Sunday, 31st March 2024 - Chicken Inspection

Raffy and Hetty were up at 6am in the garden searching for a pheasant that had woken them up. They found him and his two female friends. We have had a lovely day. There has been an Easter egg hunt, Tim fixed up a bike for Raffy. She did circuits of the garden and church. Herbie and Hetty helped with with chickens, pulled rhubarb and weeding, watering and entertaining their Grandma. Tim built electric circuits with Herbie. The dining room has been turned into a hive of activity. Raffy is making a board game, Hetty crafting cards and found a box of Barbie's and a couple of Ken's that she found very amusing. An old box of Duplo littered the kitchen floor and still has hours of play appeal. The weather has been perfect for spending time in the garden. I feel very privileged in many ways. Tim and I are shattered!!!

Chicken Inspection 

Pen and Watercolour

91/366 

Saturday, 30th March 2024 - Den Building

Happy birthday to my brother. Your card is in the post!!! I could blame the delay of the manby bank holidays ... but ... I admit it is to my negligence  on my part that your birthday will not drop on your doormat for your birthday day. I do love you though.

We have the grandchildren staying tonight, possibly tomorrow. We are having a wonderful time. The weather has been sunny and dry and the garden has been explored, the chickens cuddled and a new den being built. How privileged are Tim and I. It maybe an early night as the bloody clocks change!!!

Den Building 

Pen and Watercolour

90/366 

Friday, 29th March 2024 - Tending his Flock

Tim and I dropped our bnb guest at Benenden School to continue with his film making. The roads to the market in Tenterden were unusually quiet. No schools. Bank Holiday and it was before 9am. I was hoping for a floriferous encounter. We did get some polyanthus but otherwise I was disappointed. The fruit and vegetable stall was a much more successful venture. We came away with cauliflower, garlic and enormous oranges. We had coffee and biscuits made by Pippa at Caxton Cottage. Coming home a shepherd was checking on his lambing ewes. Such a lovely scene for today's postcard.

I am heading upstairs shortly to change into a skirt. We are going for a 'pot' supper at June and Barry's. I will let you know about the 'pot' tomorrow.

Tending his Flock 

Pen and Watercolour

89/366

Thursday, 28th March 2024 - Cats and Dogs

I took advantage of a brief interlude in the rain to cut some daffodils, selecting ones that hadn't been ravaged into frilliness by slugs and snails, for a last minute guest's bedroom. 

Cats and Dogs 

Watercolour

88/366

Wednesday, 27th March 2024 - Bottle Ducks

We needed a wedding anniversary card and a wedding card. Rather than send shop bought ones Tim and I spent an hour or so printing and making our own. We had many failed attempts with wonkyness being our main nemesis. The final cards were straightish and lovely. We make a good team. They are now addressed, stamped and in the post.

Lindsey and Fritha took me for a muddy walk (thank you for the wellie loan) past goats, into the Magic Woods and by a pond with ducks. I love a duck. Lindsey has her Easter Tree up and decorated. It looked beautiful and I left with Easter Tree envy. I came home, got my secateurs and now have some twigs in a pot ready to be decorated while I watch Dragons Den.

Bottle Ducks 

Pen and Watercolour

87/366

Tuesday, 26th March 2024 - Heart and Home in Lewes

Tescos delivered Easter eggs for the weekend treasure hunt with the grandchildren. I just hope it doesn't rain on Sunday. Pippa whisked Linda and I up to Lewes for an adventure. We met June in Cafe du Jardin for, yes coffee, and cake. June took us to her new space in the Lewes Antiques Centre where she sells her vintage homewares. What an amazing place for a rummage. June's room is beautifully curated but I would expect nothing less from her. Well worth a visit. 

I am just back from The Halfway House after book group. The lasagne was just what I fancied. We couldn't full discuss our last book The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods due to lambing curtailing reading time. It wasn't on the top of our list for a book to read.

I did get some inspiration today about what pictures I will do for an exhibition I am in later this year.

Heart and Home in Lewes 

Pen and Watercolour

86/366

Monday, 25th March 2024 - Shelf Building

This afternoon The Viridians met at Wendy's. Clive and I sat at the kitchen table. Leelee and wendy set up their easels. Oils, watercolour pencils, Indian ink and lino cuts were produced over a few hours. I love my afternoons with my art friends.

At the weekend Tom's friends Steve and Andy helped build some shelves. They are now holding Tom's cycling 'stuff'. It good to have good friends.

Shelf Building 

Pen and Watercolour

85/366 

Sunday, 24th March 2024 - Dinner on a Box

We are home from our weekend in Northampton. It's a long motorway drive and the Dartford Crossing was crawling slower than snails pace. The hedges on the country lanes were full of clouds of blackthorn blossom - so pretty.  It has been a wonderful few days. We met some of Tom's friends. It's good to put a name to a face. Tom made us all spaghetti with beany bolognese and a less spicy tuna version for three year old Robin. Tom's table is still under dust sheets. Robin was very happy to have a box for a table. I felt suddenly emotional and sad as we left - it was quite painful.

Dinner on a Box 

Pen and Watercolour

84/366

Saturday, 23rd March 2024 - Happy 80th Birthday Terry

It's been a good day in Northampton. Tim has done loads of DIY, clearing, shelf building, wiring and painting. I have done some interspersed with walking with Tom, Fable and shopping in an International supermarket that was crammed with fruit and vegetables I have never seen before. Tom and I bought garlic and mushrooms. I hope to return tomorrow for a deeper explore and take Google translate with me for the ingredients lists.

As I type I am drinking tea with Tom and his mate Steve mulling over the pro and cons of social media. After a couple of glasses of wine it makes for interesting discussions. Earlier shelves were built that fit into an alcove to be filled with, no not books, bike 'stuff'. Fair enough it's not my home. Tom cooked a very delicious beany bolognese that fed 

Tom's good friend was 80 today. We met him in the park this afternoon with Charlie and Jack. Happy 80th birthday Terry.

Happy 80th Brithday Terry 

Pen and Watercolur

83/366

Friday, 22nd March 2024 - Nine Chimneys Lane

We have spent a good many hours on the road today. First
a stop in Balsham near Cambridge to collect a couple of radiators from ex student and colleague of Tim's. We had lunch in a very pretty pub called the Black Bull. The butchers is now a bakery and sells lovely cakes. We got a variety of four and headed into the county of Bedfordshire to see Dave and Josie who added tea and coffee to the cake. Back in the car to Northamptonshire.

After an excellent take away curry I am sitting typing at a fold out table in Tom's house in Northampton. Tim and I are spending a weekend doing DIY a bit of decorating and gardening.

A House in Nine Chimneys Lane 

Indian Ink and Watercolour

82/366

Thursday, 21st March 2024 - Bouncy Triplets

I filled the kitchen with ironed shirts while my guest ate breakfast. I feel like I have a new wardrobe. I wore one out to lunch with Nick and Alli to celebrate a belated birthday. The Little Bull in Brenchley does a good bacon sandwich. We were near Si and Lesley's home and were welcomed with tea. Si had been up since 2am on lambing duty. There was no action in the lambing shed. Si kept occupied by making a Victoria sponge, chocolate eclairs and florentines for us to have with our tea. Amazing. Just as we were finishing our tea a ewe went into labour. I have been watching via the Lambcam at home. I got to see the real thing today with sound. After a lot of baaing a lamb arrived and the ewe sounded like she was purring to her new arrival. Such a lovely sound. What a privilege to see. 

I watched these triplets, who were less than 20 hours old, leaping all over their very patient first time mother. Very adorable. 

Bouncy Triplets 

Pen and Watercolour

81/366

Wednesday, 20th March 2024 - The Mill

I collected a basket full of eggs from our hen house. Two I poached for my bnb guest. While he was at the breakfast table I packed the car ready for a day in Wickhambreaux. Tim settled into The Mill snug for a meeting. Harriet and I collected a very cuddly Herbie from school. We took him to The Ivy Barn for refreshments. We topped up our vitamin sitting outside. It was lovely. 

My postcard today goes to my son-in-law Brett. He has done an amazing restorating No 6 The Mill and now working on No 5. What a talented man. I am so proud of what Harriet and Brett achieved and look forward to their next chapter in life.

The Mill 

Pen and Watercolour

80/366

Tuesday, 19th March 2024 - Phoebe and Gay

What a delight to wake up to a day without rain. I met my friend Gay and her granddaughter Phoebe for coffee, tea and croissant in Cranbrook with Peppa Pig. I always carry a drawing pen and paper with me. Phoebe did a lovely energetic drawing which included some serious dot making.

Tim had just finished strimming our grassy tufts when Sarah-Jane and Beachie turned up for a mug of tea. We haven't seen them for ages. We caught up on health and family news. I love a medical matter. 

I have been getting some lovely messages from people I have sent my postcards. So pleased they are being well received.

Phoebe and Gay 

Pen and Watercolour

79/366

Monday, 18th March 2024 - Muscari for Creativity

A rather sore Tom (following his cycling escapades - so pleased he didn't break anything) and Fable stayed last night. They are pleased to be back together again. We chatted while I made 'The Best Vegan Lentil Shepherd's Pie' for dinner with Lottie this evening. It had an ingredient I had never used before, Tamari. Beware it is very very salty. This was negated by a topping of potato and cauliflower.

I left chocolate brownie cooling for my bnb guests to join The Viridians. I was restricted by time having to return home to greet guests. I must admit I was rather proud of myself having managed to make a linocut interspersed with tea and Alison's homemade cookies. I find their company inspiring. I was tempted to add a touch of watercolour to my print but decided it is going to be sent to a male friend and monochrome seems more masculine. Possibly sexist. My postcard. My decision. My opinion.

Muscari for Creativity 

Linocut

78/366 

Sunday, 17th March 2024 - Pink Camellia for Friendship

Tom should be back with us in a few hours after his cycling trip to Wales. Fable has missed him and we return him to Tom undamaged. Having a dog does make you get outside rather than pottering around at home. We had a lovely wet muddy walk. Breathing the fresh air felt really good today. I must mend my leaking wellies. I remember each time I step in a puddle and the water seeps into my sock then forgot as soon as I have taken them off.

The Stings were playing at The Print House in Tenterden. What a fantastic afternoon of foot tapping music and song. I have little desire to learn an instrument and can take pleasure and admiration in those who have spent many many years learning. We have had a very musical weekend. What a treat it has been.

Our garden is brimming with camellias. Mum gave a shrub to Tim many years ago. This year it is covered in buds and is going to be splendid. 

Pink Camellia 

Indian Ink and Watercolour

77/366

Saturday, 16th March 2024 - Fluid Flowers

Lindsey came for coffee, actually she had tea but it was coffee time, carrying bags of cinnamon swirls - my favourite and pastel de natas = Tim's favourite. We haven't seen each other for weeks and she hasn't changed one little bit!!! She is still lovely. Lottie dropped of Fable and his bed and his food. No one can work out why Fable's box of frozen food had a container with a frog and a bird, plus a thrush wrapped in paper. I have stored them in a bag in the freezer waiting for the owner to claim them.

I have fallen in love with Benoit. We have just returned from Tenterden. An evening in St Mildreds with Benoit Viellefon's Hot Club listening to hot jazz. Amazing musicians.

I let the watercolour take the lead in today's postcard. It flowed along watery lines with a mind of its own.

Fluid Flowers 

Watercolour

76/366

Friday, 15th March 2024 - Towards Abstraction

I had a lovely long list of things to do today. Then a headache loomed over me and everything came to a halt. A dose of sleep and I feel much better. I am now planning what paintings I need to put into the Weald of Kent Exhibition. I have scraps of paper littered with ideas. I think linocutting might be involved.

Towards Abstraction 

Watercolour

75/366

Thursday, 14th March 2024 - Periwinkle for Friendship

I was cleaning out the chickens and collecting eggs. It was so sunny and warm I had to take my jumper off. It felt wonderful to have some sun. Tim emptied our groaning compost bins into wheelbarrows. I hoiked it onto the bed we grow sweet peas in. I just need to keep the mice and woodlice off my seedlings.

This evening I was with a dozen or so other artists having a lovely time painting. Complete silence descended on the room while we concentrated. 

Our garden is brimming with periwinkle. I would like a cashmere jumper that colour.

Periwinkle for Friendship 

Indian Ink and Watercolour

74/366

Wednesday, 13th March 2024 - Aries Birthday

I was trying to come up for an idea for a birthday card for my friend Alli. Her birth flower is daffodil but I had already done that and sent it to David my brother-in-law for his birthday. Alli is an Aries and keeps sheep - see my thought process. I thought the ewes had been served by Lesley's Jacob ram. I found a photo of Barnaby and started work on a linocut. After a bit of research Barnaby was not the father of the upcoming lambs. He was still a handsome beast so I have kept him as my model for Alli's card. Happy birthday Alli.

Aries Birthday 

Linocut

73/366

Tuesday, 12th March 2024 - Artisserie Macarons

It has been yet another wet disgusting day, The rain is beginning to become a tad ridiculous. I am ready for the garden to dry out so I can plant my sweet peas before the mice eat them.

Tom is staying with a lovely friend in Biddenden. As he is nearby he dropped in this evening for salmon. We finished with delicious macarons in a myriad of flavours. I am now up to date with cryptocurrency.

Artisserie Macarons

Pen and Watercolour

72/366

Monday, 11th March 2024 - Tom's Flowers

Over a mug of tea I wrote my to-do list. By this evening most of it has been struck through with my ink pen. Very satisfying.

My kitchen is looking wonderfully cheerful with vases of flowers from my charming children. I miss them very much but for now I have a little bit of them with me in my home.

Tom's Flowers 

Pen and Watercolour

71/366

Sunday, 10th March 2024 - Harriet's Tulips

I have been thoroughly spoilt today with many gorgeous presents from my daughter and son for Mother's Day. Each one was thoughtful. It's great being a Mum. It makes missing my Mum less painful.

We celebrated Raffy's 11th birthday a day early. Harriet made a delicious birthday cake with fruit, herbs and Schleich animals that got dangerously close to the candles. Tom, Lottie, Fable and Tui joined us for pass-the-parcel. There were made up games in the garden that were beyond my comprehension and included a lot of running about and arm flapping. I loved watching them. What a great day I have had.

Harriet's Tulips 

Pen and Watercolour

70/366

Harriet's Tulips

Saturday, 9th March 2024 - Anthurium Lilli

My kitchen table has a new centerpiece. Liz gave me an unusual plant. A bit of research says it is new to the market and very special. I quite agree. I feel the responsibility of caring for it on my shoulders.

Our hens provided six lovely eggs that I scrambled for guests. There was enough leftover to have with a spare croissant for breakfast and an omelette for dinner.

Anthurium Lilli 

Pen and Watercolour

69/366

Friday, 8th March 2024 - Daffodils for Energy and Vitality

My mate Leelee send me a text. She was at the village coffee shop with her daughter, Cara and granddaughter, Akira. I stopped cleaning bathrooms, put on my coat and walked down to the village to meet them. Akira is five months old and adorable. I love a baby.

I am very proud that my sweet peas are up. I am looking forward to a fine loral display unless the mice eat them.

An early afternoon at Tillingham was a lovely place for a few glasses of wine with Mike and Pippa before heading home for curry and toast. 

Happy 70th birthday to my brother-in-law David. 

Daffodils for Energy and Vitality 

Linocut with Watercolour

68/366

Thursday, 7th March 2024 - Lunaria annua

The curtains I put up on the windows in our hall and landing were irritating me with their thinness. Before we changed our living room six years ago it was furnished with beautiful curtains in a belle epoque fabric. We found them up in the loft. After a steam iron they are now looking resplendent in our hall and landing. 

I have a flower bed brimming with honesty seedlings. They will flower next year so I have a year of keeping them healthy, Could be a bit of a mission. They symbolise abundance, prosperity, good luck, strength, power, richness and fortune. That is a lot for one plant.

Lunaria annua

Pen and Watercolour

67/366

Wednesday, 6th March 2024 - Between Showers

Richard and Lizzie came for coffee and biscotti. Tim was helping Richard with an internet server issue. Lizzie and I chatted about children and grandchildren which was much more interesting to me. 

Between Showers 

Pen and Watercolour

66/366

 

Tuesday, 5th March 2024 - Windflower for Charm

A morning having coffee and biscuits at a neighbours was interesting. It used to belong to friends of ours and I remember the house for probably 20 years ago. It has been remodeled and updated. The garden looks beautiful probably due to Ewan and Kath being knowledgeable plant persons. I came home feeling slightly jealous of the double hellebores. I have been promised some when they get divided in the autumn.

We are being collected this evening and being taken into Cranbrook for a pre dinner drink at Larkins followed by an Indian meal with vouchers.

I had a wander through our garden to pick some daffodils to make a linocut. I had a lovely time listening to my audio book whilst cutting and printing it is now drying. Amongst the grass I spotted some purple anemone. They got picked and brought up to my studio to be painted for today's postcard which is going to Kansas.

Windflower for Charm 

Watercolour

65/366

Monday, 4th March 2024 - Clive's Fruit Tree

We had a Weald of Kent Art Society committee meeting at our chairman's home in Tenterden. Over tea, coffee and biscuits we sorted out a year full of delightful art events, days out, an exhibition, demonstrations and more. Clive has the most beautiful garden that is springing into life.

Clive's Fruit Tree 

Watercolour

64/366 

Sunday, 3rd March 2024 - Susan's Necklace

My brother-in-law, Roger came round with boxes of jewelry that belonged to Susan. She very sadly died six months ago. Roger is having the painful job of going through all her things. I now have some lovely necklaces and bracelets. I will enjoy wearing them and think of her. Thank you Roger.

I have been working in my lovely studio making linocuts ready to print and paint. I am hoping to get them ready to take into Bayliss & Co in Tenterden this week. I use making art as a reward for completing jobs like cleaning the floor. I have a clean kitchen floor.

Susan's Necklace 

Pen and Watercolour

63/366

Saturday, 2nd March 2024 - Mark and Eddie

I pottered in my studio listening to the rain and wind outside. I gave in to the weather to plant my sweet pea seeds that have been soaking and now sprouting roots and shoots.

My granddaughters went to London for a climbing competition. Raffy was looking forward to experiencing the Underground. She said she thought it would be fun it it was just sticky!!! 

Tim and I went for a walk. The rain had stopped and it turned out to be a beautiful afternoon to get some fresh healing air. We dropped by my brother-in-laws for coffee. Pippa would be impressed with the cappuccino Roger made me. His son and partner were visiting too with their rescue dog. We caught up on family news. One great nephew is in Spain and another is about to venture to Australia. I look forward to hearing about their adventures.

Mark and Eddie 

Pen and Watercolour

62/366

Friday, 1st March 2024 - Camellia

Today's postcard is going to a friend who has had an operation and been very brave.  

Camellia  

Pen and Watercolour

61/366