Wednesday, 31st January 2024 - Hallwood Farm Currants

It's been a funny day. I woke up missing my children. No reason for it. Just a feeling inside. I had a shower and some coffee and felt better.

We had neighbours for coffee. They have lived nearby for over three years. Today was the first time we have met them properly. They had some interesting tales to tell. Tim's cookies are still delicious.

Our chest freezer was in need of a clear out. I couldn't fit in any more bargains. I found the cause of the congestion was a rather large quantity of blackcurrants. They had been kindly gifted to me from Sarah at harvest time. I kept them in readiness for a jam making day. Today I made many jars of jam small, medium and some to sell to bed and breakfast guests - when I get some.

Hallwood Farm Currants 

Pen and Waterclour

31/366

Tuesday, 30th January 2024 - Allotment Inspection

We walked with Tony and Wendy through a very muddy forest talking and walking, walking and talking.  There are some new allotments being dug in Benenden. We took a look at their progress. Not a shoot, spade or shed in sight. Very disappointing. Back home we had mugs of tea with cookies that Tim made. The recipe title was 'The Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe Ever' - I concur with that. It was a wise of him to make only half quantity as they are very moorish. 

The Halfway House this evening was perfect for a very belated Book Group meet up. It has been months since our last get together. We read The Book of Beginnings by Sally Page. A nice easy read. Malcolm was my favorite character researching the famous people buried in Highgate cemetery. I have started using my ink pen again - the ending was wrong. There is a lovely quote by George Eliot in the book - "It is never too late to be what you might have been." That got me thinking.....?

Allotment Inspection 

Pen and Watercolour

30/366

Monday, 29th January 2024 - Old Apple Barn

All The Viridians were present for an intensive portrait painting session. I wasn't feeling very confident. You can have a bit of artistic license with a landscape and no one would know. Portraits are on another level. It helps to get your models features in the right place or you end up with something rather freaky.  We had three one hour sittings with a break for bread and soup. I modelled for the middle sitting which gave my brain a rest. There was a lot of chatter that got less and less and ended in total silence with concentration. 

I did a rather heavy handed charcoal of Leelee

Leelee in charcoal

And a watercolour of Wendy and a very fidgety Rory.

Wendy and Rory

On my way home I passed a farm selling apples. I took a large bag of rosy delights home. A bargain at one pound.

Back home I settled myself to read and finished The Keeper of Stories in preparation for book group tomorrow. A heart warming book that I didn't get too irritated with.

Today's postcard is going to Alan. A double whammy as it's his birthday and we haven't been in touch for years. Good use of my postcard. We spent many a happy summer staying with Alan and Linda in their house in The Lot when the children were young. They had many beautiful old barns a bit like the Old Apple Barn.

Old Apple Barn 

Pen and Watercolor

29/366

Sunday, 28th January 2024 - Shy Cyclamen

I didn't get properly dressed until nearly midday. I put on my yoga clothes first thing and found many many jobs to do before I got around to do any exercise. It is a Sunday which is a day of rest - good excuse?

Tim was clearing with a very successful bonfire. A bonus was the wind direction didn't smoke out our neighbours. I ripped up the browning ferns that were camouflaging many daffodils. There were some tiny cyclamen pushing their way bravely through a tangle of brambles. It was a very pleasing day. We are shattered and watching an easy entertaining film warmed by the woodburner. Bed for us very very soon.

Shy Cyclamen 

Pen and Watercolour

28/366

Saturday, 27th January 2024 - Blue Skies

I had a 15 minute strength session with Camillo followed a 15 minute stretch session with Lucas before heading begrudgingly out into the garden to clear hedging. Once outside I was very happy raking and clearing under the blue skies.

Arriving at The Ewe and Lamb my excursions in the garden created a stiffness in my back. A gentle exit of the car and a warm pub with Mike, Pippa, June and Barry were very healing.

Blue Skies 

Ink on Mineral Paper

27/366

Friday, 26th June 2024 - Relaxed Hyacinths

As I type I am satisfyingly full of the most delicious roasted vegetables, crispy potatoes boulangere and pheasant stew cooked by a very thoughtful husband. I have had a very charming and heart warming day with my daughter and grandchildren. I came home early evening very comforted after seeing a very happy scooting grandson. It was perfect to be cooked for after a very busy day playing with lego and challenging my brain with electric circuits - we got lights, buzzers and motors all working. I felt cared for in so many ways today.

There was a large parcel waiting for me when I got home. I had forgotten about the order I had made a couple of days for art materials. A couple of pads of watercolour paper, a paintbrush and tubes of paint. What a treat I have given myself.

My friend Chris gave me a bowl of hyacinth bulbs nearly two weeks ago. They are now filling the kitchen with their scent but seem rather eccentric in their growth. They will be transplanted into the garden for future spring flowering. Thank you Chris they are charming.

Relaxed Hyacinths

Indian Ink and watercolour

26/366

Thursday, 25th January 2024 - Primrose or Primula? Actually Both

Tim and I nearly got a divorce this afternoon after a disagreement about a primrose. We had been for a walk. I was looking for something in flower that I could use for my postcard. I found a primrose in our garden. Tim was not keen on it being picked for my art. We have primulas from the supermarket in the greenhouse. That would be a good alternative. I have one on the kitchen table as my model. The Tescos labelled them as primrose. I thought a primrose was the little yellow wild one. I had a search on Google and found they are called Primula primroses. I took Tim a mug of tea to inform him. He did not/would not/will not believe that the cultivated plants are primroses. Even after seeing it in text on Google right in front of him. I rang Wendy. She confirmed I am right. Tim still wont believe me!!!

Today's postcard goes to a wonderful daughter of a beautiful friend I do not see nearly enough of. 

Primrose or Primula? Actually Both 

Pen and Watercolour

25/366

Wednesday, 24th January 2024 - Birthday at Bayte

I didn't get a chance to do much this morning apart from fold and put away a few unmentionables before Pippa whisked me off to St Leonards with June. Linda suggested we do to Bayte for lunch. Great choice. We were too early for the lunch menu so we shared toasted ginger loaf with salted butter which was delicious and toasted banana loaf with espresso butter which was even better. At midday we shared a plate of cheese and organic charcuterie, curly kale and the tastiest dish we all agreed was the trout and beetroot tartare and creme fraiche. A great way to celebrate Pippa's birthday to be. I will be going back to explore St Leonards further. 

Tim is out for the evening. I am weeping my way through back to back episodes of Call the Midwife.

Birthday at Bayte 

Pen and Watercolour

24/366

Tuesday, 23rd January 2024 - AONB

Another windy night got our power messing about this morning. Thankfully we are still powered up this evening not like many other poor households. Storm Jocelyn is making a windy appearance.

I have a pile of books for Hetty and Raffy from the charity shop. I will check they are appropriate before passing them on. Such a bargain at 50p each. I love a bargain. I was in Cranbrook meeting Alli and Suzy for lunch. Many places are shut on a Tuesday. After a bit of research Suzy booked us a table at Kypseli. I had never been. I like investigating new places. I saw a recipe with butter beans on Instagram. It left me wanting. On the menu today was Gigantes Plaki. Not just butter beans but giant ones. They were delicious with chilli pitta bread. Alli had  Tyri saganaki me florinis which sounds much better than the description on the menu of 'a slab of battered hard Greek cheese'! I nabbed a bit and it was tasty. Thank you Suzy for arranging today it was great. 

I picked up a Tescos magazine. I made the Curried Cauliflower Cheese soup for dinner. I was dubious about the use of frozen cauliflower. It was perfect for a windy Tuesday evening.

We live in an Area of Outstanding Beauty. My postcard today is of a little bit of it in our garden. It is being sent to a friend of Harriet's who is a great support which gives me much comfort.

AONB 

Watercolour

23/366

Monday, 22nd June - Apples for Nick

Monday can be a quiet day in Benenden full of menial, tedious tasks of floor washing, toilet cleaning and loading the washing machine. Today's Monday was a much much better day. Harriet and Herbie came for a visit. Tim and I played trains and read books with Herbie. Harriet got a much needed hour of so of time spent with Anneli. It gave me much pleasure seeing my wonderful brave grandson and daughter who keeps a positive and amazing attitude through the toughest of times - so proud of them. Michael Mosley would be very proud of me. Listen to 'Just One Thing' to explain.

Our hens are laying voralicously. We had omelettes for dinner to reduce our egg mountain. Tim had pea and mushroom. I had cheese and mushroom with lots of black pepper. Very delicious while watching one of my favourite programmes that includes murder, mystery and a touch of medical insight.  

My postcard today is a belated birthday for a friend who loves his apples. He eats many apples a day and is looking pretty fit and well on it. 

Apples for Nick 

Pen and Watercolour

22/366

Sunday, 21st January 2024 - Lichen

Storm Isha has been building during the day. As I type it is rampaging around the country. Hopefully our trees will still be vertical in the morning and we won't lose power.We have had to close the woodburner down as the downdraft filled our kitchen with smoke. Damn the wind.

Tim was back to hedge trimming today. He has a new hedge trimmer making a tough job possibly a little more enjoyable. I was clearing ferns and potting up Hesperantha coccinea whose roots were dangling out their pots. I had a good audio book to keep me company.

Update on my hellebores. They are still looking perky. Splitting the stems seems to work.

The main purpose for my postcard project to keep in touch with friends and family. Today's postcard is for neighbours who we would like to get to know better. The perfect use for one of my postcards.

Lichen 

Pen and Acrylic Ink

21/366

Saturday, 20th January 2024 - Upright Hellebores

After a drive to Staplehurst through surprisingly icy roads we now have two working cars. Tim and I can now go our separate ways.

Tim spent the majority of the day outside cutting the hedge and chopping logs. I didn't venture very far from the woodburner appreciating the logs that had been cut. I have done collated and added my figures for my tax return to pass onto Tim for completion. 

I noticed I had a yellow left palm for the past few days. I was slightly concerned it maybe a liver problem. I know you can get yellow eyes when your liver isn't performing properly. Maybe I was showing a new liver failure symptom. This morning I diagnosed my ailment. It is staining from holding the turmeric tablets I take. 

I follow Anya the Garden Fairy on Instagram. I love hellebores but they always droop disappointingly  quickly after picking. Anya showed slicing the stems kept the upright. I am testing some and so far they are looking as perky as much as a hellebore ever does. They do tend to have a downward facing tendency.

Today I send my postcard to Linda who runs Woodchurch Cottage Flowers with our friend Wendy. I thought she would appreciate my attempt at keeping flowers at their best.

Upright Hellebore 

Ink and Watercolour

20/366

 

Friday, 19th January 2024 - Glassenbury Barn

Last night's meal at The Castle Inn was the best meal I have had in a pub for a long time. I had duck pancakes, crispy chicken leg with dauphinois, savoy cabbage and a mushroom and truffle sauce. We shared panettone bread and butter pudding and a ginger sponge with banana ice-cream. All delicious and I thoroughly recommend it. Thank you Tony, Wendy and Lindsey for a charming evening.

Lindsey and I had tea/coffee, muffins and pecan plaits (I love a pecan plait) with Mercedes. I hope we didn't outstay our welcome as we didn't leave until early afternoon. All now grandparents we swapped stories and photos. 

I left home at 11am with our boiler kaput and no heating or hot water. The repair was booked in for Monday. I came home a few hours later to heating and hot water. It was a hiccup in the gas that was diagnosed and fixed. I am looking forward to a long hot shower in a warm bathroom tomorrow.

The Weald of Kent Morris danced at a Wassail this afternoon. Lots of song, the crowning of a king and queen, toast hung in the trees, cider, shooting into the trees and dance to wake the fruit trees into producing a good harvest. Great fun and rather bizarre. We went to The Eight Bells to warm up and have a bit of music and song. 

Glasssenbury Barn 

Pen and Watercolour

19/366

Thursday, 18th January 2024 - Chittenden Vegetables

I watched the sunrise from my bedroom window. Yep, I was still in bed. There is no point getting up until the bathroom is vacant. Sometimes tea in the mornings is just perfect. It was one of those mornings. I watched the birds on the feeders while I drank my tea. Lovely start to the day.

Our car needed a trip to the garage for maintenance. It is a two car trip there and a one car trip back. I wanted to get some vegetables from the farm shop. A road closure and diversion would have dissuaded me. Tim has an innate awareness of where he is. He found a way no problem. We spent very little and came away with a huge bag brimming with fruit and vegetables.

Tonight we are going for dinner at The Castle Inn, Bodiam. I will let you know tomorrow what it was like. I love going out for dinner partly so I can dress up my top half - you don't need to bother with the bottom when you are going to be sitting down - and mostly because I like someone else cooking for me. Sometimes that is. The majority of the time I like cooking and cook food depending on my mood. Sunday is a good day for curry.

Today's postcard is for my brother, Chris. I thought he would appreciate the array of vegetables as he works in a farmshop and is vegan. 

Chittenden Vegetables 

Pen and Watercolour

18/366

Wednesday, 17th January 2024 - Trois

I packed beef casserole, a new left handed pen for Herbie, Hovis biscuits for Raffy and two coffee mugs made by Liz for Harriet. Tim and I set off negotiating frozen roads to Wickhambreaux. Thank goodness for Grandad and his practical ways. Herbie was making electric circuits with dough that buzzed and lit up and was keen to have Grandad as an accomplice. We went to the Ivy Barn after school. Raffy and I would have had cheese scones but the plate was bare. The raspberry and almond cake was a good replacement.

We came home and Tim went out. I rummaged through BBC and found Call the Midwife to have on in the background while I did a Slow Drawing session with Amy.

Today's card is for one of my arty buddies. It is inspired by a Slow Drawing session run by Amy Maricle. Not sure why it is called Trois.

Trois 

Pen and Watercolour

17/366

Tuesday, 16th January 2024 - The Apothecary, Rye

Liz, my lovely sister-in-law, and I had a few things to swap. I am fond of Rye so suggested we met there. I have a bit of an addiction for thick buttered granary toast and marmalade. I fed my addiction at The Apothecary and added coffee. Liz and her husband have taken on a 15 year old rescue cat. It has a condition called polydactyl. She has many toes and claws. She is very good at defending her territory. Having more than average claws must give her an advantage over the other cats. Unfortunately, this can lead to costly vets bills. A very fiesty cat for 15. She has found a good home.

I came home and found Tim had lit the woodburner. I sat down with my book and fell asleep. I hope my mate Linda doesn't find out. She will berate me for 'letting the old in'. It was a late night at The Rose and Crown yesterday.

Liz gets my postcard today for being family and a good friend.

The Apothecary, Rye 

Pen and Watercolour

16/366

Monday, 15th January 2024 - Marble Fields

We are just about to head out to The Rose and Crown in Beckley collecting Tony and Wendy on our way. They have a music session on the third Monday of the month. Steve is playing and recommended we go. I am hoping it's not too diddly diddly. I will let you know.

I have been raking leaves, piling them into builders bags and dragging them down the garden to heave them onto the compost heap. I spent a lot of time complaining to myself. Tim came out to join me commenting on what a glorious day it was. Don't you just hate a jolly person when you want to grump.

Today's postcard is for my Uncle. I have not seen or spoken to him for years. I hope I hear back from him. I saw on instagram marbles dipped in ink then rolled across paper. Rather like the idea so I had a go. Great fun once I learnt how to control the marbles and stop them from bouncing out the frame onto the floor.

Marble Fields

Indian Ink and Watercolour

15/366

Sunday, 14th January 2024 - Drinks after Dark

Tim and I spent the day trying to tame the garden. Tim had a chain saw making more logs for our woodburner. I was on my knees clearing ferns away from snowdrops. We both had our earbuds in listening to audio books so there wasn't much verbal communication between us. 

We changed out of our filthy jeans to meet June and Barry for an early evening drink at The Three Chimneys. It was the perfect way to end the afternoon sat in front of the woodburner with friends.

Today's postcard goes to one of those very dear friends who we first met when we lived in Seal nearly 40 years ago. We have made many happy memories in those years. We met when our first born were babies and now they have children of their own making us very proud Gorgeous Grannies.

Drinks after Dark

Watercolour

14/366

Saturday, 13th January 2024 - After The Woodcock

Our friends Ewen and Chris dropped in on their way from Normans Bay to Croydon. Blimey they have had a busy year with a wedding in Warsaw, one daughter and family moving to Norwich and another moving to Malaysia. We had a slippery muddy walk to The Woodcock, stopped to refresh then walked back to Benenden. We came home to soup Tim made that I accompanied with curried egg sandwiches. The cat and the woodburner purred in the background.

After The Woodcock

Pen and Watercolour 13/366

Friday, 12th January 2024 - Oil Painting Practice

My painting group The Viridians turned into a lunch/painting session today. We spent a very lovely few hours painting in Clive's studio interspersed with flan, salad, bread and apple cake. I kept Clive company with a glass of wine. Then we went back to work in the studio for a couple more hours. 

Oil on Board

I took a trip to Tescos to fill my basket with vegetables and primulas. Tim and I met Mike and Pippa for an early evening and very needed catch up by candlelight in the Ewe and Lamb

Today's postcard is of my very lovely friend Leelee painting.

Thursday, 11th January 2024 - Snowdrops for a January Baby

Camillo had me doing a five minute pancake stretch pose this morning. He suggested I could put my elbows on the floor. You must be joking!!! Trying my best here Camillo.

My studio was a very cosy space to spend a couple of hours in today. I love the smell of paint and paper it has. 

A 7000 step walk took us around the village this afternoon. Postcards were posted. I came back to read my book and fell asleep in front of the woodburner.

This evening I have gessoed four boards with a blue ground ready for a day of oil painting with The Viridians tomorrow. I am planning for it to be a very productive day.

Today's postcard is to celebrate the arrival of a baby boy. Snowdrops are associated with a January birth and representing hope and love. Hello and welcome little one.

Snowdrops for a January Baby

Pen and Watercolour

11/366

Wednesday, 10th January 2024 - Frosty Fields

My car told me it was -3°C as I drove to Wickhambreaux this morning. The sun was low in the sky and the fields were full of frost. It was a beautiful drive. I spent a very entertaining day with Herbie. He is very good at amusing his grandmother. The Fire Lizard from Frozen II was very helpful during a maths session. We ate eggs and Gala pie with cucumber and tangerines to keep our energy levels up. Mine more than Herbie's. Raffy and Hetty were full of stories after school. It was a wonderful day that has been full of precious memories.

We are watching another programme with a twisted plot called Safe. Perfect for a Wednesday evening in front of the woodburner eating lentil stew.

Frosty Fields

Watercolour

10/366

Tuesday, 9th January 2024 - Pink Carnations for Maggie 9/366

Tim was in London for the day. I had the kitchen to explore ink on Yupo paper on every available surface. It is still challenging and very very messy. I had a wonderful couple of hours listening to Radio 4.

I was sorry not to meet my Gorgeous Grannies for coffee this morning. I hope to catch up soon when everyone is feeling well.

It was cold but the sun shone so I dragged my lazy body out for a walk. I crunched through snow in the fields just a few feet from our garden which is devoid of snow. I felt so much better for a muddy slodge about in my wellies. I came home, lit the fire and made a massive lentil stew that will keep us fed for the next few days.

Today's postcard is for new January baby. Carnations are the flower associated with January and love and affection. Welcome little one.

Pink Carnations for Maggie

Watercolour

9/366

Monday, 8th January 2024 - Snow Flurries 8/366

There were some pretty snow flurries today. Not enough fell to make a snowman. I met Sarah in Cranbrook. Sarah needed to get meat from a very jolly butcher. I was tempted by the newly made Gala pie and got a couple of slices to take to the grandchildren later in the week. They are good at sharing with their grandmother. We had mugs of coffee and shared a bacon roll with chilli jam to celebrate her birthday tomorrow. She will be too busy to see me on her actual birthday. We did a trawl through a charity shop. They had some books that I hope Hetty and Raffy will like. A bargain at 50p each. I checked them on Google when I got home to make sure they were of appropriate age for them.

This evening I had been playing around with ink on Yupo paper. All a bit disastrous in the end as I fiddled too much and ended up with a lot of brown. I think I can wash it off to have another go tomorrow. I had a great time messing about. It's harder than they make it look on Instagram.

Snow Flurries

Watercolour

8/366

Sunday, 7th January 2023 - For Natalie 7/366

Fine weather this morning had Tim chopping logs to warm our cockles over the incoming cold spell. I was pruning and planting a rose. I filled a watering can for the rose. There was a blockage. I gave it a shake and a prod that produced two mice out the spout - unfortunately their demise had been a few days earlier. Yeeerkkk.

I made bread following Si's recipe to have with fishcakes that Tim made. It was ok but did not have the crispy crust that Si achieves. I think we need an oven that has a steam feature.

I am hoping that the snow that is forecast does not prevent me having a birthday coffee tomorrow.

Today's postcard is for first cousin once removed, Natalie. 

For Natalie

Pen and Watercolour

7/366

Saturday, 6th January 2024 - Pub Dogs 6/366

I feel mighty virtuous today having cleaned the top of my gas cooker which has lots of nooks and crannies for filth to collect. I was listening to a rather odd audio book which was highly rated on my library app. Not sure I will be able to sustain it to the end. 

I was sure the clouds looked like they were holding snow. It only slightly drizzled as we walked to The Bull to meet up with my eighteen month old great niece. I like being a great aunty it makes me feel and sound wise and important. 

We are off to friends for a fish pie this evening. We will be able to catch up on their news. I love to hear what everyone is getting up to. I am getting my blog done early just in case it turns out to be a raucous and late night.

Pub Dogs

Pen and Watercolour

6/366

Friday, 5th January 2024 - Mondrianish Apple Trees 5/366

Heading to bed last night I set my alarm as I have got later and later rising from my bed in the mornings. In my enthusiasm of going to see my daughter today I woke before it buzzed me awake. I drove through many roads drenched by Storm Henk get to Wickhambreaux where I spent a wonderful day with Harriet and Herbie. Raffy and Hetty arrived after school looking beautiful in their youth. Their joy of seeing me squeezes me inside. Herbie and I watched Frozen II with much needed commentary from Herbie as to what it was all about. I am so proud of that amazing family. 

Today's postcard is for a colleague of Tim's who lives in Chicago. It was many years ago we met Benn. I  remember seeing paintings by Piet Mondrian at The Art Institute of Chicago. On a walk through  Benenden the light through an apple orchard reminded me of his works The Trees. I have made my own version with a few artistic interpretations.

Mondrianish Apple Trees

Pen and Watercolour

5/366

Thursday, 4th January 2024 - Weave 4/366

The forecast was for a dry morning. Tim and I took 5,079 steps around the village to post yesterday's postcard. The sun was shining and we stopped at the Village Shop for a coffee. They do a very good flat white. It was buzzing with people. I do like a bit of people watching.

In the afternoon I was with over 30 other artists from The Weald of Kent Art Society watching Graham Lock demonstrate watercolours. He painted four landscapes in about two hours. Very impressive. It was good to see everyone again. I swung by Tescos and got reduced crackers and wrapping paper to store somewhere that I will forget where by next Christmas.

We are watching Fool Me Once in the evenings. I am loving it. Full of twists, turns and a couple of murders. Perfect.

I have had a denim jacket for many many years and been sad to watch a hole getting increasingly bigger. When I got back home this afternoon it had been mended beautifully by Wendy. Many many thanks to Wendy that it now has a new lease of life.

This pattern was inspired the book Draw Yourself Calm by Amy Maricle. Great book.

Weave

Pen

4/366

Wednesday, 3rd January 2024 - Hesperantha coccinea

Our home is sadly quiet. Tom and Fable have left and gone home. It has been wonderful to have them to stay over Christmas and to see the New Year in. It has been a reflective time with my wonderful mother-in-law and sister-in-law both passing away this year. We move forward and are incredibly grateful for what we have today. 

My greenhouse is mostly dormant apart from a burst from some flowering plants my sister gave me. We saw them over a year ago at King Johns Nursery looking beautiful amongst the decaying ferns.

Today's postcard is for my sister who is wonderful and loves tea as much as I do.

Hesperantha coccinea

Pen and Watercolour

3/366

Tuesday, 2nd January 2024 - Cheese Scone Recipe

Our little red peugeot went in for a service and MOT today. We were ready for it to be heading for the scrap heap. Tim and I have been discussing what to replace it with. A Volvo? A VW Golf? Blue would be my preference. A phone call this afternoon confirmed it had passed with just a couple of bulbs needed. No new car for us this year. We had a drink in The Milkhouse on the way home to celebrate.

It is the last evening with Tom. He returns to Northampton tomorrow. We had steak with pepper sauce. The sauce was a bit crunchy as it was meant to be with green peppercorns. I only had black ones which are a bit hard even though I smashed them with a pestle and mortar. I will miss my son and his dog Fable.

Following yesterday's blog and a couple of requests for the cheese scones recipe I am sending today's postcard with the recipe written on it to a very dear friend who I have not seen for many months but think of often.

Cheese Scones

2/366

Monday, 1st January 2024 - Pond Paddling

I am a bit of a 'bah humbug' when it comes to New Years Eve and was asleep well before 2023 turned into 2024. At just before midnight our fire alarm went off so I did get to see the New Year in. There was no fire just a glitch in the smoke alarm. We went back to bed and listened to the wind and rain.

I have a few resolutions and have learnt from past failures not to choose anything too challenging. One is to write a To-Do list. I have a tendency to get easily distracted. A list that I can cross off keeps me focused - sometimes. Those I didn't do today I feel no guilt about and can be carried on into tomorrow. 

I went for a walk this afternoon as it turned dark. Someone was also walking and I commented to them on how mad it was to be out. It turned out to be Tim who had caught me up. Well how was I meant to recognise him in the dark?

The smoked salmon I was planning to make into a pasta dinner got snaffled at lunchtime. I made Delia's leek and potato soup and cheese scones instead. I am very partial to a cheese scone and feel stuffed.

Have you played the Magnetic game with stones. Tom and I have been playing in the evenings. It doesn't take much skill. Great way to end the day when you're tired and my brain is shutting down. I love it.

For each of the 366 days in 2024, I am creating and sending a postcard to keep in touch with friends and family.

This is the first one and has been given to Tom, my son, who encouraged me to take on the project and helped me with setting it up.

Pond Paddling 1/366

Pen and watercolour