Thursday, 29th February 2024 - Leaping Hare for a Leapling

It's been a long time since I have done any yoga. I unfurled my mat and stretched bits that were in great need of stretching. I felt very virtuous.

This afternoon Clive ran a clay workshop in Tenterden. We took a mirror to do self portraits. After a few hours the room was filled with over twenty clay heads. Mine had a rather grumpy expression. I don't think I will be taking up clay modelling as a hobby. I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

Self Portrait in Clay

I have combined a leaping hare and today's moon, a waning gibbous for a friend who is a Leapling. Happy birthday Tony.

Leaping Hare for a Leapling 

Pen and Watercolour

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Wednesday, 28th February 2024 - After School

I had a relaxing drive to Wickhambreaux listening to More or Less and getting tips on snacking from Michael Mosley. Harriet and I collected Herbie from school and headed to the Ivy Barn for coffee. I had a buttered cheese scone and Herbie had toast and butter. We went back to The Mill. Herbie got me doing a jumping game with soft toys. I must admit it was much more fun than I anticipated. Raffy and Hetty came home from school looking older and wiser. I gave them their books from the charity shop. Harriet filled plates with food. What a lovely way to end a school day. After I left the girls were off training at the climbing centre. Oh for a bit of youthful energy.

I got a lovely message from a recipient of one of my postcards. She was going to send it on and spread the joy. I am so pleased that my postcards are getting shared. Today's is going to my grandchildren's other grandma who they don't get to see so much due to distance.

After School 

Pen and Watercolour

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Tuesday, 27th February 2024 - Sowing Seeds

Today it felt warmer outside the house than inside. I plugged in my audio book and did some seed planting. I am optimistic that the air temperature is high enough and the daylight hours long enough for abundant germination. I have a tray each of spinach Mediana, tomatoes called Tigerella and some phlox named Creme Brulee that I think my sister gave me. 

I have book group this evening and just finished reading Perfectly Ordinary People by Nick Alexander. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Some of it was a bit harrowing. It will be interesting to hear what Lesley and Alli say later .......

I am back from the pub full of liver and bacon. They both enjoyed the book too. We recommend it.

Sowing Seeds 

Pen and Watercolour

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Monday, 26th February 2024 - Kalanchoe

Sarah and I had coffee and shared a bacon roll with chilli jam in our favourite cafe, Wendy's. I was grateful to have a friend to take my mind of a niggling worry. We rummaged through the shelves of the charity shops. This resulted in us both leaving with a carrier bag of books and toys for our grandchildren. 

I have mastered the angle of the lino cutting blade to make fine lines. It's all about the right angle. Very satisfying achievement. 

Kalanchoe 

Linocut

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Sunday, 25th February 2024 - Washing off Much Mud

Tim spent the morning creating and cosseting (in between fixing my cranky emails) French sticks. I have to admit that they were much better than the softer versions I make. We ate them with spicy lentil soup (that I had made and was very delicious I proudly say) after a very muddy walk with John and Diane. We made it back before the yellow weather warning for rain set in. Bobby, their dog, had a heart stopping close escape. His lead broke. He went one way. A car swerved the other. We spent the rest of the afternoon recovering from the near death experience eating and drinking with the woodburner fending off the cold.

Washing off Much Mud 

Pen and Watercolour

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Saturday, 24th February 2024 - Cheerful Crocuses

What a lot of chatter at dinner last night. All eight of us are in hospitality. Dane and Sarah have done loads of travelling. I need to get out more and see the world and its treasures. Si gave me seville oranges that are in the freezer ready for a marmalade session. I can think of Italy while I make it.

Dinner tonight was bubble and squeak made from last night's leftovers. Tim had fried eggs on top. Yuk yuk yuk. I had much more preferable poached eggs. We watched a film with Mark Rylance in. Mum used to love him and his acting. I miss talking to my Mum about 'stuff'. She was a good listener. 

I had a lovely time this afternoon reading my book. Tim had lit the woodburner. He was in the garden cutting yet another hedge. I look him out a mug of tea and to admire his work. There are loads of crocuses brightening the garden. Not the saffron variety unfortunately. They made a good subject for my postcard. 

Carrots for Prosperity 

Indian Ink and Watercolour

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Friday, 23rd February 2024 - Carrots for Prosperity

Can't stop to chat. I am cooking dinner for friends this evening. 

Carrots for Prosperity

Pen and Watercolour

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Thursday, 22nd February 2024 - It's Raining Again

My bed and breakfast guests had poached eggs for breakfast. I did an extra one for my lunch. I had it with a bowl of homemade coleslaw that had been in the fridge a few days. Not my choice of combinations but I was tidying out the fridge. It was surprisingly tasty.

Tim and I ventured out in an amber weather warning. The forecast was correct the rain was torrentia. At Adam and Eves, our favourite fruit and veg shop we filled a box of with our five-a-day.

I don't recommend watching Silent Witness while eating dinner. Decaying bodies and post mortems are not the best eating partners.

It's Raining Again 

Watercolour

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Wednesday, 21st February 2024 - Many Blues

I was chatting with a jolly Tesco delivery man as he piled boxes on my doorstep. He retired 3 years ago and was bored so he started working delivering shopping. At 70 he looked great. What an inspiration.

Tim made soup for an impromptu lunch with Dave and Josie. Good to catch up with family news.

It has been a revolting wet day. I only ventured outside once to help my bed and breakfast guests bring in their bags. 

My postcard is going to one of my great nephews. It is his 23rd birthday this week. I am reaching out to the young generation. It will be interesting to see if I get any connections. I hope so.

Many Blues 

Ink and Watercolour

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Tuesday, 20th February 2024 - Long Shadows and Sunlight

I met with an old friend for coffee. We are both getting old. We are 60 this year. We haven't seen each other for ages. Gay had her granddaughter with her. I am not easily taken with children that are not related to me but Phoebe was an absolute delight. I adore her.

Back home I lit the woodburner and was ready to settle down for the afternoon. Tim took me back out to walk with Tony and Wendy. It was cold, windy and muddy but I felt so much better for getting outside. On the way back to the car we dropped into The Bull. 

I am watching the last of One Day. It's an emotional roller coaster. Very well written. It's difficult to type when crying.

I heard from three people who had received my postcards. My postcard project is doing what I intended of keeping us in touch with friends and family. So pleased with myself.

Long Shadows and Sunlight 

Pen and Watercolour

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Monday, 19th February 2024 - Blackthorn Blossom

From my bedroom this morning I saw two deer prancing across the garden. They looked amazing. What a glorious sight. I may not be thinking so when they have eaten all the plants.

A Food Hygiene Inspection officer came and went this morning. I know have a Grade 5 sticker for my window. My stress levels have dissipated. 

Tim and I went for a walk with the signs of spring springing in the hedgerows. The blackthorn blossom not only looked gorgeous but smelt amazing. I didn't see any witches.

We have started watching a series called One Day. I didn't think I was going to like it but have been crying. It's an emotional series.

Blackthorn Blossom  

Linocut

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Sunday, 18th February 2024 - The Stings

I was alarmed awake before the sun rose preparing guests breakfasts. It's been a while and I get nervous. I made perky fried eggs and croissants that saw them on their way. I had a shopping list for Dunelm in Hastings. A very disappointing shop managing to cross only one thing of my list. We tried again in Sainsburys. How hard can it be to find a small pedal bin!!! We headed to Fairlight where Tim and I packed up a few boxes at his Mum's house. A lifetime of pyrex and tupperware with memories that only Brenda will have. Such a sad time. Followed by an evening at The Stag listening to The Stings with friends was a great way to end the weekend.

The Stings 

Pen and Watercolour

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Saturday, 17th February 2024 - Lemon Sole

I made chocolate brownies using a recipe my sister gave me. They were for my arriving bed and breakfast guests. They declined my offer. We ate some for pudding after our lemon sole. The fish was a gift from my sister. It came from the fish shop in Rye. I cooked it with capers, lime and butter. Thank you my generous sister it was delicious. 

I had a very busy day sorting out 'stuff' at home. The sofa with a mug of tea and an art book was much needed to restore my vitality. I have lots of ideas buzzing in my mind. I need to order some more lino. Exciting projects to come.

Lemon Sole 

Pen and Watercolour

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Friday, 16th February 2024 - Joy to Come

Under the shade of an oak tree by our home there is a group of celandine. The flowers open in the sun and shut at night. I looked them up on Google. They symbolise 'Joy to Come'. I think we all need a bit of this. The warm sun has felt so good today.

A drink at The Ewe and Lamb with friends was a good way to end a busy day. I like the atmosphere there very much. I think it is a combination of subtle lighting, an open fire and good company.

I am sending this card to Esther who will be getting married later this year and be becoming Mrs Joy - very appropriate I thought.

Joy to Come 

Indian Ink and Watercolour

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Thursday, 15th February 2024 - Coffee at King John's Nursery

I am trying not to get crumbs from my toast and marmite stuck in my keyboard as I type. I have just returned from an evening with my art group watching a demonstration by Mark Fisher. He used a splatter technique to build up a painting. An entertaining evening. I would like to take some of his ideas and try them using oil paints.

This morning Pippa picked me up. We met Linda and her deep voiced grandson, Felix for coffee at King John's Nursery. It has a beautiful garden that we didn't venture into today. Too busy talking.

I came home and attempted a linocut. I think I need some smaller blades to get finer detail. It is a bit heavy handed. I am having a lovely time experimenting with this method. 

Coffee at King John's Nursery 

Linocut

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Wednesday, 14th February 2024 - Brenda's Vase

I got chocolates and a homemade tissue paper embellished card from a mystery admirer.

I made a linocut Valentines card for Tim. Instead of printing it is embossed. I like the subtle effect it gives.

Tim's Valentines Card

Linocut

I drink a lot of tea. The news was telling me that there is a shortage. Freight shipments have been disrupted in the Red Sea. I have quite a stash in the cupboard so should be ok for now. 

It is lovely to have some of Brenda's things in our home. I am very fond of this vase as I was my mother-in-law. We miss her very much.

Brendas Vase 

Pen and Watercolour

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Tuesday, 19th February 2024 - Lemons ready for pancakes

Tom came for coffee on his way back to Northampton. We said goodbye with a hug. I went to have a shower and left him writing a note to a precious friend. I was thinking of him as I shampooed my hair and remembered he had left something here at Christmas. I quickly dressed, no makeup and ran downstairs with dripping hair. He had gone. The only thing he left was an empty coffee mug. I felt rather sad.

Being Shrove Tuesday I made pancakes filled with fish followed by pancakes with sugar and lemon. I don't want pancakes for a while.

I was buying some blades online for linocutting but was refused delivery as they couldn't verify my age. So frustrating.

Linocut and Watercolour

Lemons ready for pancakes 

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Monday, 12th February 2024 - The Moon and the Playground

Tescos delivered enough food to feed myself and grandchildren lunch and dinner with hopefully enough leftovers to feed them snacks during half term. The sun was shining as I drove to Wickhambreaux dodging potholes. Harriet and Brett took off to have some time together and go out for an early Valentine's meal. I was left in charge of the grandchildren. I spent the day with Hetty, Raffy and Herbie. There was a miscommunication with Tom. We were going to take the children to the playground. By the time we had realised we were in different villages it was getting dark. I took the grandchildren to the playground as the moon was rising and the sun setting. Thank goodness the playground was fenced in as I couldn't see the children running about in the dark being dogs. We came back to The Mill for crinkly chips and fish fingers. They had eaten all the donuts and taken the ice-creams to the playground so there was no pudding. The drive home was quiet and I am now drinking a mug of tea to revive my throat. I did a lot of story reading today. It was a great book about a dragon. A happy memories making day today.

The Moon and the Playground 

Watercolour

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Sunday, 11th February 2024 - Benenden Pig

 I had a lovely time drinking coffee listening to and telling stories to my sister this morning. Thank you for the potatoes. They were lovely in their jackets with baked cod, steamed sprouts and leeks in white sauce.

On a walk this afternoon we passed the Benenden pig who is very sociable with it's grunts (I don't know what gender it is) but squidged off into the mud as we had no apples to offer.

We came and had mugs of tea with Tom, Fable and his puppy friend Tui. Tom's heart is elsewhere so we haven't seen much of him on his trip to Kent this time. I am very happy that he is happy.

I am heading off early to bed to read my Kindle. I love snuggling under the duvet with a good story.

Benenden Pig 

Ink

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Saturday, 10th February 2024 - Primrose in Print

I have lost yet another butterfly down the drain in the shower. Lost and gone forever along with the earring. There must be a quite a collection at the bottom of our septic tank.

Tom is visiting a Kentish friend this weeked. He dropped by with Fable for a coffee this morning before heading to the beach. A braver man than I. It would have been wet and windy. It was lovely to see him and have a hug. 

Tim and I went for a walk to post my postcards. The drizzle turned to rain. I came home with the postcards still in my pocket. 

Our garden is peppered with bright yellow primroses. They look like they are glowing. While watching a rather harrowing series on the TV I did my first printed linocut. I was very pleased with my attempt even though I say so myself. 

Primrose in Print 

Linocut

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Friday, 9th February 2024 - Day 5 Wild Waves

I had a jolly morning with The Viridians painting interiors at Leelee's house. Clive worked for an hour before wiping his paining off and starting again. I will be wiping mine off for a repaint. I was disappointed to leave just as the lentil and bacon soup was being served. 

Tim and I headed down to Fairlight. He did some house clearing with his sister. I had the perfect view over the Danger sign of wild waves on the sea. It was a bit rainy and windy. It added to the atmosphere. Perfect for the last day of The Simplest Things Challenge.

Wendy and Tony met us at Rustico in Ore for pizza. My Bello and Buono with fresh chilli was delicious and just what I desired. If you're are down that way I recommend it. Parking is a bit of a challenge.

Day 5 Wild Waves 

Pen

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Thursday, 8th February 2024 - Day 4 The Letter 'N'

I met Sarah for coffee in Wendy's. We both said it would be good if we could lose half a stone. We shared a bacon roll with chilli jam. Half the calories. We laughed about socks and talked about our many grandchildren. We are very proud grandparents. The Hospice shop was a good refuge from the rain. I found some lovely books for Hetty, Raffy and Herbie who are all bookworms. 

This afternoon a spent some time in my studio messing about with linocutting. I should have read up a bit about method before going straight in. I have had a few mishaps. Lovely the cutting part. I need to work on the design a bit deeper.

Day 4 of The Simplest Thing Challenge is The Letter 'N'. I struggled with this one for a while. I used N's as a frame for many coffee cups. I am sending this to someone I have not seen for probably three years. I am loving sending my daily postcards to get in touch with old friends.

Day 4 The Letter 'N' 

Indian Ink and Watercolour

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Wednesday, 7th February 2024 - Day 3 Circle

A video call with my daughter and grandson kept me entertained with their chatter while I was cleaning a bed and breakfast room. 

Tim is out this evening and I am watching The Apprentice. It makes me cringe. I love it.

The word prompt from Amy at Mindful Art Studio today is Circle. What I have done reminds me of bubbles. I am sending this to my Great Niece Ottie - she loves bubbles. 

Day 3 Circle 

Watercolour

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Tuesday, 6th February 2024 - Mark of your Brush

I had no worries about waking up late to prepare breakfast. I was awake at 5.30am. Plenty of time to make fruit salad and coffee for my guest.

Tim and I spent a very jolly few hours with Harriet and Herbie. The three of them spent a lot of time and discussion trying to fix a leaking coffee machine. Many screws, a spring and other necessary parts were removed, cleaned and put back together. It seems improved. I collected a very hungry Raffy from school. I very huggy Hetty arrived later. She has begun to look at which GCSE's to take. Where did that time go?

Day 2 of The Simplest Thing Challenge is Mark of your Brush. I had a lovely time making marks relaxing myself while half watching a disturbing series on Netflix called The Child. I fear a mentally disturbed night.

Mark of your Brush 

Watercolour

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Monday, 5th February 2024 - How Many Lines

My house is now sparkling and ready to receive bed and breakfast guests. It looks very charming. Shame about my loaf of bread that is not quite so charming. I made it in the breadmaker. The tin was too tight for the amount of dough and it has a muffin top. 

I am feeling slightly jealous of Pippa who is in the south of France with her family enjoying the warmth and hospitality of the French. The sky today here has been grey and full of drizzle

I am doing a five day The Simplest Things Challenge run online by Amy Maricle. She does lots of mindful therapeutic drawing. This challenge is not long so I shouldn't get diverted and give up.  Each day I get a lovely encouraging email with a prompt. Day 1 is 'How Many Lines'. I did this while watching old episodes of Silent Witness. I enjoy a murder with lots of twisted mystery.

I need to get an early night to get ready for an early breakfast preparation. I will be worrying that my alarm wont go off and have to keep checking it. Very annoying I can't control my mind.

The straight lines I drew made curves - very pleasing. I am sending my postcard to someone who loves lines.

How Many Lines 

Pen

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Sunday, 4th February 2024 - The Eight Bells

The dining room is now looking very charming dressed with paintings. It took me a few hours of faffing to get it looking ok. It is now ready for this weeks guests. My studio area has been reduced with stacked framed paintings. They should be on my website but I find it a uninspiring task. Maybe later in the month when the snow comes and I am trapped in the house.

We met Tony and Wendy in Hawkhurst and went on a 15,000 step walk. I was amazed that there is so much open countryside tucked away behind all the houses. Not the most beautiful but very interesting especially with Tony my chatty walking buddy. We stopped at The Eight Bells to rehydrate. The staff are very jolly. I like the interior of the bar on the left with its fires and sofas. Really cozy. And I so needed to sit down. They have a curry night on Friday that looks very tempting. 

The Eight Bells 

Pen and Watercolour

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Saturday, 3rd February 2024 - Sarah's Jug and Snowdrops

I had interesting poses to attempt this morning. I went from pistol to pidgeon with lunges and isometric sumo squats. All very ungainly but good for my hip flexion Camillo assures me. I still can't sit cross legged on the floor without a block to hoick my bum up.

Tim and I have been mostly home today. We did take an afternoon drive to collect some provisions. I needed some mixed herbs for my dumplings. I picked up the reduced chocolate tiffin and put it down again. At this every moment I wish I had kept it in my basket. Damn it. Tim continued hedge cutting, mending a sticky door latch and sorting out drains. I stripped the dining room of all my paintings. The majority now are stacked in my studio. The walls are now naked until I can decide what to rehang.

There are many hungry noisy birds on the feeders. I wonder if they are nesting? It seems a bit chilly for that. The snowdrops are finally flowering under the maple tree. I picked a few and have them on the kitchen table in a tiny jug a lovely friend gave me. They are accompanied by the 'still upright' hellebores.

I am looking forward to going to bed. I have just started a book that seems very promising to be a good read.

Sarah's Jug and Snowdrops 

Pen and Watercolour

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Friday, 2nd February 2024 - Book Buddies

Herbie had a day off school. Harriet brought him over to play. What wonderful company he is. We were kept busy making dragon shaped pizzas, the garden got watered, the chickens were well cuddled after collecting over a dozen eggs, our gravel got rearranged in the drive with Herbie's digger, Tim read books .... it was a charming packed few hours. Thank you for coming to visit Herbie. You make your grandparents very proud. 

I potted up some hydrangea cuttings while listening to my audio book. There are lots of mysterious murders. I love a crime thriller to take my mind of the cold wind blowing me around the garden.

I bought some alcohol free Peroni. I want to reduce my alcohol consumption. I opened a bottle while cooking devilled mushrooms for dinner. It had an odd taste that a slug of Roses lime juice hid. It was ok. I had another - with lime.

Book Buddies 

Pen and Watercolour

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Thursday, 1st February 2024 - Part of a Painting

Following a domestic morning of washing and breakmaking with a bit of yoga I spent the afternoon in Tenterden with The Weald of Kent Art Society painting. Graham, our president, gave a watercolour demonstration. After coffee and biscuits we followed along. I got in a bit of a fluster trying to keep up. Consequently my painting didn't turn out so well. I have taken a section and glued it to a postcard to thank Graham for an informative and fun afternoon. 

My grandson likes dragons. I was pleased and amused to find noodles called Dragon noodles. I am sure he will be as delighted as I am.

Part of a Painting 

Watercolour

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