into the compost bin. That was a relief.
For months and months friends have been extolling the virtues of Tillingham. Tonight we eventually got to visit with Mike and Pippa. I now know why it is so popular. What stunning views and interesting buildings. I loved the wooly pigs. I drank sparkling lemon verbena as my body was feeling a little tender after having friends to dinner last night. Tillingham's serves a very good pizza. I had a spicy one. We are now back home ready for an early night. Tim has already vacated the sofa.
I have had to deep dive into my wardrobe to dig out hot weather dresses. It's been so hot my neck has been sweating. Not a pleasant sensation. I have the best way to prevent this is to stay still or take to the shade.
On Tuesday I went out The Vidians minus one who is in France. Wendy and I found Clive having a beer in the shade of an umbrella outside Silcocks Cafe. Alison joined us. The shade of a trio of oak trees made a perfect spot to draw and paint. I did a long long sketch until Clive decided it was time for tea and cake.
On Wednesday my sister and I walked in the shade of the trees to Water Lane for iced coffee and carrot cake. The wasps were very keen to eat the cake but I was only prepared to share it with my sister.
The mornings are getting darker and the nights are drawing in but blimey it has been hot.
Two of my grandchildren have gone back to school today. I remember the feeling of nerves I used to get. I hope they have had good days.
Tony and Wendy picked us up this afternoon. We walked in the shade of the woods around Sissinghurst Castle Gardens with Tony pointing out his woodwork. The cafe was a good spot to eat stem ginger ice-cream. Our rose garden at home needs an overhaul. Some of the roses are ancient and showing their scraggly age with disease and looking well past their prime. There were lots of roses next to the cafe. We took advice from Wendy, who know these things, that today was not the best time to purchase a rose. It was very tempting as they were on offer. I do like a bargain.
