Tuesday, 30th September 2025 - Tiny Pear in Acrylic XXX

 The Paris Metro is great. Tim found a phone app that you buy your tickets in advance then just wave the phone at the barrier. It doesn’t even have to be on. Magic. This morning after a coffee and pain au chocolate in a bar we took the magic metro to Musee D’Orsay. Four hours later we left. Just love it there. It is so inspirational. I have a need to paint a huge canvas. They have a John Singer Sargent exhibition on - wonderful.

We metroed back and collected bread, salads, wine and pastries for a picnic. 

Day 30 #Stradaeasel

Today’s pear and last in my tiny pear series is inspired by a painting called Le Citron by Edouard Manet.

Monday, 29th September 2025 - Half a Tiny Pear in Acrylic XXIX

Happy anniversary to Tim and me. We are celebrating in Paris. Metros, coffee, croissants, walks and sketching around Sacre Coeur, a tour around Notre Dame that is looking incredible after its restoration. A drink in a cafe and more sketching. Back to restore in our apartment with a peach. 

Tim found a restaurant for dinner. Au Bon Coin was a few minutes walk. I had pate then confit of duck. Just what I desired. It was buzzing with atmosphere and red formica topped tables. We are staying in a district that is crammed with boulangeries for cakes and croissant and little supermarkets. I thoroughly recommend a couple of nights here. 

Day 29 #Stradaeasel

Sunday, 28th September 2025 - Half a Tiny Pear in Acrylic XXVIII

 Steve gave a talk and talk to a diminished party of us and four Americans of the EU district in Brussels. Soooo much change some good, some bad. We peeled off to get our train to Paris. A walk through a market provided us with spinach samosas and a huge ring donut for lunch. A few metros and trains later we arrived in our next  apartment. Again on the third floor up a wooden spiral staircase, We are off to explore. I will up date you soon.

Day 28 #Stradaeasel

I packed a Brussels pear for today’s half a pear painting

Saturday, 27th September 2025 -Tiny Pear in Acrylic XXVII

 This morning Steve organised Alan to give our group of 12 a tour of the Horta house. What a thing of beauty. I love the art deco. We wandered the streets with Alan pointing out more Hortaesque architectural buildings 

Tim and I peeled off and had delicious chips for lunch.

Two bars later our group had dwindled to six. We had dinner together and I satiated my craving for moules.

Day 27 #Stradeasel

Tim chose today’s pear. He was charmed by the red patch. 

Friday, 26th September 2025 - Tiny Pear in Acrylic XXVI

A train took us out to Bruges today. We met up with Steve, Kim, six of their American friends and Rudy and Christina from Brussels. What a beautiful city or is it town? I didn’t expect it to be so Flemish. The canals and a boat trip were a charming surprise. The window boxes were overflowing. The plant a rock trumpet is on our list to find and grown at home.

Have you heard of Beguinage. Nope, nor had I until today. There is no direct translation into English. Here comes a bit of history for you. It is a protected and sheltered community for single women where they make lace and look after each other. Associate with a man and you are out! We wandered around the gorgeous tiny village but not a Beguinage in sight.

Tim and I are staying in Saint Gilles - known for its prison we learnt today! We have found it very friendly and full of delightful supermarkets for sparkling water and pears.

Day 26 #Stradaeasel

Second Belgium pear 

Thursday, 25th September 2025 - Tiny Pear in Acrylic XXV

A few train journeys later Tim and I arrived in Brussels. Our apartment is up a very narrow winding staircase that was difficult to negotiate with bags but much better after a couple of beers. We met Steve and Kim ( with our tenet for Bruges tomorrow) in La Becasse. It means The Woodcock and recommend to us by Tony and Wendy while we were drinking in the Iden Green version. A four cheese pizza was a good way to end the day. It is lovely to be away but I do miss my family. 

Day 25 #Stradaeasel

A pear bought in Brussels

Tiny pear in acrylic XXV 

Wednesday, 24th September 2025 - Tiny Pear in Oil XXIV

Some very precious hours were spent with Harriet and Herbie this afternoon. Having a grandchild makes me see the world from an alternative perspective. What a lot of joy from just picking a tomato. It makes the meager crop I have grown fully worth the effort. I hope the seeds we harvested and planted germinate.

We have Mike and Pippa house sitting for us which is very reassuring. I have packed, unpacked and packed my bag for our holiday tomorrow. I will probably wear only half the clothes but better too much choice. It also contains a carefully selected paint kit so I can continue my Strada easel challenge or I won't win my easel. Also some bits for sketching. I am hoping to do some people and places drawing ideally while sitting in a bar.

 Day 24 #Stradaeasel

A horizontal pear.

Tiny Pear in Oil XXIV

Tuesday, 23rd September 2025 - Tiny Pear in Oil XXIII

One of our cars in the garage with an unknown fault. Tim and I have to take it in turns to go out. Sometimes we go together. It does mean we have to communicate about what we are up to. No just nipping out on a whim to deliver a birthday card, go to the bank or visit a friend in hospital. I will be pleased when we are back to two.

The nights are getting chilly. We has reinstalled our electric blanket - it is soooo cosy on chilly bedtime toes.

I needed some roasted nuts to sprinkle on my prawns. The air fryer was perfect for this task.

Day 23 #Stradaeasel

The line of pears are vying for attention on my window cill. This one won out today.

Tiny Pear in Oil XXIII

Monday, 22nd September 2025 - Tiny Pear in Oil XXII

I had a very wonderful time with Anneli #woodstockholistics this morning. She uses Reiki and is a trained master in the art. I wasn't expecting such a long and glorious treatment. She chose oils for my individual needs. Her hands are magic. I feel and smell amazing and very smooth from the oil combinations. Thank you so much Anneli.

Day 22 #Stradaeasel

The third side of the wonky pear. A rather dimpled view.

Tiny Pear in Oil XXII

Sunday, 21st September 2025 - Tiny Pear in Oil XXI

Tea and a sunny morning was a good start to the day.

My guests chose a very very simple breakfast of tea and toast before leaving for another bed and breakfast in Devon.

A fridge freezer from our garage just about squeezed into Tom's car. We followed him down to St Leonards with our car full of garden equipment. Tim and Tom sorted out his overgrown lawn while I did some weeding accompanied by a trio of bees.

This afternoon we walked from Dingleden to The Woodcock with Tony and Wendy. The return route took us through the community apple orchard. The apples were abundant on the trees. An enormous bramley is now waiting to be made into a pie in our fruit bowl.

Day 21 #Stradaeasel

Another side to my wonky pear. 

Tiny Pear in Oil XXI

Saturday, 20th September 2025 - Tiny Pear in Oil XX

A bit of cleaning, clearing - how two people make so much mess - and reading WhapsApp messages from my very happy son who is exploring his new environment in St Leonards and Harriet with very proud results from my granddaughters excellent climbing competition. A first and a fourth. Amazing.

Tim and I went for a walk across the fields. The warm wind reminded me of holidays in France. We came back for the remainder of yesterday’s soup that has turned into stew. We are watching the BBC drama The Guest. It has Eve Myles in whom I love. It is sprinkled with lots of twists and turns.  

 Day 20 #Stradaeasel

A new pear picked from our garden tree. I love the wonky shape but it makes it difficult to paint its contours.

Tiny Pear in oil XX

Friday, 19th September 2025 - Tiny Pear in Oil XIX

I had a tight schedule this morning. I had emails to send out about artists wanting space to sell their art at the Weald of Kent Art Society open day in October. I needed to get my guests breakfasted so I could go over to meet Harriet and Herbie in Canterbury. I did it, and got to Littlebourne to meet Herbie after his morning. We went to my one of my favourite places for a cheese scone and coffee. The Ivy Barn. The cruffins looked amazing but not good enough to forgo a cheese scone. Later we wandered round the back lanes of Littlebourne following a Pokemon route. I am loving sharing this game with Herbie.  The weather was surprisingly hot. We all commented on and took off our jumpers. How English we are! 

I got home to find Tim had made a large pot of comforting soup. Just what I fancied and needed. We had that after we had poked the bonfire with a few more bit of detritus from the woods. I think I will be having an early night. 

Day 19 #Stradaeasel

This pear has been ripening in the sun on the kitchen window cill along with my other pear models. The colours are lovely to paint.

Tiny Pear in Oil XIX 

Thursday, 18th September 2025 - Tiny Pear in Oil XVIII

 I ask my bnb guests what time and what they would like for breakfast the following morning. I liked to get prepared the night before. This morning I got in a muddle of who was having what and when. Do you have porridge before or after your scrambled eggs? Once that was all sorted and the dishwasher stacked Tim and I went into Cranbrook for a blood test followed by a coffee. I had really noticed how many coffee shops there are until Tim pointed them all out. There are a lot.

This afternoon the wind was blowing away from us and our neighbours. We had a bonfire. I love a bonfire. It was very therapeutic which is what we both needed.

Day 18 #Stradaeasel

Another rendition of the humbug pear that seems to have gained a bit of a leaning attitude.

Tiny Peaar in Oil XVIII

Wednesday, 17th September 2025 - Tiny Pear in Oil XVII

A lovely morning for having coffee at my sister’s while we watched Tim from the kitchen window mending a bird table. With in five minutes of a feeder full of seeds being hung a robin visited. Good result. 

Back home it took me until nearly 3pm to get the rooms ready for guests. Not sure what I was faffing about doing!!! I ticked ironing off my list. Well done me.

I was ready to send a complaint to Tescos about the poor quality of their T bags. Recently they have split in my mug. It was the vigorous stirring with a serrated grapefruit spoon that was the culprit. 

Day 17 #Stadaeasel

I harvested one of two humbug pears from the tree in the garden for today’s painting. What a pretty model.

Tiny Pear in Oil XVII

 

Tuesday, 16th September 2025 - Tiny Pear in Oil XVI

The muddle of a morning sorted itself out. I was meeting up with The Viridians at 10.30. The lorry to empty our septic tank turned up shortly before I was to leave.  The lorry was churning away just outside Tim's studio window while he was holding a Webinar. I got to meet up with Alison at Sissinghurst. We drank coffee while sorting out art society 'stuff' and watching a constant stream of people trooping into the gardens. Two of the Viridians are on holiday. Down to two we sat on a bench in the garden and did some sketching. 

Sketch of Sissinghurst Gardens

The head gasket on our car has been replaced and skimmed. We look forward to many more years of travelling with our little red motor.

Day 16 #Stradaeasel

I need to clean my palette. The oil paints were slipping around my board and brush. I have 16 tiny pears lined up in my studio. They look great together as a team.

Tiny Pear in Oil XVI

Monday, 15th Setpember 2025 - Tiny Pear in Oil XV

My guests had a variety of eggs and pastries this morning that took a lot of concentration to get the right plate to the right guest. I couldn't quite get enough oomph to get the rooms done before heading out for a Weald of Kent Art Society committee meeting. We have lots planned over the next year. The next exhibition is in June. I think I will get a collection of tiny paintings together. I have a collection of those thin scarves that the sophisticated amongst us wear. I put one on today. It didn't get the thumbs up from Tim. I will have to ask Alli. There must be a technique. She always looks good in hers. 

Tony and Wendy came in the dark of night to collect their two chickens we have been caring for. They have been trained to come when we call. I love seeing them run to us for their soaked bread crusts and grapes. One has been laying an egg a day. I wonder if she is still with us or gone to pastures new. 

Day 15 #Stradaeasel

This is the pear from day one is back modelling for me today. 

Tiny Pear in Oil XV

Sunday, 14th September 2025 - Tiny Pear in Oil XIV

As soon as I had breakfasted my guests, cleaned their rooms and put a bottle of Champagne in a coldbag we headed down to St Leonard's. Tom is now installed in his new home. He has lots of boxes but it feels lovely already. Harriet, Brett and Herbie were already there with a van load of very charming furniture. So very kind of them. Tom, Caroline and Fable walked us to the sea and Goat Ledge. A favourite hang out of theirs. I am looking forward to exploring the environs with him. So happy for him.

Day 14 #Stradaeasel

My pear paintings are becoming a very enjoyable part of my day.

Tiny Pear in Oil XIV

Saturday, 13th September 2025 - Tiny Pear in Oil XIII

We are home after a lovely late lunch at Nick and Alli's. I am full of delicious food. There were many stories to be told around the dinner table with Si, Lesley, Mick, Lu, Nick and Suzy. I am interested to hear what other people get up to. Or am I just nosey. I did learn that the lime tucked into my Corona bottle should have been pushed inside. Then you drink from the bottle. I may try it at home but not sure it is etiquettely correct in a restaurant.

Day 13 #Stradeasel

The other side of yesterday's pear. 

Tiny Pear in Oil XIII

Friday, 12th September 2025 - Tiny Pear in Oil XII

I had a disturbed night. Why don't pyjamas all have their bottoms label at the back. Mine was on the side. I had them on the wrong way round with no room for my bottom. No wonder my night was uncomfortable. Note to oneself:- label to the left.

I found a sunny spell in the day and took my tiny boards outside to sand their rough edges. It was very therapeutic. Back in my studio they now have a first layer of gesso drying. I have so many ideas what to paint. Mostly a series that I will put together as one.

Tom today became the proud owner of a home in St Leonards. I am looking forward to taking him to Bayte's for a coffee and a stroll along the beach. Many adventures to come. 

Day 12 #Stradaeasel

A new pear to paint. This one is off another one of our pear trees. I might eat this one. It looks ripe.

Tiny Pear in Oil XII

Thursday, 11th September 2025 - Tiny Pear in Oil XI

I have a lovely returning guest who wanted a simple breakfast of poached eggs. I was very happy to serve him a delightfully perky pair.

One car is in the garage having a new head gasket. Tim needed the other. I was stranded at home so Lindsey came and took me for coffee to Benenden's the village cafe. Outside in the sun we drank coffee with Fritha combing the ground for crumbs. A shared cheese scone and a fruit scone is perfect for lunch. I have taken my sisters advice and have them cold so the butter sticks. The cheese one is our main and the fruit one pudding.

Tim returned with bags of provisions from Aldi. The non alcoholic lager has rave reviews via Which. I now have two types to sample and compare. They are in the fridge chilling.

We are watching a series called Invasion. It has got lots of tense moments. Totally unrealistic but I love a bit of science fiction at the end of the day.

Day 11 #Stradaeasel

Today's little pear is a very round one off the tree. Not handsome looking but a charming model to paint.

Tiny Pear in Oil XI

Wednesday, 10th September 2025 - Tiny Pear in Oil X

The commission I was working on is done and posted. 

Our new hens now come when we call them. 

I made bread and brownies for my guests.

I read that eating off a smaller plate is good for portion control. I found a smaller one for my dinner. I started dishing out our dinner. I had to get myself a bigger plate. 

When we were out at the pub I asked for a Corona. It came in the bottle with a wedge of lime stuck in the top. I wasn't sure how to approach it. I poured it into a glass and squeezed some lime on top. Anyone know the correct protocol let me know. 

Day 10 #Stradaeasel

I am enjoying my pear project. Here is number ten.

Tiny Pear in Oil X

Tuesday, 9th September 2025 - Tiny Pear in Oil IX

Sarah and I met in Cranbrook for a flat white followed by an Americano in Willow and Sage. Now a preferred venue along with the Hospice in the Weald charity shop. I found myself a charming blue tunic and a blouse that on closer inspection at home turns out to be a very nice light jacket. We had lots to chat about after being apart for a few weeks. We are both find a lot of joy from our grandchildren. I am only slightly jealous that hers live next door. 

Arriving back home a sudden downpour drenched me just walking (I don't do running very often) from the car to my back door. Lindsey was standing under the porch ready for tea. We needed two mugs this afternoon to calm our motherly nerves and worries.

Day 9 #Stradaeasel

The second painting of the pear with the long stalk.

Tiny Pear in Oil IX

Monday, 8th September 2025 - Tiny Pear in Oil VIII

I took coffee break after clearing out the shower traps (yuk) and sat near the chicken run to watch our new hens. They decided to stay inside their house. I drank my coffee alone.

Tim and I had a bonding afternoon. The paintwork on our back door is cracked and faded from the onslaught of sun, wind and rain. It was taken off its hinges, placed on some trestles in the garden, Tim sanded and I undercoated. Another undercoat was done this evening ready for a top coat tomorrow. A very satisfying afternoon.

Day 8 #Stradaeasel

A new pear to paint with a slight smaller stature but a very fine stalk.

Tiny Pear in Oil VIII

Sunday, 7th September 2025 - Tiny Pear in Oil VII

 It's been a quiet Sunday. We have been home pottering.

Day 7 #Stradaeasel

This is the third painting of this pear. I have many models waiting in the wings for their place in the spotlight.

Tiny Pear in Oil VII

Saturday, 6th September 2025 - Tiny Pear in Oil VI

Our meal at The Great House was great. The food was delicious. I had lamb kofta, steak and chips followed by creme brulee. My perfect meal. Lindsey, Tim, Tony and Wendy were excellent company. My sleep was garlic infused.

This morning I drank coffee and ate a cinnamon bun in Lindsey's sunny garden while Tim reconstructed a bird table.

Back home I planted hundreds of bulbs into pots ready for a floriferous spring. My tomato plants have not been performing up to my expectations. So far we have had one tomato. 

My reward for finishing my ironing pile was an early evening drink at The Halfway House with Si, Lesley, Nick and Alli to catch up with news of an engagement, teaser rams, families and holidays.

Day 6 #Stradaeasel

I turned yesterday's pear 180 degrees for a different view to paint. I like the simplicity of these little paintings.

Tiny Pear in Oil VI

Friday, 5th September 2025 - Tiny Pear in Oil V

I hefted myself out of bed. Looking out the bedroom windown I was greeted with the sun shining through the gap in the trees. It looked like a light had been turned on. It made getting up early possibly worth the effort.

Our bnb guests left shortly after their fried eggs. I challenged myself to get the room turned around before Leelee arrived with Akira. I was so close to accomplishment. Akira is nearly two. I have not got around to putting the Duplo back in the loft. Yes, I am holding onto it 'just in case'. Today was a  perfect 'just in case' opportunity for it to be played with.

Our new chickens have been brought up in a barn. They were very brave chancing outside their house then back in again. And out again. They are ISA browns and have white tips to their tails. I am very fond of them already.

We are off to The Great House for dinner with friends. I will report back tomorrow.

Day 5 #Stradaeasel

Tim cut me many little boards for my tiny oil paintings. This afternoon I sanded and applied two coats of gesso. They are now ready and waiting. Today's pear is another one from our ripeneing window cill crop. I must admit it is very similar to it's partner.

Tiny Pear in Oil V

Thursday, 4th September 2025 - Tiny Pear in Oil IV

 This morning while making guests fruit salad I made some for Tim and I to have after dinner this evening. That is excellent planning.

Harriet and Herbie arrived late morning. I found some tiny pasta stars in the supermarket. Adding butter and grated cheese they were the perfect snack for a 7 year old before going on Pokemon adventures. We dropped by the farm shop in Cranbrook to see Sophie and her flowers. Her little ones were with her. They took Herbie, Harriet and I tagged along, to feed some goats windfall apples. They were a feisty bunch. In preparation for the arrival of our new chickens we stopped at Hartley farm shop for layers pellets, a couple of coffees and a bowl of pasta with cheese for Herbie. A different version to the one I made him this morning with pesto and chickpeas. 

After Herbie had entertained his grandmother they left. Tim and I collected six hens. They are now tucked up in their new house. Hopefully it wont be too long before they are happy and settled. They are great recyclers. We given them scraps of bread and they give us eggs. Wonderful exchange.

Day 4 #Stradaeasel

Another tiny oil painting to add to my growing collection.

Tiny Pear in Oil IV

Wednesday, 3rd September 2025 - Tiny Pear in Oil III

I am proud of how my poached eggs came out this morning. Carefully dropped into gently bubbling water. Beautifully pert. Lucky guests.

Lindsey came and picked me up. We spent a happy - was it really three hours?  with Mercedes having coffee and catching up. What a lovely way to spend the morning. Three girls together with lots of stories.

This afternoon the garden was deluged.... again. I stayed at my kitchen table working on a commission that is causing my frown lines to deepen.

Day 3 #Stradaeasel

Another tiny oil painting.

Tiny Pear in Oil III

Tuesday, 2nd November 2025 - Tiny Pear in Oil II

After working on my root Chakra with Adriene I had coffee in readiness for preparing our twin room for the arrival of bed and breakfast guests. I tweaked my chocolate brownie recipe - bit of a mistake. The chocolate drops sank to the bottom. My guests ate it. I ate it. Tim ate it. It wasn't that bad but I will stick to the recipe for the next batch.

Day 2 #stradaeasel

Another painting of the same pair from a different side. I have loads of paint left on my palette for another view tomorrow. I love doing these little paintings. 

Tiny Pear in Oil II

Monday, 1st September - Tiny Pear in Oil

I have been away from my paints for far too long. Give me a deadline or a challenge and I pick up my brushes. The Strada Easel Challenge is running again for September. I didn't win an easel last time so I am trying again.

Every time I went into the garden I got caught in a heavy downpour. The garden is appreciating the rain even if my frizzy hair isn't.

Day 1 #stradaeasel 

Today's painting is in oil. We have fruit trees in the garden that are not terribly productive. This year we have pears. There are five ripening on our warm kitchen window cill. A lovely subject for a tiny 2 inch square painting. I did do a video but filmed it in slow mo - silly twit. It took me longer to mix the colours than do the painting.

Tiny Pear in Oil