Tuesday, 31st December 2024 - Towers, Oasts and Cloches

I feel a bit emotional as I post my last postcard. 366 have been painted/printed and sent to friends and family. I am very proud of myself that I have completed the project. I have had so many wonderful responses to the postcards it has been well worth the dedication. Thank you to all of you who have received my postcards and the lovely replies. 

Being the last day of 2024 I have been thinking about 2025. I am really really bad at sticking to resolutions but I love making them. 

I have printed Adriene's yoga calendar for January. It is stuck on the fridge so I can cross off my progress. I do like a tick chart. Today I rummaged around in Adrien's archives and found a Detox flow that made me establish that I need to do a bit more work on my wobbly eagle pose.

We went for a wander around Sissinghurst gardens with Tony and Wendy this afternoon. Our garden looks sad at this time of year and we were looking for inspiration. It was reassuring to see that Sissinghurst looks a bit rough at this time of year. After a hot chocolate we took a walk around the lake. I have a notebook with ideas to invigorate our borders.

Back home and we have the woodburner alight, a bottle of sparkling wine and Fable. Happy New Year to you all.

Towers, Oasts and Cloches
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Monday, 30th December 2024 - Christmas Fairy

I met the Tescos delivery man on my doorstep in my yoga gear. Better than the previous week when I was in my PJ's and slippers. I think part of their training must to avoiding commenting on attire people meet them them. 

I fired up my old computer in the bedroom and found Yoga for Renewal. Adriene helped me stretch my many body parts. So good I must do it more often.

Lindsey popped in.  Her festive family have left. I know the feeling of how sad that can feel. I made her a mug of tea to make her feel better.

This evening Tom cooked for us. A mushroom tagliatelle was perfect food for a winter evening.

Today's postcard is my penultimate one. The fairy that adorns the top of our Christmas tree was my model. I am looking forward to painting bigger in 2025.

Christmas Fairy
Pen and Watercolour
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Sunday, 29th December 2024 - Whippet

I saw in Instagram the Strada art challenge. I have just signed up for it. No pressure. I don't have to do it but love a challenge. The rules are for every day in January you make a piece of art from life, no photos, nothing from imagination, it has to be a 'real life thing'. I think I can do that. 

I have been clearing the house and my studios today. I found my lino printing stuff under a 'pile'. I have a habit - bad or good - or making piles. They start with some sort of order and end up a mixed up melange. My find inspired today's postcard.

Whippet
Linocut
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Saturday, 28th December 2024 - Morris at The Bull

 It was a late start for me this morning. We went to bed late last night. I like my sleep. Tim and I are total opposites in the morning. He is immediately bright and chatty. I am non communicative until I have had a mug of tea.

We took Fable to The Bull in Benenden where The Weald of Kent Morris were dancing. Tim has been morris dancing for 48 years. I have been his groupie for 43. Lots of friends and family turned out. It was good to catch up with their festive stories.

As I type Tom is home eating a ham sandwich and Fable is a much happier dog now they are reunited.

Morris at The Bull
Pen and Watercolour
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Friday, 27th December 2024 - A Duet of Collared Doves

Part of the many delightful presents Harriet gave me for Christmas was some piano music. I heavily hinted that I would like to start playing the piano again. I stopped over 20 year ago when I had a stroke. I sat at the piano with my music. I got on much better after I realised I was trying the play the guitar part. Thank you Harriet for getting me over an emotional hurdle.

We are dog sitting while Tom is in London. We took Fable for a walk to post some postcards. I only have five more to go before the end of my project. He pottered along with us. He is now laying on his bed with his Christmas robin looking hopefully at the door waiting for Tom to return. A very easy to care for charge just a shame he looks so sad.

Today's postcard is inspired by two collared doves. I watched them from the kitchen window while I was drinking my mug of tea this morning.

A Duet of Collared Doves
Pen and Watercolour
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Thursday, 26th December 2024 - Retro Pudding

Happy Boxing Day. We had the lovely Evans family for lunch. We had lots of unwrapping of presents. I decided to make a baked Alaska. I haven't made one for years. Something magic about putting ice-cream in a hot oven. Wonderful to be sharing this time of year with family.

I have been given presents that will help inspire my art projects for next year.

Retro Pudding 

Watercolour

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Wednesday, 25th December 2024 - Happy Christmas

 Happy Christmas 

Happy Christmas
Pen and Watercolour
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Tuesday, 24th December 2024 - Santa Special

Tim and I were driving through Northiam. We were stopped by the Santa Special steam train. It was packed with little ones and their families. We used to do this with my Mum and Dad. They loved it. We loved it. Happy memories.

Shopping in Waitrose I found a free range chicken for Tom and I tomorrow. Jempson's fish counter had monkfish for Tim. We have all we need for a glorious Christmas Day feast. We dropped in to see Elizabeth and Keith. They had mulled wine mulling on the cooker. There was a lot less by the time we left. Lizzie's pots had a very successful weekend at the Toast weekend in London. So proud of Elizabeth. Unfortunately for Elizabeth her bowls with hyacinths weren't popular. Fortunate for us as we got to take one home.

I  have Delia's gammon joint studded with cloves and draped in brown sugar and mustard baking in the oven. I think I am a little bit excited for Christmas.

Santa Special
Watercolour
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Monday, 23rd December 2024 - Scilly Blooms

 My sister-in-law and her husband sent us flowers from the Isle of Scilly - such a great idea for a Chrsitmas present. They were tight buds but now I have three vases of blossoms adorning the house.

Harriet and family dropped in after a trip to the dentist. Poppy, their new puppy met Fable. Fable thought she was lovely. Tim made pasta with a choice of tuna, sweetcorn, peas and/or cheese. The grandchildren all chose different varieties. It made me smile that the grandchildren have such a caring grandad.

Our hens provided us with beautiful eggs for our omelettes this evening. We had a cheese and mushrooms enveloped in them.

Scilly Blooms
Watercolour
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Sunday, 22nd December 2024 - Mulled Wine

It was a gloriously sunny morning. My boys, Tim and Tom, spent the morning chopping logs. We now have enough for the next couple of weeks. The log pile looks glorious. 

We went for a very muddy walk with Tom and Fable this afternoon. Tom and Fable marched on. I was more cautious as I didn't fancy a tumble on a slippery muddy path. It was just gone 5pm when we got home and soooo dark. Tim warmed us some mulled wine that was a perfect accompaniment to me cooking a pheasant curry for dinner. Thank you Tony for the pheasant.

Mulled Wine
Pen and Watercolour
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Saturday, 21st December 2024 - Thatched Barn

This afternoon we went for a lovely long walk with Tony and Wendy around the environs of Benenden. I had mended a split in my wellies with a bike tyre puncture repair kit. Puddles permeated my sock and foot. My repair has failed. After a change of socks and boots we went to The Bull. I had Angry Cider. A pint and a half later and I was feeling a little more than merry. Back home I made fish chowder that soaked up the alcohol.

Today's postcard is of a beautiful thatched barn that we walked past. 

Thatched Barn
Pen and Watercolour
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Friday, 20th December 2024 - Pomanders

I did a bit of present wrapping today. I love looking at the presents and writing the labels but I will no longer be doing it kneeling on the floor. My ageing back didn't half complain when I got up. 

Lindsey made me coffee in her beautifully decorated house. I was allowed to give Fritha an early Christmas present to amuse us as much as her. After a shop for sage and onion stuffing in a very very busy Tescos I came home. Tim and I brought in our Christmas tree. Going through the box of decorations brings back many memories. I was interrupted mid decorate by an invitation to the Ewe and Lamb for a couple of drinks with June and Barry. June has been a very good friend for nearly 40 years. I will miss them when they move. Such a lovely pub. Elsie was very jolly considering she is in a sling with a fractured arm. The tree is now resplendent with baubles, lights and bows.

Today's postcard is of the pomanders I made on Monday while I was modelling. They are smelling lovely hung above the woodburner.

Pomanders 

Pen and Watercolour

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Thursday, 19th December 2024 - A Barrow of Greenery

We had a horrid windy rainy night that took out our power. It left us with low voltage. The kettle, lights, and heating needed more than we were being given. A couple of hours into the morning and we were back to full function. After a session of yoga I could have a power shower. 

It was a sunny day that was deceptive in its chilliness. With a bobble hat and a ski jacket I took my wheelbarrow around the garden secateuring off greenery to add some festive delight to our house. It is looking gorgeous around the bannisters and over the fireplace with fairy lights running through it. I miss my granddaughter Hetty helping me. 

I have a plan for next years postings. Great idea inspired by Tom. Thinking about if it is possible and possible - I think it is and I feel a little bit excited. 

A Barrow of Greenery
Pen and Watercolour
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Wednesday, 18th December 2024 - Stephen Our Postman

I hadn't even got showered when Tom (he is staying at Little Holt) arrived with a cafetière of coffee. It is lovely to have him back with us. 

I took a windy trip into the garden to fill the bird feeders and collect the hens eggs. I am so pleased I was wandering around the shops in Canterbury yesterday when it was not blustery.

Tim and I walked into the village to post some Christmas cards. Back home Tom and I took a drive to Charity Farm for some tripe for Fable. There are tubs full of feet, horns, ears and unmentionable body parts. I bought Fable a turkey foot as a treat!!! 

I cooked a recipe from a Waitrose magazine for dinner. It was a whole white cabbage baked and topped with chestnuts, dates, shallots, garlic, brazil nuts, porcini mushrooms, rosemary and sage. It was surprisingly good. 

Today's postcard is of Stephen our postman. We met him on our walk back from the village delivering to our neighbours. He is always jolly. Great guy.

Stephen our Postman
Pen and Watercolour
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Tuesday, 17th December 2024 - Christmas in Canterbury

It was a mizzle drive I had to Canterbury this morning. I have had a lovely day with my beautiful daughter. We spent the day Christmas shopping. Waterstones was our first stop for a very hefty dose of caffeine. We now had a list and a plan. I loved visiting The Lilford Gallery. The owner spent ages chatting with us. He would like to represent Harriet when she is ready. A good way to spend the day.

I got home to find Tim cooking me one of my favourite dinners. Cauliflower cheese. It was just what I needed to revive me. 

As I type Tom and Fable are on their way to us for Christmas. I think I will harvest some greenery from the garden tomorrow to bring a bit of festivity into the house.

Christmas in Canterbury
Pen and Watercolour
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Monday, 16th December 2024 - Brussels Sprouts for Prosperity

We woke to a beautiful sunrise. I packed my painting bag ready for a day with The Viridians at Alisons's house. After coffee and a Lebkuchen biscuit we set up in Alison's studio. We had 45 minutes painting Alison then we reviewed each others work, followed by another 45 minute session. While I was being a model I studded orange with cloves. They are now hanging above the woodburner and the smell of Christmas is permeating the kitchen. A break of homemade celery soup - a Delia Smith's recipe that I will be making - it was delicious. Back to work for another hours painting session. A final debrief and we all agreed we had worked hard but found it very difficult to get a likeness.

Today's postcard was inspired by the sprouts I cooked for dinner. Mum always put a cross on the bottom. She said they cooked better that way. After some research I found this orignated from in Medieval times, it was believed that evil spirits and demons lived between the leaves and they would enter anyone who ate them, making them ill. A cross cut into the base of the sprouts was thought to drive the evil spirits away. If only Mum had known!

Brussel Sprouts for Prosperity
Watercolour
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Sunday, 15th December 2024 - Last Full Moon of 2024

Tim and I had a lovely lazy emergence into our Sunday. I had a long hot shower. There is something reviving about a deep clean followed by coffee.

The sun was shining tempting Tim and I outside to do some gardening. It was cleansing to be cutting down and tidying.

The best bit of the day was the arrival of The Evans. I have deep deep love for my family. The grandchildren had sausage and Grandma's chips fortifying them for an evening or Carol singing. The Weald of Kent Morris had their annual Christmas Carols at The Star and Eagle in Goudhurst. Lizzie and Karen are great hosts. It was packed. I was so proud of my grandchildren. They coped with the crowds amazingly. And sang along with their tuneless Grandma. Thank you for making my life beautiful.

As we were walking from the pub to the car the moon was full. The last one of 2024. It was today's postcard. 

Last Full Moon of 2024 3
Watercolour 3
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Saturday, 14th December 2024 - Logging

Our Christmas dinner last night at Si and Lesley's was amazing. We settled into Cox Cottage with a beer and got our party clothes on. Steve, Ivy, June and Barry joined us in their dinner jackets and party dresses. Dinner was many courses of deliciousness with soup, then pheasant, a main of fish, a double pudding of creme brulee plus Christmas pudding followed by cheese and cointreau to finish off. I slept really well!!! This morning Si cooked us a long leisurely breakfast of homegrown bacon and sausages.

Back home this afternoon the sun was out. Tim and I spent a couple of hours in the garden tidying and chopping logs. We have piles of logs and kindling ready to feed the woodburner. I am going to do a bit of knitting while watching a film. 

Logging
Pen and Watercolour
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Friday, 13th December 2024 - Chunky Knit

I am posting early. It will be a late night to be tonight. You will probably be sleeping soundly by the time we get to bed and I don't want to disturb your sleep. We are out this evening for our annual Christmas dinner. Tim and Si have been doing this for probably about 45 years. I have been tagging along for the last 40. Each year we take it in turn to host an evening of total indulgence. This year it is with Si and Lesley. I love hosting but it is always a pleasure to let someone else do it. I am looking forward to it immensely. Tomorrow I will tell you all about it.

Last winter I knitted myself a cardigan. I have very very loose tension on my stitches. It was enormous. I undid it and have started on what I hope will be a wearable jumper. Today's postcard is of my progress so far. It's looking hopeful.

Chunky Knit
Pen and Watercolour
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Thursday, 12th December 2024 - Bauble Pattern

Events got changed this morning. Instead of a trip to Littleborne the chickens got cleaned out and their hopper feeder filled. The chickens rewarded me with a dozen eggs. I collected branches and twigs that were discarded across the garden by storm Darragh. Removal the monster slugs from the plates protecting my bulbs from mice and squirrels was best done with gloves. Yuk. It was good to be outside.

I made some bread and drank tea listening to my next murder mystery book. 

I found bargain Chip Dry Port in Waitrose and continued by shopping into Tescos for drinks and prizes for the WOKAS Art Quiz Christmas party. It was surprisingly well attended which made for a jolly evening. I was on a team with Fani, John and Wendy. I think it was the copious plates of food we consumed that helped us to our first place victory. 

Today's postcard is inspired by the pattern on a bauble Suzy gave me. It is the first Christmas decoration I have hanging above our woodburner. Very festive.

Bauble Pattern
Watercolour
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Wednesday, 11th December 2024 - Winter Rose

After I had dragged myself out of bed. My bed was warm and snuggly. It was a chilly morning. I stripped off the bedding and stuffed it in the washing machine. I am looking forward to going to bed tonight. There is something lovely about clean bedding. But before I could do that I had a lovely day.

The Bell and Jorrocks is a lovely place to go for lunch. I had a ham and mustard ciabatta with a few chips and a bit of salad. It was just what I desired. Alli and Suzy were my lunch buddies. We had some very interesting conversations. I love a lunch with friends. When we were at Nick and Alli's last week I admired - in a not too a subtle way - the hellebores that adorned the dinner table. Today Alli gifted me with my very own. Thank you  it is beautiful. A lovely subject for today's postcard.

Winter Rose
Pen and Watercolour
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Tuesday, 10th December 2024 - Windmill in Cranbrook

I drove into Cranbrook to meet Sarah. It was packed. I had to drive round the carpark to find a space. Where were all the people? They weren't in the coffee shops. Sarah and I had coffee and shared a crispy bacon roll with chilli jam then we had another coffee because we hadn't seen each other for ages and had lots to talk about. We weathered the weather and dove into the Hospice shop and got a couple of bits for our grandchildren.

I came home to an afternoon of ironing bnb bedding whilst listening to a very good crime drama based in Scotland. 

Windmill in Cranbrook
Pen and Watercolour
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Monday. 9th December 2024 - 24 Years of Paint Tins

Tim and I went into Cranbrook this morning. The weather was disgusting again. I was having a routine blood test. It was packed at the surgery with queues going out the door. The receptionist was incredibly jolly with the ill, grumpy and demanding. A better man than I would be. We had coffee and cheese scones in Wendy's. I have an inkling it maybe closing after Christmas. I will do some research and let you know.

We have cleared out a cupboard full of cans of paint. Some of the paint we have had from when we moved into our home 24 years ago. They have been put back for future use. Good inspiration for today's postcard.

24 years of Paint Tins
Pen and Watercolour
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Sunday, 8th December 2024 - Drinks at The Ewe and Lamb

I wanted to print a few more Christmas cards. I went into my studio to collect my ink that was rolled out and sitting on a plan chest. There were little inky foot prints through and around it. I have a mouse with very big feet in my studio!!! Tim spent the day filling in holes and gaps. I cleaned up the ratty ink and printed a few more cards.

This afternoon we bundled Tony and Wendy out of the wind and rain into the car. We took them to The Ewe and Lamb where me met Mike and Pippa for a few drinks before they head to France for Christmas. The fire was alight and with a Christmas tree and candles it was beautifully festive. Elsie and George run a great pub.

Drinks at The Ewe and Lamb
Pen and Watercolour
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Saturday, 7th December 2024 - Wooden Forest

We woke to a morning without power. It was a good thing we had been invited to Ray and Linda's for coffee and mince pies where there was warmth and lights. Mike and Pippa, June and Barry came for mugs of coffee. There was a few glasses of mulled wine going around. Bramley House was looking and smelling very festive. Linda has decorated it beautifully with paper stars, tiny red bells, fairy lights and forests of Ray's wooden trees. Good way to spend a morning.

This afternoon we set out to deliver Christmas cards. We planned to walk into the village but after posting local cards but Storm Darragh with its rain and wind made us head for home and the woodburner.

Our four hens are laying lots of eggs. We had a feast of omelettes this evening. 

Today's postcard is inspired by Ray and Linda's wooden tree forests.

Wooden Trees
Pen and Watercolour
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Friday, 6th December 2024 - Pink Rowan

It has been a strange but lovely day. Shortly after scrambling eggs for guests the power went off. A tree had fallen onto the power cable up the road. A team of many workmen worked until 4pm to get us reconnected. Thank goodness or my prawns would have defrosted if left much longer.

Tim noticed a wet patch on the landing ceiling. The wind had pushed the rain under our cedar shingles. After an initial ladder inspection we put up the scaffolding, Tim fixed the leak, we took the scaffolding down and Tim went to London. What an amazing husband I have and he drove this evening after a delightful dinner with Si and Lesley at Nick and Alli's so I could have a couple of glasses of wine. Now time for bed, 

Today's postcard is of the berries from a rowan tree we have in the garden. The berries are pink and so pretty.

I am going to bed full of delicious game stew topped with dumplings and beautifully poached pears. Goodnight.

Pink Rowan
Watercolour
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Thursday, 5th December 2024 - Lunch at The Bell

 My lovely friend Pippa came and picked me up and took me to Ticehurst. It is such a pretty village and one that I don't visit often. We rummaged around The Old Haberdashery. It was full of beautiful things. Pippa took me into Greenfinch. Another shop full of fascinating arty delights. The knitwear was gorgeous but I left it on the hanger. In The Bell we had a wine spritzer by the fireplace with June and Linda. Lunch was delicious. I had a pheasant and ham terrine with little pickled vegetables. Linda and Pippa had too many chips with their fish so I helped them out. Lunch out with friends is a very good tonic. I thoroughly recommend it.

Back home and my bnb guests were settled in by Tim. They didn't want cherry cake I had made so we ate it for pudding this evening. Good with a dollop of yogurt.

Lunch at The Bell
Pen and Watercolour
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Wednesday, 4th December 2024 - Precious Wreath

Instagram has been feeding me images of beautiful wreaths. How to make them. Where to buy them.  I have been having wreath envy. BUT no longer. The most beautiful wreath made for me by Harriet, Hetty, Raffy and Herbie is now hanging on my door. It is full of thought and love and fabric from the children's outgrown PJ's. And I get to keep it forever.

Tim and I took a chilly walk into the village for lunch at The Bull. Lucy has used her clever skills making it looking festive. Dave, Josie, Elizabeth, Keith and Roger joined us. I had a festive burger that was topped with a pig in blanket. It was a charming way to spend a few hours.

Back home we lit the woodburner and wrote Christmas cards. Tim is out and I am binging on The Resident. Good way to spend a Wednesday evening.

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Pen and Watercolour
Precious Wreath 

Tuesday, 3rd December 2024 - Feathered Friends

Magpies and jackdaws are in the garden fighting over the bird feeders. The bluetits and coaltits nip in for seeds between their fracas unnoticed.

I have been thinking about my art plans for next year when I have finished my postcards. I am looking forward to making some really big works. I would love to do some semi realistic abstracts. 

Feathered Friends
Watercolour
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Monday, 2nd December 2024 - Benenden Chimneys

 We had breakfast with Tom and Caroline before they headed off with Fable. It was lovely to see them and hear their news. Having a happy son is an excellent way to start the week.

I was passing by Tescos this afternoon. Tim had been on a bargain hunt. The rooted Christmas trees were half price. The internet told us they were sold out. I chanced by anyway and filled the back of the car with a couple of charming looking trees.

We had a WOKAS committee meeting this afternoon. Vicar of Dibley parish meetings are nothing compared to ours. Great fun with a few serious bits.

Our tiny air fryer made us some tasty crunchy topped potatoes to go with our dinner.

We have just finished watching a very gentle series on Netflix called A Man on the Inside. It is based in an old peoples home. Some of their trials and tribulations were worrying familiar.

Today's postcard is of Benenden chimneys. I took a photo as I was driving past and the sun was setting. Fabulous atmosphere.

Benenden Chimneys
Pen and Watercolour
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Sunday, 1st December 2024 - Anti - vampire

 We eat a lot of garlic. It made a good subject for today's postcard.

Anti-vampire
Pen and Watercolour
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