Thursday, 30th May 2024 - Author at Work

We had Pippa, an author, stay with us for a week. She is the granddaughter of the Ella Scrymsour-Nichol who built our house and the Catholic Church. Pippa is writing a book about her grandmother's life. During the day Pippa wrote in the same room where her grandmother used to write her novels. How wonderful is that. She met lots of local people who knew Ella to add to her research. Over a glass of wine we got to know more about Ella Scrymsour who sounds like she was quite a character.

Author at Work 

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Wednesday, 29th May 2024 - Art Connoisseurs

My guests have left me. I got the shower rooms sparkling before starting stewarding at the WOKAS exhibition. I was on duty with Michael. We didn't sell many paintings or cards but made sure that everyone was made welcome and had a programme and voting slip - even the ones who just came in to pray. Thank you to all those many friends who came to view the works of art and to Pippa and Linda for bringing me a coffee. I very much appreciated you visiting. Thank you.

I came home and made the soup I was going to make last night. It was broad bean, feta and smoked salmon. Just what I needed with a gin and tonic. I am ready for my bed and reading book. Goodnight to you all. 

Art Connoisseurs 

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Tuesday, 28th May 2024 - By the Seaside

My plans I had planned for today didn't go as planned.  I felt grumpy. In the end it turned out to be a good day. 

Tim and I went to Fairlight. I wasn't going to go. I felt my so much better for getting out the house. Tim mended a loft leak. I drew my postcard hanging over a fence. I love this view of the sea. After we went to Elizabeth's for tea. She was clearing out cookery books. Tim found one with soup recipes. We went shopping for ingredients in Aldi, then Dunelm to return a light and get a replacement more charming one, finishing in Sainsburys for broad beans to add to our soup. Our intention was to cook the soup from our newly acquired book. We got home later than we planned. I made a frittata with salad which was quick and easy that we ate while watching a mystery thriller set in Bergen. Soup tomorrow.

By the Seaside 

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Monday, 27th May 2024 -

Whilst having my shower this morning Tim did a fine job of clearing the kitchen from the bags and bottles from last nights preview. How lovely to be able to walk across the kitchen floor again.My bnb guests are delightful needing very easy breakfasts. I have had a good morning.

This afternoon I was stewarding at the WOKAS exhibition. It was buzzing with visitors. It's on all week with lots of lovely paintings and sculptures to admire and buy. Pop in if you are passing. I am back in Tenterden Wednesday afternoon. Bring me a flat white and a bun.

There is a beautiful view fields and trees with clouds of cow parsley. Today's postcard is my artistic interpretation of that beautiful view. What a beautiful part of the world we live in. 

Summer Fields 

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Sunday, 26th May 2024 - Foxglove for Conundrums

I am typing while eating salad with salad cream - don't judge me! I love salad cream - with sausage rolls and a glass of white wine surrounded by bags of glasses, empty bottles and leftovers from the WOKAS preview evening. I am happily shattered. What a day it has been.

Today started with my alarm telling me to get my arse into gear (I was happy dreaming) and cook breakfast for my author. That done I finished painting greetings cards for today's exhibition. I wanted to join Tim in Cranbrook. He was Morris dancing. I was behind with my jobs and had pastries to cook for tonight's WOKAS Preview. I loaded the car with glasses, wine, paintings and an abundance of 'things'. Tim helped with printing of signs and stuffing the dustbin that looks like a big paintpot with brushes made from mops into my car. We both went to watch The Stings at The Print House. I could have stayed all afternoon listening to them play as the sun shone and drinking G&T. BUT it was setting up at the WOKAS exhibition.  A few hours later it was done and dusted. The Preview this evening was packed. The exhibition was opened Linda Bassett, the actor, she is keen to join our society. What a charming person she is. Thank you to Lindsey and Tim who heaved and hefted many many bags to and fro. I may not have won a prize for my linocuts this evening but it was a delightful evening.

I came home and found a massive foxglove leaning against the kitchen worktop. It had been beaten horizontal by the rain last night and Tim had rescued it. Looking them up on google they symbolise loads of stuff one being conundrums. That is my life this week. Perfect for today's postcard. I might even send it to myself!!!

I am not going to be happy with my alarm tomorrow morning.

Foxglove for Conundrums 

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Saturday, 25th May 2024 - Buttercup Fields

Wendy walked me around her garden which is looking stunning. I love the pale pink foxgloves. They are also having a battle with box moth that we have had, asparagus beetle that we haven't got but they don't have walnut tree beetle. Oh the battle of the insects is interminable. Tony and Wendy took us on a walk across fields and through woodland from Dingleden to Rolvenden. We arrived at The Star thirsty. I had a cider that reminded me of the lollies I had as a child. Leaving the pub I had great intentions of painting greetings cards for tomorrows exhibition. Our bnb guest greeted us with a bottle of wine. We sat in the garden that was still exuding warmth drinking wine while Pippa told more about the book she is writing about her grandmother that built our house.. Then she joined us for leek and potato soup finishing with chocolate brownie and ice-cream. I am not going to get any card paining done as the wine has interrupted my evening.

Buttercup Fields 

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Friday, 24th May 2024 - Cherry Beer and IPA at McCanns

I dropped a few of my charming linocuts into Bayliss & Co this morning. Beth said they were fab. I hope they sell. Thank you Beth for having my work. There was some gorgeous things on the shelves. I didn't have time to stop and look around. I am looking forward to going back very soon. Lovely lovely things all made by local artists.

We had a short afternoon with Harriet, Brett and our gorgeous grandchildren. I am so proud of them all. It has only been a couple of weeks since I last saw them and they have grown and changed in that short time. Total delights. On our way home we got diverted by an accident. Passing by the McCann Taproom Tim suggested a drink. I had charry beer which sounds disgusting but was delicious. It seems to be a work in progress. We plan to go back with friends and try their pizza, oh and another cherry beer.

Cherry Beer and IPA at McCanns 

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Thursday, 23rd May 2024 - Ragged Robin for Love and Affection

 I had a great few hours sketching at a house in Woodchurch with amazing views. I made a zine. I cannot get them to go in the right order and have been faffing about for too long trying. 

My postcard is of our Ragged Robin that is feathering the flower beds by the greenhouse. It signifies Love and Affection - now who can I send that to?

Ragged Robin for Love and Affection 

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Wednesday, 22nd May 2024 - Pond Iris

I am off the support the Weald of Kent Morris dancing and possibly singing at The Eight Bells. Hopefully it will be a charming evening and the rain will stop. I might just have support them dancing from inside the pub with a glass of wine.

I am now returned from a charming evening. Suzy, Lindsey, Fritha and I watched the dancing protected from the elements inside the pub. Michael's voice was as gorgeous as ever. Alan took me back to my childhood singing Clementine. Suzy's song was very beautiful. Tim's singing was a little stertorous which I blame on Clive interrupting him. Steve transported me to Paris. I will dream of song and music tonight.

Our square pond (the other one is oval) is covered in white lilies and so pretty. I took my Indian Ink into the garden and sat to draw them. Perfect for today's postcard.

Pond Iris 

Indian Ink and Watercolour

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Tuesday, 21st May 2024 - Frogshole Asparagus

Before the rain I potted up a couple of cuttings. I was wearing my yoga gear and crossed my fingers that no one would drop by. No one did. Hetty saved a tiny spider plant that was on the window sill at Brenda's. I have potted it up and hope it has spiderlets that I can pass to the family. A lovely momento of how much my mother-in-law loved her plants.

I made a quiche. It had a wholemeal pastry bottom. It reminded me of the food that Cranks, the vegetarian restaurant in London, used to make. I am going back many many years. The only Cranks open now is in Devon. I have the cookery book somewhere. I will dig it out as I have a hankering for their recipes. Frogshole Farm in Biddenden grows the most delicious asparagus. That's what instigated the quiche. The short season that makes it taste even better. Go and get some if you're passing. It's well worth the smelly wee.

Frogshole Asparagus 

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Monday, 20th May 2024 - Daisies for a 60th Birthday

It feels very late as I type. Then a glance at the clock and it's only 9.30pm! I must still be on Turkey time.

I have returned to list writing. I love the satisfaction of crossing off the 'done' with a ink pen. 

After my shower my fringe was very long. I gave my it a little trim. Now I have a permanent surprised look as you can see my eyebrows!!!

I had my annual trip to the dentist. It is the hygienist who terrifies me. I don't like my gums being in pain. I was ready to walk out if it was the barbaric one I had previously. I anticipation I dug my finger nails into my palms. She was the gentlest one I have ever had. What a relief. 

For dinner we had asparagus from Frogs Farm. Tim asked if Lottie would be there. No, I said she was in Scotland. She was yesterday. Lottie must have made a speedy drive back as she served us with the a fine bunch of spears that we had roasted with rock salt and olive oil.

It is a friends 60th birthday today. Happy birthday. Daisies are the flower for May and new beginnings. She had a new grandchild on the way. I have made a lino print for her.

Daisies for a 60th Birthday 

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Sunday, 19th May 2024 - Decapitated Aquilegia

Tim and I had a morning stroll through the garden with our mugs of coffee. The rabbits had been busy decapitating the aquilegia flowers. They didn't even eat them. Just chewed them off and left them. So annoying. I recovered a very pretty pink one and put it in a vase on the kitchen table. It would have looked better blooming in the garden. 

I have cut mounts and framed four linocuts for the upcoming Weald of Kent Art Society exhibition. They are called a Band of Jackdaws,  Dawn Chorus, Your Plaice or Mine and Perch (this one makes me smile it such a funny looking fish). So pleased they are done and happy with the result.

I spent the afternoon wandering up and down the garden with the wheelbarrow emptying out pots of old plants and filling them again with the plants we got yesterday. Now I need to keep the slugs, snails and rabbits off them.

Decapitated Aquilegia 

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Saturday, 18th May 2024 - Wisteria for Adventures

It's good to be back home and wake up to the sound of the birds. We are still on Istanbul time and two hours ahead. Tim was awake at 5am. I managed to sleep on.

I did some yoga. Oh my goodness I am soooo stiff. I was amused that I was doing Turkish get ups. It was very inelegant. I will try again tomorrow and try and smooth out my moves. We did loads of walking in Istanbul but I did feel so much better for stretching my very stiff body. 

I have printed my linocuts for the WOKAS exhibition next week. Tescos delivered the wine and beer for the Preview on Sunday. 7.30-9pm at St Mildred's Church if you fancy a night of culture.

Tim and I dropped into my sister's after a very successful trip to get £29 of bedding plants which included ready planted hanging baskets. Thank you for the Bombay Sapphire gin and tonic with ice and lemon - my favourite. Today's postcard is inspired by the most stunning wisteria Lindsey has growing over an arch. If only you could smell it?

Wisteria for Adventures 

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Friday, 17th May 2024 - Back to Blue

We are back home from our brief visit to the metropolis of Istanbul. Everything seems very small here in contrast. 

It rained and had been raining on our drive home. This inspired today's postcard of an abstract blue.

Back to Blue 

Indian Ink and Watercolour

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Thursday, 16th May 2024 - Ozmar's Market

Tim had left for his meetings by the time I woke up and made myself a mug of tea. It is warm in the sun and cool in the shade so I spent the morning dodging in and out of the sun and shade. I found a charming park and took my sketching kit. I made a few sketches in a Zine today. I am particularly fond of the baker just around the corner - our language barrier is overcome with hand signals. I asked for two bagels and got a bag of breadsticks!!!! Room for improvement.

Tim returned from his meetings and found me sketching on the street. I had a Cosmopolitan cocktail in a very charming bar. High appreciation to Tim's research as it was at the back of beyond and absolutely delightful. We picked up beer, wine and olives that we had on our rooftop terrace watching the sun set. 

We have the logistics of a midday chuck-out of our apartment and a late flight to sort out. I think I will be heaving my bag and backpack up and down the back street of Istanbul. Wish me luck.

Dancing on the Bosphorus 

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Wednesday, 15th May 2024 - Dancing on the Bosphorus

This morning we had planned a leisurely trip by public transport to Topkapi Palace. Somehow our timings went a bit awry. We would have missed our tour so hailed a cab. Hasam gave us a tour of the Palace. I am now crammed with information that will be impossible to retain. Sultans and their way of life was weird and intriguing. I did like the Iznic tiles. We continued exploring the Harem (such an odd way to live), views across the Bosphororus and Golden Horn, circumcision room, kitchen and jewels (I liked the dagger, Tim preferred the diamond), four hours later we headed back to our apartment via tram and funicular. I loved it all.

We nearly missed our boat this evening. It was a long walk to the rendezvous. Tim found a two bus trip that looked a better alternative. BUT the road were jam packed with traffic. The No 40T was taking a long time to reach its destination and we got off a stop too far and had a brisk walk in reverse. We gratefully took our glass of wine on board and mingled. Tim was networking. The cruise took us onto the Bosphorus where we had mezze and fried fish. There was a bit of a disco before we docked and got a very cheap cab back to our apartment where I have now relieved my feet of their shoes.

Today's postcard is going to the lady dancing. She had some impressive moves on the dance floor. I left my fineliner pen in Benenden so the lines are a bit annoyingly heavy.

Dancing on the Bosphorus 

Pen and Watercolour

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Tuesday, 14th May 2024 - Flower Seller in Kadikoy

I am so tired that my eyes are having troubling focusing. What an amazing day we have had.

Last night I slept deeply with the loudspeakers from the local minaret only creeping into my sleep.

Tim planned today. We were off to Kadikoy on the ferry with our newly purchased Istanbul card that gets you onto the ferry, metro and into the toilets!!! I had done no research and thought we were visiting a small island. Nope, it is the very very busy bustling Asian side of Istanbul. We walked from our apartment down and down and down and through and up. We stumbled across an art gallery. Blimey what a contrast to Musee D'Orsay that we were in a few weeks ago. No queues. It was free. Wonderfully quiet. OK the paintings weren't Monet or Van Gogh but there were many beautiful beautiful paintings and drawings.  We stopped at a fish market for lunch. I had deep fried sardines with lemon and half an onion - I didn't know quite what to do with my raw onion. The market had stalls of sardines that were alive in buckets. Best not to think about that too deeply about the lunch I had just eaten. We wandered along the Golden Horn to get out ferry. On arrival in Kadikoy we plugged in our ear buds and followed an audio walking guide. Very interesting and I only wish I could remember half of it. We got the ferry back from Kadikoy to Karakoy - confused? I was and would have been totally lost if Tim wasn't holding my hand across ridiculously busy roads. A metro gave my feet a rest and we gathered olives, bread, cheese, beer and wine to eat while watching the sun set on our roof terrace. 

Any tips on what to see and do in Istanbul very welcome.

My postcard today is of a charming flower seller. She looked very happy making her bunches of flowers.

Flower Seller in Kadikoy 

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Monday, 13th May 2024 - Last Season

Tim and I are off to Instanbul today. We have house sitters looking after the cat, chickens and watering which is reassuring not leaving the house alone.

A week ago we had some unexpected guests due to a mix up in a friends booking. Today's postcard of some spring primroses is going to them as they were very tolerant of being pushed from pillar to post. Very charming impromptu guests. 

Last Season 

Indian Ink and Watercolour

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Sunday, 12th May 2024 - First Night Out

What a warm one it has been. I glowed while I was stripping - change that the cleaning - that sounds more appropriate - bnb rooms.

Tony and Wendy joined us for a stroll - still mighty sunny at 4pm. I proudly showed Wendy that the Russian kale she had given me was planted out and thriving. Tim made pizzas. I made shortbread. June and Barry ate with us. It is the first time this year the pizza maker has been out. So lovely to be able to sit outside and enjoy the company of friends.

First Night Out  

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Saturday, 11th May 2024 - Deal Pier

Tim did some admin, cut the grass, weeded the drive while I cooked poached eggs, did some admin and cleaned. 

We headed down, or is it across, to Deal. I had an Aperol Spritz with Alice, Lucy and Josie in the Kings Arms with views over a very busy sunny beach. We had a lunch in The Courtyard to celebrate David's 70th birthday with Josie, Matt, Mel, Mark, Dave, Ethan, Francis and the above. I had a very delicious green risotto and wine. At 16 Dover Road we had birthday cake and song. A good way to spend a Saturday.

I am now back home and eating Marmite on toast - yum.

My rabbit barrier has kept my sweetpeas standing for another day.

Deal Pier 

Watercolour

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Friday, 10th May 2024 - Day Twelve - Landscape

It was time for my sweetpeas to leave the comfort of the greenhouse and enter the real garden world. It has taken me two days on and off to get their supports and rabbit guards ready. I am expecting a very abundant display of flowers this summer after all the care and effort that has been bestowed upon them. My bed and breakfast guests arrived minutes after I had cleared away the wheelbarrow, empty pots, kneeler, trowel, netting and string. I was slightly sweaty. I think it went unnoticed as I served tea and brownies in the garden for the first time this year.

It's the last day of Amy's Inchie Challenge. It has pushed me to think outside my normal day to day paintings. Some prompts I have groaned at when they were emailed at 8am. These are probably the ones I found most enjoyable. Thank you Amy for this 12 days of creativity.

Day Twelve - Landscape 

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Thursday, 9th May 2024 - Day Eleven - Expansive

I didn't read my guests breakfast requests properly. They didn't want the toast I served with scrambled eggs. They didn't want the toast to have with marmalade. The chickens got very well fed this morning. I took a break with a mug a coffee to watch them feasting. A crafty crow took his fair share of toast while the chickens backs were turned. 

This evening was the WOKAS AGM. Lots of lovely things planned for 2024 and 2025. We had a touch of wine to finish.

I am now on my penultimate prompt from Amy. Expansive is today's. I may have pushed the meaning. I sat outside on a stall and painted a  rhododendron that is at its most glorious and 'expansive'. It is covered in flowers and very noisy bees. 

Day Eleven - Expansive 

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Wednesday, 8th May 2024 - Day Ten - Buds

Tim went out to do a bit of plumbing. I was looking forward to a quiet afternoon - yes, linocutting. I had a phone call from someone thanking me for the postcard I had sent - lovely can't complain about that interruption. A ring on the doorbell. My bed and breakfast guests had arrived - that's ok. A knock on the backdoor from a neighbour who had a parcel for another neighbour but couldn't find their house - happy to help. Tim came home with a new bathroom light - our old one had shattered under his exuberant towel drying after a shower. Another knock on the back door from a friend on a motor cycle who was in need of a pump for a flat tyre.  Now I am alone and drinking a glass of rose. What a funny old day.

Amy's prompt for day ten is 'buds'. I have done a cross between Slow Drawing that Amy does on a Wednesday evening and an Inchie. The pattern came from a cornflower bud snuggling underneath a hedge.

Day Ten - Buds 

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Tuesday, 7th May 2024 - Day Nine - Shell

It is a while since I have done any yoga. Greet the Day with Adriene made me stretch bits that have been neglected. I felt so much better and virtuous.

I am now up to date with my ironing. My prize was a couple of hours in my studio doing a linocut and print for Day Eight of Amy's Inchie Challenge. The prompt is Shell. There is an abandoned blue tit nest in the pots by the greenhouse. It's a bit sad as it is perfect and has eggs in it. But it fits with today's challenge and postcard in a roundabout way.

You are getting my Blog early today as I am off to The Halfway House to meet Lesley and Alli for book group this evening. Isn't it great going out to eat and not having to think about what to cook for dinner and I get a few hours of conversation with friends. I must look up what the book was before I go.

Day Nine - Shell

Lino cut with Watercolour

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Monday, 6th May 2024 - Day Eight - Inky

I wondered if I may grow quills and turn into Mrs Tiggy Winkle I had so many piles of washing and ironing to do. 

Amy's prompt for day eight is 'Inky'. I got out my homemade inks. Today's postcard is painted with ink made from daffodil flowers, oak galls, copper and avocado stones. Shame you can't smell them. A lovely mix of colours. Tim and I went for a damp misty walk to post yesterday's postcard. We came across a wonderful wood with old rambly trees which inspired my inky painting. My Connected Postcard Project is pushing my creativity. I have now sent 127 little paintings to friends and family. The responses I have had are so lovely. I have had hand written letters, emails and comments on my blog. Some of my postcards have been kept, some framed and some sent on. So encouraging to keep painting and sending.

Day Eight - Inky 

Homemade Inks

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Sunday, 5th May 2024 - Day Seven - Stone 'Gravel'

I breakfasted my guests, cleaned and made their beds. Give me praise for working on a Sunday!!!

Wendy gave me some Russian kale plants that she grew from seeds we gave her at Christmas. They were in the greenhouse and yearning to be planted out. After a barrow full of homemade compost was dumped on the veg patch - thank you tim - I planted them alongside pest controlling marigolds. They are looking rather droopy. I am sure once their roots are settled they will decide to grow vertically.

Ok so I am pushing the boundareis of today's prompt a bit. Amy gave us 'stone' for day seven. This afternoon we had tea and cake with my mate Leelee and her husband Richard. I adore their house and garden. Not in the least bit jealous - they have bee hives and wild bits of colourful beauty and views to views of 32 miles. Their elderly dog is named Gravel. Near enough to stone I thought as I watched him ramble through the bluebells and wild garlic. I think that's ok don't you?

Day Seven - Stone 'Gravel' 

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Saturday, 4th May 2024 - Day Six - Circle 'of Friends'

We said goodbye to the most lovely people this morning. We met them when they stayed with us as bed and breakfast guests. It has been five years since they last visited Kent. We did meet up with them when we were in The Netherlands last Spring. I have huge admiration for their battle with illness that will never be cured. They remain incredibly positive enjoy every moment of every day. What a fantastic trio.

I pushed through and got both my rooms changed, cleaned and ready for next weeks guests. I did a bit of lino cutting then took myself into the garden to tackle the weeds. Tim took a phone call. One room is now occupied causing me to have a minor brain panic as to whether I had everything needed for breakfast. The bread maker was put into action. A night trip to Hawkhurst to get with strawberries, blueberries and milk. I feel much calmer knowing my fridge is stocked.

Today's prompt for day six of Amy's challenge is Circle. We have a wonderful circle of friends.

Day Six - Circle 'of friends'

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Friday, 3rd May 2024 - Day Five - Bristles

I have scrambled and fried eggs for guests, made their beds and cleaned their bathrooms. 

Another delivery of plants have arrived. I plugged my ears into an audio book and potted up fifteen aquilegia, five day lilies and three hydrangeas that were free as I spent so much!!!

I did a bit of therapeutic lino cutting which I love before meeting Tony and Wendy at The Eight Bells in Hawkhurst. We were delayed due to three-way works traffic lights, followed by normal queing at the lights at the crossroads and ending with traffic lights at road works. I enjoyed my Big Tom spicy tomato juice very much.

Day Five of the Inchie Challenge and Amy has given the prompt of Bristles. That got my little grey cells working. I ended up doing a Google search and found that crows have bristles near their beaks. One purpose is to prevent insect legs getting into their eyes. I love facts like that.

Day Five - Bristles 

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Thursday, 2nd May 2024 - Day Four - Mountain

Lindsey came for a mug of afternoon tea and supplied me with fruit for bnb guests fruit salad.

This evening Tim cooked pizza for Rick, Ine and Jenny - what an interesting trio. The evening was filled with conversion about everything, politics, health, life and death. Pink Floyd played in the background taking us back to our youth.We finished with rhubarb crumble that I made from rhubarb from the garden accompanied by ice-cream made with Harriet's recipe. I need my bed now.

On day four of Amy's Inchie Challenge. I have painted an abstracted blue mountain.

Day Four - Mountain 

Indian Ink and Watercolour

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Wednesday, 1st May 2024 - Day Three - Love

It was a traditional 5.31 am start to May day on the streets of Goudhurst watching the Morris singing and dancing in the start of summer. I always get a bit emotional listening to the singing  I think it is being with the grandchildren and thinking of their future.

Today's prompt from Amy is 'Love'. I have painted a postcard to show the love of Sean and his dog and the love of his dog for chocolate birthday cake. 

Day Three - Love 

Pen and Watercolour

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