Tuesday, 24th June 2025 - Sweetpeas and Pods

I have been back to back with bed and breakfast, meals out, (the Ewe and Lamb does delicious fish and chips), a garden safari in Cranbrook, visits from my charming grandchildren and family, a solstice celebration with girlfriends around Wendy's fire pit and painting with The Viridians. I have been very lapse with my blog. The emergence of some sweetpea flowers in the garden spurred me into opening my paint box. It felt so good. I might do it again.

Linda suggested I meet her for coffee at The Hub in Bodiam. I haven't been there for years. It's only 15 minutes from home. Lovely coffee and a very delicious warm cheese scone made it a good choice. It was lovely to hear all Linda's news - visits to family in Vancouver, friends in Dorset and an imminent move to Devon. I felt very dull in comparison but I love my life as much as she loves hers.

Sweetpeas and Pods
Pen and Watercolour

Wednesday, 11th June 2025 - Morris Hats

My guests came down to breakfast half an hour early. It put me in a flap. Deep breath, apron on and all was ok. Cutting up fruit for breakfast salads I find kiwis are particularly slippery and need a firm hand on the chopping board.

Tim dusted the MG off. I fought my way out from a pile of laundry and ironing. It was an evening of Morris delights at The Milkhouse. 

Morris Hats
Watercolour

Tuesday, 10th June 2025 - Harriet's Roses

Harriet planted three roses when she was living next to us with her family. The roses are glorious this year. I miss them. I miss sitting on the step drinking coffee with Harriet. I am very proud of them. And I do get to drink coffee but just not so often.

The bed and breakfast has been full on. We have many lovely guests passing through. I love listening to their stories. I find them very inspiring. I am tempted to hop into the back seat and go touristing with them. I am not the only one that has been busy. Plants are growing like triffids in the garden. Crows, magpies and jackdaws battle for toast crusts. The garden is bursting with life.

Harriet's Roses
Pen and Watercolour

Thursday, 5th June 2025 - Cards

Yeterday I felt 'flippy'. I couldn't settle to paint or draw. I was saved from my grumps by a visit from Harriet and Herbie. I started watching a film in the evening but couldn't concentrate and ended up watching Dragons Den that needed very little brain power.

Today the rain kept me inside for much of the day. I had another long to-do list. I was very pleased my sister came for tea this afternoon and while we chatted she sewed up the moth holes in her cardigan and an armpit hole on my blouse. I ironed many many shirts and blouses while she kept me company.

An Instagram post was telling me what I needed to eat for a healthy body and mind. Appaentely one brazil nut has 100% of our daily intake need of selenium. Who ever eats ONE brazil nut!!! I lost a small portion of my life listening to drivel. I must curtail my Instagram scrolling. 

I have been painting greetings cards this evening ready to sell.

Cards

Tuesday, 3rd June 2025 - Floral Abstraction

I wrote a long list written to keep me on track. By late afternoon everything but one has been crossed through. Not on the list—but very satisfying—was potting up my tomato plants. I have Black Crimea, Green Zebra, Orange Queen and Golden Cherry are now free to spread their roots. If you’re nearby and fancy a few spares, let me know!

Throughout the day, I’ve been working on an inky picture, dipping in and out as the layers need time to dry. I love the process and kept finding myself gravitating to my studio. 

I’ve just finished watching the series Pulse. With Tim away for two more nights, I’m looking for something new. I love medical dramas, murder mysteries and science fiction—something with all three would be perfect. Any suggestions?

Floral Abstraction
Ink

Monday, 2nd June 2025 - Bidens

It has been a lovely day for gardening. It was frustrating to have to spend the morning stuck with my ironing. The bedding looks beautifully flat ready for guests to enjoy. 

I did get into the garden to top up our pond with the irises which was looking a bit green and gloopy. The hose is old and weathered and a bit kinky. 

Tim and I bought some plants for pots and tubs. I got out my bottles of inks and with some pen spent a lovely time making an interpretation of the plants.

Bidens
Ink and Pen

Sunday, 1st June 2025 - Tulips

Tim left for Milan. 12 hours later after many delays he has arrived. The apartment looks amazing. I hope I get a delightful gift as I couldn't go. What is Milan famous for that will fit into a small suitcase?

This afternoon it was the take down of the WOKAS art exhibition. All cleared away ready for next year. I returned with my oil painting of tulips. 

I popped into LIndsey's for a mug of tea and check on her seedlings. I was listening to Ed Sheeran in the car. It reminded me of my granddaughter Raffy. When she was in the car she always asked for Galway Girl to be played.

I told Suzy I had enjoyed The Resident and was sad it had finished. She recommended Pulse. I am watching it as I blog. It was an excellent recommendation.

Tulips
Oil