Saturday, 17th October 2026 - San Sebastian

I wrote a 'to-do' list, a long one, to keep me on track of my jobs. Not many crossed off today. It was a good day for a walk into the village to post a birthday card and have coffee with Roger. The highlight was all The Evanses dropping in. I am sure the grandchildren have grown in the last few weeks. They are so gorgeous. Herbie was very patient explaining Super Mario to me. I need to do some research so I can keep up with our future discussions.

We are watching Suspect: The Shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes - excellent but harrowing.

Day Two of the Basque Holiday Monday, 5th October

First train Lille to Gare du Nord. Second train Gare du Nord to Montparnasse. Third train Montparnasse to Hendaye (French spelling), a rather hot journey with cough and cold viruses in abundance. Last train Hendaia (Basque spelling) to San Sebastian. We added to our daily step count with a walk from the station, along the Urumea River and over a bridge to our apartment. We popped into a supermarket for water and wine. The rosé was very welcome after hours of train rides. Happy 35th wedding anniversary to Nick and Alli. We helped them celebrate with a fantastic dinner in Restaurant Gandarias. Unfortunately, a cold virus took us down by one member. The remaining five of us shared anchovies and spider crab. I had old cow, which was much more delicious than it sounds. I slept very well.

Friday, 16th October 2026 - Day One of Basque holiday

Tim and I got home from a train holiday with Si, Lesley, Nick and Alli yesterday. Hence my absence. 

Day One Sunday, 4th October - Lille

We met on the train and arrived in Lille early afternoon. After a couple of Ginettes in Au Paon D'Or the sunny afternoon was perfect for a wander through La Grand-Place and stroll around the cathedral. We stayed the night in the Hotel Chagnot. What a name!

Here we are walking to dinner at Chez Raoul. It was very rich in the local cheese, Mimolette.

Lille
Pen and watercolour

I took a couple of tiny sketchbooks with me. Each and every drink I drank was captured in pen and ink. 

Saturday, 3rd October 2026 - Winter Ready

Tim has planted up hanging baskets with pansies and polyanthus ready for a riot of winter colour. Thompson and Morgan delivered some very healthy looking plants. They have been a bit hit or miss in the past. These look great. The pansies are already beginning to show their faces. 

Winter ready
Pen and watercolour

Friday, 2nd October 2026 - Three Coffee Pots

I enjoyed the challenge of making a piece of art for the month of September. I have learnt a lot and it is a great excuse to continue experimenting and doing something I love....so I am continuing with my daily diary in words and picture. 

Running a bed and breakfast means the need for a plethora of teapots and coffee pots. Here is a  watercolour of three of the cafetières that today were filled with decaff and not decaff coffee. 

I was very brave and had my flu jab. I am now needing some sympathy for a sore arm ...?

Herbie entertained me via WhatsApp video while I was cleaning the windows in the dining room. He opens up the world to me. I love that boy so much. Guests will be having breakfast in there tomorrow. The room is delightfully sunny in the morning but shows up a grubby window. 

Very happy birthday wishes to my gorgeous son Tom. A beautiful baby has turned into a beautiful soul. St Leonards is a great place to celebrate being 39. I feel the need for a party for his 40th next year. 

Three Coffee Pots
Pen and watercolour

Thursday, 1st October 2026 - Two Panic Portraits

It was chilly enough this morning for me to brush the cobwebs off my denim jacket. After a ferret around the charity shop, Sarah and I went to Arthur's cafe for coffee and shared a bacon sandwich. We sat in the garden to catch up in between holidays. 

I have just returned from an evening with WOKAS. Juliette Dodd showed us how to draw speedy portraits. She started by demonstrating three in less than an hour: front, side and three quarter. After coffee and biscuits, made beautifully by me as Jenny who usually does it is on holiday, we sat in groups and had three 15 minute sessions to draw each other. I was a model and got to do two portraits with a feeling of panic with so little time, it did make me focus. Great fun. 

PS I am waiting to hear if I have won my Strada Easel.

Two Panic Portraits
Oil pastels

Wednesday, 30th September 2026 - The Completion of Lessons

My day started with tea and a text to my sister. I am not sure if she is checking that I am ok or I am checking she is ok. Whichever it is I like our morning messages.

I needed wipers for the rain as I drove to see Lindsey and Mercedes. We had coffee, chocolate brownie, almond slice and a very delicious apple cake that was warm from the oven and made even more delicious with a dollop of very thick cream. We swapped many stories about children and grandchildren who are of great importance and delights to us all. I wasn't hungry for lunch!

It was hot and humid when Tim and I walked into the village this afternoon. We had a wander around the village green and posted a birthday card I drew for Tom's 39th birthday on Friday. 

Day 30 #stradaeasel

Today is the last day of the strada easel challenge. I think it is about the fourth time I have done it. I am ready to receive my easel prize after painting from life every day in September. Well done me.

I have finished with a sprig from a spindleberry tree in our garden. It is covered in pink fruits with bright orange seeds. A favourite of the spindle ermine, a very spotty caterpillar and moth. In folklore it symbolises the completion of lessons. I thought this was very appropriate for the last day of the challenge that has taught me a lot about observation and given me some extra frown lines.

The Completion of Lessons
Pen and watercolour

Tuesday, 29th September 2026 - Happy Anniversary Tim

I am up to date with bed and breakfast 'stuff'. I can now get on with getting the garden charming when it is dry and very much looking forward to playing in my studio when it rains. I love our unpredictable weather. It makes planning an impossible conundrum. Tim went to Rye this morning. We both like it very much. It has so much to offer and is so pretty. I might have a quick rummage on the internet for a small house with a picturesque garden where we can wander into the town. 

I went to my GP about HRT this afternoon. Maybe I will start blog called 'Let's talk about HRT'. There is so much to learn especially about testosterone. Really interesting research into how much it can help women just as much as men.

We went with Tony and Wendy to my favourite pub. The Ewe an Lamb in Rolvenden Layne. I love Elsie the landlady. She has made the atmosphere just perfect. 

We are watching Marble Hall Murders. I want to be Susan Ryeland - I love her character, I love her clothes. I need to concentrate so I will be back with you tomorrow.

Day29 #stradaeasel

Here is a sketch of our anniversary gifts to each other. I think I have come off better. Tim won't drink the cocktails or sweets he gave me but I will happily have some of the Tony's chocolate I gave him. We have been together for 42 years but we only got married 9 years ago in the lighthouse at Dungeness, partly due to financial reasons, but of course mainly for love. 

Happy Anniversary Tim
Pen and Watercolour

Monday, 28th September 2026 - Simple Flowers

Tescos delivered various lamb parts as requested by Herbie. I took them to him after a morning digging and planting in the garden. I had a circuitous drive to Wickhambreaux. The road I needed to travel was closed...again. I thought I could remember the diverted route from last week. I stopped to activate Google maps just to be sure. Unfortunately, there was no signal on my phone. I carried on. I must have missed the turning I needed and ended up on a roundabout. I went round but none of the exits were where I wanted to go. So I went round again. I told you I had a circuitous route. On the third trip round I took an exit that turned out to be in the right direction. I had a lovely afternoon with Harriet. We managed to catch up while Herbie was reading about Mario characters. Herbie and I ate chips and battled with lego characters. He has a very infectious giggle. Hetty and Raffy came home and joined in our battle. They give the best hugs. A rainy drive home meant I didn't need to do any watering of plants when I got home.

We had fish fingers in rolls for dinner. Sometimes the simplest of meals can be the best.

Day 28 #stradaeasel

A quick watercolour for today's challenge. I didn't have to search very far. A vase of flowers on the table where I paint made a good subject for my tired mind and body.

Simple Flowers
Watercolour

Sunday, 27th September 2026 - Another One

My bed and breakfast guests have left. By the afternoon I had the room cleaned, washing in the machine, bed remade and ready for the next guests. I have a few days off and looking forward to morning pottering in my PJ's. Tim has been decorating the fascia board. I admire his energy. I had a doze this afternoon.

I am posting early today. We are off to Si and Lesleys for pizza with Nick and Alli for a bit of holiday planning. I am getting a bit, actually a big bit excited about our train trip around the Basque region. 

Day 27 #stradaeasel

I had an urge to be experimental for today's challenge. The paper is handmade with a lovely rough texture. Paint sits in the little hollows. A box of soft pastels and a palette of gouache paint made me a bit nervous. I had no idea what the outcome would be. Here it is. Another one of Elizabeth's squash captured for eternity.

Another One
Paper, pastel and gouache

Saturday, 26th September 2026 - Sunflowers

I cooked badly behaved fried eggs for my guests' breakfast. They spat at me! The scrambled eggs were much better behaved. I made a bit extra for Fable. He hadn't eaten since Tom left him.  Today was a better day. I put meat on his biscuits. He snaffled the meat and left the biscuits before I got a fork to mix them. A playdate with Fritha, the whippet, in her garden seems to have restored his appetite. There is nothing left in his bowl this evening. 

We came home to a sunny afternoon in the garden weeding, planting geums and dozing. I wasn't the one dozing.

Day 26 #stradaeasel

A vase of sunflowers is having a brief stay on my kitchen table. They are a gift for a friend. I am enjoying them until tomorrow. They were the only choice for today's challenge. 'Kissing the edge' is not a good painting technique. After an Aperol I had forgotten this advice and gone for a full-on snog. 

Sunflowers
Oil on board

Friday, 25th September 2026 - Fable at my Feet

Tom has gone to Budapest for the weekend. Fable is coping very well with his absence. He has acute hearing. Any external noise and he is on his feet expecting Tom to come through the door. He kept me company at my potting bench. I have potted up many pansies and polyanthus to brighten our pots and baskets, along with a heap of salvias. When grown on they will keep black spot from my roses. We have more work to do tomorrow. It is good to have a furry companion.

Bread and chocolate brownie was baked for new bed and breakfast guests. It made the house smell gorgeous.

Day 25 #stradaeasel

I was drinking a mug of tea in the garden. Fable was dozing at my feet. I managed a quick sketch before he moved.

Fable at my Feet
Pen

Thursday, 24th September 2026 - Life Painting

Today has been a pottering one. Nothing of much note but lots of things crossed off my list.

I came home from art this evening and was greeted by a waggy tailed Fable. Tom is off on holiday for the weekend and we are Fable sitting. I hope Fritha is around for a playdate. Tom wants to sleep in his tent on top of his car tonight. I did offer him a bed. I know which one I would have chosen.

Day 24 #stradaeasel

I had the perfect strada easel challenge for today. It was a life drawing/painting session with WOKAS this evening. Chris, our model did four 10 minutes poses (really difficult), one 20 minute pose ( I was feeling more relaxed), then a coffee break followed by an hour pose (I moved from a exp
osed position and did two works in watercolour). What a challenge! I haven't done any life drawing for a long time. It doesn't matter when painting a landscape if a tree is out of place. It does matter when painting a person if a limb is in the wrong place.

Life Painting
Pencil and watercolour

Wednesday, 23rd September 2026 - A Gift for Grandad

Before Tim left me to go to London he did a bit more roofing while I was still pottering in my PJ's. I have been hankering after a plant I saw on an Instagram post. Perovskia has a pretty blue flower in late summer. I found one at the garden centre a few days ago but it was a poor specimen. I voiced my desire to Tim as he was ordering polyanthus from Thompson and Morgan. The Perovskia we found were expensive. This morning a box arrived with three very healthy plants. Two are now in the garden and one growing on in the greenhouse. What a thoughtful husband I have.

My plan chest has become a nesting delight for mice. The tissue paper I use when inking up collagraphs was obviously a very desirable bedding. Today I cleared and washed it out. 

While eating a very wholesome vegetable stew we watched The Great British Bake Off. Nigella Lawson was surprisingly good. I thought she was going to irritate me. They baked my favourite cake, coffee and walnut. I now have a need to make one. Walnuts and instant coffee are on my shopping list.

Day 23 #stradaeasel

Yesterday, as Harriet, Herbie and I walked across Wickhambreaux village green Herbie picked up an acorn. It was a wonderful specimen. He asked me to take it home and give it to Grandad. I am not sure what the reason was but the fact that he was thinking of his Grandad was enough to make it a very special gift. I have made a tiny print for today's challenge. I lazily used an inkpad for the ink. I quite like the unevenness.

A Gift for Grandad
Linocut

Tuesday, 22nd September 2026 - Morning Glory

After my guest left I put a load of washing in the machine and headed over to Wickhambreaux. There were road closures (yes, I did try to go through but had to turn around) along with very confusing diversion signs that disappeared or made no sense. I got lost in the outskirts of Canterbury for a short while until Google maps directed me back on route. I had a lovely time with Harriet and Herbie. We used the writing tablets and drew many complicated battles that stretched my imagination to its zenith. We had a stroll to the park before I headed home with no diversions. I have come back with lots of precious memories made. I was sorry to miss the girls but plan to go back next week with some lamb as requested by Herbie to see them.

Day 22 #stradaeasel

My sister gave me a morning glory a couple of years ago. It has self seeded into plant pots and between paving stones. They flower briefly in the morning. Who would have guessed? Today I had two. I sat on the doorstep to draw them but I could not quite capture their amazing colour. Lindsey has up to 14 flowering at one time. There are seeds beginning to ripen. I will leave them to find their perfect place for germination and next year I may have 14 morning glories.

Morning Glory
Pen and watercolour

Monday, 21st September 2026 - Tangerines

It has been another home day today. They are good days to have. The cupboards, fridge and wine rack are topped up thanks to Tescos delivering this morning. 

I continued with my endeavour to get the garden back into some sort of order. It was hot. I needed a hat and sunglasses when painting the top coat on the soffit board and my nose. Our roof is looking less gappy and more tiled.

Bookings for bed and breakfast and Little Holt continue to keep me busy. The best part is listening to stories of people's lives. Much more interesting than my own. I know all about that.

Day 21 #stradaeasel

Yesterday Tom gave me a tangerine. I love a tangerine. I had two nets delivered from Tescos today. They reminded me of Tom. A good challenge for today that is emotional and physical. This is my second attempt. I drew in the one using a non permanent ink pen. It was going well until I added watercolour. Then it turned a muddy murky brown. That one is in the recycling.

Tangerines
watercolour

Sunday, 20th September 2026 - Cucumber

I have had a pottering day in the garden. Tim has worked like a Trojan on our roof accompanied by Tom. Tom, thank you so much for helping. Dad is enjoying relacing his shoes with elastic laces as I type. It was lovely to see Fable briefly potter around the garden. He spent the rest of the day in Tom's car. I think he knows that if he stays in the car he won't be left behind without Tom. Clever.

Sunday night is online with Tescos who we have deliver to us on a Monday morning. They have some very tempting offers of wine and chocolate! I have been persuaded to add them to my basket. How easily influenced I am.

I am looking forward to another episode of The Undeclared War.

Day 20 #stradaeasel

My greenhouse is looking diminished. I have one tomato plant that would be better on the compost heap BUT the cucumber Wendy gave me is having a second spurt. I took my pen and paper and crouched at a very uncomfortable position to draw for today's challenge to celebrate its rejuvenation in paint. How I suffer for my art.

Cucumber
Pen and watercolour

Saturday, 19th September 2026 - Three Stages of Cyclamen

We have had a DIY day maintaining house and garden. Two years ago we went to Cornwall and stayed with John and Diane. I bought a bottle of gin there. After a day of work it seemed a good time to open it. It does have a much more flavour than Gordons. Tim had a white port with his tonic. Sometimes a Saturday night in is just what is needed.

We are watching a great series called The Undeclared War. It is a cyber thriller. 

Day 19 #stradaeasel

Tucked in the shade of our greenhouse tiny cyclamen are pushing up between the pots. Get close and they are quite extraordinary. The buds are tight swirls. The flowers throw their petal up and back. The seeds are protected by a curly stem. I picked each stage for my challenge this evening.

Three Stages of Cyclamen
Pen and Watercolour

Friday, 18th September 2026 - Wendy's Plums

When I have been out in the evening I find I need a while to 'come down' before I go to bed. I had a late night last night after the excitement of spending a night with artists. Fortunately I had no breakfasts to serve and was able to lumox in bed this morning.

The day was perfect for some gardening and painting a very long soffit board. Mike dropped in this afternoon. Pippa has a sale at King Johns Nursery with a collection of brocante people. I hope to go tomorrow. I have been following her adventures on Instagram and there are some lovely bits and pieces. 

Day 18 #stradaeasel

Wendy gave us a bag of plums. They are chopped up and frozen. Ready for me to make jam. A good subject for today's challenge for they were chopped.

Wendys Plums
Indian Ink and Watercolour

Thursday, 17th September 2026 - Garden Flowers

I met with Sarah in the charity shop in Cranbrook. I have three books for Herbie. I suggested we share a bacon sandwich with our coffee. It was very delicious with mustard. As we were leaving my niece came in with her new baby. She was sleeping and looked very adorable. I love a new baby. 

Back home I spent a while getting Little Holt Cottage ready for a new guest. It looked charming. I think she will be very happy there. It does have a very peaceful feel.

Day 17 #stradaeasel

It is our first winter meeting of the Weald of Kent Art Society this evening. I am taking my challenge with me. I have a vase of flowers from the garden and my favourite vase that my sister made and my mum's table cloth. I painted over an old failed painting. 

Here it is.

Garden Flowers
Oil on board

Wednesday, 16th September 2026 - Cremant

Brett has a van that can accommodate a five metre soffit board. He dropped it off today. He is looking very well. Being a husband to my gorgeous daughter and amazing three grandchildren must be the reason.

It took over an hour to get to the bottom of my ironing pile. Harriet and Herbie made the job most enjoyable by entertaining me via WhatsApp video. 

I heard water gushing outside our bedroom window. We had swarf in our water tank overflow causing a blockage and the water to gush out. I am very fortunate to have a practical husband who undid the obstruction.

My GP is working on getting my HRT levels sorted. Now with a third hormone added as long as I don't grow a beard and develop a deep voice I will be feeling even more delightful.

Day 16 #stradaeasel

It has been a busy, in a good way, few weeks. Tonight Tim and I are home alone. I opened a bottle of sparkling wine. There isn't much left. Perfect subject for today's challenge. And I cleaned my watercolour palette making the paints clean and easier to work.

Cremant
Pen and watercolour

Tuesday, 15th September 2026 - Little Yellow Squash II

Book group last night was a great evening full of stories past and present. I find other peoples stories very interesting. The book got the thumbs up from us all. I will add another Kate Mosse book to my reading list. I like her way of writing. I find it thought provoking. Unfortunately the Halfway House had no liver and bacon. I had a chicken salad which was probably a better option health wise as we are out to dinner this evening.

It has been a round and round and round day today. I have part done two bed and breakfast rooms and part cleaned the cottage. There are piles of towels, washing and ironing done and undone in many rooms. I am going to have a blast at getting most of it done after I have posted this blog.

Happy birthday to Roger. I left the plant Lindsey and I found in Bumbles and a bar of Tony's chocolate on his doorstep. I hope he is out celebrating.

We are meeting Chris and Ainhoa for dinner in a pub in Linton. As well as having a meal with them because they are lovely friends we have an alternative motive. Ainhoa grew up in the Basque region of Spain. She will be able to give us tips for when we visit next month. Maybe they will have liver and bacon on the pub menu?

Day 15 #stradaeasel

We haven't eaten the little yellow squash yet. Too many evenings eating out. It became my challenge today for an oil painting. I thoroughly enjoyed painting this characterful little fellow with its long stalk.

Little Yellow Squash II
Oil on board

Monday, 14th September 2026 - Feeding Bluetits

Lindsey came and collected me. We took a trip to Bumbles. I got a plant for a birthday present. Many of the plants were looking neglected which was sad to see. We then travelled onto Pets World to get suet balls for my garden birds. What a bargain. Half the price of the last ones I bought. 

I have had some very lovely bed and breakfast guests. And they went home with some cards and bought this painting.

Roses and Stocks
Oil on Board
30 x 40 cm

This evening I am meeting Alli, Lesley and Suzy at The Halway House for book group. We have read The Taxidermist's Daughter by Kate Mosse. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It will be interesting to know what the others say. I am hoping that liver and bacon is back on the menu.

Day 14 #stradaeasel

I took my paints and brushes into the garden. It took a while before the birds landed on the feeders maybe being hesitant about their new food. Today's challenge was trying to draw them. They are very speedy.  

Feeding Bluetits
Pen and Watercolour

Sunday, 13th September 2026 - Little Yellow Squash

Our meal at a very busy Bell and Jorrocks was great. I had steak pie. I chose rainforest nectar ice cream being intrigued as to what it was. I am still not sure but think it may have been mango and honey and delicious. It was good to be with freinds and hear their stories.

I find waking to see the rain turning the lawn green very pleasing. The flower beds were looking bare. Now there are tiny seedlings growing everywhere. It is a mystery to what they will be. Their true leaves will reveal their identity soon.

Today guests have been going, staying and coming to keep me busy. I am listening to a great detective series to keep me company. I am feeling ready for a holiday.

Day 13 #stradaeasel

We had three squash given to us. We ate one. The little yellow one was my subject for today's challenge. And it proved a challenge to paint. 

Little Yellow Squash
Watercolour

12th September 2026 - An Eloquence of Crepe Myrtle

A day of bed and breakfast work for me. A day of roofing for Tim. I visited Tescos for fruit and milk. Some winter pyjamas were added to my trolley. I am very pleased with them.. 

We are off the the Bell and Jorrocks for dinner with Tony, Wendy, Mike and Pippa this evening. I think I fancy chips. I will let you know tomorrow what I have.

Day 12 #stradaeasel

It was August one year we went to a party in Fongrave. Mike and Pippa throw the best of parties. We visited the local towns they had beautiful trees flowering. I have one in a pot that is looking beautiful. The flowers are frilly and very strangely delicate for such a robust plant. We have invested in a bigger pot for an autumn transplanting.

An Eloquence of Crepe Myrtle
Watercolour

Friday, 11th September 2026 - Gerbera

The tiles are going back on the roof and looking very smart.

I was back in the garden weeding with my audio book this afternoon. One third completed and looking good. 

This afternoon - that turned into early evening - we met with Mike and Pippa who are briefly back from France. We went to my favourite pubs, the Ewe and Lamb, for a couple of drinks. So great to catch up with their news. I don't think they have any regrets about moving to France. They have made a venue for visitors.  Maybe we will go next spring?

We had sardines on toast with Lea and Perrins. The simplest of meals sometimes taste the best.

Day 11#stradaeasel

Si and Lesley gave me a charming bunch of flowers last weekend. They needed clean water and attending to and are still looking gorgeous. A gerbera was a bit on the droopy side. After a trim and support of a small vase I used it for my painting today. The vase is a bit wonky. I blame that on the large glass of wine Mike bought me.

Gerbera
Watercolour

Thursday, 10th September 2026 - Two Tomatoes

One positive about being woken by an alarm is seeing the sunrise. A bigger positive it having a mug of tea.

Another day of poaching eggs. I made a couple of extras that were perfect for lunch.

The weather was perfect for a bit of gardening. The soil is soft enough for weeding. Two buckets loads were gifted to the chickens who love sifting through for buggy treats

I find great pleasure in drying my washing on my roundabout washing line. It is stiff but smells wonderful.

I had to go and see my sister this afternoon to tell her of some news. Being a mother and grandmother she is very understanding of my delight.  We sat in her garden room and drank tea. Fritha was most put out about the lack of attention. She dragged her bed onto the lawn. A wicker shopping basket was next. Finally the shredding of a toilet roll got our attention.

 Day 10 #stradaeasel

A watercolour depiction of a tomato and its appendage. 

Two Tomatoes
Pen and Watercolour

Wednesday, 9th September 2026 - Herbie's Choice

I had my alarm set. I woke 20 minutes before it was due to go off. Go back to sleep? Unfortunately not. I needed a wee.

The eggs I poached for my guest were perfect and decided to stay beautifully pert.

I went to Wickhambreaux to see Harriet and Herbie. I was so looking forward to seeing them and playing. It was a precious time making memories. Herbie stretched my imagination. I caught a few moments with Harriet. We exchanged gifts. I took chocolate and books. I took a bag full of thoughtful delights to take home with 0% Peroni infused with blood orange (for the days I am not drinking) and a bottle of gin (for the days I am drinking), tomatoes for my easel challenge, seeds to sprinkle on salad and sweets that I will keep in the car. Thank you for a lovely day. 

Day 9 #stradaeasel

I asked Herbie to choose tomatoes for my painting today. Here they are. Three tiny works of art.

Herbie's Choice
Oil on board

Tuesday, 8th September 2026 - Alli's Flowers in Oil

We had a bit of rain outside and inside today. 

I have had a blood test to check my hormones. Dr Griffin will tell me in a couple of weeks how I am adapting to HRT. Nine months in and nothing feels any different yet but keeping my bones strong, mind active and body supple is a good incentive to keep going.

We have two lots of guests in. One from a few yards down the road who is having some plumbing done on his home. The others are from Canada and having a holiday. I felt responsible for the rain and pleased it stopped. They will have a much more enjoyable time exploring in the sunshine.

Day 8 #stradaeasel

I had a mental battle when it came to paint another version of Alli's flowers. I had a blank mind in front of a blank canvas. The joy of squeezing out of oil paints onto my palette was wonderful. I lost myself for an hour or so in a flow state. What a great feeling. 

Alli's Flowers in Oil

Monday, 7th September 2026 - Alli's Flowers

We had guests stay in our holiday cottage last week. A bonus was that Lawrence has a laundry and took all the bedding after their stay. It came back today laundered and ironed. Now on the beds ready for guests arriving tomorrow. Excellent.

Last nights dinner party with Nick, Alli, Si and Lesley was great fun. Just as they were arriving I knocked a pot of yogurt out of the fridge onto the floor. It splattered my tights and skirt. It was mouldy. Thank goodness I didn't spill a perfectly good pot. We had maps to plan our Spanish train trip. There was hardly any health issues talk as we were busy planning places to eat and visit. The potato curry we had last night Tim made into soup for this evening. An interesting invention.

Day 7 #stradaeasel

Alli gave me a charming bunch of flowers yeterday. I tried to capture their beauty but found it extremely difficult and annoying. The watercolour lost its luminosity. Having a grubby palette didn't help. I may try again tomorrow in oil. 

Allis Flowers
Watercolour

Sunday, 6th September 2026 - Strawberries and checks

Can't stop long......preparing for friends coming to dinner.

Day 6 #stradaeasel

The strawberries we having with our tart made it into today's challenge.

Strawberries and checks
Indian ink and watercolour

Saturday, 5th September 2026 - ISA Brown Chickens

A week or so ago Tim harvested our white currants and put them in the freezer. We didn't know what to do with them. Tim searched the internet and found a recipe for white currant frangipane tart. I have made it twice before and a third time today for friends coming to dinner tomorrow. It is so good with homemade vanilla ice cream.

This evening Tim has gone to meet Ray in Hastings. I have an evening of watching Dragons Den while knitting a jumper that is on its second attempt. Watching television while knitting doesn't help with reading the pattern. I missed a whole section on increasing. It was made back into balls of wool. 

Day 5 #stradaeasel

Our chickens were my models for today's challenge. I took my coffee and sketchpad and a seat. I gave them grapes this morning. One of their favourites. They cause a lot of chasing each other for the best grape. They are so entertaining.

ISA Brown Chickens I
Ink and Watercolour

ISA Brown Chickens II
Ink and Watercolour